Sarah A. W. Fitts

Partner, Energy & Cleantech Industry Group Co-Leader and Japan Desk Leader

Sarah advises clients on private mergers and acquisitions, development projects, joint ventures, financings, sustainable investing, environmental, social, and governance (ESG), and restructurings, with a focus on the energy and infrastructure industries.

Sarah Fitts Portrait

Sarah represents US and global clients, including Japanese companies doing business in the United States and around the world. Her clients include power developers, investors, and private equity across a broad range of industries, such as power generation, publishing, biotech and medical devices, and automotive. Enjoying both business and the practice of law, she often acts as outside general counsel for clients without legal departments, in addition to advising on transactions.

A recognized leader in her field, Sarah has received numerous industry accolades from her peers and clients. In the words of clients according to the 2020 Chambers USA guide, “She is a brilliant attorney who’s insightful, responsive, and creative. She has an easy way of dealing with situations: she just fixes things.”

In addition to her corporate practice, Sarah has long been committed to public service and she actively lends her expertise to pro bono initiatives. She reads and speaks Japanese.

Client Work

  • Represented JA Mitsui in its acquisition of Katsumi Global, LLC through its subsidiary JA Mitsui Leasing Capital Corporation.
  • Represented the Black Owners of Solar Services (BOSS) in connection with its $6.3 million cooperative agreement awarded by the US Department of Energy.

  • Advised Washington, DC-based BioLPG LLC on its agreement with Milan-based Green LG Energy S.r.l. (GLGE) to increase funding for further development of the GTI Energy renewables-sourced, green LPG (bioLPG) Cool LPG technology and to prepare for bioLPG production at scale within the next few years.

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Publications, Presentations, Recognitions

Publications

  • Clean Energy Opportunities in Bolivian Lithium,” WorldSmart (Aug. 3, 2023)
  • Legal issues associated with renewable fuels: Journal of Energy & Natural Resources Law,” Taylor & Francis Online (Sept. 6, 2022)
  • Will We Take the Risk?: The Future of Renewable Energy,” Energy & Cleantech Podcast (Jul. 22, 2022)
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Presentations

  • “Global ESG trends and hot takes – the Brussels effect, the backlash, the view from Africa and more,” IBA ESG Conference, New York City (February 28-29, 2024)

  • “A Year of High Finance: What Are the Results for Power?,”  IBA Annual Conference Paris 2022 (Nov. 2, 2023)

  • “The balancing act: ESG in the energy and extractive industries – managing diverse stakeholder interests while keeping the lights on,” The North American Regional Forum and the Energy, Environment, Natural Resources and Infrastructure Law Section (Feb. 28, 2023)

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Recognitions

  • Chambers Global – Energy: Electricity (Transactional), USA (2014-2024)
  • Chambers USA – Energy: Electricity (Transactional), Nationwide (2014-2024)
  • The Legal 500 United States – Energy Transactions: Conventional Power (2017-2023)
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Boards, Memberships & Certifications

  • Regional Plan Association, Vice Chair and Chair, Nominating and Governance Committee, Member of executive Committee (2021-present); Board (2018-present)
  • International Bar Association, Section on Environment, Energy Resources and Infrastructure Law (SEERIL) Council (2023-present); IBA ESG Conference, Co-Chair (2023-present); Power Law Committee, Co-chair (2021-2023), Senior Vice Chair (2019-2020), Vice Chair (2016-2018), North American Representative (2015-2016)
  • Women’s Infrastructure Network, New York Chapter Board Member (since 2016) and Secretary (since 2018). WIN is a global professional organization for women working in infrastructure.
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Professional Activities

Pro Bono Work

  • Black Owners of Solar Services, Inc.
  • The Global LPG Partnership
  • Four Freedoms Park Conservancy
  • Scenic Hudson and Scenic Hudson Land Trust

Clerkships

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit (Boston), Staff Attorney (1990-1991) - originally hired to clerk for Judge Souter, who was promoted to the U.S. Supreme Court prior to start date.