Global Energy and Projects Leader Stephen D. Davis Joins Akin Gump

(Houston) Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is pleased to announce that Stephen D. Davis has joined the firm’s Houston office as a partner in its energy and global transactions practice. Previously, Mr. Davis was a partner in the Houston office of Vinson & Elkins LLP, where he was a founding member of its worldwide project finance and development practice and former managing partner of its first Asian office.

Mr. Davis brings to Akin Gump tremendous experience, both in the United States and internationally, representing clients in major transactions in a broad range of energy industries. His work ranges from handling project finance and development-related matters for world-scale refining, petrochemical and other energy projects in the Americas, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, to guiding mergers and acquisitions, strategic joint ventures and private equity transactions on a global basis, to advising on transactions at the intersection of finance and commodities.

Recently, Mr. Davis has been active on LNG and petrochemical transactions in North America made possible by the development of shale gas resources and related liquids as well as in assisting Asian clients investing in the Americas.

Akin Gump chairman R. Bruce McLean said, “Steve’s background and experience across the energy spectrum add tremendous depth to our team in Houston and complements our existing international capabilities. His arrival also signifies the firm’s continuing commitment to a strong and globally focused energy practice.”

Christine LaFollette, partner in charge of Akin Gump’s Houston office, added, “Steve’s track record of leadership and success in guiding clients through large and complex energy and project financing deals speaks for itself. He’ll be a huge asset for our clients and us.”

“Akin Gump’s energy and global transactions team is well respected and enjoys a great position in the global marketplace,” stated Mr. Davis. “It’s an exciting opportunity for me as well as for my clients, who will benefit tremendously from the firm’s broad international platform and strengths in areas such as global project finance, investment funds, corporate securities, private equity and M&A and strategic transactions.”

About Steve Davis

Steve Davis represents multinational clients, ranging from major and independent oil and gas companies to Asian investors, petrochemical companies and leading players in the trading of physical commodities, in significant transactions relating to oil and gas, LNG, power, midstream, refining, processing, petrochemical, renewables, pipeline and other energy industries. He maintains a particular focus on project finance and development, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, foreign direct investment, private equity and venture capital, and restructuring and reorganization transactions.

As a result of his exemplary work, Mr. Davis has been recognized by the energy industry numerous times, including in The Best Lawyers in America 2012 in Energy and International Trade and Finance; International Who’s Who of Oil & Gas Lawyers 2011; Legal Media Group’s (Euromoney’s) inaugural edition of the Expert Guide to Leading Practitioners: China, 2011, in Energy, M&A, and Private Equity; and Legal Media Group’s Expert Guide to the World’s Leading Project Finance Lawyers, 2010 and Expert Guide to the World’s Leading Energy and Natural Resource Lawyers, 2011.

Mr. Davis is a past member of the board of directors of the World Affairs Council of Houston, serves as a member of the Texas Supreme Court Task Force on the practice of international law and has served as chair of the International Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.

Mr. Davis received his J.D. with honors from The University of Texas School of Law in 1981 and his B.S. in chemical engineering with honors from Louisiana State University in 1979.

Founded in 1945, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 850 attorneys in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

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