Akin‘s projects and energy transition team has a robust offering which covers transactions and advice on development. The practice has particular strengths in project finance, construction and development, and operations and maintenance, as well as tax structuring, equity financing, and M&A transactions, among others. With wide-reaching capabilities, the department has picked up new and impressive clients to its roster which is comprised of notable names from the financial services, energy, and infrastructure sectors such as HSBC and CIM Group. Heading up the team in New York is Ike Emehelu who stands out for his expertise advising on project finance transactions, renewable energy investments, and the acquisition and disposition of energy projects. In Houston, Matthew Kapinos leads the group and concentrates on joint ventures, acquisitions, and divestitures. Other key practitioners in the department include Washington DC’s Shariff Barakat and Vanessa Richelle Wilson, Houston-based Ian Goldberg – who joined the firm in April 2024 – and Hayden Harms, who is also based in Houston.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Key clients
- Excelsior Energy Capital
- Rockwood Asset Management
- The Guardian Life Insurance Co.
- Santander
- Rabobank
- HSBC
- Excelsior Energy Capital
- Tenaska
- MUFG Bank, Ltd.
- U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised Excelsior Energy Capital in the $1.3 billion financing package for the Faraday Solarproject, a 682.5 MW ground-mounted solar facility in Utah County, Utah.
- Represented CIM Group, LLC in connection with the development of four solar and storage projects totaling more than 2 gigawatts.
- Representing First Ammonia, LLC in its development of a commercial-scale green ammonia production facilities using renewable solar and wind.
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
Shariff Barakat; Hayden Harms; April Kim; Dan Lynch; Vanessa Richelle Wilson