White & Case
February 1, 2007, Energy Law360
By Ben James

White & Case is expanding its energy capabilities, reports Ben James. In November 2006, partners Earle O'Donnell and Donna Attanasio, as well as five other energy lawyers joined White & Case's Washington, DC office.

"Different firms have different emphasis," said partner Earle H. O'Donnell, head of the firm's Energy practice. "The philosophy at White & Case is to have people who are strong in a variety of specialties, and to provide a full range of sophisticated legal services to address whatever a client's needs happen to be."

O'Donnell noted that the change in philosophy parallels the industry, which is becoming more integrated. "Clients are looking at the industry in a much more holistic way," O'Donnell said. "They need legal services that cut across practices and disciplines."

White & Case's 120-strong Energy, Infrastructure and Project Finance group, which includes the energy practice, provides clients with comprehensive services, often teaming up with lawyers from other departments, such as litigation. "I do not think there are too many firms that have been able to put together the same package of transactional and regulatory skills," said New York-based partner Troy Alexander, the head of that group.

O'Donnell agreed: "My clients are prized people. I want to help them any way I can, and I like knowing that my colleagues can provide solutions that are beyond my expertise. I know my limitations."

Alexander noted that a major issue in today's energy industry is compliance. "It's a major issue," he said. "The energy industry tends to be more heavily regulated than most."

Another recent trend is the increased presence of private equity funds and financial institutions in the industry, said both lawyers. These investors are likely to change the established ways of doing business.

"From a financing point of view it is becoming a much more complicated set of options being presented to energy clients," said Alexander.