Getzler Henrich & Associates announced that the firm plans to expand its energy advisory practice significantly, with an increased focus on the oil and gas upstream, midstream and downstream sectors, and service and supply companies. As a result of the extended period of low oil and gas prices, which is expected to continue in 2016, Getzler Henrich is ramping up its energy practice by adding experienced, high-level consultants to its energy business portfolio.

Specifically, the firm is increasing its capabilities in order to assist energy companies with challenges created by lower rig counts, reduced capex, declining asset values, tightened liquidity, looming borrowing base redeterminations, and new regulatory, environmental and financial issues. With immediate effect, Getzler Henrich is expanding its oil and gas practice and advisory services throughout its offices in New York, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago and Houston.

Most recently, Getzler Henrich added Jay D. Haber to its Houston office. “Coupling the strong, local oil and gas experience Jay brings with the corporate restructuring and turnaround resources of the firm will provide a badly needed resource to middle-market energy companies reeling from the impact of low prices,” says co-chairman Joel Getzler.

Haber has more than 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry as a senior energy consultant. As founder and president of Haber Resources Corp. (HRC), an independent oil and gas exploration and production company, Haber managed drilling prospects for investment criteria suitable to the company and acted as liaison to participating industry groups. HRC drilled and operated more than 150 wells, primarily in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi, including more than 25 new field discoveries.

Previously, Haber formed Geokinetics, a seismic provider, which became the second largest onshore seismic company. Prior to founding HRC, Haber was vice president of investment banking and associate general counsel of duPont Glore Forgan Inc., the second largest investment firm at the time. Previously, he was a partner in a New York law firm, and prior to that, served as an attorney for the New York Stock Exchange.