North America - United States • Energy
Winston & Strawn LLP
The renewable energy team at Winston & Strawn LLP is 'well connected' and 'very plugged into the sector‘, continuing to handle standout transactions from across the renewable and alternative energy sphere. A standout recent matter has seen the team representing MUFG investing in a battery energy storage project in California, which is among the first transactions taking advantage of the transferability provision in the Inflation Reduction Act. Rich Shutran (New York), Mike Blankenship (Houston), and Mike Pikiel (New York) jointly coordinate the department, with Shutran being the dedicated energy sector specialist. For renewable energy project finance, Laurae Rossi in Los Angeles is a key contact, as is more junior partner Hao Huang, who works closely with Rossi. Of counsels Danielle Young and Anne Gibbons add further depth in Los Angeles, while in New York, Jonathan Birenbaum is a senior figure with involvement in the renewables sector.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘W&S's renewable team is very plugged into the sector and well-connected. Their knowledge of the industry and deal structuring within it is very good.’
‘Jonathan Birenbaum is exceptional at connecting with people--clients, opposing party's counsel, etc. He is very good at finding solutions that work for everyone, and also good at telling clients what they may need to hear, even if they don't like it.’
‘The way they collaborate to find the best possible solutions in challenging transactions, while also keeping at the top of their mind the importance my firm sees is both sides being satisfied with the end result.’
‘Jonathan Birenbaum continues to be at the top of our list as go to partners in any of our transactions. His knowledge across the board is top notch, and his problem solving ability makes every transaction as seamless as possible. He always maintains a consistent and friendly demeanor, that reassures everyone that a solution can always be found.’
Key clients
- American Petroleum Institute
- MUFG Bank, Ltd.
- Petros PACE Finance, LLC
Work highlights
- Represented MUFG Bank as lender’s counsel in connection with a $300m debt financing to Arevon Energy for the Vikings 157 MWDC solar plus 150 MW/600 MWh of battery energy storage in Imperial County, California.
- Acted for American Petroleum Institute (API) in a claim that the Jones Act did not apply to the transportation of scour-protection stones for a wind energy project near Martha’s Vineyard.
- Represented a group of institutional investors in a $202m private placement of senior secured notes to be issued by Nautilus Solar Energy for a community solar project.
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Practice head
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Rich Shutran, Mike Pikiel, Mike Blankenship