Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP is pleased to announce that partner Michael P. Malfettone has joined the firm’s Energy, Infrastructure and Project Finance team in New York. He most recently served as a partner at Troutman Pepper Locke LLP.
Malfettone’s practice is strategically positioned at the intersection of private equity and energy, with more than a decade of focused experience on renewables, energy transition, clean tech and sustainable infrastructure transactions. Malfettone regularly represents infrastructure funds and other institutional and strategic investors in mid-market M&A, sponsor and management-led buyouts, platform and bolt-on acquisitions and growth equity investments. He also advises independent power producers, developers, asset managers, sponsors, investors and other financing parties in connection with project-based purchases and sales, joint ventures, joint development and development services arrangements and cash and tax equity financings. Malfettone brings extensive industry expertise, business insight and experience in M&A, project finance and private equity-backed deals across key energy verticals.
He is the fifth partner to join Sheppard Mullin’s Energy, Infrastructure and Project Finance industry team in the last year, following energy tax partner Julie Marion, private equity partner Thomas DeSplinter and energy regulatory partners Bruce Grabow and Jennifer Brough.
“Michael’s deep expertise in renewable energy, energy transition and clean technology makes him an invaluable addition to our team,” said Luca Salvi, chair of Sheppard Mullin. “As the energy sector undergoes rapid transformation, his insights and strategic approach will help our clients navigate complex transactions and capitalize on emerging opportunities. We are excited to welcome him to the firm and look forward to the impact he will make.”
“As one of the go-to firms for utilities, pipeline operators, municipalities, independent power producers, commercial banks, equity and tax investors, EPC contractors and energy technology companies for their most important matters, we are continually expanding our services to meet clients’ evolving business needs and to stay at the forefront of the energy and legal industries. We are delighted that Michael has joined the firm, adding even more depth to our bench,” said Ben Huffman, co-leader of the firm’s Energy, Infrastructure and Project Finance team.
“Sheppard Mullin has one of the most well-regarded, full-service energy teams in the industry, and I’m honored to be a part of it,” Malfettone said. “The firm’s depth and breadth of the practice – from project development and finance to commercial contracts to energy regulatory – combined with the strong reputation of its robust private equity platform will help my clients continue to invest prudently and profitably.”
Malfettone received his B.A. from Columbia University and his J.D., as well as a Certificate in Energy and Environmental Law, from the University of Arizona College of Law.
About Sheppard Mullin’s Energy, Infrastructure and Project Finance Industry Team
Sheppard Mullin’s Energy, Infrastructure and Project Finance team, which includes more than 125 attorneys nationwide, is frequently ranked as one of the leading renewable energy and regulatory practices in the U.S. by Chambers USA, Legal 500 and among the Best Law Firms for Energy Law by Best Lawyers. The team was named a finalist for American Lawyer’s Energy Practice Group of the Year in 2024, and was awarded Proximo’s 2024 North America Solar Deal of the Year for its work representing Greenbacker Renewable Energy in securing nearly $1 billion in financing for the Cider Solar project. The team is comprised of highly specialized attorneys with the requisite electrical power, oil and natural gas, renewables and biofuels experience to understand our clients’ objectives. Our collaborative and client-focused approach sets us apart from other law firms and is the reason the largest and most innovative energy industry players – including leading utilities, pipeline operators, municipalities, independent power producers, commercial banks, equity and tax investors, EPC contractors, and energy technology companies – come to us for assistance on their most important energy-related legal matters.