HOUSTON, January 31, 2025: Bolstering the firm’s finance capabilities in Texas and the energy lending space, Morgan Lewis has welcomed Matthew Lea as a partner resident in the firm’s Houston office. Joining from Blank Rome, Matt will continue to advise lenders, borrowers, and sponsors on complex conventional and mezzanine energy financing transactions.
“As energy transition investment expands across the globe, the added complexity in financing structures and rapidly evolving regulations necessitate that we provide individualized, innovative solutions to our clients to advance their business strategies,” said Firm Chair Jami McKeon. “Matt’s arrival in Houston—in the heart of the energy industry—adds strategic growth to our leading finance practice and complements our strong private credit and direct lending capabilities around the world.”
Matt regularly counsels clients in alternative energy capital solutions, and his practice extends to an expansive range of secured and unsecured commercial finance transactions such as syndicated and asset-based financings, bilateral loans, and loan workout and restructuring transactions including debtor-in-possession and exit credit facilities. He also advises on energy commodities and other transactions, including secured hedging and structured commodity transactions. Beyond this work, Matt assists clients with energy-related acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures, and the preparation and negotiation of related agreements.
“With an established track record in energy lending and extensive upstream experience, Matt’s energy finance practice will both expand our capabilities in the Texas markets, and generate natural synergies with our corporate and energy and project development teams,” said Marjorie Crider, leader of the firm’s finance practice. “Beyond his remarkable experience, Matt’s energetic and collaborative approach to delivering exceptional service to clients—many of which we already share—will add value as they pursue their business objectives.”
With more than 120 lawyers in financial centers throughout the world, Morgan Lewis's finance team advises clients on a wide range of complex matters involving transactional, institutional, international, and borrower finance as well as bankruptcy and restructuring.