Skadden is pleased to welcome Mingda Zhao and Emery Choi as partners in its corporate practice in Houston. Mr. Zhao and Mr. Choi join from another global law firm and will advise U.S. and international energy and infrastructure clients, as well as private equity funds and their portfolio companies, on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity investments and other energy transactions.
Mr. Zhao brings broad experience advising clients across the energy and infrastructure sectors, including on cross-border transactions and structured or alternative investments. Mr. Choi has extensive experience representing energy clients in mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments and joint ventures. Together, they offer deep proficiency in acquisitions and divestitures (A&D) and joint ventures — including drilling, acquisition and yield vehicles — across the oil and gas and power industries. They have played pivotal roles in many of the sector’s most significant recent transactions, advising clients such as CNOOC, Continental Resources, Devon Energy, Occidental Petroleum and Sixth Street.
“The addition of Mingda and Emery will propel our Houston team in an important direction,” said Eric Otness, head of the office’s M&A/Corporate Group. “Their sophisticated understanding of the energy sector and its key players will be instrumental as we help our clients achieve their business goals across their most complex, innovative and high-stakes transactions.”
“Skadden’s corporate practice is renowned for its excellence, and the firm’s global platform presents an exciting opportunity to further develop our relationships in the energy sector,” said Mr. Zhao. “I look forward to utilizing my experience in the energy space and working alongside the firm’s team of highly skilled attorneys.”
“The Houston corporate team comprises an impressive group of attorneys, and I look forward to collaborating with them and joining this growing office,” said Mr. Choi. “I am excited to help expand the firm’s existing relationships within the sector and foster new opportunities while working alongside this accomplished group.”
Earlier this year, Skadden welcomed Steve Gill as a partner in its Houston M&A/Corporate Group, focusing on energy transactions. The combined experience of Mr. Gill, Mr. Zhao and Mr. Choi together with the other exceptional lawyers positions the firm to continue providing clients with top-tier guidance and service as companies navigate the evolving complexities of the global energy sector.
Mr. Zhao received his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and his B.A. from Hampshire College. In recognition of his work, Mr. Zhao has been selected for inclusion in Chambers USA in its Energy: Oil & Gas (Transactional) category.
Mr. Choi received his J.D. from the University of Texas and his B.A. from Yale University. He has been recognized in Chambers Global in its Energy: Oil & Gas (Transactional) category.