McGuireWoods has added Michelle Williamson as a partner in its Houston office, expanding the firm’s capabilities across energy, infrastructure and other complex financing transactions. She joins after nearly a decade at Kirkland & Ellis in Houston, where she was a partner.
Williamson represents sponsors, public and private borrowers, financial institutions and other investors. Her practice covers acquisition financing, investment-grade lending, cash flow-based lending and asset-based credit facilities.
She also advises on reserve-based lending and securitizations involving oil and gas assets. Additional areas of experience include mezzanine financing, private credit, subordinated debt and other customized capital structures.
Reserve-based lending is commonly used by exploration and production companies, with borrowing capacity tied to the value of their oil and gas reserves. These facilities require lenders and borrowers to address commodity prices, reserve estimates, production performance and collateral arrangements.
Williamson’s arrival strengthens McGuireWoods’ Energy M&A and Finance Practice Group. The team combines transactional, financing and regulatory capabilities to help clients fund acquisitions, develop infrastructure and advance major projects.
The appointment also continues the expansion of McGuireWoods’ energy and infrastructure team in Houston. Deal lawyer David Aaronson joined the office in June, while Mundo de la Fuente arrived in January.
Aaronson advises exploration and production operators, middle-market private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, energy services businesses, infrastructure developers and financial institutions. De la Fuente focuses on matters involving energy, infrastructure and data center developers.
McGuireWoods expects Williamson’s financing experience to complement its corporate practices in Houston and other U.S. markets. Her work will support clients navigating transactions that require detailed knowledge of both capital structures and the underlying operating businesses.
The firm’s Energy M&A and Finance Practice Group advises clients on strategic transactions, financings and infrastructure projects across the country. Its clients operate across traditional energy, emerging infrastructure and other capital-intensive industries.
KEY QUOTES:
“I am very excited to be joining the collegial team at McGuireWoods. I look forward to collaborating with my new partners and colleagues to help our clients achieve their business goals and objectives.”
Michelle Williamson, Partner at McGuireWoods
“Michelle’s experience financing transactions in energy, infrastructure and other industries will complement a host of corporate areas in Houston and around the country.”
Gerald V. Thomas II, Deputy Managing Partner of McGuireWoods’ Corporate Practice
“We are delighted that Michelle is joining our team. She is known for mastering the details of her clients’ businesses, which is a key to earning critical trust needed in complex debt transactions.”
Kevin McGinnis, Chair of McGuireWoods’ Debt Finance Department
“Michelle’s acumen in financing and energy will bring tremendous value for our clients.”
Tyler VanHoutan, Managing Partner of McGuireWoods’ Houston Office
