Seyfarth Launches Energy Transactions Practice with Addition of Three-Lawyer Team in Houston

HOUSTON - (October 30, 2024) - Seyfarth Shaw LLP has strengthened its nationally recognized Corporate department with the addition of a three-lawyer team to its Houston office. Partner Chris Cottrell, along with associates Michael Szymanski and Xiaoming Gao, have joined Seyfarth to launch the Energy Transactions practice.

The team is well-regarded for its extensive experience in the oil and gas industry and its ability to craft innovative, practical legal solutions that help clients achieve their business objectives. The lawyers’ practice centers on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and general corporate and commercial matters, with a focus on serving oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) companies, oilfield technology service companies, mineral and royalty acquisition companies, midstream companies, family offices, and private equity clients.

“Chris brings a unique combination of legal acumen, deep industry knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to client service,” said Steven Meier, chair of Seyfarth’s Corporate department. “His addition marks a significant milestone as our first Corporate partner with a dedicated energy focus, positioning us to expand our department’s capabilities in a key economic sector.”

“This team has a proven track record of handling complex transactions for a diverse range of clients,” said Mark Coffin, managing partner of Seyfarth’s Houston office. “Their passion for the law and dedication to delivering superior client service make them a great fit for us.”

“Launching our new Energy Transactions practice in Houston is executing upon our strategic plan,” added Lorie Almon, Seyfarth’s chair and managing partner. “We are committed to expansion in Texas, both in growing our Houston office, where we have been for 30 years, and in launching our new Dallas office, which is already thriving. We are excited to welcome this talented team to Seyfarth, and to continued market leadership the Lone Star State.”

Cottrell began his career with a leading energy M&A team at two Am Law 50 global law firms and gained valuable industry experience at Hilcorp Energy Company, where he worked closely with Szymanski on several asset teams in various commercial capacities.

“Joining Seyfarth presents a unique and timely opportunity for our team to offer clients a more innovative approach to legal services,” said Cottrell. “Energy clients continue to be focused on efficiency and generating cash flow, and many are frustrated with the traditional big law model. By leveraging SeyfarthLean’s proprietary approach to legal services and technology solutions, we will enhance the quality of our services while reducing costs. No other firm in our market can match Seyfarth’s proven track record of delivering on that promise, and we are eager to introduce this unique value proposition to the energy industry.”

Cottrell, Szymanski, and Gao join Seyfarth from Polsinelli PC.

About Seyfarth

With more than 900 lawyers across 18 offices, Seyfarth Shaw LLP provides top-tier advisory, litigation, and transactional legal services to clients worldwide.

Contact: Tom Mariam, Director of Public Relations: 212-218-3366 or tmariam@seyfarth.com