Representative Matters

Corporate Attorney Richard L. Lionberger has represented a variety of businesses and individuals over the years. From small business owners to publicly traded multinational corporations, Richard has provided services in all manner of business transactions and corporate affairs. Here are some examples of work he has done.

Business Formation Services for Offshore Drilling Contractor

Richard assisted a Brazilian offshore drilling contractor in establishing a Delaware-based limited liability company for a joint venture. He acted as U.S. local counsel, and advised the company on methods to limit exposure to liability as the company constructed, financed, and operated a deepwater drillship and offshore flotel. When a counterparty faced financial problems, he helped his client minimize the effects on its affairs.

Maritime Counsel for Ship Mortgage Lenders

Richard represented various lenders, acting as maritime counsel as the lenders secured vessels as collateral on ship mortgages in the oil and gas and gaming industries. He assisted a lender in a quick close on a loan for a borrower coming out of bankruptcy. Within 10 days he had placed first-preferred ship mortgages and related security on 234 vessels registered under the flag of 5 jurisdictions, securing a $225 million USD credit facility. He also handled placing first preferred ship mortgages and related security on 57 offshore drilling vessels to secure a $200 million USD credit facility.

General Counsel for Engineering Consulting Firm

Richard assisted a five-person engineering team by providing general counsel services. He assisted the company in preparing consulting contracts, office leases, and shareholder agreements between the owners. He also negotiated joint venture agreements with third party companies, including an operation in Mexico, and advised the company and its owners in the sale of the company.

Maritime Counsel for Plastics and Chemical Manufacturer

Richard represented a Houston-based plastics and chemicals manufacturer on a variety of maritime matters. He helped them to negotiate charters and service agreements for barge transportation, and facilitated shipping of the company’s products on domestic and international routes.

Negotiated Sales Agreements for Multinational Shipping Conglomerate

Richard acted as lead counsel for the U.S. subsidiary of a European shipping conglomerate in the offshore oil and gas industry, in a complex sales agreement involving a semi-submersible drilling unit. The agreements included converting the unit to a production facility as well as ongoing services to be provided by an affiliate of the seller after the deal was done.

Acquisition Advice for Oil and Gas Equipment Distributor

Richard represented the owners of a small, closely held distributor of valves used in upstream oil and gas operations and the process industries. He assisted the owners in acquiring the company, and provided corporate records maintenance services under the new ownership.

Subsidiary Formation for Multinational Engineering and Construction Company

Richard helped a Brazilian engineering and construction company form and maintain subsidiaries in the United States, British Virgin Islands, and Cayman Islands. He also served as U.S. local counsel and advised the multinational country regarding contractual matters.

Negotiated Offshore Drilling Contracts Overseas

Richard advised an Australian oil and gas exploration and production company in negotiating offshore drilling operations in New Zealand. He has provided similar services connected to the sale and purchase of offshore oil rigs and drilling contracts for various owners and operators worldwide.

Business Formation and for Independent Consultant

After a consultant was terminated by his employer, Richard helped him go out on his own, assisting him in forming and registering a limited liability company for his independent business. Richard also advised the new company in preparing service contracts.

U.S. Local Counsel for International Shipping Company

Richard served as U.S. local counsel for a Dutch heavy lift and transportation contractor. He acted for the client as a buyer for large cranes and heavy lifting equipment and assisted in negotiating a joint venture for their operation.

Conflict Mitigation for Closely Held Engineering Consulting Firm

Richard represented a closely held engineering consulting company, helping them to settle a potential indemnification claim by a client that, had it not been settled, could have bankrupted the company.

Advising Real Estate Transactions for Foreign Consulate

Richard provided advice in negotiating and finalizing a real estate transaction regarding the Houston consulate of a country in South America.

Real Estate Acquisition for Brazilian National

Richard helped a Brazilian national to obtain real estate in the U.S., setting up the structure for the purchase and facilitating the transaction.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.