Norton Rose Fulbright serves a diverse client base in emerging markets, from major corporates, borrowers and sponsors to investment banks and government bodies. Drawing on its network of global offices, the team assists clients with both local and international law. The firm predominantly focuses on matters related to energy, infrastructure and natural resources, covering mining, oil and gas, power and renewables and infrastructure development mandates. Martin McCann oversees the group and leads on marquee project financing transactions. Daniel Metcalfe is routinely instructed on complex financing structures across multiple jurisdictions, while Charles Whitney focuses on the CIS region, Central Asia and the Middle East and is active in the renewables sector. Whitney recently advised on the development, construction and financing of the Bukhara Solar IPP in Uzbekistan. Banking and finance lawyer Madhavi Gosavi handles the development and financing of energy projects in developing countries. Jessica Melville was promoted in January 2025 and excels at advising on projects in Africa.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘NRF with its capacity, dedication, expertise and track-record stands out as a leading foreign law firm in Uzbekistan advising on a number of the high-profile projects from subsoil to infrastructure, from project finance to energy, from eurobonds to petrochem etc. NRF's key strengths are no doubt their expertise, headcount and commitment of the team to lead on the projects that require lots of attention and effort.’
‘Charles Whitney and Chris Down deserve recognition as those who are engaged in a utility-scale energy projects for renewables, CCGT, upstream and downstream projects in Uzbekistan. Charles Whitney has a two-decade track record of advising his clients in Uzbekistan; he stays abreast with recent policy and legislative developments and dedicates significant time to understanding and making it happen for the clients entering the market.'
'Chris Down is a very dedicated and committed partner who spends lots of his efforts on energy deals in Uzbekistan; he is very reasonable, delicate and diplomatic when negotiating with the Government, and he knows how to persuade parties to find a compromise in view of the ever-changing landscape and geopolitical challenges.’
‘I have worked very closely with the Norton Rose team on a number of projects. I find the team to be of excellent quality, very engaged, very organised and hugely collaborative. They take responsibility for pushing the transaction forward and never to score points.’
‘Charles Whitney is the stand-out partner for Middle East power projects. Friendly, collaborative, intelligent and very experienced. For Africa work, Jessica Melville stands out.’
Key clients
- Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company – PJSC – Masdar
- IFC
- Eastcastle Infrastructure
- Montage Gold Corporation
- Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Angola
- ACWA Power
- Jinko Power
- Amea Power
- Sojitz Corporation
- Nebras
- Asante Gold Corporation
- Serra Verde Group
Work highlights
Advising Masdar, as the winning bidder, on the development, construction, operation and financing of the Bukhara IPP in Uzbekistan; the project comprises a 250MW solar PV plant and a 63MW battery energy storage system (BESS).
Advising Appian on its financing of, and the intercreditor arrangements in relation to, the expansion of its Rosh Pinah mine in Namibia.
Advising lenders in relation to the financing of the design, engineering, construction, commissioning, mining, operation, maintenance and production of graphite concentrate at the Mahenge Graphite Project, located in the Ulanga district in the United Republic of Tanzania.
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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Jessica Melville
Practice head
Martin McCann
Other key lawyers
Daniel Metcalfe; Charles Whitney; Madhavi Gosavi; Jessica Melville; Chris Down