Department profile
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas
UK Guide 2026 : Scotland
Rankings
Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
Chambers Review
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Work Highlights
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Burness Paull provided advice to i3 Energy in the acquisition of Gran Tierra Energy relating to the corporate and capital market aspects of the deal.
Burness Paull advised Mizuho Bank as agent to the funding syndicate in connection with the financing of the 1.1GW Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
The firm provides excellent customer service and is extremely knowledgeable in oil and gas.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUKBurness Paull have some of the best and most recent experience advising on first of kind energy and particularly renewables transactions.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUKBurness Paull have a broad team that are well versed in wind energy projects.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUKThe team understand our business well, they can foresee where issues may arise on engagements and are able to think laterally to suggest creative solutions where appropriate.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUKBurness Paull's relationship with us is characterised by a genuine friendliness and a down-to-earth approach, creating an atmosphere of trust and ease.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUK
Notable Practitioners
Provided by Chambers
Band 1 
Band 1 Bob Ruddiman
Co-head of the firm's energy team Bob Ruddiman is recognised by sources for his extensive expertise in the oil and gas sector.
Bob has unrivalled knowledge of the upstream market in the North Sea.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUKBob is an industry veteran with lots of years of experience; he is such a safe pair of hands and is good for a broad range of matters.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUKBob has a deep understanding of the energy sector and provides outstanding legal advice which is appreciated by clients.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUK
Band 2 
Band 2 Peter Ward
Peter Ward maintains a respected renewable energy practice, assisting on power purchase agreements, development agreements and wind farm project development. Peter is knowledgeable and very nice to deal with.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUKPeter's legal skill, personal nature and approachability makes him a true partner in the business journey.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUKPeter has a very strong understanding of the complex UK energy regulatory frameworks. We can rely on him to guide us through these rules and regulations.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUK
Band 3 
Band 3 Brian Hemming
Brian Hemming handles a plethora of upstream oil and gas mandates, including corporate transactions and reorganisations. Brian has strong upstream oil and gas knowledge. He's very easy to deal with and is pragmatic in his approach.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUKBrian provides excellent service in all regards and has enormous experience in oil and gas matters.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUKBrian goes to great lengths to advocate for his client even when there is pushback.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUKBrian is a hands-on technical lawyer and a good, safe pair of hands.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUK
Band 3 
Band 3 Neil Bruce
Neil Bruce is a respected commercial real estate lawyer with a significant renewable energy practice. He regularly assists energy companies with consenting issues and contractual arrangements arising out of the development of both onshore and offshore wind farms. Despite the complexity of legal matters presented, Neil has consistently demonstrated a willingness to engage in open and transparent communication.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUKNeil is very easy to work with and is extremely knowledgeable and hard-working.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUKNeil is very personable and eager to deliver good quality work to our business.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUK
Band 3 
Band 3 Sophie Coffey
Sophie Coffey is a director at Burness Paull. She often advises lenders on energy projects, particularly those relating to offshore wind. Sophie is able to marry market knowledge, technical expertise and lateral and creative thinking.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUKSophie is reliable, very knowledgeable and an incredibly strong lawyer.
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUK
Ranked Individuals at Burness Paull (5)
Scotland
Bob Ruddiman
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas
View profile Brian Hemming
Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas
View profile Peter Ward
Energy & Natural Resources: Power, Renewables & Alternative Energy
View profile Neil Bruce
Energy & Natural Resources: Power, Renewables & Alternative Energy
View profile Sophie Coffey
Energy & Natural Resources: Power, Renewables & Alternative Energy
View profile
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