Oil + Gas

Our oil and gas lawyers provide comprehensive support across the entire oil and gas lifecycle — from exploration and production through gathering, processing, storage, transportation, and distribution. Nationally ranked Tier 1 in both Energy Law and Oil and Gas Law by Best Law Firms®, Troutman Pepper Locke advises upstream, midstream, and downstream stakeholders on the unique challenges and opportunities in the oil and gas market, including shale and unconventional gas plays across the U.S.

We offer strategic guidance on transactions, regulatory compliance, permitting, financing, and infrastructure development. Our deep experience with federal and state regulations, including oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), allows us to help clients navigate complex regulatory frameworks that are critical for project success and operational security. Our clients rely on us for effective dispute management and our expertise in energy restructuring, bankruptcy, and distressed acquisitions.

Our multidisciplinary approach — integrating legal, regulatory, and policy experience — enables us to deliver tailored solutions at every phase of oil and gas operations. Whether negotiating complex agreements, addressing environmental impacts, or navigating evolving energy policies, we are committed to helping our clients advance sustainable, efficient oil and gas solutions across the industry.

Our services include:

Upstream

We assist exploration and production companies with project initiation, mergers, asset acquisitions and divestitures, investments, financings, joint ventures, commercial transactions, environmental compliance, and risk management. Our team helps clients navigate regulatory requirements, assess environmental impacts, and secure the necessary permits to operate in compliance with all levels of regulation. Video: New Upstream Pit Permitting Rules

Midstream and Pipeline Infrastructure Development

Our robust midstream practice supports clients in the development, financing, commercialization and regulation of gathering, processing, pipeline and storage facilities. We also are a leader in midstream M&A transactions.  We have great depth representing midstream companies in all commercial matters, including gathering and processing agreements, transportation agreements, EPC contracts and real estate matters, while ensuring compliance with key regulations like the Natural Gas Act (NGA) and the Natural Gas Policy Act (NGPA). Our attorneys are experienced in FERC proceedings including NGA Section 7 certificates, NGA Section 4&5 rate cases, section 311 of the NGPA, and handling market access and interconnectivity issues essential for project success. Video: Trends in Midstream M&A

Downstream and Market Access

We advise downstream participants, including local distribution companies (LDCs), on sales and commercial agreements, risk management, and regulatory compliance for storage and distribution. We support negotiations for natural gas supply agreements, balancing long-term security with market-driven flexibility, and help utilities and other users address complex natural gas purchasing and transportation issues to ensure reliable service.

Oilfield Services

Leveraging our decades of experience, our team provides extensive support across the oilfield services sector, including mergers and acquisitions, master services agreements, intellectual property licensing, employment matters, and regulatory compliance. We represent a diverse range of clients—from small startups to global service providers and private equity investors—advising on contract negotiations, equipment leasing, environmental compliance, operational risk, and supply chain management.  We help clients address regulatory requirements and advance sustainable growth while navigating industry shifts and maintaining competitive positioning. Video: Practical IP Lessons From the Field: Protecting Innovation in Oil & Gas