Energy & Natural Resources

4 Pump Court is an esteemed commercial construction set with a plethora of experience in energy sector construction, engineering, shipping and technology disputes. Its international client roster includes shipyards, contractors, insurers and reinsurers, in addition to leading energy companies. Although offering a breadth of experience across various energy sectors, 4 Pump Court garners particular acclaim for its standout work in relation to oil and gas projects, including onshore and offshore oil fields, pipelines and LNG plants. A key matter from this year was Apache North Sea v Esso Exploration and Production and others, representing Esso. This USD150 million dispute concerned obligations of security provided by Apache to Esso and others during oil field decommissioning in the North Sea.  A source highlights: "4 Pump Court is a very strong chambers in terms of its ability to digest complex contractual disputes quickly and provide pragmatic advice."

"Sam Penny, practice manager, is extremely responsive and accommodating."

"The clerks are fantastic."

"The clerks are quick in terms of inquiries."

"The clerks at 4 Pump Court are always available to assist."

"Clerks from this set have always been available to propose barristers for new work and are quick to answer any questions about ongoing matters."

Stewart Gibbs and Carl Wall are the senior clerks.

Kate Livesey
Kate Livesey is a talented junior, particularly sought after for her skill in project insurance matters, as well as contractual and payment disputes. Her energy expertise spans renewables through to oil and gas. "Kate Livesey is really excellent. She's clever and hard-working, and solicitors love her." "She's very thorough and hard-working. Even when she gets instructed on a case late, she is phenomenally quick with the technical detail."

Sean Brannigan KC
Sean Brannigan KC is a pre-eminent member of the Construction Bar who carries his expertise into the field of energy law, allowing him to handle energy infrastructure disputes of considerable magnitude. He is consistently highlighted by market sources for his good client manner and no-nonsense attitude, and is frequently involved in litigation involving overseas clients. The lion's share of his client base is composed of contractors active in the construction of large-scale facilities in sectors ranging from oil exploration to wind energy. "If you're going to have a big fight and you need someone who's going to go in there and have a proper brawl, he's your man." "Sean Brannigan consistently delivers for clients." "He has the perfect combo of skills to rule the Bar: an iron fist in a velvet glove that can be a sledgehammer or a fencer; as well as being a great strategic thinker." "Sean Brannigan is very charismatic and an elegant speaker. He's all-round excellent."

Nigel Tozzi KC
Nigel Tozzi KC has a broad practice that takes in energy and construction matters. His particular expertise lies in the midstream oil market, and he has handled a variety of cases pertaining to the supply and transportation of raw materials. Cases concerning shipping and pipeline infrastructure are a particular specialism of his. He supplements his litigation practice with frequent appearances as an arbitrator. "Nigel is a very good advocate. He's loved by his clients and is sensible."

Sean O'Sullivan KC
Sean O'Sullivan KC is a widely acclaimed, technically and commercially sound advocate with great knowledge of the energy industry. Particularly well known for his expertise in the marine engineering sphere, he specialises in drilling, shipping and offshore issues and has particular experience of representing contractors. He has a strong arbitration practice but is equally adept at handling straight commercial litigation. "His practice is impressive. You won't find fault in his submissions, either written or oral." "Sean O'Sullivan's strategic thinking and his ability to get across a huge array of technical issues and focus on key areas is critical in achieving good results." "Sean O'Sullivan is very sensible and measured. He knows energy."

Thomas Crangle
Thomas Crangle is a respected construction barrister with a growing reputation in the energy and utilities sector. He has acted for a number of major players in contractual disputes relating to the construction and decommissioning of power plants at home and abroad. Crangle is also an expert in cases relating to offshore energy facilities and regularly handles oil and gas disputes. "Thomas Crangle is very clever. He understands energy disputes and the complexities they come with." "He's great to work with."

James Leabeater KC
James Leabeater KC has a loyal following among solicitors, who see him as a tried and tested resource for big-ticket cases. He has well-rounded energy expertise stemming from his construction, shipping and insurance experience, and he deals with disputes concerning both the engineering and operation of onshore and offshore drilling and transportation facilities. Leabeater frequently appears in arbitrations both domestically and internationally, including those in Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore. "James Leabeater is an excellent advocate. He's very approachable and provides succinct advice quickly."

Lynne McCafferty KC
Lynne McCafferty KC is highlighted for her effective advocacy both in written submissions and in the courtroom. She is frequently instructed by engineers, utilities companies and other industry professionals for her expertise in the energy sector. "Lynne McCafferty is extremely bright, gets the detail quickly and talks with instructing solicitors, clients and witnesses with ease." "She's really impressive on her feet."

Nick Vineall KC
Nick Vineall KC has a reputation for being able to handle some of the most technically challenging cases, especially on the construction and engineering side of the market. He has been involved in numerous upstream issues, including those relating to the construction and operation of offshore facilities. Vineall is active in both traditional litigation and large-scale international arbitrations. He is widely praised for the breadth of his practice and handles a broad range of commercial energy disputes. "Nick is very knowledgeable and always gives timely and precise advice."

Rachel Ansell KC
Rachel Ansell KC is a leading construction silk with an increasingly solid reputation in the energy sphere, who is known for her involvement in large infrastructure disputes in this market. Her work centres on defects and damages claims relating to projects ranging from wind farms to oil facilities. She has a strong Middle Eastern practice and regularly advises clients on disputes in the region. "Rachel Ansell is really good. She's very sharp and has a direct approach in court." "I have never seen a silk work quite so hard to attain the level of understanding of such a technically complex matter. Her work ethic knows no bounds." "Rachel Ansell is extremely good in high-value cases and highly complex cases. She's absolutely excellent."

Claire Packman KC
Claire Packman KC is a renowned construction specialist with experience in high-value and technically complex renewable energy disputes. Whether the dispute concerns a solar farm or energy from waste plant, she possesses a firm grasp on the technical and contractual facts of her work. "Claire Packman is an impressive advocate and a safe pair of hands when dealing with complex commercial cases." "She's absolutely brilliant." "Claire is incredibly down to earth, hard-working, client-friendly and a brilliant cross-examiner."

Stephen Cogley KC
Stephen Cogley KC is noted as a creative advocate with a strong background in shipping. He increasingly channels his breadth of expertise into substantial cases in the upstream, midstream and downstream oil and gas sectors. He has recent experience handling complex disputes arising from the construction of solar parks. "He is very knowledgeable and experienced in handling high-value disputes in major jurisdictions."