About

Number of years practice: 35

Principal practice areas: Energy

Bar admissions: Mexico

Languages spoken: English, Spanish

Prior to joining Mayer Brown as a partner in the firm’s global energy group, Francisco Mendez spent nearly 20 years as in-house counsel for Latin America at ExxonMobil Corporation, where, among other things, he advised the company on its approach to Mexico’s oil-and-gas sector following the opening of the market to private investment. Mendez was involved in the formation of the Mexican Hydrocarbons Association and has also played a key role in the establishment of Mayer Brown’s Mexico City office, which opened its doors in 2015. Mendez led the Mayer Brown team which represented the Russian oil producer, Lukoil, in three farm-out agreements with Italy’s Eni for the transfer of participating interests in exploration licenses in Mexico’s shallow waters, including Blocks 10, 12 and 14. The agreements, which are subject to approval by the National Hydrocarbons Commission of Mexico, enable Lukoil to expand its exploration portfolio in the region, diversify risks and build up exploration competencies.

Other recent mandates include leading advice to Malaysia’s state-owned oil company, Petronas, on its commencement of operations in a joint-venture partnership following Mexico’s first-ever auction of deep water exploration areas, as well as with on-going exploration and production matters with regards to blocks 4, 5 and 6 (the latter in a consortium with Ecopetrol). The acquisitions represent Petronas’ entry into the Mexican energy market.

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