DLA Piper hires renewables expert in Seattle

DLA Piper has recruited John Pierce as a partner from rival law firm Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Roasati, where he was also a partner. In making the switch, Pierce remains based in Seattle. 

Pierce, who will join DLA Piper’s corporate and finance practice, has experience in project structuring and finance as well as joint ventures and acquisitions, mainly in the renewable energy sector. He has represented project sponsors, lenders and investors in the development and finance of renewable projects in areas such as wind, solar, geothermal and biomass. 

In a statement, Steve Yentzer, managing partner of DLA Piper’s Seattle office, said that Pierce’s “deep experience” would “strengthen [DLA Piper’s] energy capabilities in the region”. 

Pierce has advised US energy companies on joint ventures in biomass-powered projects in Asia and Latin America, and provided counsel on the acquisition of Indonesian geothermal power projects and the development of plants in the Philippines and Chile. In the US, he has advised on the development, financing and construction of biofuel and alternative energy production facilities. 

Pierce began his career in Southeast Asia as an associate with Mujahid Al-Sawaf and then as counsel with Vinson & Elkins, before joining Wilson Sonsini in Seattle.