Akin Gump announced that Sam Kamyans has joined the firm as a partner in its global project finance practice in Washington, D.C. Mr. Kamyans is an experienced energy tax lawyer who counsels independent power providers and investors on structuring the tax aspects of power projects, including renewable energy deals. He comes to Akin Gump from Baker McKenzie where he was a partner in its tax group.
Mr. Kamyans’ practice focuses on federal tax issues in domestic and international transactions across a wide array of industries, including a strong focus on the power and renewable energy sectors. His work includes counseling clients on federal income tax planning and negotiating key tax deal points for renewable energy infrastructure and private equity transactions, internal restructurings, and mergers and acquisitions involving U.S. and non-U.S. multinational organizations.
“With his strong energy tax background, Sam is a great addition to our industry-leading project finance practice,” said Akin Gump chairperson Kim Koopersmith. “Our clients will benefit particularly from his deep experience in handling the tax aspects of renewable projects, and I am very happy to welcome him to the firm.”
John J. Marciano III, co-head of Akin Gump’s global project finance practice, added, “Sam has represented some of the largest companies and funds in highly complicated tax structures. He has the insight, experience and technical knowledge that our clients are looking for and will be a great resource to guide them through their sophisticated transactions. I am excited to have him on our team.”
Mr. Kamyans is the most recent addition of talent to the firm’s global project finance team this year, which continues to be one of the largest teams in the industry. Jeff Cohen, who represents lenders, developers and investors in the development, financing, acquisition and disposition of large-scale infrastructure projects and energy projects, joined the firm’s Los Angeles office as senior counsel in May. Simon Stevens, whose practice focuses on representing developers and lenders in infrastructure projects across the United States, Middle East and Africa, joined the firm’s Houston office as counsel in June. In addition, Brandon Morris, who also counsels clients on project and energy tax structuring and is resident in the firm’s Washington D.C. office, joined the group as counsel in August.
“The depth of the project finance practice here, coupled with the firm’s expansive global energy platform, presents a terrific opportunity to expand the services I can offer to clients,” said Mr. Kamyans. “Akin Gump is well known throughout the industry for the breadth and scope of its work on power projects, particularly in the renewable energy space. I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues and putting my skills to work on behalf of the firm’s clients.”