John Goodgame > Akin > Houston, United States > Lawyer Profile

Akin handles domestic and cross-border transactions in the oil and gas, petrochemicals, liquefied natural gas, coal, utilities, renewable energy sectors, with a strong track record in high-end M&A and divestiture transactions. The team’s expertise extends to purchase and sale agreements, lease acquisition agreements, joint exploration and development agreements, mineral title issues, in addition to day-to-day operations. In the firm’s New York office, Zachary Wittenberg jointly leads the practice alongside Dallas-based Wesley Williams, who specializes in structuring transactions in the upstream and midstream oil & gas sectors. In Houston, John Goodgame assists clients in navigating M&A and joint ventures arising out of the energy sector. Dallas-based Jessica Hammons, who is an expert in securities M&A transactions in the upstream and midstream energy sectors, is another key contact in the group. David Sweeney left the firm in June 2023.

Akin is best known for energy company debt issuances, through its offices in Houston and Dallas. The firm is also recognised for its expertise in restructuring-related debt offerings. It is primary issuer focused and is broadening its practice through the New York office, where Rosa Testani has a strong profile in high-yield debt offerings, and is further recognized for liability management transactions, corporate restructurings and issuances as companies emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Houston’s John Goodgame and Dallas partner Garrett DeVries are noted for energy sector offerings, including those by master limited partnerships (MLPs). Christine LaFollette has retired from the partnership.

The workload at Akin‘s diverse practice comprises advice on best practice governance structures, ESG programs, and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Kerry E Berchem in New York heads up the team, with John Goodgame in Houston also a key player: The former co-chairs the firm’s ESG group; while the latter is notable for his advice to boards of directors, board committees, and controlling stockholders regarding corporate governance and Securities and Exchange Commission compliance. The team continues to expand, with a number of corporate governance-focused hires made during 2022.