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Latham & Watkins Expands Oil and Gas Expertise

Latham & Watkins LLP has recently announced an important addition to its Houston office, welcoming John Stavinoha as a partner in the Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) and Private Equity Practice. Stavinoha's extensive background in upstream and midstream oil and gas transactions significantly strengthens the firm’s offerings in the energy sector.

A Significant Addition to the Team

The Houston office's Managing Partner, Nick Dhesi, expressed enthusiasm about Stavinoha's arrival, stating, "John is an esteemed advisor with a profound understanding of the oil and gas industry, making him a valuable addition at Latham & Watkins." This strategic hiring underscores the firm's commitment to enhancing services tailored to the energy market, particularly in Texas, a hub for oil and gas activities.

Stavinoha’s expertise includes advising private equity firms and both public and private companies on various transactions related to oil and gas assets, pipeline systems, and associated infrastructure. His broad experience encompasses acquisitions, divestitures, and project development, allowing him to provide insightful guidance across a variety of transactions.

Expert in Complex Transactions

With a robust practice, Stavinoha structures and counsels clients on a range of complex commercial agreements. His work includes:

• - Gas, Crude, and NGL Gathering Agreements: Facilitating the transportation and processing of hydrocarbon products.
• - Leases & Farmout Agreements: Structuring arrangements for the rights to explore and produce oil and gas.
• - Development and Operating Agreements: Determining project management and operational responsibilities.
• - Produced Water Gathering and Disposal Agreements: Addressing environmental concerns and logistics in water management.
• - Surface Use Agreements: Ensuring proper land use for oil and gas extraction activities.

Future Opportunities and Growth

Stavinoha’s extensive network and experience in the Texas energy sector make him a pivotal asset in aligning with Latham's growth strategy in energy M&A. Alex Kelly, Global Co-Chair of M&A and Private Equity Practice, remarked on the significance of this addition, highlighting that Stavinoha’s background aligns with the firm’s aim of pursuing growth in upstream energy transactions.

"His deep market knowledge and connections are crucial for our ongoing strategy focusing on the upstream energy sector," Kelly added, emphasizing the anticipated growth of Latham & Watkins in Texas and beyond.

Vision for Latham & Watkins

Joining from Bracewell, Stavinoha holds a JD from The University of Texas School of Law and a BA from The University of Texas at Austin. With such credentials and a track record in navigating complex transactions, rounding out the team with a professional like Stavinoha is part of a broader vision to position Latham & Watkins as a leading firm in the oil and gas legal landscape

As Latham & Watkins continues to expand its service capabilities, the firm remains focused on leveraging its legal expertise to tackle the dynamic challenges within the energy sector, aiming to guide clients through the complexities of oil and gas transactions effectively.

In conclusion, the addition of John Stavinoha is not just a win for Latham & Watkins, but a signal of the firm’s ambition to be at the forefront of the oil and gas industry's legal needs, ensuring its role as a trusted partner for businesses navigating this vital sector.