Partner and recently selected Law360 Rising Star Alex Mertens was profiled in the publication in an article in which she discussed her significant transactions and projects, what led her to become an energy lawyer and continues to motivate her, and what she sees for the near future.
Mertens, co-chair of Stoel Rives’ Energy & Natural Resources Industry Group, found her path to energy law when, as an associate at another firm, she helped a vacationing partner on a closing, leading to his sending more work her way. She brought that experience to Stoel Rives, where, she said, “I was able to just continue growing the work I do in renewables.”
Mertens said there are many issues that must be considered in the large renewable financing transactions with which she is involved – complex financing structures, multiple investors, and changes to tax laws or new tariff issues, among others. “The unique challenge in renewable financing transactions is balancing the interest of each of the financing parties while making sure your sponsor is appropriately protected and not taking on undue risk that wouldn’t be appropriate in the project finance context,” she said.
Read “Rising Star: Stoel Rives’ Alex Mertens,” published July 22, 2020. (Subscription required.)