Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
020 7006 1000Chambers Review
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.
Work Highlights
- Clifford Chance advised the Belgian Government in connection with the extension of the operating life of two end-of-life nuclear reactor units operated by Engie (Electrabel), Tihange 3 and Doel 4.
- Clifford Chance advised Harbour Energy on its USD11.2 billion acquisition of Wintershall Dea's upstream assets in Norway, Germany, Denmark, Argentina, Mexico, Egypt, Libya and Algeria as well as its CO2 Capture and Storage licences in Europe, from BASF and LetterOne.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Clifford Chance has good depth of experience across energy sectors and is able to leverage specific expertise in target jurisdictions."
"Clifford Chance has very strong understanding of the legal structures for UK offshore wind projects, with excellent capacity to handle complex matters in a structured and comprehensive way."
"Clifford Chance goes above and beyond to meet very demanding deadlines when necessary."
"Clifford Chance has good depth of experience across energy sectors and is able to leverage specific expertise in target jurisdictions."
"Clifford Chance has very strong understanding of the legal structures for UK offshore wind projects, with excellent capacity to handle complex matters in a structured and comprehensive way."
"Clifford Chance goes above and beyond to meet very demanding deadlines when necessary."
Notable Practitioners
Co-head of the firm's nuclear and CCUS group, 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 an exceptional and experienced energy partner."
"John Wilkins is exceptional. He is outstanding, academically and personally."
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 on infrastructure projects.
"Russell is a gifted lawyer."
"Russell is very organised and knowledgeable."
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.
Global co-head of Renewable Energy at Clifford Chance, 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 is ace. She works incredibly hard and has a very diverse practice."
"Clare is very calm, measured and collegiate."
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 is very knowledgeable."
Ranked Lawyers at
Clifford Chance LLP
UK-wide