Baker Botts L.L.P. > Washington DC, United States > Firm Profile

Baker Botts L.L.P. > The Legal 500 Rankings

Energy > Energy litigation: oil and gas Tier 1

The energy litigation team at Baker Botts L.L.P. has a strong track record in handling high-end oil and gas cases in the US, on behalf of clients across the industry, including multinationals, service companies, pipelines, refiners and major trade organizations. The practice encompasses the entire range of oil and gas mandates, including environmental incidents, energy transition and litigation arising from the aftermath of Winter Storm Uri. Other key areas of expertise include price gouging, restructuring, business interruptions, force majeure and liability due to the oil price collapse. The team is led by William Kroger, who has considerable experience advising clients on a wide array of oil and gas, renewables and power disputes, while Louie Layrisson handles litigation across the US and before various arbitral institutions on behalf of investors, developers and manufacturers. Jason Newman acts for energy clients in disputes stemming from horizontal development in Texas and throughout the US. Tina Nguyen is an experienced trial lawyer who works with oil and gas and renewable clients on lease and power purchase agreements, royalty obligations, pricing disputes and nuisance claims. Senior associate Chauntelle Wood is skilled in royalty and pipeline disputes, while Benjamin Gonsoulin has experience in disputes involving industrial accidents, environmental contamination and toxic tort claims.

Energy > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 1

Baker Botts L.L.P. is regularly engaged in matters involving headline power, utilities and renewables transactions taking place across the US. One recent highlight saw the team act for The AES Corporation, a mandate led by Michael Didriksen (based in New York) who represented the AES Corporation in connection with a strategic alliance with Google to accelerate the growth and adoption of clean energy. Elaine Walsh  is situated in Washington, DC and counsels clients regarding energy company mergers, energy asset acquisitions, divestitures and investments. Jonathan Bobinger (Houston) is a transactional lawyer with over a decade of experience in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and securities matters. Bobinger also has renewable energy experience, having lead transactions involving the wind and solar sectors. Carlos Marquez is a name to watch for his representation of domestic and foreign companies and private equity firms in a variety of transactions including project financing, project development, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, often involving power generation and renewable energy.

Energy > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 1

Counting BP, ConocoPhillips and CenterPoint Energy, to name a few, among its key roster of clients, Baker Botts L.L.P. is instructed by major market players to handle bet-the-company transactions in the oil and gas sector, advising on the full spectrum of matters, including M&A structuring, federal and state tax support and regulatory guidance. With demonstrable experience across the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors, the team advises on mandates concerning all forms of financing, commercial agreements, equity investments, restructuring and royalty transactions. In the firm's Houston office, Jason Bennett focuses on the development and financing of LNG projects, joint ventures and transactions, while Washington DC-based senior counsel Steven Miles is an industry veteran, who advises on matters arising out of the LNG, natural gas and renewable energy industries. In Houston, Erin Hopkins handles commercial issues involving the acquisition and divestiture of energy companies and joint venture arrangements, and Scott Looper focuses on midstream and LNG project development, while Dallas-based Jonathan Platt represents private equity funds in acquisitions, investments and general corporate matters in the energy sector.

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 2

Baker Botts L.L.P. is a destination practice for high-stakes cartel investigations and defense, representing major corporate clients from the Big Tech, pharma, and food processing industries in civil and criminal litigation, investigations both internal and governmental, as well as advising them on overall policy issues and compliance. The team is co-headed by John Taladay and Maureen Ohlhausen. Taladay, an extensively experienced cartel lawyer with a strong record in securing successful outcomes for his clients, leads the firm’s criminal cartel practice, while Ohlhausen takes point on civil antitrust investigations with a focus on price-fixing and filing investigations. Former DOJ attorney Taylor Owings has particular experience in antitrust issues relating to the digital economy and intellectual property matters, while Erik Koons‘ practice focuses on bet-the-company antitrust litigation. Another key litigator is monopolization specialist Joseph Ostoyich, while Chris Wilson and Stacy Turner handle civil and criminal cartel investigations. All mentioned lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 2

Baker Botts L.L.P. focuses on complex, high-stakes merger clearance processes, advising major global businesses across industries such as energy, tech, and pharma on transactions facing scrutiny from the DOJ, FTC, and international antitrust agencies, from initial filing through to investigations and litigation. The firm offers strong contentious antitrust expertise, as well as broad multijurisdictional capabilities, regularly working with its teams in Europe on cross-border merger control mandates, and can call upon key senior agency experience in its senior team, with practice co-chair Maureen Ohlhausen a former chair of the FTC,  Taylor Owings having served as Chief of Staff at the DOJ Antitrust Division, and Mark Botti a former Section Chief at the DOJ. The team accordingly specializes in securing clearance for contested deals, including co-chair John Taladay ‘s successful closing of Mandiant’s acquisition by Alphabet, which faced a DOJ Second Request. In a key demonstration of the firm’s international expertise, Paul Cuomo  represented Liberty Latin America in its agreement with América Móvil to combine VTR and Claro Chile, a deal requiring approvals in multiple jurisdictions. Matthew Adler was promoted to partner in March 2022, and is noted for his work before the DOJ and FTC on regulated industry merger clearances. All lawyers mentioned are in Washington DC.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: toxic tort Tier 2

Leveraging the expertise of litigators and environment specialists primarily based out of its Houston headquarters, as well as from Washington DC, Baker Botts L.L.P. is particularly accomplished at representing energy and utilities clients in toxic tort issues arising in the course of their business. The scope of this work is broad and includes consolidated private litigation alleging personal injury and property damage as a result of groundwater and soil contamination, as well as regularly responding to major high-profile environmental incidents –  where the firm is able to provide a tailored crisis response service aimed at minimizing reputational damage and to efficiently respond to attendant regulatory investigations, as well as resulting litigation. In Houston, Russell Lewis excels in handling multi-faceted mandates and is often front-and-centre in assisting major manufacturing and energy companies respond in the aftermath of major environmental incidents; he continues to represent Intercontinental Terminals Company in crisis response, governmental enforcement defense, and multiple class actions and private party lawsuits arising out of Deer Park terminal fire. As well as providing regulatory compliance advice, Washington DC-based partner Kent Mayo also regularly handles class action litigation arising from environmental issues, as well as responding to governmental enforcement actions – an area that he is able to provide particular insight as a result of his previous tenure as a trial lawyer at the Environmental Enforcement section of the DOJ. Joshua Frank and Ty Buthod co-head the team alongside Mayo from Washington DC and Houston, respectively.

Energy > Energy litigation: electric power Tier 2

Baker Botts L.L.P.‘s energy litigation group is led by William Kroger in the Houston office and is integrated with other disciplines, harnessing the firm’s regulatory, appellate and intellectual property experts, among others. In recent years, the firm has focused on representing major electrical power producers who suffered massive losses or are facing litigation arising from Winter Strom Uri in 2021. The team services a diverse client base, including conventional electricity and gas power industry clients. John Anaipakos  in Houston handles high stakes litigation for clients in the energy industry, among others; he has particularly deep experience in representing oil and gas, and utility clients. San Francisco-based Megan Berge supports clients in environmental law in areas including civil litigation, rulemaking and compliance counselling, while also assisting them with the development of strategies to accomplish sustainability targets. In Austin, Juliana Sersen joined from ERCOT and uses her vast experience as Assistant General Counsel – Regulatory & Litigation to represent energy clients in regulatory matters and complex energy market issues.

Energy > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 2

Baker Botts L.L.P. fields one of the largest national energy practice groups and is positioned to assist clients in navigating the diverse potential regulatory hurdles facing the U.S. electricity market. The team represent prominent members of the energy industry including large multi-state utilities, private equity-backed generation and transmission portfolio companies, investors and developers of renewable and energy storage assets. Its lawyers also assist clients on niche regulatory matters such as hydroelectric licensing and enforcement/compliance matters before FERC. Based in Washington DC, Michael Yuffee focuses on regulatory, enforcement defense and transactional markets relating to the wholesale energy markets, and, together with Ryan Norfolk, recently worked on a matter which involved representing a company before FERC on all transmission rate, policy, and market rule issues. Jay Ryan  is recognized for his work in counselling clients on project development and energy regulatory mandates, including complex matters before FERC and the DOE. Andrea Stover, based in Austin, provides regulatory counsel to clients in the energy and natural resources sector.

Energy > Energy regulation: oil and gas Tier 2

Baker Botts L.L.P. handles a broad range of regulatory and litigation mandates in the oil and gas sector, such as representing clients in hearings surrounding transportation rates for natural gas, permitting of regulated facilities and counselling concerning regulatory changes. The regulation team is also noted for its capability in handling contentious matters, particularly when representing clients in administrative litigation and judicial reviews of agency decisions, as well as compliance and enforcement cases. Emil Barth has acted as first chair on regulatory hearings before the FERC and regularly advises on regulatory, litigation and project development matters, while Michael Yuffee focuses on enforcement defense and other regulatory mandates relating to the wholesale energy markets. Houston-based James Barkley jointly leads the team alongside Jay Ryan, and special counsel Ryan Norfolk regularly handles matters surrounding enforcement defense, internal investigations and administrative litigation. All named practitioners are based in the firm's Washington DC office, unless stated otherwise.

Environment > Environment: litigation Tier 2

Baker Botts L.L.P. has a strong track record in environmental litigation, acting for oil and gas, chemical and water companies in relation to crisis situations, as well as defense before regulatory agencies. The team includes alumna from the Department of Justice’s (DoJs) Environment and Natural Resource Division, Environmental Crimes Section, and Environmental Enforcement Section and is led by Houston’s Scott Janoe. Janoe is well versed in multi-state litigation and acts for clients in the energy, mining, and manufacturing sectors. Steve Solow is a key Environmental Health Safety (EHS) practitioner, Nadira Clarke is a name for white-collar crime and civil matters, and Megan Berge is recommended for climate change issues, including permitting issues and the development of Environmental, Sustainability, and Governance (ESG) programs. Martha Thomsen and Allison Watkins Mallick were both promoted to partner; Mallick is name for government enforcement actions and CAA issues, while Thomsen handles both litigation and compliance. Kimberly White left for an in-house role at EOG Resources and Jennifer Keane retired. All attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Environment > Environment: regulatory Tier 2

The environmental, safety, and incident response team at Baker Botts L.L.P. offers services coast-to-coast and has particular strength in crisis response and prevention. Permitting, compliance, investigations and enforcement are also key tenets of the practice, and it is particularly experienced in the air, water and waste sectors. In Houston, Scott Janoe heads the team, while Scott Elliott is recommended for environmental, and health and safety issues, in the chemical and energy industries. In Washington DC, Debra Jezouit is recommended for CAA and climate change matters, as well as ESG issues, while Alexandra Dunn, who was a former Assistant Administrator for the EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, is a key name for EPA issues, particularly those pertaining to Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and PFAS chemicals. Martha Thomsen and Allison Watkins Mallick were both promoted to partner in DC and San Francisco respectively, in early 2022. Kimberly White left for EOG Resources and Jennifer Keane retired.

Intellectual property > Patents: licensing Tier 2

Baker Botts L.L.P. handles the full spectrum of licensing matters for multi-party transactions, including patent, copyright and trademark license agreements, alongside technology development, acquisition, distribution and outsourcing agreements. The firm also conducts due diligence investigations relating to M&A. The firm regularly acts for Cisco on patent licensing and strategic portfolio development, and also represents Toyota in the development of their hydrogen fuel cell technology for heavy-duty vehicles. Christa Brown-Sanford, who is active in the firm’s Dallas office, has experience of patent licensing in relation to telecommunications, electronics and other technologies, working with notable clients such as Toyota and Cisco. Washington DC’s Luke Pedersen strengthens the team with his expertise in technology-related matters, particularly including technology transfers, licensing and patent portfolio management, as well as emerging technologies. Highly experienced patent trial attorney Robert Scheinfeld, who is based in New York, also co-heads the team.

Intellectual property > Patents: prosecution (including re-examination and post-grant proceedings) Tier 2

Baker Botts L.L.P.‘s ‘solid’ team is led by New York-based intellectual specialist Robert Scheinfeld and patent prosecution expert Sandra Lee , in addition to IP specialist Christa Brown-Sanford and experienced patent prosecution attorney Samir Bhavsar , both of whom work out of the Dallas office. The cohort has a strong reputation for its ability to develop and manage significant patent portfolios for notable clients across a range of industry sectors, namely education, technology and telecommunications, including Colombia University and Mastercard. A key example of such work is its current representation of Ericsson in the development and management of an international patent portfolio, directed to a wide range of technologies. The team is one of the most active in the US in terms of representing its clients at post-grant and inter-partes reviews filed at the PTAB, an example being its defense of the validity of Qualcomm’s patents in an action raised by Apple, with Palo Alto-based Eliot Williams particularly adept in this area. Additionally, Dallas’ Chad Walters, co-chair of the firm-wide PTAB trials group, is a key name for related litigation in the space.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 2

Baker Botts L.L.P. fields a long-established federal tax controversy and litigation team, with strength in the energy, technology, and financial service industries, and a large SALT practice, which is active in state audits, appeals, and litigation. Clients are particularly complimentary of the firm’s aptitude for estate and gift tax controversies, and praise the group’s ‘depth and breadth of expertise.’ State and local tax chair Renn Neilson, based in Houston, covers property, income, and sales tax controversies. Also based in Houston are senior partner John Porter and the ‘fantastic’ Keri Brown, who frequently work closely together on estate and gift tax controversies. Jon Feldhammer works from the San Francisco office, and is active on tax controversies before the IRS, California Franchise Tax Board, and other state agencies. Senior associate Ben Geslison, of the Houston office, focuses on SALT matters. William Gorrod left the firm in February 2024.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 3

The team at Baker Botts L.L.P. ‘provides outstanding tactical advice and defends in significant and material litigation’ such as class action lawsuits and competitor litigation in federal and state courts nationwide. Recently defending against price fixing claims and group boycotts in the life sciences and manufacturing sectors, the firm’s client portfolio features the likes of FedEx, Ericsson and Sun Pharmaceuticals. The highly regarded John Taladay co-chairs the practice offering his extensive experience in merger clearance work as well as defending national and international corporations in cartel matters and class actions. Maureen Ohlhausen also heads the team, advises across the retail, telecoms and tech space and is well known for her significant experience nationally and globally on antitrust and FTC-related matters. Senior associate Chris Wilson represents litigants from complaint filing to trial in industries such as industrial manufacturing, telecommunications and pharmaceuticals. All the mentioned attorneys are based in the Washington DC office. Joseph Ostoyich and William Lavery left the practice in April 2023.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Providing ‘superb advocacy’ and comprising a team of ‘fierce advocates’, Baker Botts L.L.P. is sought out by clients to manage risks and represent them in cases before authorities such as the DOJ, US Attorney’s offices and congressional committees. Known for its extensive trial experience, the practice has a strong track record defending corporations and individuals in white-collar and regulatory matters on both domestic and cross-border level. In Washington DC, lead partner Kyle Clark has particular expertise within the healthcare sector, while Bridget Moore is well-versed in securities enforcement and internal investigations. The firm further strengthened its team with the arrival of Palo Alto-based Michael Ward, previously at Vinson & Elkins LLP, in February 2022.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 3

Leveraging its strong oil and gas credentials, Houston-headquartered Baker Botts L.L.P. consistently represents global industry heavyweights in multi-jurisdictional arbitral proceedings, including major energy and construction companies. Outside of the energy space, the group has a growing international presence in the TMT sphere. New York's Andrew Behrman co-chairs the global international disputes group and handled a string of energy and EPC-related arbitrations over the past year, with recent activity in ICC, UNCITRAL and ICDR cases, among others. Senior counsel Michael Goldberg splits his time between Houston and New York and is an 'outstanding international advocate'; he continues to take the lead in complex cases, including recently advising on disputes under ICDR and AAA rules. The team also draws on New York-based special counsel Edward Schorr, who has a focus on energy disputes, and Vern Cassin, who operates from Washington DC and New York and has an emphasis on the media and energy sectors.

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 3

Baker Botts L.L.P. has traditionally been known for its high-calibre work in the energy and technology sectors, but it is increasingly involved in deal-related litigation in the financial services, healthcare and consumer products industries. Active in its home market of Texas but also in Delaware and other fora across the US, the firm continues to use its trial experience to represent corporates and C-suite officers. Danny David in Houston and Bridget Moore in Washington DC, along with co-chairs of securities litigation Jessica Pulliam in Dallas and Amy Hefley in Houston are the key partners. Richard Harper in New York led the defence of Liberty Broadband Corporation and Charter Communications directors in a shareholder derivative lawsuit in Delaware challenging a $5bn investment as part of the Charter Communications-Time Warner Cable-Bright House Networks merger. Jonathan Shapiro moved to Goodwin in San Francisco.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 3

Baker Botts L.L.P. is best known for its work for clients in the energy sector, though it continues to extend its focus in securities litigation to include the technology, financial services, healthcare and consumer products sectors. The firm is known for ‘professionalism, client communication, focus and sustained effort over lengthy periods of time’. Danny David (who has ‘outstanding oral and written communication skills’) and Amy Hefley in Houston lead the practice alongside Bridget Moore in Washington DC and Jessica Pulliam in Dallas. David, Pulliam and Moore handled a putative securities class action lawsuit against Hallmark Financial Services, its CEO and CFO, securing the dismissal of claims that the company made misleading public disclosures related to its financial performance, including its loss reserves. Former litigation chair David Sterling in Houston and newly promoted partner Brian Kerr in New York also have pivotal roles in the practice. They worked with Hefley on securing the dismissal of a 10b-5 class action against Insperity, which alleged the company misrepresented the risk of large medical claims.

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 3

Led by New York’s Michael Didriksen and Elaine Walsh, who splits her time between New York and Washington, Baker Botts L.L.P.‘s cross-border practice is equipped to handle every stage of projects, including investment, project finance and regulatory counselling. Didriksen impresses his clients with his ‘ability to drive innovative solutions on complex deals’, and is noted for his experience in M&A and project development. In New York, John Papaspanos  is noted as an expert for debt and equity financing transactions. Adam Griffin from the New York office and San Francisco’s Jeff Kayes departed in 2022, while Dino Barajas joined in San Francisco from DLA Piper LLP (US), Ellen Friedman  joined the New York office from Nixon Peabody LLP, and Elias ‘Eli’ Hinckley joined the team in San Francisco from K&L Gates.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

Baker Botts L.L.P. continues to be rated for debt offerings in the energy sector, which has been given additional strength in high-yield debt and underwriter engagements by the arrival of partner Doug Getten from Paul Hastings LLP; Getten has joined as vice-chair of the capital markets and securities team. The team is also noted for its expertise in MLPs. Chair of the capital markets and securities team Joshua Davidson has an outstanding record, noted for his experience in both issuer and underwriter engagements. Eileen Boyce has been promoted to partner. All named partners are based in Houston. Justin Hoffman left the firm in August 2022.

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings

Baker Botts L.L.P. is rated for energy sector high-yield debt offerings. It has historically performed well on the issuer side, but has impressive connections to underwriters, which have been reinforced since the arrival of Doug Getten as vice chair of the capital markets and securities team in 2021. Previously, the firm was active in high-yield offerings by Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) and while this sector of the market has quietened, it continues to work closely on offerings linked to M&A transactions. Chair of the capital markets and securities group Joshua Davidson is a further reputed advisor. Named partners are based in Houston. Justin Hoffman left the firm in 2022.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 3

The intellectual property team at Baker Botts L.L.P. has expertise spanning all industries, with in-depth knowledge of litigation strategy and the full range of IP issues. While acting for clients across a range of industries, the expertise of the team lies primarily in tech, acting for prominent tech companies including Samsung Electronics, Lyft, AT&T, Dell Inc and LG Electronics. Robert Scheinfeld in New York co-chairs the intellectual property department alongside Christa Brown-Sanford in Dallas. Focusing on IP litigation, Douglas Kubehl  in Dallas and Roger Fulghum in Houston lead the firmwide practice. ‘Gifted trial attorney’ Hopkins Guy is another key lawyer in the team, based in the firm’s Palo Alto office.

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (International Trade Commission) Tier 3

The intellectual property department at Baker Botts L.L.P. has a strong ITC practice, handling complex matters in front of the Commission. The majority of the attorneys within the team have been active on ITC matters, and possess technical degrees spanning most technological areas. High-profile, high-value, and highly complex work is routinely managed for clients including FUJIFILM Corporation, Dell, Samsung, and Motorola. Washington DC-based Lisa Kattan chairs the ITC practice alongside co-chairs Robert Scheinfeld, based in New York, and Christa Brown-Sanford, operating out of Dallas.

Intellectual property > Trademarks: non-contentious (including prosecution, portfolio management and licensing) Tier 3

Back by a global reach spanning the US, EMEA, and Asia Pacific regions, the team at Texas-based firm Baker Botts L.L.P. maintains and safeguards the international copyright portfolios of household name corporates across such sectors as food and beverages, professional services, media, consumer products, financial services, apparel, and tech. The practice is led in Dallas by Paul Reilly, who brings experience to the clearance of trademarks, and the rebranding of companies domestically and internationally. The group is supported by Suzanne Hengl, who, in addition to assisting with licensing and influencer agreements, provides expertise in opposition and cancellation proceedings before the TTAB and in other jurisdictions, and senior associate Julie Albert in New York, who specializes in domain name disputes, social media, advertising, and international enforcement matters.

Labor and employment > ERISA litigation Tier 3

Baker Botts L.L.P. offers a broad practice, acting in matters including fiduciary duty breach allegations, plan administration and management claims, and medical provider claims against employer plans. The firm has a focus on the energy and natural gas sector with clients such as ExxonMobil, Halliburton, Patterson-UTI Energy and Transocean. Practice head Travis Sales, based in Houston, recently represented the Houston Firefighters Relief and Retirement Fund, the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association and the Houston Municipal Employees Pension System in ERISA pension plan litigation against the City of Houston. In Dallas, senior counsel Earl Austin has a focus on life science and health care industries, assisting with the firm’s recent work for Aetna Life Insurance Company regarding brand-name medication and health benefits coverage. Christopher Rillo, based in San Francisco, is another key name to note for his experience in ERISA litigation, including ESOPs, plan fees and defined benefit plan litigation.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 3

Baker Botts L.L.P. has a ‘wide range of experience making it easy to get complicated multi-topic issues addressed’. Clients particularly appreciate the firm’s willingness to ‘dig into details to understand the business goals‘. A major sweet spot is in energy tech, where the firm’s deep roots in the energy sector combine with its sizeable IP team. Beyond the energy sector, the firm represents technology clients and investors on a wide range of strategic transactions, including licensing, distribution, outsourcing and development agreements. Samantha Hale Crispin  and Jonathan Gordon respectively lead the team from Dallas and New York. Washington DC-based IP transactions chair, Luke Pedersen, is another key team member.

Tax > International tax Tier 3

Baker Botts L.L.P. assists clients with transactional tax issues including project investments, joint ventures, mergers, restructurings and asset leasing. The team is also well-versed in drafting and negotiating tax-related provisions in acquisitions, financing and project agreements. Derek Green  is based in Houston and focuses on federal income tax matters including securities offerings. He co-heads the the practice with Stephen Marcus, operating out of Dallas, who has substantial experience in the real estate and energy sectors.

Dispute resolution > Appellate: courts of appeals / Appellate: supreme courts (states and federal)

On the Supreme Court front, Baker Botts L.L.P.’s Houston- and Austin-based team had a strong showing in the Texas Supreme Court over the past year. The group also regularly appears before SCOTUS, as well as lower appellate courts across the country. Arguably best known for its prominence in oil and gas-related work, the team’s expertise extends far beyond energy to encompass IP, healthcare, environment and employment-related matters, among others. Macey Reasoner Stokes heads the appellate section and successfully represented CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp before the Texas Supreme Court in a case reversing a multimillion-dollar verdict against it concerning personal injuries arising from a gas explosion. Aaron Streett, a former US Supreme Court clerk, chairs the Supreme Court and constitutional law practice; he is recognized for his record before the Fifth Circuit and DC Circuit, where he has argued 35 times across both circuits.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 4

Baker Botts (UK) LLP is widely recognized for its unique approach, which brings together a team of specialists with diverse perspectives to carefully evaluate and formulate strategies. The firm has a nationwide practice that covers a broad range of commercial disputes, including but not limited to breaches of contract and fiduciary duty, fraud, unfair competition, misappropriation of trade secrets, false advertising, product liability, and professional liability. Danny David , based in Houston, is frequently sought after in securities and shareholder cases, and he co-leads the group with Bridget Moore  in Washington DC. Richard Harper, based in New York, has expertise in representing technology, media, and telecommunications companies. Jessica Pulliam in Dallas is frequently called upon to defend lawsuits against public companies and their officers and directors, while Stephanie Cagniart , based in Austin, specializes in oil and gas matters and contract disputes.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

Baker Botts L.L.P. has outstanding credentials in the energy sector, which provides it with a steady pipeline of equity offering engagements. The firm is regular counsel to both issuers and underwriters. It has a particularly strong record in MLPs, structured equity products and has made a further impression in SPAC IPOs. Joshua Davidson is chair of the capital markets group and Doug Getten is another key partner. Both are based in Houston.

Finance > Project finance Tier 4

Baker Botts L.L.P. handles a vast array of matters, ranging from greenfield projects to tax equity financings for a diverse client list that includes institutional lenders and credit enhancers. San Francisco-based Dino Barajas leads the project finance team since the departure of Jeff Kayes in January 2022, and has broad experience in energy and infrastructure transactions, with a particular focus on the Latin American market. Ellen Friedman in New York is a name to note, with notable expertise advising on complex financing structures in projects in renewable energy, renewable fuel, and carbon capture. Also recommended are Frank Schoen and PPP expert Victoria Boyne, both in New York, and tax specialists Michael Bresson and Barbara De Marigny in Houston.

Intellectual property > Trade secrets (litigation and non-contentious matters) Tier 4

New York-based Robert Scheinfeld and Dallas-based Christa Brown-Sanford lead Baker Botts L.L.P.‘s trade secrets team alongside David Wille, also in Dallas, who is the firm-wide chair of the practice, which has a strong record in representing both plaintiffs and defendants in matters of significant value for such notable clients as MasterCard International Inc., for whom it secured an appellate victory in the New York state court. The team has expertise in high-profile matters of employee mobility, a key example being its victory for Dril-Quip Inc. in its allegations that a former employee misappropriated trade secrets regarding subsea tree systems, a suit with a value of $35m. IP partner Paul Morico, based in Houston, acts on many of the team’s most notable cases, while Washington DC’s Katharine Burke has a strong intellectual property specialism.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 4

Counting domestic and global energy companies among its key clients, Baker Botts L.L.P.’s team has extensive expertise on the full range of employee benefits and executive compensation matters involved with cross-border M&A and high-profile IPOs. Houston-based co-head Gail Stewart is highly experienced in assisting clients with the design and implementation of equity-based incentive programs- as showcased by her key role in advising Liberty Latin America on its adjustment of equity awards- while Dallas-based tax specialist, Stephen Marcus, also co-leads the group. From the Dallas office, Jason Loden supports public and private entities on all compensation and benefit elements of M&A, while special counsel David Schiller focuses on employee benefit related areas of IPOs and credit agreements. In New York, Robin Melman helps clients to navigate the relevant corporate governance and tax issues, and associate Katie Birnhak is noted as key.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 4

Demonstrating notable strength in the TMT, energy and natural resources segments, the Baker Botts L.L.P. M&A team works with a broad spectrum of industry leaders in a variety of big-ticket domestic and cross-border transactions. The practice, which is rated for its ‘high partner availability‘, is under the joint leadership of Texas-based Mike Bengtson and Samantha Crispin, the latter of whom brings more than two decades of experience advising private and publicly traded companies in strategic deals in the TMT sector, and splits her time between Dallas and New York. The ‘client-minded, practical‘ Jonathan Gordon is a ‘go-to attorney‘ for tech-related transactions, including mergers, divestitures, acquisitions, SPACs, and take-private deals; he oversees the East Coast corporate group out of New York. Based in Houston, Clint Rancher stands out for his track record in M&A and corporate governance matters within the energy sector.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 4

While regarded for its expertise in tax planning mandates, Baker Botts L.L.P. is also frequently engaged on large M&A and capital markets transactions, including project investments, joint ventures, spin-offs, restructurings, and debt and equity financings. In Dallas, practice co-head Stephen Marcus’ experience extends to all facets of federal income taxation, with a focus on private equity, MLPs, REITs, and qualified opportunity zones. Marcus has a notable reputation in the real estate and energy sectors, where fellow co-head Derek Green is also recommended for his tax planning and structuring expertise. Energy capital markets tax head Michael Bresson concentrates on renewable energy transactions and publicly traded partnerships, while Washington DC-based Tamar Stanley is noted for her involvement in corporate endeavors and financings. Other key individuals include Jon Lobb and recent arrival Elias Hinckley, who joined the DC office from K&L Gates in September 2022. All named lawyers are based in Houston unless noted otherwise.

Healthcare > Life sciences Tier 5

The IP and life sciences team at Baker Botts L.L.P. serves a broad client base consisting of biotech, medtech, and pharmaceutical companies. Working in close collaboration with the litigation and antitrust departments, the team dispenses ‘outstanding tactical advice’ on drug price fixing cases, class actions, and evaluations of third party IP rights. Steve Lendaris leads the practice from New York, assisting clients with biotech IP issues, product launches, and the development of patent filing strategies. San Francisco’s Michael Torosian advises emerging companies and investors on venture capital financings and IPOs, while William Lavery supports the team from Washington DC, drawing on his expertise in government investigations and antitrust litigation. Stephen Hash and Margaret Sampson left the practice in July 2022. Courtney Fore left the firm for an in-house position in May 2022.

Real estate > Construction (including construction litigation) Tier 5

Real estate Tier 5

Connie Simmons Taylor leads the real estate team at Baker Botts L.L.P. where she specializes in developments, acquisitions, dispositions, with particular expertise in representing developers in major tenant office leases and retail leases. Paul Landen is involved in complex, multi-tier joint ventures, often involving foreign investors. Both partners are based in Houston.

Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers Tier 6

Michael Calhoon – Baker Botts L.L.P.

International Trade > Customs, export controls and economic sanctions

Latin America: International firms > International arbitration Tier 3

Baker Botts L.L.P. has a rich background in Latin America international arbitration. With a strong background in public international law cases, the firm has also built out a thriving commercial arbitration practice. The firm is noted for its ongoing representation of a sovereign state in Latin America as well as a number of state-owned enterprises. It has also built a foreign investor client base, along with further oil and gas businesses in Brazil. Much of the practice centres on oil and gas, power, electricity generation and renewables, along with some political risk matters for US property developers. Alejandro Escobar leads the firm’s public international law practice from London, where he has a lengthy track record in sovereign cases. Houston’s Edward Schorr is also noted for cases related to Brazil, while New York partner Andrew Behrman provides further senior firepower. London senior associate Ernesto Féliz De Jesús is a public international law specialist with a focus on Latin America. The practice was further strengthened with the hires of former Sidley Austin LLP international arbitration partner Jennifer Haworth McCandless and managing associate, María Carolina Durán (as special counsel) to the firm’s Washington DC office in August 2023.