Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
About
Provided by Ashurst
Our specialists provide an end-to-end advisory service covering the full energy and natural resources value chains including their various sub sectors, working on high profile projects and transactions globally which will shape the industry for decades to come.
This experience spans renewables, energy from waste, oil & gas, mining & metals, decarbonisation technologies (e.g. energy storage, hydrogen, smart meters), conventional power and nuclear.
We advise on all aspects of work in the industry, delivering integrated and collaborative teams to advise on matters including: M&A, joint ventures, project and corporate finance, commercial agreements, project development, environmental law, shipping law and dispute resolution; together with associated areas such as competition and regulation, tax and international law.
With significant presence in the major energy and resources hubs, our global and agile team is able to be deployed at short notice across multiple locations and jurisdictions, meaning that we can support you wherever you need us.
Chambers Review
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.
Work Highlights
- Ashurst advised the funders on the £2 billion project financing and development of the Moray West offshore wind farm in Scotland.
- Ashurst acted for OMV on the sale of its 50% stake in SapuraOMV to TotalEnergies for USD903 million.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Ashurst is a go-to team for all oil and gas related work. It is very responsive, solution-oriented and strong in negotiations."
"Ashurst is very responsive and flexible, including when it comes to delivering on short deadlines. They always stick to deadlines, no matter how tight they are."
"Ashurst maintains seamless support over long periods and expands the team to accelerate when needed."
"Ashurst is an excellent team. It has deep transactional experience combined with sector and jurisdictional expertise."
"Their ability to grasp, very quickly, complex technical and commercial matters and not only offer relevant legal advice, but also contribute meaningfully in the commercial assessment, is remarkable."
"Ashurst is a go-to team for all oil and gas related work. It is very responsive, solution-oriented and strong in negotiations."
"Ashurst is very responsive and flexible, including when it comes to delivering on short deadlines. They always stick to deadlines, no matter how tight they are."
"Ashurst maintains seamless support over long periods and expands the team to accelerate when needed."
"Ashurst is an excellent team. It has deep transactional experience combined with sector and jurisdictional expertise."
"Their ability to grasp, very quickly, complex technical and commercial matters and not only offer relevant legal advice, but also contribute meaningfully in the commercial assessment, is remarkable."
Notable Practitioners
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's years of experience makes for a confident and considered approach to dealing with bespoke PPAs."
"Antony Skinner clearly has deep industry knowledge."
"We always enjoy working with Antony. He does a good job both for his client and for the transaction as a whole."
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 knows the industry and the players very well and is an experienced negotiator."
"Michael Burns is super quick to understand what is going on. He can wrap his head around complex situations in seconds."
"Michael Burns is super commercial and very personable."
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.
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 very attentive and detailed in identifying opportunities. He has been a very valuable resource."
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 does a superb job. She has a very calm head."
"Her commercial vision is very strong. She is very thorough and has great industry knowledge."
Quentin Robinson has 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 is curious and passionate about solving his client's problems."
"Quentin has endless patience. He pays attention to every detail."
"Quentin is extremely well informed and he provides excellent, considered and pragmatic advice."
"Quentin is a very thorough and detail orientated person. I am really impressed with his level of attention."
Ranked Lawyers at
Ashurst
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Ashurst
Gaby Jones
Katie Williams
Lindsey Bouchara
Matthew Wood
Head of Department
Nick Stalbow
