Energy transactions: oil and gas

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Featuring a team of ‘consistent high performers’ who possess ’incredible breadth’ across the oil and gas space, Kirkland & Ellis LLP continues to be a chief point of contact for both longstanding investors and new market entrants seeking counsel for big-ticket work. Bringing together sophisticated experience in M&A, private equity, joint ventures, and complex financing structures, the group has seen an influx of multi-billion-dollar transactions as major players seek to consolidate inventory, working with the likes of EQT, Ovintiv, ONEOK and Diamondback Energy, whilst also boasting an impressive array of mandates in the midstream space that involve energy-focused private equity entities such as I Squared Capital and Blackstone Energy Partners. Team head and founding partner of the firm’s Houston office Anthony Speier has deep-rooted connections to the local market and is equally well-equipped to advise across M&A, commercial, development, regulatory and financing matters. David Castro and Christopher Heasley are widely praised by clients for their ‘exceptional work ethic, problem solving, and industry knowledge’, with both practitioners holding M&A and private equity as the flagship components of their work, while Dallas’ Will Eiland is similarly praised by clients for his creative and constructive approach towards transactions. Andrew Calder handles acquisitions, disposals, investments and joint venture deals with a firm focus on LNG and natural gas-fired generation facilities, a practice akin to Sean Wheeler and William Benitez, who have engaged with blockbuster buyouts and mergers in the upstream space. Chad Smith showcases in-depth knowledge of both upstream and midstream oil and gas assets and is active on acquisitions of operating and non-operating interests in a multitude of basins and subbasins. Beyond her work as a strategic and commercial advisor to complex energy projects, Lindsey Jaquillard is also well-reputed for her M&A proficiency. Associate Isaac Bate has been a growing presence on the firm’s key mandates. Other than Eiland, the team is based in Houston.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Incredible breadth, very consistent high performers among all lawyers, top to bottom. Incredibly responsive and will go the extra mile.’
‘The KE transaction group brings its vast resource of talented people to each transaction which enables you to quickly and efficiently negotiate, sign, and close.’
‘Chris Heasley and David Castro are both exceptional in their work ethic, problem solving, and industry knowledge.’
‘David Castro, Will Eiland and the rest of the Kirkland team have been instrumental in our success. Kirkland takes a creative and constructive approach when working with seller's counsel and over the last year we have had to come up with bespoke solutions given the new deal structures around co-buying assets. They are available round the clock and are always proactive in moving things along no matter what stage a deal is in.’
‘David Castro, Will Eiland, Chad Smith all stand out for their creative and constructive approaches during negotiation. If there's a point to be made, context is provided in order to help the other side understand where we are coming from and in turn we're able to find solutions for both sides compared to a reversion to a redline that comes across. They also offer their strategic vision when the commercial team has questions or needs to weigh the pros and cons of accepting certain proposed revisions.'
‘The Kirkland team does have its pulse on the market. They have just done so many different deals. They know market terms and are creative in approach. As such, we can easily rely on the team.’
'David Castro, Chris Heasley and Chad Smith are all exemplary lawyers. They are also very user friendly.’