Best Project Finance Lawyers in United States

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Davies & Associates, LLC
New York, United States

Founded in 2020
100 people in their team
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Banking & Finance Project Finance Tax Increment Financing +9 more
Davies & Associates ("D&A") has grown to become the largest global law firm specializing in US, UK and Italian business and investment immigration together with Citizenship and Residency by Investment (together, “CBI”).  Our lawyers are regarded as the leaders in the US E2...
Lippes Mathias LLP
Albany, United States

Founded in 1965
177 people in their team
English
Lippes Mathias LLP is a full-service law firm with more than 135 attorneys serving clients regionally, nationally, and internationally. With offices in Buffalo, N.Y.; Albany, N.Y.; Burlington, Ontario; Chicago, Ill.; New York City; Jacksonville, Fla; and Washington, D.C., the firm represents a wide...
Outlook Law, LLC
Anchorage, United States

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
English
Outlook Law, LLC, is a nationally recognized firm cultivated with over twenty years of helping businesses navigate rules and regulations surrounding Government Contracting, Small Business Administration Programs, Corporate Governance, Compliance Training, and more.We represent clients from the...
Fennemore Craig, P.C.
Phoenix, United States

Founded in 1885
363 people in their team
English
For 135+ years, Fennemore has provided legal counsel to help clients thrive in a complex, evolving business and legal landscape. We deliver forward-thinking advocacy to generate value for clients and help them keep pace with the rate of change by protecting legal interests and identifying...
Bailey Glasser
Birmingham, United States

Founded in 1999
123 people in their team
English
Founded by Ben Bailey and Brian Glasser in 1999 in Charleston, West Virginia, Bailey Glasser has grown to include 76 lawyers, with 17 offices across the United States. The firm’s complex litigation practice focuses on high-stakes commercial litigation; class actions for consumers, insureds,...
Burch & Cracchiolo, P.A.
Phoenix, United States

Founded in 1970
200 people in their team
English
About Burch & CracchioloNow with 50+ law professionals in its Phoenix office, Burch & Cracchiolo, P.A. is one of the Southwest's premier law firms. Our firm was founded 54 years ago by Haze Burch and Dan Cracchiolo, both now deceased. Today, our lawyers are among the most highly...
Dickinson, Mackaman, Tyler & Hagen, P.C.
Des Moines, United States

Founded in 1936
55 people in their team
English
Dickinson, Mackaman, Tyler & Hagen, P.C. is a general practice law firm in Des Moines, Iowa. Our attorneys provide a full range of legal and business counseling services to a client base that includes large corporations, small businesses, governmental entities, and not-for-profit organizations...
Pierce Atwood LLP
Augusta, United States

Founded in 1891
298 people in their team
English
Pierce Atwood LLP is a highly-regarded full-service law firm based in New England, recognized nationally and internationally for its expertise in complex and class action litigation, energy production and distribution, midmarket mergers and acquisitions, information security and technology,...
Morgan & Morgan
Panama City, United States

Founded in 1923
1,000 people in their team
Spanish
English
Our law firmWith 100 years of successful trajectory, Morgan & Morgan is a full-service Panamanian law firm, regularly assisting local and multinational corporations from different industries, as well as recognized financial institutions, government agencies, and individual clients.We support...
Bradley
Birmingham, United States

Founded in 1870
1,000 people in their team
English
Bradley is a national law firm with a reputation for skilled legal work, exceptional client service, and impeccable integrity. We provide business clients around the world with a full suite of legal services in dozens of industries and practice areas.With 13 offices located in Alabama, Florida,...
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About Project Finance Law in United States

Project finance is a legal and financial framework primarily used for the development and operation of large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects, such as power plants, toll roads, airports, and energy facilities. In the United States, project finance typically channels funding through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) created specifically to own and operate the project. The main characteristic of project finance is that repayment of the loan is reliant primarily on the future cash flow generated by the project itself, rather than on the general assets or creditworthiness of the project sponsors.

Legal structures for project finance in the United States often involve complex contractual arrangements including loan agreements, construction and operating contracts, supply agreements, and government approvals. U.S. federal, state, and local regulations can play key roles, particularly in sectors such as energy, transportation, and telecommunications. Attorneys specializing in project finance help navigate this multifaceted legal landscape to ensure successful project completion and legal compliance.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are several scenarios in project finance that often require the involvement of a qualified lawyer. Some common reasons for seeking legal help include:

  • Drafting and negotiating complex project documents such as loan agreements, partnership contracts, and construction agreements.
  • Ensuring compliance with a wide range of federal, state, and local laws, including zoning, permitting, and environmental regulations.
  • Structuring the project to minimize tax liabilities and protect the interests of sponsors, lenders, and contractors.
  • Handling disputes among stakeholders or between the project and third parties, which may result in arbitration or litigation.
  • Obtaining necessary permits and licenses, and navigating regulatory approval processes for infrastructure or energy projects.
  • Managing risks associated with project delays, cost overruns, or unforeseen events.
  • Advising on public-private partnerships (P3s) and structuring cross-border or multi-jurisdictional projects.

Local Laws Overview

Project finance in the United States is shaped by several legal frameworks at the federal, state, and municipal levels. Some of the most relevant legal aspects include:

  • Securities Laws: Projects involving public offerings or private placements must comply with federal and state securities laws overseen by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
  • Contract Law: State contract law governs most project finance agreements, making it essential to ensure that all documentation complies with the relevant jurisdiction's requirements.
  • Environmental Regulations: Federal statutes such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and state-level laws require environmental review and permitting for many infrastructure projects.
  • Zoning and Land Use Regulations: Projects must comply with local zoning, land acquisition, and building codes.
  • Tax Laws: Tax structuring strategies, such as the use of tax credits or exemptions (e.g., for renewable energy projects), are vital components of many project finance deals.
  • Public-Private Partnerships: P3s must adhere to statutes and regulations that enable public entities to partner with private developers.

Each state may have its own statutory and regulatory nuances, so it is important to consult with a lawyer who understands both federal statutes and the local rules where the project is located.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is project finance?

Project finance is a method of financing large-scale projects, where lenders and investors primarily rely on the projected cash flow from the project for repayment, rather than the general assets or credit of the project sponsors.

What types of projects commonly use project finance structures?

Typical projects include power plants, renewable energy facilities, toll roads, bridges, airports, oil and gas infrastructure, and telecommunications networks.

Who are the main parties involved in a project finance transaction?

Key parties usually include project sponsors, lenders (often banks or bondholders), contractors, suppliers, government agencies, and sometimes insurers or equity investors.

What is a special purpose vehicle (SPV), and why is it important?

An SPV is a legal entity created solely to develop, own, and operate the project. It isolates the project’s assets, liabilities, and cash flows from the sponsors, helping manage risks and facilitate financing.

What are the main legal documents involved in project finance?

Essential documents generally include loan agreements, construction contracts, operation and maintenance contracts, supply and offtake agreements, government permits, and shareholder agreements.

How are risks typically managed in project finance deals?

Risks are allocated among the various parties through detailed contractual arrangements, insurance policies, hedging strategies, and due diligence during the planning phase.

Do project finance transactions require regulatory approvals?

Most large infrastructure projects require various approvals, such as environmental permits, federal or state regulatory clearances, and sometimes antitrust review.

What is non-recourse or limited recourse financing?

In non-recourse or limited recourse financing, lenders’ claims are limited to the assets and cash flows of the project, with little or no recourse to the sponsors’ other assets.

Why is due diligence important in project finance?

Legal and financial due diligence helps assess project feasibility, identify potential legal or regulatory barriers, and ensure that all risks are appropriately addressed in project documents.

How can a lawyer help with project finance?

A lawyer can draft, review, and negotiate agreements, ensure legal compliance, assist in obtaining permits, structure the project effectively, manage disputes, and advise on regulatory and tax considerations.

Additional Resources

Those seeking further information or guidance on project finance in the United States may find the following organizations helpful:

  • United States Department of Energy (for energy infrastructure projects and federal loan guarantees)
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (oversight of power projects)
  • U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (for securities law compliance and public offerings)
  • American Bar Association - Section of Public Utility, Communications and Transportation Law
  • State and local permitting and environmental agencies in the jurisdiction where the project is located
  • National Association of Bond Lawyers (for public financing updates)
  • Local chambers of commerce or economic development agencies for regional project info

Next Steps

If you are considering or involved in a project that may benefit from project finance, your first step should be to consult with an attorney experienced in this area of law. Gather key information about your project, including its scope, location, anticipated stakeholders, and potential risks. During your consultation, discuss the project’s financial structure, required permits, and any uncertainties or concerns you may have regarding compliance, contracts, or risk allocation. The right legal counsel will guide you through the complexities of project finance, help protect your interests, and increase the likelihood of a successful project outcome. If you are uncertain how to proceed, consider reaching out to a local bar association for a referral or contacting relevant governmental bodies for initial guidance.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in United States through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Project Finance, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in United States - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.