Skadden announced that Sarah Ridel has rejoined the firm as a partner in its Energy and Infrastructure Projects Group in Houston. Ridel returns to the firm after serving as assistant vice president and assistant general counsel at Pattern Energy Group, a leading developer and operator of wind, solar, transmission, and energy storage projects.
Ridel brings more than a decade of experience advising on complex energy development and financing matters, including build-transfer transactions, power purchase agreements, construction financings, back-leverage financings, tax equity bridge loans, and private placements. She also has significant transmission experience and recently played a leading role in Pattern Energy’s $11 billion financing of the 550-mile SunZia Transmission Line connecting central New Mexico and south-central Arizona, along with related generation projects.
Skadden said Ridel’s experience at the intersection of energy development and transactional law, combined with her familiarity with the firm’s platform, will help clients navigate opportunities arising from the energy transition and growing infrastructure demands. Her return comes as Skadden continues to expand its Houston office, which has more than doubled its number of partners since 2024. Recent additions include M&A partners Emery Choi, Steve Gill, and Mingda Zhao, as well as complex litigation and trials partner Michelle Scheffler.
Ridel earned her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School and her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
KEY QUOTES:
“Sarah’s addition to our Houston team reflects our deliberate investment in the Houston market and in key practice areas where we see opportunity for our clients. Having served in senior in-house roles within the energy sector, Sarah brings a distinctive perspective that enables her to anticipate and address the challenges our clients face, an invaluable tool as we continue to grow our presence in this region.”
Noelle Reed, Head Of The Houston Office, Skadden
“Sarah’s return reflects our commitment to strengthening our energy and infrastructure practice in Houston and beyond. Sarah’s first-hand and practical experience in project development and finance will be invaluable as we help our clients navigate the energy transition and growth and seize opportunities in one of the most dynamic sectors of the economy.”
Aryan Moniri, Global Head Of The Energy And Infrastructure Projects Group, Skadden
“We are excited to welcome Sarah back to the firm. Her arrival is a tremendous asset to our team and strengthens our ability to deliver best-in-class counsel to sponsors, lenders and investors across the full spectrum of the energy market.”
Eric Otness, Head Of The M&A/Corporate Group In Houston, Skadden
“I’m thrilled to return to Skadden, where I began my legal career, and continue working with colleagues who have helped shape the country’s energy landscape. With unprecedented load growth, emerging technologies and renewed interest in transmission development, this is one of the most dynamic periods the energy sector has seen in a generation. The firm’s depth across transmission, solar, wind, energy storage and other generation types, combined with its track record of closing groundbreaking infrastructure transactions, makes it the ideal platform to help clients seize the opportunities ahead.”
Sarah Ridel, Partner, Skadden
