Porter Hedges Elects Four New Partners for 2024

Porter Hedges announced today that Kelly Ferrell, David Mann, Andrew Raber, and Megan Young-John have been elected as partners effective January 1, 2024.

“This new partner class exemplifies the strengths of our firm – a steadfast commitment to client service and excellence in both our litigation and transactional practices. We are truly proud to promote these very talented attorneys and to celebrate the culmination of their path to becoming a partner at Porter Hedges,” said Co-Managing Partner Joyce Soliman.

Kelly Ferrell focuses on employment litigation and consulting. She is an experienced litigator who represents employers in state and federal employment cases involving claims of discrimination, retaliation, harassment, breach of contract, misappropriation of trade secrets, non-compete and non-solicitation violations, wage and hour disputes, and executive compensation disputes. Kelly’s practice includes conducting internal investigations, drafting employment agreements, and providing preemptive advice to clients to mitigate risks and avoid claims.

David Mann focuses primarily on upstream and midstream energy transactions. He has represented clients in connection with numerous asset acquisitions and divestitures (including sale processes under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code) as well as joint ventures, farmouts, and similar transactions for developing oil and gas assets. He also advises clients on day-to-day legal issues that arise in the upstream and midstream energy industry. Prior to law school, David was a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Texas working as a senior assurance associate with a large public accounting firm.

Andrew Raber focuses on commercial litigation, representing energy clients in a wide array of disputes, including mineral title and royalties, complex products liability, and contract litigation. He has represented clients in both state and federal courts, as well as bankruptcy and appellate courts. Andrew has also successfully counseled clients in high-dollar arbitrations involving international trade and energy issues. Prior to joining the firm, Andrew served in the US Army JAG Corps where he successfully prosecuted numerous criminal cases. In addition to his role as trial counsel, Andrew also served as the legal advisor to numerous Army Commands both stateside and while deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Megan Young-John advises clients on corporate reorganization, restructuring, liquidation, acquisitions, and associated litigation. She frequently represents Chapter 11 debtors and creditors committees in complex restructurings, as well as Chapter 7 trustees and creditors at all levels of the capital structure. Megan’s experience spans a number of industries, including oil and gas, retail energy, retail, real estate, manufacturing, and financial services.