The global energy group at Allen & Overy LLP is well placed to handle multijurisdictional oil and gas projects by virtue of its large international network. With a focus on transactional work, the practice has broad experience of high-profile M&A, financings and refinancings, and has the capacity to advise on the full life cycle of projects, from consenting and planning through to construction, operation and sale. The team is jointly led by Judith Kim in the UAE and London’s Troy Edwards, who acts for governments, lenders, developers and contractors on privately and publicly financed energy projects. Andrew Castle handles both upstream and downstream oil and gas projects, and John Geraghty is recommended for cross-border M&A, joint ventures and project development.
Oil and gas in London
Allen & Overy LLP
Practice head(s):
Troy Edwards; Judith Kim (UAE)
Other key lawyers:
John Geraghty, Lorraine Bayliss; Cathy Gilmartin; Andrew Castle
Key clients
TAPI Pipeline Company Limited
Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG (TAP) a joint venture between BP, SNAM, SOCAR
Noble Energy Mediterranean Ltd
GemCorp Capital LLP
Kerogen Capital
Saudi Aramco
AP Moller Capital
Chevron Global Energy Inc
United Nations – The Office of the Quartet
GemCorp Capital LLP
SACE (lead ECA) and other lenders
Work highlights
- Advising Noble Energy Mediterranean Ltd, a subsidiary of Chevron, on a variety of matters in relation to its offshore assets in Israel, in particular its gas sales, transportation and financing arrangements to support delivery of natural gas from the Leviathan and Tamar natural gas fields into Israel and the wider export market.
- Advising the lenders on the financing, construction and development of a 1,443km crude oil pipeline to export oil produced from the Lake Albert Basin across Uganda and Tanzania.
- Advising the Financiers on a project financing for the construction of an olefin complex in the Port of Antwerp, Belgium.
Ashurst
Ashurst offers clients ’really strong individuals with great knowledge of the legal issues but also the wider sector’. The practice advises clients on upstream, midstream and downstream projects, with a focus on M&A, financing, commercial matters, project development and dispute resolution. Michael Burns heads the team and is recommended for corporate work in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Senior consultant Huw Thomas has over 32 years’ experience in the oil and gas industry and is a name to note for reserve-based lending and financing work, while Quentin Robinson specialises in emerging markets projects, with a focus on Africa. Helen Jones joined from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP in October 2021.
Practice head(s):
Michael Burns
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Saunders; Geoffrey Picton-Turbervill; Yann Alix; Huw Thomas; Tom Cummins
Testimonials
‘Really strong individuals with great knowledge of the legal issues but also the wider sector’.
‘Quentin Robinson is very pragmatic, with good knowledge and a nice mixture of legal skills and an approachable and client friendly manner’.
‘Ashurst make all the resources available to serve their clients’ requirements, as well as providing excellent training and knowledge transfer’.
‘Impressive group of excellent partners and associates operating at the highest level of oil and gas-related matters’.
‘Very effective deal team, thoughtful, responsive and excellent quality.’
‘Very insightful in legal doctrine and attentive to detail, as well as knowledgeable in the financing sector’.
‘The senior members of the team know oil & gas M&A very well’.
Key clients
bp
Shell
UK Government (BEIS)
Brookfield
ADNOC
JX Nippon Oil & Gas Exploration Corporation
EnQuest PLC
Tullow Oil
Babcock
Rockhopper Explanation
OMV
Reliance Industries
Spirit Energy
INEOS
BlackRock
Blackstone
PGS
Siccar Point
DWS Infrastructure
CNOOC
Chariot Energy
Newcrest
Mitsui
Woodside
Porsche
Work highlights
- Advised JX Nippon on the sale of its UKCS business to NEO Energy and bp, strengthening ENEOS Group’s portfolio by divesting non-core assets and focussing its investments in strategic projects to contribute to the development of a low carbon society.
- Advising the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) on its low-carbon hydrogen as well as CCUS programmes, including assisting the Government to create markets for the same.
- Advising Tullow Oil in respect of its pre-emptive acquisition of a portion of the Deep Water Tano Block offshore Ghana, a significant strategic acquisition in Africa.
Baker Botts (UK) LLP
The US-headquartered Baker Botts (UK) LLP is well known in the market for handling very large cross-border M&A deals, financings, disputes and project development work in the oil and gas sector. Historically, the practice has had strong ties with the Russian market although it is now winding down operations in the country; it continues to be very active in emerging markets and has recently handled high-value deals in Africa and the Middle East. Mark Rowley heads the firm’s London and Middle East offices and is well versed in transactions pertaining to upstream developments, cross-border pipelines, and LNG projects. Rob Butler co-chairs the LNG, hydrogen and CCUS practice and is experienced in upstream and midstream deals; senior associate Alex Kerr is also recommended. Shashank Krishna joined from McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP in April 2021 while Hamish McArdle retired in early 2022.
Practice head(s):
Mark Rowley
Other key lawyers:
Rob Butler; Alex Kerr; Nick Collins; Poupak Anjomshoaa; Rob Butler; Alex Kerr
Testimonials
‘Deep expertise in subject area and regions in which we work’.
‘Always thoughtful and holistic advice’.
‘Mark Rowley provides not only expert legal advice but knows and understands deeply the overall context and individuals in the places we work, which is invaluable’.
‘Alex Kerr, as a senior associate, is not only able to understand and advise quickly on complex matters, he is able to translate that understanding into well-drafted agreements on tight schedules’.
‘The greatest depth of LNG experience, by far’.
‘Incredibly deep knowledge, quick reaction, always relevant and straight to the point advice’.
‘Rob Butler offers impressive LNG experience and the ability to find solutions as well as to contributing during the meetings with counterparties’.
Key clients
Azerbaijan Gas Supply Company
Air Products
China National Offshore Oil Corporation
ConocoPhillips
Novatek
Petrogas
QatarEnergy
Rosneft
Sempra LNG
Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation
Carbon Clean
Gulfsands Petroleum
MFGK
High Power Petroleum
Baltic Chemical Plant
Dubai Supply Authority
Work highlights
Clifford Chance LLP
Clifford Chance LLP offers clients ‘broad and deep knowledge and experience that works in a complementary and constructive way’. It acts for oil majors, major independents and financial institutions on corporate, financing and dispute resolution matters internationally. The team is headed by Graham Phillips, Alex Panayides and Sydney’s Nadia Kalic; Phillips is a name to note for M&A, joint ventures and private equity transactions in the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors; and Panayides is recommended for international litigation and arbitration. Russell Wells handles commercial, corporate and finance matters related to the oil and gas, and power sectors and has particular experience of transactions in emerging markets. David Lewis left for White & Case LLP in December 2021 and Massimo Amoruso joined as director from Freshfields in January 2022.
Practice head(s):
Graham Phillips; Alex Panayides; Nadia Kalic (Sydney)
Other key lawyers:
Clare Burgess; Russell Wells; John Wilkins; Audley Sheppard KC
Testimonials
‘Very strong disputes capability – true oil and gas arbitration specialists’.
‘User friendly, pragmatic and hard working’.
‘The Clifford Chance team provided multi expertise (including tax and maritime law) on a multi-jurisdictional M&A transaction’.
‘This full range of advisory services have been provided with the highest quality standard’.
‘Graham Phillips has been involved in all the strategic and structuring decisions, with the highest customer care’.
‘Strong industry focus. Instinctive ability to recognise client interests’.
‘The team has broad and deep knowledge and experience that works in a complementary and constructive way with my teams’.
‘Alex Panayides is one of the best disputes lawyers in the business’.
Key clients
Shell
Equinor
ENGIE
Total
Harbour Energy
Eni
Sinopec
Gunvor
Adani Group
SOCAR
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company
Soco International
Baker Hughes
Eroton
Work highlights
- Advised Chrysaor Holdings Limited (“Chrysaor”), the UK’s leading independent North Sea oil and gas group, on the completion of its all share merger with Premier Oil plc through a reverse takeover, which included the reorganisation of Premier’s existing debt and cross-currency swaps.
- Advised Global Infrastructure Partners (“GIP”) in relation to an amendment and extension of a EUR1.6bn loan financing originally obtained in connection with GIP’s acquisition of a stake in Naturgy Energy Group, S.A., the Spanish natural gas and electrical energy utilities company.
- Representing a prominent Oil & Gas client in multi-jurisdictional enforcement proceedings, following three successful commercial arbitrations (and related actions).
CMS
The energy and climate change team at CMS handles both contentious and non-contentious matters and is particularly strong on transactional work and disputes; it is well placed to handle cross-border mandates by virtue of its large international network. Key clients include European and US energy supermajors, which it advises on M&A, and international litigation and arbitration. The team is jointly led senior partner and energy law specialist Penelope Warne and Jonathan Woolf, who is recommended for cross-border oil and gas, and energy M&A. Andrew Shaw advises on clients on upstream, midstream and downstream projects, as well as energy transition matters, such as solar, wind, CCUS and hydrogen projects. Matthew Culver splits his time between Dubai and London and has considerable experience in the Middle Eastern market.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Woolf
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Shaw; Matthew Culver; Ian Herbert
Key clients
Bp
Equinor
Cadent Gas
Eni
Total
TAQA
Shell
Schlumberger
Saudi Aramco
Repsol
Work highlights
- Advised bp on its agreement to form a new 50/50 independent company Azule Energy between bp and ENI through the combination of the two Angolan businesses.
- Advised Cadent Gas on its successful appeal to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) against Ofgem’s RIIO-2 price control decision.
- Acted for bp on a further disposal of assets in its North Sea business, with sale of its interest in the non-operated Shearwater upstream assets, together with associated facilities and interests, to Tailwind.
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Sitting as part of the firm’s wider global energy team, the London-based practice at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP continues to advise large international energy companies and governments on high-profile corporate and finance matters and disputes. The firm is strong on energy transition mandates and has recently been advising on a number of hydrogen projects; it also advises oil and gas clients on compliance, sanctions, construction and tax matters, among other areas. Practice head Lewis McDonald is recommended for projects, acquisitions and disposals and handles both oil and gas, and renewables projects. James Baily is a veteran litigator who specialises in energy disputes; Paula Hodges is a name to note for international arbitration; and Reza Dadbakhsh is recommended for LNG and gas transactions.
Practice head(s):
Lewis McDonald
Other key lawyers:
Craig Tevendale; Paula Hodges; Reza Dadbakhsh; James Baily; Steven Dalton
Key clients
BP
Iberdrola S.A. and its wholly owned subsidiary, ScottishPower Renewables (UK) Limited
Axia Power Holdings, a wholly owned subsidiary of Marubeni Corporation
Government of Malawi
Green Investment Group
Total-Eren S.A, EDF Renouvelables S.A as sponsors and their project vehicle Eden Renewable Cite Private Limited
National Grid plc on its acquisition of Western Power Distribution (WPD)
CNODC and CNOOC
Transmission Capital Partners Limited Partnership (an infrastructure fund)
Aquind
Latham & Watkins
Latham & Watkins offers clients ‘excellent knowledge of the energy industry, of the litigation landscape, and of emerging trends worldwide’. Its multidisciplinary team advises on M&A, leveraged buy-outs, project finance, litigation and sanctions, among other areas. Leveraging its international network for support, the oil and gas team handles cross-border mandates with ease under the leadership of Simon Tysoe, who is well regarded for corporate transactions. Craig Nethercott is a key name for financing work and stands out for his Islamic finance expertise; he is active in a broad range of geographies. Evelyne Girio, who was recently promoted to counsel, is dual qualified in France, and England and Wales, and is well versed in global transactions. Matthew Brown left for Milbank.
Practice head(s):
Simon Tysoe
Other key lawyers:
John Balsdon, Sam Newhouse; JP Sweny; Evelyne Girio
Testimonials
‘Excellent knowledge of the energy industry, of the litigation landscape, and of emerging trends worldwide (climate change notably)’.
‘Strategic thinking, excellent drafting skills, appropriate resourcing (including external experts and driving their work), and an excellent profile to assist clients in the energy sector’.
‘Brilliant team’.
‘Impressive team with deep strength’.
‘John Balsdon is faultless, incredibly responsive, amazing depth of knowledge, affable and user friendly’.
‘Sam Newhouse and Simon Tysoe lead an excellent team of very capable energy lawyers’.
‘The quality of their work is first class and their first drafts tend to be very close to a form in which they can be shared with third parties’.
‘Given the size and reputation of their firm, they also great value for money’.
Key clients
The Carlyle Group
Chevron Corporation
NNPC
Shell
ExxonMobil
Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc
Assala Energy
Tullow Oil
Glencore
TotalEnergies SE
Work highlights
- Advised ExxonMobil on the $1.3 bn disposal of its entire offshore shallow water business in Nigeria to Seplat Energy, via the share sale of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited.
- Advised EIG on its $12.4bn acquisition of Aramco Oil Pipelines Company, a joint venture formed with Saudi Arabian Oil Co. to hold a 25-year lease over Aramco’s stabilised crude oil pipeline network.
- Advised Tullow Oil on the refinancing of its c. $2.4bn debt, including the issuance of $1.8bn senior secured notes, concurrent with a $60m super senior revolving credit facility which refinanced a reserve based lending facility, listed English law convertible notes and senior unsecured notes.
White & Case LLP
White & Case LLP ensures ‘that the client understands not only the legal but the commercial aspects of a transaction’. Fielding a team of practitioners who offer in-depth knowledge of the global energy industry and the regulatory environment, the team is well placed to handle both transactional matters and disputes. Philip Stopford
and Mark Clarke co-head the practice; Stopford has over 40 years’ experience in high-profile oil and gas deals; and Clarke handles disputes, with a focus on large international commercial arbitrations. David Baker
is a name for upstream transactions, while Jason Kerr handles international project finance mandates, and has particular experience of emerging markets. Katie Hicks joined from Shearman & Sterling LLP in April 2021 and George Kazakov joined from an in-house role at Morgan Stangley in August 2021; the team was further bolstered by the arrival of David Lewis from Clifford Chance LLP in January 2022. Tom Bartlett left for Latham & Watkins in August 2021.
Practice head(s):
Philip Stopford; Mark Clarke
Other key lawyers:
Mukund Dhar; Jason Kerr; Allan Taylor; Mark Castillo-Bernaus; Katie Hicks; George Kazakov; David Lewis
Testimonials
‘My company’s primary focus is Egypt and White & Case has a shared passion for the country and the African region as a whole with an ability to provide pragmatic solutions for challenges that are particular to the continent’.
‘Diligence: rigorous attention to detail and the highest standards of professional conduct’.
‘Philip Stopford is a pleasure to work with and offers outstanding knowledge of project finance, and the oil & gas and mining & metals sectors’.
‘Mark Castillo-Bernaus is able to combined a strong understanding of the commercial context with highly detailed legal analysis to provide very effective guidance and recommendations to clients’.
‘Mukund Dhar is a brilliant and thoughtful partner who is very tuned in and engaged in the delivery of services to his clients’.
‘David Baker is personable and approachable with practical solutions and clever approaches to issues’.
‘Allan Taylor is an exceptional subject matter expert on capital markets and project development’.
‘Value for money: efficient staffing and organisation of resources to ensure our legal budget is spent wisely’.
Key clients
Saudi Aramco
Noble Energy / Chevron
Inpex
Energean
MOL Group
Qatar Energy
Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority
Seplat
Republic of Azerbaijan
EIG
Neoen
Republic of Uzbekistan
VALOREM S.A.S.
Work highlights
Bracewell (UK) LLP
The oil and gas team at Bracewell (UK) LLP is very experienced and active in emerging markets, such as Africa and the Middle East, and also handles projects in the UK and continental Europe. It acts for high-profile international clients on financings, acquisitions and project development. Practice head Jason Fox is an energy finance lawyer with over 35 years’ experience in the industry and a focus on upstream transactions. Adam Blythe advises on deals in the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors, and also handles commercial matters. Olivia Caddy is a name to note for debt financing work and Ben James advises on the development, sale, purchase and financing of oil and gas assets. Ronen Lazarovitch joined from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP in March 2021.
Practice head(s):
Jason Fox
Other key lawyers:
Darren Spalding; Alastair Young; Eimear Murphy; Adam Blythe; Olivia Caddy; Ronen Lazarovitch
Testimonials
‘The firm is small (in London) but with real sector expertise in oil and gas’.
‘Jason Fox is world class, top of the field. The lawyer you want on your side. Huge repository of previous deal experience essential for navigating complex financing challenges’.
‘The Bracewell team has a unique combination of deep knowledge of the main legal challenges of emerging markets, negotiation skills and ability to implement solutions that address exactly the client’s concern’.
‘Their contribution has been key to close complex transactions efficiently but also achieving our objectives’.
‘Adam Blythe is extremely knowledgeable and can identify the best legal instrument to address the challenges of the transactions’.
‘Bracewell’s combination of oil & gas focus and significant disputes experience differentiates them from a number of their peers’.
‘The team, from associate all the way up to partner, are knowledgeable and experienced’.
‘Adam Blythe has an extremely good understanding of the commercial dynamics of both oil and gas as an industry, as well as the specific considerations in M&A scenarios’.
Key clients
Aramco Trading Limited
BP Exploration Operating Company Limited and Eni S.p.A.
Citibank N.A., London Branch, and Standard Bank (as documentation banks) on behalf of the senior lenders
Beacon Offshore Energy and Navitas Petroleum
Egyptian Refining Company
Impact Oil and Gas Limited
NEO Energy Group Limited
New Age
Noreco Oil Denmark A/S
Petraco Oil Company Limited
Savannah Energy Plc
Seplat Energy PLC
Work highlights
- Advised Aramco Trading Limited on its supply and offtake arrangements with Klesch Group at the Kalunborg refinery and Hedehusene terminal in Denmark.
- Advising the Eni S.p.A. and BP Exploration Operating Company Limited in connection with a senior secured term loan facility which is structured as a pre-export financing.
- Advised Beacon and Navitas on the financing of the development and operation of the Shenandoah field in the US Gulf of Mexico. This is the largest project financing for an oil and gas project ever raised in the United States.
Dentons
Dentons has ‘a demonstrable wealth of experience in the sector, which is impressive in nature and reassuring to those with whom they are dealing’. The team is active in a range of areas relating to the oil and gas industry, including development, regulatory, commercial, corporate, disputes and financing work. Humphrey Douglas heads the team and has considerable experience of international transactions, while Charles Wood is experienced in the design of new commercial and regulatory frameworks for market reform and large energy projects both domestically and globally. Colm Ó hUiginn joined from Shearman & Sterling LLP in March 2022. Alistair Black left for Norton Rose Fulbright in September 2021 and Christopher Thomson left for Squire Patton Boggs in March 2022.
Practice head(s):
Humphrey Douglas
Other key lawyers:
Charles Wood; Liz Tout; Christopher Thomson
Testimonials
‘Dentons’ Oil & Gas team has a demonstrable wealth of experience in the sector, which is impressive in nature and reassuring to those with whom they are dealing’.
‘The team is very knowledgeable, experienced and competent’.
‘They easily understand the key issues and present highly valued advice and solutions’.
‘The team responds quickly and with very good quality on requests and inquiries’.
‘The individuals are very experienced and knowledgeable’.
‘They know the business and they are very professional’.
‘The individuals are positive and service-minded and always seek to find the best way to solve an issue or dispute’.
‘They work hard and have strong problem-solving skills’.
Work highlights
- Acting as project counsel for the c. £4bn project development of the Acorn Carbon Capture & Storage project in Scotland.
- Advised on the sale of its 15.5% interest in the Shah Deniz gas field, one of the world’s largest gas-condensate fields, and associated offshore pipelines in Azerbaijan to three separate (pre-empting) purchasers.
- Advising BEIS since early 2021 in respect of a seminal reform project in the electricity and gas markets. This is an extensive public/administrative law project which puts us at the heart of the energy industry.
DLA Piper
The energy and natural resources sector team at DLA Piper offers clients ‘wide experience in oil and gas issues and significant commercial experience that adds value for clients’. Leaning on its global network for support, the UK team is well placed to service international clients on cross-border matters and acts for large multinational companies, as well as governments. The team, which handles both contentious and non-contentious matters, is headed by Natasha Luther-Jones and James Carter, who focuses on high-profile and high-value disputes; Nacim Bounouara is a name to note for project development and financing work; and Philip Chong is a key name for international arbitration. The practice was recently bolstered by the arrival of Iain Elder from Shearman & Sterling LLP in April 2022, and Stuart Murdoch, who joined in Edinburgh from Burness Paull LLP, in May 2021.
Practice head(s):
James Carter; Natasha Luther-Jones
Other key lawyers:
Philip Chong; Felix Ndi-Obiosa; Andreas Gunst; Christina Lawrence; Nacim Bounouara; Iain Elder; Stuart Murdoch
Testimonials
‘I have worked with DLA’s international arbitration team on a major oil and gas arbitration. It comprises a perfect combination of gifted and experienced litigators and is exceptionally well led by Philip Chong’.
‘The overall package is an extremely effective and cohesive team which excels in big ticket international arbitral disputes’.
‘Philip Chong is an extremely experienced and strategical savvy lead partner, with a cool head. He invariably makes the right strategic decisions’.
‘Andreas Gunst is a great energy regulatory lawyer with a vast knowledge and expertise in the field’.
‘Commercial and responsive team – focused on getting the deal done’.
‘Nacim Bounouara is a commercial and constructive lawyer who focuses on the issues that matter’.
‘Excellent knowledge of the sector leading to excellent industry contacts’.
‘The team has wide experience in oil and gas issues and has significant commercial experience that adds value for their clients’.
Key clients
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development/Government of the Republic of North Macedonia
African Legal Support Facility (ALSF) and Government of South Sudan
Federal Government of Somalia
Government of The Gambia – Oil 2 Project
ICGB AD
Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Bank of China Limited
Samsung Engineering Co., Ltd.
OMV AG
Work highlights
- Advised NNPC on this $1.5bn financing from a syndicate of commercial banks and oil traders, including advising on the provision of subsequent debt.
- Advising ICGB AD the project company / gas transporter (and its shareholders) in connection with the delay in completion of the gas pipeline construction and the consequent delay in the commercial operation date of the pipeline. We also assisted in connection with amendments to the EPC contract.
- Avising Bank of China, China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation (Sinosure) and a large syndicate of lenders on the financing of the construction and operation of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline (the AKK Pipeline) in Nigeria.
Hogan Lovells International LLP
Hogan Lovells International LLP fields a large oil and gas team which operates from 40 offices and multiple jurisdictions worldwide. The practice has a strong track record in emerging markets and advises on corporate matters, disputes and provides preventative advice in relation to corruption. Ben Sulaiman heads the team alongside Sarah Shaw; Sulaiman acts for large multinational oil and gas companies on transactional and regulatory matters; Shaw is a veteran M&A practitioner experienced in upstream, midstream and downstream projects. Ben Hornan is a key name for disputes and has considerable experience in the Russian and CIS markets, while associate Amy Cleaves is recommended for transactional and financing work.
Practice head(s):
Ben Sulaiman; Sarah Shaw
Other key lawyers:
Kieron O’Callaghan; Ben Hornan; Amy Cleaves
Testimonials
‘Hogan Lovells is the best oil and gas team I have ever worked with’.
‘They are like turnkey contractors to a client: they take the job and coordinate the entire process, managing local counsel in all respects’.
‘They know the oil and gas sector inside out and reflect their sector knowledge when drafting and negotiating contracts’.
‘Ben Sulaiman is a particularly knowledgeable lawyer, who has an incredible talent in managing clients in the most calm and collected manner’.
Work highlights
- Advising Sojitz Corporation on its purchase from Helios Investment Partners of a 25% interest in the holding company of Axxela Limited, the largest private sector gas distributor in Nigeria, a transaction which marks the start of collaboration between Sojitz and Helios in West African gas downstream businesses. Helios retains a 75% interest in the company.
- Advising CNOOC in relation to the renewal of the production sharing contract and related documents as well as the settlement of disputes relating to the OML 130 block.
- Acting as as sole Project Counsel for the Consortium, led by BP and SOCAR, on the $40bn Shah Deniz 2 Gas Project.
Linklaters LLP
The energy and infrastructure team at Linklaters LLP is well known in the market for handling high-value, cross-border M&A and financing matters. Other areas of focus include joint ventures and commercial contracts and the team draws on strength from other practice areas to offer clients an integrated approach to oil and gas deals. Daniel Tyrer heads the team and is experienced in financing and private equity transactions across EMEA and the CIS. Mark Russell handles corporate work pertaining to upstream and LNG, and former practice co-head John Pickett retired.
Practice head(s):
Daniel Tyrer
Other key lawyers:
Mark Russell
Key clients
J Aron & Co
Work highlights
- Advising J. Aron & Co, a Goldman Sachs entity, on providing a multi-sourced financing package to support Postlane Partner’s acquisition of the Fredericia oil refinery in Denmark from A/S Dansk Shell – a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell.
Milbank
Milbank is well known in the market for its considerable experience of high-profile and high-value financing deals in the oil and gas, renewables and power sectors. It advises lenders and sponsors and works closely with its New York office to advise on New York and English law. The team is jointly led by Matthew Hagopian and John Dewar, with Hagopian experienced in the development and financing of major international cross-border projects, and Dewar recommended for transactional matters EMEA, Asia and emerging markets. Special counsel Munib Hussain is well versed in international energy and infrastructure projects; Manzer Ijaz retired.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Hagopian; John Dewar
Other key lawyers:
Kilian de Cintré; Munib Hussain; Suzanne Szczetnikowicz
Key clients
JP Morgan
Standard Chartered bank
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank
Nippon Export and Investment Insurance,
Japan Bank for International Cooperation and International Finance Corporation
Societe Generale
Norinchukin Bank
Green Investment Group (Macquarie Capital)
World Bank-PPIAF
West African Power Pool
OnCorp
New Fortress Energy
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Overseas Private Investment Corporation
International Finance Corporation
Gas Natural Açu
Export-Import Bank of Korea
Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia
Total S.A.
Rio Energia
EIG
BPIFrance
Apollo Investment Management
OMERS
Carlyle
Sovereign Fund of Egypt
Work highlights
- Advised JP Morgan in connection with the $1.8bn financing of the acquisition by Mubadala Capital of the owner of the Landulpho Alves refinery, the primary supplier of gasoline, diesel, VLSFO, bunker, jet fuel, naphtha, LPG, asphalt, petrochemical naphtha, paraffin, and other oil-refined products in the Northeast and North regions in Brazil.
- Advising OnCorp on all aspects of the structuring and negotiation of all project documents required for a bid to develop an LNG import and regasification terminal to be located at the port of Suape, Pernambuco, Brazil. This will be Brazil’s first private LNG Import Terminal within the Suape Port complex.
- Ated as international counsel to the global coordinators and joint bookrunners on connection with the with EIG Pearl Holdings S.À R.L.’s (“Issuer”) issuance of $1.25bn 3.5% Senior Secured Bonds due 2036 and $1.25bon 4.4% Senior Secured Bonds due 2046.
Norton Rose Fulbright
The energy, infrastructure and natural resources team at Norton Rose Fulbright is well placed to handle cross-border work by virtue of its large international network and the firm has a strong record in both developed and emerging markets. It has recently been handling a number of LNG mandates, advising on the full life cycle of projects, from inception, to financing, to operational and commercial matters. Rob Marsh heads the team which includes Holly Stebbing, a key name for litigation and disputes. Alistair Black joined from Dentons in November 2021 and brings development and finance expertise and experience in a range of energy projects. Nick Prowse left for an in-house role at Luton Rising and Neil Miller retired.
Practice head(s):
Rob Marsh
Other key lawyers:
Madhavi Gosavi; James Rogers; Holly Stebbing; Hussain Kubba; Neha Khosla
Testimonials
‘Great team; very informed about legal and commercial issues and implications’.
‘Very personable, which makes working with them effortless’.
‘They are attuned to the needs of a client and go above and beyond to make things easier for you’.
‘Holly Stebbing has great leadership skills which reflects positively on the work product of her associates’.
‘Holly Stebbing’s ability to recall specific details is impressive, especially when discussing dormant matters and she shows a great appreciation of commercial issues that impact a business’ decision making, resulting in appropriately tailored advice that can be easily executed’.
Key clients
bp
Eni
Tullow Oil plc
ExxonMobil
IFC
INA – Industrija Nafte d.d.
Ministry of Finance of Angola
Pavilion Energy
Shell
Work highlights
- Advised bp on its $2.6bn sale of 20% stake in Oman’s Block 61 to PTTEP MENA Limited, a subsidiary of Thailand’s PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited.
- Advised on the financing of the construction, development and operation of the INGS Alexandroupolis, an independent natural gas terminal in north-eastern Greece.
- Advised the senior lenders on the first-ever reserves based development finance facility in Mexico for an offshore oil & gas project.
Pinsent Masons LLP
The oil and gas team at Pinsent Masons LLP ‘works collaboratively and very flexibly with clients and is very responsive and client focussed’. Its broad offering encompasses expertise in licensing and regulatory matters, decommissioning, disputes, real estate, M&A, financing and capital markets, among other areas. Practice head Rosalie Chadwick splits her time between London and Glasgow and is a name to note for domestic and cross-border corporate finance transactions, while Paul McGoldrick is recommended for joint ventures, project development, and acquisitions and disposals. Akshai Fofaria heads the firm’s Africa group, is trilingual and dual-English-French qualified, and handles a range of corporate matters. Bruce McLeod joined in Aberdeen from Burness Paull LLP in August 2021.
Practice head(s):
Rosalie Chadwick
Other key lawyers:
Paul McGoldrick; Akshai Fofaria; Katherine Davies; Bruce McLeod
Testimonials
‘Great work led by Akshai Fofaria. Great knowledge of UK law, but also French speakers with experience in French law, which was very helpful for our project. Very proactive and engaging’.
‘Akshai Fofaria offers great engagement, managing the team and addressing client needs’.
‘Well-connected in the oil and gas arena and, as a result, an experienced and capable team’.
‘Paul McGoldrick is outstanding’.
‘Very experienced oil and gas team with strong knowledge of our business and how we work’.
‘The Pinsents O&G team have done to great lengths to understand or business and how we like to work’.
‘Their knowledge of the legal issues impacting the UKCS is unmatched’.
‘Rosalie Chadwick offers dedication, commitment and proactivity in helping us achieve our goals make’.
Key clients
TotalEnergies (we are also on the UK and Singapore panels)
ENI S.p.A.
NEO Energy
Ithaca Energy
Pharos Energy plc
Sound Energy plc
Capricorn Egypt plc
Siccar Point Energy
Jersey Oil & Gas Plc
CNR International
Savannah Energy plc
Work highlights
- Advised ENI S.p.A. on a complex transaction involving the combination of Eni and bp’s assets in Angola to create a brand new international energy company – Azule Energy – held 50:50 by Eni and bp, which will be Angolan’s largest producer with a stake in 16 substantial licenses including an LNG and a solar business.
- Advised NEO Energy Upstream UK Limited – backed by Norwegian private equity firm HitecVision – on its acquisition of independent O&G company Zennor Petroleum Limited for a total consideration of up to $625m.
- Advised consortium partners Capricorn Egypt (a subsidiary of Cairn Energy) and Cheiron Oil & Gas on their up to $900m 50/50 acquisition from Shell of a portfolio of upstream interests in the Western Desert, onshore Egypt.
Shearman & Sterling LLP
Shearman & Sterling LLP leverages its global network to assist with cross-border deals and provide a 24/7 service to clients. Key areas of focus for the practice include project finance and development, leveraged finance and M&A. The team has recently undergone a number of changes; Ben Shorten relocated from Singapore in June 2021 and now heads the team; Rahul Chatterji joined from Milbank and Matthew Skinner joined from Jones Day. Sanja Udovicic is recommended for high-profile energy, natural resource and infrastructure transactions and has considerable experience in emerging markets, such as Africa and the Middle East. Julia Derrick joined from Ashurst in July 2021, bringing with her expertise in oil and gas-related corporate and commercial transactions. Former practice head Iain Elder left for DLA Piper, and Tim Sheddick and Anthony Lepere left for White & Case LLP, and Corrs Chambers Westgarth respectively; Nicholas Buckworth retired.
Practice head(s):
Ben Shorten
Other key lawyers:
Sanja Udovicic; John Inglis; Rahul Chatterji; Matthew Skinner; Julia Derrick
Testimonials
‘Julia Derrick is absolutely rock solid on knowing what to look for and sorting things out’.
Key clients
The Dow Chemical Company
International Finance Corporation (IFC)
KfW IPEX
Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES)
BTG Pactual
BNP Paribas
Bradesco
ABC Brasil
Work highlights
- Advised The Dow Chemical Company in connection with the financial and commercial restructuring of the Sadara Chemical Company (Dow’s joint venture with the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco)), which owns and operates the $20bn world-scale integrated Sadara chemicals complex in Saudi Arabia.
- Advised IFC and KfW IPEX on the financing of the Acu LNG to Power Project in Brazil. The project comprised of the development, construction, operation and maintenance of a 1,298 MW gas-fired combined cycle power plant to run on gas supplied from a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal, both located in Açu Port in Brazil.
- Advised KfW IPEX-Bank, IFC, BNDES, BTG Pactual, BNP Paribas, Bradesco and ABC Brasil on the $350m refinancing of the GNA I LNG-to-Power project in Brazil.
Slaughter and May
The infrastructure, energy and natural resources team at Slaughter and May offers clients ‘unmatched excellence in M&A matters and in the strategic elements of negotiating a deal’. The practice has a strong focus on corporate M&A matters and acts for large integrated energy groups, oil and gas majors, smaller listed independents, services companies and financial institutions on upstream, midstream, and downstream projects. Hywel Davies heads the team and is well versed in both public and private M&A and joint ventures in the oil and gas sector. Steven Galbraith is a name to note for international projects and project finance matters.
Practice head(s):
Hywel Davies
Other key lawyers:
Michael Corbett; Steven Galbraith
Testimonials
‘There is a strong combination of depth of industry knowledge and recognition of client needs that provides both the required legal support but also a broader advisory role’.
‘Primarily listening to and understanding the client requirements and providing the right support ranging from a full legal document to a simple phone call’.
‘Unmatched excellence in M&A matters and in the strategic elements of negotiating a deal’.
‘High quality subject matter experts at every level of the firm’.
‘First-class in the corporate and M&A sphere’.
‘Hywel Davies is as good as there is in the City’.
‘Hywel Davies offers first-class intellect, excellent judgment and is always very calm under pressure’.
‘The structure of the engagement, with two partners for one M&A deal, worked extremely well: we benefitted from both of their knowledge, while at the same time there was an appropriate division of work such that it never felt like there was double-counting’.
Key clients
BHP
BlackRock (Global Energy & Power Infrastructure Fund III)
Centrica plc
Harbour Energy
INEOS
Kosmos
Seadrill
Selkie Investments Midstream Topco Limited
Shell plc (formerly Royal Dutch Shell plc)
Spirit Energy Limited
Valaris Limited (Valaris plc)
Vitol
Wood Group
Work highlights
- Advised Centrica and its subsidiary, Spirit Energy, on the sale of Spirit Energy’s entire portfolio of Norwegian oil and gas assets, as well the Statfjord field for over $1bn.
- Advised BlackRock’s Global Energy & Power Infrastructure Fund III on its co-lead role in the purchase by a global consortium of an equity stake in Aramco Gas Pipelines Company for $15.5bn, relating to the gas pipeline network of Saudi Aramco.
- Advising INEOS E&P A/S on Project Greensand, Europe’s first full-chain carbon capture and storage pilot project.
Vinson & Elkins RLLP
Vinson & Elkins RLLP has a strong track record in high-value and high-profile corporate and financing work in the oil and gas sector and is active in a range of jurisdictions including emerging markets. It advises on the full life cycle of projects, from inception and structuring through to financial close and operation of the project. The group is jointly led by Alex Msimang
and Nabil Khodadad, with Msimang recommended for cross-border energy-related M&A, and Khodadad bringing broad financing experience to the team, with particular experience of projects in the CIS region. Andrew Nealon is a name for project development work, including EPC matters, and Lauren Davies was promoted at the beginning of 2022. At the more junior end of the team, Nadine Amr is a senior associate who focuses on M&A, while counsel Alistair Wishart is recommended for construction and development projects.
Practice head(s):
Nabil Khodadad; Alex Msimang
Other key lawyers:
Nabil Khodadad; Andrew Nealon; Alistair Wishart; Nadine Amr; Lauren Davies
Testimonials
‘The team is very quick on responses’.
‘The inviduals have a rich experince and solid judgement’.
‘They are able to provide their services taking into consideration the business objectives, aims, contractual undertakings / restrictions and financing requirements of our business’.
‘Whilst we work with many of their team members, we mainly work with Nabil Khodadad, Lauren Davies and Andrew Nealon. All of them, with their extensive previous experience in the oil and gas sector, are worth much more than an external counsel and also are efficient problem solvers’.
‘Andrew Nealon is very good at finding solutions’.
‘Lauren Davies is very strong in summarising complex issues in simple forms’.
‘Nabil Khodadad is an excellent advisor’.
‘The partners have good legal knowledge and commercial knowledge in the sector and they are keen to educate the junior members on every matter’.
‘I mostly work with Lauren Davies and Andrew Nealon. They both have good sense of business and have good commercial knowledge of the sector’.
Key clients
State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic
Uzbekneftegaz JSC
STAR Rafineri
SOCAR Polymer
Uz-Kor Gas Chemical
SOCAR Turkey Enerji A.S.
Uzbekistan GTL LLC
Work highlights
- Providing ongoing advice for the implementation of the largest project financing in Turkey, the approximately $6.3bn STAR Rafineri Project, having originally advised on the construction, development and financing of the Project.
- Providing ongoing advice to Uzbekistan GTL, a subsidiary of Uzbekistan’s state oil and gas company Uzbekneftegaz JSC, on the sale of assets to Air Products.
- Providing ongoing advice to SOCAR Polymer in connection with substantial amendments to the finance agreements in connection with the approximately $800m high density polyethylene (HDPE) plant and polypropylene plant in the Sumgayit Industrial Park, Baku, Azerbaijan, having originally advised on the construction, development and financing of the Project.
Akin Gump LLP
Akin Gump LLP handles corporate M&A in the energy sector and fields a strong disputes practice which advises clients on large international litigation and arbitration. The team is led by Shaun Lascelles, Justin Williams and Simon Rootsey; Lascelles is recommended for cross-border M&A and private equity transactions; Rootsey is experienced in deals on the African continent; and Williams advises clients on complex international disputes. Hamish Lal is another name to note for disputes, particularly those relating to the construction sector. Julian Nichol left for Watson Farley & Williams LLP in August 2021.
Practice head(s):
Shaun Lascelles; Justin Williams; Simon Rootsey
Other key lawyers:
Weyinmi Popo; Hamish Lal
Testimonials
‘True technical expertise in the oil and gas realm allied to brilliant litigation know-how – a winning combination’.
‘They are very detail oriented and have great expertise’.
‘Justin Williams is a senior partner who gets personally involved in all aspects of the case’.
Key clients
Vitol Group
Helios Investment Partners
Vivo Energy Group
Ad Hoc Group of Creditors of the Premier Oil Group
VPI Holding Limited
LUKOIL Capital DAC
The Ad Hoc Committee of Noteholders of Nostrum Oil & Gas Plc
Africa Capitalworks
Trans-Siberian Gold PLC
The majority holder of the convertible bonds issued by Polarcus Limited
Work highlights
- Advising VIP II Blue B.V, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vitol Investment Partnership II Ltd (VIP II), in its $2.3bn takeover of Vivo Energy Plc. VIP II is an investment vehicle advised by employees of the commodities trader Vitol.
- Acting for an Upstream Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Company in disputes arising out of a Production Sharing Agreement in a CIS country.
- A multidisciplinary team at Akin advised an ad hoc group of senior secured creditors of the Premier Oil Group in connection with the merger, by way of reverse takeover under the UK Listing Rules, of Premier Oil Plc with Chrysaor Holdings Limited and with the restructuring of Premier Oil’s c. $2.7bn of debt.
Baker McKenzie
The energy, mining and infrastructure team at Baker McKenzie advises clients on contentious and non-contentious matters, including project development, construction, project finance, M&A, and disputes. The team is jointly led by Richard Blunt, Neil Donoghue, Mike Webster, Steve Abraham and Andy Moody. Blunt focuses on M&A, joint ventures and private equity matters in Europe, Africa, the CIS and the Middle East. Susie Davies is recommended for corporate work, regulatory matters and reorganisations. Andrew Hedges joined from Norton Rose Fulbright in November 2021.
Practice head(s):
Richard Blunt; Neil Donoghue; Mike Webster; Steve Abraham; Andy Moody
Other key lawyers:
Susie Davies; Andrew Hedges
Testimonials
‘Our firm being an important oil and gas contractor/subcontractor, we particularly appreciate the team’s capacity to handle assignments within tight deadlines and mobilise the right amount of resources at short notice for contracts reviews or negotiations with our clients’.
‘Over several years working with the firm, we have always been satisfied with their capacity to deliver sound legal advice over a wide range of contractual matters’.
‘The team has an extremly helpful transactional perspective, which is key in our transactions’.
‘Their experience not only in the Oil & Gas sector, but also in the energy sector, is a very useful tool when negotiating contracts’.
‘It has been a true pleasure working with Richard Blunt and his team; they were quick, agile, efficient, helpful and dynamic in a transaction that required a very sensitive commercial perspective’.
‘The team are extremely knowledgeable, affable client-focused and importantly concentrate on delivery’.
‘They add-value and question commercial decisions in order to seek to deliver the best deal’.
Key clients
Gazprom Export LLC
Tailwind Mistral Limited
PKN Orlen
Uniper Global Commodities
Tokyo Gas Co Ltd
Schlumberger
INA Industrija Nafte DD
Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden)
Vitol BV
Marubeni Corporation
INA Industrija Nafte DD
Work highlights
- Advised Tailwind in relation to the disposal of its entire interest in the Conwy licence and field (on the UKCS) to Eni UK.
- Advised Tailwind in relation to a purchase agreement to acquire Decipher Energy Limited.
- Advised PKN ORLEN S.A. in connection with the acquisition by the PKN ORLEN Group entities of a network of 185 fuel stations in Hungary and Slovakia from MOL Group.
Clyde & Co
Clyde & Co has a broad energy group which advises on upstream, midstream and downstream mandates, offering clients expertise in M&A, commercial matters, financings, capital markets work, disputes and decommissioning issues. On the contentious side, it handles large international litigation and arbitration for multinational companies and government clients and has considerable experience in emerging markets. David Bennet heads the team and is a name to note for oil and gas disputes, while Michael Wachtel has over 20 years’ experience in corporate and commercial work in the sector. David Leckie is recommended for disputes, including international arbitration; Stephen Jurgenson left for an in-house role at Savannah Energy.
Practice head(s):
David Bennet
Other key lawyers:
David Leckie; Philip Mace; Mark Walsh; Ben Knowles; Lucy Frith; Michael Wachtel
Work highlights
- Acting for and representing Apache Investment UK Limited before the Commercial Court, from August 2020 to July 2021.
Fieldfisher
Fieldfisher offers clients ‘in-depth oil and gas experience, particularly in the UK North Sea and in Central Asia’. It handles both transactional work and disputes, with a broad geographic focus that encompasses experience in the UK, Europe, Africa, the CIS and Latin America. The team, which is led by Dominic Gurney-Champion, Paul Stockley and Munich’s Daniel Marhewka, advises clients on M&A, equity capital markets, financing and commodity transactions, as well as litigation and arbitration. The practice saw four recent departures; Lis Blunsdon left for White & Case; Mark Nash left for Hogan Lovells; Hugo Lidbetter departed for Osborne Clarke; and Matthew Williams went to Addleshaw Goddard.
Practice head(s):
Dominic Gurney-Champion; Daniel Marhewka; Paul Stockley
Testimonials
‘The FieldFisher team respond responsively to a range of complex needs’.
‘Their deep understanding on the nature of the complex joint venture arrangements enables them to give clear and helpful advice from across practice areas’.
‘A key strength of FieledFisher is their ability to understand the client need first before assigning a speciality’.
‘Client needs are complex and rarely fit into legal boxes – well done to FieldFisher for responding to this and delivering what we need not what they want to give us’.
‘More recently FieldFisher have responded incredibly well to some short notice urgent legal issues – going the extra mile to turn complex matters around’.
‘As a client we felt excellently represented and in safe hands’.
‘In-depth oil and gas experience, particularly in the UK North Sea and in Central Asia’.
Key clients
Harbour Energy
IOG plc
Serica Energy plc
JSC “National Company “KazMunayGas”
Littop Enterprises Limited, Bridgemont Ventures Limited and Bordo Management Limited
Hartshead Resources Limited
Strand Hanson Limited, Panmure Gordon UK Limited and finnCap Ltd
Eqtec plc
Work highlights
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher acts for major oil companies, state-owned enterprises and private equity houses on the full life cycle of oil and gas, and LNG projects. It is particularly strong on contentious matters and has recently been advising on some high-profile and high-value international arbitrations. Anna Howell heads the team and is recommended for transactions in emerging markets, while senior associate Mitasha Chandok is experienced in cross-border M&A. The team was bolstered in October 2021 with the arrival of three partners from Vinson & Elkins RLLP in the shape of Federico Fruhbeck, Robert Dixon and Alice Brogi, and further strengthened with the arrival of Hugo Hernández-Mancha from Linklaters LLP two months later.
Practice head(s):
Anna Howell
Other key lawyers:
Mitasha Chandok; Kelly Powers; Jeffrey Sullivan KC; Penny Madden KC; Federico Fruhbeck; Robert Dixon; Alice Brogi; Hugo Hernández-Mancha
Key clients
Marathon Oil
Marubeni
Kerogen Capital
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company
E.ON SE
KUFPEC
Nauticor GmbH
Murphy Oil
Chevron Corporation
Elliott Advisors
PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP)
Carlyle
Schlumberger
Asterion
Corral Morocco Holdings
Luxtona Limited
Crescent Petroleum
Dana Gas
Work highlights
Haynes and Boone CDG, LLP
Haynes and Boone CDG, LLP is well known in the market for handling high-profile and high-value transactions and disputes. It advises on upstream, midstream and downstream projects for oilfield operators, contractors, suppliers and insurers. Practice head Glenn Kangisser advises on the full life cycle of projects, from the design and construction phase through to operations and maintenance, and William Cecil is a key name for disputes. Conrad Purcell and Martin Pugsley recently joined from Bird & Bird LLP, and DWF respectively, while Myles Mantle left for Mayer Brown International LLP and Rob Patterson and associate Phoebe Anderson also left the firm.
Practice head(s):
Glenn Kangisser
Other key lawyers:
William Cecil; Conrad Purcell; Martin Pugsley
Testimonials
‘Really strong technical knowledge of the sector, fantastic energy network within firm’.
‘True experts in this very specialised field’.
‘Glenn Kangisser and William Cecil have very deep knowledge and experience in this speciliased niche field’.
‘A capable and user-friendly team with an in-depth knowledge of the oil & gas sector, and infrastructure and construction disputes’.
‘The team has in-depth knowledge and understanding of international arbitration and are dedicated to putting their client in the driving seat’.
‘William Cecil is hugely experienced as an energy / construction litigator’.
‘This firm has an intensive knowledge of the shipyard contracts for drilling rigs, and is experienced with the termination matters, both contractual and technical matters’.
‘The team is very well organised, work fast and efficiently, the outputs are well supported and well structured’.
Key clients
Maersk Drilling A/S
Stena Drilling Limited
Stena Power & LNG Solutions
Work highlights
- Representing Maersk Drilling A/S to undertake due diligence in connection with their merger transaction with Noble Corp.
- Representing Stena Drilling Limited in relation to the acquisition of the deepwater drillship Crete from its builder Samsung Heavy Industries in Korea.
- Represented Stena Drilling Limited with the negotiation of a drilling contract with Energean for three wells to be drilled in Israel involving the Stena Icemax drilling rig.
King & Spalding LLP
King & Spalding LLP is ‘highly responsive and showcases exceptional industry knowledge’. The London team sits as part of a wider global team which caters to large multinational clients on a range of transactional and disputes work. In April 2022, Richard Nelson and Kelly Malone relocated from the Singapore office and Nina Howell joined from Bracewell (UK) LLP. Nelson and Howell now head the team, with Nelson recommended for upstream, midstream and LNG matters, and Howell advising on a range of energy-related corporate transactions internationally. Martin Hunt is recommended for M&A, and joint ventures, and is qualified in England and Wales, New York and Texas, and Nikhil Markanday is recommended for corporate, finance and investments work.
Practice head(s):
Richard Nelson; Nina Howell
Other key lawyers:
Sajid Ahmed; Martin Hunt; Nikhil Markanday; Kelly Malone
Testimonials
‘The team is highly responsive and showcases exceptional industry knowledge’ .
‘Responsive and experienced’.
‘Working with King and Spalding was one of the best experiences for our company’.
‘The firm handled a complex cross-border transaction with great professionalism’.
‘The lawyers are very competent, knowledgeable and experienced in the law’.
‘The team is very responsive and meets tight deadlines’.
‘Markanday Nikhil is an exceptional lawyer. He is approachable, has very strong knowledge and experience in finance and banking’.
‘Martin Hunt is an excellent lawyer. He has very broad experience in corporate matters with very quick turn around times’.
Key clients
Baker Hughes
Borealis
ConocoPhillips
Chevron
Diamond Offshore Drilling Limited and Diamond Offshore Limited
EDF
European Investment Bank
Electrum
Future Earth, Inc.
GE Power
LNG Canada
OMV and OMV Petrom
Mubadala
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation
Naturgy Energy Group SA
Pakistan LNG Limited
Reliance Industries
Republic of Turkey
SigmaBleyzer Investment Group LLC
Sierra Oil & Gas
Shell
Seplat Petroleum
Scatec Solar
Sequa Petroleum
Union Fenosa Gas
Transocean
Total (successor of Anadarko Petroleum Company)
Vedanta Limited and Cairn Energy Hydrocarbons Limited
The Dow Chemical Company
Taleveras Petroleum Trading DMCC
Work highlights
- Advising the owner and operator in relation to the development, ownership and use of the proposed first LNG import terminal in Germany to be located at Brunsbuttel.
- Representing TotalEnergies (as successor to Anadarko) on all aspects of its $50bn Mozambique LNG Project, the largest proposed LNG export project in the world, and we achieved several major milestones for the project this year.
- Advised JAPEX on all aspects of its participation (36% stake) in the Northern Vietam LNG Terminal Project.
Mayer Brown International LLP
Mayer Brown International LLP is ‘capable of handling every issue facing private and public companies’ and services clients on a range of transactional and contentious matters. On the non-contentious side, the team advises clients on commercial, regulatory, tax, environmental and corporate issues and on the disputes side, it is recommended for international litigation and arbitration. Bob Palmer co-heads the team and is a name to note for M&A in the upstream and midstream sectors, while Rob Hamill, who jointly leads the team, handles corporate finance, M&A, and joint ventures.
Practice head(s):
Bob Palmer; Rob Hamill
Other key lawyers:
Trevor Borthwick; Rachael O’Grady; Kirsti Massie; Luiz Aboim; Meredith Campanale
Testimonials
‘A team at the top of their game, capable of handling every issue facing private and public companies, a real sector strength’.
‘Bob Palmer and Rob Hamill are class acts’.
‘Market-leading practice, containing real experts’.
‘Proven track record, well positioned to advise on all kind of oil and gas projects’.
‘Provides very timely and excellent advice and willing to go the extra mile’.
‘Bob Palmer is an excellent lawyer and a wonderful board room advisor’.
‘They are exceptionally experienced and knowledgeable’.
Key clients
Karoon Energy Ltd
Velocys plc
QatarEnergy
Capricorn Energy PLC
ONE-Dyas BV
HSBC
Petronas
Vaalco Energy, Inc.
Work highlights
- Represented leading UK-based oil and gas exploration and development company Cairn Energy (now Capricorn Energy), in the $460m sale by its subsidiary Nautical Petroleum Limited of its interests in the offshore oilfields Catcher and Kraken (in the UK North Sea) to Waldorf Production Limited.
- Represented Summit Exploration & Production, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation, in the sale of its 50 percent stake in the Avalon oil field in the UK North Sea to Malaysia’s Ping Petroleum Limited.
- Advising Petronas, the Malaysian national oil company, in a landmark unification dispute against ANP, the Brazilian oil and gas regulator, concerning oil and gas assets in Brazil.
Simmons & Simmons
Simmons & Simmons fields ‘a friendly and capable team’ which is ‘able to draw on a wealth of knowledge and experience’. Under the leadership of Iain Duncan, the team continues to advise on the acquisition, development, financing and disposal of a range of oil and gas projects. Adam Cooper is a name to note for innovative financing work and counts banks and private equity funds among his clientele, while Patrick Wallace is recommended for joint ventures and M&A. Marc Fèvre joined from Baker McKenzie in May 2021.
Practice head(s):
Iain Duncan
Other key lawyers:
Patrick Wallace; Andrew Petry; Adam Cooper; Marc Fèvre
Testimonials
‘Friendly and capable team, able to draw on a wealth of knowledge and experience’.
‘Very good understanding of the specifics of the company due to long-term co-operation’.
‘Proposal of valuable legal solutions that fit best to a concrete case, considering all aspects of activities and business context’.
‘Patrick Wallace on a permanent basis provides valuable legal contribution on many complicated and complex cases’.
‘Patrick Wallace has a very in-depth and intelligent approach based on valuable experience’.
‘Very useful advice provided based on good knowledge of the business of enterprise’.
‘The team is responsive, industry savvy and provides robust advice’.
Key clients
Bulgarian Energy Holding EAD
EBRD, IFC, Commercial International Bank (Egypt)
Government of Kenya, State Department for Petroleum
National Oil Company of Liberia
Globeleq
Stone City Energy
Umm Al Houl (UHP)
Work highlights
- Advised BEH, the Bulgarian state gas company, on the Greece-Bulgaria gas interconnector and purchases of gas from the Caspian region.
- Advised the lenders in connection with the project financing of a bulk liquids terminal for the import and storage of gasoil, LPG and LNG at Sokhna Port, Egypt.
Stephenson Harwood
Stephenson Harwood is well known in the market for its strength in contentious matters, such as disputes, litigation and arbitration, but the practice also handles transactional work, including large financing work for large multinational clients. The practice is jointly led by Rubin Weston, Simon Moore, Tony Concagh, Stuart Beadnall, Max Lemanski and Ian Mace and was recently strengthened by the arrival of Jameel Tarmohamed and Philip Prowse from HFW in November 2021.
Practice head(s):
Rubin Weston; Simon Moore; Tony Concagh; Stuart Beadnall; Max Lemanski; Ian Mace
Other key lawyers:
Peter Bennett; Kamal Shah; Jameel Tarmohamed; Philip Prowse
Testimonials
‘The team has an in-depth knowledge of floating production units and the contractual and other issues arising in relation to them and in particular relating to disputes’.
‘Max Lemanski is pragmatic and quick to focus on the important points and pleasant to deal with’.
‘The team showed remarkable flexibility in working within the constraints of time and information and came up with a workable structure for providing support’.
‘The partner Kamal Shah was very attentive and available’.
‘Kamal Shah showed a great degree of flexibility with the pricing and engagement process to accommodate the circumstances’.
‘Simon Moore has an innate sense of what the clients want’.
‘Barrels of experience acting for offshore oil and gas contractors’.
‘Stuart Beadnall’s experience goes back to the beginning of the industry’.
Key clients
Shell
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)
Petrobras International
Heerema Marine Contractors
PDVSA
Valero Energy
Covanta Energy
Africa Finance Corporation
European Bank of Reconstruction and Development
Work highlights
- Acted for the lenders on the provision of a junior secured facility to Prime Oil & Gas Cooperatief UA. Prime holds stakes in producing oil fields in the Nigerian Delta.
Watson Farley & Williams LLP
Watson Farley & Williams LLP has ‘a number of partners with diverse experience across the different elements of the oil and gas sector and different countries’ legal and regulatory systems’. It is well versed in large multi-jurisdictional transactions and disputes, and acts for banks, funds, utilities, oil majors and energy companies. Chris Kilburn leads the global oil and gas practice and is experienced in handling deals in Africa, Latin America and South and Southeast Asia. Heike Trischmann is a key name for commercial matters and has recently been advising on a number of LNG to power projects. Julian Nichol joined from Akin Gump LLP in September 2021 and Ryan Ayrton joined from Linklaters LLP in January 2022.
Practice head(s):
Chris Kilburn
Other key lawyers:
Joe Levin; Heike Trischmann; Rob Fidoe; Julian Nichol; Ryan Ayrton
Testimonials
‘Deal and relationship oriented’.
‘In addition to providing good quality legal advice, they take into consideration the context of the relationship and are really trying to find solutions to make the deal happen’.
‘Compact but full service oil and gas offering; partners with real expertise in the areas it’s needed, who work on the matters and engage directly with the client’.
‘Always practical and working towards the big picture outcome and the client’s goals’.
‘Joe Levin is a solution focused and adaptable finance partner with a breadth of oil and gas expertise who wants to work with and support his clients, taking a commercial approach to help ensure deals close’.
‘Chris Kilburn is an experienced and practical corporate partner’.
‘Whether leading on an M&A transaction or acting in a supporting capacity on wider matter, Chris Kilburn understands clients’ needs and delivers clear, digestible advice’.
‘Heike Trischmann is a highly knowledgeable and determined partner who is a valuable asset for commercial O&G contracts’.
‘Jan Mellmann is an experienced and able lawyer who gets directly involved and understands the needs of small companies as well as large ones’.
Key clients
DNB Bank, Bank of Montreal, BNP Paribas and ING Bank as arrangers and a syndicate of 20+ lenders
CalEnergy Resources
PTT Public Company Limited
Black Sea Trade and Development Bank
Advance Energy
Junior Lenders to a consortium of affiliates of Cheiron Petroleum Corporation and Cairn Energy PLC
Coastline Exploration
OMV Gas Marketing & Trading GmbH
Work highlights
- Advising DNB Bank, Bank of Montreal, BNP Paribas and ING Bank as arrangers and a syndicate of 20+ lenders on increasing Chrysaor’s debt facility from $3bn to a $4.5bn reserve-based lending facility (“RBL”).
- Advising the junior lenders and arrangers in relation to a junior financing for a consortium of affiliates of Cheiron Petroleum Corporation and Cairn Energy PLC to support their acquisition of Shell’s onshore upstream assets in Egypt’s Western Desert for a base consideration of $646m and additional payments of up to $280m (i.e. a total value of $926m).
- Successfully representing PTT Public Company Limited, the Thai state-owned SET-listed oil and gas company and the only company from Thailand listed in the Fortune Global 500 (140th) at all stages of its UK court proceedings (Technology and Construction Court, Court of Appeal and subsequently Supreme Court) against its US counterparty, Triple Point Technology, in respect of claims and counterclaims arising in relation to PTT’s global petrochemicals trading, hedging and charterparty management risk systems.
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
The oil and gas team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP focuses on M&A, and transactional matters and fields a team which includes former in-house. As well as corporate work, the team advises on financing and disputes matters in the upstream and downstream sectors. Adam Dann and George Burn head the team, and senior associate Helen Miller is a key practitioner, who is dual-qualified in Australia, and England and Wales. Former practice head John Conlin and Rod Chooramun left the firm, as did senior associate Simon Buchler, who left for an in-house role at Octopus Energy.
Practice head(s):
Adam Dann; George Burn
Other key lawyers:
Alexander Keepin; Helen Miller
Key clients
Pantheon Resources Inc.
Eni S.P.A.
Hellenic Petroleum S.A.
Ancala Partners
Odfjell Drilling
EDF Energy
Jadestone Energy
SDX Energy Inc
TOTAL SE
Work highlights
- Advised Hellenic Petroleum in relation to is exploration program under the West Patraikos Lease as operator and joint venture partner.
- Advised Pantheon Resources Plc on a $96m fundraise, consisting of a $55m convertible bond issue and a $41m equity fundraise.
- Advised San Leon Energy PLC on its proposed reorganisation to consolidate Midwestern Oil and Gas Company Limited’s shareholdings in San Leon Energy and Midwestern Leon Petroleum Limited into a single shareholding in the Company.
Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP
Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP advises governments, state-owned companies and regulators on corporate M&A, project development and restructuring matters. Marc Hammerson, Ryan Hansen and Tony Edwards head the team; Timi Balogun left for Squire Patton Boggs and Daniel Lewin joined from an in-house role at MJ Hudson & Co.
Practice head(s):
Marc Hammerson; Ryan Hansen; Tony Edwards
Other key lawyers:
Daniel Lewin
Testimonials
‘The team is very experienced in construction and oil and gas contracts; they can unite experts from several countries to deliver the most complete and sharp legal opinion with multicultural views’.
‘They often show familiarity with every aspect of our agreements and negotiations from the very first contact, allowing the quick delivery of the analysis’.
Key clients
Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. – PETROBRAS
Republic of Uganda
Republic of Kazakhstan
RAK Gas LLC (the state-owned oil & gas company of Ras AL Khaimah)
First Hydrocarbon Nigeria management and shareholders
Kanga Potash
Harps Holdings Pte Limited
ACAM LP
Work highlights
- Advised RAK Gas on its multi-decade, multi-billion dollar natural gas supply and natural gas offtake agreements.
- Continuing to advise the shareholders and management of First Hydrocarbon Nigeria (FHN) on its potential sale of a minority equity stake.
Ernst & Young LLP
The energy team at Ernst & Young LLP has strong experience in the Eastern Mediterranean and in emerging markets and advises clients on cross-border transactions. Charles Morrison leads the team and key practitioner Dimitri Papaefstratiou is recommended for financing work. The team was bolstered in early 2022 with the arrival of Michelle Davies, Rob McNabb and Jean-Pascal Boutin.
Practice head(s):
Charles Morrison
Other key lawyers:
Simon Collier; Dimitri Papaefstratiou; Joseph Lam; Harry Brunt; Michelle Davies; Rob McNabb; Jean-Pascal Boutin
Work highlights
- Adcted as lead advisor to the Government of Cyprus (through the Natural Gas Public Company of Cyprus, DEFA) in relation to the procurement, development and financing of an LNG import terminal at Vasilikos, Cyprus.
- Advised Union Fenosa Gas (UFG) and the Spanish Egyptian Gas Company, S.A.E., (SEGAS) on all aspects of the restructuring of the $3bn Damietta LNG Plant in Egypt.
- Advising PTTEP SP Limited on the unitisation of the Sinphuhorm gas field in Thailand.
HFW
HFW acts for oil and gas majors and smaller exploration and production companies on contract drafting and project management issues, with a focus on the offshore market. It is also strong in tangential areas such as the financing of LNG carriers. Alistair Mackie heads the team; Andrew Thomas left for Asafo & Co..
Practice head(s):
Alistair Mackie
Other key lawyers:
Alex Kyriakoulis; Diana France; Elinor Dautlich; Judith Prior; Alistair Feeney; Paul Dean; Laura MacLean
Key clients
Klaipedos Nafta (KN)
Exelon Generation
Victoria Group d.o.o
CNOOC Gas and Power Trading & Marketing Ltd
QATARGAS
Visser & Smit Hanab BV
Work highlights
- Advising Klaipedos Nafta (KN) on the acquisition of a floating, storage and regasification Unit (FSRU), following a public tender involving nine other leading international law firms.
- Advised CNOOC on the terms of its request for proposals (RFP) for the long term chartering by CNOOC of up to six newbuild six newbuild 174,000cbm LNG carriers.
- Advising Qatargas, the world’s largest supplier of LNG, which is a Qatar Energy (the former Qatar Petroleum) subsidiary, on its vessel acquisition project, which forms a key element of the expansion of its North gas field.
K&L Gates LLP
The oil, gas and resources department at K&L Gates LLP intersects with the firm’s construction and infrastructure practices to provide a holistic approach to contentious and non-contentious matters. It advises clients on corporate, finance, development and compliance work in the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors. The team is jointly led by Jeremy Farr and Paul Tetlow, with Farr recommended for disputes and board-level advice, and Tetlow a name to note for corporate matters, including public takeovers, private M&A, and joint ventures.
Practice head(s):
Paul Tetlow; Jeremy Farr
Other key lawyers:
Clare Kempkens; Charles Lockwood; James Green
Testimonials
‘Good calibre of partners, depth of experiene, technology and collaboration’.
‘Willingness to go the extra mile for their clients’.
‘Willingness to leverage their professional and sometimes personal networks to help their clients succeed’.
‘A real understanding of the entrepreneurial space at all levels’.
‘Great support’.
‘Paul Tetlow runs a very commercial, capital markets-focussed oil & gas practice’.
‘They are exceptionally good value for the quality of advice offered and my preferred law firm where robust advice is called for’.
‘Paul Tetlow is very commercial and not afraid of direct and robust advice’.
Key clients
Longboat Energy Plc
Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited
Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited
finnCap Ltd
Ansan Wikfs (Hadramaut) Limited
Charles River Laboratories, Inc.
Reganosa Servicios S.R.L
Cenkos Securities PLC
Deltic Energy PLC
Ørsted
Work highlights
- Advising Longboat Energy PLC on three farm-ins (with Equinor, Idemitsu and Spirit Energy), a £35m fundraising and its re-admission to AIM
- Represented Ansan Wikfs (Hadramaut) Limited in ICC Case 22960/AYZ – DNO Yemen AS -v- .1. The Republic of Yemen, 2. TG Holdings Yemen, Inc, 3. Ansan Wikfs (Hadramaut) Limited. The arbitration related to the relinquishment and departure from an oil field, Block 32 in Yemen, by the co-owners, due to the civil war in Yemen and the occupation of the oil facilities by al-Qaeda.
- Advising Reganosa Servicios S.R.L client on all aspects concerning the operation and maintenance of an LNG re-gas (import) terminal at Port Tema, Ghana. This is Ghana’s LNG import terminal.
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP focuses on financing and transactional work and also has the capacity to handle litigation, arbitration and regulatory matters. Bruce Johnston heads the team, which was recently bolstered by the arrival of Seyfi Can Kandemir from White & Case LLP in October 2021; Allison Soilihi was promoted to partner.
Practice head(s):
Bruce Johnston
Other key lawyers:
Ayesha Waheed; Olivier Chambord; Allison Soilihi; Seyfi Can Kandemir
Testimonials
‘The team was always on hand and provides excellent insights’.
‘Seyfi Can Kandemir was the perfect match to our needs; quick and sharp’.
Key clients
We Soda
Financial Guaranty UK Ltd. (FGUK)
EBRD
Work highlights
- Advised Financial Guaranty UK Ltd. (FGUK), a UK monoline insurer controlled by GoldenTree Asset Management, on its consent solicitation in respect of some of the bonds issued by Northern Gas Networks valued at £255m, with the objective to cancel FGUK’s guarantee of those bonds.
- Representing London-headquartered WE Soda Ltd, part of the Ciner Group of financial investor group in the sale of a 60% interest in its North American soda ash business to Sisecam, a portfolio company of Turkish bank, İşbank, for approximately $450m and a $4bn joint venture with Sisecam to develop the world’s largest integrated soda ash facility in the Greater Green River Basin in Wyoming.
- Engaged by a Russian energy client on a multibillion financing for a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant project financing in Russia. The project envisages financing, construction and operation of a large-scale complex for gas processing and liquefaction facilities in Russia.
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP
‘Simply the pre-eminent litigation firm under English law in the oil and gas sector’ Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP is firmly focused on contentious work and handles some very high-value and high-profile international litigation and arbitration work for large multinational companies. Ted Greeno heads the energy disputes practice with decades of experience in the oil and gas sector.
Practice head(s):
Ted Greeno
Testimonials
‘Simply the pre-eminent litigation firm under English law in the oil and gas sector.’
‘I don’t think there is another firm in the UK that can compete with them’.
Key clients
Barra Energia do Brasil Petróleo e Gás Ltda.
Work highlights
Reed Smith LLP
Under the leadership of Prajakt Samant, the London-based energy and natural resources team at Reed Smith LLP sits as part of a wider global team that handles large cross-border M&A, and regulatory matters for high-profile multinational oil and gas clients. James Atkin leads on high-value transactions and project financing mandates and has considerable experience of the Asia-Pacific market.
Practice head(s):
Prajakt Samant
Other key lawyers:
James Atkin
Testimonials
‘Very knowledgeable, yet also provide smart, practical, commercial and cost-efficient advice’.
‘Widely known in the market and can call on any number of widely experienced lawyers to advise on any transactional or disputes matter relating to oil and gas’.
‘Easy to work with, responsive and flexible approach’.
‘Happy to discuss new ideas and collaboration and to meet the client needs and tailor advice to scope’.
Work highlights
Wikborg Rein
Norwegian firm Wikborg Rein‘s London offering encompasses expertise in contentious and non-contentious oil and gas matters, including projects work and disputes. Jonathan Goldfarb co-heads the team and has a wealth of experience in LNG transactions, an increasingly important area given the recent invasion of Ukraine. Renaud Barbier-Emery, who jointly leads the team, is recommended for offshore and LNG projects, and is active on a number of cross-border mandates.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Goldfarb; Renaud Barbier-Emery
Other key lawyers:
Chris Grieveson; Shawn Kirby
Testimonials
‘Jon Goldfarb is a standout lawyer in his field’.
‘Jon Goldfarb is very pragmatic and collaborative, always available when the going gets tough.’
‘The team has the ability to revert with documentation and drafting in an expedite manner’.
‘The team has also great experience in litigation and contractual discussions, which helps during the negotiation and drafting phase’.
‘Shawn Kirby is extremely pragmatic and solution maker’.
‘Renaud Barbier-Emery is unique due to his in-depth knowledge of the oil and gas industry, his multi-jurisdictional experience and his constant availability to find a solution’.
‘Renaud Barbier-Emery is the lawyer who you would want to have on your side as much as possible’.
‘The team has the ability to revert with documentation and drafting in an expedited manner’.
Key clients
Transocean
GasLog Ltd
BW LNG
Golar LNG Limited
Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL)
Awilco Drilling
Bonheur ASA / Fred Olsen
Höegh LNG Ltd
Dolphin Drilling
Maersk Drilling
GSP Holding SA
Exmar NV
Naftogaz of Ukraine
Queiroz Galvão Exploração e Produção (QGEP)
George Economou group companies (Ocean Rig)
Awilco LNG
Teekay Corporation
Vantage Drilling International
Shelf Drilling
BW Offshore
Purus Marine
Work highlights
- Assisting Teekay Petrojarl in connection with the decommissioning of the Banff Field, in particular the removal of the Banff FPSO from the field, the redelivery of the Apollo Spirit FPSO.
- Advising Golar LNG in respect of the delivery contract for the FSRU “LNG Croatia”, valued at $180m and formerly known as the Golar Viking, delivered to LNG HRVATSKA (of Croatia).
- Acting for Vantage Drilling International in the sale by one of its directly-held subsidiaries, Vantage Holdings International (VHI) of all of the issued and outstanding equity for $200m of VHI’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Emerald Driller Company (EDC) to ADES Arabia Holding (“ADES Arabia”), the parent company of ADES International Holding, a PIF portfolio company and a leading offshore and onshore provider of oil and gas drilling and production services in the Middle East and North Africa.
Armstrong Teasdale
Armstrong Teasdale has strong experience in transactional work for companies quoted on the Main Market and AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. Joan Yu and Peter Kohl head the team, which was recently bolstered by the arrival of Imran Aslam from Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP; Nick Heap from Bird & Bird LLP; and Rashid Gaissin, who joined from an in-house role at KPMG.
Practice head(s):
Joan Yu; Peter Kohl
Other key lawyers:
Una Deretic; Robert Paydon; Imran Aslam; Nick Heap; Rashid Gaissin
Testimonials
‘I have worked with Imran Aslam on an oil and gas restructuring involving an African exploration company. This matter illustrated Imran’s ability to coordinate a high pressure cross-border matter to achieve the desired outcome for the client’.
‘Imran Aslam thinks outside the box and shows a real determination to achieve positive results’.
‘Very strong technically, happy to share and discuss ideas, good value for money and very hard working’.
‘Imran Aslam is a good team player, easy to work with and committed to getting the right result for the client’.
‘Imran Aslam is technically very strong and collaborative in his approach and always willing to discuss new ideas approaches’.
‘The team has breadth and depth of expertise’.
‘Imran Aslam is excellent. He knows the law inside out but is also very commercial in his approach’.
‘Imran Aslam is great to work with; knowledgeable, client focused and bright’.
Key clients
Baron Oil plc
Empyrean Energy plc
United Oil & Gas plc
Victoria Oil & Gas plc
Applegreen plc
Midway Resources International PLC
Work highlights
- Armstrong Teasdale advised AIM-listed client United Oil & Gas Plc (UOG), on its proposed sale of two UK Central North Sea assets to Quattro Energy Limited for a headline consideration of up to £3.2m, which was expected to complete in Q1 2022, however has since been aborted.
- Advised AIM listed Empyrean Energy Plc in relation to its £7.6m fundraising to complete funding requirements for a Chinese offshore drilling project.
- Advised AIM listed Victoria Oil & Gas plc on three separate financings, which were structured as unsecured loan notes, convertible notes and equity warrants.
Gide Loyrette Nouel LLP
The ‘very competent, responsive, knowledgeable and helpful’ Gide Loyrette Nouel LLP has a strong track record in transactional work in Africa and is also known in the market for its disputes expertise. Colin Graham heads the team and is a name to note for corporate and commercial projects work.
Practice head(s):
Colin Graham
Other key lawyers:
Matteo Matteucci
Testimonials
‘The team is very competent, responsive, knowledgeable and helpful’.
‘I had not known them in the past but have learned to lean on them quite heavily for not only the direct matters as to which the original work was scheduled but also for support’.
‘Each of the attorneys we have dealt with has been helpful and well experienced for the work’.
‘The team works together well even from different offices, as is key in our world today’.
‘Colin Graham is a great LNG lawyer who has helped immeasurably in putting together contracting and operational structures for us on the LNG side’.
‘Matteo Matteucci has stepped in as a corporate lawyer to assist on some rather complex shareholder and governance matters’.
‘The team is passionate about energy issues, both willing and eager to go to the details of the problem, and supported by deep energy sector background knowledge’.
‘Colin Graham has an exceptional experience in LNG matters’.
Key clients
Delta Offshore Energy
Port Edward LNG
TotalEnergies
PGNiG
PKN Orlen
Work highlights
- Advising Delta Offshore Energy on the development of a 3,200 MW gas-to-power project in Vietnam to be supplied by an integrated LNG import project.
- Advising Port Edward LNG Ltd with respect to the drafting and the negotiation of English law offtake agreements for containerised LNG to be produced in Canada for export to China.
- Advised Total SA on ongoing operational and dispute avoidance issues with regard to their LNG portfolio in Latin America.
Hill Dickinson LLP
Roderick Palmer heads up the oil and gas team at Hill Dickinson LLP and focuses on corporate and commercial work. The firm fields a cross-departmental energy and natural resources group which advises domestic and international clients, including oil supermajors, commodity houses, tanker owners and gas infrastructure providers.
Practice head(s):
Roderick Palmer
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Morris
Testimonials
E’xcellent communication skills and out of hours service to close a complicated transaction’.
‘We are a small Company with only a few staff, so consistency of staff and direct communication was excellent’.
‘Jonathan Morris – had excellent communication skills in particular around the commercial aspects of the transaction’.
Key clients
ADES International Holdings PLC
Saltfleetby Energy Limited
Orcadian Energy PLC
UK Oil & Gas PLC
Reabold Resources Plc
Helium One Global Ltd
Islands Energy Group
ACP Energy PLC
Hydrogen Future Industries PLC
Upland Resources Limited
Work highlights
- Advised long standing client, ADES International Holdings PLC (ADES), on the acquisition of its entire issued ordinary share capital by Innovative Energy Holding Ltd for a cash offer valuing ADES at approximately $516m.
- Advised Saltfleetby Energy Limited (SEL) in respect of an intricate £12m finance facility with Angus Energy PLC, Mercuria Energy Trading Limited and Aleph Saltfleetby Limited which was integral to the parties’ ability to continue to develop the Saltfleetby Gas Field.
- Advised Orcadian Energy PLC (Orcadian) on the admission of its entire issued share capital to trading on AIM and its connected placing of shares from new and existing institutional investors, giving Orcadian a market capitalisation of £25m on completion.
Keystone Law
Keystone Law is well regarded for its expertise in regulatory issues pertaining to the energy and natural resources sector. Richard Temple is experienced in oil and gas transactions in Africa, and Stuart Carter is a name to note for commercial contracts, joint venture agreements and transactions.
Other key lawyers:
Richard Temple; Stuart Carter; Fei Mao; Greg Kahn; Louise Elmes; David Egan; Rabya Anwar
Testimonials
‘Stuart Carter is a very commercially-oriented lawyer who has been able to provide us with excellent, wide-ranging advice built on a legal foundation’.
‘Deep knowledge of African Production Sharing Agreements’.
‘Richard Temple has long experience of working with PSCs’.
Key clients
Genel Energy UK Servcies Limited
Impact Oil & Gas
SOMGAS
Calon Energy Limited (formerly a subsidiary of RWE Generation)
North Sea Natural Resources
Schlumberger Oilfield UK PLC
Lexoo Limited
African Petroleum (now PetroNor E & P Limited)
Metron Energy Applications S.A.
Trafalgar Oil and Gas
Work highlights
- Advised Genel Energy Plc group company on their template joint operating agreement used in their international transactions worldwide.
- Assisted Impact Africa Limited in advising on a seismic matter.
- Currently advising SOMGAS on the development of a new LPG Terminal situated at Berbera.
Locke Lord LLP
Locke Lord LLP’s London energy team acts for multinational clients on M&A, capital markets transactions, financing, regulatory and litigation matters, among other areas. The team is led by Kevin Atkins, who is experienced in cross-border upstream acquisitions and divestitures. Matthew Daffurn is a name to note for project finance work in emerging markets.
Practice head(s):
Kevin Atkins
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Daffurn
Key clients
ADM Energy No
TBNG Limited
Cataleya Energy Corporation
Gem Containers Limited
SRJ Technologies
Tethys Oil
Gasmeth Energy
Work highlights
Memery Crystal (part of RBG Legal Services)
Memery Crystal (see also Rosenblatt) handles transactional and advisory work for a range of energy companies and draws on expertise from its corporate, disputes, real estate, construction, technology and employment teams to provide a holistic service to clients. Nick Davis and Michael Dawes head the practice.
Practice head(s):
Nick Davis; Michael Dawes
Other key lawyers:
Lesley Gregory; Stephen Ravenscroft; Joanne Kelly
Key clients
Aramco Overseas Company
Nordex Energy
Afentra plc (formerly Sterling Energy plc)
Strand Hanson, Tennyson Securities, and Optiva Securities in relation to Advance Energy
Coven Energy
WKE (Middlesbrough)
Zephyr Energy
Turner Pope for Sound Enery
Tlou Energy
Rathlin Energy
Gulf Keystone Petroleum
VAALCO
Valeura Energy
Work highlights
- Advised long-standing client 88 Energy on a successful fundraising to domestic and international investors raising A$10m.
- Advising the European business of Saudi Aramco, one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, in relation to a range of employment matters.
- Advised Afentra plc (formerly Sterling Energy plc) an upstream oil and gas company listed on the AIM.
Schjodt LLP
Norwegian-headquartered firm Schjodt LLP fields a London team headed by David Gardner, Gervais Green, who joined from Clifford Chance LLP in May 2021, and Stephen Woods, who joined from Norton Rose Fulbright in January 2022. It focuses on financing, projects work and disputes pertaining to offshore drilling, production and oilfield services.
Practice head(s):
David Gardner; Gervais Green; Stephen Woods
Testimonials
‘Experienced and very capable people with considerable knowledge in our market sector’.
‘David Gardner is a very knowledgeable and highly skilled lawyer who is very focused on the important issues – always helpful’.
‘Alice Thomas offers a wealth of experience in asset financing matters and is a very able lawyer’.
‘David Gardner leads a team of industry experts who work well together’.
‘David Gardner has a large depth of offshore development and shipping knowledge which he applies in a very commercial way’.
‘Experienced and very capable people with considerable knowledge in our market sector’.
‘Alice Thomas – a wealth of experience in asset financing matters and a very able lawyer’.
‘David Gardner – a very knowledgeable and highly skilled lawyer who is very focused on the important issues – always helpful’.
Key clients
BW Offshore
Modec
Altera Infrastructure
Work highlights
- Advising BWO on the terms of its tender to provide a newbuilding FPSO on lease terms to Santos and its partners to provide feed gas for the Darwin LNG facility in Western Australia.