Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas
Global Guide 2024 : UK
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+44 20 73 67 3000Chambers Review
CMS has a powerhouse energy practice with an impressive breadth of experience in corporate oil and gas matters. The firm also fields an enviable power practice with regulatory expertise and a number of renewables experts, often handling offshore wind and carbon capture and storage matters. Its energy practice offers strength in the full spectrum of energy projects in numerous jurisdictions and stands out for its ability to handle North Sea oil and gas matters. The team acts for an enviable roster of clients, including oil majors and multinational energy companies.
Work Highlights
- CMS advised a consortium led by Macquarie on the acquisition of National Grid Gas. The team advised on the full transaction and led engagement with Ofgem.
- The team CMS advised Field Energy on all aspects of its entry into the UK battery storage market, including the acquisition of ready-to-build battery storage sites totalling 200 MW.
- The firm advised Equinor on one of the first large-scale hydrogen projects in the UK to produce hydrogen from natural gas in combination with carbon capture and storage.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"It's a strong team that is very commercially minded."
"CMS has a strong multi-disciplinary team of specialists which enables them to tackle complex problems."
"CMS always adopts a can-do, proactive approach to finding solutions."
"CMS's renewable team is very highly regarded in the sector."
"The team is extremely helpful and quick to respond."
"It's a strong team that is very commercially minded."
"CMS has a strong multi-disciplinary team of specialists which enables them to tackle complex problems."
"CMS always adopts a can-do, proactive approach to finding solutions."
"CMS's renewable team is very highly regarded in the sector."
"The team is extremely helpful and quick to respond."
Notable Practitioners
Phillip Ashley is regularly instructed by high-profile energy clients for representation in disputes pertaining to pricing structure, design defects, supply agreements and delay costs, among other issues. He has extensive experience of ICC and LCIA arbitrations, as well as court proceedings, concerning both oil and gas and conventional power assets.
"Phillip is a true law geek. He would be my number-one choice for oil and gas disputes."
Munir Hassan has noteworthy expertise in renewable energy transactions, with particular experience handling mandates relating to offshore wind and solar projects. He frequently assists clients with acquisitions, disposals and project financing matters. He is also head of the firm's global energy and climate change practice.
"Munir is very commercial on the project development side."
"He is highly sought after. His knowledge of both electricity and renewable energy sectors is outstanding."
Valerie Allan is a partner in the firm's oil and gas team, based in Aberdeen. She specialises in energy disputes, including contract termination and delay and disruption claims.
"She's an experienced lawyer and is really strong on North Sea oil and gas disputes."
Charles Currier is noted for his expert representation of energy companies, infrastructure funds and other investors. He frequently assists with the acquisition and disposal of wind and solar assets, including North Sea wind farms.
"He's a superb lawyer who really knows the space."