Baker Botts L.L.P. remains a top-tier choice for high-stakes oil and gas transactions, offering a full-service, multidisciplinary approach across upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors. Co-head Jason Bennett, based in Houston, oversees development and financing instructions across a range of assets, including oil, LNG, hydrogen, ammonia, and water. Also in Houston, Carlos Solé leads the team and focuses on both corporate and finance transactions. In Washington, Steven Miles maintains an extensive cross-border practice and is highly sought after for his experience in LNG projects, while Houston-based Erin Hopkins provides commercial and transactional advice to sponsors and foreign investors. Scott Looper, also in Houston, is well regarded for his expertise in commercial, construction, and midstream development matters. From Dallas, Jon Platt offers further transactional support.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP oil and gas practice advises leading industry players across the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors, as well as financial institutions and private equity firms. With a strong Texas presence, the team advises on M&A, capital markets, project development, and energy financing, drawing on extensive industry knowledge.  Co-chair Michael P. Darden advises a standout roster of exploration and production companies on M&A, joint ventures, and project finance. Fellow co-chair Rahul Vashi focuses on the upstream and midstream sectors, handling joint venture agreements – including development, drilling, and participation ventures – alongside M&A and divestments. Hillary Holmes is highly regarded for her corporate governance and ESG expertise, which she leverages to deliver strategic M&A, financing, and capital-raising advice. Michael Piazza is active across both oil and gas and energy transition assets, with a broad practice spanning GP and LP-side funds and M&A transactions. All individuals are based in Houston.

 

 

Kirkland & Ellis LLP advises energy companies and private equity funds on M&A, asset transactions, private equity investments, and financing across the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors. With a substantial energy team on the ground across multiple states, the firm handles transactions involving shale plays, the Gulf of Mexico, and broader energy infrastructure, covering corporate, regulatory, and financing aspects. Andrew Calder is a key adviser to marquee infrastructure funds, guiding clients on investments, disposals, and corporate governance matters. David Castro’s recent workload spans oil and gas inventory acquisitions across multiple basins, non-operating interest acquisitions, midstream transactions, and full company takeovers. Christopher Heasley maintains a broad practice covering the entire oil and gas value chain, combining transactional and commercial expertise, while Chad Smith is highly regarded for his work in the upstream and midstream sectors. Anthony Speier provides comprehensive counsel to exploration and production companies across multiple basins. Operator clients continue to turn to Sean Wheeler  and William Benitez for their expertise in M&A, joint ventures, and equity investments. Lindsey Jaquillard is also a recommended name for upstream matters. All individuals are located in Houston.

Latham & Watkins LLP advises clients across the entire oil and gas value chain, from exploration and production to midstream infrastructure, LNG, refining, and petrochemicals. The firm represents public and private oil and gas companies, private equity sponsors, investment banks, and lenders on M&A, joint ventures, and capital markets transactions. Global Chair of Latham’s Energy and Infrastructure Group, Justin Stolte, is a trusted adviser to multinational exploration and production companies, frequently handling M&A and joint ventures. Co-head James Garrett is highly regarded for his expertise in high-value M&A, private equity, and private finance transactions, while fellow co-head Lauren Anderson brings additional strength in public and private M&A, project development, and finance. John Greer has led major mergers, company acquisitions, and inventory disposals across the US, Canada, and Brazil. Michael King  maintains a strong transactional focus, primarily advising sponsors and private equity clients in the upstream and midstream sectors. Ryan Maierson has a standout track record in LNG-related deals, covering inventory, project, and company transactions, alongside experience in wider hydrocarbons such as ammonia. James Robertson joined from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in October 2024. Stephen Szalkowski left the firm in March 2024. All individuals are based in Houston.

Vinson & Elkins LLP advises on the full spectrum of oil and gas transactions, from M&A and project development to regulatory and financing matters, leveraging a strong cross-border presence and extensive industry knowledge. Austin’s Kaam Sahely leads the team and is the primary point of contact for some of the firm’s most significant investment firm and infrastructure fund clients. Co-head Matthew Strock, an M&A and private equity specialist based in Houston, is renowned for his extensive oil and gas work, covering upstream, midstream, oilfield services, and manufacturing. Co-head Danielle Patterson, also based in Houston, advises a broad range of clients on energy-transition matters, including M&A, joint ventures, and project development. Michael Joyce, based in Denver, focuses on energy and infrastructure finance, while co-head John Grand, based in Dallas, concentrates on M&A and equity investments in the upstream and midstream sectors. Houston’s Douglas Bland is particularly active in the midstream, managing joint ventures, investments, and development issues. Lande Spottswood and Bryan Loocke, both in Houston, handle complex M&A for both public and private companies, while Keith Fullenweider, also in Houston, primarily advises private equity firms. Matthew Falcone, based in Houston, brings commercial deal experience to a number of complex transactions. Shay Kuperman, another Houston-based expert, is noted for his work on M&A and joint ventures.

Akin advises clients across the oil and gas sector on M&A, financing, project development, and industry-specific agreements, leveraging deep regulatory and operational expertise across upstream, midstream, downstream, petrochemicals, LNG, and utilities. Zachary Wittenberg co-heads the firm’s corporate practice. Energy practice co-leader Wesley Williams is highly active in the midstream and upstream sectors, advising financial sponsors, operators, and producers on complex transactions and is noted for his extensive experience leading buy-side and sell-side deals involving midstream companies and assets. John Goodgame is recognised for his expertise in M&A, corporate governance, and capital raising. Mary Lovely is recommended for her proficiency in acquisitions, investments, and joint ventures across the entire oil and gas value chain, while Robert Shearer has recently advised on multi-billion-dollar mergers and disposals. Trent Bridges and Ian Goldberg joined from Sidley Austin LLP and Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, respectively, in spring 2024, enhancing the firm’s energy M&A capabilities. Leana Garipova and Dasha Hodge provide support across a broad range of matters. Williams and Wittenberg operate out of Dallas and New York respectively. Bredthauer is based in Fort Worth. All other individuals sit in Houston.

Bracewell LLP is a go-to firm for oil and gas transactions, advising on upstream, midstream, and downstream matters, including acquisitions, project development, and regulatory issues. A popular choice for energy companies, financial sponsors, and financial institutions, Alan Rafte leads the practice and is highly experienced across a broad range of assets, with a standout track record in carbon capture and sequestration. Co-head James McAnelly maintains a broad transactional practice, advising on the acquisition and disposal of mineral and royalty interests, oil and gas assets, and commercial leases. Jason Jean and Austin Lee are key figures in the upstream and midstream sectors; Jean is skilled in M&A, joint ventures, and capital markets, while Lee is a go-to adviser for operational matters. Parker Lee is frequently engaged by private equity firms and infrastructure funds for large-scale investments, and Lytch Gutmann advises major energy players such as TC Energy and Phillips 66. Benjamin Martin also comes recommended. All individuals are based in Houston except Austin and Parker Lee who act out of New York.

Advising clients across the full oil and gas spectrum, including exploration, development, production, and transportation, Holland & Knight LLP handles complex transactions and routine operational issues, with added experience in guiding clients through the evolving energy transition to lower-carbon solutions. Jim Noe leads the team from Washington, DC. Co-head Seth Belzley splits his time between Denver and Houston and is highly regarded by companies operating in the midstream sector, with recent work focused on the acquisition of production facilities, terminals, and pipelines. Co-head Robert Dougherty operates from Dallas and brings extensive experience handling transactions across various basins, advising both domestic and international oil and gas players. Dallas’ Andrew Derman, whose work spans domestic and cross-border M&A as well as commercial agreements, is praised as one of the ‘very best’ oil and gas lawyers, with a ‘unique understanding of the industry‘. Ram Sunkara rotates between Dallas and Atlanta and has a diverse practice that spans upstream and midstream acquisitions and disposals, as well as project counsel, with a particular focus on the LNG sector.

King & Spalding LLP‘s Houston-based practice is recognized for navigating complex, large-scale transactions, from joint ventures to cross-border investments, across a broad spectrum of assets, including oil and gas, carbon capture, hydrogen, and LNG, frequently handling first-of-its-kind projects and complex transactions in these areas. Clients include leading energy companies, infrastructure firms, and financial institutions. Group lead Stuart Zisman is primarily engaged with midstream and downstream mandates, handling M&A, finance and commercial agreements. Peter Hays is skilled in heavyweight transactions concerning assets and projects across the entire oil and gas value chain, most notably collaborating with the firm’s UAE platform to advise on ADNOC’s acquisition of a significant interest in ExxonMobil’s project companies – a first of its kind investment for the national oil company. David Lang is highly reputed for his LNG experience and has been a crucial advisor to large-scale, marquee projects like the Rio Grande LNG project. Mark Schlackman has a well-rounded practice that covers acquisitions and investments, joint ventures, project development and commercial agreements, while Susan Berry provides further finance expertise. Kimberlee Cagle is another name for leveraged finance.

 

A firm praised for its ‘very strong energy practice‘, Norton Rose Fulbright handles a wide spectrum of oil and gas transactions, including upstream M&A, joint ventures, and midstream agreements. The team advises major energy companies, national oil companies, independent oil companies, and private investors on both conventional and unconventional assets. Scarlet McNellie and Kessar Nashat lead the team. Craig Vogelsang advises on the sale and purchase of a diverse range of assets, including oil, LNG, hydrogen, carbon, and minerals. Mac Marshall maintains a broad practice spanning upstream, midstream, downstream, and offshore transactions, with expertise in M&A, joint ventures, restructurings, project finance, and development. Debra Hatter brings deep expertise in energy transition and ESG matters, while Luke Edney focuses on infrastructure projects, handling both greenfield and brownfield transactions. Lindsey Swiger has played a key supporting role across multiple matters. Edney is based in Austin, while the rest of the team acts out of Houston.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP advises a diverse range of clients on complex and innovative oil and gas transactions, including acquisitions, joint ventures, financings, and project developments. The team’s work spans traditional and emerging assets, with increasing activity in areas such as carbon capture, hydrogen, and energy transition projects alongside its established upstream, midstream, and downstream expertise. Dahl Thompson and Kyle Drefke lead the team from Houston and Washington DC, respectively. Co-head Blake Winburne is a go-to adviser for oil and gas players and private equity firms, bringing expertise in M&A, joint ventures, project finance, and development. Joe Roger handles transactions across the upstream, midstream, and downstream, frequently working with assets such as LNG, carbon, hydrogen, and ammonia. Jonathan Ayre’s strong finance capabilities are instrumental to numerous deals, particularly in the growing oil and gas securitization market. Bradford Gathright focuses on M&A and private equity transactions, while Adam Griffin is noted for his project finance expertise. Adam Kowis continues to advise operators, exploration and development companies, and funds on M&A and commercial contracts. David Aaronson departed in October 2024. Apart from Drefke in Washington, DC, and Griffin in New York, the team is based in Houston.

Advising a range of independents, private equity-backed operators, and national and international energy companies, White & Case LLP continues to act on complex oil and gas transactions across key global markets. The firm’s broad practice spans upstream, midstream, and downstream assets, with a growing focus on major US M&A, project development, and joint ventures. Jay Cuclis, co-head of the firm’s global energy practice, has a prolific track record advising on conventional oil and gas and energy transition transactions across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Jay Cuclis is highly proficient in M&A, private equity, and joint venture mandates, combining transactional expertise with a strong understanding of commercial agreements. Steven Otillar’s diverse client roster includes energy and production companies, national and independent oil companies, and government agencies, advising on both conventional and low-carbon ventures, including onshore and offshore projects. Project finance and development specialist Clark Wohlferd is noted for handling complex, multi-jurisdictional deals, while Charlie Ofner advises on acquisitions and disposals across the entire oil and gas value chain. Emery J. Choi is another key name for domestic and cross-border M&A. All individuals are based in Houston except Wohlferd who operates out of New York.

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP advises oil and gas majors, state-owned enterprises, and financial institutions on transactions, financings, and regulatory matters across the upstream, midstream, and LNG sectors. The firm’s broad practice spans onshore and offshore developments, with a growing focus on energy transition projects, including carbon capture initiatives. Co-head Michael O’Leary, who also has an impressive capital markets practice, provides skill in M&A and PE transactions, while co-head Carl Von Merz adds further domestic and cross border transactional expertise across the upstream and midstream. Jordan Hirsch has a strong track record acting as underwriters counsel for significant debt and equity capital raises for major energy companies. Cheryl Phillips is noted for her skill in commercial contracts, overseeing joint operating agreements, drilling arrangements, and oil and gas leases. All individuals are based in Houston.

Jones Day‘s Houston team advises energy clients on high-profile oil and gas transactions across the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors. With a strong presence in key global energy hubs, the firm counsels on M&A, joint ventures, and regulatory approvals, including FERC and antitrust matters. The practice is led by Jeff Schlegel, whose broad capabilities encompass company acquisitions and asset investments across oil and gas, petrochemicals, and the energy transition. James Olson’s regulatory expertise is integral to the firm’s complex M&A deals, while Kit Rockhill is noted for her proficiency in acquisitions and disposals, project development, and commercial agreements, with recent work in the midstream. Rebecca Searle is also recommended.

Troutman Pepper Locke LLP advises energy clients across the entire value chain, from exploration and production to refining and power generation. The firm handles M&A, project development, finance, regulatory matters, and dispute resolution, offering comprehensive legal support across conventional and renewable energy sectors, infrastructure, and oilfield services. Bill Swanstrom leads the Houston-based team and brings extensive experience in M&A, project finance, and project development, advising a strong roster of industry players and private equity firms. Co-head Terry Radney is a key contact for commercial agreements spanning upstream, midstream and downstream, while David Patton maintains a broad practice covering asset and company acquisitions and disposals, commercial contracts, and disputes. Hunter Summerford primarily focuses on the upstream and midstream, handling inventory transactions, pipeline and storage facility deals, and operational issues. Case Towslee has been particularly active over the past year, supporting M&A, joint ventures, and corporate restructurings.

Porter Hedges LLP advises public and private E&P companies, oilfield services providers, and midstream and downstream operators on high-value M&A and structured financings. The firm has notable expertise in asset-backed securitizations for the oil and gas sector and represents clients in bankruptcy-related asset sales. Group lead James Thompson  is a trusted adviser to public and private energy companies on the acquisition of mineral and royalty interests and fee mineral interests. Co-lead Jeremy Mouton has recently overseen restructurings and disposals arising from bankruptcy proceedings while also advising on midstream and upstream acquisitions. Michael Byrd’s practice is primarily upstream-focused, handling the transfer of working and non-operating interests. Benjamin Rajabi leads on project development and commercial agreements, including long-term fuel purchasing arrangements, while David Mann’s M&A expertise is relied upon for asset acquisitions and disposals. All lawyers mentioned are in Houston.

Advising upstream, midstream and oilfield services companies, Sidley Austin LLP’s multidisciplinary team provides regulatory and transactional counsel across M&A project finance, joint ventures, capital markets, and corporate restructuring. Outside of traditional oil and gas work, the firm is active in energy transition initiatives, particularly in carbon capture and sequestration. Kenneth Irvin helms the energy practice from Washington DC. Co-head Cliff Vrielink serves as a key contact for the firm’s leading private equity, infrastructure fund, and oil and gas company clients, advising on investments and acquisitions. Timothy Chandler maintains a broad energy M&A practice spanning multiple jurisdictions, while Stephen Boone, who joined from Akin in May 2024, brings extensive experience in upstream and midstream transactions. Co-managing partner of the Sidley’s Houston office, George Vlahakos also has a strong focus on the oil and gas sector, helping clients with M&A, capital raises and partnership structures. Trent Bridges left the practice in May 2024.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has longstanding experience in the oil and gas sector, handling upstream, midstream, LNG, and petrochemical matters, alongside energy transition projects like carbon capture and alternative fuels. Breen Haire spearheads the energy and infrastructure practice group and is reputed for the breadth of his company and asset portfolio deal sheet, while Christopher May, co-managing partner of the firm’s Houston office, has established strength advising financial sponsors and infrastructure funds on M&A and corporate transactions. Brian Rosenzweig is highly regarded for his capital markets expertise, regularly assisting corporates, financial institutions, and private capital advisors, while also handling a broad range of financings, including leveraged and acquisition finance. Erland Modesto is active across the entire oil and gas value chain, with particular proficiency in debt finance and restructuring. Katy Lukaszewski has recently advised on strategic natural gas pipeline joint ventures, large-scale upstream asset acquisitions, and the establishment of sustainable infrastructure investment ventures. Andrew Lanius is another key name for greenfield and brownfield finance. All individuals are based in Houston.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP Combining strength in high-stakes M&A, financings, and restructurings, Weil Gotshal continues to expand its oil and gas-focused team, providing comprehensive counsel to exploration and production companies, sponsors, and financial institutions. Omar Samji leads the group, advising on M&A, joint ventures, project development, commercial agreements, and equity and debt finance. Chris Bennett focuses on the acquisition and disposal of upstream and midstream assets, including processing and gathering terminal facilities, pipelines, and liquid storage terminals. Cody Carper, a private equity specialist, handles both sponsor and management-side transactions in the upstream and midstream sectors, bringing additional expertise in land, marketing, and drilling issues. Steven Lorch and Jacqui Bogucki joined the firm from Bracewell LLP and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, respectively, in early 2024.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP significantly strengthened its oil and gas transactional offering in 2024, adding former Shearman & Sterling private equity head Sarah McLean in January, alongside Dale Smith from Mayer Brown and Holt Foster from Sidley Austin LLP, who joined in June. McLean and Foster now co-lead the practice from Houston and Dallas, respectively, with McLean continuing to advise financial sponsors, funds, and management teams on company and asset acquisitions and disposals, while Foster counsels a broad client base on M&A, private equity, and venture capital transactions across the energy sector. Archie Fallon also helms the practice and is a key contact for brownfield energy investments, while co-head Brad Honeycutt handles sponsor and management-side private equity instructions in the upstream and midstream. Tan Lu has a broad practice spanning M&A, joint ventures, commercial agreements, and drilling and oilfield services, whereas Tony Johnston is recognised for his private equity work, advising funds, management teams, and family offices. Erin Kaufman   also comes recommended. Johnston sits with Holt in Dallas. The rest of the team advises from Houston.

‘Attentive with great communication’, Winston & Strawn LLP‘s oil and gas practice continues to expand, with strategic lateral hires strengthening its capabilities across upstream, midstream, and oilfield services. The firm advises on high-value transactions, financings, and energy transition matters, supporting clients across the entire value chain. Mike Pikiel leads the team from New York. Co-head Mike Blankenship leads the rest of the team from Houston, and, while primarily known for his corporate finance and securities expertise, has recently built a strong track record advising exploration and production companies, as well as oilfield service providers, on M&A and investment transactions in the upstream and midstream. Kevin Brophy and Ming Lei joined from McDermott Will & Emery LLP in August 2024, adding further M&A, private equity, and joint venture expertise to the practice. Jon Bodle also comes recommended. Rodney Moore and Scott Delaney departed in October 2024, Rich Shutran has also departed the team.

A&O Shearman‘s Houston-based oil and gas team advises on high-value transactions across the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors. The team has acted for major industry players on acquisitions, joint ventures, and divestments, with growing involvement in energy transition projects. Bill Nelson leads the group and is a highly experienced transactional partner renowned for his capital markets offering that is routinely sought out by industry players, financial institutions, and investment banks. Co-head Taylor Landry is another name for securities offerings whilst also helping clients with M&A, corporate governance and compliance matters.

Jones Walker LLP advises on major oil and gas infrastructure projects in the US and beyond, with experience spanning offshore energy, LNG facilities, and regulatory challenges. The firm also plays a key role in carbon capture and clean fuel developments in the region. Marjorie McKeithen and Grady Hurley co-lead the team, with the former noted for her skill handling commercial agreements and engagement with a variety of hydrocarbons, and the latter for his litigation and regulatory expertise. Lauren Mastio helps clients navigate commercial and construction issues, while David Hunter and Seth Levine primarily focus on project finance and development. Michael Drew acts on regulatory issues concerning both brownfield and greenfield projects. Justin Marocco and Sarah Dicharry also come recommended. Aside from Marocco in Baton Rogue, all practitioners operate out of New Orleans.

McDermott Will & Emery LLP advises on a broad range of oil and gas transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures. The firm’s recent work includes handling major deals in strategic basins and assisting energy companies in securing financing for large-scale projects. Houston’s Jack Langlois helms the practice and is active on investments and financing across the entire oil and gas value chain, working alongside public and private companies, sovereign entities, financial institutions and financial sponsors.

McGuireWoods LLP advises major energy utilities and infrastructure funds on oil and gas transactions, including acquisitions, project development, and financings. The firm has a strong track record in midstream assets and regulatory matters, representing key industry players in complex deals and energy transition initiatives. Anthony Carna chairs the oil and gas practice from Pittsburgh. Co-leader of the firm’s Renewable Energy group Mike Woodard operates out of Richmond and has a broad practice that includes advising investors, developers and financial institutions on corporate transactions and financings. Co-head Breenen Keene, also in Richmond, is chiefly recognised for his real estate and development focused practice, while co-head Durham McCormick is a go-to for tax expertise in Houston. The San Francisco-based Evelyn Kim’s far-reaching offering combines both M&A and project finance capabilities. Pittsburgh’s Molleigh Thomas also comes recommended. Jay Hughes joined from Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP in January 2024.

 

 

Milbank has deep expertise in oil and gas transactions, advising on project development, financings, M&A, and regulatory matters across the value chain. Dan Bartfeld heads the team and is highly regarded for his energy M&A expertise, acting as a longstanding advisor to financial institutions, investment firms, and developers. Co-head Dan Michalchuk works with a range of sponsors and lenders on complex, large-scale project financings, with extensive experience in oil and gas and petrochemical ventures. Roland Estevez has recently been active on significant greenfield and brownfield financings in the upstream and midstream, while Sean O’Neill also comes recommended. All individuals are based in New York.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP pairs its robust M&A capabilities with a strong energy practice, advising on oil and gas transactions, joint ventures, financings, and restructurings. The firm acts for energy companies, private equity firms, and lenders in complex domestic and cross-border deals, including those requiring regulatory, antitrust, and CFIUS expertise. Eric Otness leads the team out of Houston and is skilled in M&A, private equity, and joint venture transactions, acting for a range of domestic and multinational clients. David Armstrong sits in New York and advises on both borrower and lender-side instructions concerning leveraged, acquisition, and project finance. Also in New York, Julia Czarniak brings further project development expertise, with a strong track record in oil and gas, LNG, and petrochemical ventures.