Expanding its capabilities for financing transactions in energy and infrastructure, McGuireWoods has added accomplished finance attorney Michelle Williamson as a partner in its Houston office.
Williamson’s practice focuses on representing sponsors, private and public borrowers, financial institutions and other investors in a variety of financing transactions, with a focus on energy and infrastructure. Williamson’s practice covers acquisition financings, investment-grade lending, cash flow-based lending, asset-based lending (including reserve-based lending and securitizations for oil and gas transactions), mezzanine financings, private credit, and subordinated debt financings. She joins McGuireWoods after nearly a decade in Kirkland & Ellis’ Houston office, where she was a partner.
“I am very excited to be joining the collegial team at McGuireWoods,” said Williamson. “I look forward to collaborating with my new partners and colleagues to help our clients achieve their business goals and objectives.”
Williamson’s arrival further expands the firm’s energy and infrastructure team in Houston. Last month the office welcomed deal lawyer David Aaronson, who represents domestic and international exploration and production (E&P) operators, middle-market private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies, energy services and infrastructure developers, and financial institutions. Mundo de la Fuente, who advises energy, infrastructure and data center developers, joined in January.
“Michelle’s experience financing transactions in energy, infrastructure and other industries will complement a host of corporate areas in Houston and around the country,” said Gerald V. Thomas II, deputy managing partner of the firm’s corporate practice.
“We are delighted that Michelle is joining our team,” said Kevin McGinnis, who chairs the firm’s Debt Finance Department. “She is known for mastering the details of her clients’ businesses, which is a key to earning critical trust needed in complex debt transactions.”
“Michelle’s acumen in financing and energy will bring tremendous value for our clients,” said Tyler VanHoutan, managing partner of the firm’s Houston office.
McGuireWoods’ Energy M&A and Finance Practice Group — ranked nationally by Chambers USA, the Legal 500 United States and Best Law Firms — combines focused industry knowledge, regulatory fluency and practical, business-driven solutions to ensure clients complete strategic transactions, secure financing and advance critical projects across the country.