Michael Byrd

Practice Areas

Michael Byrd focuses his practice on oil and gas mergers and acquisitions, with particular emphasis in the upstream segment of the industry. Mike has served as lead counsel in over 100 oil and gas M&A transactions. He also prepares and negotiates a wide range of upstream agreements, and advises his clients on oil and gas disputes. Mike has also served as an expert witness on oil and gas purchase and sale agreements.

Since 1998, Mike has been certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Oil, Gas and Mineral Law. He has served five times as Chair of the Oil, Gas and Mineral Law Exam Commission, which writes and grades the exam for that certification.

Clients have described Mike as a “phenomenal attorney; he’s very detail-oriented, really in the trenches and is extraordinarily knowledgeable about the upstream industry.” (Chambers USA 2021)

Career

Before joining Porter Hedges, Mike had his own law firm and prior to that, was a partner at an AmLaw 100 law firm. He is admitted in Texas, Louisiana and Pennsylvania.

Professional Memberships

Advisory Board Member, Institute for Energy Law; Member, Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation; Member, American Association of Professional Landmen.

Publications

Authored numerous articles on energy matters, including for State Bar of Texas Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section Report and Houston Bar Association Oil, Gas and Mineral Law Section.

Education

Awards