Paul Hastings taps energy leaders for Houston launch

New recruit Greg Nelson, who becomes head of the firm’s Houston office, joins from Baker Botts, where he was chair of the firm’s tax department.

Paris Theofanidis, a finance partner from Vinson & Elkins, and Steven Tredennick, an M&A partner from Bracewell & Giuliani, have joined Paul Hastings’ Houston base as partners.

The firm also announced that Kevin Fisher, a finance and restructuring partner specialising in the energy sector, has relocated from the firm’s San Francisco office to help build the Houston outfit.

In a statement Paul Hastings’ managing partner Greg Nitzkowski said the aim of the Houston base was to build a leading energy practice. “As our Houston office expands, the on-the-ground expertise will complement our existing global energy capabilities,” he said.

The firm indicated its intention to launch in Houston when it unveiled its financial results for the 2011 year (28 February 2012). The launch comes after the firm last year signalled its intention to open a base in South Korea (28 November 2011).The firm is also continuing to examine opportunities in Singapore.

The Houston launch comes after Sidley Austen made a similar move earlier this year (16 February 2012).

Paul Hastings was not available for comment.