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William M. Kerr, Jr., Energy Attorney in Austin, Texas

Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Energy and Environmental

Austin, TX

Practicing energy in Austin since 1982.

44+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

William M. Kerr, Jr. is an attorney based in Austin, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Energy and Environmental. William has over 44 years of legal experience.

Based in
Austin, TEXAS
Experience
over 44 years
Known for
Energy · Environmental
  • Handles Energy and Environmental matters from Austin, TEXAS.
  • Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Energy Law (Austin) (2022).

About William M. Kerr, Jr.: William M. Kerr, Jr. is an attorney based in Austin, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Energy and Environmental. William has over 44 years of legal experience.

Areas of practice

Legal matters William takes on

William concentrates on energy and environmental. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Energy cases in Austin, Texas

William takes energy matters in Austin, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.

Environmental cases in Austin, Texas

William takes environmental matters in Austin, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet William M. Kerr, Jr. — energy lawyer in Austin

William M. Kerr, Jr. is an attorney based in Austin, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Energy and Environmental. William has over 44 years of legal experience.

William M. Kerr, Jr. has more than three decades of experience in commercial transactions, with particular emphasis on acquisitions, financings and divestitures of oil and gas related concerns. He is a graduate of Washington and Lee University, where he received his bachelor of arts degree, cum laude, in 1979, as well as of the University of Texas School of Law, where he received his juris doctor, with honors, in 1981. Mr. Kerr is a fourth generation Texas lawyer and practiced for many years in Midland, Texas prior to joining the Austin office of this firm in 2005. His business practice includes extensive international experience in North America, South America, and Europe. Mr. Kerr represents clients ranging from individual investors to mid-size independents to major corporations. Mr. Kerr is a past president of The Trail Foundation in Austin.

Working with William on a energy matter

William M. Kerr, Jr. has more than three decades of experience in commercial transactions, with particular emphasis on acquisitions, financings and divestitures of oil and gas related concerns. He is a graduate of Washington and Lee University, where he received his bachelor of arts degree, cum laude , in 1979, as well as of the University of Texas School of Law, where he received his juris…

Who William represents

William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for energy and environmental matters in Austin and the surrounding Texas area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • The University of Texas

    JD · 1981

  • Washington and Lee University

    B.A. · 1979

Jurisdictions

William's state bar admissions

  • Texas

    1982 · ACTIVE

William studied at JD in The University of Texas and B.A. in Washington and Lee University.

Law school and academic background

William completed JD in The University of Texas and B.A. in Washington and Lee University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

William has received 16 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Lawyer of the Year — Energy Law (Austin)

    2022

  • Lawyer of the Year — Natural Resources Law (Austin)

    2021

  • Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Natural Resources Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Administrative / Regulatory Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Oil and Gas Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Water Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2025

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Business | Corporate

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Legal 500 City Elite, 2025

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Austin - Corporate and M&A

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law, 2022

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Natural Resources Law, 2021

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Named Top Austin Attorney, Austin Monthly, 2019

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Lawyer of the Year — Energy Law (Austin) (2022). Lawyer of the Year — Natural Resources Law (Austin) (2021). Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Natural Resources Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Administrative / Regulatory Law (2026).

Locations

William M. Kerr, Jr.'s office in Austin

William's primary office is at 303 Colorado Street, Suite 2000, Austin, Texas, 78701. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

303 Colorado Street, Suite 2000

Austin, Texas 78701

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of William M. Kerr, Jr.

William has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire William M. Kerr, Jr. — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new energy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; William will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a energy attorney in Austin, Texas

A short list to run through before you commit: How many energy matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for William

William discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in energy practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every energy matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

William's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many energy practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about William M. Kerr, Jr.

  • How much does it cost to hire William for a energy case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does William offer a free consultation?

    William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some energy attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.

  • How long do energy cases in Texas typically take?

    Simple energy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can William take my case if I'm outside Austin?

    William is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — William will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with William?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is William accepting new energy clients right now?

    William's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Energy attorneys serving Austin, Houston and Dallas in Texas

William handles energy matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified energy attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If William's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these energy attorneys in Austin handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.