Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas

Ashurst is noted as a go-to firm for a wide array of energy and natural resources matters. Its lawyers regularly represent energy companies and lenders in domestic and international financing issues, and they offer expertise in a wide range of conventional and innovative financing strategies. The team is regularly involved in transactional, development and regulatory work across the power, renewables, and oil and gas markets. The firm also has the capacity to handle international oil and gas arbitrations on behalf of major players in the market. Its energy lawyers are frequently active in projects across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

"It's an excellent team - they're available and responsive."

"It's a very client-focused team with industry experts in their field. It's a very cohesive unit."

"Quick responses are never an issue on urgent matters."

"Ashurst is highly skilled and experienced in energy matters."

Ashurst acted for OMV on its divesture of exploration and production assets in Malaysia and New Zealand with a view towards reducing crude oil and natural gas production.

The team advised Low Carbon as sponsor on securing a GBP230 million finance facility for the development and construction of solar projects in the Netherlands and the UK.

The firm advised Foresight on its investment into the 750 MW MaresConnect Interconnector to be built between Ireland and Great Britain.

Senior consultant Geoffrey Picton-Turbervill possesses a wealth of experience in the energy and natural resources market. He specialises in corporate transactions pertaining to the oil and gas sector. "He's well thought of in this space."

Antony Skinner is proficient in the handling of a range of transactional and project financing matters for energy sector clients. He is noted for his expert handling of solar, wind and conventional power financing and refinancing transactions. "Antony is a superbly gifted lawyer. He's very commercial and an absolute pleasure to work with. He really knows the market and its technology." "Antony is a sensible practitioner who gets things done."

Huw Thomas is an experienced lawyer with a focus on cross-border upstream oil and gas transactions. He regularly advises on projects involving reserve-based lending and other financing structures. "Huw Thomas is a real cannon. He's a wonderful person to have on board for negotiations. He knows what to focus on." "He is attentive to details and can handle all project finance structures."

Michael Burns is global co-head of the firm's energy practice and is regularly instructed by energy companies, capital markets investors and large corporate entities for high-value transactions. He routinely advises on upstream acquisitions and on the establishment of joint ventures between oil and gas companies. "Michael is a talented professional and is always a pleasure to deal with. He's commercial in his approach, always available when needed, with a solid sectoral understanding and client engagement skills."

Philip Chong regularly handles international arbitrations conducted under the rules of various arbitral bodies including the LCIA and SCC. He principally assists oil and gas companies with disputes concerning a range of issues, including supply agreements and governance arrangements in joint ventures. He is the Europe head of international arbitration. "He's all over the detail and is very strategic and thoughtful."

Julia Derrick is noted for her advice to oil and gas companies and investor clients. She has significant experience assisting with disposals, acquisitions and project development transactions. "Julia is extremely good at challenging, complex transactions. She generates a constructive approach with the other side." "She knows the industry documents and is very good at what she does."

Quentin Robinson is an up-and-coming partner in the firm's energy team, with notable experience in oil and gas project development and investment matters. He frequently assists with acquisitions, disposals and licence negotiations in relation to projects in Africa. "Quentin has notable industry knowledge and is very easy to work with." "He absolutely understands the market, the industry and the commercial issues that come up."