Global law firm K&L Gates LLP welcomes David L. Benson and David P. Hattery as partners in the energy practice and Michael S. Kelley as a partner in the tax practice of the firm’s Seattle office. Benson and Hattery join K&L Gates from Stoel Rives LLP, while Kelley, a former member of the firm from 2001 to 2010, returns from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
With experience in debt and equity finance, including tax equity and international transactions, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and other strategic alliances, Benson advises on the development and financing, including tax equity, of a variety of energy projects, such as wind, solar, biomass, thermal, and energy transmission and storage. He also represents clients in negotiating a wide range of energy project agreements — including joint development; engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC); and operation and maintenance agreements — and counsels clients on matters involving clean energy, smart grid, and energy efficiency technologies.
Hattery advises clients, including energy project developers, contractors, owners, and operators, on issues involving the development, design, construction, and operation of energy infrastructure projects. He has extensive experience in drafting and negotiating project development agreements. This includes equipment supply and turnkey EPC contracts and operations and maintenance agreements for both domestic and international projects and projects using both traditional fuels and renewable energy resources.
“The Seattle office is pleased to welcome these exceptional lawyers to K&L Gates,” said Philip M. Guess, Administrative Partner of K&L Gates’ Seattle office. “Our new partners deliver top-notch legal service in the energy sector informed by years of experience with many types of projects and transactions. They are a welcome addition to our regional, national, and global energy practice.”
K&L Gates has a robust practice serving clients in the energy industry, including depth and breadth of capabilities in the fast-growing global renewable energy sector. The firm’s global presence has been strengthened this year with the addition of energy partners in the firm’s London, Los Angeles, Portland, Houston, and Washington, D.C., offices.
With a focus on state and local tax law, Kelley regularly advises clients on matters involving tax planning, credit and incentive recoveries, audit defense, tax restructurings, and a special emphasis on Internet sales. He also represents public and private entities in administrative appeals, superior court, and court of appeals tax controversies.
“We are pleased to welcome Mike back to the firm and offer his extensive state tax experience to clients located in the Pacific Northwest and throughout the nation,” said Guess. “State tax issues are becoming increasingly important to our clients, especially e-commerce, manufacturing, and energy companies. Mike’s state tax knowledge, experience, and contacts will be invaluable in assisting our clients to manage the risks and costs of such taxes both locally and across the United States.”
