Energy transition stands out as a hallmark of Latham & Watkins LLP‘s project finance work in the sector, with battery storage, solar and wind financings areas of strength under that umbrella. The practice has a notable track record in first-of-their-kind financings in innovative energy projects, while also maintaining a position at the top of the LNG market in the US. For infrastructure and PPP projects, the team has a strong presence in fiber installation projects and other developments relating to digital assets. Cross-border work regularly crops up in the team’s slate of work and projects in Latin America are a particular strength. Jeff Greenberg is the head for both energy and infrastructure project financing and is counsel of choice to major international financial institutions. LNG exports and natural gas liquefication are focuses for both Jonathan Rod and Jason Webber, and Matthew Henegar’s practice spans renewables, conventional energy, and infrastructure assets. The aforementioned Latin American projects often involve Gianluca Bacchiocchi and Guido Liniado, while Chirag Dedania is a key name for the financing of data centers. Kelly Cataldo and Omar Nazif are well known in the renewables space, which is also the forte of more junior lawyer Annelise Karreman. Warren Lilien has a strong client base of private equity sponsors, and Cameron Lyons has minerals, metals and chemicals work as part of a broad practice. Renewables expert Daniel Sinaiko and Washington DC-based Scott Cockerham are further key names to note. The team operates out of New York unless otherwise stated.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Terrific expertise on project finance for energy companies.’
‘I have come to rely heavily on Paul Hunt for his experience, his judgment and his negotiation skills.’
‘Latham can bring a multitude of talented lawyers to manage hugely complex project financing transactions. Not many firms can replicate that ability. Plus, the top talent are exceptional communicators and lawyers.’
‘Hamad Al Hoshan is terrific. He is incredibly talented, committed and tenacious. His communications skills are top-notch.’
‘Extremely deep knowledge of the market and are on the cutting edge of transactions in the energy sector.’
‘Omar Nazif, Kelly Cataldo and Eli Katz are exceptional partners at Latham. Omar and Kelly are extremely commercial and have a great understanding of what it takes to get financings to a close. They also have a great deal of insight on novel transaction structures and Eli has been instrumental on navigating the implementation of the IRA into the financing of renewable projects.’
‘The Latham team brings deep industry knowledge to support us and contextualize key business decisions in support of our development and financing activities. The team are skilled problem solvers and have a strong commercial acumen and business sense that can otherwise get lost in legal minutiae by other firms. In addition, we have noted and appreciated the Latham teams discipled approach to billing and managing our numerous matters with them. The scope of the franchise is strong and we have turned to Latham to help us in a number of matters outside of the ordinary course. They are always willing and capable of stepping up to the plate for us.’
‘Chirag Deanna and Patrick Nevins are our key relationship partners. They are closely intertwined with our business affairs, deadlines, and key milestones on their own initiative. We have been impressed by their responsiveness and how well-prepared they are, at a moment's notice, to support our urgent and regular-course requests. They have also managed the broader deal teams effectively by drawing from a deep bench of skilled senior and junior associates.’
Key clients
- Apollo Management
- Ares Capital
- Avenue Capital
- BMO Capital Markets
- The Carlyle Group
- Conterra Ultra Broadband Holdings
- Credit Agricole Corporation & Investment Bank
- Energy Capital Partners
- Global Infrastructure Partners
- Harvestone Low Carbon Partners, LP
Work highlights
- Advised Cedar LNG Partners LP on achieving a positive final investment decision for the Cedar LNG Project, a floating LNG facility located in the traditional territory of the Haisla Nation, on Canada’s West Coast.
- Advised the lenders in SB Energy Global’s $2.4bn finance to support energy communities with renewable energy in Milam County, Texas.
- Advised the lenders on a $1.25bn project financing and construction warehouse facility for the Morrow Lake Solar project, a 200MW solar electricity generation facility in Texas developed by Leeward Renewable Energy.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
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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
Jeff Greenberg
Other key lawyers
Jason Webber; Matthew Henegar; Gianluca Bacchiocchi; Daniel Sinaiko; Chirag Dedania; Kelly Cataldo; Guido Liniado; Omar Nazif; Cameron Lyons; Chris Peponis; Annelise Karreman; Scott Cockerman; Hamad Al Hoshan; Eli Katz; Patrick Nevins