Skip to Main Content
Overview

With a background in public policy, Holly advises energy clients on regulatory compliance and transactions.

After first beginning her legal career at the City of Austin, where she represented electric, water, and waste utilities and advised on cybersecurity, cyber incidents, and data breaches, Holly joined the legal department of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). At ERCOT, she worked on rulemakings, addressed dispute resolutions with market participants, and researched and advised on a variety of state and federal legal issues. She is a Certified Information Privacy Professional for both the U.S. and Europe through the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).

In 2024, Holly joined Husch Blackwell to work with the firm’s energy clients. She provides guidance to both project developers and investors on regulatory compliance, often in the context of financing and other transactions. She also advises retail electric providers and other clients in the energy sector. Her time at ERCOT is particularly valuable for the perspective it gives her on the broader view regulators tend to take: Holly understands the big picture of energy regulation and energy policy, and she can explain to clients how regulators may respond to various actions or strategies.

A native Texan who’s seen her share of droughts and energy challenges, Holly has always been passionate about both energy and water supply. She first approached these areas from the policy side, completing internships at the Texas Capitol, the White House, and the International Energy Agency in Paris and earning a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Cambridge before becoming an attorney.

In addition to her significant experience with energy and policy, Holly is known for her writing and communication skills. A respected thought leader in her practice area, she is the chief editor of Essentials of Texas Water Resources. She has a gift for clearly explaining complex regulatory concepts, and she cares deeply about client concerns and challenges. Clients especially appreciate the passion for their industry that she brings to every project.

Industry

Services

Recognition

  • International Municipal Lawyer Association, Daniel J. Curtin, Jr. Young Public Lawyer Award, 2022

Education

  • J.D., University of Texas School of Law
    • Dean’s Presidential Scholar
    • Texas Environmental Law Journal, Development Articles Editor
  • M.Phil., University of Cambridge
    • Public Policy
  • B.A., University of Texas at Austin
    • Government
    • with highest honors

Admissions

  • Texas
  • District of Columbia

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • Austin Bar Association Administrative Law Section, Board, Co-Chair of the All-Day Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Program
  • Certified Information Privacy Professional/US (CIPP/US), IAPP
  • Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E), IAPP
Experience
  • Served as legal and regulatory counsel at ERCOT, drafting, advising on, and managing Nodal Protocol Revision Requests (NPRRs) through the ERCOT rulemaking process.
  • Researched and advised on Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADRs).
  • Researched and analyzed matters arising under state and federal law that affect the ERCOT grid and markets, including issues relating to grid security.
  • Analyzed legislation relating to ERCOT and the energy sector.
  • Provided legal representation to the City of Austin's electric, water, and solid waste utilities and the City's information security office and technology management department.
  • Drafted and advised on City of Austin contracts (including technology contracts), nondisclosure and data sharing agreements, ordinances, resolutions, administrative rules, and policies (including privacy and information technology policies).
  • Advised City of Austin on legal requirements relating to cyber incidents and data breaches.
Outside the Office

Holly is a true world traveler who has visited all 50 U.S. states, 53 countries, and every continent except Antarctica—although the seventh continent is on her list. When she’s at home in her native Austin, she loves spending time outdoors in nature, enjoying local festivals and events, or simply getting lost in a good book.

Community Leadership
  • Texas Law Mentorship Program, 2020-present
  • LBJ Women’s Campaign School Alumni Board, Austin Regional Chair, 2024-2025