Energy & Natural Resources

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 very on the ball, incisive and hard-working."

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.

"Sean Brannigan is a good strategist, he can really think about how to best present a case. He is also one of the most agile advocates I have ever seen."

"Sean is very impressive. He is sharp, thinks outside the box, gives commercially-focused advice and presents well to clients."

"Sean Brannigan is the consummate team player and completely attuned to the commercial issues. He focuses on the prize and he is unflappable."

"Sean's ability to cut to the crux of the issue and guide clients through a strategy is why he is one of our go-to KCs."

Thomas Crangle is a respected construction barrister with an excellent 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 is a robust advocate with a great eye for detail."

"Thomas Crangle's performance in all areas is top-notch."

"Thomas has strong drafting skills and he is a team player."

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 an outstanding and experienced KC. He shows unwavering dedication, provides insightful advice and impeccable professionalism."

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.

"Sean is super user-friendly and very clear. He inspires a lot of confidence."

"Sean O'Sullivan is pleasant to work with and a very good advocate."

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 has a cool and sensible head, and he is a strong advocate on paper and on his feet."

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 an extremely strong advocate."

"Lynne is a brilliant trial advocate and thorough in her preparation."

"Lynne is an iron fist in a velvet glove. She is a persuasive advocate and a fighter."

"Lynne is a pleasure to work with. She is very approachable and super client-friendly."

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 invaluable in helping to resolve highly complex disputes."

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 very detail-oriented and she is ferociously intelligent."

"Rachel gets under the skin of things and she has a very good manner in hearings. She is very focused on the key issues."

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 very clever and good to work with. She is a very good advocate and a feisty cross-examiner."

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.

"Stephen is extremely responsive; he gets right into the details of the case and he is a fantastic advocate."

"Stephen Cogley's advice is insightful. We feel we are in safe hands with him leading the team."