Kirkland & Ellis Strengthens Washington DC Energy Practice with Tax Partner Sam Kamyans

Kirkland & Ellis Strengthens Washington DC Energy Practice with Tax Partner Sam Kamyans

Kirkland & Ellis, the renowned law firm, has expanded its team by hiring a seasoned tax partner from Allen & Overy (A&O) based in Washington DC. This strategic move by Kirkland & Ellis aims to strengthen its focus on energy transition and renewables-related matters. Joining as a partner, Sam Kamyans brings valuable expertise and experience, having spent over two years at A&O.

Saying that he was excited to welcome Sam Kamyans to the firm, Jon Ballis, chairman of Kirkland’s executive committee, said: “Sam is a talented lawyer with deep experience at the intersection of tax and energy, particularly energy transition and renewables work, where we continue to see increased demand from our client base.”

Kamyans is well-versed in partnership tax structuring, specializing in energy transition projects and renewable energy infrastructure. His extensive background in the oil and gas sector equips him to provide comprehensive advice on various energy transition transactions. He brings a wealth of experience representing energy sponsors, private equity firms, and public companies in intricate matters such as mergers and acquisitions, financing arrangements, divestitures, equity extractions, distressed restructurings, as well as public and private offerings.

Before joining A&O, Kamyans held partner positions at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld and Baker McKenzie. He also gained valuable experience during his time at the Internal Revenue Service, where he provided national guidance on partnership and energy-related matters. Additionally, Kamyans served as tax counsel at Sempra, a prominent Californian energy infrastructure company.

Andy Calder, a corporate partner and member of Kirkland's executive committee based in Houston, expressed great enthusiasm for Kamyans joining their top-tier tax team. Calder stated that they are eagerly looking forward to leveraging Kamyans' extensive experience to benefit their clients.

“Sam’s skill set is valuable for clients across the firm, especially energy transition investors and companies navigating the evolving landscape of renewable energy transactions,” said Calder.

Chambers and Partners has recognised Kirkland's tax team for its exceptional expertise in managing cross-border tax planning issues. The team has garnered a strong reputation and represents several prominent energy and private equity companies, including KKR, Noble Corporation, Ovintiv, and Extraction Oil and Gas.

With a global presence, the team consists of approximately 175 lawyers, including highly regarded practitioners like R David Wheat and Mark Dundon. Both Wheat and Dundon, based in Texas, have extensive experience working closely with the firm's clients in the energy sector. Their exceptional skill sets contribute to Kirkland's ability to deliver top-quality services to their esteemed clientele.

Kamyans highlighted Kirkland's outstanding private capital and energy practice, emphasising its crucial role in financing energy transition initiatives.

“Becoming a part of Kirkland’s team allows me to provide unparalleled support for clients working on one-of-a-kind transactions,” Kamyans stated.