DLA Piper adds two nuclear energy Partners, expanding global energy capabilities

DLA Piper has expanded its global energy platform with the addition of Partners Vincent Zabielski and Sidney Fowler, who join the firm’s Finance practice. Each brings sophisticated nuclear energy capabilities across complex transactions, project development, regulatory matters, advanced reactors, and fusion technologies.

Zabielski, based in London, focuses on international nuclear transactions and commercial matters, including nuclear new-build, advanced reactors, fusion, nuclear fuel supply, export controls, and government advisory. He has extensive experience on nuclear new-build projects, including EPC agreements and related project contracts, and advises foreign governments on establishing civil nuclear programs. A former professional engineer with senior operational experience in the sector, he supports clients through the full lifecycle of nuclear energy projects. He is licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia and is a Registered Foreign Lawyer in the UK.

Fowler joins DLA Piper’s Washington, DC office with extensive knowledge across the nuclear energy sector, including experience gained at the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. He advises a wide range of clients in the industry, including startups raising early-stage capital, multinational corporations and investors. His practice spans regulatory compliance, government engagement, licensing strategy, export controls, and international nuclear legal frameworks. He regularly supports nuclear due diligence on investments and acquisitions, advises on foreign investment in US nuclear facilities, negotiates commercial agreements across the nuclear supply chain.

As interest in the nuclear sector continues to grow among investors, operators and regulators, these appointments further enhance the firm’s capabilities across the full nuclear lifecycle, from planning, development, financing and regulation through to decommissioning and waste management. Drawing on significant regulatory and industry experience, Zabielski and Fowler are well placed to help clients navigate complex legal, commercial and policy considerations across the rapidly evolving nuclear energy landscape.

“As investment in next-generation energy technologies accelerate globally, clients need integrated counsel that can navigate financing, policy, and development challenges in a fast-moving market,” said Colin Wilson, Co-Lead of the firm’s global Finance practice. “Vincent and Sid combine distinctive and complimentary sector experience with a rare mix of transactional, technical, and regulatory capabilities that enhance and differentiate our ability to support clients through the full lifecycle of complex nuclear energy projects.”

“Vincent and Sid’s arrival reflects our continued investment in strategically important areas of client demand,” said Matt Schwartz, who co-leads the global Finance practice. “Their backgrounds in this rapidly evolving market create meaningful opportunities for collaboration across our Finance practice and uniquely position us to advise clients on energy transition and infrastructure matters.”

DLA Piper advises on all aspects of financing across borders, sectors, and financial products. The firm’s lawyers counsel issuers, underwriters, selling shareholders, sponsors, arrangers, lead managers, originators, dealers, trustees, and depositaries on a broad range of capital markets offerings, including equity, equity-linked and debt securities, structured and project financings, and securitizations. Some of the firm’s recent client matters include:

• Supporting Amber Infrastructure and La Caisse on its commitment to invest GBP2 billion in Sizewell C, the UK’s 3.2GW nuclear power station
• Guiding Grupo Cox on its US$4.2 billion acquisition of Iberdrola’s assets in Mexico
• Advising the Saudi Water Partnership Company on the close of its Independent Water Transmission Pipeline Project valued at US$2.2 billion
• Assisting the Oman Power and Water Procurement Company on the procurement and development of two Independent Power Projects with a combined capacity of 2.4GW
• Supporting a pool of lenders on the US$430 million financing for Genser Energy Ghana Ltd