
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas
Global Guide 2026 : UK
Rankings

Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
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
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 respondentGlobalBracewell has an extremely capable team, particularly at partner level.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobalBracewell 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 respondentGlobalThe 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 respondentGlobalBracewell 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 1 
Band 1 
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 respondentGlobalHis 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 respondentGlobalJason is the best finance lawyer in London.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobalJason Fox is the godfather of reserve-based loans.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
Band 2 
Band 2 
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 respondentGlobalDarren 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 respondentGlobalHe was very, very impressive. He did a very good job.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobalHe's excellent. He is very, very good to deal with. Darren puts together excellent materials.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
Band 3 
Band 3 
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 respondentGlobalHe 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 respondentGlobalAlistair 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 respondentGlobalAlistair is excellent and nice to work with.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
Band 3 
Band 3 
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 respondentGlobalHe 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 respondentGlobalBen is unflappable. I trust his judgement.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
Band 3 
Band 3 
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 respondentGlobalJohn Gilbert's strategic sense of how to approach certain issues was excellent.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
Band 4 
Band 4 
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 respondentGlobalShe is a real pleasure to work with. She's available, reactive, super clear and knowledgeable.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobalEimear is a brilliant counterpart.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
Band 4 
Band 4 
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 respondentGlobalOlivia 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 Coming 
Up and Coming 
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 respondentGlobalHe 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 respondentGlobalAdam brings together a rare combination of sophisticated legal expertise, industry knowledge and commercial awareness.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobalHe is very knowledgeable.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
Ranked Individuals at Bracewell LLP (8)
Members
Provided by Bracewell LLP

Adam Blythe
View profile of Adam Blythe
Ben James
View profile of Ben James
Jason Fox
View profile of Jason Fox
Darren Spalding
View profile of Darren Spalding
Olivia Caddy
View profile of Olivia Caddy
Eimear Murphy
View profile of Eimear Murphy
John Gilbert
View profile of John Gilbert
Alistair Calvert
View profile of Alistair Calvert
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