Christopher Gladbach

Christopher (Chris) Gladbach is a Partner and global co-head of McDermott Will & Schulte’s Energy & Project Finance Group and is based in Washington, DC. He counsels clients on energy mergers and acquisitions (M&A), project development, tax equity, private credit, and project finance transactions.

 

He works with energy clients to structure complex equity and debt investments, advising both buyers and sellers in the power sector on M&A, joint ventures, and the development of large-scale energy projects.

 

Chris leads a task force focused on private credit lending to energy platforms and portfolios, representing market-leading private credit funds, private equity funds, and institutional investors in portfolio and platform lending and equity transactions. He understands the unique challenges and opportunities these clients face.

 

Recognized nationally for his work in the energy sector, Chris frequently speaks and writes on topics related to M&A, private equity, and institutional investments in power assets. He has been recognized by Chambers USA for Projects: Power & Renewables: Transactional (2022–2026), named a Recommended lawyer by Legal 500 US (2022–2025), and ranked by IFLR1000 for Project Development (2023).
Chris is actively involved with the Association of International Energy Negotiators (AIEN), where he holds several leadership roles. Chris contributes to industry dialogue on legal, commercial, and policy developments affecting the energy sector.

 

As Co-Leader of AIEN’s New Energies working group focused on Renewable Fuels, Chris has demonstrated leadership in developing the contracting framework for an emerging energy market. He is also an active participant in the US Chapter Committee, supporting AIEN’s programming across the US energy community. In addition, Chris served as Co-Chair of the AIEN US Regional Chapter Conference on Project Bankability held in New York, shaping discussions on the financing and legal considerations behind successful energy projects.