#United States #Latham & Watkins #Houston #Energy Infrastructure #Project Finance

Strengthening Leadership in Energy and Infrastructure

Latham & Watkins LLP recently announced the integration of five distinguished partners into its Project Development and Finance Practice. This strategic move aims to bolster the firm's already impressive expertise, reflecting an increasing demand for comprehensive advice in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

The newly on-boarded partners, Jason Bennett, Matthew Fusina, Thomas Holmberg, Jessica Adkins, and Charles (Chase) Armbrust, bring significant experience from their previous roles, which enhances the scope of Latham's practice in complex energy projects. These professionals are known for their elite knowledge in developing and financing various sectors, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), renewable energy, data centers, and oil and gas.

Having joined from Baker Botts, Bennett, Fusina, and Holmberg are recognized as one of the leading teams globally for executing sophisticated energy and infrastructure projects. Each partner possesses a wealth of industry knowledge, having worked on high-stakes transactions and providing invaluable insights that can only be gained from years of experience and expertise in their respective fields.

Adkins, known for her specialization in electric power and renewable energy, adds another layer of depth to the team. Her experience encompasses negotiating power purchase agreements, handling complex offtake arrangements, and navigating the intricate landscape of commodity hedging and power supply issues relevant to data centers. Coming from Sidley Austin, she is well-prepared to contribute strategically to Latham's pursuits.

Chase Armbrust, who transitions from Orrick, is acknowledged as a highly respected finance lawyer focused on the ever-evolving energy and infrastructure landscape. His proficiency lies in structuring debt financing for diverse projects, ranging from utility-scale solar and wind installations to biomass and thermal power systems. His role is crucial as the industry shifts toward more sustainable energy solutions.

Rich Trobman, Chair and Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins, expressed enthusiasm about the new additions, stating, "Their successful careers and commitment to excellence are a testament to our firm's innovative spirit in the energy sector. Our practice is at the forefront of transformation, and their presence reinforces our leadership position."

This acquisition underscores a broader trend within the industry where law firms are increasingly called upon to deliver robust support throughout the complete lifecycle of energy projects, a sentiment echoed by Justin T. Stolte, Global Chair of the Energy Infrastructure Group at Latham. "Investors in AI infrastructure, LNG, and renewable energy require astute advisors who can address all aspects of their initiatives. The arrival of this skilled group serves as a strategic enhancement to our capabilities in this growing market, solidifying our objective of being the most sought-after firm in this area."

Chirag Dedania, Global Co-Chair of the Project Development Finance Practice at Latham, also emphasized the necessity for high-quality advisory services in light of the growing complexity and demand in energy and infrastructure investments. He remarked, "These five partners improve our capacity to support clients comprehensively. In a time of rapid change and innovation within the sector, our expanded team better positions us at the leading edge of the global market."

The arrival of these exceptional talents in Texas not only amplifies Latham's standing in the energy and infrastructure spheres but aligns with the firm's strategic vision for growth. Nick Dhesi, Managing Partner of Latham's Houston office, noted, "This expansion reflects our commitment to enhancing our capabilities in Texas and worldwide, demonstrating our aggressive plans to address the evolving needs of our clients."

Conclusion

With a focus on innovation, client service, and domain proficiency, Latham & Watkins is poised to navigate the complexities and challenges in the energy and infrastructure sectors, driven by its newly enhanced leadership team. The law firm continues to be a destination of choice for top legal talent, demonstrating its resolve to support the industry's evolution and respond effectively to client needs.