Rising Stars

Firms To Watch: Energy transactions: electric power

Linklaters LLP’s expanding energy and infrastructure practice saw the arrival of various new team members in 2022 and 2023, including New York-based co-heads Ron Erlichman, who joined from Sidley Austin LLP, and Marius Griskonis, previously at White & Case LLP, both of whom bring longstanding experience in the development and financing as well as acquisition and sale of energy infrastructure. Senior counsel Diana Jeschke in Washington, DC also recently joined from Crowell & Moring LLP, arriving with expertise in regulatory matters before FERC.
Rock Creek Energy Group LLP launched in February 2021, with its lawyers enjoying decades of experience in energy law with a specialized focus on electric and hydroelectric issues. Names such as Jessica Friedman and Vincenzo Franco have experience in a wide range of energy transactions services such as M&A, financing transactions, structured transactions and power purchase agreements and offsite renewable solutions.

Energy transactions: electric power in United States

Baker Botts L.L.P.

Baker Botts L.L.P. is regularly engaged in matters involving headline power, utilities and renewables transactions taking place across the US. One recent highlight saw the team act for The AES Corporation, a mandate led by Michael Didriksen (based in New York) who represented the AES Corporation in connection with a strategic alliance with Google to accelerate the growth and adoption of clean energy. Elaine Walsh  is situated in Washington, DC and counsels clients regarding energy company mergers, energy asset acquisitions, divestitures and investments. Jonathan Bobinger (Houston) is a transactional lawyer with over a decade of experience in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and securities matters. Bobinger also has renewable energy experience, having lead transactions involving the wind and solar sectors. Carlos Marquez is a name to watch for his representation of domestic and foreign companies and private equity firms in a variety of transactions including project financing, project development, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, often involving power generation and renewable energy.

Practice head(s):

Elaine Walsh; Michael Didriksen


Other key lawyers:

William Lamb; Jonathan Bobinger; Timothy Taylor; Carlos Marquez; Mona Dajani


Key clients

AES Corporation


BKV Corporation


CenterPoint Energy, Inc.


Cleco Power LLC


Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company, Inc.


Sunnova Energy Corporation


Transmission Developers, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Represented CenterPoint Energy, as one of the two largest unitholders of Enable Midstream Partners, in a $7.2 billion merger between Energy Transfer LP and Enable Midstream Partners, LP.
  • Acting for Transmission Developers, a portfolio company of Blackstone, the largest alternative investment firm in the world in the developing a US$5 billion-plus, cross-border, 1,250MW underground/underwater high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line from the US-Canada border into New York City, named the Champlain Hudson Power Express Project.
  • Representing The AES Corporation in connection with a 10-year strategic alliance with Google to accelerate the growth and adoption of clean energy by leveraging Google Cloud technology to pioneer innovation in the sector. This alliance builds on the recent agreement between Google and AES to provide long-term renewable power to Google’s data center in Chile.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Kirkland & Ellis LLP has a strong energy presence in Texas, New York, California, Washington DC and San Francisco, handling matters related to acquisition and sale of energy and infrastructure assets, alongside private transactions and acquisitions of minority assets. The firm has also been involved in a number of matters involving unique technology in the renewable and alternative power space, such as a recent matter for Gates Frontier, which was led by Kristin Mendoza  and involved advising the company in connection with its additional investment in TerraPower, yielding more finance to further its work in advanced nuclear energy technologies and medicine. Andrew Calder focuses on mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and corporate and securities law, while Rhett Van Syoc  has an experienced practice in domestic and international M&A in energy mining and infrastructure, with an emphasis on private equity and complex joint ventures. Rohit Chaudhry specializes in energy and project finance transactions, sales and acquisitions, alongside project restructurings across the energy sector, likewise Allan Kirk stands out for his work in broad matters including power generation, energy services, midstream and refining. Robert Eberhardt and William Nicholson both joined from Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP, while Kate Rainey Willson joined from Vinson & Elkins LLP.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Calder


Other key lawyers:

Kristin Mendoza; Rohit Chaudhry; Rhett A. Van Syoc; Allan Kirk; Ahmed Sidik; Robert Goodin


Key clients

Apollo Global Management


ArcLight Capital Partners


Ares Management and Ares Infrastructure and Power


Arroyo Investors


The Blackstone Group


Bluescape Energy Partners


Brookfield Asset Management


The Carlyle Group


CleanCapital


Cypress Creek Renewables


EQT Infrastructure


Gates Frontier


GenOn


Investec


JDH Capital


Just Energy Group


KKR


Macquarie Asset Management


Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board


Spring Valley Acquisition Corp.


Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners


TPG Rise and TPG Rise Climate


Transmission Developers


Trilantic Capital Partners


True Green Capital Management


United Utility Services


Warburg Pincus


Work highlights


  • Advised Blackstone and Transmission Developers Inc. in connection with the development and construction financing of the $6 billion Champlain Hudson Power Express, an approximately 339-mile fully-buried transmission line that will deliver approximately 1,250 MW of clean and renewable hydropower from Québec to New York City.
  • Offered counsel to Spring Valley Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: SV), a special purpose acquisition company, in its $1.9 billion business combination with NuScale Power, a provider of proprietary and innovative advanced nuclear small modular reactor (SMR) technology.
  • Advised TPG Rise Climate, as lead investor, in the $750 million growth investment in Intersect Power, an independent developer of solar, energy storage, hydrogen, wind and other renewable power generation projects.

Latham & Watkins LLP

Latham & Watkins LLP ‘s energy & infrastructure industry group is a globally integrated and multidisciplined team, serving industry participants across the full spectrum of the power sector; examples include conventional power generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure, renewable energy, nuclear power generation, energy storage and other evolving electric power technologies. The firm advises on areas including complex transactions, M&A, secured lending, corporate finance and project development. David Owen is a partner in New York and is skilled in complex shareholder negotiations and has a focus on renewable energy projects, particularly wind and solar. Owen was the lead partner on a recent matter for Innergex Renewable Energy, where the team advised the client in three separate transactions, including the sale of its interest in the Shannon wind facility to Starwood Energy. Lauren Anderson (based in Houston) is an experienced lawyer for both private equity firms and strategics, bringing her knowledge into private equity transactions, M&A and general corporate matters. In Houston, Trina Chandler is a recognized M&A and private equity practitioner, having advised clients on strategic transactions across the power and renewables space, while New York-based Christopher Cross  represents companies, government institutions, sovereign and private equity funds and lenders in international joint venture. At the Washington, DC office, David Schwartz serves as global chair of the energy regulatory & markets practice, with Jeff Greenberg acting as global project development & finance practice chair from Los Angeles.

Practice head(s):

Eli Katz; Justin T. Stolte


Other key lawyers:

Lauren Anderson; Trina Chandler; Christopher Cross; David Owen; David Kurzweil; Caroline Blitzer Phillips; David Schwartz; Jeff Greenberg


Work highlights


Bracewell LLP

Bracewell LLP‘s electricity transactional group is led by Ryan Holcomb  in Houston, with the team representing clients in transactions including generation involving all fuel types, transmission, acquisitions and divestitures of power assets, joint ventures, equity investments, project finance and project development. Danielle M. Varnell (based in Washington, DC) has experience in energy M&A, including both development stage and operating projects, while Alan Rafte, who is situated in Houston, serves clients in transactions that involve offshore and wind generation facilities. Laura D. Sheldon, in Washington DC, stands out for her work in sale and purchase of conventional power and renewable energy assets, corporate governance and project development.

Practice head(s):

Ryan S. Holcomb


Other key lawyers:

Danielle M. Varnell; G. Alan Rafte; Danielle Garbien; Frank Lee; Patrick K. Johnson; Laura D. Sheldon


Testimonials

‘Truly an integrated part of our deals. Know our business and cultural very well.’

‘Responsive, practical and a pleasure to work with. Very smart, outstanding lawyers.’

Work highlights


  • Represented Invenergy LLC and its partner, energyRe, as project sponsors in forming a consortium of investors in connection with Invenergy’s winning bid of $645 million for an offshore wind lease totaling nearly 84,000 acres in the New York Bight offshore wind lease auction held by the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) in February 2022.
  • Represented Arroyo Energy Investment Partners, LLC in its sale of a 1,080-MW portfolio of dual fuel-fired electric generating facilities, including the Broad River Energy Facility, an 850-MW dual fuel-fired electric generating facility located on Gaffney, South Carolina.
  • Represented NRG Energy, Inc. in the $760 million sale of a portfolio of eight thermal power generating plants in its East and West regions (New York, Connecticut and California), totaling 4,850 MW to Generation Bridge, an affiliate of ArcLight Capital Partners. One NY and two CA plants are natural gas-fired, totaling 1,704 MW, and the rest are oil assets, including four in Connecticut, totaling 3,145 MW.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton benefits from the firm's integrated global practice, through which it is able to advise international clients such as the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority and the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), Mexico’s state-owned utilities company. In terms of services, lawyers such as Aaron Meyers and Adam Brenneman work on transactions in the US and across the globe in all aspects of the electric power industry, including power generation, transmission and distribution. Chantal Kordula has international experience for his work in project finance and PPP transactions, while Jeffrey Lewis has a multidisciplinary practice in international business and financing transactions in Latin America, with a focus on infrastructure M&A and project finance. All lawyers mentioned are based in New York.

Practice head(s):

Rich Cooper; Jeff Lewis


Other key lawyers:

Chantal Kordula; Adam Brenneman; Aaron Meyers


Testimonials

‘Great lawyers who with a high level of experience and expertise.’

Key clients

The Puerto Rico Public-Private Partnerships Authority (P3A) – Transmission & Distribution (Stage 1)


The Puerto Rico Public-Private Partnerships Authority (P3A) – Generation & Operation (Stage 2)


Warburg Pincus and portfolio companies


Brookfield Global Transition Fund


Representatives of underwriters to Southern California Edison Co. (SCE)


Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE)


Designated Underwriters’ counsel to Edison International


The underwriters to Equatorial Energia S.A.


Colbún


Work highlights


Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has a focus on complex and high stakes M&A transactions (public and private), project acquisition and investments, project development, joint ventures, capital market transactions and project financings. In terms of M&A, the transactions team have represented the acquirer or target in a number of large utility M&A transactions. In renewables, the firm has represented the acquirer, principal investor and issuer in numerous transactions involving utility scale solar and wind power projects. Peter J. Hanlon ‘s practice, based in New York, encompasses M&A, project investments, financings, public and private securities offerings and joint ventures. Nicholas H. Politan Jr. , is focused on domestic and cross-border energy related transactions including mergers and acquisitions, financings and project development. Gerald Farano, situated in Denver, is a member of the corporate transactions practice group and has experience in the sale and purchase of renewable and nuclear generation assets and in advising clients on significant electric transmission and infrastructure projects.

Practice head(s):

Peter Hanlon; Nicholas Politan


Other key lawyers:

Gerald Farano; George Stamas; Mark Director; Alexander Fine; Emad H. Kahlil; Marwan Azzi


Key clients

Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and its major utility subsidiaries, including NV Energy Company, Nevada Power Company, Sierra Pacific Power Company, MidAmerican Energy Company and PacifiCorp – each of which is a major power utility that was listed on the NYSE before being acquired by BHE. BHE also recently acquired Eastern Gas Transmission and Storage, a gas pipeline company whose largest customers are predominantly utility companies and electric power generators.


BHE Renewables LLC, including BHE Wind LLC and BHE Solar LLC


South Jersey Industries


General Electric


Clearway Energy


Carlyle Investment Management / Carlyle Power Partners


Saguaro Power Company


Algonquin Power & Utilities


STEM, Inc.


Terna Energy


AIP Management


Exelon


Solar Edge


Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives


Pine Gate Renewables


Calumet


Investment Banks JP Morgan and Wells Fargo


Work highlights


McGuireWoods LLP

McGuireWoods LLP has served as lead counsel to a number of complex M&A transactions, such as its recent representation of Dominion Energy in the sale of Hope Gas Inc., its West Virginia-based natural gas utility, to an infrastructure fund launched by Ullico Inc. The firm has increased its work for clients in the renewable energy utilities sector and is home to Joanne Katsantonis , based in Richmond, who acts as the deputy managing partner for development and focuses her practice on M&A, energy transactions and financings. Brian Kelly , in Baltimore, works on a broad range of transactions including energy project and infrastructure development, M&A, project finance, structured commodity and hedging transactions. Heather Welch Arbogast is a strategic corporate advisor to utilities, energy companies, developers and other clients on a broad range of transactions in the power, retail energy, solar, wind and battery storage sectors.

Practice head(s):

Joanne Katsantonis; Brian Kelly


Other key lawyers:

Edmund Daniels; Heather Welch Arbogast; Emillie McNally


Key clients

Dominion Energy Services, Inc.


Southeast EEM


Starwood Energy Group


Work highlights


  • Represented EDF Trading Holdings LLC in the sale of EDF Energy Services (EDFES), a leading supplier of power, natural gas and related services to commercial and industrial customers across the United States, to BP.
  • Dominion Energy needed to find a new buyer for its Questar Pipelines business after a required regulatory approval process thwarted an earlier $1.3 billion sale to Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway.
  • Representing Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE: D), one of the largest energy and utility companies in the U.S., in the $690 million sale of Hope Gas, Inc., its West Virginia-based natural gas utility, to an infrastructure fund launched by Ullico Inc., an insurance and financial services holding company.

Milbank

Milbank is a leading firm in cross-border project finance and development, successfully representing debt and equity investors, private sponsors and government lenders in domestic and international projects. The firm is focused on power and energy projects, including conventional and renewable energy, oil and gas and natural resources. Daniel Bartfeld is a partner in the New York office and is the practice group leader, focusing primarily on the representation of financial institutions, investment firms, multinational companies and developers. William Bice is experienced in development, financing, disposition and restructuring of power generation and transmission projects, as well as infrastructure projects. Richard Hillman is noted for his expertise in advising lenders, sponsors and other project participants on a range of US and international project and structured finance transactions. Roland Estevez represents financial institutions, multinationals and developers across a broad range of sectors including renewable energy and infrastructure across Latin America.

Practice head(s):

Dan Bartfeld


Other key lawyers:

William Bice; Alexander Borisoff; Roland Estevez; Richard Hillman; Michael Klaus; Jeffrey Leider; Allan Marks; Daniel Michalchuk; Jaime Ramirez; Henry Scott; Carolina Walther-Meade; Tim Wendling


Key clients

MUFG Bank, Ltd


Société Générale


Royal Bank of Canada


Investec Bank plc


ArcLight Energy Partners Fund VII, L.P.


Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation


BNP Paribas Securities Corp.


CIT Bank


Credit Agricole


ING Capital


Work highlights


  • Advised Saavi Energía in connection with the acquisition of the Tierra Mojada combined cycle power plant in Jalisco, Mexico from Fisterra and Blackstone.
  • Advised MUFG Bank Ltd. and Siemens Financial Services, Inc. as the lenders in connection with the financing of the development, design, licensing, engineering, procurement, construction, insurance, completion, testing, operation and maintenance of a500 kV power transmission line between La Virginia, Colombia and Nueva Esperanza, Colombia.
  • Advised Investec in connection with its US$58 million financing of the construction and operation of the 380 MW natural gas fired simple-cycle electric generation facility in Lee County, Illinois.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP is noted for its 'incredible depth and range of experience in renewable energy’, alongside its work in advising on innovative and market-shaping matters, such as project financing of a 527 MW natural gas-fired Carlsbad Energy Center in California. Team members understand the legal aspects of power transactions, providing expertise to clients such as developers, private equity sponsors, strategic investors, utilities, government, multilateral agencies and lenders. The firm has broad expertise in M&A and equity investments, development and finance, Blake Winburne is a partner in the Houston office, and is recognized as a leading energy and natural resources lawyer for work in first-of-its-kind and innovative transactions across multiple jurisdictions. Dahl Thompson is the head of the energy and infrastructure group and is a seasoned practitioner in development, sale and acquisition of renewable power assets, portfolios and platforms. Louise Gibbons, based in San Francisco, is noted for her work in project finance and M&A work on transformative, first-in-kind renewable energy projects.

Practice head(s):

Blake H. Winburne; Dahl Thompson


Other key lawyers:

Les Sherman; Rohit Sachdev; John Donaleski; Matt Archer; Louise Gibbons; Kristin Seeger; Lisa Magged; Dao Huynh


Testimonials

‘Incredible depth and range of experience in renewable energy, partners are for the most part highly accessible and communicate frequently regarding billing.’

‘Kristin Seeger is our go-to for renewable energy M&A and the entire business has appreciated her organization, responsiveness, efficiency and know-how. She is a terrific advocate and always a consumate professional.’

Key clients

Apex Clean Energy


Elawan Energy


Ares Management


Enlight Renewable Energy


CleanCapital


Total


Consolidated Edison Development


Recurrent Energy


Distributed Solar Development


Clearway Energy


Generate Capital


State Street Bank & Trust


Sempra Energy


Macquarie Capital


Pattern Energy


RWE/E.On Renewables


ENGIE North America


Orsted (formerly Lincoln Clean Energy)


sPower


Calpine Corporation


BP Wind Energy North America


Eurus Energy


Intersect Power


Broad Reach Power


Algonquin Power


Work highlights


Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has decades of experience advising clients in the electric power industry, including a range of legal services from innovative and complex M&A to financing transactions for companies engaged in the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power, as well as all fuel sources and generation types. The firm has advised clients in numerous transactions across the renewable energy front, involving solar power, wind energy and other alternative energy, David Lieberman is the head of the energy and infrastructure practice in Houston and has experience representing parties on power and renewable energy transactions, having advised a broad client base ranging from Blackstone to Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners. Brian Chisling is a partner based in New York and specializes in transactions involving energy and infrastructure companies and has advised independent power producers and electric utilities on M&A, divestitures and securities issuances. Matthew Einbinder  is a leading figure with a practice centered on renewable and alternative energy in complex banking and credit transactions.

Practice head(s):

David Lieberman


Other key lawyers:

Brian Chisling; Matthew Einbinder


Testimonials

‘Strong bench strength to put towards complex issues. Number of lawyers with experience in power and utilities.’

‘Confidence in advice. Generally quick responses. Strong bench strength for larger and complex transactions.’

 

Key clients

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.


American Electric Power, Inc.


Bentley Systems


BlackRock


Blackstone


CBRE Acquisition


Citibank


Crédit Agricole


Energy Capital Partners


EQT Infrastructure V fund


Global Infrastructure Partners (“GIP”)


Goldman Sachs


ITC Midwest


JPMorgan Chase Bank


Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.


Morgan Stanley


MUFG


Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd.


NextEra Energy


Riverstone Credit Partners


Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners L.P.


Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation


Summit Partners Credit Advisors


SunPower Corporation


Terra-Gen LLC


Wells Fargo Securities


Work highlights


  • KKR in its $3.37 billion acquisition of a non-controlling, 20% interest in Sempra Energy’s new business platform, Sempra Infrastructure Partners.
  • Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. with the acquisition by Liberty Utilities Co., an indirect subsidiary of AQN, of Kentucky Power Company and AEP Kentucky Transmission Company, Inc. from American Electric Power Co. for a total purchase price of approximately $2.846 billion.
  • CBRE Acquisition Holdings, Inc., a special purpose acquisition company sponsored by CBRE Group, Inc., in connection with entering into a definitive business combination agreement with Altus Power, Inc. for approximately $1.58 billion.

Eversheds Sutherland

Eversheds Sutherland has electric transactional expertise in areas including renewable energy, nuclear energy and other types of electric generation. The firm is co-led by Thomas H. Warren, Dorothy Black Franzoni, Herbert J. Short and Cindy Upchurch, with its lawyers leveraging a broad range of experience in advising clients on electrical energy matters such as M&A, commodity transactions, project development and operation of electric generation projects. Will Pickens is an experienced advisor to the energy sector, advising on a variety of transactional matters, including representing borrowers entering into credit facilities, while Alyssa Walker stands out for her work in advising electric utilities, power marketers and retail electric providers on their energy-related projects, financings and corporate transactions. All lawyers mentioned are based in Atlanta.

Practice head(s):

Herbert J. Short, Jr.; Thomas H. Warren; Dorothy Black Franzoni; Cindy A. Upchurch


Other key lawyers:

Will Pickens; Darryl Smith; Alyssa Walker


Key clients

Oglethorpe Power Corporation


Georgia Transmission Corporation


Minnkota Power Cooperative


Work highlights


  • Represented longstanding client Oglethorpe Power Corporation in the registration of the 2020A bonds with the SEC; and in increasing the market size of its commercial paper program to US$1.2 billion.
  • Represented Georgia Transmission Corporation (GTC), a national leader in electricity transmission excellence, in the public remarketing of $94.5 million of tax-exempt pollution control bonds issued by the Development Authority of Burke County on behalf of GTC.
  • Represented Consolidated Edison Clean Energy Businesses on acquisitions and dispositions of renewable energy projects in varying stages of development; construction and procurement contracting for Con Edison’s renewable energy facilities; and on regulatory and litigation matters related to FERC proceedings and Winter Storm Uri.

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP offers experience advising on development financing, and acquisition of energy projects and portfolios, with expertise across the US, Europe and Asia. The team is experienced in financing, tax environmental and land use, project development and real estate. Jeffrey Schroeder  is the head of the firm’s energy and infrastructure practice and focuses on domestic and international project finance, including development and asset, stock and portfolio acquisitions. Gregory Lang  is specialized in project and structured finance, mergers and acquisitions, with clients including developers, independent power producers and private equity funds, with Eric Nedell regularly representing borrowers and lenders in debt originations, restructurings and refinancing.

Practice head(s):

Jeffrey P. Schroeder


Other key lawyers:

Gregory F. Lang; Eric J. Nedell; Geoffrey C. Lorenz; Jean Liang; John L. Shepherd Jr.


Key clients

DTE Energy


EmberClear Corporation


Wärtsilä North America, Inc.


A consortium comprised of Sacyr Infrastructure USA LLC, NextEra Energy, and Star America Infrastructure Partners, LLC


A consortium led by Sacyr Infrastructure USA LLC and Plenary Americas US Holdings Inc.


Work highlights


  • Advised DTE Energy in connection with drafting and negotiating project documents for the $1 billion development of the Blue Water Energy Center, a 1,100 MW natural gas, combined-cycle generation plant.
  • Advising EmberClear as lead developer’s counsel in connection with the development of the Harrison Power Plant, a 1,050 MW natural gas-fired combined-cycle electric generating facility in Harrison County, Ohio.
  • Advised Wärtsilä in connection with contracts to supply Mexico’s state-owned electricity utility, Comisión Federal de Electricidad, with two large multi-fuel power plants having a combined output of 600 MW.

K&L Gates

K&L Gates has expertise in the emerging corporate energy sourcing, with unmatched experience on the buy-side of power purchase agreements both in the domestic and international market. The firm is experienced in developments in energy storage transactions, renewable power purchase, utility scale, response and net metering. Based in Seattle, Eric Freedman represents clients in both private and public sectors in the preparation and negotiation of agreements relating to power project, M&A, joint ventures and power purchases. Over in Kansas City, Kaitlyn DeYoung is an associate who is a name to watch for her focused practice on the development of renewable energy and power projects, including support on the acquisition and disposition of power projects at varying stages of development.

Other key lawyers:

Eric Freedman; Elisabeth Yandell McNeil; Kaitlyn DeYoung


Key clients

Municipality of Anchorage


TransAlta Renewables


Microsoft Corporation


ConnectGen


CleanCapital Holdings LLC


Work highlights


Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP‘s electric power practice offers a ‘cradle to grave‘ service, spanning project development, tax, transactions and environmental law. The firm has a strong nuclear practice, where its lawyers offer legal advice in all aspects of the nuclear cycle including operational issues, waste management, disposal and decommissioning. Keith Martin, in Washington, DC, is co-head of the projects team, alongside Benjamin Koenigsberg  in New York. Todd Alexander represents developers, investors and lenders of infrastructure and other energy-related projects, including solar, wind and hydro. In Austin, Becky Diffen  focuses on financings, joint ventures, project development and tax equity of renewable energy, energy storage, power generation and transmission projects.


Practice head(s):

Keith Martin; Benjamin Koenisgsberg


Other key lawyers:

Todd Alexander; Becky Diffen; Hilary Lefko; Robert Shapiro; Raquel Bierzwinsky; Douglas Fried


Key clients

Belltown Power USA Development


Jupiter Power LLC


QIC


Ullico


Bangchak Corporation Public Company Ltd


Matrix Renewables


Broad Reach Power LLC


Work highlights


  • Represented Belltown Power USA Development in relation to a platform sale of more than 6 GW of utility-scale solar and energy storage projects to Engie North America.
  • Advised Thai energy company, Bangchak Corporation Public Company Ltd, on its Series A investment in ION Storage Systems, a battery company with applications for a variety of uses including electric vehicles and grid storage.
  • Represented Ullico in relation to its $35 million investment in Estuary Power LLC, a renewable energy company that develops, constructs, owns, and operates utility-scale renewable generation, energy storage, and related infrastructure projects.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP‘s practice is led by Pankaj Sinha in Washington DC, who handles a large team of over one hundred attorneys in M&A, renewable energy development,  infrastructure and water assets. Sinha is also experienced in cross-border transactions within conventional power.

Practice head(s):

Pankaj Sinha


Work highlights


Troutman Pepper

Troutman Pepper has closed numerous MW energy transactions of late, ranging from large utility-scale equity financings, syndicated lending facilities and electric power strategic joint ventures to renewable portfolio acquisitions. The firm also engages in energy M&A, representing sellers, purchasers, target companies, special committees and financial advisors in all types of domestic and cross-border transactions. Alongside this, the team leverages substantial experience in advising issuers of Green Bonds, having advised in the first ever issuance of green bonds by a US wholesale generation company. Based in Atlanta, Eric Koontz has advised on tax-exempt bond offerings relating to pollution control and solid waste disposal projects, including long-term fixed rate bonds. At the Portland office, Scott Rickard regularly advises clients on renewable energy generation transactions.

Practice head(s):

John Leonti; Brian Harms


Other key lawyers:

Eric Koontz; Scott Rickard


Key clients

Southern Company


WEC Energy Group


Integrys Holding, Inc.


Public Service Company of New Mexico


NV Energy


Southern Company Gas


Northern Illinois Gas Company


Dominion Resources


Work highlights


Akin

Akin covers a broad range of financial services including development, financing, acquisition and sale of energy and infrastructure projects. The firm has a focus on renewable energy projects, representing sponsors and developers, and other financial institutions. Matthew Kapinos is a partner in the Houston office and is responsible for helping energy clients through the drafting and negotiating agreements for the purchase, sale, development and financing of energy and infrastructure projects. Over in New York, Ikenna Emehelu advises on renewables projects, and has represented lenders in the acquisition financing of a portfolio of solar projects. Elsewhere, a key name at the Washington DC office is Shariff Barakat who focuses on domestic infrastructure and renewable projects, with clients including developers and tax-equity investors.


Practice head(s):

Zachary Wittenberg; Matt Kapinos; Ike Emehelu


Other key lawyers:

Shariff Barakat; Dan Lynch


Key clients

Excelsior Renewable Energy Management Co.


Tennessee Valley Infrastructure Group


GreenFront Energy Partners


Tiger Infrastructure Partners


Olin Corporation


Amberjack Capital Partners, L.P.,


Schlumberger New Energy


CIM Group, LLC


CIT, a division of First Citizens Bank


Vistra Corp.


Unico Solar Investors LLC


New Fortress Energy, Inc.


MUFG Bank, Ltd


Energy Harbor


Frontera


Work highlights


  • Represented CIM Group, LLC in the development of the Westlands Solar Park. One of the first large utility scale solar facilities to be financed in the United States on a merchant basis.
  • Counseled Excelsior Energy Capital in the purchase of 100% of the Sellers’ membership interests in an approximately 100 MW solar facility in Tennessee.
  • Representing New Fortress Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NFE), a global energy infrastructure company, in a joint venture transaction with Plug Power to build, finance, develop and operate a green hydrogen manufacturing facility in Texas. Green hydrogen is hydrogen generated by renewable energy or from low-carbon power.

ArentFox Schiff LLP

ArentFox Schiff formed from a merger between Schiff Hardin and Arent Fox in March 2022, and combines the specializations of lawyers such as Joshua More and Amy Antoniolli in areas including environmental, M&A, finance, real estate and litigation. The firm is often called upon to provide transactional support and due diligence reviews of transactions, often involving obtaining local siting and permitting approvals and status of obtaining necessary Illinois environmental permits and approvals. Sarah Fitts is based in New York and has been involved in various deals and major projects in a variety of sectors including M&A and construction. Ryan Granholm, who is based in Chicago alongside More and Antoniolli, has significant experience litigating public utility commission proceedings involving electric, gas, water and telephone companies.

Practice head(s):

Sarah A. W. Fitts; Daniel Deeb; Joshua More


Other key lawyers:

Amy Antoniolli; Ryan Granholm


Testimonials

‘AFS has more than supported us on our journey. They have helped with pro bono resources unlike any firm I have ever experienced. They have brought the proper firm resources to the table, far above and beyond just offering up the expertise of one or a couple of lawyers, doing “charity work” –which is far to often the deployment of pro bono services. Without their support we would not have advanced as far as we have.’

‘They know the issues we need their support on inside and out. When they do not have the expertise they have never failed in recommending top quality alternatives. They are exceptionally professional.’

‘This firm has Ms. Sarah A. W. Fitts, who has strong expertise in the energy sector.’

Key clients

EDP Renewables North America


NV Energy


Black Owners of Solar Services


Vistra Corp.


Ameren


Hokuriku Electric Power Company


Work highlights


Dentons

Dentons advises a wide range of clients operating in the electric and natural gas sectors on a range of practice areas involving regulatory matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and transactions related to operations, rates and project development. Clinton Vince is the chair of The Alliance to Save Energy in Washington DC, which was set up as a nonprofit coalition of business, government, environmental and consumer leaders and play a role in energy efficiency policy. Vince was also named general counsel of the GridWise Alliance Grid Infrastructure Advisory Council’s (GIAC) board of directors, which aims to modernize the nation’s electric power transmission and distribution services. Emma Hand has extensive experience with energy efficiency and demand-side management programs, while Peter Thieman advises utility companies in complex FERC regulatory and litigation issues, alongside providing advice on complex M&A deals. All lawyers mentioned are based in Washington, DC.

Practice head(s):

Clinton Vince


Other key lawyers:

Emma Hand; Peter Thieman; Carl Steen; Luis Torres


Work highlights


  • Drafting the first and only electric cooperative securitization legislation in Texas (and possibly across the US) that will assist Rayburn and other electric cooperatives finance the extraordinary storm-related costs and (ii) represented Rayburn Country Electric Cooperative, in negotiating and closing its $908 million securitization for it and its four member coops.
  • Advised on a wide range of issues including federal energy regulatory, litigation and strategic counsel for Tri-State regarding all aspects of its game changing transition to becoming a regulated public utility subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
  • Advising CPS Energy (the municipally owned utility of San Antonio, Texas) with respect to Smart Cities initiatives, including significant cyber-security and privacy issues related with increasing roll-out of new digital “smart” grid technologies.

Mayer Brown

Mayer Brown‘s energy lawyers work closely with their global projects, power and utilities and renewable lawyers with exposure to a wide range of transactions and investments within electric power, such as acquisitions and transactions involving controlling interests. Mark Williams is a partner in the Washington, DC office and has led several FERC-regulated M&A proceedings; he is based alongside John Tormey who is focused on renewable matters, particularly leading a number of solar deals as well as a carbon sequestration tax equity financing, and Heather Feingold whose transactional workload encompasses portfolio matters and regulated mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. Elena Rubinov, based in New York, has been involved in M&A transactions, such as representing Argo Infrastructure Partners LP in the acquisition by merger of Macquarie Infrastructure Corporation MIC.

Practice head(s):

Paul Astolfi


Other key lawyers:

Mark Williams; John Tormey; Elena Rubinov; Heather Feingold


Testimonials

‘Mark Williams is one of the best energy regulatory attorneys in the country.’

‘Mark Williams and Heather Feingold are amazing attorneys. They make a great team together, and are very well respected in the industry.’

 

Key clients

Ares Management Corporation and Panda Stonewall


Global Atlantic Financial – KKR & Co., Inc.


Blackstone / ClearGen


CDPQ


Osaka Gas USA Corporation


Diamond Generating Corporation


Argo Infrastructure Partners LP


Work highlights


McDermott Will & Emery LLP

McDermott Will & Emery LLP finds its strength within the development and financing of renewable energy and infrastructure projects, with a practice in solar and wind energy. The firm handles areas such as biomass and geothermal transactions, alongside having an energy tax practice. Christopher Gladbach is based in Washington DC works on complex equity and debt investments and advises both sellers and buyers in the power sector within M&A. Over in Los Angeles, Lloyd MacNeil is a partner who represents a wide range of clients on renewable energy and emerging energy technologies, advising on energy portfolio services and energy efficiency solutions. Debra Harrison practices in Washington, DC and has extensive experience advising on renewable energy transactions, with a focus on development and financing of solar photovoltaic projects in the United States and Europe.

Practice head(s):

Edward Zaelke; Philip Tingle


Key clients

Irradiant Partners, LP


Doral Renewables


BQ Energy


Mohegan Renewable Energy (a subsidiary of The Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut)


Invenergy


Lennar Corporation


Work highlights


  • Counseled Doral Renewables through the project development and tax equity and USD685 million debt financing for the largest solar facility in the United States.
  • Representing Invenergy, a leading global developer and operator of sustainable energy solutions, in respect to the USD429 million construction loan financing of the 259.8MW Sapphire Sky Wind Project.
  • Advised Irradiant Partners, LP, an investment manager focused on liquid credit and renewable private equity and credit, in connection with its USD100 million investments in Bioenergy Development Group Holdco, LLC, an innovator in the renewable energy space.

Moore & Van Allen, PLLC

Moore & Van Allen, PLLC has national reach and scope within deals relating to the electric power sector. Joe Fernandez co-heads the corporate practice and covers a wide range of transactional matters, including representing traditional and renewable energy facilities in acquisitions and divestitures alongside energy commodity and hedging transactions. Fernandez also complements his practice with project finance, representing parties on both sides including developers, lenders and other providers of credit support. A further integral practitioner is Josh DeBottis who has broad experience in renewable energy project finance, representing financial institutions. Both lawyers are situated in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Practice head(s):

Joe Fernandez


Other key lawyers:

Josh DeBottis


Testimonials

‘A very good and under-rated practice. We work as counsel with MVA frequently.’

‘Joe Fernandez is a star and merits recognition. He is exceptionally efficient, and unusually nimble at digesting and managing technical information that frequently is the deal-driver or deal-blocker.’

‘Legal work for energy finance tends to be dominated by NY law firms. Moore & Van Allen has provided service every bit as good as the NY firms, but at a much more reasonable price.’

‘The individuals we work with are very approachable and commercially reasonable. Joe Fernandez stands out.’

Key clients

Ares Management LLC


Heelstone Renewable Energy, LLC


Nucor Corporation


CS Energy, LLC


GreenGo Energy US, Inc.


Ranger Power LLC


National Grid USA


Cogentrix Energy Power Management


Tyr Energy, Inc.


Brookfield Power US Asset Management, LLC


Fifth Third Bank, National Association


Regions Bank


Truist Bank


First Horizon Bank


Energy Transition Capital Management LLC


Work highlights


  • Represented Ares Management LLC in connection with the disposition of a 417 MW natural gas-fired generating facility located in California. The facility’s output is 100% contracted to a public utility.
  • Counseled investment funds managed by Ares Management LLC in negotiating and documenting multiple secured first lien energy hedges underpinning the acquisition and refinancing ($500 million) of Potomac Energy Center, LLC.
  • Represented Heelstone Renewable Energy, LLC in all aspects of the sale of the assets of the Sun Dagger Solar Project, a project under development in New Mexico to Clenera, LLC. The assets at issue including real estate with required military approvals and unexploded ordinance issues.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP has a focus on low-carbon energy sources and renewable energy, specializing in hydrogen and offshore wind. The team benefits from the help provided by the firm’s capital markets practice, which brings extensive experience in various energy transactions. The firm’s energy transition team focus on advising clients in power generation projects and developing decarbonization strategies that account for carbon sequestration, utilization and storage. Jeffrey Delaney is experienced in public and private debt and equity offerings, alongside hybrid financings. David Baxter leads the firm’s financial industry group and is co-leader of the firm’s capital markets group, having advised on a wide range of transactional services including mergers, stock and asset transactions and joint ventures. Lawyers mentioned are based in New York. Mona Dajani left the firm and is now at Baker Botts L.L.P..

Practice head(s):

Jeffrey Delaney; Sheila Harvey; Jorge Medina; Robert James


Key clients

Archaea Energy


Argan Inc.


Association of American Railroads


Avista Corporation


Barclays Capital


BNP Paribas


BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC


Chanel


Chevron Corporation


Citigroup Capital Markets, Inc.


Clean Air Task Force


CleanChoice Energy Holdings


CMS Energy


Constellation Energy Generation


Deutsche Bank Securities


EDPR America


Entergy


Goldman, Sachs & Co


Kansan City Power & Light Company


J.P. Morgan


Mitsubishi UFJ Securities


Mizuho Securities


Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC


NextEra Energy Resources


Nikola Corporation


Raymond James


RBC Capital Markets


Renewable Energy Group (REG)


Renewable Fuels Association


S&B USA


Scotiabank


SK Inc.


SMBC Nikko


Stephens Inc.


Sunrun, Inc.


SunTrust Robinson Humphrey


TC Energy


TD Securities


Terawatt Infrastructure


UBS Investment Bank


Wells Fargo Securities, LLC


Work highlights


Winston & Strawn LLP

Winston & Strawn LLP has a focus on M&A with experience in fields ranging from electric generation, transmission, distribution and fuel supply. Rich Shutran is a partner in New York and is experienced in M&A transactions alongside finance and development work for clients including major developers and owners; he is based alongside Mike Pikiel handles transactions for clients in a range of projects, including project financings and acquisition financings, and Jonathan Birenbaum  who has represented both strategic and financial participants in complex transactions involving structures and assets. Amanda Sewell, based in Washington DC, is a name to watch for her focus on renewable energy and Latin America on M&A, finance, securities law compliance and capital markets.

Practice head(s):

Rich Shutran; Mike Pikiel; Mike Blankenship


Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Birenbaum; Jason Lewis; Tom Millar; Amanda Sewell


Key clients

AxInfra US LP


Basalt Infrastructure Partners LLP


Capital Power Corporation


Hecate Energy, LLC


Homer City Holdings, LLC


John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.)


Manulife Infrastructure II Holdings A, L.P.


WattBridge Energy (ProEnergy)


Work highlights