Scott Cockerham > A&O Shearman > Washington DC, United States > Lawyer Profile

Clients of A&O Shearman appreciate that its practitioners have ‘long-focused their practices in renewables‘ and the firm’s longevity in the area makes it well placed to assist with a diverse range of matters. Issues including energy project and platform M&A and JV transactions, regulatory advice, project structuring and funding, exit strategies, and liaison with government authorities are all within the wheelhouse of the department, which is headed by Daniel Sinaiko (Los Angeles) and Dorina Yessios (New York). Andrea Lucan, whose recent experience includes a number of wind energy project investments, and Matthew Nesburn, who is well versed in advising sponsors, PE funds and banks, are further key names in Los Angeles, while in New York, Jennifer Wnek is an up-and-coming name in major renewable energy transactions. Scott Cockerham (Washington DC) and Kfir Abutbul (New York) were additions to the department in August 2023, from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP and Paul Hastings LLP respectively, but John Marciano and Greg Lavigne both left the team in October 2023.

‘One of the most active firms in the area of project finance’, with the ability to ‘provide a keen understanding of what’s going on in the market at any time’, A&O Shearman advises marquee industry players alongside a wealth of financial sponsors and asset managers on a broad range of renewables and energy transition assets, as well as large-scale infrastructure projects that includes airport expansion work, toll road developments, and university utility ventures – amongst others. Los Angeles’ Dorina Yessios heads up  the US projects, energy, natural resources and infrastructure practice and is lauded for her ‘ample experience in Latin American markets’. Scott Cockerham joined the Washington DC office from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in 2023 to add further tax equity financing and tax credit transaction expertise to the group, with a strong focus on renewables work, while the Los Angeles-based Matthew Nesburn‘s broad skillset is frequently utilized by clients engaged with early stage energy projects. Jennifer Wnek is a key figure in New York for renewables financings, with recent work highlights heavily featuring large-scale solar portfolios. Infrastructure specialists Kent Rowey and Jillian Ashley operate out of New York and Los Angeles respectively and have extensive experience counselling on the full asset lifecycle, and boast a number of significant projects in their book of work that includes the JFK New Terminal One PPP and the SH 288 toll road in Texas. New York’s Nisim (Niso) Matari is a crucial supporting presence on infrastructure matters relating to lenders, sponsors and investors, while the Washington DC-based Michael Sykes has a growing practice primarily focused on federal income tax issues. John Marciano left the practice in October 2023. Sam Kamyans left the firm in June 2023, while Greg Lavigne departed in October 2023. Following the merger of Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling, the practice has further expanded its capabilities. Shearman & Sterling LLP‘s client roster comprises of a host of large-cap private sponsors, multinational lenders, and government agencies who engage the firm for representation in big-ticket, consequential PPP transactions – from the structuring, procurement, development and financing. Key components of the firm’s varied work include transport and aviation projects, domestic and international desalination facilities, microgrid developments, and university campus and utility upgrades. The practice is chaired by the highly experienced Cynthia Urda Kassis, who advises on complex cross-border energy and infrastructure projects with the capabilities to preside over bespoke financing structures. Paul Epstein is highly active and is a key name for major government agencies such as the US Department of Transport, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, and the US Department of Energy, advising on financing and development issues. Mona Dajani  left the firm in December 2023, whereas Jorge Medina departed in January 2024 and former practice co-head Daniel Sinaiko left in April 2024.