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Neil’s practice focuses on complex civil litigation, corporate compliance, disclosure, investigations and energy transactions. He represents clients as lead counsel in litigation, arbitration and investigation matters before federal and state courts and various governmental agencies in a diverse range of industries, including oil and gas exploration and development, energy-related manufacturers and services, private investment, and consumer goods. Specific experience includes commercial disputes involving allegations of breach of contract, fraud, negligence, royalty underpayment, AMI and joint interest owner disputes, investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Trade Commission, and domestic and international oil and gas exploration and service transactions.
REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE
Resolved for corporation Securities and Exchange Commission investigation of fraudulent dealings by a client’s former management, avoiding crippling fines and onerous injunctive restrictions.
Represented audit committee of publicly traded company in internal investigations arising from ethics complaints by whistleblower.
Obtained an arbitration award that avoided the payment of substantial bonuses claimed due under seismic data agreement for the acquisition of exploration blocks in deep water Gulf of Mexico.
Took over representation of Mexican time-share resort in wrongful death lawsuit pending in the plaintiffs’ hometown, and despite prior adverse findings of personal jurisdiction over resort and alter ego, obtained dismissal on forum non conveniens grounds.
Represented major refinery pipeline and storage facility operator in connection with Federal Trade Commission Second Request.
Represented independent oil and gas exploration company in several lawsuits and an arbitration with minority working interest owners involving allegations of violations of fiduciary duties, breach of development obligations and AMI rights, improper accounting, tortuous interference, trade secrets, and breach of contract. Disputes resolved after three years of litigation.
Represented bankrupt entities in pre-litigation analysis of gas, oil, wind, power, weather and ISDA contracts. Obtained in excess of $40 million in settlements for bankruptcy estates.
Represented scrap metal dealer against Mexican supplier in Federal court; obtained denial of motions to dismiss, including for forum non conveniens, and prevailed on motion for summary judgment.
Represented international investment concern against Houston-based portfolio manager in fraud, breach of contract and conversion claim to recover investment funds.
PROFESSIONAL / CIVIC AFFILIATIONS
Member
Houston Bar Association - Litigation Section
Chair - 2006 to 2007
Chair-elect - 2005 to 2006
Vice Chair - 2004 to 2005
Secretary and Treasurer - 2003 to 2004
American Bar Association | 