Attorney James "Jim" Strawn Joins Burleson LLP As Of Counsel

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Burleson LLP announced today that James "Jim" Strawn, who has more than three decades of experience as an oil and gas attorney, has joined the energy law firm's Pittsburgh location as Of Counsel.

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Although based in Pennsylvania, Strawn's practice is national and is focused on all areas relevant to the exploration and production of oil and gas in the United States.  This includes mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, marketing and midstream services, drilling, access and leasing, royalty and division of interest issues, joint operatioons, and master service agreements.

"Burleson is the only energy law firm with lawyers on the ground in all key producing areas of the U.S.," said Strawn.  "That really appealed to my practice, but the industry experience of its attorneys is perhaps what impressed me the most.  Their capabilities and backgrounds run the complete spectrum of oil and gas law, which is incredibly beneficial in almost any type of transaction on behalf of an upstream company." 

Strawn is particularly experienced in the unique legal requirements impacting companies with interests in the Marcellus and Utica shale plays and spent over a decade counseling Pennzoil regarding exploration and production activities in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia.

"Jim has a rare blend of knowledge and skill that's highly valued among our clients," said Rick Burleson, managing partner of Burleson.  "His national stature and previous work in the Marcellus and Utica shale plays speaks for itself, and his background in exploration and production reinforces our ability to deliver a level of oil and gas expertise not otherwise available to companies in the area."  

Kevin Colosimo, managing partner of Burleson's Pittsburgh office, added, "Jim is one of the most well-versed oil and gas attorneys in the Appalachian region.  His thirty-plus years of experience further strengthens our strategy to provide companies operating in the Marcellus and Utica shale plays with the most seasoned, energy-specific legal services team the industry has to offer."

Strawn has managed hundreds of oil and gas litigation matters in a number of states, covering most basins in the U.S.  He is qualified to testify as an expert on oil and gas joint ventures as well as operating and participating agreements.

Additionally, he has served as in-house counsel to several oil and gas companies, including Conoco Inc., Pennzoil, and Windsor Energy.  His background also includes work with Devon Energy, where he served as associate general counsel, handling a range of merger and acquisition transactions during a period when the company grew tenfold between 1999 and 2008. 

Strawn started his legal career as an oil and gas Administrative Law Judge with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.  

He has been named an Oklahoma Super Lawyer for Mergers and Acquisitions and is a published speaker and author.  Strawn earned his undergraduate degree from Oklahoma State University and his law degree from the University of Tulsa. 

About Burleson LLP

Burleson LLP has earned a reputation as the energy law firm the energy industry goes to. It has grown significantly in recent years and now includes over 120 attorneys in offices in Houston, San Antonio, Denver, and Pittsburgh, as well as an international network of affiliate law firms across the globe. Serving clients in the upstream and midstream segments, the firm provides counsel to oil and gas producers, transportation companies, storage and processing businesses, and energy service providers. Burleson's far-reaching experience includes mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures; finance; private equity; venture capital; securities; corporate governance and compliance; patents and intellectual property; title review; real estate; litigation;  bankruptcy/restructuring; land use; and environmental law. For further information, visit www.burlesonllp.com.

SOURCE Burleson LLP