Michael J. Black is the senior energy Partner in Fasken’s Calgary office. With significant experience leading large and complex M&A transactions, including several multi-billion dollar M&A deals, Michael is counsel to numerous domestic and international energy companies. Both clients and peers recognize him as a leading, results-oriented advisor.
Michael has worked exclusively in the energy field, both in private practice and as in-house counsel, with a comprehensive focus on the upstream, midstream and the service sectors of the oil and gas business.
He also negotiates and drafts a wide variety of domestic and international energy agreements, including joint operating, acquisition, joint venture, product marketing and transportation, as well as farmouts and production sharing contracts.
Having negotiated and closed transactions in over 20 countries, Michael is an expert in providing legal and commercial advice in numerous jurisdictions. He was also the General Counsel of the state-owned oil and gas corporation in the State of Qatar. This, combined with his extensive hands-on experience, both in private practice and as in-house counsel, allows him to be fully aligned with clients’ business objectives.
Michael is a graduate of the Institute of Corporate Directors in Canada. Michael has been on the board of seven different companies, including roles as both Chairman of the Board and the Chairman of various committees. He is currently a director of one publicly traded energy company.