CLAY A. BUTLER
Phone: 512-992-0794
Fax: 888-356-3151
CARTER THOMPSON
Phone: 512-992-0794
Fax: 888-356-3151
PHILIP DeHART
Phone: 512-992-2421
Fax: 888-356-3151
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Clay A. Butler
Phone: 512-992-0794
Fax: 888-356-3151
Clay A. Butler is founding partner of The Butler Firm, PLLC. A four attorney firm located in Austin, Texas, providing comprehensive legal services to clients in the renewable energy and clean energy sector.
Prior to forming The Butler Firm in 2008, Clay worked as an attorney and counselor focusing on commercial litigation in the Ft. Worth area. Within his first year as a licensed attorney Clay had already secured his first jury trial victory as lead attorney for a commercial client in a multi-million dollar lawsuit. Harnessing the issue spotting skills learned in complex litigation matters Clay’s past litigation experience is a key asset to his Clients in all types of transactional matters.
A native of Austin, Clay joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17. During his four years as an infantryman, Clay earned the unique privilege of being stationed in Washington D.C. in the honor guard with duties at the Pentagon and White House. The underlying principles he learned in the Corps carry on in the foundation of The Butler Firm.
After his military service had concluded Clay enrolled in Texas State University, known at the time as Southwest Texas State University. Clay acquired a degree in political science in less than three years and then went on to law school. At St. Mary’s University School of Law, Clay graduated with honors and received several accolades in mock trial competitions.
In his current practice, Clay represents Clients in clean energy matters primarily as outside general counsel or providing policy support before regulatory agencies such as ERCOT. In addition, Clay manages the attorneys at the firm who provide a multitude of services ranging from project development to representation before the Public Utility Commission of Texas. Clay and the attorneys at The Butler Firm have provided legal services for developers, manufacturers, municipalities, integrators and large corporations in various clean energy matters giving them unparalleled experience in their field.
Board of Directors
Solar Austin, VP
The Smile Never Fades, Inc., A Breast Cancer Charity
Committee Participation
Austin Chamber of Commerce Federal Issues Committee – Energy Task Force
Make Texas Solar – Economic Development Council
TREIA – Policy Director for 2013 Legislative Session
TREIA – Co-Chair of Legal Committee
Member
Austin Chamber of Commerce
Texas Renewable Energy Industry Association
Texas Bar Association: Public Utility Law Section
Publications
“Legal Analysis Of Austin Energy’s EV Station Host Program,” The Butler Brief, August 2011
“Legislative Update for Solar Market 82(R) Legislative Session,” The Butler Brief, August 2011
“ERCOT PRR 833: Is there relief for WGRs?,” The Butler Brief, November 2011 (Co-Author)
Recent Speeches
Project finance overview and outlook: Large scale wind projects, Energy Investment Forum, January 2012
The future of solar in Austin, Solar Austin Event, December 2011 (Moderator)
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Carter Thompson
Phone: 512-992-0794
Fax: 888-356-3151
Carter Thompson comes to The Butler Firm from a background in journalism, and brings his attention to detail, extensive investigative and writing experience, and commitment to serving his clients. Carter graduated from UT School of Law with Honors and is a much welcomed addition to The Butler Firm. Carter was born and raised in Houston, Texas. Drawn by the music scene and the Hill County, Carter moved to Austin in the early 1990s to attend the University of Texas at Austin.
Before law school Carter moved to Galveston to work as a newspaper reporter. For 10 years, he covered the courts, law enforcement, health care and the island city’s colorful political scene, winning numerous awards and, more importantly, keeping his readers informed about the issues affecting their community. Carter clerked in the Appellate Division of the Travis County District Attorney’s Office during and after law school and clerked for the Texas Attorney General’s Office before joining The Butler Firm. Carter’s past experience has equipped him with the skills necessary to represent clients skillfully and with attention to detail. Carter enjoys playing the guitar and spending time at his family’s ranch.
Publications
“Making the Numbers Work: Texas Tax Code Chapter 313, Its Incentives and Procedures,” The Butler Brief, August 2011
“Making Solar Affordable: Local Incentives Can Ease the Shift to Sun Power,” The Butler Brief, August 2011
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Philip DeHart
Phone: 512-992-2421
Fax: 888-356-3151
Philip DeHart joins The Butler Firm after years of practicing bankruptcy litigation. Today, he shares his understanding of the pitfalls facing green businesses in project financing and debt management. He also offers comprehensive services in the financing and development of utility-scale solar and wind projects. From negotiating tax equity financing to bargaining power purchase agreement to drafting construction contracting, he guides clients through every stage of their projects. He cultivates relations with members of the green energy community nationwide and is dedicated to bringing Central Texas to the forefront of solar and wind energy development.
Prior to joining The Butler Firm, Philip worked in Atlanta’s foremost boutique bankruptcy firm where he gained valuable experience representing distressed entities. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law and a proud alumnus of the Pennsylvania State University, where he captained its policy debate team. Philip is licensed to practice in the States of Texas and Georgia and in the United States District Courts for the Western District of Texas, the Southern District of Texas, and the Northern District of Georgia.
Aside from his legal pursuits, Philip enjoys reading science fiction novels, listening to art music and spending time with his family.
Publications
“Introduction to the Residential Energy Efficiency Property Tax Credit ,” The Butler Brief, August 2011
“Gifford v. U.S. Green Building Council: The Open Assault on LEED (R),” The Butler Brief, November 2011