With strong roots in Texas, Baker Botts L.L.P.’s energy practice advises clients on the full spectrum of oil and gas transactional matters, including M&A structuring and negotiation, federal and state tax support, and environmental and regulatory guidance. The team advises across the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors. Key areas of focus for the team include M&A, structured and leveraged financing, infrastructure commercialization, and joint ventures. Houston-based Jason Bennett, focused on gas and LNG, clean hydrogen, CCUS, joint ventures, and transactions, and Carlos Solé III lead the team. Dallas-based Preston Bernhisel supports the team’s M&A ability with issuers and investment banks. Other key contacts include Houston-based Clay Brett, co-head of the energy private equity practice, and Clint Rancher, boasting extensive experience representing upstream, midstream, and oilfield services companies. Cody Carper joined the Houston office in February 2026, bringing invaluable experience in acquisitions and divestitures of upstream and midstream assets. Lawrence Hall, Jonathan Platt, and Scott Looper left the practice in April 2025, and Erin Hopkins left in October 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Detail oriented and very professional. They quickly respond to questions and anticipate issues before they become problems.'
'Baker Botts’ Energy transactions practice stands out for its depth, technical rigor, and real-world commercial understanding of large, complex energy projects. The team combines top-tier legal execution with a pragmatic appreciation of how transactions actually function in capital-intensive, infrastructure-heavy environments.'
'What differentiates the practice is the seamless integration across disciplines — energy regulatory, project development, finance, tax, and M&A — without the handoff friction that can slow other firms. The team anticipates issues before they become problems, particularly around risk allocation, regulatory exposure, and long-term project viability.'
'Compared to peer firms, Baker Botts brings an unusual level of institutional energy expertise, particularly in power and energy transition transactions where legacy oil & gas experience meaningfully informs risk assessment and structuring.'
'From a client perspective, the experience feels disciplined, responsive, and highly professional.'
'Jonice Cline stands out for her ability to manage complex energy transactions with clarity and precision. She brings a strategic mindset to negotiations, balances risk thoughtfully, and communicates issues in a way that is both direct and constructive.'
'The people we work with are trusted advisors, not just legal technicians — a quality that is increasingly rare and highly valued.'
Key clients
- BP America, Inc.
- Bristow FDBA Era Group, Inc.
- Broken Hill Proprietary (USA), Inc.
- CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
- Central Crude, Inc.
- Chesapeake Energy Corporation
- Citizen Energy
- CNX Resources Corporation
- Composite Advanced Technologies Inc.
- ConocoPhillips
- Coterra Energy, Inc.
- CVR Energy, Inc.
- Eagle Materials Inc.
- Energy Spectrum Partners LP
- EnLink Midstream, LLC
- EOG Resources, Inc.
- Freedom CNG Holdings, LLC
- GNG Partners, LLC
- Gulfport Energy Corporation
- Hibernia Energy III, LLC
Work highlights
Represented ONEOK, Inc. in acquiring all outstanding publicly held common units of EnLink Midstream, LLC in a $4.3bn all-stock transaction, following its earlier $3.3bn purchase of a controlling interest from GIP Infrastructure Partners.
Represented Matador Resources Company in a $1.905bn cash acquisition of oil and gas assets from Ameredev II Parent, LLC, including properties in New Mexico and Texas and a 19% stake in Piñon Midstream.
Advised Coterra Energy on a $1.5bn senior notes offering to help finance its $3.95bn acquisition of Permian Basin assets from Franklin Mountain Energy and Avant Natural Resources.
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.
Practice head
Jason Bennett; Carlos Solé III
Other key lawyers
Preston Bernhisel; Clay Brett; Clint Rancher; Jonice Cline; Alia Heintz; Megan Young; Jonice Cline; Cody Carper