Foley Expands Energy Team With Experienced Transactional Tax Attorney in Washington

Foley & Lardner LLP announced today that David Weisblat has joined the firm’s Energy Industry Team as of counsel in its Washington, D.C. office.

Weisblat’s practice focuses on transactional tax law and encompasses federal and state tax issues arising in the representation of financial institutions, developers, utilities and other entities in energy, project finance and leveraged lease transactions. He advises clients on tax issues associated with climate change policies, including carbon trading. Weisblat also regularly manages domestic and cross-border energy and project finance transactions of power plants, aircraft, rail equipment and infrastructure assets.

Throughout his 25-year legal career, Weisblat has closed more than $2 billion in financing of power facilities, including waste-to-energy and coal-fired power plants in the United States and Europe. He has handled complex renewable energy transactions involving federal and state renewable energy tax credits, Section 1603 grants and the Investment Tax Credit.

“David is a welcome addition, as his extensive experience will be invaluable to helping our clients capitalize on tax credits and other incentives fueling the dramatic growth of renewable energy development, ” said John Eliason, co-chair of Foley’s Energy Industry Team and a member of the firm’s nationally recognized tax equity practice.

In addition to his energy and transactional tax focus, Weisblat advises corporations on tax audits and issues related to bankruptcy and restructurings. He has also closed numerous sale-leaseback and partnership-flip transactions of solar energy projects.

“David’s success handling energy-related tax matters brings a unique perspective to the office, and we’re pleased to welcome him,” said Scott Fredericksen, managing partner of the firm’s Washington office.

Weisblat joins Foley from Troutman Sanders, where he was a member of the firm’s tax group. Prior to his extensive legal career, Weisblat was an economist and researcher for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.