Project Finance Attorney Sharaf Islam Joins McGuireWoods

McGuireWoods continues to grow its nationwide energy transactional capabilities with the arrival of New York partner Sharaf Islam, an accomplished project finance attorney with experience negotiating intricate energy and infrastructure financings.

Islam assists sponsors, developers, financial institutions and institutional investors in financings for large-scale projects, including renewable energy facilities, power plants, transmission systems and digital infrastructure. He leads transactions involving joint ventures, construction and acquisition financings, and hybrid capital investments. His practice spans the lifecycle of project development and investment, helping clients manage commercial, legal and financial issues across asset classes.

“Sharaf’s high-level deal experience and industry knowledge adds enormous value for clients pursuing strategic energy and infrastructure investments,” said David Hornyak, chair of the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions and Energy Transactional Department.

Islam comes to McGuireWoods from Kirkland & Ellis. His recent work includes advising on the financing of semiconductor manufacturing facilities, liquefied natural gas carriers, hydrogen-capable power plants, renewable energy portfolios with battery storage, and cross-border infrastructure projects.

“Sharaf is an important addition to our team, enhancing our project finance capabilities and cross-practice approach to help clients seamlessly execute complicated transactions,” said Brian Kelly, co-leader of the firm’s Energy Mergers & Acquisitions and Finance Practice Group.

McGuireWoods consistently ranks among the leading law firms for U.S. M&A deals in published league tables. The firm has earned nationwide recognition for energy regulatory, litigation and transactional work from The Legal 500 United States and Chambers USA.

“McGuireWoods has a strong, talented team of industry-focused attorneys who excel at guiding clients through energy and infrastructure transactions,” Islam said. “I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the firm to ensure clients meet their legal and business challenges.”

Said Jeffrey Chapman, managing partner of McGuireWoods’ New York office: “We are excited to have Sharaf join us as we continue expanding our bench in New York. His insight will provide immense benefits for the firm and our clients.”