Top Energy Lawyer Sarah A. W. Fitts Joins Schiff Hardin in New York

Prior to joining Schiff Hardin, she was a partner at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP and co-chair of its Energy & Natural Resources Group.

“We are delighted Sarah is joining Schiff Hardin’s Energy Industry Team. Her corporate and finance practice strengthens our offering to the energy industry and complements our capabilities in environmental, construction, and transportation,” said Gabriel M. Rodriguez, co-leader of Schiff Hardin’s Energy Industry Team and head of its Environmental Group. “With innovation driving the industry, Sarah’s experience will help our clients take advantage of one stop for legal services as they grow.”

A key focus area for Fitts and Schiff Hardin’s Energy Industry Team is the infrastructure development spurred by the emergence of electric cars and their reliance on the power grid for electricity. The team is advising companies on how to develop, finance, and build these projects, as well as help with environmental and regulatory concerns.

Fitts also has long-standing relationships with Japanese clients and a deep knowledge of Japanese culture and business. Fluent in Japanese, she represents Japanese clients closing deals in the United States and advises Japanese companies working with companies in the U.S. Her experience will enhance the corporate support Schiff Hardin already provides to Japanese firms from its New York office.

“I am eager to build on Schiff Hardin’s stellar reputation and excellent work in the energy industry,” Fitts said. “I chose Schiff Hardin because I will be able to leverage the firm’s superb practices in environmental, energy, construction, and transportation, and the firm’s flexible client-first approach, to provide world-class service to my clients.”

A 1990 graduate of Harvard Law School, Fitts plays a leadership role in the Renewable, Alternative, and Distributed Resources (RADER) Committee of the American Bar Association’s Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources. She is also a fellow of the Energy Security Program established by Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE), a nonpartisan organization comprising prominent military and business leaders who develop and advocate for the nation’s energy security.

In addition to her corporate practice, Fitts is active in community service and pro bono initiatives. Her involvement includes The Global LPG Partnership, a nonprofit focused on solving intractable health, climate change, and energy challenges in developing nations; the Global Development Incubator; and Harvard Law School’s “Free the Law” project. She is a board member of Scenic Hudson Land Trust, a grassroots initiative focused on environmental education and stewardship.

Ranked for the past five years on Chambers Global, Fitts was also named among “Lawyers Who Lead By Example” in 2016 by the New York Law Journal. She has earned recognition as an “Energy and Environmental Trailblazer” by the National Law Journal, won the Celine Marcus Community Service Award, and is a Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation.

Schiff Hardin’s Energy Industry Team advises developers of traditional and renewable energy projects, manufacturers, municipalities, independent power producers, electric co-operatives, distributors, transportation companies, and energy marketing companies. For more than 40 years, we have provided corporate and finance, environmental, construction, federal and state regulatory, real estate, and dispute resolution services to clients in every sector of the energy industry. As the industry continues to innovate, Schiff Hardin continues to expand and evolve its services to energy clients.