Latham & Watkins is a counsel of choice to a range of companies involved in the oil and gas industry in different respects, from transportation and storage of natural gas, LNG, crude oil and refined petroleum products, to energy trading and funding energy projects. The team has a strong track record in representation before FERC, the DOE, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the US Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), and other federal agencies. Two key figures jointly oversee oil and gas regulatory matters: Patrick Nevins has vast experience advising on the development of major infrastructure projects, administrative litigation, and high-stakes regulatory matters; and Tyler Brown‘s energy regulatory practice continues to excel, acting on matters involving electric generation, transmission, and distribution, energy storage, and natural gas and oil transportation.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Latham's energy regulatory practice is our go-to for all LNG export and gas pipeline regulatory matters due to the unmatched experience of the lead partner, Pat Nevins.'
- 'Pat is engaged, thoughtful, knowledgeable, and has great judgment in balancing regulatory risk and commercial considerations.'
- 'The experience and knowledge are the key factors. Pat Nevins is our key relationship partner within the practice group. Pat's ability to provide timely, thoughtful advice is unmatched.'
Key clients
- ArcLight Capital
- Venture Global LNG, Venture Global Calcasieu Pass
- Delfin LNG
- Cove Point LNG, LP
- Cheniere Energy, Sabine Pass Liquefaction
- Cheniere Energy, Sabine Crossing LLC
- Cheniere Creole Trail Pipeline, LP
- Venture Global LNG, Venture Global Plaquemines LNG
- Venture Global LNG, CP2 LNG
- NextDecade, Rio Grande LNG
- Eastern Gas Transmission and Storage, Inc.
- Equitrans Midstream
Work highlights
Advised Venture Global LNG on Calcasieu Pass and TransCameron pipeline, Plaquemines LNG and Gator Express pipeline, and the proposed “CP2” export project, providing FERC oversight and construction approvals, DOE regulatory matters, gas supply and transportation contracting, and project financing.
Advised Delfin LNG, a proposed floating liquefaction and LNG export project to be constructed in the Gulf of Mexico, with obtaining regulatory authorizations under the Deepwater Port Act (administered by the Maritime Administration and the Coast Guard), as well as FERC and the DOE authorizations.
Advised Equitrans Midstream on all regulatory aspects of the transformative merger with EQT Corp. to create a $35bn combined company. The merger of Equitrans and EQT creates America’s only large-scale, vertically integrated natural gas business.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Patrick Nevins; Tyler Brown