Joanne Katsantonis > McGuireWoods LLP > Richmond, United States > Lawyer Profile

Recognised for its ‘diverse practice in the energy and power sector,’ McGuireWoods LLP is capable of handling a range of high-profile and high-value transactions on behalf of energy, infrastructure, and utility companies. The energy industry team specializes in M&A, wholesale acquisitions, and advises on power purchase agreements and hedge transactions. With deep experience in a range of energy transactions, the group continues to attract new and impressive clients to its roster which includes notable names such as Dominion Services and NRG Energy. In Richmond, Joanne Katsantonis heads up the practice and represents public utilities, investors, and independent power producers in a variety of transactional and financing matters such as public company mergers, debt and equity offerings, and auction processes. Baltimore-based Brian Kelly co-heads the department and stands out for his expertise in M&A, energy project finance, and hedging transactions. The team also benefits from the prowess of Heather Welch Arbogast who is based in Baltimore and advises developers, power purchasers, and sponsors on transactions related to solar, wind, and battery storage.

A regular fixture on mid-market M&A deals across the US, McGuireWoods LLP handles a steady stream of transactions for public and private companies and private equity funds. Primarily recognized for its strength in the healthcare and energy areas, during 2023/24 the team additionally demonstrated strong activity in transactions involving the consumer, industrials, technology, financial services, and real estate spheres. From Richmond, Michael Woodard chairs the M&A and energy transactions areas and has a focus on representing buyers and sellers of energy assets. Pittsburgh-based Thomas Zahn spearheads the corporate and private equity department and maintains a broad transactional practice that spans deals in the healthcare, energy, infrastructure, consumer products, and technology spaces, among others. Other notable practitioners in Richmond include Joanne Katsantonis, who is recommended for energy-related M&A; Patrick De Ridder, who brings to bear significant cross-border experience; and Brian Hager, who specializes in advising private and public companies on corporate and M&A transactions. The team also includes transactional energy specialist Jay Hughes, who splits his time between Houston and Richmond, and Charlotte-based corporate and private equity partner Chris Scheurer.