John Smolen > Ballard Spahr LLP > Baltimore, United States > Lawyer Profile

Ballard Spahr LLP is well regarded for its project finance work in both the energy and infrastructure sectors, with a strong roster of clients including lenders and sponsors, project developers, and government entities. The firm often works for both lenders and project sponsors on project finance assignments. Patrick Gillard and Steve Park, who are both based in Philadelphia, lead the P3 and infrastructure team, which has experience advising on projects in areas including transport and waste. John Smolen in Baltimore is also strong in this area, while Washington DC-based Katie Leesman is a key contact for work in energy projects, in particular in solar.

Clients such as project developers and sponsors, investors, and lenders seek out Ballard Spahr LLP for advice on the acquisition, sale, and financing of projects in solar, on and offshore wind, biogas, and geothermal power. The energy group is jointly led by Patrick R. Gillard, Steve T. Park and Randall J. Towers in Philadelphia, and Baltimore’s John P. Smolen; with Gillard being recognized for his capabilities in a range of matters, such as utility finance, transactions,  public and private debt financing and the acquisition of electric power assets. Other notable practitioners include real estate and commercial finance partner Bruce Johnson and business transactions partner Matthew Vantusko, both in Las Vegas. In Minneapolis, Raymond Faricy is a key contact for clients seeking advice on the range of transactional matters in the wind and solar sectors, especially power purchase agreements. Washington’s Katie Leesman  is sought out by clients for her expertise on energy project finance and public-private partnership projects, project development and acquisition.