The energy practice at Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP finds favour for its ‘deep expertise in the Alberta oil and gas industry’. The Calgary-based group is characterized by its transactional focus, where it is widely recognized for its track record in the upstream sector — it also houses an increasingly prominent midstream offering. Key contacts include managing partner Alicia Quesnel, one of the most respected industry specialists in Canada; she recently acted alongside next-generation partner Brittney LaBranche to advise LNG Canada Development on its transaction with Coastal GasLink Pipeline Limited Partnership, TransCanada Pipelines and Cedar LNG Partners regarding the C$5.5bn Haisla-led Cedar LNG project and its use of the Coastal GasLink infrastructure. Also recommended are energy head Carolyn Wright; Aaron Rogers, who brings significant midstream and petrochemicals experience; and senior counsel Garth Parker, who focuses on construction and oil and gas. In June 2025, Natasha Wood left to join Tourmaline Oil Corp.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Burnet Duckworth & Palmer’s energy team has deep expertise in the Alberta oil and gas industry.’
‘Aaron Rogers is an excellent lawyer. He is thoughtful, extremely responsive and takes his time to think about how his advice can be augmented to increase its usefulness to our business. He is our go-to lawyer for complex questions in the midstream area.’
‘Our corporation has been using Burnet Duckworth & Palmer for about 15 years. The firm's ability to deal with complex issues and assist with solutions is remarkable.’
‘The team is composed of exceptional lawyers who are down to earth, practical, and solution oriented. They also put things into "plain speak" for those of us for whom English is not a first language.’
Key clients
- Whitecap Resources
- Dow Chemical Canada
- Advantage Energy
- Obsidian Energy
- LNG Canada Development
- Topaz Energy Corp
- Rubellite Energy Corp
- Tourmaline Oil Corp
- Baytex Energy
Work highlights
Advised Dow Chemical Canada on its ‘Path2Zero Project’, which will establish the world’s first net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions ethylene cracker and derivatives facility.
Advised Tourmaline Oil Corp on its C$1.4bn acquisition of Crew Energy.
Advised LNG Canada Development on the negotiation and execution of agreements with Coastal GasLink Pipeline Limited Partnership and TransCanada Pipelines regarding the C$5bn phase 2 expansion of the Coastal GasLink pipeline.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Carolyn Wright
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Brittney LaBranche
Aaron Rogers
Practice head
Carolyn Wright
Other key lawyers
Alicia Quesnel; Brittney LaBranche; Aaron Rogers; Garth Parker