Continuing its strategic growth in Texas, the international law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP has added three attorneys in Houston and Dallas: Derek J. Anchondo, who was previously a partner at Adams and Reese, joined as an energy shareholder in Houston; Christina A. Tate, previously a partner at Vinson & Elkins, joined as a corporate shareholder in Dallas; and Hiba Kazim joined the firm’s Houston Litigation Practice as an associate.

“Texas is a key growth market for Greenberg Traurig and high caliber practitioners like Derek and Christina allow us to offer our clients the highest quality and value in the delivery of legal services possible,” said Richard A. Rosenbaum, chief executive officer for Greenberg Traurig. “It is my pleasure to welcome them and Hiba to the firm. The Greenberg Traurig brand stands for excellence, extraordinary value in our areas of focus, global collaboration, and a culture of respect, empowerment, and trust. And when we talk with attorneys about joining the team, we are not only looking for exceptional lawyers but also for people who share our commitment to client service and who understand both the benefits of our large focused platform and the warmth of the Greenberg Traurig family.”

“We are very pleased to welcome new shareholders Derek Anchondo and Christina Tate. Derek is an experienced oil and gas lawyer and will further expand Greenberg Traurig’s already robust energy capabilities in Texas, particularly in the areas of offshore energy and maritime law. Christina is a highly regarded corporate attorney. Her practice is focused on public and private mergers and acquisitions, with an emphasis on representing private equity firms and their portfolio companies. Her addition will expand our corporate practice team in Texas,” said Douglas C. Atnipp, Greenberg Traurig co-regional operating shareholder for Texas and co-chair of the firm’s Global Energy & Infrastructure Practice. “I am confident that these shareholders, plus litigation associate Hiba Kazim, will add real value to our Texas team of 120 lawyers. Greenberg Traurig is committed to sustained growth in Texas, and we continue to grow strategically based on current market needs within the region,” added Atnipp.

“I am thrilled to join Greenberg Traurig’s outstanding energy practice, and look forward to expanding my upstream oil and gas work here,” said Anchondo. “I also believe the firm’s broad, global platform, particularly its strong office in Mexico City, will allow me to expand my practice globally, especially in Mexico and Latin America.”

“Greenberg’s platform and culture are the perfect fit for me and my practice,” said Tate. “The ability to leverage the firm’s global platform and depth of talent in a wide range of subject matters will allow me to expand the expertise that I offer my client base and continue to achieve success for my clients. The momentum behind strategically growing Greenberg’s Texas and M&A/private equity practices is also exciting, and I look forward to working alongside such a strong group of talented colleagues to continue to build out our elite transactions-based practice.”

Anchondo, a shareholder in Greenberg Traurig’s Houston office, focuses his practice on domestic and international energy transactions involving exploration and production activities, offshore drilling, crude oil and natural gas supply and purchasing, joint operating agreements, equipment and services procurement, engineering, and construction. He is experienced in energy-related mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, financing transactions, joint ventures, and maritime and shipping matters in the energy industry. Anchondo handles a wide range of seaports industry matters, including shipbuilding contracts, vessel repair and modification agreements, and supply and towing contracts for maritime vessels. He counsels clients in anti-bribery compliance, regulatory filings, environmental regulatory compliance, and corporate compliance matters, and has represented clients in complex tax litigation in foreign jurisdictions. Anchondo received his J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center and B.A. from Trinity University.

Tate, a shareholder in Greenberg Traurig’s Dallas office, focuses her practice on public and private mergers and acquisitions, with an emphasis on representing private equity firms and their portfolio companies. She also advises public and private companies in securities offerings and a wide range of other corporate matters, including securities law disclosure, corporate governance, fiduciary obligations, and compliance matters. Tate represents clients across several industries, including consumer products, downstream and midstream energy sectors, retail, building products, media, advertising, healthcare services, pharmaceuticals, and insurance. Tate received her J.D. from SMU Dedman School of Law and her B.A. from Texas A&M University.

Kazim, an associate in Greenberg Traurig’s Houston office, focuses her practice on commercial litigation matters. She represents clients in a wide range of disputes involving breach of commercial contracts, breach of fiduciary duty in securities law cases, professional license defense, and insurance defense. Kazim advises clients on employment law and general corporate matters, including corporate formation, reorganization, and governance. Prior to joining the firm, she was an associate at a Texas-based law firm, where she litigated general business law matters and represented clients in investigations and administrative proceedings. Kazim received her J.D. from Cornell Law School and her B.S. from Texas A&M University.

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