Jeffrey S. Whittle is a Partner at Womble Bond Dickinson, Global Head of the firm’s Energy and Natural Resources Sector, a member of its Global Board, and former Managing Partner of the Houston office. With more than 30 years of experience, he advises clients on complex cross-border mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, technology commercialization, licensing arrangements, and intellectual property transactions across the energy, technology, and infrastructure sectors.
A lawyer, engineer, and business strategist, Jeff has built a career helping organizations leverage innovation to create competitive advantage. His work focuses on technology-intensive transactions and large-scale international projects that require sophisticated multi-jurisdictional coordination, particularly in industries undergoing rapid transformation.
Jeff’s leadership extends well beyond his legal practice. He serves as Co-Chair of the Americas Committee for Licensing Executives Society International (LESI) and previously served as President and Chair of the Licensing Executives Society (LES) USA & Canada and the Certified Licensing Professionals (CLP) organization. He also holds advisory roles with the Institute for Energy Law, Wake Forest University School of Law, and the University of Houston Law Center Intellectual Property Institute.
Widely recognized as a leading authority in intellectual property, technology, and energy-related transactions, Jeff has been consistently ranked by Chambers USA and honored by Best Lawyers in America, IAM Global Leaders, IAM Patent 1000, The Legal 500 United States, and WIPR Leaders. His honors include the Texas Trailblazer Award, Best Lawyers Technology Lawyer of the Year, the LESI Peter K. Hess Achievement Award, and the LES Faculty Award.
A frequent author, speaker, and thought leader, Jeff is known for guiding clients and organizations through energy transition, digital innovation, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. His leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, continuous learning, and connecting people, ideas, and innovation to create long-term value. Through his work, he continues to help shape the future of the global energy and technology sectors.
