McDermott Will & Emery has broadened its tax practice in Houston by adding tax controversy partner Shawn O’Brien, who had been global co-head of tax-energy group at Mayer Brown.

O’Brien, who joined the firm on Monday as a partner in tax practice group, said that while McDermott has other tax lawyers in its Houston office, he brings the tax dispute and controversy practice to the office.

“Shawn is a highly regarded, business-oriented advisor,” Timothy Shuman, global head of McDermott’s tax practice, wrote in a press release.

“He has become a trusted counselor to clients in many different industries, including energy, renewables and manufacturing. His work will further strengthen our unique tax controversy platform,” Shuman wrote.

O’Brien said he typically handles matters for large corporations, and was attracted to McDermott’s “sophisticated” tax practice in areas relevant to large companies.

Also, he said, McDermott’s commitment to growing in the Texas market was important to him and his clients.