Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP's group is notable for its strengths in renewables project financings and M&A, including onshore and offshore wind and solar projects. Minako Wakabayashi, who leads the team, regularly represents multinational developers and sponsors and is well-versed in onshore energy transactions and corporate PPA scheme matters, in particular. Andrew Hughes, who was promoted to partner in January 2025, is active in advising on the acquisition, financing and development of renewables projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Andrew Hughes is, and has always been, very efficient, to-the-point and has delivered what we needed, with an additional touch of expertise.'
- 'They are committed to expanding renewable energy in Japan.'
- 'Ms. Minako Wakabayashi started her renewable energy career after seeing the Tokai village catastrophe caused by nuclear plant operational failure. She is determined to expand renewable energy in Japan so the incident will not be repeated. She is one of the rare partners to be female in the sector and has become a role model for many of the young female professionals in the industry.'
Key clients
- Pattern Energy Group LP
- Green Power Investment Corporation
- Daiwa Energy & Infrastructure Co. Ltd.
- NTT Anode Energy Corporation
- Osaka Gas Co., Ltd.
- Invenergy Japan
- EDP Renewables
- Eurus Energy Holdings Corporation
- Pacifico Energy
- Yokogawa Electric Corporation
- Octopus Energy and Yotsuya Energy GK
Work highlights
Advised Yokogawa Electric Corporation in relation to legal due diligence and structuring work as well as negotiation of a transaction agreement in connection with Yokogawa’s acquisition of all outstanding shares in BaxEnergy GmbH.
Acted as advisor to Daiwa Energy & Infrastructure Co. Ltd in their investment in the stand-alone 200MW/480MWh battery energy storage system project developed by Stella Energy Solutions in Texas, USA.
Advised a global automotive manufacturer in negotiating terms under which world's leading lithium-ion battery manufacturer will establish new production lines for battery cells and modules to be produced exclusively for the client.
Lawyers
Leading partners: Bengoshi
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Minako Wakabayashi
Other key lawyers
Andrew Hughes