Paul B. Simon advises oil & gas operators and investors on acquisitions and divestitures, private equity investments, and similar strategic transactions. Paul’s regularly provides counsel on the industry’s primary commercial agreements -- JOAs, IADC drilling contracts, participation agreements, and the like -- and advises clients on regulatory issues and appeals before the major federal agencies -- BLM, BOEM, BSEE, and ONRR. Paul is a partner with the Burke Law Group. Two of Paul's former law partners at Burke recently left to be second in command, and head of enforcement, respectively at the EPA in the new administration. The founder of the firm, Marcella Burke, was Deputy Solicitor for Energy and Natural Resources in the first Trump administration and supervisor to the department's current general counsel. These changes are providing unique and momentous opportunities for Paul's clients at Burke and keeping him and his clients busy -- including on behalf of Marcella's other long-term client, General Murrille, who recently enlisted Burke, via a team led by Paul and Marcella, to establish the legal framework, including rules, regulations, and internal processes, for the Louisiana Department of Natural Resource's new enforcement division.