Akin Gump has hired energy transactional lawyers Wesley P. Williams and Jessica Hammons. They join the firm as partners in its Dallas and Fort Worth offices. Hammons and Williams come to Akin Gump from Thompson & Knight, where Williams served as firmwide leader of the corporate and securities practice.

“Jessica and Wes are true leaders in their field who bring impressive backgrounds that will resonate strongly with our clients, particularly those within the energy sector,” said Akin Gump chairperson Kim Koopersmith. “They’ll strengthen our top-tier energy practice and further the strong momentum we’ve seen with our transactional team in Texas following the additions last year of partners Ryan Cox, Eric Williams and Chad Nichols. I am very happy to welcome them to Akin Gump.”

“Wes and Jessica are fantastic additions to our Texas corporate team. They bring deep experience and long relationships in the oilfield services, E&P and midstream industries,” said John Goodgame, co-head of Akin Gump’s firmwide corporate practice. “Having worked opposite Wes on significant M&A transactions in recent years, and with the strong reputations that he and Jessica both enjoy, I know their practices and client relationships will align perfectly with our existing strengths. I am really looking forward to working together with them as partners.”

Hammons added, “Akin Gump’s deep Texas roots and top global energy practice will serve as an ideal platform for our practices, and I am excited to join this exceptional team.”

“We are equally enthusiastic about contributing to the firm’s success in Texas,” commented Williams. “This move will present a number of opportunities and benefits for our clients, and we are thrilled to be working with our new Akin Gump colleagues.”