Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
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+44 207 448 4200About
Provided by Bracewell LLP
Bracewell has a unique position in the London legal market as the only London office of an international law firm exclusively dedicated to the energy sector.
In addition to its core oil and gas practice, the award-winning office is at the forefront of developments in renewable energy and sustainability. 2023 proved to be yet another standout year for the growing energy transition practice, as the London office worked on a number of high-profile and first-of-a-kind transactions across the wind, solar, battery storage and carbon capture industries.
As the energy transition maintains robust growth, the office continues to assist many oil and gas companies in deploying their capital in the renewables market and shifting their focus towards alternative forms of energy. This international push towards decarbonisation, with companies supplementing and replacing traditional hydrocarbons developments with renewables projects, balanced against a backdrop of geopolitical instability and uncertainty and a desire for energy security, means that energy deals and projects are becoming ever more complex and challenging.
New Clients
The client roster of the London office has continued to expand over the last year to include: Absa Bank, AES Solar, Alcazar Energy Partners II, ASCOM Precious Metals, DKL Energy, DNB Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Grupo Mexico, Hydrogen Equity Partners, Neptune Energy Deutschland, Prime Oil and Gas, Qalaa Holdings, Rockrose Energy and TGS.
Chambers Review
Bracewell's London office has a renowned energy practice with a strong presence in the UK oil and gas market. The firm demonstrates particular strength in upstream oil and gas financing as well as the development of floating LNG projects. Its lawyers also regularly handle restructurings and a range of M&A work across the sector. Its clients include major financial institutions and energy companies, as well as private equity-backed new entrants. The firm's global reach extends to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America. The team possesses additional dispute resolution capabilities, frequently appearing in energy-related High Court proceedings and arbitrations.
Work Highlights
- Bracewell advised Eni on its sale of NAOC, owning upstream oil and gas interests in Nigeria, to Oando.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The team is very open and willing to challenge in the right way. They are very commercial."
"The team is run efficiently, so our turn around times are quick and the work is done to a high standard."
"Bracewell has the ability to meet very tight deadlines whilst not compromising on the quality of the delivery. The client is able to rely on a 24-hour delivery from the firm."
"There is nothing Bracewell does not know, or does not already have experience in, when it comes to energy matters in Africa."
"The team is very open and willing to challenge in the right way. They are very commercial."
"The team is run efficiently, so our turn around times are quick and the work is done to a high standard."
"Bracewell has the ability to meet very tight deadlines whilst not compromising on the quality of the delivery. The client is able to rely on a 24-hour delivery from the firm."
"There is nothing Bracewell does not know, or does not already have experience in, when it comes to energy matters in Africa."
Notable Practitioners
Managing partner Jason Fox is widely regarded as a market leader for reserve-based lending financing mandates. He routinely acts for prominent clients in both the energy and banking sectors.
"Jason Fox is the godfather of reserve based lending."
"Jason Fox is an icon of the oil and gas banking landscape."
Alistair Calvert is an energy disputes lawyer with significant experience in litigation, mediations and international arbitrations. He primarily handles contentious matters in the upstream oil and gas space, with a particular focus on claims involving assets in Africa.
"Alistair is a very supportive partner to work with. He is straight talking, gives clear advice and is a very strategic thinker."
Ben James operates an impressive international corporate practice advising oil and gas sector clients on the acquisition and sale of significant upstream and midstream assets. He has particular experience in Africa and the Middle East.
"Ben James is very open and available to discuss all sorts of issues. Broader than just legal, he gives great advice on commercial aspects."
"Ben is truly unflappable. We rely on him for solid, practical advice and his availability is second to none."
"Ben has extensive experience and expertise in energy M&A."
Darren Spalding regularly advises energy companies on the acquisition and sale of upstream oil and gas assets in Africa and North America. He possesses further experience in relation to the development of floating LNG projects.
"Darren brings deep transactional experience across the E&P space."
"Darren is very client focused and is a real energy specialist."
"Darren's attention to detail is superb. He goes through everything with a fine-tooth comb."
John Gilbert is respected for his adroit handling of contentious oil and gas matters, including disputes pertaining to payment issues and joint venture operations. He is also noted for his expertise in claims concerning renewable energy assets.
"John is a very good advocate and he is very steeped in the industry. He is sensible, friendly and cooperative."
"John is a very commercial litigator who understands the energy sector very closely."
Eimear Murphy is an oil and gas lawyer with a strong track record of handling cross-border reserve-based lending and acquisition financing transactions. Her clients include a number of high-profile borrowers and lenders.
"Eimear is very sharp and commercially driven. She understands where the market is and what is needed to close the deal."
"She is an exceptional lawyer. She is highly responsive and brings a lot of value and expertise to transactions."
"Eimearis a knowledgeable lawyer with practical mindset."
Olivia Caddy is noted for her specialist expertise in reserve-based lending matters. She regularly advises on upstream oil and gas financings and refinancings, with a particular focus on transactions in francophone regions of Africa.
"Olivia Caddy is very pragmatic."
Adam Blythe excels in oil and gas transactions, particularly in African jurisdictions. He routinely advises on the divestment and acquisition of significant upstream assets in markets such as Nigeria and Angola.
"Adam shows high professional and negotiating skills."
"Adam Blythe is extremely responsive and very user-friendly. He makes complex aspects very digestible."
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