Leading Energy and Projects Lawyer Joins McDermott's New Houston Office
HOUSTON (April 14, 2008) — The Houston office of McDermott Will & Emery is pleased to welcome John P. Cogan Jr. as the newest partner to its office. Mr. Cogan, formerly the head of Akin Gump's global projects practice, will become head of McDermott's global Projects and Infrastructure Practice Group. Mr. Cogan will be a member of the Firm's Corporate Department as well as the Energy Practice Group.
"John's market leading capabilities add significantly to our energy and infrastructure practices in Houston and worldwide," commented Harvey Freishtat, Firm Chairman. "We look forward to John's contributions in terms of leadership and further development of both our Houston practice and our global projects and infrastructure practice."
"John's experience will complement the practices of our other Houston partners. Together they will establish a new and broader component of our global energy practice, especially since Houston is one of the most important energy markets in the world," commented Paul Pantano, head of the Firm's Energy Practice Group.
Mr. Cogan concentrates on the international exploration, extraction, processing, transportation and sale of hydrocarbons, with a particular emphasis on projects in Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. His work includes developing project structures, as well as drafting and negotiating joint venture, acquisition, joint operating, management, processing, transportation (pipeline and marine), development and investment agreements; and production sharing, drilling, construction, and other service contracts; project finance documentation; and technology licenses. He also has been involved with governmental regulation, construction and financing of facilities related to those activities.
"I look forward to working with John as we continue to expand our corporate practice and brand our projects and infrastructure practice worldwide," added Timothy Alvino, head of the Firm's Corporate Department.
"McDermott presents a wonderful opportunity to expand the practice that we have developed over the years," commented Mr. Cogan. "I was impressed with McDermott's highly integrated global platform, and I look forward to helping lead McDermott to the forefront in the Houston market. This move makes sense for my practice."
Mr. Cogan received his B.A., cum laude, and his LL.B. from the University of Texas. He is a member of the American and Houston Bar Associations and the State Bar of Texas and a fellow of the Houston Bar Foundation and the Texas Bar Foundation. He also is a member of the American Society of International Law, serving as a corresponding editor of its publication, International Legal Materials. He has been named as one of the world's leading energy and natural resource lawyers in Chambers Global: The World's Leading Lawyers (2005 to 2007) and in the International Financial Law Review 1000, and as one of the top five international lawyers in Texas by Texas Lawyer. He also has been recognized by Super Lawyers, The Best Lawyers in America and Lawdragon as a leading energy and/or corporate attorney.
Mr. Cogan is a member of the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators. He previously served as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston, teaching international financial transactions. He is a director and member of the executive committee of the Asia Society, Texas Center as well as an advisory director of the Institute of International Education, Southern Region.
McDermott opened its Houston office in February 2008 with the addition of three energy partners, Robert Stephens, David W. Locascio and Jose Luis Vittor, all formerly with Bracewell & Giuliani. The recent addition of James H. Wilson, formerly with King & Spalding, adds significant corporate expertise and experience to the office. Opening a Houston office adds important dimensions to the Firm’s international energy and corporate practices and lays the foundation for the growth of other important McDermott practice areas, including intellectual property.
