Eamon Nolan > Vinson & Elkins LLP > New York, United States > Lawyer Profile

Vinson & Elkins LLP handles both US and English law governed transactions throughout Latin America. It is also noted for its expertise in relation to private equity investments and energy-sector transactions, including tax structuring capabilities. The increasingly prominent practice has earned a growing number of engagements in the data centre and digital infrastructure segments. Gabriel Silva has an impressive record in transactions throughout the region, most notably in the digital infrastructure and data centre fields, and Eamon Nolan is an experienced figure in energy transactions in Mexico and across Latin America. Houston partners Alan Alexander and Shay Kuperman are noted for energy and infrastructure deals, particularly in Mexico. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Vinson & Elkins LLP has been a major force in energy and infrastructure projects over the years, most notably in upstream oil and gas. It has successfully diversified its practice across industries and geographies. Historically more focused on Mexico, it has successfully targeted other key jurisdictions such as Brazil, Colombia and Chile. It has also made significant inroads into the digital infrastructure field, including data centres and fibre optic cables. In transport infrastructure, the firm has made a further impact in toll roads, and has gained prominence in energy transition projects such as green hydrogen and ammonia production. Moreover, it has a significant presence in private equity investments into energy and infrastructure assets. Houston partner Alan Alexander has a significant focus on Latin America, especially energy transition, and oil and gas projects in Mexico. New York partner Eamon Nolan is also a key name. Since publication, the October 2023 departure of Gabriel Silva  has seen the firm hire energy-transition tax specialist Jorge Medina to its Los Angeles office (effective January 2024); formerly a partner in the project finance and development practices at Shearman & Sterling LLP, Medina has a particular focus on renewable energy in the Americas.

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.