The Legal 500

Allens has ‘an impressive track record in this space’. Recent highlights include advising the Queensland Government on the A$1.8bn divestment of the Abbot Point Coal Terminal to Mundra Port. David Maloney is a ‘clear leader’ in the oil and gas space. Former co-head Scott Langford recently left to take up an in-house position.

Ashurst LLP’s 72-partner practice is prominent across mining, oil, gas, energy and utilities. Key clients include BHP Billiton, and it is acting for Woodside on its Australian and Timor Sea Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects, valued at over A$50bn. Geoff Gishubl heads the practice, and Rupert Lewi, Peter Vaughan and Peter Limbers are also recommended.

Herbert Smith Freehills is currently advising key client Santos on the proposed electrification of the upstream gas fields for its GLNG project. Robert Merrick and Jay Leary head the energy and mining groups respectively, while Stuart Barrymore and Robert Nicholson are also recommended.

Clayton Utz’s 20-partner practice counts BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Vale as clients. It is currently advising on the APLNG project, a joint venture between Origin Energy, ConocoPhillips and Sinotec; the mandate includes advice on supply agreements. Practice leader Graeme Dennis is very well respected, and Mark Geritz ‘knows mining development law better than anyone else’.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth’s practice is led by Robert Regan. It is currently advising Inpex on the Ichthys gas field development, valued at A$24bn. Michael Harrison is a ‘solution-driven lawyer’, and senior associate Tighe Whelan is a ‘strong performer with a growing reputation in the industry’. Peter Jarosek is also recommended.

Perth-based Gilbert + Tobin is a ‘niche leader in the mining sector’, and ‘offers significant value for money in comparison with larger firms’. Michael Blakiston ‘adds a lot of value and is efficient and effective’, while Mark Gerus is experienced in litigation, and David Martino has ‘sound knowledge of oil and gas’.

At Johnson Winter & Slattery, Peter Rose and Michael Dulaney are among ‘the most experienced partners in the field of gas contracts and gas projects respectively’. Gordon Radford is ‘exceptionally hard working and client focused’, while other recommended lawyers include Anthony Groom and Amanda Seaton.

King & Wood Mallesons’ 60-partnergroup is headed by Scott Gardiner in Sydney. Highlights included advising DPS Pty Ltd on its A$500m Diamantina Power Station development, and Gladstone Ports on the development of the Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal. Robert Jackson is noted for his ‘strong commercial acumen’ and ‘quick response times’, while Alan Murray and James Fahey are also recommended.

Allen & Overy LLP’s 11-partner practice has considerable mining expertise and is very ‘deal focused’. It has recently been advising PTTEP on its pursuit of an LNG project off the coast of Australia. Barry Irwin and Perth-based Geoff Simpson are very highly regarded in the industry.

Baker & McKenzie has a ‘very professional’ practice that advises clients including Vale, Origin Energy, and the NSW Government, mainly on transactional work. Recommended for its ‘sound commercial and practical advice’, the team is currently advising Union Fenosa Wind Australia, a subsidiary of Gas Natural, on its A$2.4bn wind farm portfolio.

McCullough Robertson’s ‘excellent’ team recently advised QGC on the native title and cultural heritage strategy for the Queensland Curtis LNG project. It also advised Whitehaven on its merger with Aston Resources. Damien Clarke, Janelle Moody and Dominic McGann are recommended.

Minter Ellison’s Perth office saw a number of deflections to Squire Sanders, including Duncan Maclean. The group continues to advise key clients Beach Petroleum, Peabody Energy, and Rio Tinto, and is currently advising Taurus Mineral on its takeover of Extract Resources. Mark Carkeet heads the practice.

Norton Rose Australia’s key figures include Vincent Dwyer, James Stewart, and Jeremy Wickens. It has ‘strong M&A knowledge’, and is rated for ‘attention to detail’ and ‘good understanding of the resources industry’. Highlights included advising AGL on the sale of its Oaklands Hill wind farm to an Australian company.

Clifford Chance Australia’s recent highlights include advising Sumisho Coal on its A$2.5bn investment in the Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal. Jon Carson, and Mark Pistilli are recommended.

DLA Piper Australia has 26 partners across various disciplines including finance, projects, corporate and M&A, and construction. Damian McNair is advising Crosslands Resources on its A$4bn Jack Hills iron ore project. Robert Edel and Stephen Webb are also recommended.

Kelly & Co is particularly focused on oil, gas and mining. ‘Standout figure’ Andrew Corletto recently represented Enegra in negotiating offtake agreements for coal from Indonesian mines.

Piper Alderman impresses with its ‘excellent performance’ and ‘strong business acumen’. The team is advising Minemakers on its Wonarah Rock Phosphate project, and key client Eastern Star Gas on its acquisition by Santos. Practice head Gordon Grieve and the ‘highly knowledgeable’ Ashley Watson are recommended.