News

Kevin Trautner
Partner
Houston


Charles Powell
Partner
Houston

Kevin Trautner joined Fulbright from King & Spalding while Charles D. Powell joins from Haynes and Boone.

“Both Chuck and Kevin bring a broad scope of corporate experience to our existing practice, which recently was cited as one of the Top 20 corporate practices in the nation,” said Mike Conlon, the co-head of Fulbright’s corporate practice. “As a major international law firm, we handle a broad range of international corporate, commercial, transactional, securities, investment, finance, trade and regulatory matters for our clients. Having Kevin and Chuck as part of our team further enhances the full range of representation we offer our clients.”

Powell has represented technology companies, including those that serve the energy industry, and telecoms. He also has provided guidance related to venture capital, securities offerings and mergers and acquisitions, in addition to serving as the head of his previous firm’s technology practice in Houston.

Less than a decade ago it was difficult to imagine a venture capital and emerging companies practice requiring international depth, Powell said. However, today with the globalization of capital markets and opportunities for public listings in London and Europe, venture and private equity clients need legal capabilities internationally.

"Venture funds in Europe and Asia are seeking out new technologies for oil and gas exploration developed in the deep water areas of the Gulf and offshore Brazil," Powell said. "Working from a global platform that includes offices in the Middle East, Asia and the United Kingdom, Fulbright is able to satisfy the international needs of emerging company clients who are accessing venture capital in Europe and private equity in Asia, as well as those who need experienced assistance in structuring ventures in the Middle East and China."

Fulbright’s global corporate practice ranks among the Top 20 in the nation, according to Corporate Board Member magazine. The corporate practice group provides and offers a vast array of legal services to a diverse client base that ranges from start-up ventures to large multinational companies.

Fulbright’s corporate attorneys work to guide clients through the legal issues that affect not only their ability to obtain financing, but also to maintain their operations in a highly competitive, high-speed business environment.

Trautner has focused his practice on corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions. He has represented issuers and underwriters in a variety of public and private debt and equity securities offerings, including initial public offerings and offerings under Rule 144A. Trautner also represents buyers and sellers in mergers and in stock and asset purchases and has experience representing master limited partnerships. Additionally, Trautner regularly counsels clients on securities law compliance, corporate governance and other general corporate matters.

“Kevin’s experience in private placements of securities to qualified institutional buyers, as well as his experience with master limited partnerships, nicely complements our existing practice,” said David Peterman, who heads Fulbright’s corporate, banking and business department in Houston. “Meanwhile, Chuck is an experienced corporate lawyer bringing experience representing mid-stage high tech and energy companies.”

Powell received his J.D. from the University of Texas and a B.A. in history from Columbia University.

Trautner received a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, a M.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and a B.S. from the University of Notre Dame.

“In the short time I’ve been at Fulbright, the firm’s corporate group has been involved in some very impressive deals,” Trautner said. “Fulbright’s collegial environment fosters a firm-wide team approach to provide the firm’s clients with a comprehensive, global legal strategy. I am pleased to be working with such a remarkable group of lawyers at a firm that puts client service at the forefront.”