The Petroleum Refining & Marketing Group is a team of attorneys that regularly represents petroleum refiners and marketers. Each attorney in the group specializes in an area of the law that affects clients in the petroleum industry, from commercial and business law matters to Petroleum Marketing Practices Act (PMPA) compliance. In every case, no matter what the subject matter may be, our petroleum clients are provided with skillful representation and a pragmatic and constructive approach to meeting their objectives.
Williams Mullen has been fortunate to represent a large number of petroleum clients over the years. In doing so, we have gained keen insight into the legal needs of petroleum refiners and marketers and have developed a wide range of legal services specifically designed to meet those needs.
Some of the major areas of legal counsel provided by the Petroleum Marketing Group are:
Business and Commercial Law
Our attorneys have experience in all areas of commercial and business law relevant to the petroleum industry. We regularly advise clients on such matters as the choice and structuring of appropriate business entities, business reorganizations, and mergers and acquisitions. We also regularly handle the negotiation and drafting of contracts (including all forms of supply, throughput, terminaling and franchise agreements), commercial financing and refinancing documents, leases, and purchase and sale agreements.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Williams Mullen attorneys have represented numerous petroleum clients in M&A stock and asset purchase transactions, including the negotiated acquisition and divestiture of service stations and c-stores as well as selling such retail outlets at auction with a right of reserve.
PMPA and State Franchise Laws
The firm has strong experience in the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act, state petroleum products franchise laws, and divorcement and below cost laws. We regularly counsel clients on how to comply with these laws while achieving their objectives.
Labor and Employment Law
The regulations involving today's labor and employment market continue to multiply, and clients are sometimes unsure of their rights and duties. We offer in-depth legal knowledge in this specialized area supported by extensive practical experience. We regularly counsel petroleum clients on employment issues and represent them in court and before regulatory agencies.
Environmental Law
Compliance with environmental laws and regulations has grown increasingly complex and costly, and penalties for noncompliance can be high. We have experience in all facets of environmental law affecting the petroleum industry, including OPA 90, SPCC, FRP, UST and AST regulations, air permitting for terminals and pipelines, stormwater management and permitting, and remediation of spill and releases.
Real Estate
Virtually every petroleum client owns or leases commercial real estate. We are experienced in all aspects of real property law, including zoning and land use, construction and permanent financing transactions, commercial leases, condemnation, and like-kind exchanges.
Governmental Affairs
The firm has a long history of representing clients effectively on legislative and administrative matters. Our Group provides petroleum clients with lobbying services before state legislatures and representation before state and federal agencies on a wide range of regulatory and franchise matters. We bring a unique perspective to lobbying because we understand the industry and the laws and regulations that apply to petroleum companies.
Litigation
The Petroleum Group includes litigators with experience in the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act, environmental law, premises liability, commercial law, tax issues, and other matters affecting petroleum clients. Our petroleum experience and understanding of the industry allow us to represent our clients more effectively in litigation.