Baker Botts L.L.P. maintains a premier oil and gas litigation practice, representing a broad client base spanning multinational energy giants, privately held operators, service companies, pipelines, refiners, and key industry trade organizations. The firm is a go-to for high-stakes disputes across major US onshore and offshore shale plays, handling infrastructure, services, environmental, and intellectual property litigation of national significance. With deep experience in federal and state courts, as well as before administrative and regulatory bodies and international arbitration forums, the team is well-equipped to tackle the industry’s most complex legal challenges. The practice covers a diverse range of disputes, including those arising from production-sharing agreements, joint operating agreements, gas gathering and processing agreements, price reviews under long-term contracts, drilling, royalties, and pipelines. It integrates seamlessly with the firm’s antitrust, environmental, bankruptcy, and regulatory practices to provide comprehensive representation. Co-heads William Kroger and Louie Layrisson bring extensive energy litigation experience, while Jason Newman adds expertise in cutting-edge legal issues linked to horizontal drilling and Amy Hefley brings extensive experience in energy litigation including in lease termination claims, midstream agreements, and title disputes. Laura Shoemaker McGonagill handles energy litigation in federal and state courts as well as international arbitration. The group further strengthened its capabilities with the 2024 arrival of David Applebaum from Jones Day. All referenced team members are based in Houston.

Gibbs & Bruns LLP is a premier boutique firm specializing exclusively in high-stakes business and commercial litigation. The firm’s dual plaintiff and defense experience provides strategic depth, allowing it to handle complex, high-value disputes with a nuanced approach. Recognized for its precedent-setting work, the firm is particularly active in the energy sector, representing clients in major litigation matters. The Houston practice is co-led by Robin Gibbs, a seasoned trial lawyer with 50 years of experience handling significant commercial disputes, particularly in oil and gas. Kathy Patrick is a go-to trial counsel for Occidental Petroleum, known for her work on high-risk, high-value cases. Barrett Reasoner maintains a diverse trial docket, including substantial matters in energy and oil and gas, while Brian Ross brings broad trial experience, representing global energy companies, investors, and private clients. All referenced individuals are based in Houston.

King & Spalding LLP’s energy litigation practice excels in high-stakes disputes across the oil and gas sector. The team has a strong track record in traditional litigation while also leading the charge on emerging claims tied to the industry’s transition toward decarbonization and carbon capture technologies. Clients turn to the firm for its ability to navigate novel legal challenges that arise in the evolving low-carbon landscape. The practice is co-led by Houston-based Tracie Renfroe, a veteran trial and arbitration lawyer with 37 years of experience handling toxic tort, environmental, product liability, and commercial disputes. She is particularly adept at presenting complex scientific and technical issues, including ecotoxicology and regulatory compliance, in legacy oilfield contamination cases. Houston-based Elizabeth Taber brings extensive experience in mass torts, catastrophic injury claims, environmental contamination, and oil and gas disputes, frequently handling large-scale, multiparty, and multi-district litigation. San Francisco-based Charles Correll is a key practitioner specializing in complex commercial, mass tort, and environmental litigation, representing clients in domestic and international disputes in federal and state courts as well as before arbitration panels.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP is a dominant force in high-value, high-stakes litigation across the United States, including Texas. The firm’s litigation team represents energy clients in every key jurisdiction and forum, including state and federal courts, appellate courts, international courts, and arbitration proceedings. The firm also has a strong presence before federal and state agencies, regularly advocating for clients before the Department of Energy, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Securities & Exchange Commission, U.S. Department of Justice, and the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as before legislative and congressional oversight committees. On the global stage, the team represents multinational entities in administrative and regulatory proceedings before the European Union and other international bodies. The firm’s Houston litigation practice is led by Houston-based Anna Rotman, a seasoned trial lawyer who has successfully represented both plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal courts and arbitrations nationwide. D.C.-based Daniel Donovan is a go-to litigator for major energy companies facing their most high-profile disputes. D.C.-based Ragan Naresh focuses on complex civil litigation, particularly in the energy sectors, with extensive experience handling class actions in the oil and gas space.

Vinson & Elkins LLP’s litigation team brings deep industry knowledge, including former petroleum engineers, to complex energy disputes nationwide. The firm represents clients in energy contract disputes, royalty litigation, class actions, and issues related to shale and hydraulic fracturing, handling matters in state and federal courts and before regulatory bodies. The practice is co-led by Houston-based Jim Thompson, a trial attorney with over 35 years of experience, whose background as a petroleum engineer provides firsthand insight into oil and gas litigation. Dallas-based Matthew Stammel focuses on complex commercial disputes, frequently representing oil and gas companies and private equity firms. Houston-based Nicholas Shum specializes in upstream, midstream, and oilfield services contract disputes. Jeremy Marwell, based in D.C., is an appellate litigator with expertise in constitutional and environmental law. Houston-based Stephanie Noble is a skilled trial lawyer who represents clients in energy, contract, and shareholder disputes.

Bracewell LLP’s litigation team operates as a boutique within a global firm, handling high-stakes and complex disputes for energy clients. The trial team represents oil and gas companies as both plaintiffs and defendants, leveraging deep industry knowledge to deliver strategic advantages in court. The practice is co-led by Stephen Crain, who focuses on energy-related disputes, representing developers, producers, commodity traders, and suppliers across the sector. Bradley Benoit stands out for his dual representation of plaintiffs and defendants, bringing experience in energy litigation, securities and derivative litigation, and bankruptcy-related disputes. Drew Taggart is a seasoned commercial litigator with extensive jury trial, international arbitration, and first-chair bench trial experience. He regularly leads state and federal court proceedings, mediations, and depositions in complex oil and gas litigation. All mentioned individuals are based in Houston.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP’s energy litigation practice handles a broad range of disputes for energy companies worldwide. The firm has deep expertise in international arbitration, regularly representing clients in disputes with foreign governments under project agreements, bilateral investment treaties, and the Energy Charter Treaty. The team is particularly experienced in oil and gas industry matters, including exploration and production, pipeline disputes, joint ventures, and energy trading, as well as arbitration of complex international energy-related cases. The practice is co-led by Karl Stern, a Houston-based litigator with extensive experience trying sophisticated commercial cases in state and federal courts and before domestic and international arbitral tribunals, often handling complex oil and gas disputes. Sanford Weisburst, based in New York, focuses on energy litigation at the administrative, trial, and appellate levels. New York-based Michael Young is a highly experienced arbitration specialist, representing international clients in energy disputes under major institutional rules worldwide.

Arnold & Porter represents major players across the oil, gas, LNG, and petrochemical sectors, advising upstream, midstream, and downstream businesses, oilfield service companies, private equity firms, and other stakeholders on a broad spectrum of complex litigation. The team handles cases involving breach of contract, pipeline, and plant delivery interruptions, personal injury claims, green energy disputes, and matters tied to power plants, petrochemical facilities, refineries, and offshore drilling. With offices in key global oil and gas hubs, the firm is well-positioned to manage industry challenges worldwide. The practice is co-led by D.C.-based Kenneth Chernof and New York-based James Herschlein, with Christopher Odell heading the Houston office, focusing on energy and transportation litigation. Houston-based Thomas Kruse brings veteran trial expertise in energy disputes, while Houston-based Katherine Ginzburg Treistman focuses on high-stakes commercial litigation. Denver-based Colin O’Brien handles federal, state, and arbitration matters, and Houston-based Ryan Hartman leverages his BP executive background in complex energy cases.

BakerHostetler is recognized for its strong capabilities in complex oil and gas litigation, frequently representing refinery clients and major energy companies in high-stakes disputes. The firm’s oil and gas litigation team offers deep expertise across a wide range of issues, including contract disputes involving leases, licensing agreements, exploration and development contracts, drilling agreements, and offshore environmental compliance, including oil spill matters. The team’s geographic reach enables it to defend clients at the state, federal, and international levels. The practice is co-led by Houston-based-Poe Leggette, known for representing oil and gas producers, particularly on federal and private mineral royalties and operations on federal and Indian lands. Denver-based- Alexander K. Obrecht focuses on royalty, midstream, and federal land development disputes, while Denver-based- Mark Barron guides major producers through high-profile cases. Cleveland-based- David Proaño and Houston-based-W. Ray Whitman, chair of the national litigation group, rounds out the leadership team, handling complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP offers deep expertise in complex litigation across the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors, regularly handling disputes involving oil and gas leases, joint operating agreements, participation agreements, oilfield services and technologies, and worksite injuries. The firm represents major energy companies in both state and federal courts, as well as in domestic and international arbitration. The Houston-based practice is led by Jeff Davis,  an experienced trial lawyer handling cases involving catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, and royalty disputes, with a strong grasp of the technical aspects of oil and gas exploration. Peter Scaff focuses on commercial litigation within the energy sector, while Stephen Fernelius is known for managing high-profile cases under public scrutiny. Jim Collura brings extensive experience in domestic and international arbitration, particularly in the construction and oil and gas industries. All mentioned individuals are based in Houston. Meghan McElvy has left the firm.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is a go-to firm for leading oil and gas exploration, development, and production companies, as well as oilfield service providers, midstream companies, and downstream entities. The firm also represents financial institutions, private equity firms, and government entities active in the sector. Its energy litigation team handles a wide range of disputes, including refinery construction issues, post-acquisition disputes, and representations and warranty claims related to the sale of oil and gas assets. The practice is co-led by Trey Cox, a seasoned trial lawyer known for handling high-profile commercial disputes, and Collin Cox, who has a strong track record representing both plaintiffs and defendants in complex energy cases. Gregg Costa, a former federal trial and appellate judge, brings unique insights to high-stakes matters. Mike Raiff focuses on energy-related arbitrations, including disputes over acquisition, infrastructure, and construction, and has extensive experience litigating cases tied to Winter Storm Uri. All mentioned individuals are based in Houston.

Holland & Knight LLP represents oil, gas, and energy industry clients, including major oil companies, national oil companies, and independents on litigation matters throughout the US. The team also serves as experts, mediators, and arbitrators in domestic and international energy disputes. Austin-based co-head of the team, Juan Alcalá, focuses on international litigation and arbitration with a particular focus on disputes involving Latin America, including matters pending in international tribunals, foreign courts, and US courts. Also co-heading the team is Dallas-based Greg Binns, who focuses on complex litigation, with an emphasis on disputes involving oil, gas, and other energy-related matters. He is experienced in all aspects of the energy industry including allocation wells, title issues, joint operating agreements, and midstream disputes.

McGuireWoods LLP regularly represents energy industry clients including those that explore, develop, produce, and store energy resources in high-stakes, high-profile litigation. The team is particularly strong in its catastrophic litigation work as well as advising and litigating matters related to pipeline integrity. The team is headed by Anthony Carna, and has expertise in the field of royalty and related oil and gas class-action litigation as well as natural gas litigation. Brian Jackson is noted for his success in trying high-exposure jury cases on behalf of energy clients. Greg Krock is an accomplished litigator with experience in litigating disputes that occur throughout the lifecycle of oil and gas production from access to mineral rights to supply contracts. Jonathan Blank has deep experience in natural gas mineral rights, royalties, and transportation. All mentioned individuals are based in Washington D.C.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP represents oil and gas industry clients in a broad range of upstream, midstream, and downstream disputes. The team has a deep understanding of the structure and operation of the industry with experience including class actions, disputes between project developers and purchasers, natural gas royalties, environmental claims as well as interstate and intrastate pipeline rates and access to pipeline facilities. The team is headed by Chicago-based Elizabeth Hanigan. Kirstin Gibbs has experience in all aspects of interstate oil and gas pipeline rates and tariffs, including matters involving administrative and appellate litigation, while Michelle Pector has represented energy clients in a wide range of matters with an emphasis on complex commercial litigation. All lawyers based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Norton Rose Fulbright maintains deep-rooted ties to the energy sector, representing key industry players in high-stakes litigation. The firm advises international and national oil companies, energy producers, pipelines, traders, storage providers, refineries, and chemical plants in both the courtroom and boardroom, navigating the evolving landscape of state and federal disputes. With extensive experience across upstream, midstream, and downstream oil and gas cases, the firm is well-versed in handling litigation before state and federal courts nationwide. The practice is co-led by Melanie Rother, a trial lawyer focused on complex commercial and oil and gas litigation, and San Antonio-based Jeffrey Webb, who represents energy clients in high-stakes disputes, including breach of fiduciary duty and regulatory proceedings. Daniel McClure specializes in commercial litigation, including class actions and royalty disputes, while Reagan Brown and Carter Dugan bring extensive trial, appellate, and arbitration experience. All individuals are Houston-based unless otherwise stated.

Steptoe LLP continues to excel in defending pipeline companies before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and appellate courts, with a strong reputation in oil pipeline representation and a growing presence in the natural gas pipeline sector. The firm’s dedicated team of partners, counsel, and associates focuses on complex litigation matters, handling the full spectrum of oil and gas matters before FERC, state agencies, and appellate courts. The practice is led by Daniel Mullen, chair of the energy group, who advises on enforcement matters and government investigations. Daniel Poynor, head of the oil and gas pipeline practice, specializes in pipeline rate and regulatory disputes. Steven Reed and Steven Brose are key figures in resolving major pipeline regulatory challenges, while Joshua Runyan focuses on litigation related to energy infrastructure projects. All mentioned individuals are based in Washington D.C.

Venable LLP is recognized for its strong litigation capabilities as shipper counsel in crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas liquids pipeline cases before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The firm is particularly noted for handling high-stakes litigation involving the regulation of oil and petroleum product pipelines, frequently representing major shippers and industry stakeholders. The practice is led by Richard Powers, who focuses on crude oil, petroleum products, and NGL litigation, with particular strength in representing trade associations and their members significantly impacted by pipeline regulations. Steven Adducci specializes in regulatory and litigation matters before FERC, representing large shippers and refiners in complex disputes. All mentioned individuals are based in Washington D.C.

White & Case LLP has extensive experience handling complex energy industry disputes, representing clients across all facets of the oil and gas sector, including upstream operations, royalty disputes, and a wide range of contractual matters. The team advises operators, service companies, financiers, and joint venture partners. Its expertise also spans environmental, construction, and intellectual property disputes within the energy industry. The practice is led by Miami-based Jim Robinson, head of Americas commercial litigation, alongside New York-based global co-chairs Glenn Kurtz and Dave Hille. Houston-based Andrew Zeve is known for representing energy clients in complex disputes, while D.C.-based Claire DeLelle focuses on high-stakes international litigation. Houston-based Sean Gorman handles high-value disputes for clients in the energy, petrochemical, and oilfield services sectors, and Houston-based Chris Dodson focuses on energy and environmental trial work.

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP boasts a strong energy litigation practice, representing integrated oil and gas companies, pipeline operators, producers, and marketers in high-stakes disputes. The firm frequently appears before FERC and advocates for clients before key federal agencies, including the EPA and the Departments of Commerce, Energy, and Interior. The practice is co-led by Deidre Duncan in D.C., Michael Morfey in Houston, and Myles Reynolds in Dallas. San Francisco-based Shannon Broome, a former chemical engineer, brings technical insight to regulatory, enforcement, and litigation matters in the oil and gas sector.

K&L Gates, with offices across the U.S. oil patch, offers extensive experience in domestic oil and gas litigation and international markets. The firm’s litigators work closely with maritime, offshore policy, and environmental lawyers, providing comprehensive counsel across a wide range of disputes. Known for its strong trial and appellate practice, the team represents lessees in complex upstream cases, including hydraulic fracturing litigation and right-of-way acquisitions. The practice is led by London-based Ben Holland, with Fort Worth-based Jeffrey King representing producers, gas marketing companies, and pipeline operators in court and arbitration. Fort Worth-based Elizabeth Tiblets focuses on high-stakes energy disputes, including royalty underpayment and class actions, while Pittsburgh-based Thomas Ryan is a recognized trial lawyer, representing upstream and midstream clients, particularly in the Marcellus and Utica shale plays.

Winston & Strawn LLP’s oil and gas litigation practice is known for handling high-profile, high-stakes, and complex cases, with a team of seasoned litigators skilled in trial and arbitration. The practice continues to expand, regularly managing disputes involving contracts, commercial issues, business torts, securities, and royalty class actions. The firm also represents major energy corporations in international arbitrations. The practice is led by Houston-based Michael Murphy, an accomplished trial lawyer with extensive experience in energy disputes, complex commercial litigation, toxic torts, and environmental claims. Dallas-based Tom Walsh, a seasoned trial attorney, represents clients in high-stakes commercial disputes, particularly within the energy sector. Paula Hinton has departed the team.