Jonathan Brufal > Gowling WLG > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Gowling WLG‘s offering is co-led by a multitude of energy specialists, being ‘results-driven’, corporate-focused Gareth Baker, regulatory experts John Cooper and Birmingham-based Gus Wood, real estate specialist Helen Emmerson, also in Birmingham, Nath Curtis, who has a particular focus on project finance and Jonathan Brufal, who works predominantly on international project development matters from the London and Dubai offices. The team ably handles transactional energy work in these areas, in key M&A and financing matters of high-value, in particular, frequently acting in collaboration with the Dubai team on international work. ‘Leader in the field’ James Stanier is another name to note.

Gowling WLG has a thriving projects and infrastructure practice in London that is ‘technically sound, pragmatic and risk aware not risk averse, professional and culturally sensitive‘. Head of international projects Jonathan Brufal is ‘not only willing, but keen, to get into the detail on projects‘. He worked with project finance specialists Andrew Newbery and Imran Mufti to support Saudi construction company Alfanar Company in the development of five Construction Villages procured by the NEOM Company, each with accommodation for up to 10,000 individuals who will ultimately oversee and deliver a new urban area in Tabuk Province. Corporate energy partner Gareth Baker  ‘provides pragmatic and sound legal advice, taking time to understand the commercials‘, and impact finance partner Alasdair McKenzie ‘has a clear interest and passion for emerging markets work and his advice is sound and pragmatic‘. Together they advised InfraCo Africa on a $15m loan to to UK-registered next generation utility company Bboxx for its Africa-focused off-grid solar business. Head of natural resources Charles Bond and standout partner for international arbitration Gordon Bell are also active in emerging markets.

Gowling WLG advises on water infrastructure projects in the UK and abroad, acting for water companies, local governments and water regulators, handling financing, development and transactional matters. The practice also provides litigation support, representing clients engaged in international litigation. Leading the water practice is Andrew Newbery, who specialises in transactional matters in the water sector, including project financing, while John Cooper heads the firm’s public law team, advising on regulatory issues affecting water projects. Gareth Baker assists investors seeking to acquire infrastructure assets and Jonathan Brufal, who splits time between the firm’s Dubai and London offices, heads the firm’s international projects practice, with particular experience advising on developments in Africa and the Middle East.

Gowling WLG‘s work in the projects space spans contractual and agreement advice, development and project financing counsel, and procurement guidance, with the group overseeing a range of infrastructure PPPs and renewable energy developments in the MENA region. Practice head Jonathan Brufal is highly experienced with a range of financing models that makes him well placed to act on utility and energy mandates, with clients praising his commercial aptitude and proficiency. Other key figures include associate Scott Geelan, who has quickly built a portfolio of impressive projects work.