
Energy: Oil & Gas (Transactional)
Global Guide 2026 : USA
Rankings

Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
About
Provided by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates
Transactions
Skadden is one of the very few large, corporate law firms with a significant energy practice (both transactional and regulatory), which complements our leading M&A experience. Our firm has been engaged in a broad range of energy-related transactions, including M&A, asset auctions, joint ventures, strategic alliances, corporate and project financings, and project developments. Our corporate and energy attorneys represent a broad array of public and private companies, PE firms, investment banks, government entities, infrastructure funds, commercial banks and other lenders, and other institutions in the energy sector. We have handled numerous multibillion dollar transactions, including some of the most noteworthy U.S. electric and gas utility transactions over the last 20 years. We also have represented clients on a broad range of middle-market acquisitions, dispositions and financings.
Regulatory
Our Energy Regulation and Litigation Group is consistently ranked among the leading practices by Chambers and Legal 500. The group has been described in Chambers USA as “Outstanding, the best of the best, the gold standard” … with a “very broad and deep bench of outstanding attorneys” “the gold standard” and, further, that “Skadden is an absolute powerhouse. … A true juggernaut practice.” Our leading role is due to the depth and breadth of our group’s experience in this area and the prominence of its practitioners, including former high-ranking government officials.
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Strengths
Provided by Chambers
Skadden has differentiated industry knowledge and strong commercial instincts. It thrives in complex situations and has the broad capabilities and leadership to navigate challenging and novel issues.
Energy: Oil & Gas (Transactional) respondentGlobalSkadden provides practical advice and has a deep bench strength of regulatory experts.
Energy: Oil & Gas (Transactional) respondentGlobal
Notable Practitioners
Provided by Chambers
Band 1 
Band 1 
Pankaj K Sinha
Pankaj Sinha has tremendous experience across the nuclear, renewables and traditional power sectors. Pankaj is an excellent attorney and extremely knowledgeable in power and utility space. He is creative, commercial and comfortable with complexity.
Energy: Oil & Gas (Transactional) respondentGlobalPankaj is tremendous. He is very good at managing transactions and keeping eye on what important. He is very commercial and knows the sector.
Energy: Oil & Gas (Transactional) respondentGlobal
Band 3 
Band 3 
Mingda Zhao
Mingda Zhao frequently acts for domestic and international companies as well as private equity funds in a range of corporate transactions. Mingda is really technically driven, understands all the dynamics and the pressure points in a given negotiation.
Energy: Oil & Gas (Transactional) respondentGlobalMingda is technically excellent, responsive and thoughtful.
Energy: Oil & Gas (Transactional) respondentGlobal
Band 4 
Band 4 
Emery Choi
Emery Choi's capabilities cover acquisition, divestitures and private equity investments. He is adept at handling both domestic and international energy transactions. Emery has a good handle on the market, is very personable and he picks up the deal dynamics quickly.
Energy: Oil & Gas (Transactional) respondentGlobal
Band 5 
Band 5 
Eric Otness
Eric Otness is a Houston-based partner with a strong transactional practice, frequently handling M&A, joint ventures and refinancing matters. Eric is a brilliant M&A lawyer. He is very cool and calm under pressure and very thoughtful.
Energy: Oil & Gas (Transactional) respondentGlobal
Ranked Individuals at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates (4)
Members
Provided by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates

Mingda Zhao
View profile of Mingda Zhao
Eric Otness
View profile of Eric Otness
Pankaj K Sinha
View profile of Pankaj K Sinha
Emery Choi
View profile of Emery Choi
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