Houston Corporate Transactions and Advisory Associates (Oil & Gas)

As a global law firm our work spans jurisdictions, cultures, and languages – and so do our people. Our culture is collaborative and inclusive, where diverse perspectives are recognised and valued. Where performing to your highest ability unlocks equal access to opportunities to learn, thrive and grow. We combine deep legal expertise and commercial intelligence to grow, transform, protect, and defend our clients' businesses across every critical moment. We operate in the sectors and regions that matter to our clients, providing forward-thinking insights and innovative, tech-enabled solutions that combine deep knowledge of their sectors and markets.

About the role

The Houston office of Clifford Chance is seeking an experienced associate to join its Corporate Transactions & Advisory group with a primary focus on upstream, midstream, and broader oil and gas transactions. The position will support the growing Houston-based team led by Global Co-Head of the Energy & Resources Sector and Head of the Oil & Gas practice, David Sweeney, and Joclynn Marsh.

The successful candidate will work on sophisticated domestic and international energy transactions across the full oil and gas value chain, including acquisitions and divestitures, joint ventures, project development, infrastructure transactions, and other complex commercial arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Advise on upstream and midstream acquisitions and divestitures, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, development projects, farmouts and farmins, joint operating agreements, gathering, transportation and processing agreements, produced water and related infrastructure arrangements, and other energy-sector commercial contracts.
• Draft and negotiate transaction documents and commercial agreements commonly used in the oil and gas industry, including purchase and sale agreements, joint operating agreements, farmout agreements, joint development agreements, gathering and transportation agreements, and other midstream arrangements.
• Independently manage significant portions of transactions and coordinate with specialists across multiple practice areas.
• Communicate effectively with clients and opposing counsel, providing practical, business-oriented advice.
• Manage transaction workstreams and coordinate multidisciplinary teams in complex transactions.

Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the Texas Bar, or eligibility to waive into the Texas Bar.
• At least three years of law firm experience focused on oil and gas, energy, infrastructure, or natural resources transactions.
• Significant experience with mergers and acquisitions, acquisitions and divestitures (A&D), joint ventures, project development, and related energy-sector transactions.
• Strong understanding of the energy industry and the commercial drivers affecting upstream, midstream, LNG, offshore, and infrastructure projects.
• Excellent legal research, analytical, drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Sound judgment, commercial awareness, intellectual curiosity, and a practical, client-focused approach.

Qualifications

• Experience representing private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, major energy companies, or infrastructure investors is preferred but not required.
• Experience working on cross-border transactions and large-scale strategic deals involving oil and gas assets is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with the commercial and operational aspects of the energy industry, including upstream, midstream, LNG, offshore, and infrastructure projects, will be viewed favorably.

Benefits

Clifford Chance US LLP offers a comprehensive benefits and compensation package.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $260,000-$420,000.