Services
Industries
Education
Thomas M. Cooley Law School, J.D., 1986
Western Michigan University, B.A., 1982
Bar Admissions
- Michigan
Sherri Wellman has more than 30 years of experience in administrative, energy, public utility and telecommunications law, representing electric and gas public utilities, oil and natural gas producers, and transmission companies in administrative proceedings and before the courts.
Sherri routinely counsels Miller Canfield's energy clients on complex rate-making issues, and has been involved in every case filed with the Michigan Public Service Commission seeking approval of the acquisition, transfer or merger of a jurisdictional regulated utility or its assets. Her experience includes the successful defense of natural gas utilities against challenges to their gas purchasing practices by Michigan's Attorney General and a residential consumer group. She has also served as lead appellate counsel for the association of Michigan's electric and gas companies and other energy clients.
In telecommunication matters, Sherri has represented clients before the Michigan Public Service Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, and the courts with successful results.
Representative Matters
Sherri has provided representation of the sellers in four of the most recent utility asset sales in the state of Michigan. Sherri has also provided representation of her utility clients before the Michigan Public Service Commission to secure rate increases amounting to millions in annual revenues.
In two related cases before the Michigan Public Service Commission, Sherri successfully defended a natural gas utility against challenges to its gas purchasing practices by Michigan's Attorney General and a residential consumer group. In all, the utility faced disallowances in excess of $10 million. Thanks to the work of Sherri and her team, the MPSC totally rejected the challenges in both cases.
Sherri also secured a certificate of public convenience for the construction and operation of a 58-mile major electric transmission line in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and had secured certificates of public conveniences for construction numerous natural gas pipelines and natural gas storage fields throughout the State of Michigan.
Reported and Published Decisions
Public utility appeals
In re Michigan Public Service Comm for Transactions Between Affiliates, 252 Mich App 254, 652 NW 2d 1 (2002)
Attorney General v. Michigan Public Service Comm., 231 Mich App 76, 585 NW 2d 224 (1997)
Telecommunications cases
Verizon North, Inc. v. Michigan Public Service Comm., 263 Mich App 567, 689 NW 2d 709 (2004)
In re Complaint of Rovas against SBC Michigan, 482 Mich 90, 754 NW 2d 259 (2008)
Honors
2022 Michigan Lawyers Weekly Notable Women in Law
DBusiness Magazine, Top Lawyer, Energy Law, 2022
Crain's Notable Women Lawyers in Michigan, 2017
Best Lawyers in America, Energy Law, 2007-present; Natural Resources Law, 2012-present; Energy Regulatory Law, 2018-present; 2021 & 2024 Lansing Energy Regulatory Lawyer of the Year; 2012, 2022 & 2025 Lansing Natural Resources Lawyer of the Year
Thomas M. Cooley Law School, summa cum laude
Professional Activities
American Bar Association, Member, Public Utility Law Section
State Bar of Michigan, Administrative Law Section
Ingham County Bar Association, Member
Michigan Oil and Gas Association, Member
Michigan Electric and Gas Association, Member
Publications
"Contemplating Competition: A New Era of Michigan Telecommunications," Michigan Bar Journal, November 1998
"Repeal of Michigan Public Service Commission Authority Regarding Utility Securities and Water Companies," Ingham County Bar Association Briefs, April 1996
"New Opportunities Available for Entry into the Local Telephone Market," Ingham County Bar Association Briefs, January 1991
