Expertise
Karla is a Strategic Legal Executive & AI Governance Professional with experience advising on the development, financing, and operation of utility-scale infrastructure and renewable energy projects across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. Expert in navigating the intersection of law, emerging technology, and ESG principles to mitigate enterprise risk and drive sustainable growth for mission-driven organizations.
Karla Advises
Infrastructure & Renewable Energy Development:
- Proven record managing the legal lifecycle of high-voltage transmission, wind (CREZ), and solar PV projects
- Expert negotiator of complex EPC, O&M, and PPA frameworks, ensuring regulatory compliance and project-level risk mitigation
- Proven capability in facilitating project-level financing, including tax equity support, public finance, and the use of Special Purpose Entities (SPEs)
AI Governance & Ethical Technology:
- AI Governance Professional specializing in architecting frameworks for responsible AI deployment and data ethics
- Strategic lead for identifying high-value AI use cases within legal departments while establishing protocols for algorithmic bias, data privacy, and global regulatory compliance (EU AI Act/NIST)
- Co-Lead for the Rocky Mountain AI Interest Group (RMAIIG) Legal Subgroup, driving industry dialogue on the ethical integration of technology
Corporate Leadership & Legal Operations:
- Former General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer with a history of modernizing legal departments and significantly reducing legal spend through robust operations and internalized functions
- Successfully established governance committees to foster a culture of ethics and transparency
- Adept at managing global subsidiary structures, entity formation, and complex corporate spin-offs
Cross-Border Transactions & ESG Strategy:
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) leader with deep experience in multicultural transactions and international regulatory compliance across the Americas
- Holder of a Certificate in ESG Strategy, committed to integrating sustainable initiatives into core corporate practices
Experience Highlights
- Orchestrated a comprehensive O&M and EPC contractual architecture for a French rail entity, specifically engineered for deployment across complex Latin American infrastructure markets
- Pioneering Infrastructure Strategy: Spearheaded the legal strategy and bid preparation for Uruguay’s inaugural Public-Private Partnership (PPP), a landmark $823 million initiative encompassing integrated EPC and O&M lifecycle components
- Renewable Energy Milestones: Orchestrated the final stage legal delivery of the 156.4MW CREZ wind project in West Texas, a critical piece of state-wide transmission infrastructure
- Negotiated the landmark agreement for the Navajo Nation’s first utility-scale Solar PV Plant (29.4 MWac), bridging the gap between tribal governance and renewable development
- Directed the legal approach for high-voltage transmission assets, including generator lead lines and complex substation collection systems (34.5KV to 345KV).
Cross-Border Asset Management:
- Represented South American energy interests in high-stakes disputes involving EPC delivery for oil and gas facilities
- Designed the operational legal framework for utility-scale solar assets in California, optimizing long-term O&M risk allocation
- Managed the legal risk profile for a $236 million 21-mile highway expansion, ensuring project-level regulatory compliance
Global Industry Advocacy:
- Authored comprehensive governance guidelines and served as a featured speaker at international forums on the complexities of Joint Ventures and Public-Private Partnerships
Policy & Standards Development:
- Leveraged deep expertise in international legal frameworks to shape industry best practices for the intersection of EPC and O&M operations
Career History
Previous Roles
- Fractional General Counsel & Strategic Consultant (2024 to Present)
- Flatiron Construction, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer (2019 to 2023)
- Peckar & Abramson, P.C., Partner (2017 to 2019)
- Isolux Corsan LLC, General Counsel (2014 to 2017)
- Barton, East & Caldwell, P.L.L.C., Partner (2007 to 2014)
- Dunn & Lindberg, L.L.P., Associate (2006 to 2007)
- Martin & Drought, P.C. (f/k/a Martin, Drought & Torres, Inc.), Associate (2003 to 2006)
- Lotz & Associates, P.C., Associate (2002 to 2003)
- Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P., Contract Attorney (2001 to 2002)
- St. Mary’s University School of Law, Research Assistant (2000 to 2001)
- Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P., Public Finance Paralegal / Cultural Liaison / Translator / Secretary (1995 to 2001)
- Law Office of James L. Brister, PLLC, Legal Secretary / Paralegal (1991 to 1995)
Education
- St. Mary’s University School of Law