‘Attentive with great communication’, Winston & Strawn LLP’s oil and gas practice continues to expand, with strategic lateral hires strengthening its capabilities across upstream, midstream, and oilfield services. The firm advises on high-value transactions, financings, and energy transition matters, supporting clients across the entire value chain. Mike Pikiel leads the team from New York. Co-head Mike Blankenship leads the rest of the team from Houston, and, while primarily known for his corporate finance and securities expertise, has recently built a strong track record advising exploration and production companies, as well as oilfield service providers, on M&A and investment transactions in the upstream and midstream. Kevin Brophy and Ming Lei joined from McDermott Will & Emery LLP in August 2024, adding further M&A, private equity, and joint venture expertise to the practice. Jon Bodle also comes recommended. Rodney Moore and Scott Delaney departed in October 2024, Rich Shutran has also departed the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Attention, expertise, global resources, communications, staffing.’
‘Attentive with great communication.'
‘We have worked with Kevin Brophy and Ming Lei for a number of years and followed them over to Winston & Strawn from their previous firm. Their knowledge, expertise, professionalism and availability for discussion is best in class. We haven't hesitated in reaching out to them for complex legal negotiations.’
Key clients
- Alternus Energy
- APEX Capital Partners, LLC
- Bayou Midstream, LLC
- Chart Industries, Inc.
- DNOW Inc.
- Drilling Tools International Corp.
- Nauticus Robotics, Inc.
- NGL Energy Partners LP
- Nxu Inc.
- RBC Capital Markets Corporation
Work highlights
Advised DNOW L.P. in its acquisition of Whitco Supply, a Louisiana-based provider of energy products and solutions to the midstream market and broader energy sectors.
Advised SandRidge Energy, Inc. in its US$144M definitive agreement to acquire certain oil and gas producing assets and leasehold interests in the Cherokee play of the Western Anadarko Basin.
Advised Torres del Paine Investment I, LP in connection with a US$255M term loan facility provided by Torres del Paine Investment I, LP to ST EIP HoldCo LLC.
Lawyers
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
Mike Blankenship; Mike Pikiel
Other key lawyers
Kevin Brophy; Ming Lei; Jon Bodle