Sidley Austin LLP is pleased to announce that Sean M. Moran and Michael Joyce have joined the firm as partners in the Los Angeles office. Mr. Moran and Mr. Joyce focus their practices on the use of complex and innovative structures to finance projects in the renewable energy field, as well as in fossil fuel and other infrastructure assets.

“We welcome the broad range of talents and experience that Sean and Michael bring to Sidley in the areas of energy, project finance, tax and corporate transactions,” said Anne E. Rea, the member of Sidley’s Management Committee responsible for its West Coast offices. “They join our rapidly expanding energy platform soon after the opening of our Houston office and they are among the most respected lawyers in the country when it comes to developing innovative structures for renewable energy projects.”

Mr. Moran was instrumental in the creation and use of the PAPS structure, which has become the standard for renewable energy deals in the United States, and he has handled many of the largest and most complex of these transactions. His clients include Fortune 25/50 companies and a broad variety of investors, utilities, sponsors and developers that are among the largest investors in the renewable energy market. Collectively these clients have invested more than $15 billion in renewable energy generation, including solar, geothermal, biomass, biofuels, waste-to-energy and wind facilities located in 32 states that generate over 13000 megawatts per annum. Mr. Moran also represents clients in fossil fuel energy generation facilities and other infrastructure projects, including coal, natural gas and oil and gas facilities, transmission systems, toll roads, transportation systems, and water and waste treatment facilities.

Mr. Joyce has assisted clients on numerous transactions in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Recent transactions have focused on renewable energy projects for a wide range of assets, including solar, wind, geothermal and biomass projects.

“Sidley’s global platform, including its 30 years of experience practicing in Asia and its highly respected project finance and energy groups in Washington, New York, Houston and Los Angeles, provides an exceptional opportunity for Michael and me to expand our practices and provide the best possible services to our clients,” Mr. Moran said.

Mr. Moran has an LL.M. in tax from New York University School of Law. He earned a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and a B.S. from Fordham University. Mr. Joyce received his J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law and his B.A. from Claremont McKenna College.

Earlier this month, Sidley opened its 18th office in Houston, Texas, which represents a significant expansion of the firm’s service to energy-based clients.

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