Representing some of the largest oil and gas clients, private equity houses, and financial institutions, Kirkland & Ellis LLP’s transactional oil and gas team is a household name in the space. The team works across upstream, midstream, downstream, water, power, infrastructure and the services sectors. Its expertise extends particularly to assets in both domestic US shale and conventional oil and gas plays. David Castro specializes in M&A and the formation of joint ventures across the energy value chain, including renewable energy sources. Andrew Calder, an energy sector expert, supports the practice’s M&A, corporate and securities law, and corporate governance abilities. Chad Smith is a key contact for acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures in the upstream and midstream sectors. William Benitez, focusing on equity investments, recapitalizations, joint ventures and corporate governance, and Lindsey Jaquillard, specializing in acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures in the upstream and downstream sectors, are other notable team members. The above practitioners are all based in Houston. Sean Wheeler departed the team in March 2026.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is amazingly responsive and efficient.'
‘David Castro is one of the best in the business at what he does and approaches problems in a pragmatic manner.’
‘I am not interested in uniqueness or innovation when searching for legal services. I want the attorneys who understand the contracts and business aspects of the agreement better than anyone else. I want a group that is completely focused on and working in lockstep with our team to execute successful transactions. That is what KE has been for us.’
‘David Castro has complete mastery of the agreements. He is able to strike the perfect balance of advocating strongly for his client, yet still able to reach workable compromises with opposing counsel. Extremely hard-working and available throughout every process I have worked with him.'
- 'Lindsey Jaquillard has an incredible understanding of the documents. I really appreciate how Lindsey understands how things work post-signing. A lot of attorneys don't fully grasp how the diligence process works and are unable to properly guide their client through to close. Lindsey is one of the best in this regard.'
‘If you want to undertake a major M&A transaction in the oil and gas space, your search should start with Kirkland's Houston office, and only look elsewhere if they are conflicted. David Castro and Chad Smith have put together the finest group of oil and gas M&A attorneys in the country, and it's not really even close.'
Key clients
- Amplify Energy
- Bandera Group LLC
- Carnelian Energy Capital Management, LP
- Civitas Resources, Inc.
- Covalence Investment Partners
- Crescent Energy Company
- Devon Energy Corporation
- Diversified Energy Company
- EQT Corporation
- Franklin Mountain Energy Management
- GeoSouthern Energy Corporation
- Greylock Energy
Work highlights
Advised EQT Corporation in its $8.8bn midstream joint venture with Blackstone Credit & Insurance, and in its $1.25bn sale of its remaining non-operated natural gas assets in Northeast Pennsylvania to Equinor USA Onshore Properties Inc. and certain of its affiliates.
Advised Devon Energy in its agreement with BPX, its partner in the Blackhawk Field in the Eagle Ford, to dissolve the partnership within the play, and in its $5bn acquisition of the Williston Basin business of Grayson Mill Energy.
Advised Civitas Resources in its $12.8bn all-stock combination with SM Energy Company, and in its $300m acquisition of Midland Basin assets in Howard, Glasscock and Upton counties, Texas.
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.
Other key lawyers
David Castro; Andrew Calder; Chad Smith; William Benitez; Lindsey Jaquillard; Thomas Laughlin; R.J. Malenfant; William Eiland