Bracewell
(The following information was supplied by the firm)
Firm Overview:
Bracewell is a leading law firm that is known worldwide for its unique depth and experience in the energy, infrastructure, finance and technology industries throughout the world. Our industry focus results in comprehensive state-of-the-art knowledge of the commercial, legal and governmental challenges faced by our clients and enables us to provide innovative solutions to facilitate transactions and resolve disputes.
Managing Partner: Daniel S Connolly
Number of partners: 169
Number of lawyers: 362
Main Areas of Practice:
Energy
Bracewell is consistently at the forefront of developments across the energy value chain, including in connection with the global energy transition. We are unmatched in our ability to provide a comprehensive offering for market players, given the significant number of Bracewell lawyers who are focused on each aspect of this sector. In the oil and gas sector, we represent upstream exploration and development companies; oilfield service businesses; pipeline, storage, and terminals companies; refining and chemicals companies; commercial banks, trading houses, investors and private equity investors involved in oil and gas; and investment banks, other intermediaries and strategic advisors to oil and gas companies and investors.
The power team represents utilities, independent power producers, retail electric businesses, commodity trading houses and investors in a wide range of transactions and regulatory and compliance matters relating to conventional and renewable power sources and transmission.
Bracewell has been at the forefront of developments and innovations related to renewable energy and sustainability. Renewable sources, such as solar, wind, biomass, hydropower and hydrogen development — combined with carbon capture, energy storage and ESG practices — involve complex legal, financial and regulatory issues that we are well-positioned to address because of our depth and vast experience. We have developed targeted practices – such as regulatory, environment, tax, intellectual property and strategic communications – to serve our energy clients.
We Know Energy®.
Infrastructure
Bracewell has one of the largest and most experienced infrastructure teams in the United States. We have played leading roles at every stage in the procurement, structuring, development, financing, operations purchase and sale of major infrastructure projects around the country and in significant markets globally, including energy, transportation, social infrastructure, hospitality, arts, sports venues and other projects. Clients rely on us to help them achieve their most ambitious goals. Many of these projects are unique, innovative or first-of-their-kind.
Finance
Bracewell is well known for advising borrowers and lenders on billions of dollars of financial transactions every year. We assist clients in various forms of secured and unsecured transactions, including project finance, acquisition finance, syndicated lending, structured finance, leveraged finance, reserved-based lending, bridge financings to facilitate capital markets access, equipment finance and leasing. Our finance team also helps clients in various stages of a lending transaction, including refinancings and restructurings (including out-of-court restructurings) of existing loans, debtor in possession (DIP) financings, and exit financings for both borrower and lender clients. We boast a large energy finance team with in-depth knowledge across the entire energy finance spectrum, including upstream, midstream, downstream, exploration and production, refining, oil field services, commodities, chemicals, and renewables and conventional power.
Technology
Bracewell’s technology team utilizes a well-rounded approach to facilitate protection of technology assets to align with the long-term goals of the client. We provide practical coverage in all areas of technology and intellectual property, with established practitioners who file, prosecute and litigate patents, trademarks and copyrights, and provide advice and support on an array of transactional or adversarial matters. We also counsel on outsourcing, licensing, technology transfers and joint venture agreements. The firm is particularly active in core industries around the globe, including energy, technology, finance and retail.
Litigation
For more than 75 years, Bracewell litigators have excelled in courtrooms across the United States and internationally, earning the respect of both judges and adversaries. The team represents industry leaders in their most high-profile and complex matters, including commercial, securities, patent, white-collar, international arbitration, environment and energy litigation, as well as appellate issues arising from these matters.
Government Relations
Bracewell’s Policy Resolution Group (PRG) is a unique team of lawyers, lobbyists and strategic communications professionals with decades of experience operating in Washington, DC. PRG develops legislative strategies; manages relations with the United States executive branch and relevant federal agencies; and creates coalitions and strategic partnerships to advance its clients’ regulatory and legislative initiatives.
Languages: Arabic, Bangla, Bulgarian, Cantonese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, English, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Swedish, Tamil, Thai, Turkish, Urdu, Vietnamese
Key Contacts
Managing Partner
Daniel S. Connolly
[email protected]
Firm Rankings
Restructuring & Insolvency
Band 3
7.0
Tax
Band 3
6.0
White-Collar Crime
Band 2
8.0
Lawyer Rankings
Articles
Significant changes to consumer protection legislation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will take effect on 14 October, 2023. Businesses should be aware of how such legislation may impact their current operations and in turn make the necessary adjustments to comply with its new requirements. Published on 14 July, 2023, pursuant to Cabinet Decision No. […]
On August 16, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission took action to resolve its antitrust concerns associated with a proposed transaction between EQT Corporation (EQT) and private equity firm QEP Partners, LP (Quantum) pursuant to which EQT agreed to acquire certain of Quantum’s upstream and midstream natural gas interests located in the Appalachian Basin in exchange for approximately […]
On July 26, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued a final rule that requires registrants to provide enhanced and standardized disclosures regarding “cybersecurity risk management, strategy, governance and incidents.” This rule, the culmination of discussion following the March 9, 2022 proposed rule, applies to public companies that are subject to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 […]
On August 18, 2023, in Hamilton v. Dallas County, the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, sitting en banc, expanded the circumstances under which an employer can be held liable for disparate treatment under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (“Title VII”). Prior to Hamilton, employers could only be held liable for disparate treatment under Title VII […]
In line with Dubai’s Autonomous Transportation Strategy (the Strategy), on 14 April, 2023, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (the UAE) and Ruler of Dubai, introduced legislation to provide a legal basis for the Strategy being adopted as Law No. (9) of 2023 On regulating […]
A three-judge panel for the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit reversed a district court’s class certification in the decade-long Arkansas Teacher Retirement System v. Goldman Sachs Group litigation regarding allegedly false public disclosures made by Goldman regarding its corporate governance and ethics policies and procedures. Read more
On August 7, 2023, the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued proposed rules for implementing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). Once published in the Federal Register, the public will have 60 days to comment on the proposed rules. The PWFA, which was signed by President Biden on December 29, 2022, went into effect […]
On July 19, 2023, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a draft version of new Merger Guidelines (Merger Guidelines), which would replace the 2010 Horizontal Merger Guidelines and the 2020 Vertical Merger Guidelines (the latter were rescinded by the FTC in September 2021). The Merger Guidelines explain how the […]
racewell’s Andrej Kormuth recently confirmed to AGBI that its developer clients are having to allocate bigger budgets to complete projects due to the increased cost of renewables. “Inflation has created the potential for greater margin of error, particularly in relation to the construction budget,” Kormuth said. The Renewables 2023 Global Status Report showed that Africa […]
On August 2, 2023, in Stericycle, Inc. (Stericycle), the National Labor Relations Board (the Board) revised the test for determining whether an employer’s workplace policies comply with the National Labor Relations Act (the NLRA). Stericycle reverses the Board’s 2017 decision in Boeing Co. (Boeing), which outlined a balancing test between a policy’s impact on a […]
Battery Storage Funding to Grow to €30 Billion by 2030 July 31, 2023 In The NewsICIS Investment in new battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Europe is set to reach €30 billion by 2030, market participants told ICIS. BESS could play a crucial role in decarbonising the European power system by providing peak demand response, […]
On July 19, 2023, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a draft version of new Merger Guidelines (Merger Guidelines), which would replace the 2010 Horizontal Merger Guidelines and the 2020 Vertical Merger Guidelines (the latter were rescinded by the FTC in September 2021). The Merger Guidelines explain how the […]
In Volume 48, Number 26 of the Texas Register, the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) published proposed amendments to 16 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 5 (relating to Carbon Dioxide and related storage activities). These proposed rules are essential to Texas’ push to obtain permitting and enforcement primacy for Class VI Underground Injection Control (UIC) wells […]
On June 29, 2023, the Department of Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) published a proposed rule that, if adopted, would substantially revise the financial assurance requirements applicable to offshore oil and gas operations. The proposed rule is designed to address BOEM’s concern that under its current financial assurance regulations, taxpayers are vulnerable to […]
In Volume 48, Number 26 of the Texas Register, the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) published proposed amendments to 16 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 5 (relating to Carbon Dioxide and related storage activities). These proposed rules are essential to Texas’ push to obtain permitting and enforcement primacy for Class VI Underground Injection Control (UIC) wells and are in […]
On June 29, 2023, in Groff v. DeJoy, the US Supreme Court unanimously adopted a new interpretation of the standard for when an employee’s religious accommodation poses an “undue hardship” for an employer under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (Title VII). In Groff, the Supreme Court repudiated the commonly held understanding of Transworld […]
Last week the US Supreme Court reaffirmed the constitutionality of state laws requiring businesses to consent to lawsuits in the state after registering with state authorities to conduct business there. In Mallory v. Norfolk Southern Railway Co.,[1] the Court resolved conflicting authority and held that such laws do not violate the Due Process Clause of […]
Two recent developments may have meaningful impacts on the implementation of Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). First, the DC Circuit Court of Appeals issued an opinion in Maine Lobstermen’s Association v. National Marine Fisheries Service and held that the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) may not give species the benefit of the doubt when […]
On June 14, 2023, the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released long-awaited guidance (the Credit Transfer Guidance) regarding the transfer of energy transition tax credits under Section 6418, which was enacted under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the IRA). The Credit Transfer Guidance is in the form of proposed regulations (the Proposed […]
Texas has joined the nine other states that have comprehensive data privacy laws after Governor Greg Abbott signed the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (the “TDPSA”). Subject to exemptions, the TDPSA applies to any entity (labeled controller under the Act) that (1) conducts business in Texas or produces a product or service consumed by […]
It may be punny or even funny, but a unanimous Supreme Court has decided that the “Bad Spaniels” dog-toy brand may infringe and dilute the “Jack Daniel’s” trademark. Last week’s opinion puts an end to the toy maker’s attempt to invoke the Rogers test. The Second Circuit established that test in 1989 as a substitute for […]
The domestic content bonus credit (the DC Bonus), which was introduced by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the IRA), provides an enhanced tax credit for renewable energy and storage projects constructed with sufficient US-sourced materials and components (the Domestic Content Requirement). The DC Bonus is available for projects that qualify for the production tax […]
The federal government has successfully defended its approvals of the Vineyard Wind project offshore Massachusetts (Project), setting the stage for further decisions as other challenges proceed. Vineyard Wind is the first modern utility-scale offshore wind project to reach the construction phase in the US market. On May 17, 2023, Judge Indira Talwani of the U.S. […]
Today, in an opinion that purports to be narrow but will have sweeping implications, the Supreme Court ruled that Andy Warhol’s well-known “Orange Prince” illustration is not a transformative fair use of Lynn Goldsmith’s photograph of Prince. Discounting the new expression and meaning that Warhol added to the photograph through his famous silk-screening process, the […]
Welcome to the latest issue of Bracewell’s FINRA Facts and Trends, a monthly newsletter devoted to condensing and digesting recent FINRA developments in the areas of enforcement, regulation and dispute resolution. This month, we report on FINRA’s appearance at SIFMA, new Reg BI guidance, and the SEC’s approval of further changes to the expungement process. […]
The US Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted a package of amendments, originally proposed in late 2021, to the disclosure requirements for corporate issuers’ share repurchases. The SEC stated that the new rules are designed to provide investors with more information about the purposes and effects of share buybacks. Read more.
On May 4, 2023, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published its proposal to approve revision of Louisiana’s Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Underground Injection Control (UIC) program to add Class VI injection well primary enforcement responsibility (primacy) for Class VI injection wells. 88 Federal Register 28,450 (May 4, 2023). The proposed rule would allow the Louisiana […]
The US Department of the Treasury announced the suspension of sales of US Treasury Obligations – State and Local Government Series (i.e., SLGS), effective 10:00 a.m. ET, May 2, 2023. New subscriptions for SLGS received after such time will not be accepted, and the SLGS window will remain closed until further notice. According to the announcement, the suspension is […]
On April 10, 2023, the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), without a formal announcement, released a revised version of Notice 2023-29 (the Revised Notice) on the IRS website. The Treasury Department and the IRS released the initial version of Notice 2023-29 on April 4, 2023. Bracewell’s full discussion of Notice 2023-29 can be found here. […]
The low-income communities bonus credit (the LIC Bonus), which was introduced by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the IRA), provides an enhanced tax credit for renewable energy projects located in designated low-income communities. The LIC Bonus is available for wind and solar projects that qualify for the investment tax credit (ITC) under Section 48 […]
Just hours after the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey entered an order dismissing the Chapter 11 Case of Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, LTL Management, as a bad faith filing, LTL filed for Chapter 11 protection again in the same Bankruptcy Court. In an effort to improve upon its prior offering […]
Delaware Judge Brendan Shannon has joined calls for reforming Section 546(e) of the bankruptcy code, echoing concerns that the section’s safe harbor from fraudulent transfer liability has allowed investors to “loot privately held companies to the detriment of their non-insider creditors with effective impunity.” Judge Shannon is the second judge to recently press Congress to […]
In a decision that once again evidences the Fifth Circuit’s strong stance on the finality of asset sales in bankruptcy absent a stay of the applicable order, on March 8, 2023 the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas published a memorandum opinion and order affirming a bankruptcy court’s exercise of Bankruptcy […]
The federal government’s offshore wind program notched another important victory on March 9, 2023, when the United States District Court for the District of Columbia dismissed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the New York Bight lease auction. The court found the suit was not ripe, building on court precedent established in relation to an earlier […]
Investors from the United States, Mexico or Canada in the territory of one of the other two investment hosting states, who may have been adversely affected by the host government’s measures, need to act by the end of March 2023 to preserve NAFTA rights. If the investment was made between January 1, 1994 and July […]
In the second of a two-part episode of Bracewell Covered, Vince Morgan discusses insurance requirements and contracts with Suzanne Day, who recently joined the firm from The Lubrizol Corporation, where she worked for more than 20 years in their legal division, eventually serving as chief legal and ethics officer. Read more and listen to Part 2 here. Click […]
On this episode of The Bracewell Sidebar, hosts Matthew Nielsen and Seth DuCharme share their thoughts on the ABA White Collar Conference, held in Miami, Florida, March 1-3, 2023. Read more, and listen here.
In the second of a two-part episode of the Bracewell Environmental Law Monitor, host Daniel Pope continues the conversation with Bracewell partner Steven Cook about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). They explore the unique challenges presented by the ubiquity of PFAS in society and how government and industry stakeholders can assess and respond to the long-term adverse consequences. Read […]
On 16 February 2023, the Association of International Energy Negotiators (“AIEN”, formerly the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators or AIPN) published an updated version of its model form joint operating agreement (the “JOA”). The AIEN JOA has for many years been adopted as the standard agreement used across the oil and gas industry for unincorporated […]
On February 13, 2023, the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS) released Notice 2023-18 (the Notice), which established the program (the Allocation Program) to allocate $10 billion of advanced energy project credits (AEPCs) pursuant to section 48C(e),1 which was enacted as part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the IRA).2 The goal of the program […]
Underground salt caverns are commonly used for the storage of liquids including liquefied hydrocarbons. These caverns are created by solution mining of salt from inside underground salt formations and could play a pivotal role in the growth and development of a variety of energy transition and energy storage developments, including carbon sequestration and hydrogen projects. […]
The National Labor Relations Board (the Board) which enforces the National Labor Relations Act (the Act) ruled this week that confidentiality of the agreement and non-disparagement provisions in the separation agreements for 11 terminated employees of a Michigan hospital impermissibly infringed on the employees’ rights under the Act. Read more.
The EPA continues to advance environmental justice policies, issuing its “Principles for Addressing Environmental Justice in Air Permitting” in December and preparing its much-anticipated guidance on addressing cumulative impacts in permitting expected later this year. Read more and watch here.
In the first of a two-part episode of the Bracewell Environmental Law Monitor, host Daniel Pope talks with Bracewell partner Steven Cook, who served as deputy assistant administrator at the EPA’s Office of Land and Emergency Management prior to joining the firm, about the ways that companies and agencies deal with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and a look […]
In a closely watched case,1 the United States Supreme Court held today that a tool pusher in the oil & gas industry, who was paid a day rate of at least $963.00 per day, was not exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”). While the highly paid tool pusher was otherwise exempt under […]
The longstanding UAE Commercial Agency Law (Federal Law No. 18 of 1981 Regulating Commercial Agencies, as amended) (the “Current Law”) is set to be replaced by the newly issued UAE Commercial Agency Law (Federal Law No. 3 of 2022 Regulating Commercial Agencies) (the “New Law”) which is due to come into force in June 2023. […]
Now that state legislatures across the country are working to approve the much anticipated Article 12 to the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), it is time to prepare for transactions with cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as collateral. At the heart of the UCC amendments is the concept of “controllable electronic records” (CER), which will normally […]
In a decision that may provide much-needed boundaries around the permissibility of debtors created from “out-of-the-box” prepetition corporate transactions, on January 30, 2023, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit issued a unanimous opinion dismissing Johnson & Johnson subsidiary LTL Management, LLC’s (“LTL”) chapter 11 case pending in the United States Bankruptcy […]
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced the annual revisions to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act (HSR Act) thresholds, which will become effective on Monday, February 27, 2023. The revised thresholds will apply to any merger or acquisition closing on or after the effective date. The FTC is required to adjust the HSR thresholds annually […]
On December 19, 2022, the Treasury Department and the IRS released Notice 2023-6 (the Notice), which provides guidance with respect to the credit for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the IRA) enacted Section 40B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), which allows a credit with respect to […]
On January 12, 2023, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (“BOEM”) announced a proposed rule (the “Modernization Rule”) to modernize its regulations for renewable energy development on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (“OCS”). The announcement marks the first time BOEM has substantially updated its renewable energy program regulations since they […]
Earlier this month, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched unprecedented challenges to noncompete provisions in employment contracts through both rulemaking and individual enforcement actions. Proposed Rule to Ban Noncompetes Most significantly, on January 5, 2023, the FTC released a sweeping notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), aimed at barring the use of noncompete agreements by deeming those covenants […]
In a January 5, 2023 opinion from the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, the panel held the Just Energy bankruptcy court erred in exercising jurisdiction over the debtor’s suit to recover Winter Storm Uri payments made to ERCOT. The Fifth Circuit found the underlying issue—i.e., the propriety of ERCOT and PUCT’s pricing—to be […]
On December 29, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act), expanding federal protections for both pregnant and nursing workers. Pregnant Workers Fairness Act The PWFA creates a legal obligation for employers to grant reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers. […]
Overview On January 9, 2023, the Council for Environmental Quality (“CEQ”) published interim National Environmental Policy Act Guidance on Consideration of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Change (hereafter, “guidance” or “GHG Guidance”).1 CEQ intends for agencies to apply the guidance now even as CEQ seeks public comment on it.2 The guidance aims to establish best […]
Cryptocurrency in Celsius’ Earn Accounts belongs to the bankruptcy estate, and not to the depositors who placed it there, according to a January 4 memorandum opinion from Judge Martin Glenn of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of New York. The decision is a blow to the individual customers who deposited crypto assets […]
On December 29, 2022, President Biden signed into law The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (also known as The Omnibus Appropriations Bill), which includes the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act. The Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act, which marks the most significant change to HSR filing fees in over twenty years, increases the HSR filing fees […]
In late December 2022, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware issued an opinion affirming the Mallinckrodt1 bankruptcy court’s November 2021 decision that the debtor could discharge certain post-petition, post-confirmation royalty obligations for the sale of Acthar Gel. Read more here.
On December 30, 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Army Corps of Engineers announced their finalization of the agencies’ redefinition of the Clean Water Act’s “waters of the United States” phrase, or “WOTUS”, a key phrase in the Clean Water Act that determines the jurisdictional reach of the act. The rule will […]
“Turbulent” is the usual adjective to be tastefully employed when assessing years such as 2022 that are subject to extreme events such as the Russian-Ukraine conflict and its reverberations on global energy supplies (along with other terrible consequences). Against that backdrop, activity within the global upstream M&A space has been modest, with deal volumes and […]
In this holiday episode of the Environmental Law Monitor, Tim Wilkins, Jason Hutt, and Ann Navaro from Bracewell’s Environment, Lands and Resources Practice Group join host Daniel Pope to discuss the events of 2022 while looking ahead to 2023, and also some of their favorite things for the holidays. Click here for more.
Last week, Attorney General Merrick Garland issued a new DOJ charging and sentencing policy memorandum, replacing existing guidance to federal prosecutors in their exercise of prosecutorial discretion. The thrust of the extraordinary new policy is that prosecutors are no longer expected to charge the highest most readily provable offense, but rather to consider potential punishments […]
On Thursday, December 15, 2022, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC” or “Commission”) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NOPR”) proposing changes to FERC’s authority under section 216 of the Federal Power Act (“FPA”). Section 216 provides FERC with jurisdiction over the siting of interstate transmission projects in National Corridors designated by the Department of Energy (“DOE”)—commonly […]
Bracewell’s Amber Dodds and Bob Nichols look at potential unforeseen compliance and legal concerns with long-term remote work arrangements, including practical steps to address those issues. Read more.
On November 30, 2022, the IRS and the Treasury Department published Notice 2022-61 (the Notice) in the Federal Register. The Notice provides guidance regarding the prevailing wage requirements (the Prevailing Wage Requirements) and the apprenticeship requirements (the Apprenticeship Requirements and, together with the Prevailing Wage Requirements, the Labor Requirements) that taxpayers must satisfy to be eligible […]
On December 2, 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce unveiled the highly anticipated, preliminary findings of its solar tariff anti-circumvention investigation. The Commerce Department found that four leading Chinese solar cell and solar module manufacturers (BYD Hong Kong, Canadian Solar, Trina and Vina Solar) avoided U.S. tariffs by routing some of their operations through Southeast […]
Welcome to the latest issue of Bracewell’s FINRA Facts and Trends, a monthly newsletter devoted to condensing and digesting recent FINRA developments in the areas of enforcement, regulation and dispute resolution. This month, we report on FINRA’s first Regulation BI enforcement action, reveal rare praise from the investors’ bar for FINRA’s arbitration procedures, and outline […]
Scoring a victory for the Securities and Exchange Commission in its efforts to qualify digital tokens as securities, a New Hampshire federal court ruled this week that tokens sold by LBRY Inc., known as LBC, are securities and subject to U.S. securities laws. The case, like others in the crypto space, centers on the legal […]
Recent rulings out of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and its lower bankruptcy courts have emphasized the circuit’s broad interpretation of section 363(m) of the Bankruptcy Code, which protects bankruptcy sales from being overturned on appeal. In her September 23 opinion in In re Royal Street Bistro, LLC, et al., No. […]
Scoring a victory for the Securities and Exchange Commission in its efforts to qualify digital tokens as securities, a New Hampshire federal court ruled this week that tokens sold by LBRY Inc., known as LBC, are securities and subject to U.S. securities laws. The case, like others in the crypto space, centers on the legal […]
In his final opinion, Judge Robert D. Drain of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York held that dividends paid from proceeds of safe-harbored transactions under section 546(e) of the Bankruptcy Code are not safe-harbored. While only approximately 15 pages of Judge Drain’s 109-page final opus are dedicated to consideration […]
Welcome to the latest issue of Bracewell’s FINRA Facts and Trends, a monthly newsletter devoted to condensing and digesting recent FINRA developments in the areas of enforcement, regulation and dispute resolution. This month, we report on FINRA’s first Regulation BI enforcement action, reveal rare praise from the investors’ bar for FINRA’s arbitration procedures, and outline […]
In its continued efforts to enhance the cybersecurity of transportation and other critical infrastructure systems across the country, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued on October 19, 2022 a new security directive for passenger and freight railroad carriers. The Enhancing… Read more.
In this episode of the Environmental Law Monitor, Bracewell partners Ann Navaro and Sara Burgin join host Daniel Pope for a closer look at the US Supreme Court’s hearing of oral argument in Sackett v. EPA, the outcome of which… Read more.
Just over a year ago, President Biden issued an Executive Order requiring federal agencies to amend all contracts to mandate compliance with Safer Federal Workforce Task Force (the “Task Force”) guidance. The Task Force then issued guidance (the “November 2021 Guidance”) that required covered federal contractor employees be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and comply with masking and […]
The mortgage bond indenture (herein called a “Mortgage”) under which many electric and gas utility companies in the United States issue debt securities (herein generically called “bonds”) may be one of the most unloved instruments in all corporate finance. Many of them were written nearly one century ago, in formal, legalistic language (hardly “plain English”). […]
On the second episode in this two-part series, Bracewell Sidebar hosts Matthew Nielsen and Seth DuCharme are joined by Sid Kamaraju, a former national security prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, to discuss the process by which classified… Read more.
In the second of a two-part series on government investigations and inspections, Bracewell partners Kevin Collins and Seth Du Charme join Environmental Law Monitor host Daniel Pope for a discussion of what to do when the government is actually knocking on your front door. Read more.
Bracewell (UK) LLP project finance and project development partners Oliver Irwin and Darren Spalding, along with Anglo Pacific Group General Counsel Alice England, have co-authored the chapter, “Competing Considerations in Intercreditor Agreements for Project Finance, Mining Streams and Royalties,” in International Comparative Legal Guide – Mining Law 2023. Read more.
Late last year, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced material changes to the way it intended to investigate, prosecute, and resolve corporate cases. The changes were aggressive, leading us to title our update “DOJ’s Torpedoes Are in the Water: Be Your Own Monitor, or One Will Be Appointed for You.” The 2021 policy changes drew […]
In the first of a two-part series on government investigations and inspections, Bracewell partners Kevin Collins and Seth Du Charme join Environmental Law Monitor host Daniel Pope for a discussion of best practices for preparing for government inspections at facilities. Kevin is a partner in our Austin office and Seth is a partner in New York. Read more.
Creditors do not have standing to assert derivative claims on behalf of a bankrupt Delaware limited liability company, according to a recent ruling by Delaware’s bankruptcy Judge John Dorsey in In re Ector County Energy Center LLC. The ruling, handed down orally on August 15, cuts off one avenue for creditors seeking to force a […]
On August 30, 2022, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (“CSB” or the “Agency”) issued a guidance document aimed at helping owners and operators of stationary sources and similar stakeholders understand and comply with CSB’s Accidental Release and Reporting Rule (the “Rule”), finalized by the Agency on February 21, 2020. The Rule reflects the Agency’s […]
On August 19, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) posted the pre-Federal Register publication of its latest effort to revise the Risk Management Plan (RMP) rule – this time titled the “Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention” or SCCAP rule. EPA proposes to reinstate many of the 2017 revisions (e.g., third-party audits, safer technology analysis, […]
Following an August 11, 2022 opinion from the Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, certain irrevocable surety bonds will not be considered executory contracts in bankruptcy, even when a court applies a functional multiparty approach to the traditional Countryman definition of an executory contract. In industries like oil and gas, where surety bond programs are often […]
On Tuesday, August 16, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the Act) into law, which includes material changes to various sections of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). The following is a general overview of the revenue raisers and certain of the energy and climate provisions of the Act. Revenue Raisers […]
The crypto winter has overcast the summer for many Voyager customers. Upon the commencement of Voyager’s chapter 11 filing in July, customer accounts were frozen. Unable to trade their own crypto assets, some frustrated customers rushed to consult with legal counsel. Others began studying bankruptcy law in the hopes of finding a legal solution. It […]
The Supreme Court resolved a circuit split and issued a long-awaited decision holding that broad U.S.-style discovery under 28 U.S.C. § 1782 is not available in private foreign arbitrations. In the past decade, litigants in international arbitrations had been attempting to use section 1782 more frequently to obtain comprehensive discovery that would otherwise typically be unavailable […]
A recent OFAC enforcement action against MidFirst Bank highlights the five essential components of an effective sanctions compliance program that will serve to mitigate exposure in the event of a violation: Senior management commitment to developing a culture of compliance Thorough and routine risk assessment Defined internal controls and recordkeeping Comprehensive testing and auditing of […]
Following significant collaboration with the industry, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued a revised directive, effective July 27, 2022, which updates one of the prior directives issued in the wake of a May 2021 cyberattack on one of the nation’s largest interstate oil pipelines. Similar to the prior directives, this latest version, Security Directive Pipeline-2021-02C, incorporates several […]
During the pandemic it has become common for contractors to submit change orders to owners seeking reimbursement for COVID-19 related expenses and costs. This is especially true for large construction projects. These “COVID-19 Change Orders” seek reimbursement for everything from masks, dividers, hand sanitizer and other items required to follow and implement CDC guidelines (or […]
Proposed federal privacy legislation is not a new thing. But the latest iteration – the American Data Privacy and Protection Act – has many wondering if this will be the legislation that finally goes the distance. This is the first federal privacy legislation to advance out of committee, and despite the obstacles, momentum is on the […]
Among the many changes set forth in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s proposed rules governing climate-related disclosures are the attestation requirements1 covering registrants’ greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions disclosures. This article provides a general overview of these attestation requirements and identifies some practical consequences public companies could experience as they anticipate compliance with the new rules. […]
The SEC’s proposed rule on climate-related risks includes amendments to both the financial reporting requirements (Reg S-X) and the narrative disclosure requirements (Reg S-K). The proposal interlinks the new requirements, drawing aspects of the required narrative disclosures into the financial statement. The proposed changes are complex and detailed. The preamble to the proposal offers interpretive […]
On March 24, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) made an unexpected and bipartisan about-face on its freshly updated policies for considering the environmental impacts of natural gas infrastructure projects like pipelines and liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities.1 Just a month after issuing the new policies—which were issued on partisan lines, and which warned […]
Managing the Risk of Occupational Accidents as Cannabis Use Increases and Legal Prohibitions Are Relaxed More Americans are smoking or ingesting marijuana in one form or another and the potency of the product in many instances is increasing. At the same time, many states are relaxing or repealing marijuana prohibitions. Additionally, more of these jurisdictions are […]
Press Releases
LONDON – Bracewell (UK) LLP represented Etablissements Maurel & Prom S.A. in relation to the debt financing aspects of Maurel & Prom’s acquisition of Assala Energy Holdings Ltd, an upstream oil exploration and production company operating in Gabon. The share purchase agreement was signed with Carlyle International Energy Partners on 15 August 2023. Read more.
HOUSTON – Bracewell LLP represented Evercore, financial advisor to the board of directors of Crestwood Equity Partners LP (NYSE: CEQP), regarding a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Energy Transfer LP (NYSE: ET) will acquire Crestwood in an all-equity transaction valued at approximately $7.1 billion. Read more.
DUBAI – Bracewell LLP advised the ECF Group on its UAE subsidiary’s (ECF Middle East FZE) acquisition of Chabowski Trading L.L.C, which owns the trademark “Muddle Me.” Muddle Me is a well-known supplier of innovative equipment for food service players in the Middle East, specializing in bars, cafes and restaurant supplies. Read more.
HOUSTON – Bracewell LLP is advising a mineral acquisition fund in its $455 million total cash sale of mineral and royalty interests to Kimbell Royalty Partners (NYSE: KRP). The acreage is located in the Permian Basin and Mid-Continent, with high interest locations concentrated in the Delaware Basin (49 percent), Midland Basin (10 percent) and Mid-Continent (41 […]
NEW YORK – Bracewell LLP announced today that Scott Le Bouef and Brian R. Rogers, two leading energy and commodity transactional lawyers, have joined the firm’s New York office. Le Bouef and Rogers join the firm from Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, where Le Bouef was a member of the commodities and derivatives group and Rogers was co-chair […]
Bracewell Represented TotalEnergies, Toyota Tsusho Corporation and Alternative Solutions for Renewable Energy in Relation to Their Successful Financial Closing on the Wadi Ad Dawasir Solar PV IPP in Saudi Arabia DUBAI AND LONDON – Bracewell LLP represented the consortium comprising TotalEnergies, Toyota Tsusho Corporation and Alternative Solutions for Renewable Energy in relation to its successful […]
DUBAI AND LONDON – Bracewell LLP represented the consortium comprising TotalEnergies, Toyota Tsusho Corporation and Alternative Solutions for Renewable Energy in relation to its successful bid for, winning and implementation of the Wadi Ad Dawasir 120 MW solar photovoltaic IPP in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This project is one of four tendered in the […]
DUBAI AND LONDON – Bracewell LLP represented a lending group comprising Alinma, Riyad Bank, Banque Saudi Fransi and the National Infrastructure Fund in relation to two temporary communities forming part of a 10-community development and the first phase of a workforce residential expansion in the region of NEOM in Saudi Arabia where the giga project […]
LONDON – Bracewell (UK) LLP represented Rabobank as lender, on the 49.5 MW / 99 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) to be developed by Cero Generation, a leading European specialist in solar energy development, production and storage, and their UK development partner Enso Energy in South Gloucestershire, UK. The project will be co-located with […]
Bracewell LLP represented the consortium comprising TotalEnergies, Toyota Tsusho Corporation and Alternative Solutions for Renewable Energy in relation to its successful bid for, winning and implementation of the Wadi Ad Dawasir 120 MW solar photovoltaic IPP in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This project is one of four tendered in the Kingdom under its third round […]
Bracewell LLP recently served as bond counsel to Harris County Industrial Development Corporation in connection with a refinancing of $225 million of tax-exempt bonds issued for the benefit of Energy Transfer LP. The refinanced bonds were issued in the wake of Hurricane Ike to finance the construction of residual and crude oil terminal and dock facilities […]
Bracewell LLP represented a lending group comprising Alinma, Riyad Bank, Banque Saudi Fransi and the National Infrastructure Fund in relation to two temporary communities forming part of a 10-community development and the first phase of a workforce residential expansion in the region of NEOM in Saudi Arabia where the giga project by Public Investment Fund […]
Bracewell (UK) LLP represented Rabobank as lender, on the 49.5 MW / 99 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) to be developed by Cero Generation, a leading European specialist in solar energy development, production and storage, and their UK development partner Enso Energy in South Gloucestershire, UK. The project will be co-located with the 49.9 MW […]
Bracewell LLP announced today that Paul Schuster has joined the firm’s Dallas office as a partner in the litigation department. Schuster most recently was a partner at Locke Lord. Read more.
Bracewell LLP announced today that Kelly Robreno Koster has joined the firm’s Houston office as a partner in the labor and employment group. Koster most recently was a shareholder at Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C. Read more.
Bracewell LLP represented Competitive Power Ventures in the acquisition and financing of four operating wind farms in Maine from Patriot Renewables and other project owners. KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. was the mandated lead arranger of the financings which included term, revolving and letter of credit facilities. The acquisition adds 81.5 MW of generating capacity to CPV’s […]
Bracewell (UK) LLP represented Carbo Culture in its agreement to sell to NextGen a share of the total 200,000 tonnes of permanent carbon dioxide removals (CDRs) for delivery from 2025. NextGen is a joint venture between Mitsubishi Corporation and global climate project developer South Pole, and is backed by founding buyers Boston Consulting Group, LGT, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Swiss […]
Bracewell LLP partner W. Stephen Benesh has been elected as President-Elect of the State Bar of Texas for 2023-2024. Benesh will be sworn in as President-Elect on June 22, 2023, during the State Bar’s Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas. He will serve as President of the State Bar from June 2024 to June 2025. Read more.
SAN ANTONIO – Bracewell LLP announced today that Carrie Douglas has joined the firm’s San Antonio office as a partner in the healthcare and life sciences practice. Douglas most recently was a partner at Holland & Knight LLP, following its combination with Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis LLP. Douglas represents hospital systems, ambulatory surgery centers and large physician […]
DALLAS – Bracewell LLP announced today that Bucky Brannen has joined the firm’s tax practice as a partner in the Dallas office. Brannen most recently was at Baker Botts LLP, where he advised clients on state and local tax issues. Brannen advises clients on ways to reduce state and local taxes in every phase of business. He helps negotiate […]
HOUSTON – Bracewell LLP represented MB Minerals, L.P., a subsidiary of Sabalo Holdings, LLC (a portfolio company of EnCap Investments), in the sale of MB Minerals’ Midland Basin mineral and royalty interests to Kimbell Royalty Partners, LP (NYSE: KRP). The acquired assets are concentrated in northern Howard County and southern Borden County. Read more.
NEW YORK – Bracewell LLP represented PPL Electric Utilities Corporation in its recent public offering of $1,350,000,000 of its First Mortgage Bonds, 5.00% Series due 2033 and 5.25% Series due 2053. Barclays, PNC Capital Markets LLC, Scotiabank and US Bancorp served as active joint book-running managers in the transaction. Read more.
HOUSTON – Bracewell LLP represented Phillips 66 in its recent public offering of $1.25 billion of senior notes issued by Phillips 66 Company and guaranteed by Phillips 66. Read more.
Bracewell (UK) LLP acted as international counsel to the mandated lead arrangers and lenders, comprised of Absa Bank Limited and the Mauritius Commercial Bank Limited, on the financing of the acquisition by Infinity Renewables Energy B.V. (a 100 percent subsidiary of Infinity Power Holdings BV, which is a joint venture between Cairo-based Infinity Energy and Abu […]
Bracewell LLP announced today the promotion of five lawyers to senior counsel, effective January 1, 2023. The new senior counsel include: Joseph A. Brazauskas (Washington, DC), Anna K. Miller (Austin), William A. Moss (Houston), Jared Schuettenhelm (Seattle) and Carlton D. Wilde III (Houston). Read more.
Bracewell (UK) LLP represented Africa Oil Corp in relation to its country entry into Equatorial Guinea through two production sharing contracts for offshore blocks EG-18 and EG-31. Africa Oil will hold 80 percent operated interests in each block with the remaining 20 percent held by GEPetrol, the national oil company of Equatorial Guinea. GEPetrol has the […]
Bracewell LLP is representing Driftwood Energy Operating, LLC in the sale of its Midland Basin assets to Vital Energy, Inc. (NYSE: VTLE), inclusive of all leasehold interests and hedges, in exchange for 1,578,948 shares of Vital common stock and $127.6 million in cash. Read more.
Bracewell LLP is representing Drilling Tools International Holdings, Inc. (“DTI”), a leading oilfield services company that rents downhole drilling tools used in horizontal and directional drilling, in a definitive agreement for a business combination with ROC Energy Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: ROC), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company, that will result in DTI becoming a US […]
LONDON AND DUBAI – Bracewell LLP represented the lenders, comprising Riyad Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and Arab Petroleum Investment Corporation, on the development and financing of the 300 MW Saad solar PV IPP in Saudi Arabia. The project, which is being developed by Jinko Power, reached financial close on January 18, 2023, after navigating difficult macro-economic conditions, […]
HOUSTON – Bracewell LLP represented Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE: KMI), in its recent public offering of $1.5 billion of 5.200% senior notes due 2033. Barclays, J.P. Morgan, PNC Capital Markets LLC and Scotiabank served as active joint book-running managers in the transaction. The offering closed January 31, 2023. Read more.
LONDON AND DUBAI – Bracewell LLP represented Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) on the project financing of the battery energy storage (BESS) portfolio of Contego and Clay Tye, located in West Sussex and Essex in the United Kingdom. The financing was arranged by Natixis CIB UK and qualifies as a Green Loan under the Green Loan Principles developed by […]
Bracewell (UK) LLP represented IEOC Production B.V., a subsidiary of Eni S.p.A., on its sale of a package of interests in onshore upstream oil and gas concessions in Egypt to Apex International Energy. The assets include interests in the Ras Qattara, West El Razzak, East Kanayis, East Obaiyed, South West Meleiha and West Abu Gharadig […]
Bracewell LLP is advising Cactus, Inc. (NYSE: WHD) in its acquisition of FlexSteel Technologies Holdings, Inc. and its affiliates through a merger with its holding company, HighRidge Resources, Inc., and Atlas Merger Sub, LLC, a newly formed subsidiary of Cactus, Inc. For more information, please click here.
Bracewell LLP represented Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) in a definitive agreement with DCP Midstream, LP (NYSE: DCP) pursuant to which Phillips 66 will acquire all of the publicly held common units representing limited partner interests in DCP Midstream for cash consideration of approximately $3.8 billion, increasing its economic interest in DCP Midstream to 86.8 percent. DCP […]
Bracewell LLP is advising Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) in an agreement to sell the Belle Chasse Terminal, formerly the Alliance Refinery, to Harvest Midstream. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2023. Read more.
Bracewell (UK) LLP represented Eldorado Gold Corporation’s wholly owned subsidiary, Hellas Gold Single Member, S.A., in a €680 million project financing facility for the development of the Skouries Project in Northern Greece. The facility includes a commercial loan, funding from the Greek Recovery and Resilience Facility (RFF) and a commercial bridge loan that is expected to […]
Bracewell (UK) LLP advised Savannah Energy PLC on the completion of its acquisition of ExxonMobil’s entire upstream and midstream asset oil and gas business in Chad and Cameroon. Following completion of the acquisition, Savannah is now the operator of the seven fields comprising the Doba Oil Project and a 40 per cent shareholder in the 1,081 […]
Bracewell (UK) LLP advised Savannah Energy PLC on a transaction to acquire PETRONAS’ entire oil and gas business in South Sudan through the acquisition of Petronas Carigali Nile Limited, for a total cash consideration of up to $1.25 billion. Completion of the transaction is conditional upon the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent including, inter alia, approval of […]
Bracewell LLP announced today that Jeffrey E. Danley has joined the firm’s intellectual property practice as a partner in the Seattle office. Danley most recently was a partner with Seed IP Law Group in Seattle. Read more.
Bracewell (UK) LLP represented Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) on the acquisition of a majority interest in a platform to develop 600 MW of battery storage systems. FRV, a leader in the development of sustainable energy solutions, has acquired a majority interest from, and partnered with, Greek developer Wootis SA to develop, construct and operate a portfolio of […]
WASHINGTON, DC – Bracewell LLP was among the 57 US law firms that received a Tipping the Scales Award at the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance’s annual conference on November 3. The award recognizes firms that had 50 percent or more women in their 2022 US-based new partner class. In 2022, 67 percent of the US-based Bracewell lawyers […]
Bracewell (UK) LLP represented Eni in connection with the closing of its agreement with HitecVision to expand their joint venture company, Vårgrønn. At the closing of the transaction, Vårgrønn acquired Eni’s 20 percent in the Dogger Bank offshore wind project, as well as other early-stage offshore wind assets. HitecVision also increased its ownership share in Vårgrønn […]
Bracewell LLP is representing Sable Offshore Corp. in connection with the purchase from Exxon Mobil Corporation of the Santa Ynez field in federal waters offshore California and associated onshore processing and pipeline assets, including pipeline assets acquired by Exxon Mobil from Plains Pipeline L.P. Bracewell is also advising on the proposed merger of Sable with Flame […]
Bracewell LLP advised King Ranch Inc. in connection with its lease of 106,000 acres in Kleburg County, Texas, to support large-scale direct air capture (DAC) projects for dedicated carbon dioxide sequestration. The agreement provides access to land for the potential to remove up to 30 million metric tons of CO2 per year through DAC and pore space […]
Bracewell LLP was among the 57 US law firms that received a Tipping the Scales Award at the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance’s annual conference on November 3. The award recognizes firms that had 50 percent or more women in their 2022 US-based new partner class. In 2022, 67 percent of the US-based Bracewell lawyers promoted to partner […]
Bracewell LLP is advising Pioneer Natural Resources (NYSE: PXD) in connection with its participation in two renewable energy projects, including the development with NextEra Energy Resources, LLC of a 140 MW wind generation facility on surface acreage owned by Pioneer (the Hutt Wind Farm), which will supply lower-cost, renewable power to the Texas electric grid and […]
The American College of Bond Counsel (ACBC) announced that W. Glenn Opel, co-chair of Bracewell’s public finance practice, has been elected president, effective October 13, 2022. In addition, Bracewell partners Jonathan K. Frels and Victoria N. Ozimek have been elected Fellows. Read more.
Bracewell (UK) LLP’s position as a preeminent energy, finance, projects and disputes law firm in the United Kingdom was recognized in Chambers UK 2023. The firm received a total of 11 practice and individual rankings this year. Read more.
Bracewell LLP advised Arroyo Energy Investment Partners on the sale of two US electric power generation investments, Brandywine and Broad River. The sale includes more than 1,100 MWs of power production in the eastern United States. Read more.
Bracewell LLP advised Steel Reef US Corporation in its acquisition of Bison Midstream, LLC, a gas gathering system in North Dakota, from Summit Midstream Holdings, LLC for a total cash consideration of $40 million. The purchase price will be paid with cash on hand and by the company’s existing senior secured credit facility and is subject […]
Bracewell LLP represented Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE: KMI) in its sale of a 25.5 percent interest in Elba Liquefaction Company, L.L.C. (ELC) to an undisclosed financial buyer for approximately $565 million, subject to customary purchase price adjustments to reflect an economic effective date of July 1, 2022. After closing, KMI and the undisclosed financial buyer will […]
Bracewell (UK) LLP represented Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) on the establishment of a platform to develop up to 1 GW of battery storage systems. FRV, a leader in the development of sustainable energy solutions, has partnered with Tyler Hill Partners to establish FRV TH Powertek Limited, a platform that will develop, construct and operate a portfolio of […]
Bracewell LLP represented Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.® (NYSE: PB) (Prosperity), the parent company of Prosperity Bank®, in connection with the signing of a definitive merger agreement with Lone Star State Bancshares, Inc. (Lone Star), the parent company of Lone Star State Bank of West Texas (Lone Star Bank), pursuant to which Lone Star will merge with Prosperity. Read […]
LONDON – Bracewell (UK) LLP advised Gran Tierra Energy Inc., the oil and gas exploration and production company focused on Colombia and Ecuador, on a new credit facility for up to $150 million. The facility was entered into by two of its wholly owned subsidiaries, Gran Tiera Energy Colombia, LLC and Gran Tierra Colombia Inc., with […]
Bracewell LLP advised Steel Reef US Corporation in its acquisition of Bison Midstream, LLC, a gas gathering system in North Dakota, from Summit Midstream Holdings, LLC for a total cash consideration of $40 million. The purchase price will be paid with cash on hand and by the company’s existing senior secured credit facility and is subject […]
Bracewell LLP announced today that John P. Zabaneh has joined the Houston office as a partner in the firm’s oil and gas practice. Zabaneh began his legal career as an associate in the corporate department of Baker Botts L.L.P. in Houston, and, thereafter, held in-house legal roles with Chesapeake Energy, Rosetta Resources, Noble Energy and Gavilan Resources (a […]
HOUSTON – On September 8, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas held an investiture ceremony for Bracewell LLP alumna and current United States Magistrate Judge Yvonne Y. Ho. Chief Judge Lee H. Rosenthal presided over the ceremony. The oath of Office was administered by Judge James C. Ho of the United States Court of Appeals […]
Bracewell LLP’s Stephanie Koo Song has been named a 2022 Woman Who Means Business by Houston Business Journal in the Outstanding Leaders in Law category. She, along with this year’s other winners, will be recognized on October 20 at an awards ceremony at the Marriott Marquis Houston. Read more.
Bracewell LLP secured the denial of IBM’s post-judgment motion on behalf of its client BMC Software, Inc. in BMC’s long-running dispute with IBM. The denial of IBM’s post-judgment motion effectively ends the trial court proceedings. With $21,615,144 in attorneys’ fees and costs now added to the judgment, the full amount of the judgment the Bracewell […]
Bracewell LLP obtained an award of attorneys’ fees and costs on behalf of BMC Software, Inc. which is added to the over $1.6 billion judgment Bracewell previously obtained against IBM for fraudulently inducing and then violating a software licensing agreement with BMC. Read more.
Law360 named Bracewell LLP a 2022 Texas Powerhouse as part of its annual Regional Powerhouse series. Bracewell was one of five firms selected by Law360 for excelling in the rapidly evolving Texas legal market. Read more.
BMC Software’s trial victory in its long-running dispute with IBM has been named the Major Litigation of the Year in the 2022 Magna Stella Awards, sponsored by the Texas General Counsel Forum (TGCF). Winners, including BMC Chief Litigation Counsel Sarah Menendez, will be honored at an awards dinner on November 3. Read more.
HOUSTON – Bracewell LLPobtained a landmark victory on behalf of BMC Software, Inc. in its lawsuit against IBM for fraudulently inducing and then violating a software licensing agreement. On May 30, 2022, following a two-week bench trial, U.S. District Judge Gray H. Miller for the Southern District of Texas found that IBM had committed fraud and breached […]
HOUSTON – Bracewell LLP announced today that Steven D. Cook has joined the firm as of counsel in the Houston office. Prior to joining Bracewell, Cook served three years as the deputy assistant administrator for the Office of Land and Emergency Management with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and more than two decades as lead HSE counsel […]
HOUSTON – Bracewell LLP obtained an award of attorneys’ fees and costs on behalf of BMC Software, Inc. which is added to the over $1.6 billion judgment Bracewell previously obtained against IBM for fraudulently inducing and then violating a software licensing agreement with BMC. The Court found that, as the prevailing party, BMC was entitled to […]
WASHINGTON, DC – Bracewell LLP announced today that Catherine D. Little and Annie Cook, two of the nation’s leading lawyers on pipeline and LNG safety matters, have joined Bracewell’s Washington, DC office as partners in the energy regulatory practice. They come to the firm from Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP. “I am thrilled to welcome Catherine and Annie to […]