Scott Looper Joins Greenberg Traurig to Boost Energy Practice in Colorado
In the heart of Denver, Greenberg Traurig, LLP has made a significant addition to its Energy & Natural Resources Practice by welcoming Scott Looper as a shareholder. This strategic move is poised to fortify the firm's capabilities particularly in key areas such as midstream, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and integrated energy transactions.
Scott Looper, who will primarily operate from the Denver office while also maintaining ties to Houston, is a seasoned professional in advising energy companies on a wide array of topics, including acquisitions, divestitures, complex commercial agreements, project development, and regulatory compliance. His diverse experience enables him to represent various stakeholders in the energy sector, including publicly traded partnerships, conflicts committees, producers, terminal operators, and pipeline companies in high-stakes transactions.
Looper's expertise encompasses crucial activities such as acquisitions, divestitures, dropdowns, and private offerings. He is also well-versed in structuring and negotiating commercial agreements supporting the entire midstream value chain, including contracts related to gathering, transportation, processing, storage, terminaling, and commodity sales. This broad knowledge base allows him to provide thorough counsel on joint ventures, procurement matters, and adherence to regulations dictated by agencies like the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Texas Railroad Commission, and the Regulatory Commission of Alaska.
Beyond midstream transactions, Looper brings significant experience in the burgeoning LNG arena and large-scale project developments. He has successfully negotiated liquefaction tolling agreements and engaged in EPCM and EPFC contracts for major export terminals and petrochemical facilities. His previous role as an energy analyst at a global consultancy has honed his ability to offer pragmatic, business-focused advice to boards, executive teams, and conflicts committees, enhancing his value as a trusted advisor.
William Garner, co-chair of Greenberg Traurig's Energy & Natural Resources Practice, praised Looper's unique blend of technical knowledge and commercial acumen. Garner expressed that Looper's insight into energy transactions from all perspectives—structuring, financing, operations, and regulatory compliance—will prove invaluable as clients navigate intricate and capital-intensive projects.
As the energy infrastructure landscape continues to evolve in Colorado, Looper's integration into the firm marks a crucial expansion of Greenberg Traurig's practice. Over the past year, the firm has recruited over a dozen attorneys worldwide, including notable additions in regions like Singapore, Tokyo, and Washington, D.C. This expanding network allows the firm to adeptly handle a vast array of energy-related legal matters.
Greenberg Traurig's CEO, Brian L. Duffy, underscored the importance of the Denver market for energy clients and investments, touting Looper’s addition as a means to enhance client service both locally and nationally. With Looper’s ability to operate effectively between Denver and Houston, clients receive vital support in two of the most significant energy markets in the U.S.
Looper, in turn, noted that the firm's integrated platform and collaborative culture were compelling factors in his decision to join Greenberg Traurig. He relished the opportunity to be part of a cohesive energy team that enables him to advise on sophisticated transactions while also addressing regulatory and operational challenges encountered by clients. He feels that the ability to remain linked to both the Denver and Houston markets allows him to capitalize on opportunities and maintain strong client relationships.
Notably, Looper has garnered recognition as a Next Generation Partner by The Legal 500 United States from 2020 through 2024. He actively participates in the Institute for Energy Law and frequently imparts his knowledge on midstream energy and regulatory developments. He earned a J.D., cum laude, from the University of Houston Law Center, a Master of Science in Business Management, with honors, from the University of East Anglia, and a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, from Trinity University. His practice in Colorado is temporarily authorized pending admission under C.R.C.P. 205.6, having secured admission in Texas.
Greenberg Traurig, with over 3,100 lawyers across 51 locations globally, is dedicated to providing innovative and strategic legal services across various industries and borders. The firm is consistently ranked among the top in the Am Law Global 100 and is recognized for its commitment to philanthropy, culture, and pro bono work.