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Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP has strengthened its capital markets practice in Dallas with the addition of Joanna D. Enns, a former partner at Vinson & Elkins LLP. Enns, who specializes in the mining and natural resources sector within the energy industry, joined the firm as part of its cross-disciplinary minerals and mining practice.

With nearly five years of experience at V&E, Enns brings a wealth of expertise in capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and liability management transactions. She is well-versed in representing investment banks and issuers in a wide range of public and private securities transactions, including IPOs, high-yield debt offerings, tender offers, and restructurings. Additionally, her experience extends to handling cross-border transactions and advising foreign private issuers.

Enns expressed excitement about her move, noting that Hunton's global platform and diverse experience in energy, mining, financial services, and manufacturing make it a perfect fit for her practice. She is particularly eager to contribute to the firm’s expansion in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, a growing hub for public companies, and to help extend the firm’s legal services to the mining and minerals industry, which is seeing increasing demand due to the energy transition and the need for critical minerals.

Michael O'Leary, co-head of Hunton's corporate team, praised Enns as an outstanding lawyer whose experience with mining companies is unique in the Texas market. He emphasized the value her expertise brings to the firm's clients in the mineral extraction and energy transition sectors.

Courtney Cochran Butler, co-head of the capital markets practice, also welcomed Enns, highlighting the firm’s focus on capital markets and M&A activity, particularly in the energy sector, which continues to evolve with clean energy transition and traditional energy infrastructure needs.

Enns has a notable track record, including advising a major Australian energy company on its merger with a multinational mining and metals company and helping a Canadian mining company with its NYSE listing. Prior to her time at V&E, Enns practiced at Shearman & Sterling LLP in Toronto for more than five years.

Hunton Andrews Kurth operates internationally, with offices in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, including locations in Texas, such as Austin, Dallas, and Houston.