Michael Best & Friedrich: Project finance attorney Mary Ann Christopher joins Michael Best

Contact:

Jennifer R. Rupkey

Director, Client Development

Direct Dial: 414.225.8262

E-Mail: jrrupkey@michaelbest.com

Milwaukee, WI – The law firm of Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is pleased to announce Mary Ann Christopher has joined the firm as a Partner in its Milwaukee office, effective May 9th. Ms. Christopher will join the Firm’s Energy and Sustainability Industry Team as well as the Transactional Practice Group where she will focus on project finance, complex business transactions and mergers and acquisitions.

“Mary Ann brings strong leadership and deep experience in the project finance area, particularly in the energy and wind industries,” said Michael Best Managing Partner David Krutz. “Our clients will benefit greatly from her depth of knowledge, enthusiasm and disciplined approach to legal matters in these fields.”

Christopher has successfully represented clients in complex commercial business transactions, mergers & acquisitions, and project finance, primarily in the development, acquisition, sale, finance, operation and leasing of major infrastructure and industrial projects, equipment assets, and related facilities, with a particular emphasis on the renewable and clean energy sectors such as wind, biomass, biofuels, hydro-thermal and nuclear.

“Michael Best is dedicated to the continued advancement of the energy and corporate law practice areas where I thrive.” Christopher said. “I am elated to contribute my skill and passion to these teams and help clients deal with the increasingly challenging issues of today.”

Christopher plays an active role in her respective legal fields of practice. She is an avid member of the Energy Bar Association, the Great Lakes Wind Collaborative and the Offshore Wind Development Coalition in Washington D.C. Christopher participates in the Offshore Wind Working Group of the American Wind Energy Association and has recently agreed to repeat her role as Chair Person for the 2nd Annual Freshwater Wind Conference. Christopher chaired the same event last July, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. In 2010, she was recognized by the Legal 500 for her dedicated work in project finance.

Prior to joining Michael Best, Christopher worked as a partner with the law firm of Foley & Lardner LLP. While there, she chaired the Offshore Wind Energy Team, and was Vice Chair of the Project and Infrastructure Finance Team. Christopher received her law degree from Northwestern University School of Law and her undergraduate from Carleton College in Minnesota. She started her career with Latham & Watkins in Chicago prior to moving to Foley’s Milwaukee office.

About Michael Best

Founded in 1848, Michael Best has earned its reputation as a leading Midwestern law firm. Michael Best has 220 attorneys in Milwaukee, Madison, Waukesha and Manitowoc, Wisconsin; and Chicago, Illinois. Michael Best provides a full range of legal services to clients on a local, regional, national and global basis in areas including: intellectual property, general corporate, labor & employment, environmental, real estate, litigation, tax, and wealth planning services.

Michael Best is the exclusive member firm for Wisconsin of Lex Mundi, the world’s leading association of independent law firms. Lex Mundi members are present in more than 160 countries, states and provinces, covering virtually every business market worldwide. Our firm’s membership in Lex Mundi provides us with global reach and access to legal resources that enhance our ability to serve our clients’ needs around the world. Lex Mundi is the mark of excellence for legal services globally. (http://www.lexmundi.com)