Sutherland Asbill & Brennan, which has offices in Austin and Houston, “combined” with London-based Arbis on March 17 to boost the energy practices of both firms.

Mark Wasserman, managing partner of Sutherland Asbill, said the firm has been looking for entree into the London market, due to its importance in the energy practice. The addition of Arbis, an energy-focused boutique with 10 lawyers in London and Geneva, is a good move for Sutherland Asbill, he explained.