The top lawyer at commercial solar company Summit Ridge Energy is joining U.S. law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, as firms continue building out energy practices.

Joyce Chang, who was executive vice president and general counsel at solar farm operator Summit Ridge, adds to Skadden's energy and infrastructure projects group in Washington, D.C., the firm said on Tuesday. She will advise on project development, financing and mergers and acquisitions.

Chang in a statement said she is eager to join Skadden as the energy sector "faces unprecedented changes and challenges."

Energy-related legal work is one area within law firms that could see an uptick under the incoming Republican administration of Donald Trump.

Trump's return to the White House will refocus the nation's energy policy onto maximizing oil and gas production and away from fighting climate change, but is considered unlikely to dramatically slow the U.S. renewable energy boom.

Law firms have already been expanding capabilities to meet client demand for energy transactional and regulatory work in recent years.

New York-founded Skadden in its announcement pointed to Chang's experience in the renewable energy industry. Prior to Summit Ridge, she held leadership roles in the legal departments of clean energy home improvement financing provider Ygrene Energy Fund and renewable energy company SunEdison.

Apollo Global Management in 2022 agreed to invest $175 million in Summit Ridge, which owns and operates community-based solar assets.

"We are incredibly proud of Joyce's accomplishments and fully support her in this exciting career move," Summit Ridge said in a statement. The company said it looks forward to continuing a relationship as the firms collaborate.