Baker Botts L.L.P. is a market leader in high-stakes oil and gas litigation, regularly handling some of the most significant cases in the industry. The Houston-based team is deeply experienced in disputes arising from major onshore and offshore shale plays across the US, as well as infrastructure, services, environmental, and IP matters of nationwide importance. Its litigators appear before federal and state trial and appellate courts, administrative and regulatory bodies, and international arbitration tribunals. The team advises on a wide spectrum of disputes, including production sharing and joint operating agreements, gas gathering and processing contracts, price reviews, drilling and unitization issues, royalties, pipelines, and EPC claims, supported by close integration with complementary practice areas. Co-head William Kroger is widely regarded as a leading US energy litigator. Co-head Louis Layrisson brings broad commercial trial expertise across oil and gas. Amy Hefley, Tina Nguyen, Laura Shoemaker McGonagill, and Tiffany Means add substantial depth across complex commercial and energy disputes spanning the value chain. Jason Newman has left the firm.
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Key clients
- Apache Corporation
- Chevron U.S.A., Inc.
- CIMA ENERGY, LP
- ConocoPhillips
- Courson Oil & Gas
- Deer Park Refining LP
- EOG Resources
- Exxon Mobil Corporation
- Flint Hills Resources
- Halliburton Company / Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
- Hess Corporation
- Intercontinental Terminals Company LLC
- JGE Gas Solutions, LP
- Kinder Morgan Texas Pipeline, LLC
- Koch Energy Services
- Magnolia Oil & Gas Operating LLC
- Matador Resources Company
- MRC Energy Company, an affiliate of Matador Resources Company
- Murphy Exploration & Production Company
- Murphy Oil Corporation / MP Gulf of Mexico, LLC
Work highlights
Representing ConocoPhillips, in securing a landmark Texas Supreme Court ruling confirming that operators, not surface landowners, own “produced water” generated during oil and gas production, establishing precedent on a previously unaddressed issue and affirming mineral lessees’ rights, with significant implications for industry operations and related litigation.
Representing Halliburton Energy Services, Inc in defeating a $200 million lawsuit in Harris County, Texas, securing key pre-trial dismissals, a directed verdict and, post-trial, a take-nothing judgment, limiting the jury award to $2.7 million and ultimately achieving a complete defense victory, now pending appeal.
Representing EOG Resources in the defence of a high-profile nationwide antitrust class action consolidated in New Mexico federal court, involving 28 suits alleging shale producers conspired to restrict output in violation of the Sherman Act, with plaintiffs seeking class certification and substantial damages.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
William Kroger; Louis Layrisson
Other key lawyers
Amy Hefley; Benjamin Gonsoulin; Tina Nguyen; Laura Shoemaker McGonagill; Tiffany Means; Elizabeth Furlow Malpass