Courtney Giles
Biography
Courtney Giles is a partner in Baker McKenzie's Houston office. Courtney is a member of the Houston office’s Pro Bono Committee and actively involved in Baker McKenzie’s pro bono efforts, including the Children’s Rights Summit. Courtney is also a member of the Order of the Barons and Order of the Barristers.
Practice Focus
Courtney routinely represents clients across many industries in state and federal court proceedings as well as domestic and international arbitration. Her practice focuses on contractual disputes and business torts in the energy and manufacturing industries.
Representative Legal Matters
- Obtained, as a member of the trial team, a jury verdict awarding damages for breach of contract, in favor of a technology company focused on clean fuels, renewables, petrochemicals.
- Successfully defended USD 45 million in contract claims in ICC arbitration seated in Houston, relating to overseas module transportation in connection with an EPC project in the Middle East, and securing net costs award in client’s favor.
- Prevailed in complete dismissal of USD 50 million in claims against several entities that supply industrial equipment related to alleged breach of contract, tortious interference and unfair competition claims.
- Secured favorable settlement and recovered substantial arbitration costs on behalf of EPC contractor in ICC arbitration seated in Kuwait City, involving defense against a supplier claim arising out of a refinery project in the Middle East.
- Secured favorable settlement in defense of claims relating to the calculation of the final account and claims for delay and further payment arising out of the construction of an industrial project in France.
- Secured USD 45 million award on behalf of global supplier of industrial equipment in ICC arbitration seated in Dubai, stemming from breach of joint venture agreement relating to a joint venture in the Middle East.
- Represented a publicly traded company in an ICC French law arbitration involving post-closing adjustment and indemnity disputes arising out of an acquisition worth over 300 USD million.
- Represented a major international oil company as claimant in a CPR arbitration to enforce an indemnity obligation owed in the wake of a fatal explosion in a refinery that had been sold to the opposing party.
- Represented an international research and consulting company for the oil and gas industry in a breach of contract and false advertising dispute in federal court, resulting in a favorable jury verdict for the client.
- Represented debtors in the Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. chapter 11 bankruptcy case.
- Represented administrative agent and first lien lender in the Linn Energy and Berry Petroleum chapter 11 bankruptcy cases.
- Represented administrative agent and first lien lender in the Azure Midstream Partners, LP chapter 11 bankruptcy case.
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Institute for Energy Law – Advisory Board Member
- Houston Bar Association – Member
- Houston Young Lawyers Association – Member
- Women’s Energy Network – Member
Corporate Responsibility
Courtney is an active member of the Pro Bono Committee and projects relating to children’s rights, including the Homeless Youth Handbook and Children’s Rights Summit. Courtney’s proudest pro bono moment is when she and a small team won asylum for a mother and child fleeing from persecution
Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit~United States (2018)
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas~United States (2020)
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas~United States (2016)
- Texas~United States (2015)
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas~United States (2024)
Education
- University of Houston Law Center (JD, cum laude) (2015)
- University of Missouri (Bachelor of Journalism, magna cum laude) (2010)
Baker & McKenzie LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership organized under the laws of the State of Illinois (USA) and is a member of Baker & McKenzie International, a Verein organized under the laws of Switzerland.