Dallas, Texas, October 27, 2004 LAWFUEL – Law firm, law, legal, attorney news– Baker & McKenzie LLP announced today that it has expanded its energy practice with the addition of a team of lawyers to its Dallas office, all from Jenkens & Gilchrist. The new group is led by Barry F. Cannaday, and includes Vince Murchison as a partner, and Martin P. Averill as an associate.
Cannaday and his team come to Baker & McKenzie with more than 40 years of combined legal experience. They join Baker & McKenzie’s global energy practice with more than 100 lawyers, including a significant energy practice in North America. The group will focus on oil and gas law representing major and independent exploration, production and refining companies; natural gas marketing companies, as well as such participants in the petroleum industry as commercial banks, investment banks, and foreign investors in their oil and gas related transactions.
“We’re pleased to attract talent of this caliber to expand our energy practice in the North American region, as well as internationally. Focusing our growth on our core practices in the region is a priority which will benefit our clients and strengthen our presence in key markets,” said David Hackett, Baker & McKenzie LLP North American Managing Partner.
“With the oil and gas business undergoing changes worldwide, there is an increasing need for highly specialized counsel. The addition of Barry and his team in Dallas, together with our existing energy practice in North America and key energy markets globally, position us for continued growth and success in this area,” said James P. O’Brien, Baker & McKenzie LLP Partner and Global Major Projects Steering Committee Member.
Brian Hurst, Managing Partner of Baker & McKenzie LLP’s Dallas office, said, “We welcome Barry, Vince and Marty to the Dallas office. Their broad range of experience in the oil and gas industry expands our capabilities on the ground in Dallas, and complements our existing expertise in Houston and further enhances the firm’s ability to be successful in a competitive global energy market.”
Cannaday began his legal career in 1975 as in-house counsel for Gulf Oil Corporation. In 1977, he joined the legal staff of Mesa Petroleum Co. as in-house counsel, and then later became General Counsel. Cannaday joined Jenkens & Gilchrist in 1984. He earned his J.D. with high honors from the University of Texas School of Law in 1975. Cannaday is also a graduate of the University of Texas. He brings with him the following lawyers:
Vince Murchison earned his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law in 1991. He received his B.B.A. degree with honors in Finance and Accounting from Texas A&M University. Murchison focuses his practice on environmental and energy law.
Martin P. Averill earned his J.D. with honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1996. He received his B.A. degree with highest honors in English/Communications from Gannon University in 1993.
