Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP is pleased to welcome Michael P. Malfettone as a partner in its Energy, Infrastructure, and Project Finance team in New York. Malfettone joins the firm from Troutman Pepper Locke LLP, where he was also a partner. With over a decade of experience, Malfettone specializes in private equity and energy, focusing on renewables, energy transition, clean tech, and sustainable infrastructure projects.
He regularly advises infrastructure funds, institutional investors, and strategic investors on mid-market mergers and acquisitions, management-led buyouts, platform and bolt-on acquisitions, and growth equity investments. Additionally, he works with independent power producers, developers, asset managers, sponsors, and investors on project-based transactions. This includes handling joint ventures, development agreements, project purchases and sales, and cash and tax equity financing.
Luca Salvi, chair of Sheppard Mullin, said in a statement, “Michael’s deep expertise in renewable energy, energy transition and clean technology makes him an invaluable addition to our team. 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,” mentioned Ben Huffman, co-leader of the firm’s Energy, Infrastructure and Project Finance team.
Malfettone stated, “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. 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’s deep industry knowledge and experience in M&A, project finance, and private equity-backed deals strengthen Sheppard Mullin’s growing energy team. He is the fifth partner to join this practice group in the past year, alongside energy tax partner Julie Marion, private equity partner Thomas DeSplinter, and energy regulatory partners Bruce Grabow and Jennifer Brough. Malfettone earned his B.A. from Columbia University and his J.D. from the University of Arizona College of Law, where he also received a Certificate in Energy and Environmental Law.
