Akin Gump today announced that Julian Nichol will be joining the firm in London as a partner in its global project finance practice. Mr. Nichol, who focuses on project finance and transactional energy and natural resources matters, comes to Akin Gump from Bracewell in London, where he headed the EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) power group and co-headed the firmwide oil and gas practice.
Mr. Nichol advises investors from across EMEA looking to invest in the U.S. and around the world, as well as international investors looking to invest in EMEA. His focus is on the acquisition, disposal, development and project financing of independent power generation projects and power transmission/distribution projects. With EMEA as a growth region in the power and projects sector, his arrival at Akin Gump in London will complement the firm’s existing global practice and broaden the practice’s experience relating to both conventional and renewable energy projects.
Working closely with the London, U.S. and UAE energy and finance lawyers, Mr. Nichol and his experience developing and financing power projects in the U.K., the Middle East, South America and Africa will enhance the firm’s client offerings and further expand its capabilities in these regions.
“Julian represents another very strong addition to our global energy and project finance team,” said Akin Gump chairperson Kim Koopersmith. “His particular experience with conventional power projects, coupled with his focus on projects in emerging economies, will be a significant benefit to our clients around the world. I am delighted Julian is joining the firm.”
Added Sebastian Rice, partner in charge of Akin Gump’s London office, “Broadening the firm’s project finance, power and energy capabilities in London fits perfectly with our strategic objectives in this area. Julian’s arrival will further strengthen our global project finance practice and will help us to further develop our offering to clients in Europe, the Middle East, the U.S. and beyond who are looking to finance projects internationally.”
“Akin Gump’s global platform and expansive work in the energy industry present an ideal complement to my practice,” commented Mr. Nichol. “My skills and experience are a great fit with the firm’s client base and service offerings, and I am excited to help continue building out the firm’s project finance and energy platforms across both established and emerging markets.”
Source: www.akingump.com
