Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP advises a diverse range of clients on complex and innovative oil and gas transactions, including acquisitions, joint ventures, financings, and project developments. The team’s work spans traditional and emerging assets, with increasing activity in areas such as carbon capture, hydrogen, and energy transition projects alongside its established upstream, midstream, and downstream expertise. Dahl Thompson and Kyle Drefke lead the team from Houston and Washington DC, respectively. Co-head Blake Winburne is a go-to adviser for oil and gas players and private equity firms, bringing expertise in M&A, joint ventures, project finance, and development. Joe Roger handles transactions across the upstream, midstream, and downstream, frequently working with assets such as LNG, carbon, hydrogen, and ammonia. Jonathan Ayre’s strong finance capabilities are instrumental to numerous deals, particularly in the growing oil and gas securitization market. Bradford Gathright focuses on M&A and private equity transactions, while Adam Griffin is noted for his project finance expertise. Adam Kowis continues to advise operators, exploration and development companies, and funds on M&A and commercial contracts. David Aaronson departed in October 2024. Apart from Drefke in Washington, DC, and Griffin in New York, the team is based in Houston.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Key clients

  • Equinor
  • TotalEnergies
  • ConocoPhillips
  • Chevron
  • Occidental Petroleum Corp.
  • Chord Energy
  • Nuveen
  • BP Corporation North America
  • NOVA Chemicals
  • Ares Management

Work highlights

Advised Equinor on the agreement with EQT Corporation to acquire additional non-operated interest in the Northern Marcellus formation for US$1.25 billion. Under the agreement, Equinor is acquiring 100% of EQT’s remaining working interest in Northern Marcellus gas units.
Advised Equinor on the swap transaction involving Marcellus and Utica upstream and midstream oil and gas assets valued in excess of US $1 billion.
Advised Antin on its acquisition of the majority stake in GTL Leasing, an Oklahoma-based company that specializes in leasing gaseous hydrogen transportation and storage equipment in North America.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Joe Roger

Next generation partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Adam Kowis

Practice head

Blake Winburne; Dahl Thompson; Kyle Drefke

Other key lawyers

Jonathan Ayre; Bradford Gathright; Adam Griffin; Adam Kowis