Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP

Eversheds Sutherland's (US) 30-year-old electric cooperatives practice is part of a more than 70 lawyer energy practice that represents leading energy market player in every major sector of the energy industry.

Part of the value we bring to our electric cooperative clients comes from our extensive involvement in the industry, through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and otherwise. We stay abreast of and at times have influenced new industry developments. Our lawyers are well known to, and meet frequently, with RUS senior executives. The firm is an associate member of NRECA, and several of our attorneys are active members of the G&T Lawyers’ Association, the Electric Cooperative Bar Association and frequent speakers on legal topics at NRECA Annual and Regional Meetings, the G&T Legal Seminar and the G&T Accounting and Finance Officers’ Annual Meetings.

In short, we have one of the leading electric cooperative practices in the country, often working at the leading edge of developing areas in the industry. A substantial number of our attorneys are actively involved in our electric cooperative practice. We understand the electric cooperative business, and the breadth and depth of our practice experience brings extra value to our electric cooperative clients.

Our electric cooperative practice is nationally recognized and highly regarded both for its legal capabilities and its understanding of the electric cooperatives and the electric industry. Our work spans a broad spectrum of legal needs and intersects with virtually all legal practice areas, including:

• Development of nuclear, coal, gas and hydro-electric generation facilities
• Co-ownership and joint use arrangements for generation and transmission assets
• Working capital, construction and long-term debt financings with RUS, FFB, CoBank, CFC and commercial lenders
• G&T/Member rate structure issues and new wholesale power contracts
• Long-term wholesale power purchases and power marketing arrangements
• Registered and privately-placed taxable and tax-exempt debt offerings
• Lease arrangements, including leveraged leases
• Project financings
• Mortgage bond indentures
• Litigation, including territorial disputes
• Federal, state and local tax planning and controversy
• Corporate restructurings
• FERC and state utility commission proceedings
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Retail competition and stranded cost recovery
• Business diversification
• RTO and related transmission matters
• General corporate advice
• RUS debt settlements and loan workouts

§  “Diversity at Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP” to “Diversity at Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP”

§  “Diversity” section:

o   The firm’s emphasis on diversity is reflected in numerous ways throughout the firm, such as the manner in which we recruit lawyers and other employees, our work-life policies and our professional service efforts. We have been recognized for our achievements in diversity.  More importantly, we understand the significant role a diverse community plays in the firm's growth and development.

§  “Our Awards and Recognitions” section:

o   Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP continues to be recognized for its efforts to promote diversity in the workplace and in the legal profession. In 2016 we were named a “Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality,” having earned a perfect 100 score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, and we also were ranked a Top 100 Firm for Minority Attorneys by Law360. In addition, the firm was awarded the Gold Standard Certification for the fifth consecutive year by the Women in Law Empowerment Forum.

§  “Our Commitment” section:

o   Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP is committed to promoting diversity within the firm and in the legal profession.  We believe that diverse skills, knowledge and viewpoints make us a stronger, more productive law firm.  We hire and promote qualified lawyers and other professionals regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.  We understand that diversity enhances our value to clients by allowing us to staff our client teams with professionals who possess broad experiences and a spectrum of perspectives.

o   Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP has a cross-office Diversity Committee with responsibility for supporting and enhancing our firm culture.  Our committee has helped coordinate and lead a number of efforts to advance diversity within our firm and the community. Affinity groups at the firm serve as support networks for attorneys of color; women lawyers; and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender attorneys.

o   We are committed to working with our clients as they pursue the common goal of a professional workplace where opportunity is available to all.