Phillip Oldham focuses his practice on energy and energy-related project development, acquisitions, infrastructure development and transactions, federal and state regulatory and administrative law, and administrative litigation. He has specific expertise regarding energy projects, energy markets, petrochemical projects and related transactions. Phillip’s in-depth knowledge of regulatory and market issues across various industries makes him uniquely able to provide his clients with practical solutions to a host of legal issues.
Phillip is described by sources as being “tenacious in pursuit of his clients' interests,” and he is “highly regarded for his work on administrative and regulatory matters pertaining to large oil and gas projects.” – Chambers USA 2020
Before joining O’Melveny, Phillip was a partner at a leading Texas law firm.
Honors & Awards
- Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® in Utilities Law (2023)
- Austin Administrative / Regulatory Law Lawyer of the Year, The Best Lawyers in America, 2021
- Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® (Administrative/Regulatory Law, Energy Law, Energy Regulatory Law, and Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)), 2006-2023
- Chambers USA (Energy: State Regulatory & Litigation (Electricity), 2011-2020
- Recognized Attorney, The Legal 500 United States Industry Focus: Energy: Regulatory, Industry Focus: Energy: Litigation; Industry Focus: Energy Regulation – Conventional Power (2013-2020); Energy: Renewable/Alternative Power (2022)
- Texas Super Lawyers (Administrative Law), 2019-2020; (Energy & Natural Resources), 2023
Admissions
Bar Admissions
Court Admissions
-
US Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
Education
- University of Chicago, J.D., 1995, with honors: Editor, University of Chicago Law Review
- The University of Texas at Austin, B.A., 1992, with honors
Professional Activities
Clerkships
- The Honorable Emilio M. Garza, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals (1995-1996)
Member
- Travis County Bar Association
- American Bar Association
Presenter
- “ERCOT New Market Design and Renewable Energy: Where Are We Headed?” 2nd Conference on Renewable Project Development (April 2023)
- “Texas and Germany: Energy Twins?” UT Energy Institute Symposium (September 2014)
- “Got to Regulate: Too Much, Too Little or Just Right,” Gulf Coast Power Association (GCPA) 28th Annual Spring Conference (April 2014)
- “Recent Developments in Electricity: An Industrial Consumer Perspective,” Gulf Coast Power Association (GCPA) Austin Luncheon (July 2013)
Publications
- “Lighting the Lone Star: The Texas Experience with a Competitive Electricity Market,” Wake Forest Law Review (2005)