#United States #Denver #General Counsel #Francis Barron #Beatty Wozniak

Beatty & Wozniak Welcomes Veteran General Counsel Francis Barron

On September 8, 2025, Beatty & Wozniak, P.C., a premier law firm specializing in oil and gas, energy, and natural resources, proudly announced the appointment of Francis Barron as their inaugural General Counsel in Residence. With a career spanning over 35 years, Barron is recognized as a leading corporate and securities attorney, previously serving as General Counsel for three NYSE-listed oil and gas firms: Bill Barrett Corporation, Cimarex Energy, and Coterra Energy.

A Wealth of Experience

Francis Barron has an impressive track record in the energy sector, having counseled corporate boards, managed legal and regulatory risks, and guided companies through several pivotal moments, including Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and major mergers. His expertise is expected to significantly enhance the service quality and strategic direction at Beatty & Wozniak.

In his role as General Counsel in Residence, Barron will provide critical strategic advice to the firm's attorneys, strengthening their legal practice across various groups. He will focus on mentoring upcoming attorneys within the firm, helping them navigate the intricacies of legal practice in the energy sector. Additionally, he will advise firm leadership on potential avenues for growth and collaboration, leveraging his extensive network built over decades in the industry.

Barron expressed his enthusiasm for this new position, stating, "After collaborating with Beatty & Wozniak's exceptional attorneys for over 20 years as a client, I am thrilled to join them now as General Counsel in Residence. My goal is to mentor the talented attorneys in the firm while working directly with clients to drive strategic leadership and growth within the oil and gas industry."

A Unique Role in the Legal Field

This position is noteworthy as it is the first of its kind in the energy law sector, reflecting Beatty & Wozniak's commitment to pioneering innovative service models to navigate a rapidly changing energy landscape. This new role was inspired by similar positions established in just a few leading international law firms. As emphasized by Bret Sumner, a member of Beatty & Wozniak's Executive Committee, Barron brings unparalleled insight and in-house expertise that will be invaluable for clients across all levels of the industry. His vast experience spans ta host of companies, embracing challenges faced by startups as well as multibillion-dollar corporations, allowing him to offer legal counsel that is not only sound but also deeply strategic.

About Francis Barron

Barron's legal career started at Bearman Talesnick Clowdus Professional Corp., and he later became a partner at Patton Boggs LLP, where he co-founded the firm's corporate securities department in Denver. His journey includes impactful positions such as Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Bill Barrett Corporation, where he was integral to the company's growth, transforming its workforce from fewer than 50 employees to over 300, while achieving an annual revenue of $700 million. Following this, he served as General Counsel for Cimarex Energy, leading critical initiatives such as securing investment-grade financing and executing a $17 billion merger with Cabot Oil & Gas, ultimately culminating in the formation of Coterra Energy. Most recently, Barron provided advisory services to various companies as an independent business consultant.

About Beatty & Wozniak, P.C.

Beatty & Wozniak stands as a leading law firm with a strong focus on the legal needs of the oil, gas, energy, and natural resources sectors. The firm offers a comprehensive range of services, including compliance, litigation, and transactional assistance. With locations in Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming, and attorneys licensed across 18 jurisdictions, Beatty & Wozniak combines industry knowledge with innovative legal strategies to navigate complex business environments. This unique synergy allows the firm to position its clients for success in an ever-evolving energy market.