Max Friedman
Max Friedman

Max Friedman

Counsel

Chicago | San Francisco

Introduction

Max advises clients across the full lifecycle of wind, solar, battery storage, nuclear, geothermal, and CCS clean energy projects.

With a strong background in clean energy project development, permitting, financing, construction, and operations, Max Friedman advises energy developer and offtaker clients on the full gamut of projects’ legal needs.  This includes navigating complex M&A transactions and joint ventures to buy, sell, and co-develop large-scale renewable energy projects.  Max supports hyperscale clients in securing carbon-free electricity and capacity through power purchase agreements, including both front-of-meter and behind-the-meter structures.  He advises clients on tax equity and tax credit monetization strategy, including compliance with fast-evolving regulatory challenges. He supports project permitting and environmental due diligence at the federal, state, and local levels, ensuring clients think proactively and strategically about risk.  And he supports projects on an array of other needs, ranging from real estate leases and options, IP licensing, supply chain acquisitions and sales, project interconnection, and regulatory compliance. He is a seasoned clean energy lawyer with global experience spanning North and South America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region.  

Max has led international, cross-functional legal teams of internal and external counsel, managing everything from federal leasing and auction participation to stakeholder engagement, contract negotiation and enforcement, and broader project strategy. He has overseen litigation and settlement strategies for disputes involving U.S.-based wind and solar projects. A trusted adviser and skilled negotiator, Max balances commercial priorities with legal risk mitigation and governance. 

*Only admitted in California and New York 

Education & credentials

  • Stanford Law School, J.D.,

    Co-Editor-in-Chief, Stanford Environmental Law Journal

    , 2013
  • Columbia University, B.A., English,

    summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa

    , 2009
  • California
  • New York
  • RWE Clean Energy, LLC (FKA E.ON Climate & Renewables North America, LLC) & RWE Offshore Wind Holdings, LLC, Chicago, IL, Assistant General Counsel, 2019, 2020-2025; Transition Manager, Chilean New Markets, 2019; Counsel, 2017-2018
  • Latham & Watkins LLP, Costa Mesa, CA, Associate, 2015-2017
  • Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, New York, NY, Associate, 2013-2015