Rick Saines heads the North America Climate Change and Environmental Markets Practice. He is widely published and globally recognized as a leading climate change lawyer, bringing over a decade of experience on climate change law matters advising multinational companies, financial institutions, funds and project sponsors on carbon and environmental market transactions within the international, regional and voluntary markets. Mr. Saines also advises major global corporations on climate change policy, sustainable development and global corporate greenhouse gas compliance and management. He is recognized by Chambers USA and Chambers Global as a leading climate change lawyer.
Practice Focus
Mr. Saines routinely advises on leading carbon market transactions, both within the US and across multiple jurisdictions throughout the world, including Mexico, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Madagascar, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Kenya, and China. He has considerable experience in the areas of forestry and terrestrial carbon, and the laws and policies concerning carbon capture and storage. He is a co-founder of Avoided Deforestation Partners.
Representative Legal Matters
- Represented a leading US portfolio of carbon offsets in a strategic alliance, marketing, offtake and equity investment with a major global investment bank.
- Draft and negotiate all forms of ERPAs in the primary and secondary markets in connection with compliance and voluntary regimes in the US, the EU ETS and under the Kyoto Protocol.
- Represented state government regarding carbon capture and storage legislation.
- Represent various multinational corporations regarding their global climate strategies.
- Represent a global power company in connection with the establishment and ongoing operation of its global carbon trading business.
Professional Honors
- Leading lawyer in Climate Change, Chambers USA, 2010-2011
- Leading lawyer in Climate Change, Chambers Global, 2009-2011
Professional Associations and Memberships
- International Emissions Trading Association - Land-Use Working Group Chair
- Carbon Markets & Investors Association - Member
- American Bar Association - Renewable Energy Resources Subcommittee Former Co-Chair
- American Council on Renewable Energy - Member
- Chicago Bar Association - Environmental Committee Former Chair
- Illinois State Bar Association - Member
- Emissions Marketing Association - Member
Admission
Illinois~United States (1996)
Education
Chicago-Kent College of Law (IIT)
(J.D.)
(1996)
Miami University (Ohio)
(B.S. cum laude)
(1991)
Baker & McKenzie LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership organized under the laws of the State of Illinois (USA) and is a member of Baker & McKenzie International, a Verein organized under the laws of Switzerland.