King & Spalding LLP > Singapore, Singapore > Firm Profile

King & Spalding LLP
1 Raffles Quay
#31-01 North Tower
Singapore 048583
Singapore

Singapore > Energy: foreign firms Tier 1

King & Spalding LLP‘s senior bench was reduced by the relocation of Kelly Malone to the London office, and the departure of Richard Nelson to Mayer Brown International LLP‘s London branch, though energy transactions and projects remain at the core of the Singapore’s strengths with a particularly formidable record in LNG, oil and gas, and further capabilities in renewables and hydrogen. The firm is active across the upstream, midstream and downstream oil and gas space, and has extensive experience in LNG offtake agreements, floating storage regasification units (FSRUs), LNG imports and LNG-to-power projects. It continues to advise a range of energy majors, national oil and gas companies and government-linked entities. Simon Cowled is hugely experienced in energy M&A and project development. Anthony Patten left the firm in September 2023.

Practice head(s):

Simon Cowled

Other key lawyers:

Zoë Bromage

Testimonials

‘Years of experience in advising on LNG projects around the world.’

‘The best value-for-money firm for LNG advice in Singapore; high quality work with quick turnaround.’

 

Key clients

BW Gas

Commonwealth LNG, LLC

DIALOG Systems (Asia) Pte. Ltd.

DIALOG Group Berhad

Mitsui & Co.

Perenco Rang Dong Ltd.

Scatec Solar ASA

Shell South Africa

Solar Philippines

Singapore > International arbitration Tier 1

King & Spalding LLP has a ‘top-tier arbitration practice’, with a notable practice spanning oil and gas, construction, and investment treaty arbitration. Mandates undertaken by the team are often high-value and international in nature, acting for high-profile clients including the Chevron Corporation. Wade Coriell acts as the head of the team alongside Nils Eliasson, with the pair leading on many of the key matters undertaken by the practice. The team, which ‘consistently attracts high-value and cutting-edge work globally’, also includes Elodie Dulac, a co-founding partner of the team, and Anisha Sud.

Practice head(s):

Wade M. Coriell; Nils Eliasson

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘K&S has a top-tier arbitration practice and consistently attracts high-value and cutting-edge work globally.

‘Given the firm’s strengths, K&S is always on the shortlist of international law firms that we consider when we choose our co-counsel for major matters. Their reputation makes recommending them to our clients very easy.’

‘I have worked with Nils Eliasson for an important advisory matter for a dispute (that was ultimately settled amicably). The matter was super-urgent, and arose at an inconvenient time, but Nils was very responsive and hard-working. The matter required cross-office staffing and coordination, which Nils spearheaded. The advice we received in the end formed the basis for our client’s settlement strategy – which worked in the client’s favour.’

‘Strong international arbitration practice, including disputes with host states or actions under bilateral investment treaties. Experienced and highly professional. ’

‘For recent work key partners involved are Elodie Dulac, Wade Coriell and Nils Eliasson, I am very happy with the timeliness and quality of their work product, and skill in advocacy and communication. ’

Key clients

Prime Energy Resources Development B.V. (formerly Shell Philippines Exploration B.V.)

Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production, Ltd.

Min Fengzhen

National Grid Corporation of the Philippines

Chevron Corporation

Work highlights

  • Representing Chevron’s Thai subsidiary, CTEP, in a US$ 2 billion dispute against the Kingdom of Thailand and its Ministry of Energy.
  • Advising the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines in an UNCITRAL arbitration against two Philippine owned and controlled parties, the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation and the National Transmission Corporation. The primary claim involves the validity of a $1bn that NGCP made in July 2013, forming part of the $4bn concession fee which NGCP agreed to pay for the right to exclusively operate the Philippines’ transmission grid network for 25 years.

Singapore > Projects: foreign firms Tier 2

With a solid track record in handling upstream and downstream projects, King & Spalding LLP’s corporate, finance and investments team is well known for representing export credit agencies and financial institutions in oil and gas, LNG and petrochemical mandates. High-value financings, project-specific acquisitions, joint ventures and divestments are key areas of instruction for the group, which is also adept at assisting with renewable energy, water and transport sector matters. Simon Cowled focuses on cross-border energy and infrastructure, M&A, and project finance transactions, and is a key practitioner in the Singapore office; he co-heads the practice with Tokyo-based lawyers Mark Davies and John McClenahan. Kelly Malone is now based in the firm's London office. In May 2023 Richard Nelson left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Simon Cowled; Mark Davies; John McClenahan

Other key lawyers:

Aaron Lee

Testimonials

‘The K&S team worked seamlessly across the workstreams, providing high quality advice. They are sector experts – they drew on their experience to come up with practical solutions and could anticipate issues before they materialized; this helped make the overall process smoother and more efficient.’

‘Strong technical ability and sector knowledge, coupled with practical and easy to understand advice that can be actioned. Always contactable with a fast turn-around.

‘Aaron Lee is very good at problem-solving, anticipating issues, and providing strategic advice.’

Key clients

Mitsui & Co. Ltd

MODEC Inc.

Korea Electric Power Company

Posco International Corporation

Singapore > Banking and finance: foreign firms Tier 3

King & Spalding LLP has a considerable market presence, in large part thanks to the standing of market leader Andrew Brereton. Although known for his record in bulge-bracket mainstream financings, such as acquisition and leveraged finance, term loans, and project finance, Brereton and his team have carved out a sizeable market share of private credit and special situations transactions. The team is also recognised for its expertise in sustainability-linked loans. Soumya Bhagavatula and U-Glen Lim are key associates.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Brereton

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The K&S Singapore finance team has broad experience across all types of finance transactions (leverage, projects, structured) and bring this to bear when offering solutions. The K&S Singapore team offering is well connected globally and their ability to obtain know how/intel quickly from other markets and provide this to us with an Asia lens is second to none. ’

‘Andrew Brereton has a breadth of experience across all types of financings and his technical knowledge and ability to think outside the box is critical when negotiating deals. His advice is always concise and to the point. ’

‘The Banking + Finance team in Singapore provide outstanding support and are always on hand to assist us in getting deals over the line.’

‘Andrew Brereton is a standout partner – always has an eye on the prize and is reliably motivated to help us close deals, including complex/difficult ones. Strong negotiator aside, Andrew is always able to assist us in weighing our options and balancing risks/benefits.

U-Glen Lim from the team also provides commendable support.’

Key clients

Star Energy Group Holdings

Pertamina Persero

PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia

Korea Electric Power Corporation

Fulbright University Vietnam

Batavia Oil

Mitsui & Co

Keppel Capital Holdings

OCP Asia (Singapore)

Work highlights

  • Advised Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) on the simultaneous closing of its Energy Conversion Agreement, project and equity bridge financing and hedging in respect of the Jafurah Co-Generation in Saudi Arabia.
  • Advised OCP Asia (Singapore) on its $100m secured term loan facilities for Asia Digital Engineering, a Southeast Asia-based provider of aviation maintenance, overhaul and repair (MRO) services.
  • Advised Pertamina Persero in connection with its $1.4bn syndicated term loan facility which was syndicated to a large consortium of over 20 banks.

Singapore > Corporate and M&A: foreign firms Tier 3

The ‘superb team’ at King & Spalding LLP stands out for its expertise in energy and renewables-related M&A, with additional capability in handling disposals, private equity transactions and general corporate mandates. Commended for his ‘hands-on approach and remarkable availability’, Parveet Singh Gandoak advises on cross-border M&A, minority and control investments, joint ventures, secondary transactions, exits, and restructurings. Gandoak jointly leads the team alongside Simon Cowled, who specialises in energy-related M&A and project development transactions. Other key contacts in the group include senior associates Jill Cooper and Michael Ng.

Practice head(s):

Parveet Singh Gandoak; Simon Cowled

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘King & Spalding LLP regularly delivers high quality work, tailor-made to suit the clients needs and commercial intent. They always give clear and concise advice.’

‘Parveet Singh Gandoak is a lawyer par excellence, who is known to consistently give high quality legal advice. Parveet has the unique distinction of being a top global lawyer who understands the intricacies of Indian ethos and sensitives.’

‘We have been very impressed with the K&S team collaborating on India-related deals. The team and partners are fully hands-on and available for all support.’

‘Parveet Singh Gandoak has stood out for us owing to his hands-on approach and remarkable availability, as well as understanding nuanced India-related issues and negotiation sensitivities.’

‘Excellent professionals, great quality of advice and pragmatic approach. Always available and have broad-ranging international experience.’

‘A superb team that protects their clients interests to the hilt.’

‘They build a superb environment to get deals done quickly. Partners are hands-on and manage the transaction efficiently.’

Key clients

BrightNight APAC B.V.

Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

Batavia Oil Pte. Ltd.

Kroll

Singapore > Restructuring and insolvency: foreign firms

Led by ‘commercial and a skilled tactician’ Andrew Brereton, the team at King & Spalding LLP acts for sophisticated investors in Asia, including global and regional banks, private equity firms and their portfolio companies, credit funds and project sponsors on cross-border restructurings.

Indonesia > Foreign firms Tier 2

King & Spalding LLP handles matters in key industries across the Indonesian market. It has advised on high-profile transactions in the energy sector, including oil and gas as well as LNG development projects, and on major M&A and finance matters. The firm further assists in arbitrations concerning Indonesian disputes. Co-head of the global power practice Simon Cowled advises on major power projects in the country, while Andrew Brereton leads the firm’s sustainable lending efforts in Indonesia.

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team works seamlessly across work streams, providing high quality advice. They are sector experts.’

‘Strong technical ability and sector knowledge, coupled with practical and easy to understand advice that can be actioned. They also take the time to understand their client and how their client operates.’

‘The team is very skilful in handling international or cross-border arbitration cases, particularly in respect of large projects and complex cases.’

‘They drew on their experience to come up with practical solutions and could anticipate issues before they materialized – this helped make the overall process smoother and more efficient.’

Key clients

Mitsui & Co

Star Energy Group Holdings Pte. Ltd.

PT Pertamina (Persero)

PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia

Pertamina Power Indonesia

Work highlights

Philippines > Foreign firms Tier 2

The practice at King & Spalding LLP covers all aspects of Asia’s energy, power and natural resources industries, as well as transport, infrastructure, and technology. It has deep experience in the Philippines, particularly across projects, disputes, M&A, financing and distressed investments. Wade Coriell  leads the firm’s disputes practice in Asia, while Andrew Brereton specialises in banking work including acquisition finance, structured lending, and project finance; he also has extensive experience in restructurings and corporate workouts. Elodie Dulac has niche expertise in investment treaty arbitrations.

Practice head(s):

Wade Coriell

Other key lawyers:

Aloysius Llamzon; Andrew Brereton; Elodie Dulac

Testimonials

‘Andrew Brereton is commercial and a skilled tactician. In a negotiation, he outmanoeuvres his peers.’

‘Depth of expertise across multiple jurisdictions.’

The K&S team’s ability to navigate the structure, anticipate multiple scenarios, and design creative solutions to protect the client’s interest stood out. They understand the commercial objectives and don’t get bogged down in legalese which makes them effective at negotiating.’

‘Transparent.’

‘Aloysius Llamazon is an absolute superstar with a first-rate legal mind and excellent client-management skills.’

‘The have a world-wide presence and can draw on both lawyers and experts across jurisdictions and subject matters.’

‘Wade Coriell is a standout litigator and has the unique ability to synthesise very complicated cases and present it persuasively in simple terms to arbitrators.’

‘Aloysius Llamzon is a scholarly pleader and advocate and able to present a client’s case – even its weak points – in best light. ’

Key clients

BW Gas

CarVal Investors LP

National Grid Corporation of the Philippines

Prime Energy Resources Development B.V. (formerly Shell Philippines Exploration B.V.)

India > Foreign firms

King & Spalding LLP’s India group is regularly instructed to advise on disputes and transactional mandates for a wide variety of clients, both domestic companies and international corporates. The energy sector is a notable area of expertise for the team, which assists India-based companies on oil and gas as well as renewable energy matters; aviation and tech are other key focus sectors. The team is jointly led by Atlanta-based M&A expert Rahul Patel and London’s Amit Kataria, who joined from Morrison Foerster in September 2022 alongside counsel Sunandini Das, significantly strengthening the group’s transactional offering. In Singapore, Parveet Singh Gandoak is another key name for transactional work.

Practice head(s):

Rahul Patel; Amit Kataria

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘King & Spalding LLP regularly delivers high-quality legal work tailor-made to suit the client’s needs and commercial intent. King & Spalding LLP always gives clear and concise advice which has always been appreciated.’

‘Parveet Singh Gandoak is a lawyer par excellence, who is known to consistently give high-quality legal advice. Parveet has the unique distinction of being a top global lawyer who understands the intricacies of Indian ethos and sensitives, especially that of old business houses. He has always given clear advice, having weighed the implications from an Indian and a global view.’

Key clients

Dallah Albaraka Investment Holding Company

BlackRock

Abdul Latif Jameel

Apollo Global Management

Reliance Industries Limited

Vedanta Limited and Cairn Energy Hydrocarbons Limited

InterGlobe Enterprises Private Limited and Rahul Bhatia

Go Airlines (India) Limited

The firm: Celebrating more than 130 years of service, King & Spalding is an international law firm that represents a broad array of clients, including half of the Fortune Global 100, with 1,300 lawyers in 23 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The firm also represents hundreds of clients with new ventures and mid-sized companies in emerging industries.

The firm has handled matters in over 160 countries on six continents and is consistently recognised for the results it obtains, its uncompromising commitment to quality and its dedication to understanding the business and culture of its clients.

 

Department Name Email Telephone
International arbitration
Energy transactions practice
LNG
Global disputes
Oil and gas
Global power practice
Project finance
Managing Partner : Andrew Brereton (abrereton@kslaw.com)