To bolster the firm’s finance capabilities in Texas and the energy lending space, Morgan Lewis has welcomed Matthew Lea as a partner resident in the firm’s Houston office. Joining from Blank Rome, Lea will continue to advise lenders, borrowers and sponsors on complex conventional and mezzanine energy financing transactions.
“As energy transition investment expands across the globe, the added complexity in financing structures and rapidly evolving regulations necessitate that we provide individualized, innovative solutions to our clients to advance their business strategies,” Jami McKeon, firm chair of Morgan Lewis, said. “Matt’s arrival in Houston — in the heart of the energy industry — adds strategic growth to our leading finance practice and complements our strong private credit and direct lending capabilities around the world.”
Lea regularly counsels clients in alternative energy capital solutions, and his practice extends to an expansive range of secured and unsecured commercial finance transactions such as syndicated and asset-based financings, bilateral loans and loan workout and restructuring transactions including debtor-in-possession and exit credit facilities. He also advises on energy commodities and other transactions, including secured hedging and structured commodity transactions. Beyond this work, Lea assists clients with energy-related acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures, and the preparation and negotiation of related agreements.
“With an established track record in energy lending and extensive upstream experience, Matt’s energy finance practice will both expand our capabilities in the Texas markets, and generate natural synergies with our corporate and energy and project development teams,” Marjorie Crider, leader of the firm’s finance practice, said. “Beyond his remarkable experience, Matt’s energetic and collaborative approach to delivering exceptional service to clients — many of which we already share — will add value as they pursue their business objectives.”
