American law firm appoints two EM expert to expands Africa, LATAM reach

The American law firm, Winston & Strawn LLP, has appointed two leading emerging markets lawyers, Thomas B. (Tom) Trimble as partner and John  David Bryant as counsel in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office and as members of Winston’s corporate practice.

Trimble is described in a statement made available to business a.m. as  focusing on project finance and private equity, counseling clients in
the energy, telecommunications, mining, health care, and other  infrastructure sectors on major international transactions, most notably
in Africa and Latin America.

He was the only U.S. attorney recognized as part of the top 10 “Africa Elite” by “The Lawyer” magazine. He is said to have pioneered energy and telecommunications transactions in a dozen core countries in East and West Africa, including Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, DRC, and Rwanda.

On the other hand, Bryant has worked closely with Tom for more than a decade and has substantial experience in the private equity and
renewable energy sectors, having served as general counsel at Cannon Power Group, aleading wind energy development company, which completed more than $1 billion in wind energy financings.

These most recent high-profile hires underscore Winston’s commitment to aggressively expanding its transactional practice and to broadening its reach in the energy markets, including Africa.

“We are pleased to have Tom and John join Winston,” said Tom Fitzgerald, chairman of the firm.

“The firm is committed to strengthening the capabilities of our transactions department, and Tom’s deep experience in project finance
and M&A, along with his market-leading representation of investors in emerging markets, make him an excellent addition to our team.”

Tom advises U.S., European, and emerging markets companies and private equity funds in connection with equity and asset acquisitions and dispositions as well as project development and infrastructure transactions.  He is also a versatile deal-maker, working on mergers and
acquisitions, joint ventures, and equity investment matters, according to a statement from the company.

“Tom’s and John’s practice and client base are a natural fit for us,” said David Rogers, managing partner of Winston’s Washington, D.C.
office. “Their skills and experience augment our existing energy, M&A, and project finance practices and will help us strengthen our D.C.
transactional offering, as well as our presence in Africa and Latin America,” he added.

Talbert Navia, co-chair of Winston’s Latin America practice, added,“Tom has handled transactions in 60 countries across five continents,
including 15 countries in Latin America. His energy, mining, telecom, and consumer products work has brought tremendous value to corporate and private equity clients.”

Tom and John join Winston from Akin Gump, where Tom was a partner and leader of the firm’s Africa practice and John served as counsel.

“I am excited to join Winston and build my practice here,” Tom said of  the appointment. “My clients will benefit from the depth and breadth of Winston’s team, and, in turn, I look forward to helping Winston develop an even more robust worldwide footprint for the firm through
international project work.”