Let’s start with your journey — can you tell us a bit about your background and what brought you into the legal side of the renewable energy sector?
I started my legal career in Italy, working across different law firms with a focus on corporate and contract law. I later completed an LLM at Fordham University in New York, which broadened my international outlook and deepened my interest in cross-border transactions. After nearly five years at Chiomenti, I felt the need to align my legal work with a more purpose-driven mission. The renewable energy sector offered the perfect mix of complexity, innovation and long-term impact. That’s what led me to join WElink.
- When did you join the WElink team, and what drew you to the company and its mission?
I joined WElink in July 2023. What attracted me was the company’s strong international footprint and its commitment to delivering tangible results in the renewable energy space. I was also drawn to the opportunity to work closely with multidisciplinary teams and be involved in projects from early-stage development to execution. WElink’s mission to accelerate the energy transition felt aligned with my personal and professional values.
- As Legal Counsel for WElink Italy, what does your day-to-day role typically involve? How does it evolve during different project phases?
My role mainly focuses on supporting the acquisition of project companies (SPVs) by drafting and negotiating the full set of transaction documents – such as Share Purchase Agreements and Development Services Agreements – and by coordinating the closing process. I ensure compliance with corporate and financing requirements throughout all phases. I also review and negotiate other key contracts beyond the acquisition scope. For more complex matters, I liaise with external legal advisors to ensure a coordinated and thorough approach. The role requires legal precision, flexibility and close collaboration with other teams.
- How would you describe the work culture at WElink Italy? What makes it unique or rewarding to be part of this team?
WElink Italy has a collaborative and hands-on culture, where legal, technical and commercial teams work closely together. There’s a strong sense of trust and mutual respect, which allows everyone to take responsibility and feel part of the process. What I find most rewarding is the balance between autonomy and support. It’s a team where people are approachable and professional growth is encouraged.
- Contracts are a critical part of any large-scale renewable project. How important are they in projects of WElink’s scale, and what are the key elements you focus on when drafting or reviewing them?
Contracts are essential to define responsibilities, manage risk and ensure smooth coordination between the parties involved in each transaction. In WElink’s projects, clarity, consistency and enforceability are key. I focus on ensuring the terms reflect the actual deal structure, protect the company’s position and support efficient execution. A well-drafted contract is a tool that drives the project forward – not just a legal formality.
- Legal work demands a lot of precision — how do you maintain a high level of attention to detail across multiple projects and jurisdictions?
Staying organized is essential – I rely on clear checklists, shared trackers and consistent file structures to keep everything under control. I also make time for focused reviews, especially on key documents and closing steps. Switching between projects and legal systems requires adaptability, but also a solid method to avoid errors. Over time, I’ve learned that precision comes from both discipline and experience.
- What are some of the biggest legal challenges you’ve faced in renewable energy projects, and how have you learned to overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges is aligning our contractual framework with the requirements of financing institutions. These situations often involve intense coordination, strict deadlines and multiple stakeholders, all with different expectations. I’ve learned to stay ahead by anticipating potential legal issues and maintaining clear, consistent communication with all parties involved.
- In your experience, how can countries and governments — especially in Italy — better support the growth of renewable energy through legal and policy frameworks?
Italy could support renewables more effectively through a clearer and more streamlined permitting process. Recent steps to reduce approval times are positive, but stronger coordination between national and regional authorities is still needed. Stability in incentives and more predictable regulations would also encourage long-term investment and reduce legal uncertainty.
- From a legal perspective, what excites or gives you the most optimism about the future of renewable energy?
I’m encouraged by the growing clarity and structure of legal frameworks supporting the energy transition. Recent EU initiatives, like the Net-Zero Industry Act, aim to simplify permitting and boost clean energy investments. These developments give legal professionals a concrete role in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future.
- Lastly, what advice would you give to young legal professionals who want to work in clean energy or sustainability-driven companies like WElink?
Be curious, stay informed and develop a solid understanding of how legal, technical and commercial aspects interact in this sector. Pay attention to detail and be open to learning beyond your immediate area of expertise. Look for environments that value collaboration and purpose-driven work. Most importantly, choose a path that aligns with your values and long-term vision.
