Dentons’ oil and gas team advises clients across the full value chain, with recognised strength in both domestic and international markets. The team supports NOCs, oil majors, trading houses, financiers and new entrants on high-value transactions, with particular focus on upstream M&A, LNG and refining. It is also active in the energy transition, advising on carbon capture, hydrogen and low-carbon fuels. Charles Wood specialises in LNG and gas sales, market reform and energy regulation. Humphrey Douglas advises on international acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures and regulatory matters, with experience across oil, gas and low-carbon energy. Mark Cheney is noted for his work on complex structured trading and financing transactions in the refining and power sectors, acting for major global clients.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Dentons stands out for its client-focused, commercially driven approach. The team is always available, highly responsive, and consistently delivers clear, practical advice tailored to our specific needs. They don't just identify issues—they explain them and provide workable solutions that align with our business goals.
- 'What truly sets Dentons apart is their deep expertise in the niche financing structures we use. They understand the complexities of our deals and bring creativity and flexibility to structuring and drafting financing documents—often unlocking value where others see constraints.'
- 'A team that engages deeply, communicates clearly, and prioritises results. Compared to other firms, Dentons offers a unique combination of technical excellence, hands-on support, and commercial awareness.'
- 'Ultimately, Dentons combines the scale and resources of a global firm with the attentiveness and agility of a boutique practice. For a business like ours operating in a fast-moving, nuanced financing environment, that combination is both rare and essential.’
‘Dentons’ strength lies in the caliber of its people. Mark Cheney, Charles Wood, and Thomas Collier stand out as exceptional lawyers who consistently go above and beyond. Each brings a unique combination of deep technical knowledge, creativity, and a practical, solution-oriented mindset that adds real value to our transactions.'
‘Incredibly commercial and thoughtful around all aspects of the supply, offtake and inventory financing, with an ability to create practical solutions. ’
Key clients
- BEIS
- BP
- Centrica
- Department of Energy Security and Net Zero
- Ofgem
- OQ EP
- Pale Blue Dot
- Rhône Energies Fos-sur-Mer
- SOCAR
- Wintershall
Work highlights
Advised SOCAR on the negotiations of a new production sharing agreement for the development of non-associated gas reservoirs in the Azeri and Chirag Fields and the deep water portion of the Gunashli Field (ACG).
Acts as project counsel for the c. £4bn+ project development of the Acorn Carbon Capture & Storage project in Scotland.
Advised Rhone Energies on its inventory monetisation and long-term crude supply and product offtake arrangements for the refinery.
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.
Practice head
Charles Wood; Humphrey Douglas
Other key lawyers
Mark Cheney; Thomas Collier