Arthur M. Nathan

Member


Playing a strong hand of dealmaking, taxation, and problem-solving calling cards, Arthur Nathan provides sophisticated but pragmatic counsel that has helped countless clients seize lucrative opportunities and maximize the upsides of their most consequential business transactions. 

The consummate mergers and acquisitions practitioner, Arthur understands that buying, selling, combining, and dividing businesses requires a careful balance of big-picture thinking and bottom-line analysis. He is uniquely qualified to deliver both.

Board certified in Tax Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Arthur quickly and comprehensively grasps the tax implications of a proposed transaction, providing his clients with indispensable dollars-and-cents insights that can inform their decision-making and ensure they have a holistic understanding of its financial impact. Upon that foundation, Arthur develops and implements creative, often cutting-edge strategies designed to consummate transactions as efficiently and expeditiously as possible, advancing his clients' interests, deftly navigating roadblocks, and keeping all stakeholders focused squarely on getting the deal done.

For more than four decades, Arthur has advised clients in structuring, negotiating, managing, and documenting all types of mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, leveraged buyouts, management buyouts, family business planning, tax-free reorganizations, corporate divisions, fund structures, acquisitions, dispositions involving ESOPs, private equity transactions, partnership and limited liability company transactions, and shareholder and business owner disputes.

Although his practice has a Texas focus, Arthur has spearheaded or participated in transactions and matters from coast to coast. His clients extend across a broad spectrum of industries, including energy, power, oil and gas, oil field services, technology, logistics (including air and shipping), medical, agriculture, marine terminaling and storage facilities, and professional services.

No matter the industry, Arthur delves deep into each client's unique circumstances, priorities, pressures, goals, and way of doing business when advising them on a particular transaction or strategic decision. Developing such boots-on-the-ground insights, whether for a specific deal or while serving as outside general counsel, not only helps Arthur tailor his counsel most effectively but also lays the groundwork for the close, enduring relationships he forges with those he has the privilege to represent. They know that Arthur appreciates what's at stake, will speak with them candidly and clearly, and always has their backs.

Consistently recognized by his peers for his professional excellence and accomplishments, Arthur is a frequent presenter and prolific writer on transactional, taxation, and business planning issues. As an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Houston Law School, he shared his knowledge and insights with future attorneys, teaching Business Planning and Advanced Corporate Tax.

Potential roadblocks or complications are inherent in all deals. The key to overcoming them is focusing all parties on the issues that truly matter, eschewing those that merely serve to distract, and developing creative approaches and solutions that may not be readily apparent.
    • The University of Texas at Austin, J.D., with honors
      • Order of the Coif
    • The University of Texas at Austin, B.A., manga cum laude
      • Phi Beta Kappa
      • Phi Gamma Sigma
  • Bar Admissions

    • Texas
  • Court Admissions

    • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
    • U.S. Court of Federal Claims
    • U.S. Tax Court
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
    • Board Certified, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Tax Law, 1983-Present

    • Recognized by Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2003-2025

    • Recognized by Best Lawyers in America, U.S. News & World Report, 2009-2025

    • Ranked in Chambers USA for Corporate/M&A, 2010-2013

    • Acritas “Star Lawyer," 2018 and 2021

    • Named in Euromoney’s Guide to the World’s Leading Tax Advisers in the United States

    • International Who’s Who of Professionals

    • ACQ5 Global Award 2018: US: Texas – Lawyer of the Year (M&A)

    • Adjunct Professor of Law, University of Houston Law School teaching Business Planning from 1981 to 1986 and teaching Advanced Corporate Tax from 2004 to 2008

    • Partner, Jones Day

    • Partner, Haynes and Boone LLP

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