John Gilbert > Bracewell (UK) LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

‘An excellent firm‘, Bracewell (UK) LLP‘s London office focuses exclusively on energy sector work. John Gilbert routinely assists with disputes concerning oil and gas exploration and production, as well as the construction and operation of pipelines and downstream sector-related arbitrations. The majority of Alistair Calvert‘s recent caseload involves North Sea and Africa-related instructions, while Robert Meade acts in international disputes concerning oil, gas, power, infrastructure, construction and international trade. Jameela Bond is ‘an excellent senior associate‘.

At Bracewell (UK) LLP, energy and natural resources are the core areas of focus, and the firm’s oil and gas practice remains central to its emerging markets offering. It has nevertheless continued to branch out into new areas, notably renewable energy. Jason Fox leads the practice and in his long career advising on upstream oil and gas matters he has advised on more than 150 reserve based lending (RBL) financings, as well as numerous other financings. Oliver Irwin and Eimear Murphy are recommended for cross-border financings and upstream oil and gas. Fox and Irwin acted for BP Exploration Operating Company Limited and Eni S.p.A. on their project to combine all of their Angolan oil and gas assets into a new incorporated joint venture, which included advice on a $2.5bn senior secured term loan facility structured as a pre-export financing. Olivia Caddy and Tom Jamieson also has extensive project development and finance experience in the energy sector. Solicitor advocate John Gilbert is among the partners who handle both conventional and renewable energy projects. Key partner Adam Blythe handles upstream, midstream and downstream M&A, project development and other commercial arrangements.

Bracewell (UK) LLP‘s practice has a ‘specialist expertise in energy sector disputes’, acting on high-profile matters across the wind, solar, battery storage, and carbon capture industries, assisting companies in their transition towards alternative energy forms. ‘Strategic thinker’ John Gilbert is the head of the team, advising on a wide range of disputes related to oil and gas exploration and production, with ‘standout operator’ Alistair Calvert also integral to the team.

Energy finance specialist and managing partner Jason Fox leads Bracewell (UK) LLP‘s power practice, which also Alistair Calvert has extensive experience handling both international arbitration matters and domestic litigation work with an energy focus. John Gilbert also has expertise in energy-related dispute resolution work regarding both conventional and renewable power generation projects. Oliver Irwin is another name to note in the team for his experience handling the financing aspects of significant energy projects. Jo En Low departed to Ashurst in January 2023.