Mr Sean Moran > Vinson & Elkins LLP > Austin, United States > Lawyer Profile

Vinson & Elkins LLP predominantly focuses on project finance and development mandates in the energy and power sector, showcasing impressive asset engagement that includes, but is not limited to, minerals, oil and LNG, solar, wind and battery storage, as well as hydrogen and carbon black production facilities. The team has a balanced workload acting for lenders, sponsors and borrowers, and are regularly sought out by some of the globe’s most prominent multinational investment banks and financial services groups. The ‘professional and commercial’ Eamon Nolan leads the team out of New York and is noted for his ‘strong experience in debt financings of renewables transactions’. Michael Joyce co-leads the group out of Los Angeles and has a similarly renewables-focused practice, and has been the chief figure on some of the largest solar portfolio financings in the firm’s book of work. Asset finance specialists Sean Moran and Aaron Prince are key team members based in Austin and New York respectively and are frequently called upon by a host of investors and sponsors. Lauren Collins continues to establish her reputation in the market for advising on tax-related project finance matters, often acting on cutting-edge, first-of-its-kind deals, and sits in the Los Angeles office alongside fellow tax equity financing professional Josh Heideman.

Vinson & Elkins LLP has a strong track record advising the full spectrum of clients involved in the renewable energy sector, from tax equity investors, commercial bank lenders, and private equity funds, to project sponsors and developers. In recent years the firm has also received work from clients more usually associated with traditional energy projects, as they seek counsel on investments in cleaner energy. Assistance with financing clean energy projects under the inflation reduction act has been a specific popular subject for new work. Kaam Sahely in Austin co-leads the department and in this area stands out for his experience in renewable and sustainable energy assets. In Houston, fellow practice co-head Danielle Patterson continues to handle a number of transactions in the renewables space. On the financing side, Michael Joyce at the Los Angeles office is a key senior name, along with Sean Moran in Austin. Eamon Nolan is a key contact for financing transactions at the New York office, which also houses Aaron Prince, who recently advised on a major solar project. Lauren Collins (Los Angeles) focuses on tax matters related to project finance and has a strong presence in renewables, as does Peter Marshall (Dallas), who is a prominent M&A and finance lawyer.