Perkins Coie Expands West Coast Presence with Key Hires from K&L Gates

Perkins Coie Expands West Coast Presence with Key Hires from K&L Gates

Perkins Coie, a multinational law firm headquartered in Seattle, has further fortified its renewables practice on the West Coast by recruiting two practice leads from K&L Gates. This strategic hiring move enhances the firm's capabilities and expertise in the renewable energy sector.

The firm has welcomed Buck Endemann and Elizabeth Crouse, formerly leading K&L Gates' global renewables and power group, as partners in their San Francisco and Portland offices respectively. This strategic addition of experienced professionals aligns with the projected surge in renewable energy projects in the United States. The recent passage of The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which includes a comprehensive $369 billion investment and tax breaks package spanning 10 years, is expected to fuel this growth in the renewable energy sector.

Endemann and Crouse bring a wealth of expertise in advising on the development of various renewable energy projects, including renewable electricity, green hydrogen, renewable gas, offset, and carbon capture initiatives across the United States. With their deep understanding of the industry, Endemann contributes his experience as a partner in the energy, environment, and resources practice, while Crouse brings her expertise to the tax team.

Karen McGaffey, firmwide chair of Perkins Coie's environment, energy, and resources practice, expressed great enthusiasm in welcoming the two highly experienced renewable energy lawyers to the firm.

“Renewable energy developments are booming across the country, and Buck and Elizabeth’s regulatory, transactional and tax equity expertise further bolsters our strong nationwide renewables team,” McGaffey said.

After spending six years at K&L Gates, Buck Endemann has joined Perkins Coie. Before his tenure at K&L Gates, he practiced at Paul Hastings. With a strong focus on renewable energy project development, Endemann provides valuable counsel to clients in areas such as renewable power and fuels offtake, development agreements, EPC and supply agreements, as well as the environmental attribute and carbon offset transactions.

In addition, Endemann handles regulatory matters, including environmental permitting and regulatory and enforcement issues, before various bodies such as the California Public Utilities Commission and the California Air Resources Board.

Elizabeth Crouse joined K&L Gates in 2011, having previously worked at Minneapolis-based firm Dorsey & Whitney. With her expertise, she provides valuable guidance to clients involved in the development, acquisition, and investment of renewable electricity, renewable fuels, and carbon capture projects. In addition, Crouse offers advisory services on ESG-related matters and assists clients with domestic and international tax structuring.

Bob Mahon, chair of Perkins Coie's tax practice, expressed his satisfaction with Elizabeth Crouse's decision to join their group during this critical juncture for the renewable energy sector. Mahon acknowledged Crouse's exceptional skills as a tax lawyer and highlighted the importance of her expertise in further strengthening their capabilities in serving clients operating in the renewable energy industry.

“With numerous federal tax credits available, tax issues are critical to the development of many large-scale power and renewable projects, and Elizabeth’s experience will help our clients successfully develop, acquire and invest in those projects,” Bob Mahon said.

Buck Endemann and Elizabeth Crouse have joined Perkins Coie in the backdrop of rapid growth in the global renewables market, which is projected to increase in value from $856 billion to over $2 trillion by 2030.

The growth of the US renewables market experienced a slowdown in 2022, attributed to various factors such as increased costs, disruptions in the supply chain, and high inflation. However, according to a recent report by Deloitte, growth is expected to pick up pace this year.

The anticipated acceleration can be attributed to strong demand and the implementation of extensive clean energy incentives provided by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which has set new records in supporting the development of clean energy projects.