Lynn Coleman

Lynn Rogers Coleman (August 17, 1939 – November 13, 2020) was an American attorney who served as the third United States deputy secretary of energy from 1980 to 1981.

Early life and education Coleman was born in Vernon, Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Abilene Christian College in 1961 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law in 1964.

Career Coleman began his career as a lawyer for Vinson & Elkins in Houston. In 1973, he established the firm's Washington, D.C. office. During the 1972 United States Senate election in Texas, he was the campaign manager for Barefoot Sanders. A specialist in energy law, Coleman practiced before the Federal Power Commission and Federal Energy Administration. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter nominated Coleman to serve as general counsel of the newly-created United States Department of Energy. He served as United States deputy secretary of energy in 1980 and 1981. Coleman spent the rest of his career as a partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.