The Mergers and Acquisitions Section focuses on the role played by lawyers in negotiating and documenting business acquisitions, divestitures, mergers and related transactions. The Section’s principal activities include: discussing and debating issues of current relevance and interest to practitioners in the M&A and investment community; and sponsoring and presenting educational programs on M&A-related topics.
The section strives to be a primary resource for cutting-edge M&A education for the Houston business lawyer and welcomes accountants, investors, bankers and other professionals involved in transactions. The section organizes monthly programs (usually excluding March, July, August and December) that focus on practical M&A-related topics as well as networking events. A council of 10 members including a Chair, Chair-Elect, Secretary and Treasurer meet monthly and provide leadership to the section in planning events.
2025-2026 Section Officers
Chair
W. Robert Shearer, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
Immediate Past Chair
Charles Koerth, Gray Reed & McGraw, P.C.
Treasurer
Rachel Fitzgerald, Troutman Pepper Locke
Secretary
TBD
Council Members
Efren Acosta, Reed Smith LLP
Lauren Anderson, Latham & Watkins LLP
Federica Castro, Mayer Brown LLP
Philip Dunlap, Balch & Bingham LLP
Allison Pearce, Troutman Pepper Locke LLP
Professor Robert Ragazzo, University of Houston Law Center
Brittany Sakowitz, Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Member Details
Section Members: 301
Section Dues: $25
Meetings
Cost of lunch, if applicable. Reservation is required.
