Energy | Europe

Clifford Chance is revered for its excellence in cross-border M&A transactions including large-cap asset sales and acquisitions, with further strength in joint venture set-ups and energy project financing. In addition to handling projects relating to natural gas across Germany and beyond, Clifford Chance also boasts expertise in the renewables sector, including offshore wind power generation. The firm is also present in approval procedures regarding pipelines and transmission lines. Furthermore, the firm houses a Clean Hydrogen Taskforce with particular expertise in the development and launch of European-wide hydrogen projects. With its international office network Clifford Chance is an attractive choice for globally active energy suppliers, grid operators and investors.

As a leading energy practice, CMS is in a prime position to handle a broad array of mandates from regulatory to transactional. Power plant constructions and network expansions involving planning approval processes and procurement procedures are regularly handled by the firm. CMS is also held in high esteem for its strength in contentious mandates, often representing prominent clients in front of all court levels. Equally, clients benefit from the team's strength in the regulatory aspects of novel mobility concepts and contract negotiations as well as investment agreements. Further expertise lies in the acquisition, sale and joint venture set-ups as well as spin-offs and investments concerning renewable energy assets, especially offshore wind farms. Its clientele ranges from prestigious and international energy providers to network operators and start-ups.

The law firm Hengeler Mueller is a top adviser to prominent German and international energy companies, system operators and investors due to its excellence in sophisticated energy mandates. The practice is renowned for its strength in complex proceedings pertaining to EEG and remuneration claims, where clients benefit from the team's experience in cases in front of national regulators and EU courts. Furthermore, Hengeler Mueller convinces with its formidable transactional expertise, often handling high-end acquisitions, sales and investments. Joint venture set-ups and auction processes are equally handled by the firm, whereby Hengeler Mueller is highly active in the renewables sector.

The international law firm Linklaters is considered one of Germany's top addresses for energy transactions. The team is often mandated for large-cap divestments and acquisitions as well as financings, especially in relation to multi-jurisdictional mandates. Joint venture set-ups, restructurings and electricity network expansions as well as nationwide award procedures are also handled by Linklaters. The practice provides expertise in both traditional and renewable energy sources including offshore wind and gas, rendering the firm an excellent candidate for clients seeking comprehensive advice. Investors, energy companies and network operators belong to Linklaters' prestigious client roster.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer houses a well reputed energy practice group, capable of handling a plethora of mandates. Its team advises an array of major domestic and multinational energy suppliers as well as banks and consortiums on project financing and M&A deals in the energy sector. Another area of expertise constitutes renewable energy and climate change legislation, whereby the team is particularly active on regulatory mandates. Additionally, the firm demonstrates strength in arbitrations under national and international rules, especially regarding Energy Charter Treaty claims. Clients equally benefit from the Freshfields' globally integrated energy team to handle cross-border and multidisciplinary energy projects.

The international law firm Hogan Lovells is recognised for its comprehensive offering, regularly advising prominent banks, energy companies and investors. The team is well equipped to advise on the sale and acquisition of conventional and renewable energy assets as well as the establishment of joint ventures. In addition, Hogan Lovells is sought after for its expertise in the financing of energy projects, especially offshore and onshore wind farms. Appeal proceedings before regulators and Germany's courts are also handled by the team. Due to its excellent international network Hogan Lovells is sought after by clients for cross-border deals involving jurisdictions both in Europe and further afield.

The law firm Watson Farley & Williams is well respected in the German energy market with a particularly strong standing in the financing of renewable energy projects. Its strength in offshore wind fields is especially noteworthy. The team is equally present in complex and often cross-border sales and acquisitions of energy assets, acting on behalf of asset managers and energy corporates. Clients also benefit from the firm's strength in the comprehensive handling of large renewable projects. Furthermore, the team represents clients in energy arbitration. In addition to acting for prominent corporates, Watson Farley & Williams also advises prestigious banks and consortiums.

White & Case is home to a well-regarded energy practice group, covering a wide plethora of mandates. The team is known for its regulatory expertise with excellent strength in litigation, acting before national and European courts. White & Case supplements its offering with expertise in large-scale transactions and projects in both the renewable and conventional energy sectors, with significant capabilities in project financing for offshore wind farms. Joint venture projects and related contractual matters also fall within the firm's remit. In addition to prestigious energy companies, White & Case also acts for large banking syndicates and investors.

The law firm Gleiss Lutz is in a robust position to handle a wide range of energy mandates. The team offers expertise in M&A transactions in the renewable energy sector, often assisting with the sale and acquisition of energy assets as well as joint venture set-ups. Particularly active areas include offshore wind and gas as well as electric mobility, rendering Gleiss Lutz a good choice for a diverse clientele. Furthermore, the firm is recognised for its regulatory capabilities, representing clients before courts in dispute proceedings. Aided by its strong public and planning law departments, Gleiss Lutz is well placed to provide holistic advice on strategic energy topics in Germany.

As a domestic law firm, Luther is well placed to advise on regulatory and transactional energy mandates across Germany. Luther is recognised for its regulatory expertise, often handling complex litigation, administrative proceedings and arbitration in connection with coal and nuclear phase-outs, plant shutdowns and EEG surcharge claims. Mandates related to planning law and emissions trading are also handled by the practice. Furthermore, the team has a strong focus on advising on renewable energy projects and the development of joint ventures. Additionally, clients benefit from the firm's expertise in the sale and acquisition of conventional and novel energy assets. Luther is particularly sought after by prominent multinational energy giants.

Noerr houses a solid energy practice across its offices in Berlin, Düsseldorf and Frankfurt. The law firm is particularly appreciated for its strength in regulatory mandates, often assisting with administrative proceedings as well as planning procedures. The firm also convinces with its prowess in handling complex arbitrations under national and international rules regarding Energy Charter Treaty claims. Furthermore, the team is active on cross-border transactions in both the conventional and renewables fields. The financing of energy projects and strategic partnership agreements also fall within the firm's expertise. In addition to assisting energy producers, Noerr also counts capital funds and government entities among its clientele.

The team at the German law firm Raue is renowned for handling complex litigation across all court levels in Germany. A further strength lies in the handling of arbitration proceedings under national and international rules. The firm also convinces with its prowess in regulatory and transactional energy mandates. Power purchase agreements, energy trading and novel energy projects involving energy storage constitute key areas of the firm's expertise. Its prestigious clientele comprising high-profile energy and chemicals corporates further illustrates Raue's market position.

The internationally present law firm houses a capable energy team across its offices in Germany. The team is well placed to handle large financing transactions for a broad spectrum of energy projects, especially in relation to wind farms. Additionally, the firm is increasingly visible in large M&A deals in the renewables and conventional energy space. Furthermore, the firm represents prominent corporations in litigation and arbitration relating to energy projects. With its integrated global and multidisciplinary network, the firm facilitates comprehensive cross-border advice for national and international clients including banks, investors and utility companies. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.

The law firm DLA Piper houses a respected energy practice, representing a diverse clientele, including significant players in both the conventional and renewable energy spheres. Banks, investors and chemical companies also belong to the firm's client roster. The team is well placed to handle power purchase and cooperation agreements and also assists with acquisitions and sales of renewable energy assets. DLA Piper also advises on the financing of energy projects and offers particular expertise in energy trading.

GÖRG often handles regulatory and contentious energy mandates with a domestic focus. The law firm represents clients in administrative proceedings and litigation. The development, planning approval and construction of renewable and conventional energy plants also form a key part of the firm's offering. Furthermore, the team advises on acquisitions of wind farms and solar parks across Germany with further expertise in the financing of re-cultivated open-cast mines. Energy suppliers, investors and project developers as well as public entities belong to the firm's client roster.

The German law firm HEUKING covers both the renewable and conventional energy markets. The team is experienced in handling various energy contracts including collaboration and power purchase agreements. Investors also often seek the firm's assistance with the acquisition and sale of renewable energy assets. Further expertise lies in electric mobility projects with national and European reach. The firm also offers regulatory expertise regarding energy trading, administrative proceedings and hydrogen projects. The close cooperation with its top-ranked public procurement teams supplements the firm's offering.

The international law firm Latham & Watkins is active on a variety of energy mandates including M&A transactions and financings. Joint venture set-ups and strategic investments are also handled by the firm. Both fossil fuel and renewable energy projects fall within Latham & Watkins' area of expertise. Clients benefit from the team's prowess in handling regulatory energy issues pertaining to mining permits and licensing law. The practice complements its robust offering with its strength in administrative proceedings. Prestigious corporates as well as investors seek the firm's advice.

The law firm Norton Rose Fulbright is active on a range of major renewables projects, regularly advising on the financing of wind parks and photovoltaic power stations. The practice is also active on matters connected to decarbonisation and green energy reprocessing. Acquisitions, joint venture set-ups and investments into energy start-ups are regularly handled by Norton Rose Fulbright. The team is also visible in geothermal power projects. Clients further benefit from the firm's strength in corporate and banking law, as well as its global network, to assist with multidisciplinary cross-border mandates. Financial institutions, investors and prominent energy companies belong to the firm's client roster.

Osborne Clarke's energy practice includes expertise in the areas of renewables and power management, utilities, energy innovation and e-mobility. The team covers transactional matters, such as the restructuring, sale and acquisition of renewables portfolios, investments into electric charging station networks, or the financing of solar plant and battery storage projects. Its lawyers also assist with regulatory topics.