Peter Hays Joins Paul Hastings to Strengthen Houston Energy M&A
Advisor - People | Jul 28, 2025 | Paul Hastings
Paul Hastings LLP has announced the addition of energy lawyer Peter Hays to its Houston office as part of its strategy to bolster its global M&A and private equity platform. Hays, an experienced energy M&A legal professional, joins from King & Spalding and brings significant expertise in the energy sector, focusing on onshore and offshore energy transactions and energy transition projects. His arrival supports Paul Hastings' ongoing expansion in Texas, an important market for the firm. Over the past three years, Paul Hastings has significantly grown its M&A and private equity teams, and its Texas presence has more than tripled, reinforcing its strong position in the legal industry.
Sectors
- Legal Services
- Energy
- Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Geography
- United States – The article focuses on the expansion of Paul Hastings in the United States, specifically in Texas and its market.
- Texas – Paul Hastings' expansion in Texas, particularly through the Houston office, is a central theme of the article.
Industry
- Legal Services – The article discusses the recruitment of a legal professional to a law firm, emphasizing industry expertise and market expansion within the legal sector.
- Energy – The article highlights the hiring of a lawyer specializing in energy M&A, signifying the relevance of the energy sector to the firm's strategic plan.
- Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) – The emphasis on building the firm's M&A and private equity platform reflects the M&A industry classification's significance to the article.
Financials
- 25 Partners – The number of partners added to Paul Hastings' M&A and private equity teams in the past three years.
- 70 Lawyers – The increase in the number of lawyers at Paul Hastings' Texas offices over the past 18 months.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Hastings LLP | Hiring Firm | Company | A premier law firm expanding its M&A and energy practice in Houston. |
| Peter Hays | New Partner | Person | An experienced energy lawyer joining Paul Hastings from King & Spalding. |
| King & Spalding | Previous Firm | Company | A law firm from which Peter Hays transitioned to Paul Hastings. |
| Frank Lopez | Chair | Person | Chair of Paul Hastings, expressing strategic goals for M&A expansion. |