Leading energy partners join Akin Gump in US and UK
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP has added leading energy lawyers John LaMaster and Steven Otillar to its transactions practice based in its London and Houston offices.
They arrive from Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP.
Previously the chairman of Dewey’s global oil & gas industry sector group, LaMaster has over 25 years of experience in all areas of the energy industry, including upstream, midstream and downstream oil and gas, electricity generation, biofuels and petrochemicals.
He has built a global reputation having worked on transactions throughout Europe, Russia, the Middle East, India, Africa and the United States.
Otillar, who has over 15 years of experience in the development, acquisition and divestiture of energy projects, joins the Houston office. He advises on public tenders and auctions and a range of development agreements in relation to major energy infrastructure projects. He also represents financial organisations in regard to the financing of the acquisition and development of oil & gas and energy projects.
Akin Gump chairman Bruce McLean said that the additions represent a “major development” for the firm. “Each of them will help develop our international platform and build on our established strengths, while adding new skills and outstanding energy transactional experience.”
LaMaster added, “The strength of Akin Gump’s global energy practice in terms of transactions, funds and disputes is remarkable. It is committed to considered expansion of its global footprint, reflecting the needs of clients. Additionally the crafting of transformational deals for clients, year after year, makes the firm a great fit for us all. We are all delighted to join the firm.”
Both LaMaster and Otillar are listed in The International Who’s Who of Oil & Gas Lawyers.