Michael Karpen has joined Holland & Knight’s Financial Services Practice Group as a partner in New York. Karpen comes to the law firm from the New York office of Troutman Pepper.
Karpen represents banks, financial institutions, captive finance companies, equipment lessors, hedge funds, debt issuers, borrowers and lessees in a wide range of financing and equipment leasing transactions. In particular, he often provides advice to clients in connection with “solution financing” – complex transactions involving the financing of equipment projects, various types of services and soft costs.
“Michael’s skill set and extensive experience in sophisticated equipment leasing and finance transactions fills an immediate need in our practice and also complements the work of attorneys in a wide variety of our practice areas, including renewable energy and project development,” said Cindy Brazell, who co-chairs the firm’s Financial Services Practice Group. “We are thrilled to welcome him to our firm.”
Karpen joins Holland & Knight after the firm added renewable energy transaction and finance Partners Justin Boose and Matthew Roberts in January. All three previously practiced together at Troutman Pepper. Holland & Knight, which in August 2021 merged with Thompson & Knight, a well-known Texas-based firm and leader in the energy industry, is moving to integrate and strategically expand its energy industry resources to better assist clients involved in the global energy transition to carbon-free sources.
Karpen has authored several articles that have been published in major finance publications, and is the editor of the Commercial Finance Guide (LexisNexis Publishers) and the Commercial Loan Documentation Guide (LexisNexis Publishers). He is also a frequent speaker at industry events covering various aspects of finance.
“Michael is highly regarded by his peers and clients and is a respected thought leader in his practice area,” said Matthew Fontane, who co-chairs the firm’s Financial Services Practice Group. “He adds a significant capability to our financial services practice, and our clients in a variety of industries will benefit from his business and legal acumen.”
“Holland & Knight has a well-deserved reputation for first-rate client service, and I am excited to begin working with both new and former colleagues,” Karpen said. “To be part of the firm’s prestigious and growing financial services practice is an incredible opportunity, and I aim to play a meaningful role in further strengthening our position in New York and beyond.”
Karpen earned a J.D. degree from the Yeshiva University Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and a B.A. degree from Hampshire College.