Orrick partner leaves Big Law

Orrick partner leaves Big Law

John Cook will be taking over as Chief Legal Officer at Intersect Power after more than 25 years with a US firm

After more than 25 years at Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe, partner John Cook is now in-house at an emerging clean energy company.

As a chief legal officer for Intersect Power, Cook has spent his entire career at Orrick and most recently served as the chief of its corporate group in San Francisco. Having led hundreds of M&A and financing transactions involving public and private companies, he brings in-depth experience in technology, cleantech and the energy industry.

Sheldon Kimber, CEO of Intersect Power, noted that John has served as outside counsel and a long-term partner to the company since the company was founded in 2016. Kimber also noted that John's "experience, focus and dedication are a perfect fit for our company to enhance the clean energy industry and create new pathways between clean electricity and the broader economy."

Cook commented on the move: "I am passionate about climate change and the team here at Intersect Power puts forward a unique, aspirational and aggressive vision." At Orrick I had a big impact, but I'm looking ahead to have a bigger impact at Intersect Power."

Despite the fact that renewables M&A became his primary focus, he adds, considering himself as a generalist. His main clients usually portrayed him as a trusted advisor in addition to counsel. "I will only benefit from this skill set in my new position."

In his opinion, Cook's experience working with Kimber and the rest of Intersect Power's senior leadership team would make the transition from external counsel to in-house "relatively seamless."

As the company's EVP of legal and administration, Cook will work closely with Jen Manter, the company's general counsel. Having worked at the John Marshall Law School for five years, Manter brings "complementary skills to the team, so confident of working well together."

Through its retail and wholesale energy markets across North America, Intersect Power provides low-carbon electricity, fuels and related products to its customers.