Occidental Petroleum Names John C. Ale Its General Counsel

By Mark Curriden

Occidental Petroleum Corporation Wednesday named long-time Houston energy lawyer John C. Ale as its new General Counsel and Vice President.

Ale, who clerked for United States Chief Justice Warren Burger and has degrees in economics and law from the University of Virginia, has represented Oxy on various transactional matters since 1986.

Ale, who is 57, has been the managing partner of the Houston office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom for the past decade. Prior to that, he was a partner with Vinson & Elkins LLP in Houston and later was Managing Partner of the firm’s London office.

Lawyers who know Ale say that he is an excellent choice for Oxy, which is the fourth largest U.S. oil and gas company and the largest oil producer in Texas.

“The guy has an encyclopedic mind when it comes to partnership law,” says Adam Schiffer, a partner at Schiffer Odom Hicks & Johnson, who practiced with Ale at V&E. “His mind works even faster than he talks, and he talks pretty fast. John is a great guy. Occidental could not have made a better choice.”

Occidental’s President and Chief Executive Officer Stephen I. Chazen added, “Among his impressive qualifications, John has over 30 years’ experience in the energy sector with two of America’s premier law firms. We are pleased to welcome this distinguished legal professional to our management team.”

Oxy also announced that Donald P. de Brier will remain with the company as Corporate Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary with continuing responsibility for legal; health, safety and environment; public affairs and corporate communications; and security.

Skadden announced that Charles W. Schwartz, head of the firm’s litigation practice in Texas, will take over as the administrative partner in charge in Houston.

“We thank John for his significant contributions to the firm and look forward to working with him as a client,” said Skadden Executive Partner Eric J. Friedman. “Our Houston office will be in great hands under Charles’ leadership.”

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