The global law firm of Thompson & Knight LLP is pleased to announce Jose L. Valera has joined the Firm's Houston office, where he will continue his practice in domestic and international energy industry transactions. A native of Peru, Mr. Valera has more than 25 years of legal experience representing oil, gas, and electric energy companies throughout the United States, Central America, South America, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.

"Jose's experience and depth of knowledge is a perfect fit for Thompson & Knight as we continue to expand our energy-related practice, particularly in Latin America," says Dallas Parker, Office Managing Partner in Houston. "His skills will be invaluable in providing legal counsel to the diverse network of public, private, and governmental entities that are exploring, developing, and structuring new energy assets around the globe."

Mr. Valera represents oil and gas companies on exploration and production contracts, investment agreements, upstream development projects, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, products sales, and LNG regasification projects. His experience also includes supporting electric companies in the development of thermal and renewable generation projects, plant operations and maintenance, fuel supply, financing, mergers, and acquisitions. Mr. Valera has counseled the governments of Argentina, Bolivia, Honduras, Peru, and Iraq on energy legislative reform matters, development of shared hydrocarbon resources, and privatization transactions related to the oil and gas industry.

Fluent in English, Spanish, and French, Mr. Valera is a former member of the board of directors of the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators and is a frequent speaker on energy matters at professional conferences.

Mr. Valera has authored numerous articles for industry and legal journals, and in 2008 received a Burton Award for Achievement in Legal Writing from the Burton Foundation, in association with the Library of Congress. He was also recognized for his work as a Projects and Energy Lawyer in Latin America in the 2008 edition of the prestigious publication Chambers Global: The World's Leading Lawyers for Business.

Mr. Valera earned law degrees from both the South Texas College of Law in Houston and the Catholic University of Peru in Lima. He received his undergraduate degree from the Catholic University of Peru. He is a member of the American Bar Association; State Bar of Texas; Louisiana Bar Association; Lima, Peru, Bar Association; the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators; and the Houston Committee on Foreign Relations.

About Thompson & Knight

Since 1887, Thompson & Knight LLP has consistently made a positive impact on its clients' successes. With its practice focused on the energy industry, the Firm has extensive resources in litigation, tax, insolvency, and international energy matters. The Firm has approximately 420 attorneys, and has offices and alliances in North America, South America, Europe, and Africa. Thompson & Knight represents companies, government entities, and individuals in local, regional, and national markets around the world.

For additional information:
Becky S. Jackson
Chief Client Services Officer
214.969.1478