Thelen LLP

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Thelen LLP has consistently been on the leading edge of the renewable and alternative energy industry. We have advised and represented clients across the spectrum of technologies, including wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, landfill gas, and hydroelectric. We are internationally recognized as one of the premier energy law firms, having been an industry leader for over 80 years.

We have a wealth of experience in handling the unique legal and regulatory issues faced by participants in the rapidly-changing renewable energy sector, and offer our clients an integrated and multi-jurisdictional approach designed to meet all of their needs. Our attorneys have represented lenders, investors, developers, owners, purchasers, contractors, suppliers, and other service providers in connection with projects at every stage, from pre-development, siting, and environmental review, through permitting and construction, to ownership, operation, and ultimate disposition.

Financing, Development, and Power Purchase Agreements
Thelen has more than 30 years of experience in renewable energy, including the development and financing of what is still the world's largest thermal solar generation facility (310 megawatts), along with some of the first commercial-scale wind farms in theUnited States. We advise clients in all aspects of the financing, development, and construction of renewable energy projects. We not only offer deep expertise in project finance and development, but also have a construction practice that is recognized as the finest in the country and one of the best in the world. We are one of the leading firms in advising clients in the renewable energy sector on power purchase, energy sales, and hedging arrangements, and we represent active developers and investors looking to acquire or sell interests in on-going projects, and passive investors seeking cash returns, investment and production tax credits, and depreciation benefits. Our lawyers regularly work with lenders, tax equity investors, and borrowers in structuring and negotiating development, construction and long-term debt, lease, and other financing arrangements for solar projects.

Regulatory Practice
Thelen has significant experience in addressing the regulatory issues that impact renewable energy, including renewable portfolio standards, utility procurement and interconnection requirements, siting and permitting requirements, incentive programs, renewable energy credits, metering, and more. We have broad expertise on renewable energy at both the state and federal levels, and we are familiar with both the substance and process of the regulation of all sources of renewable energy. Our Renewable Energy practice group has tremendous experience inpracticing before state and federal energy regulatory agencies, and includes attorneys that have held high-level positions with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission. Thelen's Regulatory attorneys can advise renewable energy clients on regulatory requirements, represent them in regulatory proceedings, and help them obtain needed regulatory approvals.

Growing Companies
Thelen provides its renewable energy clients with a comprehensive range of legal services designed to meet all of their needs. We advise founders and companies regarding structural issues, financing, taxation, employment, and technology protection. We also regularly represent private equity clients in private placements of equity and debt (convertible, secured, and unsecured), acquisition of control or minority positions; mergers and acquisitions of public and privately held companies; management buyouts; asset sales, PIPES, acquisition financing, restructurings, and workouts; entity formation and corporate governance; federal securities laws; joint ventures; intellectual property; and technology licensing. Our long-standing involvement with the venture capital and private equity communities, as well as our close relationships with various key members of these communities, has proven to be an important resource for our clients.

Protecting Intellectual Property
In an industry where the protection of intellectual property is critical, our firm takes a systematic and strategic approach to the protection and defense of each client's intellectual property assets. We help our clients develop, plan, and protect their IP portfolios via patent and trademark filings, copyright maintenance, proposed guidelines for business practices, and the careful application of contractual provisions addressing invention assignment, non-disclosure issues, and non-competition.

Service
Because our clients are key players in today's global economy, we have developed an Energy practice that serves their changing needs. Nowhere is this more important than in the rapidly growing renewable energy field, where frequent changes in the statutory and regulatory landscape pose unique challenges for market participants. We utilize a team approach, including attorneys located on the East and West Coasts, to ensure that the right mix of expertise and experience is available to address the particular issues that our clients are confronting. We have 80 years of experience in the energy industry and over 90 energy attorneys. We offer depth and breadth of experience, individualized client service, and a commitment to excellence.

To learn more about Thelen's Renewable Energy practice, please contact the following: