Denny Lee, an energy and infrastructure transactions partner, has joined Simpson Thacher & Bartlett in Houston from Latham & Watkins. He will focus his practice on advising public and private companies, private equity sponsors, financial advisors and boards on complex U.S. and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, carve-outs, joint ventures, take-private transactions and corporate finance matters across the energy and infrastructure sectors, according to a news release.
Before joining Simpson Thacher, Lee spent approximately eight years at Latham & Watkins, where he most recently served as counsel in the firm’s M&A and private equity practice. Prior to entering private practice, Lee worked at a leading global investment bank, covering clients throughout the Asia-Pacific region, and later at a global private equity firm focused on acquisitions and asset management.
“Clients operating in today’s dynamic energy and infrastructure environment require sophisticated guidance on a wide range of strategic transactions. Denny brings a strong track record advising on complex, multijurisdictional M&A, carve-outs, joint ventures and financing matters across oil and gas, renewables, power and logistics — making him a trusted partner to clients,” said Eli Hunt, co-head of the firm’s energy and infrastructure practice.
Simpson Thacher recorded $186.8 million in Texas revenue last year, a 33.9 percent increase over 2024, and reported a headcount of 83 lawyers in 2025, an increase of 25.8 percent from the previous year, according to the Lawbook 50.
AREAS OF FOCUS
Lee focuses his practice on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, carve-outs, spinoffs, take-private transactions and other strategic corporate matters. He regularly advises public and private companies involving oil and gas, renewable energy, power, logistics and broader infrastructure assets. His practice also includes corporate governance, SEC reporting and shareholder activism matters.
EDUCATION
Yonsei University (BA)
The University of Texas (JD, 2016)