Clifford Chance named J. Laurens Wilkes partner in the Houston office and global head of infrastructure disputes.
Wilkes said the Magic Circle British firm has “an exceptional global presence in infrastructure, energy, construction and projects, spanning investments and financings, project development and disputes.”
He comes to Clifford Chance after about two years at Winston & Strawn and nearly 17 years at Jones Day. His practice is focused on complex civil litigation, and he advises clients on front-end bid/procurement disputes, risk counseling, breach of contract, administrative actions, products liability, fraud and fiduciary duty, trade secret, restructuring and tort matters in state and federal courts, as well as domestic and international arbitration.
Wilkes has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Tufts University and earned a JD at the University of Texas.
Clifford Chance also named Caitlin Gernert partner in the Houston office. Gernert advises infrastructure, energy and construction companies on civil litigation and arbitration matters. She was with O’Melveny & Myers in Houston for almost a year after spending more than four years at Winston & Strawn and nearly three at Thompson & Knight.
Gernert holds a bachelor’s in art history, corporate communications and public affairs from Southern Methodist University and earned a JD from Tulane University.
“We are excited to welcome Laurens and Caitlin to the firm,” said Alexandra Wilde, managing partner in Houston. “Their significant sector experience builds on the strong momentum of our Houston office and will be instrumental in further expanding our capabilities, while also strengthening our global platform.”
Wilde was named Office Managing Partner in Houston in March, as the firm continues investing in the nation’s fourth-largest city.
Last week, The Lawbook reported on Clifford Chance’s announcement that Houston attorneys Joclynn Marsh and Kyle Kreshover were among 28 lawyers across 11 of the firm’s offices who have been promoted to partner.