Crystal R. Shel

Crystal Shel represents clients in the engineering, construction, energy, and infrastructure industries in the negotiation, drafting, and execution of sophisticated commercial agreements and provides strategic counsel on the legal and business considerations that shape successful transactions. With more than thirteen years of experience, Crystal has advised clients on a broad range of complex domestic and international business matters.

Her experience covers the full project lifecycle, from development and procurement through execution, claims, and dispute resolution. She advises clients on contract strategy and high-value negotiations, including issues involving indemnification, limitation of liability, insurance, intellectual property, warranties, payment, termination, and project performance. In addition to construction transactions, Crystal advises project owners, developers, general contractors, and design professionals regarding a wide range of disputes, including claims for delay, lost productivity, change order disputes, construction defects, design defects, wrongful contract termination disputes, and other contract claims.

Prior to joining Porter Hedges, Crystal began as in-house counsel for a major pipeline company, where she negotiated and drafted commercial agreements supporting large-scale pipeline construction and infrastructure projects. In that role, she advised project and business teams on legal risk, acquisition strategy, and stakeholder coordination across complex right-of-way and capital project matters involving the construction and refurbishment of pipeline infrastructure and facilities. She then joined a litigation firm, where she represented major energy companies in eminent domain, right-of-way acquisitions, and related commercial matters affecting pipeline projects.

Crystal went on to serve as counsel for a global engineering and construction company, where she advised business leaders on commercial transactions and projects across multiple industries and jurisdictions. In that role, she supported enterprise customers, strategic procurement initiatives, and global engineering programs—partnering with executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to accelerate commercial execution while managing legal and business risk.

That in-house perspective gives Crystal a firsthand understanding of the commercial pressures facing owners, contractors, and project teams. She draws on that experience to deliver advice that is legally rigorous, commercially practical, and aligned with each client's business objectives.

Practice Areas