Shari Hollis-Ross – Pacific Gas and Electric Company

As the push for cleaner and greener energy sources increases, companies must navigate complex laws related to emissions, waste disposal and renewable energy production. Electric and gas companies must adhere to strict regulations regarding their systems’ design, construction, and maintenance to avoid accidents, outages, and other hazards. Luckily, Pacific Gas and Electric Company has the right person on the team to get things done.

Shari Hollis-Ross | Pacific Gas and Electric Company | Litigation and Commercial Contracts Chief Counsel

Shari Hollis-Ross serves as chief counsel in the litigation and commercial contracts group at PG&E, where she navigates intricate legal terrains with a blend of finesse and expertise honed over 18 years of dedicated service.

Throughout her career, Hollis-Ross has spearheaded various high-profile projects, each a cornerstone in shaping PG&E’s legal strategies and corporate responsibility initiatives. With her unparalleled insight and unwavering commitment to excellence, Hollis-Ross continues to uphold the highest standards of legal acumen, driving the mission and vision of PG&E in an ever-evolving legal landscape.

“In every legal challenge lies an opportunity to uphold integrity and drive positive change. With dedication and expertise, we navigate complexities to ensure fairness and accountability,” Hollis-Ross says.

Managing legal challenges

One of Hollis-Ross’s notable projects involved her involvement in the aftermath of the tragic Ghost Ship warehouse fire in Oakland, California. Despite PG&E not being directly liable for the incident, Hollis-Ross played a crucial role in navigating the ensuing civil lawsuit involving 32 victims. Her expertise in litigation strategy and commercial contracts ensured PG&E’s interests were represented effectively, ultimately leading to a fair resolution.

In addition to her role in litigation, Hollis-Ross has been instrumental in handling PG&E’s bankruptcy proceedings, largely stemming from the wildfires that have plagued California in recent years.  She continues her efforts with the remaining securities litigation claims stemming from this timeframe.  With her keen assessment skills, Hollis-Ross works with a strong internal and external team on strategies to mitigate these events’ legal and financial ramifications, safeguarding PG&E’s interests while prioritizing safety, customer service and accountability. At PG&E, she’s worked on various issues ranging from complex commercial disputes, human resources, catastrophic injuries, battery storage and power purchase agreements, contract negotiations and terminations.

Beyond her legal responsibilities, Hollis-Ross is actively involved in PG&E’s General Counsel’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee, where she strives to create a positive impact on the communities served by PG&E. As an African American woman, Hollis-Ross recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion within the company and the broader community. By offering her unique perspective, Hollis-Ross drives positive change and ensures that PG&E remains aligned with its core values. She continues these values by serving on the California Minority Counsel Program as a board member.

Safeguarding communities

PG&E has implemented a comprehensive set of policies to effectively address the challenges of climate change.  One notable aspect of these policies is the development of mechanisms for proactive Power Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) during hazardous environmental conditions. The California Public Utility Commission governs the PSPS guidelines.

Under Hollis-Ross’s guidance and support from outside counsel, PG&E successfully argued at the California Supreme Court, barring claims for damages when the utility complied with the PSPS guidelines handed down by the CPUC.   PG&E’s most important responsibility is the safety of our customers and the communities we serve. The sole purpose of a Public Safety Power Shutoff is to reduce the risk of major wildfires during severe weather.  PG&E was represented by Omid Nasab at Cravath, who argued the motion.

Hollis-Ross’s leadership is vital in driving PG&E’s progress. “Our commitment to safety and innovation drives everything we do. Through collaboration and proactive measures, we strive to ensure our communities remain resilient despite evolving challenges,” Hollis-Ross says.

A legal journey of purpose

Hollis-Ross has paved a remarkable path to success marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a dedication to community service. With a degree in English from UCLA and a JD from the University of California, College of the Law, San Francisco, Hollis-Ross’s journey into the legal world was a natural progression from her early passion for literature.

After six years in private practice and two years as an in-house attorney for the USPS, Hollis-Ross joined PG&E in October 2005, where she found her true calling in corporate law. While law school was always part of her plan, Hollis-Ross’s interest in literature at UCLA initially took precedence. However, her desire to make a meaningful impact in the world led her to explore various avenues of community-based work, including a stint at the public defender’s office one summer.

Throughout her career, Hollis-Ross has remained deeply committed to giving back to her community, serving on nonprofit boards, and advocating for marginalized voices. She brings a unique perspective to her role at PG&E, advocating for those who may not have their voices heard.

Transitioning to an in-house counsel role at PG&E brought new challenges and opportunities for Hollis-Ross. Unlike the transient nature of private practice, where cases come and go, being in-house requires a more strategic and holistic approach. Hollis-Ross’s role involves not just handling individual cases but also filling gaps and making suggestions for systemic improvements within the organization.

Hollis-Ross’s days are filled with information gathering, strategic analysis, risk assessment and decision-making. Hollis-Ross relies on her past experiences and diverse perspectives to navigate complex legal landscapes effectively and provide the client with alternative perspectives for meeting their goals while identifying legal compliance parameters.

“It is rewarding to work in-house wherein we identify lessons learned.  It’s such a positive feeling to identify a gap and assist the business in making improvements for the future. Hopefully, my presence adds a unique and diverse perspective to problem-solving and long-term solutions,” Hollis-Ross says.