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Clifford Chance LLP

Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas

Global Guide 2026 : UK

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Clifford Chance LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas - UK

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Clifford Chance has a go-to practice for financing, corporate and disputes work in the oil and gas, power and renewables sectors. The team acts for a wide array of high-profile clients, including oil majors, power developers, lenders and private equity companies. The firm is able to draw on an impressive international network of offices to provide an enviable level of service on complex matters. Its energy lawyers are also equipped to advise on matters involving infrastructure funds and joint venture platforms. The team enjoys a noteworthy reputation for advising on power transactions in Africa, particularly Egypt, Ghana and Nigeria.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Clifford Chance advised Iberdrola on its acquisition of Equitix's 88% stake in Electricity North West for an equity value of £2.1 billion.

  • Clifford Chance advised Shell on the disposal of The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria to Renaissance, a consortium of exploration, production and international energy companies.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Clifford Chance stand out for their exceptional attention to detail and deep sector knowledge.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal

  • Clifford Chance have been brilliant to work with. Their ability to handle complexities is unquestionable.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal

  • Clifford Chance are committed to our business and are capable of providing quality resources across the board. Their client responsiveness is exceptional.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal

  • Complex energy transactions are Clifford Chance's bread and butter.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal

  • The team are incredibly responsive and respond to requests in very short timescales. They understand our business, so they can be relied on to provide what is required quickly and accurately.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • John Wilkins
    John Wilkins

    John Wilkins

    John Wilkins is a power practitioner with a strong reputation for his expertise in relation to nuclear and CCGT power plants. He frequently assists with the financing of both domestic and international power projects.

    • John Wilkins is straight-talking and gets to the heart of the issue. He has good creativity and excellent pragmatic guidance.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal

    • As well as intellectual competence, which is as good as anyone's, John has a way of managing relationships. He is key in keeping things going, which is not always easy.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal

    • John is outstanding.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
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  • Clare Burgess
    Clare Burgess

    Clare Burgess

    Clare Burgess is a respected energy lawyer with a strong capital markets practice. She frequently advises her clients on the financing aspects of transactions concerning the sale and acquisition of wind assets.

    • Clare Burgess takes the time to understand the client's core objectives and works diligently to deliver these, while balancing the various other counterparties involved in a particular negotiation.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
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  • Russell Wells
    Russell Wells

    Russell Wells

    Russell Wells is head of the firm's global energy and resources group. He maintains a highly regarded oil and gas practice, representing financial institutions in infrastructure projects.

    • Russell Wells is a quality lawyer.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
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  • Alex Panayides
    Alex Panayides

    Alex Panayides

    Alex Panayides has a strong practice handling arbitrations and other contentious matters for leading energy sector clients, including oil and gas majors. He is frequently involved in disputes involving assets in Africa and the Middle East.

    • Alex is a fantastic lawyer. He is very savvy and tactful.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal

    • Alex has great strategy and advocacy.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
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  • Graham Phillips
    Graham Phillips

    Graham Phillips

    Graham Phillips focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and private equity deals spanning upstream, midstream and downstream assets. He primarily acts for producers and developers.

    • Graham Phillips is a great negotiator and is always aware of all the details.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentGlobal
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Ranked Individuals at Clifford Chance LLP (6)

UK

  • Profile image of John Wilkins

    John Wilkins

    Energy & Natural Resources: Power, Renewables & Alternative Energy

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  • Profile image of Clare Burgess

    Clare Burgess

    Energy & Natural Resources: Power, Renewables & Alternative Energy

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