Valerie Smith

Counsel

Valerie Smith is a counsel in O’Melveny’s Los Angeles office. She is a member of the Project Development and Real Estate Practice and focuses in the power and transportation industries. Valerie has represented a broad range of clients in the power industry, including independent power producers, utilities and financiers. She has been actively involved in the renewable energy market, representing clients in connection with the acquisition and development of wind farms and other renewable energy facilities in the United States.

Valerie has advised project developers and investors on long-term power sales arrangements for over 25 new or existing wind farms across the United States. She recently represented a large investor-owned utility in connection with the purchase of renewable energy from one of the largest wind farm developments in the United States. She also assisted in the development of a “green” power program and standardized power purchase contracts for one of the largest municipal utilities in the United States. 

Valerie has also represented clients in the acquisition and financing of traditional generating assets, including the negotiation of energy tolling agreements, fuel supply contracts, and long-term operation and maintenance agreements. In addition, she has represented investors in the workout and sale of troubled projects.

Valerie has also been involved in the representation of clients in the transportation industry. She currently serves as project counsel to the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority.

Professional Activities

Board Member, Women's Council of Greater Los Angeles for the City of Hope
Member, Los Angeles Bar Association, Los Angeles Women's Bar Association
Speaker, Los Angeles Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA) – "Energy Outsourcing Contracts"
Honors, Project Finance Magazine's North American Acquisition Deal of the Year 2007; Project Finance International's "Infrastructure Project of the Year"