Texas is the heart of the American energy industry, home to the Permian Basin, Eagle Ford Shale, and the Barnett Shale. Legal matters in this sector require an intricate knowledge of mineral rights, royalty disputes, and the complex regulatory framework managed by the Railroad Commission of Texas. Whether you are a landowner, an independent operator, or a major integrated energy company, specialized counsel is essential to navigating the “Rule of Capture” and Texas-specific pooling regulations.
1. Vinson & Elkins LLP
Chair: Keith Fullenweider
Founded: 1917
Headquarters: Houston, TX
Phone: 713-758-2222
Website: https://www.velaw.com
Office Locations:
- Houston: 845 Texas Avenue, Suite 4700, Houston, TX 77002 | 713-758-2222
- Dallas: 2001 Ross Avenue, Suite 3900, Dallas, TX 75201 | 214-220-7700
- Austin: 111 Congress Avenue, Suite 2500, Austin, TX 78701 | 512-542-8400
Practice Areas: Oil & Gas, Energy Transactions, Project Development, Environmental Law, Energy Litigation, Renewable Energy
Firm Size: 700+ attorneys
Fee Structure: Hourly / Transaction-based
Languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin, French
About the Firm: Vinson & Elkins (V&E) has been the premier energy law firm in Texas for over a century. Headquartered in Houston, the firm has consistently been ranked as the #1 firm in the U.S. for Energy, Oil, and Gas Law by Vault and Chambers & Partners. They represent “supermajors,” independent producers, and private equity investors in massive upstream and midstream deals. The firm is known for its role in the most complex energy transactions in history, including multi-billion dollar mergers and cross-border pipeline projects. In 2026, V&E continues to lead the market in integrating traditional oil and gas expertise with the evolving energy transition and carbon capture sectors.
2. Bracewell LLP
Managing Partner: Gregory M. Bopp
Founded: 1945
Headquarters: Houston, TX
Phone: 713-223-2300
Website: https://www.bracewell.com
Office Locations:
- Houston: 711 Louisiana Street, Suite 2300, Houston, TX 77002 | 713-223-2300
- Dallas: 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 3800, Dallas, TX 75202 | 214-758-1000
- Austin: 111 Congress Avenue, Suite 2300, Austin, TX 78701 | 512-472-7800
Practice Areas: Oil & Gas, Energy Regulatory, Finance, Environmental Law, Infrastructure, Litigation
Firm Size: 350+ attorneys
Fee Structure: Hourly
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Bracewell LLP was honored as the “Energy Law Firm of the Year” in the 2026 Best Lawyers® rankings. The firm is a global leader in the energy sector, providing comprehensive legal services that span the entire value chain—from exploration and production to refining and marketing. Their regulatory team is particularly respected for its work before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Railroad Commission of Texas. Bracewell is a go-to firm for energy finance, often advising lenders and borrowers on sophisticated credit facilities secured by oil and gas reserves. Their deep roots in Houston provide them with an unparalleled understanding of the operational needs of the energy industry.
3. Baker Botts L.L.P.
Managing Partner: Danny David
Founded: 1840
Headquarters: Houston, TX
Phone: 713-229-1234
Website: https://www.bakerbotts.com
Office Locations:
- Houston: 910 Louisiana Street, Houston, TX 77002 | 713-229-1234
- Dallas: 2001 Ross Avenue, Suite 1500, Dallas, TX 75201 | 214-953-6500
- Austin: 401 Congress Avenue, Suite 3200, Austin, TX 78701 | 512-322-2500
Practice Areas: Energy Regulatory, Oil & Gas Transactional, MLP Formation, Environmental, Intellectual Property
Firm Size: 700+ attorneys
Fee Structure: Hourly / Project-based
Languages: English, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese
About the Firm: Baker Botts is one of the oldest law firms in the United States and has played a foundational role in the development of the Texas energy sector. The firm is globally recognized for its Energy Regulatory & Litigation practice, frequently handling precedent-setting cases involving oil and gas pricing and infrastructure permitting. They have a dominant presence in the Master Limited Partnership (MLP) market, advising on the formation and operation of energy-focused investment vehicles. Their attorneys are experts in navigating the environmental regulations that impact hydraulic fracturing and offshore drilling. In 2026, they remain a top-tier choice for major oilfield service companies and global energy producers.
4. Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP
Managing Partner: Marianne M. Auld
Founded: 1979
Headquarters: Fort Worth, TX
Phone: 817-332-2500
Website: https://www.kellyhart.com
Office Locations:
- Fort Worth: 201 Main Street, Suite 2500, Fort Worth, TX 76102 | 817-332-2500
- Midland: 508 West Wall Street, Suite 444, Midland, TX 79701 | 432-688-0410
- Austin: 303 Colorado Street, Suite 2000, Austin, TX 78701 | 512-495-6400
Practice Areas: Oil & Gas Litigation, Energy Transactions, Royalty Disputes, Title Examination, Surface Use Agreements
Firm Size: 150+ attorneys
Fee Structure: Hourly / Retainer
Languages: English
About the Firm: Kelly Hart & Hallman is a premier Texas-based firm with a heavy focus on the Permian Basin and Barnett Shale regions. The firm’s Midland office is at the epicenter of West Texas energy production, providing on-the-ground expertise for lease negotiations, pooling disputes, and environmental claims. They represent a diverse client base, ranging from large public E&P companies to private landowners and royalty owners. Kelly Hart is specifically noted for its expertise in oil and gas litigation, including complex class actions regarding underpaid royalties and seismic trespass. Their “Oil & Gas/Energy” section is chaired by Todd Spake, a recognized leader in energy transactions and resource management.
5. Gray Reed
Managing Partner: J. Cary Gray
Founded: 1985
Headquarters: Houston, TX
Phone: 713-986-7000
Website: https://www.grayreed.com
Office Locations:
- Houston: 1300 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 2000, Houston, TX 77056 | 713-986-7000
- Dallas: 1601 Elm Street, Suite 4600, Dallas, TX 75201 | 214-954-4135
Practice Areas: Upstream and Midstream Transactions, Oil & Gas Title Examination, Energy Litigation, Bankruptcy & Restructuring
Firm Size: 150+ attorneys
Fee Structure: Hourly
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Gray Reed is a full-service Texas firm that has built a reputation for its entrepreneurial approach to energy law. Their energy team includes board-certified specialists in Oil, Gas, and Mineral Law who have previously worked in-house for major energy companies. The firm is highly regarded for its technical accuracy in title examinations and division order opinions across multiple states. Gray Reed serves multinational producers and independent operators alike, guiding them through billion-dollar acquisitions and divestitures. In 2026, the firm is particularly active in energy restructuring and bankruptcy, helping distressed assets navigate the financial volatility of the hydrocarbon markets.
Oil and gas operations in Texas are primarily governed by the Texas Natural Resources Code and the administrative rules of the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC). A fundamental principle of Texas energy law is the “Rule of Capture,” which allows a landowner to produce oil or gas from beneath their land even if it migrates from a neighbor’s property, provided there is no illegal drainage. Furthermore, the Mineral Interest Pooling Act (MIPA) provides a mechanism for the “fair and reasonable” pooling of mineral interests into drilling units. Disputes regarding royalty payments are often subject to the Texas Division Order Statute (Texas Natural Resources Code § 91.401-406), which dictates the timelines and conditions under which producers must distribute proceeds to interest owners.
The firms listed on this page represent a selection of oil and gas practices operating across Texas. Each firm’s details, including office locations, phone numbers, practice areas, and background information, are based on publicly available data verified at the time of publication. Inclusion on this page does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Individuals seeking legal representation should conduct their own research, verify current attorney licensing through the State Bar of Texas, and schedule consultations to determine the right fit for their specific situation.
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