A team praised for its ‘distinguished track record in the public sector’, Norton Rose Fulbright is a strong choice of counsel for hydrocarbon projects involving negotiations with PEMEX. Its extensive client base consists of LNG, upstream and offshore operators as well as various development banks seeking regulatory and structuring advice in complex transactions. The group continues to build a portfolio in renewables and is increasingly advising on the development of solar and wind projects in Mexico. César Fernández is at the helm of the practice and has a deep understanding of local energy law, allowing him to provide strategic legal counsel on various landmark transactions. Praised for his M&A expertise, counsel Itzell Méndez focuses on the structuring of energy, maritime and other infrastructure products. Further support is provided by senior associate José Luis Romo, who has experience advising global oil companies, state-owned enterprises and regulators, as well as project contract negotiation. The team was further strengthened in October 2025 with the hire of associate Alejandro Beas, formerly at Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘César Fernández and Itzell Méndez are two exceptional lawyers with extensive experience in the renewable energy and M&A sectors, and a deep understanding of their clients' needs, which greatly facilitates their work.'
‘The closeness, availability, kindness and practical vision of the business.’
‘It's an exceptional firm in the field. It has highly skilled lawyers with distinguished track records in the public sector.'
'I highlight César Fernández, Itzell Méndez, and José Luis Romo.'
‘The team has been together for a long time, and that makes them strong. Having worked together in both the public and private sectors gives them an advantage in terms of perspective and analysis. It's an influential and dynamic team.'
‘Experience in both the public and private sectors. They understand how authorities think and the methods that should be adopted.'
Key clients
- AT&T
- Balius Asesores
- Bancomext
- BGN Internacional
- Bratan Investments
- Chame Energy Corporation
- ChampionX
- Chevron
- Clearway
- Cohere
- Cokinos
- Consorcio Petrolero 5M del Golfo
Work highlights
Advised international oil and gas company, Talos Energy Offshore México 7 in connection with the first unitization procedure in Mexican history for the operation of an oil and gas field (Zama Field Unitization).
Advised Grupo Carso subsidiary GSM-Bronco on the award process and negotiation with PEMEX of a deepwater Integrated Services Contract for Exploration and Extraction (CSIEE Lakach) for natural gas, one of the firsts of the current administration in Mexico.
Advised Mexican E&P company Consorcio Petrolero 5M del Golfo, on the award process and negotiation with PEMEX of the first Integrated Services Contract for Exploration and Extraction (CSIEE Cuitlahuac) of this administration for an on-shore project in Mexico.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Alejandro Beas
Practice head
César Fernandez
Other key lawyers
Itzell Méndez; José Luis Romo