James (JJ) McAnelly is a nationally recognized and well-regarded upstream, midstream and deal lawyer consistently ranked in Chambers USA for the last 16 years. As co-chair of the firm’s oil and gas practice and with more than 30 years of industry experience, he represents a broad, diverse client-base ranging from majors, independents, oilfields services, private-equity and their portfolio companies in a broad spectrum of transactions including the purchase, sale, restructuring and/or financing of exploration and producing properties, processing plants, production and storage facilities and pipeline systems. With the emergence of the energy transition and given his broad oil and gas experience, he is advising on numerous carbon capture projects, including real property rights and commercial issues involving enhanced oil recovery and CO2 sequestration.
With a stellar reputation for his knowledge and work throughout the energy industry, JJ also regularly advises creditors and debtors in financial restructurings, distressed investments and acquisitions, as well as Chapter 11 proceedings and “363” sale processes.
Recognized by a leading legal publication for doing “a great job with clients,” JJ also utilizes his vast experience to assist with the formation of joint ventures, “drillcos” and partnerships for the funding, acquisition, operation and development of energy projects. This skillset includes drawing on his finance practice experience representing commercial banks, investment banks and hedge funds in energy lending. Once completed, he further assists clients with day-to-day operational concerns.
