Over 40 years of Corporate and oil and gas legal advice

Nature of Law Practice:

Domestic and International Oil and Gas Law, Corporate Governance, Commercial Transactions

Experience:

Extensive legal experience and accomplishments in all facets of domestic and international exploration and production of oil and gas. This experience extends to mergers and acquisitions and to general corporate governance matters, including but not limited to, positions on boards of directors.

Work History:

Board Memberships:

• Forest Lawn Cemetery of Houston, Inc. 2014 – 2021.
  Served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of this private company.
• ATP Oil and Gas Corporation 1996 – 2014.
  Served on the Board of Directors of this NASDAQ listed oil and gas company. In the capacity of a board member, was Chair of the Company’s audit committee.
• Pope John XXIII High School 2002 – 2011.
  Served on the Board of Trustees of this Katy, Texas area high school.
• Girls, Inc. 2007-2010.
  Served as General Counsel to the Board of Directors of Girls, Inc.
• University of St. Thomas 1981 – 1982.
  Served on the Alumni Board of Directors.

Legal Employment History:

• The Law Office of Gerard J. Swonke, P. C. and formerly “Of Counsel” with The McConn Law Firm 2001 – Present. Currently, and while “Of Counsel’ with The McConn Law Firm and its predecessor, McConn & Williams, P.C., is engaged in contract drafting and negotiations for oil and gas clients and providing legal guidance and counseling to clients for an array of general business matters. This representation includes corporate governance matters and negotiating, drafting, reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting a variety of contracts for clients operating domestically and for clients whose oil and gas operations are in Africa, Argentina, Portugal, Denmark, Indonesia, Paraguay, Madagascar and the North Sea.
• Experience extends to being lead attorney in several acquisitions and divestitures involving both stock and asset purchases. As legal counsel to and as an officer of several corporations, is involved extensively with corporate governance and administrative responsibilities.
• Greenberg, Peden, Siegmyer & Oshman, P. C. 1985- 2001. In a similar “Of Counsel” position
  with this firm, has provided the same services described above.
• Aminoil, Inc. 1975-1985. As regional counsel for this Company and its predecessor, Burmah Oil and Gas Company, was primarily responsible for legal representation of its Gulf Coast operations which included onshore and offshore matters. Also acted as counsel for crude oil and gas products marketing, and pipeline operations. Supervised outside counsel in litigation; represented Company in governmental agency hearings as well as provided legal counsel and direct legal support in those corporate functions dealing with Federal and State laws and regulations including DOE, SEC and ICC matters
• Concurrent with domestic responsibilities, had responsibilities in all aspects of international oil and gas legal matters including drafting and negotiating all relevant documents required for the foreign exploration and production of oil and gas. Have conducted acquisitions and have negotiated and drafted documents involving such acquisitions.
• McAninch and Haggerty, P.C. 1974-1975 General practice which consisted of litigation, contract negotiations, family law, and personal injury litigation.

Nonlegal Employment:

• Automated Systems Corporation. 1970-1974 Acting as Controller/Administrative Assistant, had responsibility for corporate accounting. Duties included preparation of all financial statements, budgets, cash flow projections and preparation of some corporate tax returns. Also acted as liaison to Company’s clients of its EDP Accounting System. Was also the corporation’s EEOC officer.
• United States Army. 1967-1970. Served in Viet Nam as an infantry combat officer.

Volunteer Organizations:

• Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. 2003-present. Member, Corporate Development and Legal Committees
• Houston Bar Association: 1991-1993. Editor, Oil and Gas Section Newsletter
• St. Michael Catholic Church: 1991-1994 Member, Pastoral Counsel
• St. Michael School: 1990-1994 President of the School Board
  1991-1992 Chairman of the School Fund Drive
  Association of International Petroleum Negotiators: 2007. Contract Draft Committee Member

Education

• South Texas College of Law – J.D., January 1974.
• University of St. Thomas; B.A. Economics, 1967

Professional Associations:

• Sustaining Life Fellow, Houston Bar Foundation
• Member, State Bar of Texas
• Sections:

• Business Law
• Corporate Counsel
• International Law
  • Oil, Gas and mineral Law

• Member, Houston Bar Association (HBA)
• Sections:
• Corporate Counsel
•  International Law
• Oil, Gas and Mineral Law – Council member 1991-1993

Committees:

• Alternative Dispute Resolution 1989-1990
• Member, Texas – Mexico Bar Association
• Member, Association of International Petroleum Negotiators

Bar Status:

• Member, Temporary Emergency Court of Appeals
• Member, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth and Eleventh Circuits
• Member, United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas
• Member, United States Supreme Court

Citizenship:

United States of America