Winston & Strawn Adds Two Transactions Partners in Houston

Houston – August 14, 2024 – Winston & Strawn LLP announced today the addition of Kevin Brophy and Ming Lei as partners in the firm’s Houston Office and as members of the Transactions Department.

Kevin focuses his practice on energy-related matters, including the upstream and midstream sectors. He regularly advises on investments and financings of energy projects and assets, including, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, asset acquisitions and dispositions, and acquisitions and dispositions of the equity of energy companies. Kevin regularly works with family offices, private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies, as well as public and private companies, in connection with such matters. Kevin also has advised on the formation, structuring, and governance of major private equity funds. Kevin previously served as general counsel for the energy funds of an energy private equity firm for over fourteen years. 

Ming advises clients on domestic and international mergers, divestitures and acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity investments, project finance and development, and complex commercial contracts in all aspects of the energy and infrastructure sector, including oil and gas exploration, midstream pipeline, marine terminalling and storage, refinery and petrochemical, and energy transition. Additionally, Ming brings extensive experience advising China-based companies on their investments, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance matters in the U.S.

In a joint statement, Kevin and Ming said, “Winston’s transactions team has a first-class reputation. We are excited to join the firm’s growing Houston office and look forward to collaborating with our new colleagues to advance Winston’s oil and gas practice in Texas and beyond.”

“Kevin and Ming’s extensive experience executing all manner of sophisticated transactions for energy and infrastructure clients combined with their strong networks in the energy sector enhance Winston’s position in Texas as one of the strongest firms for handling these transactions,” said Mike Blankenship, Houston office managing partner. “Their complementary skills will help expand our work with private equity firms and other companies operating in the energy sector.”

“Winston & Strawn is committed to growing its transactions capabilities within the oil and gas sector. The addition of Kevin and Ming adds significant private equity and M&A capabilities to our Houston office and reaffirms our leadership in the energy industry,” said Transactions Department Co-Chairs Timothy Kincaid and Brad Vaiana.