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 co-led by Houston-based Michael Murphy, an accomplished trial lawyer with extensive experience in energy disputes, complex commercial litigation, toxic torts, and environmental claims, and Houston-based Paula Hinton, who brings significant trial expertise. Dallas-based Tom Walsh, a seasoned trial attorney, represents clients in high-stakes commercial disputes, particularly within the energy sector.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Key clients
- Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc.
- U.S. Well Services, Inc.
- Invenergy, LLC
- Scout Energy Management, LLC
- Altalay STX, LLC
- Aspen Midstream, LLC
- Enbridge Inc.
Work highlights
- Secured a Fifth Circuit affirmance on behalf of Pioneer Natural Resources related to force majeure contract provisions during Winter Storm Uri.
- Representing Banco San Juan Internacional, Inc. (BSJI) in connection with its recognition and enforcement of two UK judgments in the United States against Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA) and PDVSA Petroleo regarding payments due under two credit agreements.
- Defending Enbridge Inc. against allegations that Enbridge, ExxonMobil, and their joint venture, Mustang Pipe Line LLC, monopolized the crude oil transportation market south of Chicago by collaborating to restrict access to crude oil pipelines and blocking a new oil transportation route from the Chicago area.
Lawyers
Practice head
Michael Murphy; Paula Hinton
Other key lawyers
Tom Walsh; Katherine Preston; Chase Cooper