‘Very responsive, commercial, and problem-solving oriented’, Baker McKenzie LLP‘s renewable energy offering is a frequent fixture in financing deals across both domestic and international projects. The wider firm’s international scope and structure makes it a popular destination for foreign clients investing into the US renewables market. A trio of partners coordinate the industry group: Clyde Rankin, senior counsel at the New York office and a veteran advisor to sponsors on energy projects; José Morán in Chicago, who has a strong recent track record in wind projects; and James O’Brien, who is also based in Chicago and is a senior figure across project financing. Further key figures include Stan Sirot and tax expert Maher Haddad, both of whom also work at the Chicago office.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The Baker McKenzie team we work with is fantastic. They are very responsive, commercial, and problem-solving oriented. Their drafting skills are also impeccable.'
  • 'James O'Brien and Stan Sirot are my primary partner contacts and they're both excellent. They are very commercial and have a great sense of what we are trying to accomplish in our deals, and how to get the deal over the line most efficiently.'

Key clients

  • Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc.
  • Siemens Financial Services, Inc (Aggregation Debt Facility)
  • Burnham RNG LLC
  • EDF Renewables, Inc.
  • J-POWER USA Investment Co., Ltd.

Work highlights

  • Represented Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital in its acquisition of 50% interest in a portfolio of onshore wind, utility-scale solar projects.
  • Represented Siemens Financial Services in closing several borrowings under an existing $100m senior secured revolving credit facility for the development of a portfolio of commercial and industrial solar and storage projects.
  • Advised Burnham RNG as the sponsor in a secured mezzanine financing to support the construction of the Pasco Resource Recovery Center.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Clyde Rankin, José Morán, James O'Brien

Other key lawyers

Stan Sivot, Maher Haddad