Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Projects & Energy: Power - Africa-wide
What the Team is Known For
Trinity International is a stellar boutique law firm with an eminent reputation for early-phase development work across Africa. The firm demonstrates a strong commitment to the continent and is frequently mandated to act for sponsors on innovative IPPs and projects in the renewables sector, including solar, hydro, wind and geothermal. Its further areas of expertise include distribution and electrical transmission networks as well as integrated grid projects. The team is also sought out by governments for advice on energy sector development and is increasingly acting for lenders, including development finance institutions (DFIs) and commercial banks. In addition to its market-leading power practice, the firm is also increasingly active in mining and oil and gas. Its offices are located in London, Paris and Washington, DC.
Strengths
They understand the market, and they go beyond being purely a legal adviser to also bring in their development expertise.
The project finance team at Trinity are all highly competent lawyers who are capable of working on complex project finance deals.
Trinity stand out for their excellent understanding of the nuances of Africa's energy sector and the agility with which the team addresses complex project issues.
Work Highlights
Trinity International advised Zambian company Copperbelt Energy on a USD200 million green bond intended to help finance its ambition of generating a minimum of 200 MW through renewable energy.
Notable practitioners
Stéphane Brabant is an illustrious lawyer in the African projects and energy space and a prominent presence on projects taking place in francophone jurisdictions. Based in the firm's Paris office, he is particularly well versed in mining projects and is also a noted OHADA specialist.
Stéphane's high levels of competence and responsiveness make him a joy to work with.
London-based Paul Biggs is a pre-eminent lawyer with extensive expertise in power developments. He is a prominent adviser on projects across southern Africa, representing developers, lenders and other institutional investors. He is also particularly well reputed for his leading position in the IPP space in several anglophone jurisdictions, and assists with a variety of large-scale renewable power projects.
He is extremely capable and responsive.
Paul is an outstanding transactional lawyer. His clients greatly benefit from his excellent understanding of energy project development across the continent.
Firm co-founder Simon Norris is highly respected for his project development work across a number of African jurisdictions, with experience handling both energy and infrastructure matters. Based in London, he is regularly instructed by sponsors, international financial institutions and government entities.
Simon has a deep understanding of market norms and the bankability of project documents.
He's an excellent professional with infinite patience in negotiations.
Kaushik not only provides excellent transactional advice but also takes the time to build his clients' knowledge base and understanding of the broader context for their projects.
He's a great, pragmatic and energetic lawyer.
Pierre is very well known. He's an extremely good lawyer who is very present in the market.
Pierre is an excellent lawyer.