Baker & Mckenzie adds energy project finance partner in Johannesbourg

Baker & McKenzie has expanded its growing Africa Banking & Finance offering with the addition of two new partners in Johannesburg.

The expansion includes the appointment of Jennifer Stolp as a partner. Jennifer joins Baker & McKenzie from DLA Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr where she was a partner in the Banking & Finance practice. She has worked on a number of significant projects principally in project and acquisition finance and has played a lead role on the South African government's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement (REIPPP) programme.

Jennifer has also acted as both Sponsor and lender Counsel on a number of renewable energy projects involving photovoltaic, concentrated solar power and wind energy in South Africa.

Jennifer's appointment coincides with London Capital Markets and Banking partner Chris Hogan's relocation to Johannesburg. Chris is a leading capital markets and banking expert with over 25 years' experience in the London market and a particular focus on the emerging markets where he has acted for sovereigns, corporates and financial institutions on a number of ground breaking deals. He joined the Firm in 1995 and has extensive experience in debt and equity-linked offerings.

Chris's move will significantly boost the English law capabilities of Johannesburg office and within the Firm's African network generally, and follows the move of Banking & Finance Partner Frances Okosi from London to Johannesburg earlier this year. It will also further enhance the Firm's strategy to offer our clients international as well as domestic capital markets and banking expertise locally from our African offices. Together, Chris and Frances provide clients in Africa, or clients doing business in Africa, with an unrivalled Africa-based English law capability.

Wildu du Plessis, Managing Partner of Baker & McKenzie's Johannesburg office and Head of the Banking & Finance practice said:

"We're delighted to welcome Jennifer to the team. Having led on some of the most high profile deals in the market, she brings with her a huge wealth of knowledge and experience particularly in project and acquisition finance and is an additional boost to our growing Banking & Finance practice. From day one we have set out to build market leading transactional practices. With the arrival of Chris and Jennifer we have not only considerably advanced this but now have added bench strength in servicing our banking and corporate clients."

Jennifer Stolp said:

"I've been extremely impressed by Baker & McKenzie's global presence and strong client base. This is a very exciting time in the renewable energy market and I look forward to working with Wildu and the team on the significant opportunities in this area."

Baker & McKenzie's Johannesburg office, which opened in May 2012, has now grown to more than 75 lawyers and support staff.