Akin is widely recognised for its comprehensive renewable and alternative power offering, advising across wind, solar, energy storage, hydrogen, and carbon capture projects, with particular strength in project finance, tax equity and strategic transactions. The practice is co-headed by Matthew Kapinos in Houston, who guides clients through project development, acquisitions and joint ventures involving renewable assets, and Zachary Wittenberg in New York. Also in New York, Ikenna Emehelu advises lenders and sponsors on financing renewable projects. Vanessa Wilson focuses on clean energy M&A, financings and project development, including solar, wind and storage, and regularly advises corporate buyers on renewable energy procurement and power purchase agreements. Shariff Barakat in Washington DC advises on tax equity financings, while April Kim in Irvine handles tax credit and project transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team combines deep expertise in renewable and alternative power with a strong track record in complex financing and regulatory matters. As a client, I value Akin's ability to navigate evolving energy markets, structure innovative deals, and deliver commercially focused solutions. Akin leads with innovation—leveraging technology for efficiency, offering flexible billing and fostering diversity and collaboration. Their approach ensures clients receive agile, forward-thinking advice aligned with the dynamic energy transition.’
‘Akin lawyers I work with offer deepening sector-specific insights and provide practical, commercially focused advice that enhances the client experience and differentiates Akin from other law firms.’
Key clients
- Solar Landscape
- HASI
- Excelsior Renewable Energy Management Company LP
- Southwest Airlines Co.
- Goshe Energy Storage
- Lydian Energy, LLC
- Convergent Energy & Power Inc.
- Industrial Development Funding, LLC
- Sumitomo Corporation of Americas
- First Ammonia, LLC
- Velocys PLC
- CIM Group LLC
Work highlights
Representation of Solar Landscape and its affiliates in 1) securing a $115 million credit facility from Nuveen Energy Infrastructure Credit to support the continued expansion of its community solar portfolio.
Represented HASI, a climate-focused investment firm, in connection the closing of a $207 million project financing for Vision RNG, comprising a $130 million construction facility and a $77 million investment tax credit (ITC) bridge loan.
Akin advises Excelsior Energy Capital in a range of complex transactions spanning project finance, tax equity, credit monetization, and structured lending including 1) the $1.3 billion financing package for the Faraday Solar project 2) in connection with a tax credit purchase agreement opposite The Cigna Group, and 3) a multiyear agreement with Fluence Energy to develop 2.2 GWh of battery energy storage system (BESS) infrastructure across the United States.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Zachary Wittenberg; Ike Emehelu; Matt Kapinos
Other key lawyers
Vanessa Wilson; Shariff Barakat; April Kim