Patrick is a renewable energy attorney with a transactional skillset and a strong regulatory background.
Patrick began his legal career in 2006 at an energy-focused boutique law firm in the D.C. area, where he quickly discovered that he thrived on the complexity of the energy sector. With a pre-law background in the construction industry, he already had the necessary project-based mindset, and he was excited about the potential of the renewable energy world. Patrick cut his teeth on regulatory work for regional transmission organizations, advising clients on matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and state public utility commissions. However, he determined that his primary interest was power generation rather than transmission, and he knew his goal was to assist with transactions in the renewable energy space.
After gaining experience with a larger firm in mergers, acquisitions, and other project finance work for both renewable projects and general corporate transactions, Patrick accepted an in-house role as associate general counsel to a solar project owner and operator. Thanks to the company’s business model, which relied on acquisitions of solar projects ranging from early-stage to operating assets, Patrick worked extensively on such acquisitions, including negotiating and drafting membership interest purchase agreements, asset purchase agreements, and development services agreements. Patrick also focused on the company’s revenue agreements, routinely negotiating and drafting its power purchase agreements, net energy metering agreements, and solar renewable energy certificate purchase and sale agreements. Patrick also oversaw the company’s regulatory work.
Patrick’s time in-house taught him how extensive client project needs are, and he joined Husch Blackwell out of a desire to be part of a firm that could offer renewable energy developers a full suite of services. He guides clients through project acquisitions, power purchase agreements, and other transactions, primarily in the renewable industry; however, he assists with general corporate transactions as well. He has worked with both utility-scale developments as well as community solar projects. Patrick also provides regulatory advice to energy clients. As a former associate general counsel, he readily understands the breadth of client projects, and clients value his in-depth knowledge of their needs at every stage of the project life cycle.