Jones Walker Expands Energy Industry Team

HOUSTON, July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Jones Walker has named Michael B. Donald, a partner in the firm's Houston office, and Marjorie A. McKeithen, of counsel in the firm's New Orleans office, co-chairs of the Energy Industry Team.

The firm has combined attorneys from a number of practice areas who serve energy industry clients, expanding the members of the Energy Industry Team. The team offers a full range of services to all sectors of the energy industry, including oil, gas and natural resources, operational issues, mergers and acquisitions, midstream and storage, onshore and offshore, electric, hydropower and mining, renewable and sustainable energy, regulatory advice and enforcement, project finance, and litigation.

"With the recent surge in demand due to the regulatory environment and the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, our practice has expanded to include 36 members," said Ms. McKeithen. "We continue to see growth in this industry due to the complex demands facing the oil, gas, and alternative fuels sectors through increased regulation and legislation."

Mr. Donald agreed, adding, "With the fluid situation in the Gulf, we are seeing an increase in litigation and clients seeking legislative and judicial alternatives. This has resulted in our need to bring together attorneys focusing on several disciplines to serve the industry more holistically. As more regulation and legislative activity occur, we expect increased demand for a more comprehensive service approach to energy industry businesses, and we believe this approach will be more effective in meeting those companies' legal needs."

Jones Walker recently represented Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc. and others in a challenge to the federal government's moratorium on deep water drilling and has represented a coalition of shallow-water drillers on a similar moratorium and permitting issues.

Jones, Walker, Waechter, Poitevent, Carrere & Denegre L.L.P. (www.joneswalker.com) provides a comprehensive range of legal services to a national and international corporate client base in highly regulated industries through offices in Alabama, Arizona, the District of Columbia, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas.

SOURCE Jones Walker