MOSCOW, January 19 /PRNewswire/ -- John F. Sheedy, who has built an extensive legal practice in oil and gas, natural resources, mergers and acquisitions and private equity transactions, has joined the Moscow office of Baker Botts L.L.P. as a partner in the firm's Global Projects department.

Sheedy has more than 20 years of experience in representing both Russian and foreign clients in transactions involving Russia. His legal practice has focused on cross-border corporate, MA and finance matters in a diverse range of industries, including energy, consumer and food products, manufacturing and the financial sector.

John's deep experience in transactions involving the Russian Federation makes an excellent fit with our growing Moscow office and with our commitment to provide exceptional service to our clients in strategic markets around the world, said Baker Botts Managing Partner Walt Smith.

During his two decades of work in Russia, Sheedy has represented a number of energy companies in a variety of projects, including oil and gas ventures, well workover projects, pipeline projects and, most prominently, production sharing agreements (PSA). When the Russian economy diversified in the late 1990s and early 2000s, his client base expanded to include cross border mergers and acquisitions in the country, including private equity deals.

John will provide additional senior oil and gas expertise for us in Moscow, which has been a part of the strategic plan for our Global Projects department for a number of years, said Steven Wardlaw, Partner in Charge of the firm's Moscow office. John will help us continue to build our in-country client base, which has been instrumental in the growth of our office during the past few years, and will stand us in good stead for our continued growth here.

Sheedy earned his undergraduate degree in Russian and linguistics from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and his law degree from the University of Michigan. Prior to joining Baker Botts, he was a partner with Orrick (CIS) LLC, an affiliate of Orrick, Herrington Sutcliffe LLP, and formerly had practiced with Coudert Brothers.

About Baker Botts L.L.P.

Baker Botts L.L.P., dating from 1840, is a leading international law firm with offices in Abu Dhabi, Austin, Beijing, Dallas, Dubai, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Moscow, New York, Palo Alto (California), Riyadh and Washington. Baker Botts provides a full range of legal services to international, national and regional clients. For more information, please visit www.bakerbotts.com.

SOURCE: Baker Botts L.L.P.

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