Global law firm White & Case LLP has added new partner Steven Otillar to its Oil & Gas Industry Group in Houston.

“Steven is a great addition to our growing Houston office, bringing extensive experience in the US domestic and cross-border upstream and midstream space,” said Philip Stopford, co-head of White & Case’s Global Oil & Gas Industry Group. “In particular, his knowledge of the Latin American market will enhance the market-leading services we already offer to clients in countries such as Mexico, Argentina and Brazil.”

Otillar’s practice is focused on advising clients on the acquisition, divestiture and development of US domestic and global energy projects. As a practical, business-oriented lawyer, he has advised clients on the full array of upstream investment structures for more than 20 years, helping clients mitigate risk in challenging environments and uncertain markets. Otillar not only works with public and private equity-backed oil & gas companies, he has represented state-owned entities and host governments in developing oil & gas regimes to incentivize direct foreign investment. Having an industry-focused practice and being licensed in Texas, and as an English-qualified solicitor, Otillar is able to provide a unique skill set to represent clients in the US and abroad, leveraging experience to develop creative solutions to help clients get deals done.

He is currently president of the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (AIPN) and on the Executive Committee for the Institute for Energy Law (IEL) in the Center for American and International Law.

“A vibrant US domestic upstream oil & gas practice is a key piece of our Houston strategy, with the United States poised to surpass Russia as the leading global producer of crude,” said Jason Webber, co-head of White & Case’s Global Oil & Gas Industry Group. “Steven immediately strengthens our domestic upstream practice and provides critical mass to our Houston offering.”

Otillar joins new White & Case partners James (Jay) Cuclis, Christopher Richardson and Charlie Ofner in the Firm’s Oil & Gas Industry Group, whose joining coincided with the opening of the Firm’s Houston office this year. In addition, Saul Daniel, an English-qualified White & Case partner who has practiced in London and Abu Dhabi and also is a member of the Firm’s Global Oil & Gas Industry Group, has joined the Firm’s Houston office.

Texas Law Book recently published results showing White & Case LLP ranked #2 in its Legal Advisors Table by Deal Value for Texas in 2017.

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