Michael Tardif Joins Orrick As Partner To Strengthen Energy Practice In Asia

Michael Tardif Joins Orrick As Partner To Strengthen Energy Practice In Asia

U.S. law firm Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe has announced the addition of project finance expert Michael Tardif as a partner in its Singapore office. Tardif, previously based in the Jakarta office of A&O Shearman, brings extensive experience in complex financing transactions across sectors including conventional power, renewable energy, infrastructure, and mining.

Additionally, Orrick revealed that Ari Bessendorf, a senior associate from A&O Shearman who has collaborated with Tardif for the past six years, will join the firm as a partner in Singapore in September.

The hiring of Tardif aims to bolster Orrick's energy and infrastructure practice in Asia, with a particular focus on Indonesia and the broader Southeast Asian region. Tardif’s client portfolio includes Indonesia's state-owned energy company PT Pertamina (Persero), as well as prominent sponsors from Japan, Korea, and the Middle East. He also maintains strong relationships with key multilateral lenders and export-credit agencies in the region.

Tardif joined the legacy Allen & Overy in 2014 as counsel, following stints at Latham & Watkins and Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy. "Michael's hire is a perfect next step in advancing our strategy to increase the breadth and depth of our Asia energy offering," said Karthik Kumar, Orrick's Singapore office leader.

Orrick's Singapore office, which opened in August 2021, has been focusing on expanding its energy transition team. With Tardif's addition, the firm will have four full-time energy and infrastructure partners in Singapore. Alongside Kumar, who joined in 2022, the Singapore office includes partners John Thursby and Giji John, and of counsel Lynette Lim.