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Overview

With a primary focus on energy and natural resources, Charles assists clients with corporate transactions, securities and governance matters.

Charles came to the practice of law with an insatiable desire to learn and a love of solving problems. Particularly fascinated by business operations and business questions, he dove into corporate transaction work soon after graduating from law school. Charles gained experience early in his career representing clients in corporate governance matters, cross-border deals, and complex mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures valued in the hundreds of millions to billions of dollars. He soon began to focus on lenders in renewable energy project finance transactions and work involving secured credit facilities for utility-scale energy projects.

Today, Charles devotes much of his practice to sponsor-side work, assisting renewable energy developers and owners with corporate transactions, financing and governance matters. His experience representing lenders gives him an inside perspective on negotiations, often helping him achieve favorable deals for clients more efficiently. Charles also serves clients in mergers, acquisitions and securities transactions throughout the life cycle of their businesses and across a range of industries.

Charles sees energy as one of the world’s most exciting industries: he is passionate about the growth of renewables and increasing innovation that is fostering the field’s potential to build a better future. With his love of learning, he also appreciates the opportunity to work closely to the cutting edge of such a rapidly growing and changing industry.

Known as a comprehensive and thorough thinker, Charles knows that legal issues don’t occur in a vacuum, and he knows that clients’ primary interest is their business. He seeks to meet clients where they are, listen in depth to their needs and present legal advice that helps them achieve business growth and continued success.

Industry

Services

Recognition

  • California Legal Awards, Lawyers on the Fast Track, 2022
  • National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, 2021, 2022

Education

  • J.D., Harvard Law School
  • B.A., Western Michigan University
    • summa cum laude

Admissions

  • California
  • Michigan

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • California Lawyers Association


*Charles works remotely, practicing in Grand Rapids, MI. Contact Charles via e-mail or phone for in-person or virtual meetings. Use our Los Angeles office address for mail/deliveries only.
2023 Pro Bono Contributor
Experience
  • Served as lead associate on transactions representing private equity and strategic buyers.
  • Drafted purchase agreements and ancillary documents for domestic and cross-border transactions, including minority investments in technology and energy ventures.
  • Counseled early-stage clients in connection with venture financing and governance.
  • Served as lead associate on multiple transactions involving secured credit facilities for utility-scale energy projects, including $140 million facility for portfolio of battery storage projects.
  • Drafted financing documents in connection with project construction and refinancing, including credit agreements, collateral documents, assignment agreements and regulatory and contractual consents.
  • Represented clients in the entertainment, sports and media industries in corporate transactions including complex mergers and acquisitions, capital markets and corporate governance matters.
  • Drafted purchase agreement governing sale of $1.4B interest in video streaming joint venture.
  • Prepared SEC filings and advised controlling shareholder in sale of European media network.
  • Drafted purchase agreement in connection with purchase of NBA team and arena.
  • Served as counsel to a consortium of orthopedic practices—The Orthopedic Institute of Wisconsin—in the roll up and sale of 14 Wisconsin-based groups and two ambulatory surgery centers to Surgery Partners.
  • Represented PCB Financial in its recently announced acquisition of Northern California Bancorp where NCB and its wholly owned subsidiary Monterey County Bank are now wholly owned subsidiaries of PCB.
Speaking Engagements | February 2, 2024
Panelist, "Corporate Law," MWBLSA 56th Regional Convention
Outside the Office

Charles is a huge football and basketball fan who loves rooting for teams from his home state of Michigan. He is a student of the sweet science of boxing who trains regularly, and he adores fishing as often as possible. Thanks to his passion for learning, he also enjoys relaxing by taking in documentaries, especially those that focus on history, nature, science or technology.

When he has time to travel, Charles is a fan of street art and loves checking out murals and other outdoor art pieces. He’s discovered that local art is an excellent way to get to know a community, both near his home and further afield.