Corporate/M&A: Texas

THE FIRM This team of 79 attorneys maintains an impressive reputation in Texas and excels particularly in transactions in the energy sector, where clients greatly appreciate its experience. The team is noted for handling large transactions, including several multibillion-dollar deals over the past year. Highlights include representing East Resources in its $4.7 billion sale to a subsidiary of Shell.

Sources say: "They are easy to work with and do a wonderful job communicating."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Kirkland has a reputation as one of the leading lights in Texas, thanks to his first-class work in the energy arena. He played a key role in the firm's advice to East Resources, as mentioned above.

Stephen Massad is noted for his impressive experience and described as "very bright and very smart." He combines "great judgment" with effective communication skills.

"Bright and effective practitioner" Neel Lemon impresses sources, who say: "He does a very good job at working to get the deal done without any ego."

Andrew Baker rises in the rankings having earned outstanding feedback from interviewees, who admire his active practice.  

Theodore Paris impresses sources with his versatility, and is praised for his breadth of experience. Of late, he has been busy advising Marathon Oil on a variety of matters.

Geoff Newton has a broad practice with extensive experience in handling complex M&A deals. He is highlighted as a "very smart attorney."

Kelly Brunetti Rose heads the firm's corporate department in Houston and is praised as being both proactive and responsive. She stands out as "a very effective negotiator" and impresses with her "keen interest in the underlying business."

Joshua Davidson is a "detail-oriented" attorney who is lauded for his "technical expertise on energy partnership law."

Gene Oshman continues to earn praise from sources, who say he is "capable, practical and easy to get on with." 

THE FIRM This first-class team continues to be a top choice for high-end corporate/M&A work in Texas. With 47 partners in its Texas M&A group, the firm is rightly lauded for its strength in depth. The team has focused on private equity, capital markets and M&A matters over the past year, and has been involved in high-value transactions in each area. M&A highlights include representing Holly Corporation in its $7 billion merger with Frontier Oil.

Sources say: "They are very proactive, well connected and responsive."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Market sources have a "tremendous amount of respect" for Mark Kelly, who is always "very practical and calm." In a busy year, his highlights include providing ongoing advice to Anadarko.

Highly talented attorney Michael Wortley focuses on representing private equity funds. He is highly regarded by interviewees, who were quick to highlight his effective negotiating style.

Scott Wulfe is "an excellent lawyer and a great problem solver," and is "well liked by everybody." He has a broad practice and recently played a key role in assisting SCF Partners in two major portfolio combinations.

David Oelman has an excellent reputation in Texas, and is highlighted for his first-class client care. According to sources, clients "trust his judgment" and "look to him as a good counselor." They note that he is particularly well connected in the industry, and is a "steady pair of hands."

James Prince earns praise for his responsiveness and close attention to detail, and is "knowledgeable and easy to work with."

Keith Fullenweider heads the firm's M&A/private equity practice group and is widely respected in the market for being "very sharp and laser-focused."

"Nothing ever falls through the cracks" with Robert Kimball, say sources, because he "listens very carefully to his clients" and "really focuses on getting a deal done."

Alan Bogdanow is highly regarded for his experience across a wide range of corporate matters. He played a key role in advising Holly Corporation on its merger with Frontier Oil.

Jeffery Floyd has a busy practice and recently led a team advising Energy Transfer Partners on its acquisition of Southern Union Gas's 50% interest in Florida Gas Transmission, worth $1.9 billion.

THE FIRM This Texas powerhouse continues to be involved in market-leading transactions, and is particularly praised for its work in the energy arena. It handles multibillion-dollar transactions in this sector, such as advising Frontier Oil on its $7 billion merger with Holly Corporation. The team is also active in the full range of corporate M&A matters, and is highlighted especially for its excellent work in capital markets.

Sources say: "What stands out is their willingness and ability to dig down into the detail of the previous cases, and their negotiating skills."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael O'Leary is highly respected in the Texas market, and is "smart, savvy and knows how to get results." According to sources, he is " provides great client service." O'Leary has been involved in several multibillion-dollar deals over the past year.

David Buck is widely respected by peers for his excellent work on corporate securities and M&A. He has had another busy year and played a key role in numerous high-value deals, such as advising Enterprise Products Partners on a $3.3 billion merger.

Henry Havre is particularly active in corporate and securities matters. He earns praise for his first-class technical knowledge and also impresses with his "calm, focused and collegial" approach to running transactions.  

Managing partner Robert Jewell continues to be involved in high-value transactions, and recently represented DCP Midstream in providing DCP Midstream Partners with the 66.67% interest in DCP Southeast Texas Holdings it did not already own. He is highly regarded in Texas as an intelligent attorney with a "professional and methodical manner."

THE FIRM This team is noted for handling high-value and complex corporate M&A work in Texas. The firm's network of offices in the USA and abroad ensures a constant stream of high-value instructions. Sources are impressed with its integrated team-based approach and strength in depth. Recent highlights include representing Continental Airlines in its $8.5 billion merger with United Airlines.

Sources say: "They are very thorough, diligent and constructive in their recommendations."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Betzen co-heads the Texas M&A practice and is said to "epitomize the strengths of the firm: he is conscientious, hard-working, reliable and thoughtful." According to impressed sources, he is "very, very good at what he does."  

In what was quite a coup, Scott Cohen recently joined the firm from Weil, Gotshal & Manges. He has quickly established himself in the team, notably playing a key role in advising Texas Instruments on its proposed $6.5 billion acquisition of National Semiconductor.

James O'Bannon heads up the Texas capital markets practice and is known as "a very, very good technician." He recently advised Bell Microproducts on its acquisition by Avnet.

Steven Stennett has a heavyweight practice handling domestic and international matters for top-tier clients across a wide range of industries. He has advised American Home Mortgage Servicing on a range of corporate governance issues. 

Troy Lewis heads the firm's M&A practice in Texas and has experience handling a wide range of M&A and capital markets transactions for both private and public companies. He recently advised Zoran on its $160 million acquisition of Microtune.

THE FIRM This firm's Texas offices handle many sophisticated corporate transactions, with the Dallas team in particular involved in numerous market-leading transactions. Although the firm may not have the largest offering in Texas, its first-class network of domestic and international offices ensures the team is consistently involved in high-value transactions. It stands out especially for its prowess in private equity matters, attracting high praise from peers.

Sources say: "They are very in touch with the market, and I find them very proactive and the work product is always excellent."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jay Tabor has a "phenomenal practice" and is considered a go-to attorney for "a bet-the-company type deal" because he is "very responsive and knows how to get a deal done."

Glenn West is managing partner of the firm's Dallas offices and is highly regarded for his broad M&A and private equity practice. He has a particular talent for handling sports-related acquisitions and financings.

Michael Saslaw is a talented attorney with expertise across a wide range of corporate M&A matters. He is often involved in high-end transactions, and recently advised EQT Partners on its acquisition of Restaurant Technologies.

Well-regarded attorney Mary Korby is described as "effective, smart and experienced." She was a key figure in advising General Growth Properties on its $8.5 billion recapitalization.  

Gilbert Friedlander is an expert in corporate governance practices, and is well known for his skill in handling a wide range of general corporate issues.

Scott Parel is rapidly earning a first-class reputation in Texas, with sources describing him as a "future star." According to clients, he is "the full package: a smart lawyer who offers very practical solutions and who makes sure that we have a win-win solution on all fronts. "

Since publication, Mary Korby has joined K&L Gates

THE FIRM Akin Gump continues to handle a wide range of high-level transactions. The well-respected corporate team has been particularly active in energy-related work of late, for which it receives significant praise. Highlights include representing Bridas in its acquisition of BP's stake in Pan American Energy for $7.059 billion. The team in Texas was able to draw on expertise in other departments, as well as the firm's London office, to handle this sophisticated transaction.

Sources say: "It has invested in our company's unique situation, history and personality, and has been able to tailor support to our unique characteristics."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christine LaFollette leads the firm's Houston office and is highlighted as an experienced attorney. She has handled a wide range of matters for leading energy clients, and has developed particular skills in handling public offerings, restructurings and MLPs.

Alan Laves co-heads the firm's debt finance group and maintains a broad global practice with a focus on debt issues. He "excels technically" and is described by one impressed client as "a lawyer's lawyer: one of the guys that other attorneys go to for answers to questions."

Kenneth Menges co-heads the firm's corporate practice and is manager of the Dallas office. He is praised as a "consummate adviser who has a very high standard and who sets the tone for the rest of the team." He represented American Physicians Service Group in its merger with ProAssurance.

Joseph Motes has a wide practice spanning a number of different industries, with a focus on M&A and debt and equity offerings. He has an ongoing relationship with Alliance Data Systems, which he has represented in numerous transactions.

THE FIRM Bracewell is highly sought after for its expertise in a range of corporate and M&A matters. The firm stands out for its work in various sectors, including construction and maritime, but is particularly highly regarded in the energy arena. The team has handled numerous high-value energy transactions over the past year, including a $3.2 billion IPO for pipeline transportation and energy storage company Kinder Morgan.

Sources say: "They are very easy to work with and responsive." "Timely communication and delivery, and they maintain a great perspective."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gregory Bopp cochairs the firm's business and regulatory department, and has a robust practice focusing on midstream and upstream energy transactions. He is also an expert in MLPs and played a key role in the Kinder Morgan transaction mentioned above.

Clients appreciate that Gary Orloff "can lend a calming hand in situations," and are impressed that he "does an excellent job at getting to the heart of an issue quickly and dealing with it in a levelheaded and practical manner." Orloff was also an important figure in the Kinder Morgan transaction.

Michael Telle impresses peers as "a technically really good lawyer who is good at handling clients and their issues." He is highlighted for his practical advice and the easy manner with which he approaches transactions.

Although a senior attorney, Edgar Marston continues to play an important role in the firm, advising on a wide range of corporate matters.

THE FIRM This firm has a real commitment to the Texas market, with offices in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Richardson and Austin. The corporate team is able to draw on talent across the firm in order to handle a wide range of high-value deals. It remains highly active in M&A matters and is also increasingly focusing on corporate securities, seeing a sizable uptick in this work. The team has been advising Wingate Partners on its recent acquisition of Preferred Compounding from The Watermill Group.

Sources say: "Haynes and Boone is not just about business – it also builds personal relationships with its clients."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Janice Sharry is "very capable and experienced," and adept in handling a wide range of M&A transactions. She earns client praise for being "effective at moving deals along" and because she "is enjoyable to work with, communicates well and is very organized."

Also highly experienced, Arthur Nathan undertakes a broad range of M&A and business and tax planning matters. He also handles complex shareholder disputes, among other mandates.

Michael Boone continues to impress peers, who describe him as "the most connected local corporate guy in the market." This "terrific" attorney has deep knowledge of corporate law and is highly sought after for his expert advice. 

THE FIRM Latham has made a huge impact in the Houston market since opening an office there in January 2010. The team is going from strength to strength, making high-quality lateral hires and quickly building a group that can handle even the most sophisticated transactions. Peers recognize that the firm is increasingly considered a top choice for major transactions in Texas. The team's recent highlights include representing Energy Transfer Equity in its acquisition of Southern Union Company for $7.9 billion.

KEY INDIVIDUALS William Finnegan enters the top band this year, having impressed commentators as "an excellent lawyer." He has wide-ranging expertise in the energy sector and is highly praised for his first-class capital markets work.

According to sources, Michael Dillard's client service is so impressive that "you always feel like you're his only client." He is described as an "outstanding lawyer who is relentless in advocating for his clients." He recently represented Enduring Resources in its $1.3 billion sale of Eagle Ford Shale to Talisman Energy.

THE FIRM With offices in Dallas, Houston and Austin, Locke Lord maintains a fine reputation in the state and has the strength in depth to handle a wide range of transactions. As with many Texas firms, the corporate team has a real focus on the energy sector. It also has the expertise to handle some less common aspects of industry, such as issues relating to alternative energy sources. The team's strength was reflected in its representation of Southern Union Company in its $4.2 billion equity valuation agreement to merge with Energy Transfer Equity.

Sources say: "Their ability to work together and coordinate and collaborate customer service across the firm really stands out."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bill Swanstrom is praised as "a great lawyer" and cochairs the firm's energy practice group. He has been involved in several high-value energy transactions over the past year.

Managing partner of the Dallas office, Don Glendenning impresses peers as being "a joy to deal with." He has a broad corporate practice and is known to be a "bright and pragmatic problem-solver."

Mike Peters cochairs the firm's corporate and transactional department, and is also chair of the M&A group. He continues to be involved in high-end transactions, such as representing National Oilwell Varco in its $772 million acquisition of Ameron International.

David Taylor has a broad practice with a focus on securities offerings and M&A. He has represented El Paso in numerous high-value offerings in the past twelve months.

THE FIRM This talented group of 62 corporate/M&A attorneys is active on a diverse range of M&A, private equity and capital markets transactions. It has been particularly involved in handling high-end private equity deals of late, and is especially noted for its skill in complex public offerings. The team is strong across a wide range of sectors, but its in-depth knowledge of the energy sector makes it a natural choice for transactions arising in this area. Standout deals include representing Frac Tech Services in its $3.7 billion sale to a consortium led by Temasek Capital.

Sources say: "They have broad experience and understand the deals from a commercial point of view."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Jeffrey Zlotky is "congenial and easy to work with," say interviewees, and has a very good reputation for handling high-end private equity deals.

Lawrence Hall is highlighted as an "incredibly sharp attorney" and impresses clients with his "common sense and very quick turnaround time." He handles transactions for a wide range of clients, with a focus on representing oil and gas companies. 

THE FIRM Fulbright & Jaworski has had a successful year representing a wide range of clients in M&A and private equity transactions. The firm is strong in the traditional Texas energy space but has broad-ranging experience, recently handling retail and healthcare-related transactions. The offices in Texas benefit from the firm's far-reaching global network, which attracts and allows it to handle sophisticated work. The team recently represented Physerve Holdings in its merger with Texas Health.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Conlon heads the Houston office and has a busy practice spanning a number of industries, including energy, manufacturing and retail. He represented The Men's Wearhouse in its acquisition of a corporate wear business in the UK.

Glen Hettinger is highly respected in the Texas corporate market, and has a broad practice with experience in both private equity and M&A. His recent highlights include representing International Gaming Technology in the GBP35 million sale of its UK assets.

THE FIRM This firm has expanded rapidly in 2011, and is increasingly recognized as a major player in the Texas market. The team's growing strength enables it to handle matters such as representing Energy Future Holdings in its $17.7 billion debt restructuring. In addition to experience in M&A and private equity, the team has real strength in antitakeover work.

KEY INDIVIDUALS In a high-profile move, Jeffrey Chapman arrived at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher from Vinson Elkins in 2011. Clients were keen to praise him, with one saying: "He is probably my favorite lawyer in the country. I trust his judgment, and he is extremely good at pulling together our resources."

THE FIRM Mayer Brown handles a wide range of transactions from its Houston stronghold. It is predominantly active in the energy sector, where the team's expertise enables it to handle high-profile work for clients such as Halliburton, ConocoPhillips and Noble Energy. Highlights include representing SK Energy in the $2.4 billion sale of its Brazilian upstream oil and gas subsidiary to Mærsk Olie og Gas.

Sources say: "They're deal-savvy – they know the market, they know the people and they figure out how to make things work. We consider them business partners."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "A very personable, experienced lawyer," Robert Gray is co-leader of the firm's corporate and securities practice. Clients are impressed that "he knows the industry and he knows how to get a deal done."

Dallas Parker is a highly experienced attorney with a broad practice covering a wide range of M&A and private equity matters. Market sources highlight that "he understands the issues and knows when to move forward and when to back down. "

THE FIRM Porter Hedges' team of 18 corporate attorneys has a solid reputation in the Texas market. It successfully represents clients across a wide range of industries, but, as with many Texas firms, has real strength in the energy space. Recent highlights for the firm include representing Petrohawk in two major transactions worth $1.7 billion.

Sources say: "They've taken a lot of time to learn about our company. They are very interested in how we do things and, although they concentrate on energy law, they also focus on the business side."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Reedy is a key contact.

THE FIRM This firm's offices in Dallas and Houston routinely handle the full range of corporate/M&A matters. The team is experienced in handling transactions across a wide range of sectors. Notable clients include Bristow Group and Eastman Parks Micrographics.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients were full of praise for Alan Perkins, enthusing about his "great business sense" and "ability to translate legal requirements into business advice." Sources also appreciate that he is "able to cut through the fat and get to the meat of an issue."

Eric Blumrosen is a "direct and clever negotiator" who is praised for his ability to craft "creative solutions." Clients also highlight his "pragmatism and ability to give thoughtful advice in a very concise manner."

Larry Schoenbrun is highly respected in the Texas market, with one source saying: "No one knows the Texas corporate market better."

THE FIRM King & Spalding is especially active in advising clients on complex energy and infrastructure-related corporate/M&A work. Clients also benefit from its extensive experience of handling international transactions. High-profile clients include GE and Shell.

Sources say: "The lawyers provide cutting-edge legal advice; they are always up to speed on everything."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ned Crady and John Crespo are the key contacts for the team.