Latham & Watkins LLP advises clients across the entire oil and gas value chain, from exploration and production to midstream infrastructure, LNG, refining, and petrochemicals. The firm represents public and private oil and gas companies, private equity sponsors, investment banks, and lenders on M&A, joint ventures, and capital markets transactions. Global Chair of Latham’s Energy and Infrastructure Group, Justin Stolte, is a trusted adviser to multinational exploration and production companies, frequently handling M&A and joint ventures. Co-head James Garrett is highly regarded for his expertise in high-value M&A, private equity, and private finance transactions, while fellow co-head Lauren Anderson brings additional strength in public and private M&A, project development, and finance. John Greer has led major mergers, company acquisitions, and inventory disposals across the US, Canada, and Brazil. Michael King  maintains a strong transactional focus, primarily advising sponsors and private equity clients in the upstream and midstream sectors. Ryan Maierson has a standout track record in LNG-related deals, covering inventory, project, and company transactions, alongside experience in wider hydrocarbons such as ammonia. James Robertson joined from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in October 2024. Stephen Szalkowski left the firm in March 2024. All individuals are based in Houston.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The people are very experienced and commercial. Not only do they help advise, they help transact. They are also more well-rounded coming from many backgrounds, not just lifetime lawyers. They have made sure to incorporate a strong team on every engagement.’

  • ‘James Garrett - He is an amazing attorney that gives solid and well-informed advice. Different to others, he cares for his clients as friends. He routinely makes time to know each person so that he can make sure he gives applicable advice.’

Key clients

  • ArcLight Capital LLC
  • Black Mountain Oil & Gas
  • Bowline Energy LLC
  • CenterPoint
  • Chesapeake Energy
  • Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
  • ConocoPhillips
  • EQM Midstream Partners
  • Gibson Energy ULC
  • Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.

Work highlights

  • Advised Chesapeake Energy Corporation in a transaction with an enterprise value of approximately US$24 billion. Chesapeake Energy Corporation and Southwestern Energy Company have announced a merger agreement in an all-stock transaction valued at $7.4 billion.
  • Advising Equitrans Midstream Corporation in its merger with EQT Corporation,
  • Advised Enerplus Corporation in its definitive arrangement agreement to merge with Chord Energy Corporation  in an approximately $11 billion stock and cash transaction.

Lawyers

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.

Practice head

Justin Stolte; James Garrett; Lauren Anderson

Other key lawyers

John Greer; Michael King; Ryan Maierson; James Robertson; Stephen Szalkowski