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CMS Cameron McKenna LLP’s top-end practice acts for prominent oil and gas giants such as BP and ConocoPhillips. In 2011 it represented the former in its $610m disposal of interests in the Wytch Farm, Wareham, Beacon and Kimmeridge fields to Perenco UK. The highly respected Penelope Warne led on that deal, and the core team also includes the ‘outstanding’ Judith Aldersey-Williams.

Pinsent Masons LLP’s absorption of McGrigors LLP’s ‘high-quality’ Aberdeen-based oil and gas practice expanded its client base of oil majors and independents on the exploration and production (E&P) side, as well as giving it a strong foothold in the oil services sector. Cross-border work was a key theme for the practice in 2011; it advised Nigeria-based Jagal Group, for instance, on its joint venture with Subsea 7 to assist oil companies in the execution of local projects in Nigeria. Practice head Bob Ruddiman is highly recommended, as is Rosalie Chadwick.

Paull & Williamsons LLP’s E&P clients particularly appreciate the in-house expertise of lead partners Bruce McLeod and Brian Hemming, who have ‘a practical and pragmatic approach and excellent industry knowledge’. Highlights included advising Bridge Energy on its negotiations with ConocoPhillips to gain access to its southern North Sea infrastructure.

Stronachs LLP’s core strength lies in upstream oil and gas acquisition work, and it has also developed a specialism in field development, supply chain and decommissioning issues for its North Sea operator clients. In 2011, the firm was appointed to key client Centrica Energy’s strategic panel; it is the only non-City firm to hold that position. David Sheach leads the team, which includes the highly respected Malcolm Donald and James Downie.

Bond Pearce LLP’s oil and gas expertise spans field development, asset acquisition and divestitures, corporate acquisitions and disposals, and joint venture agreements. In 2011 it advised Valiant Petroleum Ltd on the construction and tie-on agreements relating to the Causeway field. Kenny Paton and Finlay Crossan are recommended.

The addition of Clare Munro’s ‘excellent industry knowledge and experience’ to Brodies LLP’s newly formed Aberdeen office has given the firm a strong platform from which to build. In 2011 it advised Endeavour Energy UK Limited on its $330m purchase of various assets from ConocoPhillips. Greg May has ‘extensive knowledge of oil and gas law’.

Maclay Murray & Spens LLP’s Aberdeen-based oil and gas team advised AF Decom Offshore UK Limited on its plans to establish a new decommissioning base in Shetland. Uisdean Vass is ‘unflappable’, and Richard Cockburn is ‘precise and clear’.

At Shepherd and Wedderburn, Edinburgh-based Stephen Trombala has taken on the firm’s oil and gas work following the departure of former practice head Richard Cockburn to Maclay Murray & Spens LLP and Kevin McGrory to Seven Energy. Trombala and Paul Hally handle corporate and finance matters for clients including Cairn Energy and Bowleven.

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