Thought Leadership / News
June 30, 2009 
 Press Releases
Looper Appointed to Advisory Committee for Australia/America Energy Conference

Donald Looper, a Member at Gray Reed & McGraw, was appointed to the Advisory Committee for the Australia-America Chamber of Commerce Energy Conference in Houston, Texas.

The Australian American Chamber of Commerce of Houston (AACC) was founded in 1988, mainly in response to the growth of business and economic relations between Australia and Texas and other parts of southwest USA. The Chamber is incorporated in Texas as a non-profit corporation. It functions independently of the Australian Government, although it enjoys the patronage and support of the Australian Ambassador in Washington, the Australian Consul in Atlanta, and the Honorary Consul in Houston. The Chamber is also part of a growing network of Australian American Chambers of Commerce in the United States, is affiliated with the Australian New Zealand Chamber of Commerce, and enjoys the benefits of these associations. Over half of the present membership of Houston's Chamber are energy-related organizations and individuals.

Looper’s practice focuses on the tax aspects related to partnership, corporate, and international tax issues. His skills for structuring and managing international business transactions have resulted in Mr. Looper being selected by clients to manage international projects negotiated in 32 foreign states/countries. Among his areas of expertise include international regulatory sanctions against foreign jurisdictions and designated nationals. The 1994 case of Looper v. Morgan, upholding his measures to protect the client’s privileged work product and communications, stemmed from Mr. Looper’s responsibilities to manage an international refinery and marketing acquisition while complying with international sanctions against Libya.