Our Attorneys

Maria A. Bries

Maria Bries is a partner and Co-Chair of the Firm’s Chambers-ranked Energy Law and Real Estate Groups enthusiastically representing companies at the leading edge of the clean energy transition. Maria acts as a trusted advisor for national renewable energy developers, EPCs, and investors in the renewable energy sector. Maria concentrates her practice on project development, real estate (including minerals) and title matters, corporate and financing transactions, joint ventures, and acquisitions and sales.

Maria began her career as a project finance attorney at Mayer Brown in New York and Chicago representing sponsors, financial institutions and multilateral official lending agencies in various infrastructure transactions pertaining to the energy sector ranging from renewable to conventional power, notably working to establish Mayer Brown’s Renewable Energy practice. Prior to joining the Firm, Maria was a partner in a boutique firm focused on transactions in the renewable energy space.

Maria is an engaging and dynamic speaker and has presented on renewable energy finance and development topics at conferences such as Solar Farm Summit and the SEIA Executive Strategy Summit. Maria has a particular passion for all aspects of clean energy development—you can find her synthesis and thoughts on LinkedIn. Maria lives near Chicago, Illinois; licensed in Illinois.

In addition to home educating her two children, Maria is an active member in her community. She provides pro bono services in the areas of landlord/tenant law to clients of Prairie State Legal Services, a legal aid organization providing free legal services to low-income individuals in northern Illinois ensuring equal access to justice and fair treatment under the law. Maria has also served as the Executive Board Treasurer of the national organization, Mindfulness in Law Society. She leads mindfulness practices for MILS and facilitates meetings for the Illinois Chapter. Maria is a certified mindfulness and yoga teacher dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of law students, lawyers and legal professionals.