Baker Botts L.L.P.

Baker Botts L.L.P. maintains a premier oil and gas litigation practice, representing a broad client base spanning multinational energy giants, privately held operators, service companies, pipelines, refiners, and key industry trade organizations. The firm is a go-to for high-stakes disputes across major US onshore and offshore shale plays, handling infrastructure, services, environmental, and intellectual property litigation of national significance. With deep experience in federal and state courts, as well as before administrative and regulatory bodies and international arbitration forums, the team is well-equipped to tackle the industry’s most complex legal challenges. The practice covers a diverse range of disputes, including those arising from production-sharing agreements, joint operating agreements, gas gathering and processing agreements, price reviews under long-term contracts, drilling, royalties, and pipelines. It integrates seamlessly with the firm’s antitrust, environmental, bankruptcy, and regulatory practices to provide comprehensive representation. Co-heads William Kroger and Louie Layrisson bring extensive energy litigation experience, while Jason Newman adds expertise in cutting-edge legal issues linked to horizontal drilling and Amy Hefley brings extensive experience in energy litigation including in lease termination claims, midstream agreements, and title disputes. Laura Shoemaker McGonagill handles energy litigation in federal and state courts as well as international arbitration. The group further strengthened its capabilities with the 2024 arrival of David Applebaum from Jones Day. All referenced team members are based in Houston.