Baker Botts L.L.P., an international law firm with a strong presence in energy, technology, and life sciences sectors, has appointed Evan Koster as a partner in its Corporate Practice and the Head of its Derivatives Practice, based in New York. Koster brings over two decades of experience in derivatives, commodities, and energy trading across the United States and Latin America. His expertise encompasses various asset classes, including energy commodities such as oil, natural gas, and carbon transition trading, as well as fixed income, foreign exchange, and equities. In addition to transactional work, Koster advises clients on regulatory and compliance issues under the Dodd-Frank Act and the Commodities Exchange Act, and has actively participated in the advocacy and rulemaking process surrounding derivatives regulation. ([bbt-uat-cm.azurewebsites.net](https://bbt-uat-cm.azurewebsites.net/News/2025/02/Baker-Botts-Welcomes-Derivatives-and-Commodities-and-Emerging-Markets-Capital-Markets?utm_source=openai))
Prior to joining Baker Botts, Koster served as a senior attorney at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where he played a pivotal role in shaping policies related to financial markets and international trade. His tenure at the Treasury Department provided him with a deep understanding of the complexities involved in global trade and financial regulations, positioning him well to lead Baker Botts’ efforts in trade risk mitigation.
In his new role, Koster will focus on assisting clients in navigating the evolving landscape of trade regulations and mitigating associated risks. His appointment aligns with Baker Botts’ strategic focus on expanding its capabilities in the derivatives and commodities sectors, particularly within the energy and Latin American markets. Managing Partner Danny David expressed enthusiasm about Koster’s addition to the team, stating, “Evan’s wealth of experience across derivatives and commodities, especially in the energy and Latin American markets, aligns perfectly with our strategic focus. We’re excited to have him on board to further assist our clients as they navigate the evolving landscape.” ([bbt-uat-cm.azurewebsites.net](https://bbt-uat-cm.azurewebsites.net/News/2025/02/Baker-Botts-Welcomes-Derivatives-and-Commodities-and-Emerging-Markets-Capital-Markets?utm_source=openai))
Firmwide Corporate Department Chair Samantha Hale Crispin also highlighted the significance of Koster’s arrival, noting, “Evan’s arrival marks an exciting moment for our Firm. His experience in complex financial products and his regulatory insight will be a tremendous asset to our clients, particularly as we continue to expand our capabilities in the derivatives and commodities and emerging markets capital market sectors.” ([bbt-uat-cm.azurewebsites.net](https://bbt-uat-cm.azurewebsites.net/News/2025/02/Baker-Botts-Welcomes-Derivatives-and-Commodities-and-Emerging-Markets-Capital-Markets?utm_source=openai))
Koster’s practice extends beyond derivatives; he has represented sovereign entities, including state-owned energy companies, financial institutions, and corporate borrowers in emerging markets capital markets transactions, particularly in the Latin American debt capital markets and energy-related transactions. Notably, he served as the lead capital markets lawyer in prominent emerging markets sovereign debt restructurings, such as those of Ghana and Sri Lanka in 2024, and the Republic of Ecuador’s successful restructuring in 2020. ([bbt-uat-cm.azurewebsites.net](https://bbt-uat-cm.azurewebsites.net/News/2025/02/Baker-Botts-Welcomes-Derivatives-and-Commodities-and-Emerging-Markets-Capital-Markets?utm_source=openai))
His appointment is part of Baker Botts’ broader strategy to enhance its expertise in key practice areas and geographies. The firm has been focusing on profitable growth in sectors where it has a competitive advantage, such as energy and technology. Managing Partner Danny David emphasized this approach, stating, “We are laser-focused on this. We are here at this white-hot center of what is happening both in technology and energy, and as a function of that in the legal industry.” ([news.bloomberglaw.com](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/white-collar-and-criminal-law/baker-botts-shuns-merger-fights-new-rivals-in-renewal-push?utm_source=openai))
With Koster’s addition, Baker Botts aims to strengthen its position as a leading advisor in trade risk mitigation, offering clients comprehensive legal solutions in an increasingly complex global trade environment.