Richard L. Lionberger

Mr. Lionberger is a Special Consultant to the Firm in his practice areas. As a Special Consultant, Mr. Lionberger is engaged by the Firm with respect to only specific matters, after confirming that neither the Firm nor Mr. Lionberger has a conflict of interest.

Mr. Lionberger handles transactional matters for the Firm, including vessel purchases and sales, vessel financing, international and domestic joint ventures, charters, international business transactions, vessel construction and repair contracts, offshore drilling and service contracts, arbitration and mediation of transactional disputes; acquisitions and divestitures of assets and companies; and mergers.

Mr. Lionberger’s financing experience includes representation of both borrowers and lenders as maritime counsel and includes both public and private debt offerings and Maritime Administration financing under Title XI. His experience includes preparation and negotiation of mortgages under the Ship Mortgage Act of 1920, as amended, and related instruments; advice concerning citizenship and documentation issues; handling the filing of security instruments with the U.S. Coast Guard; coordination with local counsel in various flag states with respect to vessel mortgages and other security; and advice on marine insurance, lien priority and other maritime issues.

His corporate and acquisition and mergers experience includes domestic and international purchases and sales of vessels (both U.S. and foreign flag) and other assets; public company mergers involving vessel owning companies; formation of domestic and international joint ventures, including partnerships, corporations and limited liability companies.

Mr. Lionberger’s international experience includes various types of business transactions in Norway, England, Scotland, Ireland, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Guernsey, Switzerland, Italy, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Zaire, Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Singapore, China, Indonesia, and Malaysia; international arbitration; and coordination with local counsel in multinational transactions.

Other experience includes preparation and negotiation of term and well to well daywork, footage and turnkey drilling contracts, both domestic and international; bareboat and time charters of vessels; and preparation and negotiation of vessel construction and repair contracts in the U.S. and abroad.

Bar and Court Admissions

• Texas, 1980

Education

• University of Texas (J.D., 1979)
• Texas A&M University (B.S., Pet.E., 1972); Phi Delta Phi; Tau Beta Pi; Pi Epsilon Tau

Memberships

• Houston Bar Association
• International Bar Association
• State Bar of Texas (Corporation; Banking and Business Law; International Sections)
• Houston Maritime Arbitrators Association