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Overview

Brian draws on more than a decade of industry experience to advise clients on development and site control matters for renewable energy projects.

After law school, Brian and a business partner opened and managed their own firm for nearly 15 years, providing him with a solid understanding of what business management truly means—and how very much is on the desks of business clients. His Charlottesville, Virginia location meant that his firm’s practice was dominated by real estate, development and financing work for clean energy projects, and he quickly discovered how much he enjoyed working in a new, developing industry. He was excited to help clients create best practices and loved helping them navigate the new energy market.

Brian assisted with the development of utility-scale wind, solar and battery storage projects across more than 20 states; negotiated real estate, generator-interconnection, site control and asset purchase agreements; and provided counsel and support on state law issues, due diligence and financing matters. His experience also includes new market initiatives such as distributed solar generation, shared agri-voltaic grazing and hybrid clean energy/hydrogen production. At Husch Blackwell, Brian focuses his current practice on early-stage development and site control for renewable energy projects.

Known for his ability to think on his feet in negotiations and for his gift at breaking down complex concepts, Brian is dedicated to walking clients through each stage of the process and ensuring they understand his legal advice and the relevant regulations. He has also built a reputation as an attorney who is always looking ahead for potential problems: Brian’s goal is to prevent any possible later difficulties at the beginning of a project, protecting clients years into the future.

Industry

Services

Education

  • J.D., University of Virginia School of Law
  • B.S., Pennsylvania State University
    • magna cum laude
    • Crime, Law and Justice

Admissions

  • Virginia

Brian is associated with the Washington, DC office for telephone and mail purposes only. He is not admitted to practice in District of Columbia.

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • Charlottesville Albemarle County Bar Association


*Brian works remotely and is licensed in Virginia, practicing in Charlottesville, VA. Contact Brian via email or phone for in-person/virtual meetings. Use the Washington, DC office address for mail/deliveries only.
Experience
  • Assisted national clean energy developer in development of utility-scale wind, solar and battery storage projects.
  • Drafted and negotiated real estate agreements for wind and solar energy projects across 20+ states with a total intended generating capacity in excess of 10,000 MW.
  • Coordinated with local counsel across 10+ states to generate state-specific templates of leases, easements and purchase options.
  • Provided counsel on state law issues such as avoidance of transfer taxes, correction of agreements not in compliance with state law, and avoidance of litigation from opposition groups.
  • Negotiated generator-interconnection and site control agreements with interconnection agencies.
  • Drafted and negotiated asset purchase agreements and development services agreements for project acquisition from third-party developers.
  • Provided legal support for title curative, due diligence, financing and asset sales of projects across multiple states totaling over 1,500 MW of generating capacity.
  • Provided counsel and drafted agreements for new market initiatives, including distributed solar generation, shared agri-voltaic grazing and hybrid clean energy/hydrogen production.
  • Served on developer's counsel team for Swift Current in the closing of debt financing and a tax equity commitment for a 266 MW solar project located in Southeast Texas. The Husch Blackwell team assisted in the areas of real estate, environmental and permitting, and electric regulatory throughout the purchase, development, debt financing, and funding stages. The transaction was structured to reflect the new U.S. Inflation Reduction Act policy guidance.
Outside the Office

Brian is a devoted tennis player and an animal lover who volunteers through his local SPCA as a foster owner. He primarily fosters felines who can interact with his own three-legged rescue cat, adopted from a shelter. Brian also serves as a regular socialization volunteer for SPCA animals.

Community Leadership

Brian prioritizes pro bono service, often serving as guardian ad litem in court for children in the foster system. He also offers pro bono counsel to children at the center of difficult custody battles.

Brian also serves as a foster owner and socialization volunteer with his local SPCA.