LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, has been named a finalist for 2013 Law Firm of the Year by the West Coast Oil & Gas Awards. The firm's Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Practice is one of only three in the running for the prestigious honor. A winner will be announced on October 24 at the inaugural 2013 West Coast Oil & Gas Awards gala.

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The Oil & Gas Awards "promote and celebrate the positive contributions made by companies in the upstream and midstream sectors of the oil and gas industry," the organization said. Awards are presented internationally, with finalists determined for the West Coast region by a panel of 52 leading industry executives, who reviewed more than 400 entries from approximately 250 companies in 19 categories.

Manatt's Energy, Environment & Natural Resources team of more than 40 accomplished energy lawyers, led by Craig A. Moyer and David L. Huard, helps clients navigate complex and diverse challenges as well as capitalize on substantial opportunities. They combine practical, real-world solutions with forward-thinking, proactive counsel to help clients successfully understand and respond to developments in the energy industry and to achieve their business objectives.

The firm has a long history in the area of energy law, particularly with regard to the oil and gas industry, where Manatt attorneys have been leaders for more than three decades. Manatt is a sought-after advisor to a wide spectrum of oil and gas entities (upstream, midstream and downstream), interests (hydraulic fracturing proponents and opponents, rate case applicants, and interveners) and stakeholders (landowners and developers, royalty owners and pipeline transmission companies). In addition, the firm is general counsel to the California Independent Petroleum Association, which includes more than 500 independent crude oil and natural gas producers, royalty owners, and service and supply companies that comprise 70 percent of California's total oil production and 90 percent of the state's natural gas production.

Manatt has assisted oil and gas companies, which are among the most capital-intensive businesses in the world, with every major type of transaction, ranging from financing, acquisitions and dispositions to special due diligence issues and restructuring of energy assets. The firm has deep experience dealing with the sensitive environmental and regulatory concerns involved in petroleum production, refining and marketing. The refining industry is a particular focus, including water, truck and pipeline transport; regulatory matters affecting transportation; local issues of utility service to such refiners; and complex permitting and environmental regulation issues.

A thought leader in the industry, Manatt regularly convenes an invitation-only "Energy Forum," with roundtable discussions among current and former senior officials from state and national energy arenas as well as prominent industry executives. Past keynote speakers have included U.S. Congressman Kevin McCarthy (22nd District of California) and California Governor Jerry Brown.

About Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLPManatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, is one of the nation's leading law firms, with offices strategically located in California (Los Angeles, Orange County, Palo Alto, San Francisco and Sacramento), New York (New York City and Albany) and Washington, D.C. The firm represents a sophisticated client base — including Fortune 500, middle-market and emerging companies — across a range of practice areas and industry sectors. For more information, visit www.manatt.com.

CONTACT:Lawrence Martinez, (310) 231-5443Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

SOURCE Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

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