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Global Guide 2023
USA Energy & Natural Resources
1
Band 1

11 Ranked Lawyers

About

Provided by Vinson & Elkins LLP

·         Vinson & Elkins is consistently ranked as the world’s leading energy law firm, with approximately 700 lawyers and a client base including many of the largest independent oil and gas exploration and production companies, premier private equity firms and master limited partnerships.  The firm has ranked #1 in energy M&A transactions by volume and value over the last decade, according to Mergermarket.

·         Our law firm’s strong reputation is reflected in the number of lawyers – more than 60 percent – who dedicate their practice to the energy sector. That deep bench has three distinct advantages for energy companies:

  • Our lawyers in supporting practices, such as tax, environmental and regulatory have unique experience and knowledge on oil and gas transactions.
  • Our lawyers, from associates doing due diligence to senior partners structuring transactions, have unparalleled technical knowledge of the industry.
  • Our experience gives us a valued perspective of what is “market” even for cutting-edge deals. This gives our clients an advantage in structuring and negotiations.

·         With an integrated network of 16 offices across the globe, V&E offers clients nearly a century of cross-border experience in the legal aspects of virtually all areas of the oil and gas value stream in energy-producing regions across the globe.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers
Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation) - USA
1
Band 1
What the team is known for

Vinson & Elkins LLP is a Houston-based powerhouse in the energy space, particularly excelling in oil and gas transactions and regulatory work. Continues to have a fantastic reputation for its work in upstream transactions and represents a fine choice of counsel for LNG matters. Offers leading representation in the midstream space, with expertise in matters including presidential permit applications and rate cases. Also noted for advising power and renewable clients on large-scale transactional matters. With its strong international presence, clients are offered exceptional expertise in various energy-producing regions around the world. Draws on additional competencies in tax, environmental compliance and project finance, to assist players in both the oil and gas and electricity sectors.

Work Highlights

Provided by Vinson & Elkins LLP
  • Vinson & Elkins LLP advised New Fortress Energy on the development of an LNG export project in Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, including FERC compliance and obtaining DOE export authorization.

  • Vinson & Elkins LLP advised DoublePoint Energy in connection with the sale of its leasehold interests and related assets to Pioneer Natural Resources Company. The transaction was valued at approximately USD6.4 billion.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
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Douglas S Bland
1
Band 1

Douglas Bland has an impressive track record assisting clients across the oil and gas sector on high-value transactions. He is looked to for his advice on strategic investments and joint venture formation.
"He is phenomenal. His experience and the representation he provides makes him stand out." "He is an excellent technician and very good on difficult transactions. He is creative and comes up with good solutions."

N
James D Seegers
1
Band 1

James Seegers has considerable expertise in regulatory issues surrounding the construction and operation of natural gas pipelines.
"He is an excellent lawyer."

N
Bryan Loocke
3
Band 3

Bryan Loocke focuses his practice on upstream and midstream oil and gas matters, with expertise spanning M&A and a broad range of commercial agreements concerning gathering and processing.
"He is very effective." "He has a strong understanding and great expertise on issues. He is a very good advocate for clients." "He is extremely knowledgeable of the law and market place and has outstanding negotiation skills."

N
John S Decker
4
Band 4

John Decker offers comprehensive regulatory counsel to clients in both the oil and gas and electricity sectors, often advising on the regulatory aspects of large transactions. He is particularly noted for his cognizance of international regulatory regimes.
"He is very smart, reasoned and commercial."

N
John Grand
4
Band 4

John Grand's oil and gas practice spans M&A, joint ventures and investments, with a particular focus in the upstream and midstream sectors.
"John has a good understanding of the industry and is very good at structuring and executing transactions." "He is a really good negotiator."

N
Suzanne Clevenger
U
Up and Coming

Suzanne Clevenger acts for major energy clients in rate and tariff matters before FERC. She has additional experience handling Natural Gas Act Section 4 cases.
"Suzanne is a terrific lawyer. She is methodical and effective at driving to completion while keeping an eye on the result."

N
Damien Lyster
U
Up and Coming

Damien Lyster fields significant regulatory expertise for which he is routinely sought by upstream and midstream oil and gas companies.
"He is a very good commercial-minded regulatory attorney."

N
Danielle Patterson
U
Up and Coming

Danielle Patterson is noted for her expertise in oil and gas transactions. She has particular experience acting on behalf of hydrocarbon exploration companies.
"She is a very good lawyer and represents her clients very well."

Jeffrey M Jakubiak
N
Jeffrey M Jakubiak
3
Band 3

Jeffrey Jakubiak has a wealth of experience handling a range of FERC proceedings as well as advising key power sector clients on compliance and enforcement matters.
"He is very commercial and easy to work with." "He is a very good lawyer and knows the market."

N
Keith Fullenweider
E
Eminent Practitioners

Keith Fullenweider expertly advises private equity firms on the full spectrum of oil and gas transactions, including M&A, financing and securities matters.
"He is extremely knowledgeable and is a very good lawyer."

Ranked Lawyers at
Vinson & Elkins LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

USA

Energy: Electricity (Regulatory & Litigation)

Jeffrey M Jakubiak
3
Jeffrey M Jakubiak
3
Band 3
4
John S Decker
4
Band 4
Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation)

1
James D Seegers
1
Band 1
4
John S Decker
4
Band 4
5
Monique Watson
5
Band 5
U
Damien Lyster
U
Up and Coming
U
Suzanne Clevenger
U
Up and Coming
Energy: Oil & Gas (Transactional)

E
Keith Fullenweider
E
Eminent Practitioners
1
Douglas S Bland
1
Band 1
3
Bryan Loocke
3
Band 3
4
John Grand
4
Band 4
U
Danielle Patterson
U
Up and Coming