Bracewell LLP has extensive experience in M&A and energy finance across upstream, midstream and downstream focused transactions, complementing transactional prowess with expert regulatory and environmental know-how. A key point of differentiation for the group is its stellar work regarding carbon capture assets, active across the acquisition and disposal of both projects and developers as well as development mandates, demonstrating engagement in both onshore and offshore work of this nature. Team lead Alan Rafte is the leading figure in the group for carbon capture, sequestration and utilization projects, while also being highly regarded for his prolific upstream and midstream oil and LNG practice. Working alongside Rafte on some of the firm’s most consequential CCS instructions, fellow group head W James McAnelly is a go-to for a range of clients, and has recent highlights that include offshore gathering and transportation mandates. Jason Jean is well-experienced advising private equity investors across the entire upstream and midstream value chain, while also possessing a formidable capital markets capability. Molly Butkus is active on M&A, joint venture formation and private equity transactions, while New York-based lawyer Austin Lee is able to bring valuable financing proficiencies to bear on a number of client instructions. Also in New York, Parker Lee, who joined the team from McDermott Will & Emery LLP in March 2024, advises infrastructure funds on a diverse range of transactions. Unless otherwise stated, all lawyers are based in Houston.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Key clients

  • King Ranch Inc.
  • Beacon Offshore Energy Development LLC
  • Tallgrass Energy
  • Cactus, Inc.
  • Phillips 66
  • Kinder Morgan, Inc.
  • Sable Offshore Corp.
  • Navigator CO2 Ventures LLC
  • Talos Low Carbon Solutions LLC
  • Titus Oil & Gas, LLC
  • Voyager Midstream Holdings
  • Steel Reef US Corporation
  • Holly Energy Partners, L.P.
  • Mineral Acquisition Fund
  • Kinder Morgan, Inc.
  • Pilot Water Solutions

Work highlights

  • Representing Talos Low Carbon Solutions in its development of various Gulf Coast carbon capture and sequestration projects along the US Gulf Coast including the project offshore Jefferson County, Texas.
  • Representing Beacon Offshore Energy Development in a series of midstream transactions involving the offshore gathering and transportation of oil and natural gas, as well as onshore processing of natural gas.
  • Advised Houston-based Cactus, Inc. in its $621 million acquisition of FlexSteel Technologies Holdings, Inc. and its affiliates.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Alan Rafte, W James McAnelly

Other key lawyers

Jason Jean, Molly Butkus, Austin Lee, Parker Lee