Bracewell LLP > Dallas, United States > Firm Profile

Bracewell LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Energy > Energy regulation: oil and gas Tier 1

Bracewell LLP maintains a premier oil and gas regulatory practice representing high-level clients in the industry including in matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and other agencies. The team works closely with its appellate, litigation, commercial, white-collar, corporate, tax, and environmental teams to provide a comprehensive service. The team is headed up by Kirk Morgan who has nearly 25 years of experience in the oil and gas sector representing some of the largest pipeline companies in the industry on their most important matters as well as being the go-to lawyer for all of Kinder Morgan’s regulatory and commercial matters before FERC. Mark Lewis focuses on oil and gas pipelines and related midstream regulatory matters while Michael Brooks excels in bridging the gap between ambiguous regulations and complex transactions to implement effective compliance programs and counseling clients regarding compliance risks and representing them in high-stakes investigations. Michelle Boudreaux, in Houston, is a seasoned professional and regularly advises owners and operators of petroleum liquids and natural gas pipelines on regulatory matters, while Eugene Elrod advises domestic and international energy companies on complex regulatory matters. George Fatula is also recommended. All mentioned attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Energy > Energy litigation: electric power Tier 2

Bracewell LLP represents large energy companies as both plaintiffs and defendants in high-profile and complex litigation. The firm is adept at handling disputes ranging from contracts and pricing through to infrastructure developments, as well as work in front of state and federal regulatory bodies. Stephen Crain leads the team from Houston, as an experienced litigator, representing developers, producers and suppliers in the electric power industry in cases ranging from personal injury to property loss. Washington-based Michael Brooks focuses on commodities and derivatives within the electricity market. Houston’s Bradley Benoit is experienced in representing both sides in commercial disputes, whilst Deanna King inAustin concentrates on advising domestic and foreign clients on regulatory compliance and any associated litigation.

Energy > Energy litigation: oil and gas Tier 2

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.

Energy > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 2

Bracewell LLP offers comprehensive expertise in energy regulation, with a strong focus on matters before FERC and the CFTC, including significant enforcement experience. The firm advises clients on regulatory issues tied to renewable energy generation, electric transmission, offshore and onshore wind projects, as well as solar and storage developments, covering compliance, rate, and access matters as projects become operational. Known for its strength in energy transition projects, the team also excels in litigation and disputes involving complex regulatory issues and provides strong transactional support across the sector. The practice is led by Catherine McCarthy, chair of the energy department, who has over 30 years of experience in electric energy regulation, securing FERC and state authorizations, and handling market and compliance matters. Deanna King in Austin focuses on regulatory compliance and litigation, while Michael Brooks specializes in commodities and derivatives law, often representing clients in federal investigations. Theodore F. Duver in New York advises renewable energy companies on federal and state regulatory issues, and Tyler Johnson represents energy marketers and transmission owners in FERC compliance and appellate litigation. Boris Shkuta represents energy clients in a diverse array of high-stakes FERC and federal court proceedings including electric transmission owners and generation owners. All team members are based in Washington DC unless otherwise specified.

Energy > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 2

With expertise in both traditional fossil fuels and renewable technologies, Bracewell LLP has a robust offering which covers M&A, divestitures, and joint ventures, as well as equity investments, project finance, and energy project development. The team’s wide scope has amassed a strong client roster comprised of investors, underwriters, and energy companies. In Houston, Ryan Holcomb heads up the practice and specializes in the acquisition and divestiture of assets and companies, joint ventures, and structured commodity transactions, while in Washington DC, Danielle M. Varnell leads the team and concentrates on energy M&A, portfolio acquisitions and divestitures, and equity investments and sales. Catherine Hood, who is the main contact in the New York office, is noted for her aptitude handling financing transactions and regularly represents public utility companies on debt, equity, and hybrid securities, as well as commercial lending deals. Houston-based Shannon Baldwin is another key name in the department due to her experience advising on capital markets and MLP dropdown transactions. The team also benefits from the prowess of Washington DC's Laura Sheldon who specializes in the purchase and sale of renewable energy assets.

Energy > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 2

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.

Environment > Environment: regulatory Tier 2

The environment, lands, and resources team at Bracewell LLP  is prepared to support clients in the energy, chemical, and infrastructure segments, a key example of this is the team serving as outside counsel to Equinor Wind concerning its offshore wind business. Jason Hutt and Jeffrey Holmstead lead the practice from Washington DC. Hutt focuses his practice on enforcement actions, investigations, and major incidents, while Holmstead is a key point of contact on the Clean Air Act and climate change. Other key members in Washington DC include Kevin Ewing , who advises on energy development, and Ann Navaro , who brings government experience to advise on natural resources. Over in Austin, Kevin Collins ’s expertise in internal investigations positions him as a key advisor to the energy and petrochemical industries. while Sara Burgin is a name to note across a breadth of sectors on water mandates, and Matt Paulson advises oil and gas and chemical manufacturing industries on permitting and compliance. Austin’s Timothy Wilkins is recommended for energy transition, climate change, and enforcement matters, while Whit Swift  is equally recommended for permitting and regulations.  

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market ($500m-999m) Tier 2

With a strong focus on M&A in the energy sector, Bracewell LLP routinely represents special committees, buyers, and sellers, in various transactions, ranging from leveraged buyouts, tender offers, stock sales and exchanges, and the acquisition and disposition of partnership and joint venture interests. Will Anderson anchors the Houston-based department and frequently guides boards of directors through M&A mandates and on various related fiduciary duties. Jason Jean has particular knowledge in business combinations, Benjamin Martin is entrusted by public companies and private investment firms to advise on corporate governance, and Lytch Gutmann focuses on private equity.

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 3

Bracewell LLP‘s power and renewables practice regularly assists developers, utilities, and private equity and investment firms on the construction development, and operation of power projects, as well as acquisitions and sales. With experience advising on high-value and high-profile matters, the group is a popular choice for clients from the energy, financial services, and infrastructure sectors including the likes of Invenergy and MUFG Bank. Co-leading the team in Houston and Washington DC are equity sales specialist Ryan Holcomb and M&A expert Danielle M. Varnell. Varnell stands out in particular for her expansive capabilities which include portfolio acquisitions and divestitures, joint ventures, and project development. The department also benefits from the aptitude of investment and financing authorities Nicolai Sarad and Hans Dyke who are based in New York and Washington DC respectively. Other key practitioners in the group include Houston’s Fernando Rodriguez Marin and Washington DC-based Laura Sheldon.

Environment > Environment: litigation Tier 3

Bracewell LLP combines top-tier environmental litigation attorneys with a comprehensive media and government relations team, offering a cohesive strategy to address complex environmental challenges. Its expertise spans energy transitions, ESG issues, and offshore wind projects, positioning the firm as a leader in emerging environmental law. The team includes Jason Hutt and Ann Navaro  in Washington DC. Hutt, who leads the firm’s environmental practice, advises on enforcement, litigation, and investigations with expertise in energy and environmental justice.Navaro brings extensive experience in federal natural resource law, guiding clients on permitting and litigation. Additionally, Kevin Collins  in Austin, co-leads the environmental team, excelling in federal and private practice and leading internal investigations.

Environment > Environment: transactional Tier 3

The energy, chemical, and infrastructure sectors form a cornerstone of Bracewell LLP’s environment, lands, and resources practice which continues to advise an array of clients on transactional and regulatory matters. Co-lead of the team, Jason Hutt  is positioned to advise and defend clients on administrative, civil, and criminal enforcement actions related to federal and state agencies that regulate energy and environmental issues including the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy from Washington DC. From Austin, fellow co-lead Timothy Wilkins handles environmental disputes, energy transition, climate change, and ESG mandates. Natural resources lawyer Kevin Ewing operates out of the DC office and oversees offshore wind, LNG, and natural gas pipeline projects for investors, operators, and project developers, whereas Austin-based Matthew Paulson focuses his practice on the oil and gas, refining, power, and chemical manufacturing industries.  

Finance > Commercial lending: Advice to bank lenders Tier 3

Operating out of Houston, Bracewell LLP is noted for its capabilities in asset-based lending, syndicated lending, and transactional financing, the firm is also a key port of call for domestic and international banks, lending institutions, and private equity funds. Dewey Gonsoulin co-leads the practice and has over three decades of financing experience, and he is well-equipped to advise clients on senior secured credit facilities, most notably in the upstream energy sector. Also co-lead of the practice, Heather Brown is proficient in structured financing arrangements, dividend recapitalizations, and project financing. Brown’s recent caseload encompasses advising Truist Bank, as a syndication agent, in connection with a $1.5 billion revolving credit facility for Sunoco LP. Kenni Wilkinson assists both lenders and borrowers in traditional and structured financing matters, while Stephanie Koo Song , Dylan Benac, and Rebecca Keep are other key team members.

Finance > Project finance

Bracewell LLP is adept at a broad array of sophisticated financing structures related to energy and infrastructure projects, with its lawyers demonstrating a wealth of knowledge on PPPs and ‘the relevant credit agreements’. Practice specialities include social infrastructure, transportation, water and renewable energy projects. Thomas Tomlinson and Alan Rafte co-chair the firm’s energy project finance team out of Houston. Tomlinson has a deep knowledge of developing both conventional and renewable energy projects, while Rafte is a leading figure for oil and gas pipelines and midstream facilities. Alongside Tomlinson, Nicolai Sarad spearheads the infrastructure project finance team and offers expertise on significant PPP projects in the United States. Other stand-out practitioners in New York include Jeris Diana Brunette, who focuses on senior and subordinated debt financings and commercial lending for renewable energy projects, and Fernando Rodriguez Marin, who assists with infrastructure and renewable energy PPP projects. In San Antonio, Blakely Fernandez is adept at structuring projects which involve public benefits and incentives.

Government > Government relations Tier 3

Operating at the forefront of the energy sector, Bracewell LLP’s policy resolution group is a repeated advisor to utilities and refineries, critical minerals companies, chemical producers, renewable energy and energy storage firms. The firm handles policy advocacy, strategic communications and education of key policy makers and securing funding in close collaboration with Congress, the White House and various governmental departments on matters of decarbonization, energy transition and climate change. Energy and environmental policy expert Scott Segal leads the practice alongside Dee Martin, who advocates and negotiates in Congress on behalf of corporations, industry coalitions, trade associations and non-profits. Andrew Shaw leverages his experience in the US Environmental Protection Agency to advise clients across hydropower, solar, wind and nuclear, Joshua Zive is well-versed in digital assets work and Joseph Brazauskas handles congressional investigations alongside advocating before congress and the executive branch on energy and environmental matters. Kyle Spencer joined the firm in April 2024 from the American Petroleum Institute and focuses primarily on the energy and chemical industries. All members of the practice are based in Washington DC.

Insurance > Advice to policyholders Tier 3

With a special focus on the energy sector, Bracewell LLP's Texas-based team assists a broad base of corporate clients with coverage disputes concerning a wide range of commercial insurance products, notably serving as lead counsel in an international reps and warranties coverage lawsuit for PE firm Yellow Wood Partners. The team is routinely tapped by clients from the fields of architecture, construction, and chemicals sectors, and has helped companies recoup losses resulting from extreme weather events and natural disasters, environmental cleanup, pandemic business interruption, and more. The team is led by litigator Vincent Morgan, supported by ‘extremely talented attorney’ Suzanne F. Day, who joined the team after a stint working in-house.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Bracewell LLP handles a wide range of enforcement and investigation matters, including accounting fraud, antitrust, cybersecurity, FCPA compliance, healthcare fraud, and more. The firm represents clients in both civil and criminal investigations. Seth D. DuCharme based in New York has experience with federal investigations, particularly in healthcare fraud, cryptocurrency, and Controlled Substance Act cases. Stephen Braga based in Washington DC represents both corporations and individuals in antitrust, FCPA, and fraud-related matters. Austin-based Matthew Nielsen focuses on internal and government investigations involving insider trading, securities fraud, and FCPA violations, regularly representing clients before agencies such as the SEC and DOJ. Jeffery B. Vaden in Houston represents individuals and corporations in FCPA violations and fraud matters.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings Tier 4

Bracewell LLP’s DCM group regularly handles debt offerings for companies in the energy sector. Will Anderson in Houston has a broad practice that sees him advise issuers and underwriters on investment-grade offerings, among other kinds. Catherine Hood in New York has notable experience in the public utility and energy spaces advising issuers, underwriters, and investors on debt and hybrid securities, including mortgage bonds and green bonds. Todd Eckland in New York has experience handling capital markets transactions in the energy, tech, and life sciences sectors. Houston-based Troy Harder is also a key contact in the group.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings Tier 4

Heavily praised for its ‘responsiveness’ and ‘attention to detail’, Bracewell LLP routinely acts for major domestic and international issuers, covering all elements of IPOs, private placements, and complex equity financings. The practice mainly concentrates on the energy, infrastructure, and utilities sectors, with the Houston-based team lead Will Anderson being an expert in capital markets transactions, SEC compliance, and disclosure matters. Located in New York, Catherine Hood represents both underwriters and investors in equity and hybrid securities offerings, Todd Eckland focuses on complex private placements, while Houston’s Troy Harder is a corporate law specialist.

Finance > Commercial lending Tier 4

Highlighted for its strength in energy transactions, Bracewell LLP is highly knowledgeable of asset-based lending and structured financing. The practice is jointly led by Dewey Gonsoulin and Heather Brown, both of whom operate in Houston. Gonsoulin has deep energy transaction financing experience and he is notably skilled at senior secured revolving credit facilities and restructuring. Brown is often engaged in asset-based loans, dividend recapitalizations, project financing, and reserve-based loans. Operating out of New York, Jeris Diana Brunette is informed in senior and subordinated debt financing and acquisition finance, while Houston-based Andrew Bueso is proficient in reserve-based loans. Other key members of the team include New York-based Young June Jhe and Kate Day, who operates out of Houston.

Labor and employment > Immigration Tier 4

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing Tier 4

The Houston office of Bracewell LLP houses a highly experienced and specialised outsourcing team, which has worked on deals for multinational businesses and global outsourcing vendors. A standout name is practice head Jeffrey Andrews, who is frequently involved in both domestic and cross-border ITO and BPO deals, notably in the energy, financial services, consumer products, retail, manufacturing, commercial aviation, and telecommunications sectors. Jonathon Hance ‘provides a wealth of experience and knowledge’, and clients appreciate his experience in litigation and IP transactions, which contribute to successful negotiations. Lucy Porter is involved in structuring and negotiating of service agreements for BPO, ITO, and manages services transactions, drawing on her in-depth knowledge of global data privacy regulations.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 5

Bracewell LLP‘s ‘knowledgeable, approachable, pragmatic’ litigation team represents both plaintiffs and defendants across a diverse range of sectors, from energy and finance to travel and healthcare. The group’s national reach sees it represent clients in disputes across the country. Stephen Crain leads the litigation group from Houston and has particular expertise in the energy sector. Also in Houston, Bradley Benoit represents both plaintiffs and defendants in energy, securities and bankruptcy litigation. In New York, Rachel Goldman‘s broad commercial disputes practice ranges from breach of contract and fraud claims to securities, construction and RICO litigation, while David Shargel is a go to for real estate, construction and employment clients. Houston-based Drew Taggart boasts state and federal court hearings, as well as international arbitration.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 5

Centered from its Texas-based offices, Bracewell LLP is particularly skilled at defending energy companies, as well as their officers and directors, in securities class actions, derivative shareholder actions and regulatory investigations. Here the team, which is headed from Houston by Tony Visage, works in a very synergistic manner alongside transactional lawyers (who add extra insight into underlying securities matters), as well as white-collar/investigations lawyers – particularly as it relates to regulatory enforcement aspects. In Austin, Stephen Benesh is National Banking Association’s “go-to” national counsel for securities cases relating to the bank’s oil and gas royalty trust business.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 5

Bracewell LLP ’s practice focuses on executive compensation and employee benefits. Led by team partner Matthew Grunert  , who oversees the department from Houston, the practice advises public and private companies, as well as private equity funds and portfolio companies, primarily in the energy sector. The team provides counsel on structuring executive compensation packages, negotiating employment transfer terms, and ensuring compliance with corporate governance and securities regulations.

Real estate > Construction (including construction litigation) Tier 5

Bracewell LLP has garnered praise for its understanding of the ‘unique conditions and business’ of the design and construction industry. The firm serves the needs of key industries such as energy, manufacturing, education, and local government. Phillip Sampson and the ‘knowledgeable’ Richard Whiteley co-chair the Houston-based construction practice. Both practice heads litigate and arbitrate construction issues concerning defects, delays, and change orders. Aaron Roffwarg chairs the firm’s real estate department and brings his project finance experience to numerous oil and gas, pipeline and terminal projects.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 5

Bracewell LLP has a strong presence in the energy markets, particularly in the oil & gas sector, spearheaded by Elizabeth McGinley, who advises on both renewable and conventional energy tax matters alongside Houston’s Gregory Bopp who has a background advising on masters limited partnerships but has a skillset that extends to mergers and joint ventures. The practice boasts Chevron, TC Energy, and Entenergy as clients, advising them on federal tax credits and remaining compliant with IRS regulations. Peter Rogers joined the firm in November 2024 from  Vinson & Elkins LLP while J. Dean Hindeliter joined the team from Winston & Strawn LLP. Jennifer Speck and Steven Lorch  have left the firm.  

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 6

Bracewell LLP is best known for restructuring and bankruptcy in the energy sector, including matters involving oil and gas companies, and power generation businesses. The Houston and New York-based financial restructuring team is also active across multiple industries, such as sports and entertainment, real estate, technology, retail and pharmaceuticals. The group is particularly associated with representing debtors, has an extensive background in bankruptcy litigation, distressed real estate transactions, and other distressed acquisitions. It is also known for creditor-side representations. William Wood has more than 30 years’ experience in restructurings and bankruptcies, while Jason Cohen and New York based Mark Dendinger have led many of the firm’s key engagements in this area. Named individuals are based in Houston unless stated otherwise.