The Legal 500 Ranks Porter Hedges Among the Leading Firms in the Country for Energy Transactions and Construction in 2025

The Legal 500 has once again recognized Porter Hedges among the nation's leading firms in its 2025 U.S. law firm rankings. The ranking recognized the firm’s oil and gas transactions and the construction practices.

Energy Transactions: Oil and Gas

Advising energy clients on public and private E&P companies, oilfield services providers, and midstream and downstream operators on high-value M&A and structured financings. The firm has notable expertise in asset-backed securitizations for the oil and gas sector and represents clients in bankruptcy-related asset sales. Group lead James Thompson is a trusted adviser to public and private energy companies on the acquisition of mineral and royalty interests and fee mineral interests. Co-lead Jeremy Mouton has recently overseen restructurings and disposals arising from bankruptcy proceedings while also advising on midstream and upstream acquisitions. Michael Byrd’s practice is primarily upstream-focused, handling the transfer of working and non-operating interests. Benjamin Rajabi leads on project development and commercial agreements, including long-term fuel purchasing arrangements, while David Mann’s M&A expertise is relied upon for asset acquisitions and disposals.

Real Estate and Construction: Construction (including Construction Litigation)

Porter Hedges LLP’s construction group assists clients such as owners, suppliers and contractors in addressing project risks from contract negotiation to completion, as well as dealing with potential disputes. The Houston-based practice is headed by David Peden, a seasoned litigator and arbitrator who handles construction and delay-related claims; and Amy Wolfshohl, who is similarly trained with a special focus on the industrial and energy sectors. John Hawkins is adept at negotiating and preparing design, construction, and EPC contracts to avoid the risk of litigation, while Sean McChristian supports clients throughout all stages of construction and design projects in the private and public spheres.

The Legal 500 is a series of guides to elite law firms worldwide with only about 300 law firms recommended. The Legal 500 series has been one of the largest legal referral guides for more than 30 years for commercial and private companies, corporate counsel, CEOs, and professional advisers. The publication interviews in-house counsel and lawyers globally to compile its annual guides.