Perkins Coie Expands Oil & Gas Practice With the Addition of Brad Keithley

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA (September 4, 2008) – Perkins Coie announces that Bradford Keithley has joined the firm as a partner in its national Environment, Energy & Resources practice. He will focus on oil and gas issues, practicing in the firm's Anchorage and Washington, D.C. offices.

Recognized repeatedly by Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business for his skill on oil and gas matters, for the past 18 years Keithley has been a partner with international law firm Jones Day, practicing from its Dallas and Houston offices. Prior to joining Jones Day, Keithley was Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Arkla, Inc., which at the time was one of largest integrated gas companies in the United States.

Keithley has been actively involved in Alaska North Slope and Cook Inlet issues for more than ten years, and, in total, has more than 30 years of experience in complex legal matters involving the oil and natural gas industry.

"We are excited Brad has joined Perkins Coie. His background and expertise will help our clients overcome the significant challenges facing the Alaska oil and gas industry," said Eric Fjelstad, Anchorage managing partner. "We are optimistic about the future of Alaska and will continue to seek out high quality attorneys, like Brad, to meet our clients' growing needs in the energy, mining, construction, litigation and government contracts areas."

Keithley said the move is a natural. “Oil and gas development in Alaska and the Arctic is critical to the world’s future, but faces a number of significant challenges. I have long respected Alaskans’ efforts in dealing with these challenges, and through this move look forward to deepening my involvement in finding solutions at state, national and international levels.”

Keithley joins a team of more than 40 environmental and natural resource attorneys across the country, focused on the representation of leading energy, manufacturing and natural resources companies in Alaska and throughout the United States. A graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, Keithley speaks frequently on industry matters and is actively involved in various industry and legal associations.