Praised as a ‘market leading oil and gas practice’, CMS’ team delivers specialist advice across the full oil and gas lifecycle. The team acts for a core client base of operators and service companies, advising on M&A, asset and infrastructure developments, decommissioning strategies, supply chain agreements, and regulatory issues. Team head Norman Wisely is a go-to for cross-border M&A, particularly on mandates involving national oil companies, sovereign wealth entities, and major international players. Paula Kidd leads on operational matters, advising on a mix of corporate and commercial issues, while Graeme Clubley focuses on upstream acquisitions and disposals. Valerie Allan acts on contentious matters, especially disputes arising from oil and gas operations, and Frank Fowlie adds additional transactional expertise. Judith Aldersey-Williams retired in April 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Market leading oil and gas practice - best in class with really great partners and associates - involved in majority of UK transactions so knowledge of market trends is superb.’
‘Graeme Clubley: our go-to partner for oil and gas matters in the UK and abroad. Super pragmatic and no-nonsense approach. Focuses on issues that really matter and create value.'
- 'Norman Wisely: a great deal maker - lots of fantastic knowledge and experience and super pragmatic to help facilitate deals getting done.'
- 'Frank Fowlie - super experienced and very good at clearly articulating a clients perspective in a strong but professional manner.’
‘Very knowledgeable in the oil and gas business. Diligent, responsive, high quality and timely output.'
‘Graeme Clubley has provided significant support in contract development and negotiations. Graeme is very knowledgeable in the oil and gas business and associated commercial arrangements, etc. Would recommend.’
Key clients
- bp
- ConocoPhillips
- Equinor
- Repsol
- SSE
- NEO Energy
- EnQuest
- TAQA
- CNOOC
- Shell
- Dana Petroleum
- MOL
Work highlights
Advised Equinor UK Limited on its 50/50 corporate joint venture with Shell UK to form a new company which will be the UK North Sea’s biggest independent producer.
Acted for Equinor UK Limited in two Court of Session judicial review proceedings raised by environmental groups Greenpeace and Uplift against the UK Government and the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA).
Advised bp plc on the sale of a number of its operated gas fields in Trinidad and Tobago (the Cashima, Flamboyant, Ahmerista, Immortelle and Parang fields), to Perenco SA.
Lawyers
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.
Paula Kidd
Practice head
Norman Wisely
Other key lawyers
Paula Kidd; Graeme Clubley; Valerie Allan; Frank Fowlie; Charlie Denham