Highlighted for its ‘global reach‘, international firm Dentons is well placed to advise energy sector clients on the impact of foreign sanctions. The team stands out for its expertise in the oil and gas industry, with an impressive client base that includes both exploration and production and services companies, while other areas of strength include the mining and power sectors. In addition to handling significant transactions in the Venezuelan energy market, the team advises on day-to-day corporate, regulatory and tax issues. The sizeable team is led by Sergio Casinelli, who focuses on regulatory matters and corporate transactions; Natalija Vojvodic; Daniela Jaimes, whose practice spans projects, regulatory and sanctions issues; and Rubén Eduardo Luján. Luis Ernesto Andueza is also noted for regulatory and public law matters.

Operating from offices around the world, the energy team at InterJuris Abogados advises a wide range of international clients on corporate and regulatory matters in the sector, and has recently been particularly active in assisting oil and gas companies and funds from the Middle East. In particular, the firm stands out for its expertise in the financing of joint venture companies for the exploration and development of oil reserves, as well as advising on project finance, construction and licensing matters. In the firm's Madrid and Miami offices, the key contacts are practice head Gabriela Rachadell de Delgado and Juan José Delgado. Fernando Ríos Morillo is the name to note in the Caracas office, with a focus on tax issues.

The ‘excellent multidisciplinary team‘ at Leĝa Abogados is highly experienced in advising well-known international names on corporate, finance and tax matters in the Venezuelan energy sector. The firm has notable expertise in the financing and construction of major oil and gas, power and infrastructure projects and also provides specialist advice on the complex international financing structures used by Venezuelan public sector entities. Practice head Miguel Rivero specialises in the oil and gas sector, advising on upstream, midstream and downstream matters, and in the financing of energy and mining projects. Simón Herrera, who is noted for his advice to multinational oil and gas companies on corporate transactions and projects, and regulatory expert José Alberto Ramírez are also key contacts.

International firm Baker & McKenzie, S.C. stands out for its advice to private oil and gas companies in Venezuela on corporate transactions, regulatory compliance and contract negotiations, particularly with state-owned company PDVSA. The team counts a number of major global energy companies among its clients. Practice head Eugenio Hernández-Bretón has extensive experience advising on the financing and development of mining and oil and gas projects in Venezuela, as well as handling disputes in the sector. Maria Eugenia Salazar is highly recommended for her expertise in regulatory matters.

With 'outstanding knowledge' of the oil and gas sector, LEC Abogados advises major local and international clients on their operations in Venezuela and elsewhere in Latin America, with notable expertise in regulatory compliance, contractual negotiations and financial transactions (including debt to equity swaps for energy-related assets). In addition, the team assists energy clients with the impact of international sanctions. Practice head Juan Carlos Andrade is highly regarded for his experience in the energy sector, particularly in project finance. Arturo Jáuregui provides key support at associate level.

Mendoza, Palacios, Acedo, Borjas, Paez Pumar & Cia. is particularly active in advising international energy clients on corporate matters in the Venezuelan oil, gas and electricity sectors, including the negotiation of contracts with state-owned companies. Other areas of expertise include the financing of major projects, particularly in the oil industry, energy-related M&A and advice on sanctions imposed by the US and EU. Carlos Eduardo Acedo and Manuel Acedo Sucre, both of whom have extensive experience in project finance, lead the team. Diego Lepervanche and Luisa Lepervanche frequently advise on sanctions issues.

Palacios, Torres & Korody advises energy sector clients, including licensees, concessionaires, service providers and joint venture partners, on a wide range of project finance, tax, acquisitions and regulatory compliance issues. The practice is led by tax expert Juan Korody, who has extensive experience of advising multinational oil and gas companies, and corporate and mining specialist Carlos Plaza. Associate Juan Andrés Velutini is also noted for corporate and regulatory issues in the oil and gas sector.

Rodríguez & Mendoza focuses on the oil and gas sector, where it advises domestic and international clients on their operations in Venezuela, with a particular emphasis on project finance. Reinaldo Hellmund is the name to note.

Torres, Plaz & Araujo has longstanding experience advising major international oil, gas and mining companies on project finance, regulatory and commercial issues, and tax and corporate structuring. Recently, the team has been particularly active in advising foreign oil companies on the restructuring of their operations in Venezuela, including establishing joint ventures with PDVSA and obtaining licences for gas exploration and production. Juan Carlos Garantón-Blanco, Valentina Cabrera Medina and of counsel Federico Araujo Medina head the team.

With a long track record of advising key international players in the oil and gas sector, Travieso Evans Arria Rengel & Paz has a broad practice spanning energy-related regulatory, contractual, labour and tax matters. Simón Guevara Camacho, who has expertise in corporate and project finance matters, leads the team with finance and tax expert Eduardo Travieso Uribe. Daniela Del Vecchio, who was promoted to partner in January 2021, is also a key contact.