Energy Partner Paul Kaufman Joins Sheppard Mullin Del Mar
Paul J. Kaufman has joined the Del Mar office of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP as a partner in the firm's Real Estate, Land Use and Environmental practice group and Energy practice. Kaufman joins from Chadbourne & Park in Los Angeles.
Prior to joining Chadbourne, Kaufman was EVP, Transactions at enXco (now EDF Renewables), the North American development arm of Electricité de France. Kaufman joined enXco as its General Counsel after serving as, GC of Iberdrola Renewables and VP, Government and Regulatory Affairs at Enron. Over a career 30 years, Kaufman has negotiated all manner of project contracts, including power purchase agreements, interconnection and transmission agreements, equipment procurement and construction contracts, as well as M&A transactions and complicated financing arrangements. He has worked across the renewable energy sector, including on large wind, solar and biomass projects, and on conventional power plants using fossil fuels, gas storage projects and electricity and gas trading.
"With an outstanding background in-house, in both commercial and legal roles, as well as in private practice, Paul brings significant industry knowledge and expertise to our energy group. He has a successful practice representing a variety of leading energy companies," said Guy N. Halgren, chairman of Sheppard Mullin.
"I am thrilled to join Sheppard Mullin and have been very impressed by the firm's strategic vision, successful growth and energy practice. I was especially attracted to the firm’s full-service platform and robust M&A capabilities," Kaufman commented.
“Paul adds transactional depth to our energy practice and bolsters our regulatory expertise. His experience with project agreements, project financings and renewables is substantial and dovetails well with our current capabilities,” said Tony Toranto, chair of Sheppard Mullin’s energy practice.
Kaufman received a J.D. from Lewis & Clark Law School in 1984 and a B.S. from Cornell University in 1981.
Also this week, Corporate partner Craig Mordock joined Sheppard Mullin in the firm's Orange County office from Jones Day.
Sheppard Mullin has 60 attorneys based in its Del Mar office. The firm’s Real Estate, Land Use and Environmental practice group includes 80 attorneys firmwide.