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Freshfields

Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide

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Freshfields

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Provided by Freshfields

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Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas - UK-wide

Band 4

What the Team is Known For
Freshfields is a highly respected presence in the corporate energy market with particular experience in oil and gas issues. The energy group is well versed in advising on large-scale financings and both upstream and midstream M&A. The firm is also adept at handling a range of energy disputes, with a particular focus on investor-state arbitrations. It regularly represents major energy companies and private equity firms.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Freshfields advised BASF on the sale of Wintershall Dea’s exploration and production assets and carbon capture and storage licences to Harbour Energy.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Freshfields has a wide team which allows it to turn things around quickly while also being thorough.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUK

  • The team provide top-notch strategic and pragmatic advice. They can draw on vast international experience, which is essential in complex contract negotiations.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUK

  • Freshfields are approachable and take the time to work with us as clients, providing regular interactions and explanations.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUK

  • Freshfields is able to draw from large amounts of deal history in order to provide sound advice on dos and don'ts.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUK

  • Freshfields has an incredibly deep bench and super high-quality market knowledge. Its partner roster is incredibly well balanced.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Christopher Pugh
    Christopher Pugh

    Christopher Pugh

    Christopher Pugh focuses his esteemed practice on the energy sector, representing clients in significant arbitration and litigation. He has considerable experience representing oil and gas majors in domestic and international disputes.

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  • Graham Watson
    Graham Watson

    Graham Watson

    Graham Watson is head of the firm's global energy group and focuses his practice in the oil and gas space. He is regularly sought out by top players in the industry for his expert handling of A&D transactions.

    • Graham Watson has impressive oversight and an ability to manoeuvre in difficult situations.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUK

    • Graham responds to emails incredibly quickly. He delivers on whatever he says he'll deliver on and has a real grasp of the global oil and gas markets.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUK

    • Graham is strong at boiling down complex concepts into commercial advice.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUK
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  • Vanessa Jakovich
    Vanessa Jakovich

    Vanessa Jakovich

    Vanessa Jakovich has an impressive regulatory practice spanning nuclear power, renewable technologies and carbon sequestration. She is particularly notable for her work advising on the implementation of bespoke funding mechanisms such as the regulated asset base model.

    • Vanessa provides a fantastic level of service and expertise.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Freshfields (3)

UK-wide

  • Profile image of Vanessa Jakovich

    Vanessa Jakovich

    Energy & Natural Resources: Power, Renewables & Alternative Energy

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Members

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