Chip retired from the partnership in 2024. He represented companies, underwriters and investors in corporate finance and securities matters, including complex financing arrangements and debt investment opportunities.

A seasoned indenture practitioner, Chip advised issuers in achieving state-of-the-art enhancements in new financings. Chip also assisted companies in ongoing covenant compliance matters.

Chip assisted clients in designing and implementing complex financing structures, including shared/tiered collateral arrangements and multiparty subordination and intercreditor arrangements. He also advised on debt tender and exchange offers and consent solicitations to achieve covenant modifications or lien releases.

Representative Work

Assisted a private equity client in developing a market-standard, cross-border secured financing structure for Canadian oil & gas exploration companies, translating investor protections and liquidity benefits of U.S. public securities.
Used seasoned market knowhow to achieve a state-of-the-art covenant package for a first-time secured bond issuer, implementing significant issuer-favorable enhancements to ensure operational flexibility.
Harnessed deep securities and debt experience to devise practical solutions under an existing debt of power generation holding company, using innovative analysis in complex indenture matters to achieve company-favorable solutions.
Utilized extensive experience in engineering covenant workarounds to unlock $20 million of liquidity for a new restructuring client, using a buried loophole in asset sale restriction, an exception overlooked by a predecessor law firm.
Negotiated significant provisions for a midstream master limited partnership (MLP) issuer of preferred securities.

Education
J.D., Yale Law School, 1982
B.A., Yale University, summa cum laude, 1979

Clerkships
U.S.C.A., 9th Circuit

Bar Admissions
New York
Texas

Recognitions

IFLR1000, Notable Practitioners, 2020.
IFLR1000, United States, Notable Practitioner, Banking, Capital Markets: Debt and Capital Markets: High Yield, Energy and Oil & Gas.

Affiliations and Public Service

Councilmember, City of Hunters Creek Village.
Board of Trustees, Chapelwood United Methodist Church.
Board of Directors, Tennis Committee Chair, Houston Racquet Club.
Member, Board of Directors, Yale Club of Houston.
Akin Inclusion Council, which promotes diversity in Akin’s ranks, Houston office and firmwide.