Robert James > Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP > Houston, United States > Lawyer Profile

With a transactional and advisory offering, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP‘s energy transition department has deep experience assisting both conventional and renewable energy clients with project financing, M&A and joint ventures, as well as advising on new energy tech and infrastructure related to the power sector. Alongside its expertise in energy transactions, the group’s cross-border capabilities continue to attract new clients to its roster which is comprised of notable names from the energy sector. Washington DC-based Jeff Merrifield and Robert James, who is based between San Francisco and Houston, co-head the practice and are supported by San Francisco’s financing specialists Robert Nelson and Alicia McKnight. Nelson concentrates on the development and financing of renewable, conventional, and nuclear energy projects, while McKnight focuses on the financing, acquisition, and disposition of energy projects involving renewable power generation and storage.

With expertise in hydrogen, geothermal, and nuclear energy, as well as fusion, tidal, and energy storage, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP‘s energy transition team is capable of handling the life cycle of renewable and alternative energy projects both domestically and internationally. The practice advises a strong client roster consisting of notable businesses from the energy sector on acquisitions, financing, and project development, among other matters. Between San Francisco and Houston, Robert James co-heads the department alongside Jeff Merrifield who is based in Washington DC. In San Francisco, Robert Nelson is the go-to for all project development and financing matters while Alicia McKnight is adept at leading on a wide range of transactions including acquisitions and dispositions. Other key names in the group include New York’s Michael Reese and Shellka Arora-Cox.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is well-reputed for helping its clients execute large and complex projects and advising on disputes in the context of construction accidents and force majeure events. Washington DC-based practice heads Melissa Lesmes and Clark Thiel are key individuals for construction delays, defects, and insurance coverage disputes. Charles Conrad leads the firm’s Houston branch, where he represents owners and contractors in traditional and renewable energy disputes. Recent joiner Derrick Carson, also Houston-based, tries similar cases in front of juries, judges and arbitrators. San Francisco’s Robert James and special counsel John Heisse assist developers, builders, and designers throughout public and private construction projects. In the DC office, Laura Bourgeois LoBue and Michael McNamara advise on construction and engineering disputes, involving disruption, suspension and termination of contracts.