Durham McCormick > McGuireWoods LLP > Houston, United States > Lawyer Profile

Made up of expert practitioners capable of handling development, financing, and transactions, the energy industry team at McGuireWoods LLP is a good choice for businesses seeking advice on project development, sales, and investments, as well as acquisitions, permitting issues, and construction. With a broad offering, the group continues to attract new clients to its roster which is currently comprised of notable names from the energy and financial services sectors. In Richmond, Michael Woodard and Brennen Keene co-lead the practice while in Houston, Durham McCormick heads up the department. Woodard stands out for his aptitude for M&A involving wind, solar, and battery storage, while Keene is noted for his experience advising developers, real estate holdings companies, and infrastructure developers on real estate transactions and land use matters. On the tax front, McCormick is the main contact in the team and concentrates on tax structuring, production tax credits, and investment tax credits.

Utilities and infrastructure funds are among the clients that turn to McGuireWoods LLP for project finance expertise and its multifaceted energy industry team that encompasses M&A, development, and tax issues relating to energy projects. Renewables are the primary focus, with both onshore and offshore wind, solar, and associated battery storage facilities regularly handled. A trio of lawyers oversee the practice group: Durham McCormick, a specialist in tax advice with extensive experience of such in the energy space; Brian Kelly, who covers M&A, project development, and project financing; and Brennen Keene, a real estate and land use expert. Tim Callahan  often advises on complex financing structures in the renewables and conventional power spaces, while Doug Lamb is one of the most active practitioners across infrastructure and PPPs, commercial agreements, and project financing. McCormick is based in Houston, Kelly in Baltimore, Keene and Lamb are at the Richmond office, and Callahan is based in Chicago.

McGuireWoods LLP advises major energy utilities and infrastructure funds on oil and gas transactions, including acquisitions, project development, and financings. The firm has a strong track record in midstream assets and regulatory matters, representing key industry players in complex deals and energy transition initiatives. Anthony Carna chairs the oil and gas practice from Pittsburgh. Co-leader of the firm’s Renewable Energy group Mike Woodard operates out of Richmond and has a broad practice that includes advising investors, developers and financial institutions on corporate transactions and financings. Co-head Breenen Keene, also in Richmond, is chiefly recognised for his real estate and development focused practice, while co-head Durham McCormick is a go-to for tax expertise in Houston. The San Francisco-based Evelyn Kim’s far-reaching offering combines both M&A and project finance capabilities. Pittsburgh’s Molleigh Thomas also comes recommended. Jay Hughes joined from Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP in January 2024.

The ‘extremely responsive’ tax team at McGuireWoods LLP splits its focus between private equity work, M&A, and energy matters, led by Gerald Thomas in Atlanta. Thomason structures transactions and acquisitions in a tax-efficient way for clients predominantly in real estate, private equity, and technology sectors. Durham McCormick advises on tax credits and treasury grants, boasting a strong track record in the renewable energy sector. Other key figures in the practice include Sabrina Conyers in Charlotte and Craig Bell in Richmond.