Mayer Brown strengthens energy capabilities with addition of partner Dale Smith in Houston

Mayer Brown has continued the expansion of its energy capabilities with the arrival of Dale Smith, who joins the firm as a partner in the Corporate & Securities practice in Houston. Mr. Smith was previously at Bracewell LLP.

“As a recognized and respected commercial and transactional energy practitioner, we’re delighted to welcome Dale to our firm,” said Alex Chequer, the global leader of the Oil & Gas group at Mayer Brown. “Dale adds substantial strength to our oil and gas capabilities, and his experience in transactions across the energy value chain, including upstream and midstream oil and gas, power and energy finance, will substantially benefit our US and global clients.”

Mr. Smith focuses on energy and energy finance matters. He represents energy industry clients in a broad range of transactions, including the purchase and sale of hydrocarbons, oil and gas properties, gas processing plants, production and storage facilities and pipeline systems. He also negotiates and drafts a variety of transactional agreements, including: farmout and participation agreements; leases; seismic and license agreements; drilling and other service contracts; development and operating agreements; gas, crude and natural gas liquid gathering, transportation, processing, storage and fractionation agreements; produced water gathering and disposal agreements and source water purchase agreements, power purchase agreements; off-take agreements; engineering, procurement and construction contracts; and operation and maintenance agreements. Mr. Smith also has substantial experience performing mineral reserve due diligence reviews for clients investing in exploration and production assets.

“Mayer Brown’s commitment to the growth of its oil and gas practice and first-rate client service were significant factors in my decision to join the firm,” said Mr. Smith. “I look forward to leveraging the firm’s premier platform for commercial energy and related transactional offerings to serve our clients.”

“Dale’s vision and commitment to expand Mayer Brown’s already substantial capabilities in energy transactions align perfectly with our growth strategy in the Houston market as the energy hub of the World,” said Neil Wasserstrom, the managing partner of Mayer Brown’s Houston office. “We are fortunate that our platform continues to attract extraordinarily accomplished lawyers such as Dale, whose arrival comes shortly after Houston energy partners Phil Lau and Vera de Gyarfas joined us earlier this year.”