Stoel Rives Names Sarah Johnson Phillips Minneapolis Office Managing Partner

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (June 12, 2024) – Stoel Rives LLP, an AmLaw 200 firm, announced today that Sarah Johnson Phillips was named office managing partner of the firm’s Minneapolis office, effective June 5th. In this role, Johnson Phillips oversees the day-to-day management of the office, its business and community activities and recruiting efforts. Johnson Phillips succeeds former Minneapolis OMP Laurie Huotari.

“Sarah is passionately committed to this firm and the important work we do for our clients,” said Melissa Jones, Stoel Rives’ firm managing partner. “Her numerous talents have made her an indispensable member of the firm’s preeminent renewable energy practice; she is a highly-skilled and respected leader among her peers with a stellar reputation for client service. We look forward to the success of our Minneapolis office under Sarah’s deft leadership.”

Johnson Phillips was the first summer associate to work in Stoel’s Minneapolis office in 2008. She joined the firm as an associate in Feb. 2010 upon her graduation from law school, and was named a partner in 2017. A member of the firm’s energy development team and chair of the firm’s solar working group, she counsels clients regarding energy project development and transactional matters, including representing clients in M&A transactions and negotiating complex project agreements for wind energy, solar, and battery energy storage projects. She has particular experience in community solar and distributed generation projects, as well as extensive energy real estate experience, regularly negotiating wind and solar leases and title insurance policies. Earlier in her career, Johnson Phillips regularly assisted clients on energy regulatory matters before the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. A leader in the renewable energy industry, Johnson Phillips is a board member for Clean Grid Alliance, a St. Paul-based advocacy organization committed to expanding renewable energy in the Midwest, and previously held several leadership positions with the national organization, Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy.

“When Stoel opened its Minneapolis office, I was aware of the firm’s reputation in renewable energy and wanted to be part of its growth in Minnesota and this region,” Johnson Phillips said. “I am honored to help grow Stoel’s Minneapolis office in its next phase, working with our talented team of attorneys – many of whom have grown their careers here at Stoel.”

Johnson Phillips is active in Stoel’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, a longtime mentor of associates within the Minnesota office, and oversees a large cross-office teams, providing crucial skills training and career counsel to energy associates and paralegals throughout the firm. In addition, Johnson Phillips is a regular contributor to Stoel Rives’ Renewable + Law blog, which provides insight on climate policy, renewable energy and sustainability matters.

Johnson Phillips has also made pro bono service a priority and has twice received Stoel’s “Andrew Guy Pro Bono Award” for her pro bono work for nonprofits and small businesses in Minnesota.  Her related work includes serving as a Volunteer Attorney through LegalCORPS, a Minnesota nonprofit legal services provider offering free assistance in non-litigation business law matters to low-income owners of small businesses in Minnesota, and has assisted local churches in negotiating solar energy financing arrangements.

Additional accolades achieved by Johnson Phillips include being named the Minneapolis Energy Law “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers in 2024, selected to Minnesota Lawyer’s inaugural class of Top Women in Law in 2023, and listed among Minnesota Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2019.

Stoel Rives’ Minneapolis office provides a full range of services, both litigation and transactional, to local and national clients, primarily in the agribusiness and energy sectors.