The Institute for Energy Law has selected McGuireWoods counsel Najwan Nayef and associate Ryan Frankel for its 2023-2024 leadership class. IEL’s leadership class is designed for professionals practicing in the energy field between three and 12 years, enabling them to increase their knowledge and develop leadership skills.
The program includes an in-person retreat, online education and social events, and associate membership in IEL through 2024. Class members also are invited to attend the organization’s 75th annual Energy Law Conference in Houston in February 2024 and the National Young Energy Professionals’ Law Conference in New Orleans in March 2024.
Based in Houston, Nayef is a member of the firm’s M&A and Energy Transactional Department. She has more than 20 years of experience advising clients based in Australia, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and the United States on domestic and international transactions. She also partners with sponsors, developers, private equity funds and other companies in the energy and power sectors on energy transition projects, including leading energy infrastructure projects through development.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this prestigious program and look forward to making connections and gaining insights to better serve clients,” Nayef said.
Also based in Houston, Frankel represents clients in business litigation, including trade secret misappropriation claims, oil and gas litigation, construction disputes, complex personal-injury claims and noncompetition agreement disputes. He serves clients across several industries, including the energy, construction, retail and technology industries. He is a member of McGuireWoods’ Business & Securities Litigation Department.
“It is an honor to be selected for the IEL’s leadership program and to get the chance to engage with industry leaders and talented lawyers,” Frankel said.
McGuireWoods’ multidisciplinary energy team works across sectors, from oil and gas to natural gas and renewable fuels to coal and emerging technologies. The firm earned nationwide rankings in several energy-related categories in the 2023 editions of Chambers USA and The Legal 500 United States.
“Najwan and Ryan have valuable experience and industry perspectives that will make them great additions to the IEL leadership class,” said Brian Kelly, head of McGuireWoods’ energy industry team.