The Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP team stands out for its ‘exceptional blend of deep legal expertise, commercial acumen, and a truly collaborative approach’. Rebecca Major heads the energy, natural resources and infrastructure group in Paris and has deep experience advising French and Japanese clients involved in energy transition and mining projects. Mathias Dantin is a key contact, who maintains a focus on the evolving energy transition field, including green giga-factory and de-carbonisation projects. Olga Melo Zanelli is another name to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘This firm has a solid presence in the country with a large number of projects in various industries.’
- ‘Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer M&A Energy team stands out for its exceptional blend of deep legal expertise, commercial acumen, and a truly collaborative approach. The team, led by Nina Bowyer and Paul Morton, consistently demonstrates a rare ability to navigate complex, cross-border matters with precision and creativity. What sets them apart is not just their technical excellence, but their ability to anticipate client needs and deliver strategic solutions that go beyond the legal framework. The team’s international reach and ability to coordinate across jurisdictions is also a key differentiator. Their lawyers are not only technically brilliant but also approachable and pragmatic. The firm’s culture of collaboration—both internally and with clients—ensures that matters are handled efficiently and with a clear strategic direction. Moreover, their investment in talent development and cross-practice collaboration ensures that clients benefit from a dynamic and future-ready legal team.’
- ‘Working with Nina Bowyer and Paul Morton has been a genuinely enriching experience. Nina and Paul stand out not only for their deep legal expertise but for their calm, strategic leadership and ability to foster trust across all stakeholders. They bring clarity to complex issues and are always focused on delivering practical, business-oriented solutions. Their approach is both intellectually rigorous and refreshingly human.'
- 'Among the associates, I’ve particularly appreciated the work of Ayah Al-Sharari, who consistently demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, responsiveness, and a proactive attitude. Her ability to manage demanding timelines while maintaining precision and professionalism has made a real difference in our joint work.’
- ‘Good professionals who are passionate about the work they do’
- ‘Without a doubt the market leaders, real experts with enormous amount of added value.’
Key clients
- Africa50
- Air Liquide
- Akuo Energy
- Amarenco Solar Limited
- Anergi
- Atlantic Tin
- bp
- Chevron
- Dynamic Mining
- EDF
- EDF Renouvelables
- Emirates Global Aluminium
Work highlights
Advised GreenYellow on the conclusion of its strategic partnership with Carrefour for the development and installation of photovoltaic car park shades on more than 350 Carrefour hypermarket/supermarket sites.
Advised Sumitomo Corporation on a strategic partnership with Enefit Green on the development of the Liivi Bay offshore wind project in the Gulf of Riga.
Advised CMOC on the Nzilo II hydropower project (200MW) in the DRC ,which will supply hydroelectricity to CMOC's mining production to supplement solar power during nighttime hours.
Lawyers
Leading partners: Mining, oil and gas and natural resources
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners: Public law and regulatory
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Rebecca Major
Other key lawyers
Olga Melo Zanelli; Mathias Dantin; Nina Bowyer; Paul Morton; Ayah Al-Sharari