Department profile
Bracewell LLP

Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas

Global Guide 2026 : UK


Bracewell LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Bracewell LLP

We are a full spectrum energy law firm that represents participants in the oil and gas, conventional power, solar, wind and renewables sectors. With over 50 years of industry experience and one of the largest dedicated energy teams of any law firm in the world, we have a deep understanding of the global energy markets and the drivers for commercial success. Our strong global platform effectively positions us to advise market participants on opportunities presented by the energy transition, including developments in hydrogen and carbon capture utilization and sequestration technologies.

Our deep knowledge of the energy industry and strong global platform makes us the firm of choice for Apache Corporation, Cheniere, Competitive Power Ventures, Eni, Equinor, Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, Kinder Morgan, Marubeni, Phillips 66, Storegga Geotechnologies, Targa Resources, TC Energy and Total Solar for sophisticated transactional, regulatory and litigation matters.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas - UK

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For
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

Provided by Chambers

  • Bracewell advised the Egyptian Refining Company on a restructuring of its senior loan facilities and subordinated loans, with a value of USD4.5 billion.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Bracewell is truly an energy expert. Its presence in both London and the US is extremely helpful, and on a day-to-day basis you get significantly more partner time on deals. The team is excellent.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
  • Bracewell has an extremely capable team, particularly at partner level.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
  • Bracewell have an excellent understanding of market trends in commercial negotiations in the energy space. They provide an excellent, hands-on approach.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
  • The firm understood the issues and addressed them with a laser focus in the context of the broader transaction and client business imperatives.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
  • Bracewell are very commercial. They have an exceptional understanding of deal structure and risks and a problem-solving mindset. They are extremely competent and skilled in drafting complex matters.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Jason Fox
    Band 1Jason Fox

    Jason Fox

    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, with work in the former particularly including financings and refinancings.

    • He has an unmatched reputation in the sector.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
    • His authority on reserves-based loans as a product makes him stand out, as do his decades of experience providing deep insights.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
    • Jason is the best finance lawyer in London.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
    • Jason Fox is the godfather of reserve-based loans.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
  • Band 2Darren Spalding
    Band 2Darren Spalding

    Darren Spalding

    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 is very user-friendly. He works hard, provides clear advice and has a specialism in mid-range energy M&A, particularly in Africa and parts of Asia. He's unmatched.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
    • Darren Spalding is a lovely guy to deal with. He is relatable, but he's also no-nonsense. He's mindful of long-term objectives.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
    • He was very, very impressive. He did a very good job.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
    • He's excellent. He is very, very good to deal with. Darren puts together excellent materials.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
  • Band 3Alistair Calvert
    Band 3Alistair Calvert

    Alistair Calvert

    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.
    • He is clearly knowledgeable. He is always on hand to answer questions.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
    • He did everything incredibly skilfully. He negotiated a difficult case to a successful resolution in a way that really impressed me.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
    • Alistair Calvert is easy to work with. He is commercially sound and demonstrates vast experience in the area of investigations and dispute resolution.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
    • Alistair is excellent and nice to work with.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
  • Band 3Ben James
    Band 3Ben James

    Ben James

    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 knows the market very well and brings invaluable insights into the negotiating styles and sensibilities of the counterparties. He is very commercially focused, and highly skilled in negotiations.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
    • He is robust in dealing with large counterparties and securing important protection measures, while pragmatic in navigating clients through legal and commercial issues to reach the right compromise.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
    • Ben is unflappable. I trust his judgement.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
  • Band 3John Gilbert
    Band 3John Gilbert

    John Gilbert

    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.
    • I think he is very clever. He makes complicated issues seem nice and simple. He is technically excellent and he gives excellent advice.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
    • John Gilbert's strategic sense of how to approach certain issues was excellent.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
  • Band 4Eimear Murphy
    Band 4Eimear Murphy

    Eimear Murphy

    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 Murphy is a strong and constructive lawyer.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
    • She is a real pleasure to work with. She's available, reactive, super clear and knowledgeable.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
    • Eimear is a brilliant counterpart.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
  • Band 4Olivia Caddy
    Band 4Olivia Caddy

    Olivia Caddy

    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.
    • She is strong in supporting on the finance side of the matter.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
    • Olivia is an extremely hands-on partner with detailed involvement in the preparation and negotiation of the documents. She's always putting the client's interest at the forefront with her advice.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
  • Up and ComingAdam Blythe
    Up and ComingAdam Blythe

    Adam Blythe

    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 Blythe is very easy to work with. He is technically very good. He's client-focused and commercial.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
    • He can communicate complex legal points clearly to both the legal and commercial teams. He brings a calm and pragmatic presence to the most complex and time-critical deals.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
    • Adam brings together a rare combination of sophisticated legal expertise, industry knowledge and commercial awareness.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
    • He is very knowledgeable.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal

Ranked Individuals at Bracewell LLP (8)

UK

Members

Provided by Bracewell LLP

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