APA Corporation, which owns consolidated subsidiaries that explore for and produce oil and natural gas, announced that David Bernal has been promoted to vice president legal and acting general counsel.

The move comes on the retirement of executive vice president and general counsel Anthony Lannie.

Bernal joined APA in 2008 and has handled commercial litigation and counseled executives and senior management.

Previously, after appointment by the governor and confirmation by the Senate, he served as a Texas state district judge. From 1995 to 2003, he was a legal associate at both Baker Botts and King & Spalding.