Mr Stephen Crain > Bracewell LLP > Houston, United States > Lawyer Profile

Representing major energy companies as both plaintiffs and defendants, Bracewell LLP has a strong pedigree in multidistrict and multi-party litigation and arbitration, with a notable specialism in disputes regarding compensation for energy infrastructure investments. The practice is co-led by Houston’s Stephen Crain, a name to note for power trading disputes, and Deanna E. King in Austin, who advises foreign clients on issues related to participation in the US energy markets, such as market access, competition and cross-border matters. Seattle-based Tyler S. Johnson acts in cases involving compliance with the Federal Power Act, FERC proceedings as well as related appellate litigation, and is noted for expertise in transmission and rate matters linked to the Bonneville Power Administration. In Washington DC, Michael Brooks focuses on commodities and derivatives with ties to electricity markets, which is also at the core of Bradley Benoit‘s practice in Houston. Andrew Zeve left the firm in January 2023, while Rachael Marsh departed in June 2023.

Praised as a ‘leader in oil and gas litigation’, where it advises on high-profile cases, royalty disputes and class actions, Bracewell LLP boasts an impressive client base, including some of the oil and gas industry’s leading players such as Chevron and Apache. Stephen Crain heads the firm’s litigation group and continues to assist a range of energy sector clients. Recently promoted to partner, commercial litigator Drew Taggart routinely assists multinationals, mid-sized companies and small start-ups with complex oil and gas litigation proceedings. The team also includes commercial litigator William Moss, currently representing mining property owner 3S Real Estate Development in a dispute with the mining lessee and oil and gas operator regarding the validity of four oil and gas leases covering over 30,000 acres of land. Lawyers mentioned are in Houston.

Bracewell LLP represents both plaintiffs and defendants in a full range of complex commercial litigation matters, with a particularly strong reputation for handling energy- and financial services related disputes. Recent highlights for the team include representing Apache Corporation in a series of class actions alleging, among other things, the underpayment of royalties. Houston’s Stephen Crain and New York-based Daniel Connolly jointly lead the practice group: Crain predominantly represents energy-sector clients in a wide range of cases, while Connolly focuses on white-collar and regulatory compliance matters. Also recommended is New York’s Drew Taggart, praised for being ‘highly skilled in conducting complex discovery’.