Baker Botts Expands Global Network By Opening Rio de Janeiro Office

RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Baker Botts today announced the opening of its office in Rio de Janeiro, the firm's first office in Latin America in almost 50 years, to work "shoulder to shoulder" with clients in Brazil and throughout Latin America. This is the firm's ninth international office and 15th worldwide.

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Baker Botts will operate as a foreign legal consultancy in Rio with resident partners John White and Hannah Longley advising Brazilian clients and assisting foreign companies looking to enter the Brazilian market. Baker Botts will work in conjunction with a select network of Brazilian-qualified lawyers and law firms for matters requiring specific Brazilian-law input.

"We are excited about the commencement of this practice in Rio de Janeiro at this historic moment for Brazil, particularly with respect to Rio's continued growth as the epicenter of Brazil's energy sector," said Baker Botts L.L.P Managing Partner Andrew Baker. "John and Hannah are highly respected energy lawyers who are skilled in energy project development. Their presence in Brazil will afford clients there access to our extensive network of lawyers in the U.K., the Middle East and the United States."

Expansion of its services to clients in Latin America advances the firm's strategic objective of extending its resources in the U.S., the U.K. and Europe, the Middle East and Asia to clients in energy centers around the world who will benefit from the experience and value-added capabilities provided by the firm's lawyers.

"Baker Botts is recognized around the world as being premier among energy law firms," said Jamie Baker, Chair of the firm's Global Projects Department and its International Partner in Charge. "This recognition from clients and other third party sources has resulted in our lawyers advising on a significant slice of the global investment made in the Latin American energy sector during the past several decades."

White added, "It is important to note that Baker Botts lawyers have been representing clients in Brazil and throughout Latin America for more than 60 years. We are very familiar with what it takes to successfully represent clients on complex legal matters throughout the region. We look forward to making this knowledge and experience available to local clients on a wide array of matters."

White's experience includes the development of floating LNG projects (both liquefaction and regasification), the construction, chartering and financing of LNG vessels, FSRUs, FPSOs and other offshore assets as well as large downstream "gas to" projects. He has worked on the development and operation of LNG projects, downstream gas projects, petrochemical projects, oil and gas pipelines, power, water and infrastructure projects around the world.

Longley has also advised on a wide range of upstream oil and gas projects, numerous LNG projects and downstream gas and infrastructure projects. She has experience in negotiating, drafting and advising on complex commercial arrangements, including joint venture agreements, gas sales agreements, corporate and asset acquisitions and disposals, farm-in agreements, production sharing agreements, drilling and service contracts, FEED contracts, EPC contracts, LNG sale and purchase arrangements and LNG terminal use agreements.

The following Q&As provide additional comments on the Rio office opening.

Andrew Baker -- Rio, Baker Botts Share Strong Culture, Community Traits

Jamie Baker -- Rio Office Opening Continues Commitment to Strategic Growth

John White -- Baker Botts Opens in Rio de Janeiro at Historic Time for Brazil

About Baker Botts L.L.P.
Baker Botts L.L.P. is an international law firm of approximately 700 lawyers practicing throughout a network of 15 offices around the globe. Based on our experience and knowledge of our clients' industries, we are recognized as a leading firm in the energy, technology and life sciences sectors. Throughout our 173-year history, we have provided creative and effective legal solutions for our clients while demonstrating an unrelenting commitment to excellence. For more information, please visit www.bakerbotts.com

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SOURCE Baker Botts L.L.P.