Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, a law firm with deep roots in Silicon Valley, has announced that Sean M. Moran and Michael P. Joyce have joined the firm as new partners. Formerly with Sidley Austin, Moran and Joyce are focused on high-level energy and infrastructure finance and will be based in the firm's Los Angeles office.

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Chairman Larry Sonsini said:

"The energy space is a key driver of the global economy, and serving this vital sector long has been one of the firm's priorities. With their vast expertise in this field, Sean and Michael will expand our ability to work with the companies that are developing solutions to the world's pressing need for both traditional and renewable energy, and we are tremendously excited about this opportunity."

Doug Clark, co-managing partner, said:

"In both style and substance, Sean and Michael are a perfect fit for the firm. Their experience complements the excellent work of our existing energy and finance partners, and also adds to the sophisticated finance and tax offerings the firm provides to enterprises and investors irrespective of industry. In addition, Sean and Michael are known for their innovative and influential approaches to infrastructure finance, which dovetails with the firm's own push for creative legal solutions and the pioneering, game-changing work of our clients."

Sean Moran is a leading asset finance attorney. He was instrumental in creating the structure that has become the standard for renewable energy deals in the United States, and has handled many of the country's largest and most complex renewable energy financing transactions, including numerous first-of-its-kind deals. With broad expertise spanning such areas as solar, geothermal, biomass, biofuel, and wind energy, Moran represents Fortune 50 companies, investors, utilities, sponsors, and developers. He also represents clients in fossil fuel energy generation facilities, including those utilizing natural gas, coal, and oil and gas. In addition, he represents clients on a wide variety of other infrastructure projects, such as transmission systems, toll roads, transportation systems, and water and waste treatment facilities. Moran earned his LL.M. in tax from the New York University School of Law in 1994, a J.D. from the Fordham University School of Law in 1988, and a B.S. from Fordham University in 1981.

A highly adept project finance attorney, Michael Joyce has represented clients in numerous cutting-edge transactions in the energy and infrastructure fields, with a particular emphasis on renewable energy sectors such as solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass. He also has considerable experience with coal, gas-fired, and nuclear projects, as well as with the disposition and acquisition of assets. Joyce received his J.D. from the Santa Clara University School of Law in 2002 and his B.A. from Claremont McKenna College in 1998.

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati has offices in Austin; Beijing; Brussels; Georgetown, DE; Hong Kong; Los Angeles; New York; Palo Alto; San Diego; San Francisco; Seattle; Shanghai; and Washington, D.C.