James Noe has joined Holland & Knight as a partner in its Public Policy & Regulation Group. Mr. Noe, who will work in the firm’s Washington, D.C., and Houston offices, provides legislative and regulatory advocacy to energy, oil and gas, construction and other industry clients, which he also represents in a broad range of transactions and disputes. He was previously a partner at Jones Walker.

“Jim’s practice will further enhance our lobbying capabilities in Washington, particularly for our oil and gas clients,” said Rich Gold, leader of Holland & Knight’s Public Policy & Regulation Group. “Jim is well-known for his extraordinary advocacy for the energy industry on issues like exploration and production, and has experience testifying before U.S. House and Senate committees. His strong background in technical regulatory issues will be useful across the broad spectrum of the firm’s energy engagements.”

Prior to joining Jones Walker, Mr. Noe spent 18 years working for oil and gas and maritime companies, including 12 years as general counsel and chief compliance officer for the global drilling contractor Hercules Offshore Inc. At Hercules, he managed the company’s initial public offering and numerous follow-on offerings, and built the company’s regulatory and compliance infrastructure. He was the lead negotiator on numerous acquisitions, divestures and mergers.

Mr. Noe also served as CEO and executive director for CH Offshore Ltd., a Singapore-based oilfield services company that owns and charters vessels globally, and was chief corporate counsel of BJ Services Co., a worldwide provider of pressure pumping and oilfield services for the oil and gas industry. He was executive director of the Shallow Water Energy Security Coalition, a leading advocacy group for shallow water oil and gas drilling contractors, from 2010 to 2012.

“Holland & Knight’s recent moves in the marketplace have been notable,” said Mr. Noe. “The merger with Thompson & Knight cemented the firm’s status as a leading energy law firm, and its powerhouse lobbying and regulatory practice is well-known in D.C. This combination is a perfect fit for my experience and talents.”

Mr. Noe earned a J.D. degree from Louisiana State University’s Paul M. Herbert Law Center and a B.A. degree from the University of Alabama.