Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP pairs its robust M&A capabilities with a strong energy practice, advising on oil and gas transactions, joint ventures, financings, and restructurings. The firm acts for energy companies, private equity firms, and lenders in complex domestic and cross-border deals, including those requiring regulatory, antitrust, and CFIUS expertise. Eric Otness leads the team out of Houston and is skilled in M&A, private equity, and joint venture transactions, acting for a range of domestic and multinational clients. David Armstrong sits in New York and advises on both borrower and lender-side instructions concerning leveraged, acquisition, and project finance. Also in New York, Julia Czarniak brings further project development expertise, with a strong track record in oil and gas, LNG, and petrochemical ventures. In a significant move, the firm recruited Emery Choi and Mingda Zhao from White & Case LLP in Houston in June 2025.
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Eric Otness
Other key lawyers
David Armstrong; Julia Czarniak