CMS

Possessing ‘top-tier knowledge of the oil and gas sector both within the UK and internationally’, CMS is well-positioned in the market to advise a diverse client base that includes some of the foremost majors and energy companies across the globe on a stellar range of blockbuster transactions and projects. While active in upstream oil field development work, significant takeovers, inventory acquisitions and disposals, and license and commercial agreement negotiations, the team also handles work in the midstream space, advising clients on large-scale, multi-faceted pipeline projects. Norman Wisely heads up the team and handles both corporate and commercial onshore and offshore mandates. The ’exceptional’ Paula Kidd‘s practice sits at the intersection of traditional, energy transition, and technology transactions, while Judith Aldersey-Williams has particular expertise in commercial contracts. Graeme Clubley ’is a superb oil and gas lawyer’ who is instructed by majors and multinational corporates on M&A, joint ventures, and contractual issues, and Valerie Allan fronts contentious work, with a ‘very strong knowledge of key value items in oil and gas disputes’. Charlie Denham is also recommended for his far-reaching practice.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Top-tier knowledge of the oil and gas sector both within the UK and internationally. A team that collaborates with our in-house team seamlessly and makes life easy for our in-house team.’
‘Graeme Clubley is a superb oil and gas lawyer. He goes the extra mile for the client all the time and delivers highly pragmatic advice. Very good at interfacing directly with other parts of the organisation which makes life easy for the in-house legal team.'
'Paula Kidd is a highly experienced oil and gas lawyer with very client friendly approach. Deep specialist knowledge in sector.'
'Valerie Allan is a very good disputes adviser with incredibly pragmatic and easy to follow advice. Good tactician and helping clients develop strategy. Very strong knowledge of key value items in oil and gas disputes.'
‘Paula Kidd is exceptional. Her ability to advise on complex indemnity regimes, structure project agreements is second to none.’
‘Exceptionally pro-active and knowledgeable oil and gas team.'
'A great team filled with very capable, knowledgeable lawyers who are willing to go the extra mile to ensure their clients' needs are met.’
‘Paula Kidd and Charlie Denham both provided an excellent service.’

Key clients

bp
ConocoPhillips
Equinor
Repsol
SSE
NEO Energy
EnQuest
TAQA
CNOOC
Shell
Dana Petroleum
MOL
Apache
HitecVision
Neptune
Halliburton
Storegga Geotechnologies
Eni
Oil Spill Response
Akerbp
Serica
Korea National Oil Corporation
TotalEnergies
CNR
Spark New Energies
Waldorf Production
Newgen
SSE Renewables
Ithaca Energy
Flotation Energy

Work highlights

Supported Equinor on the major acquisition of Suncor’s UK upstream business, which included interests in Buzzard.
Supported NEO in connection with proposed redevelopment of the £700m+ Greater Buchan Area including the purchase of the Western Isles FPS.
Supporting EnQuest in connection with various projects at Sullom Voe Terminal.