The global law firm Jones Day is pleased to announce that Darrell Taylor has joined the Houston Office as a partner in the Capital Markets Practice focused on the energy, energy services, and petrochemical industries. He was formerly a partner with Baker Botts L.L.P. in Houston.

Porter Hedges represented a management and investor group in the formation of Maverick American Natural Gas (Maverick). Maverick is a new $1 billion private equity backed acquisition fund formed for the purpose of acquiring, operating, and developing conventional natural gas reserves in North America. The management and investment group was led by oil exploration and production entrepreneur Dan A. Hughes, Jr. who partnered with energy acquisition and development executive Thomas M. Hart and global private equity firm TPG Capital. Mr. Hughes will serve as Maverick’s Chairman and Mr. Hart will serve as its President.

The global law firm of Thompson & Knight LLP is pleased to announce that Douglas F. Pedigo has rejoined the Firm as a Partner in its Corporate and Securities Practice Group in Houston.

Latham & Watkins LLP is pleased to announce that Catherine Ozdogan has joined the firm as a partner in the Finance Department of the Houston office, adding significant capabilities to the firm’s burgeoning energy industry practice group.

Andrews Kurth LLP recently secured a significant verdict for Oklahoma City-based Devon Energy in a trade secret and computer fraud case against a former employee.

Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC has merged with the Houston law firm of Spain Chambers, marking Baker Donelson’s entry into Texas with a major step in the Firm’s continuing strategic growth.

Thomas McCaffrey has joined Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP’s Houston office as a partner in its energy and global transactions practice. Previously, Mr. McCaffrey was a partner in the Houston office of an international law firm.

Brian Antweil has joined Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP’s Houston office as a partner in its litigation and alternative dispute resolution practice. Previously, Mr. Antweil was a partner in the Houston office of a mid-sized, international law firm where he led the firm’s Business Litigation South Practice Group.

Anthony F. Newton, an experienced corporate transactional attorney with a background in private middle-market energy-related transactions, has moved as a partner to Haynes and Boone, LLP as part of an expansion of the firm’s corporate and energy practices.

Noble Energy, Inc. (Noble Energy) announced today that it closed the previously announced agreement to create a joint venture partnership with CONSOL Energy, Inc. (CONSOL Energy) for the development of CONSOL Energy’s Marcellus Shale properties in southwest Pennsylvania and northwest West Virginia.  The deal was previously announced on August 18, 2011.  Porter Hedges represented Noble Energy in this transaction.  For an aggregate value of approximately $3.2 billion, Noble Energy will acquire 50% of CONSOL Energy’s Marcellus Shale interest including a 50% interest in the existing Marcellus Shale wells.  This joint venture establishes a new position for Noble Energy in the Marcellus shale.