North America - United States • Dispute resolution
Bracewell LLP
Based in Texas, Bracewell LLP is best known for its expertise in the energy industry, which frequently sees it involved in regulatory enforcement proceedings and securities litigation on behalf of oil and gas companies and underwriters. ‘Outstanding' Houston-based lead partner Tony Visage handled the defense of a $180m claim against Stephen J. Shaper of Think Finance in a class action concerning unjust enrichment claims. Stephen Benesh in Austin has extensive experience representing oil and gas royalty trusts and their trustees in class action securities and derivative litigation. Bradley Benoit and Bryan Dumesnil, both based in Houston, also play key roles in the firm’s high-profile matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘While I worked with one person at Bracewell, the need for answers not in his particular area of legal competence, would be answered quickly and competently by bringing in other competent attorneys with different skills. This turned out to be quite beneficial as my case took some non-traditional turns.’
‘My principal contact, Tony Visage, could not have been more outstanding. He stepped in where my rights were being severely neglected by the lead attorney for the defense who represented three other defendants. Tony had to completely represent me while not alienating the lead attorney, and there were definite conflicts. He had to also sue my corporate employer in Delaware Chancery Court to get them to indemnify me which they were legally obligated to do but were unwilling to acknowledge. This was touchy because he had to do this while not damaging my long term relationship with the corporation. He did, and we won. A side complication was that my wife is a retired attorney who had many opinions regarding his handling of the case that sometimes were different than his, and he had to walk a fine line to handle the case his way and still keep her happy.’
Key clients
- Stephen J. Shaper
- Gates Capital Management
- The Bank of New York Mellon and certain of its trusts and trustees
- The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.
- Officers, directors and employees of Titan Accommodations, LLC
Work highlights
- Representing Stephen J. Shaper and certain other directors and founders of Think Finance, Inc. against allegations of RICO violations, violations of state usury laws, unfair competition and unjust enrichment.
- Defending Gates Capital Management and Jeffrey L. Gates against claims of breach of fiduciary duty and lender liability brought by the liquidating trustee of the GOK Liquidating Trust.
- Served as lead trial counsel for The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company in connection with claims brought by an investment fund on behalf of the Pacific Coast Oil Trust’s investors.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Tony Visage