Leading Oil & Gas attorney, Michael J. Byrd has joined as a partner in the energy practice of Akin Gump at Houston. A well-known lawyer in the energy sector, Byrd’s practice focuses on upstream M&A transactions. Before joining Akin Gump, Byrd was the chair of Baker & McKenzie’s North America oil and gas practice group.
Byrd provides advice on a range of upstream transactions including farmouts, operating agreements and seismic agreements, and exploration agreements and other joint ventures. He also advises oil and gas companies on issues of day-to-day operation and represents clients in leasing and conveyancing transactions. He has extensive experience of working in the shale industry.
Speaking on Byrd joining the firm, Chris LaFolette, partner in charge of Akin Gump’s Houston office and head of the firm’s oil and gas practice said, “As a real ‘dirt’ lawyer, one of the very few out there, Mike brings sought-after skills and experience that will mesh exceedingly well with those of our team.” LaFolette further added, “The caliber of work he has done throughout his career will make Mike a valuable asset for our clients, and I am excited to have him as part of our team.”
Speaking on his decision to join Akin Gump, Byrd stressed on the law firm’s specialization in both energy and private equity practices. He said, “With private equity playing a dramatically increasing role in oil and gas transactions, Akin Gump’s standing as a leader in both the energy and private equity spaces will be critical in the years ahead.”
A former petroleum landman, Byrd is Board Certified in Oil, Gas and Mineral Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and a five-time chairman of the committee that writes and grades the exam for such certification. He is a frequent speaker and author, and has published numerous articles on energy matters for publications such as the State Bar of Texas Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section Report and Landman.
Michael Byrd received his J.D. with honors from the University of Texas School of Law and his B.B.A. in finance with honors from the University of Texas.