Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Contact number
+44 20 7374 8000About
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills
HSF’s energy team remains one of the strongest in the UK and globally. The 35-strong team has an average of more than 15 years’ experience, with deep-rooted presence in all parts of the sector, including oil and gas, renewable energy, conventional generation, nuclear new build, and new technologies, including CCUS and hydrogen. This team is supported by around 100 associates in London and forms part of a 700-strong global team across our 24 office global network.
- We are recognized as the "go-to-firm" for energy M&A work, advising on some of the largest transactions in the market. We have a strong track record in coordinating multi-jurisdictional transactions.
- Our financing practice is one of the strongest in the market, particularly in upstream finance (including reserve based lending and prepayment facilities) and in complex upstream and midstream project finance. We are also at the centre of designing new market structures and lead the market on newer technologies, such as battery storage (BESS).
- We are the only top-tier firm to have a dedicated contentious energy team which combines an unparalleled knowledge of the range of dispute resolution techniques used by the industry, with a real understanding of the complexities that can arise in all types of projects.
- Many of our specialists across tax, real estate, planning and employment are also dedicated to the sector, meaning that the support we can offer to our clients is truly full-service.
Chambers Review
Herbert Smith Freehills possesses a diverse energy practice with a notable reputation for its work in power and oil and gas, as well as significant expertise in renewables work. The team frequently advises major energy companies, developers, governments and banks on project financings and M&A transactions. It also commands a stellar reputation for energy disputes work, including international arbitrations. Its energy lawyers are also adept at advising on newbuild nuclear, electricity transmission and upstream oil and gas developments. The firm frequently advises on interconnector projects between the UK and other jurisdictions.
Work Highlights
- Herbert Smith Freehills' oil and gas team advised Sinopec on the settlement of its dispute with Repsol and share purchase transaction of its 49% interest in Repsol Sinopec Resources UK to Repsol Upstream for a total consideration of USD2.1 billion.
- Herbert Smith Freehills' power and renewables group advised Interpath Advisory, as joint administrators of Toucan Energy Holdings 1, on the sale of the solar assets consisting of 53 operating solar farms in the UK for a consideration of approximately £700 million.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Herbert Smith Freehills' solicitors understand commercial objectives and they are willing to think outside the box in terms of getting us where we need to be."
"Herbert Smith Freehills has excellent responsiveness and also proactiveness, anticipating our main queries and proposing solutions."
"I like the team's style. They are responsive and they work cohesively."
"The team is sophisticated from partner to the more junior members."
"The firm has excellent technical ability combined with commercial awareness. The team works together well."
"Herbert Smith Freehills' solicitors understand commercial objectives and they are willing to think outside the box in terms of getting us where we need to be."
"Herbert Smith Freehills has excellent responsiveness and also proactiveness, anticipating our main queries and proposing solutions."
"I like the team's style. They are responsive and they work cohesively."
"The team is sophisticated from partner to the more junior members."
"The firm has excellent technical ability combined with commercial awareness. The team works together well."
Notable Practitioners
Sarah Pollock's practice involves advising on the acquisition, disposal, development and financing of domestic conventional energy developments, with a focus on waste-to-energy and solar projects. She regularly assists significant developer and investor clients in the sector.
"Sarah is pragmatic and down to earth. She makes things very simple to understand and she takes a balanced approach to risk and cost."
"Sarah is fabulous. She is technically excellent, across a broad spectrum. She is a one-stop-shop on energy."
"Sarah manages to combine strong technical expertise with an ability to grasp the commercial realities and advise accordingly."
Craig Tevendale heads the firm's UK arbitration practice. He possesses a broad contentious practice and is well versed in international disputes pertaining to price reviews, supply contracts and ownership issues.
"Craig Tevendale is a great strategist and a fantastic advocate."
James Baily is a solicitor advocate with a wealth of experience representing oil and gas companies in cross-border disputes. He regularly advises on claims relating to both upstream and midstream assets.
"James is impressive. He has genuine skill in the energy sector."
Steven Dalton routinely advises oil companies and infrastructure funds on M&A transactions and project developments. He has a strong knowledge of issues facing upstream and midstream projects in Africa and the Middle East.
Laura Hulett is noted for her experience in M&A transactions and investments involving upstream oil and gas assets. She possesses considerable cross-border expertise and regularly advises on matters concerning projects in Europe, Africa and Latin America.
"Laura is pragmatic and enthusiastic."
"Laura provides excellent, proactive advice."
Lewis McDonald is head of global energy at Herbert Smith Freehills. He has considerable experience in the LNG sector and advising on gas pipeline developments.
"Lewis McDonald is a very clever and creative thinker. He thinks outside the box and is totally solution-oriented."
Reza Dadbakhsh is frequently called upon by a venerable list of clients to lead transactions within the oil and gas sector. He is experienced in transactions relating to upstream and downstream assets, alongside corporate joint ventures.
"Reza has a very good analytical mind. He is a great guy on complex projects."
"Reza is very good. He is a very personable guy and he gets into the details of a transaction."
Co-head of the renewables and power group, Silke Goldberg has a strong regulatory practice within in the power sector. She has deep experience negotiating clients through UK and EU energy regulations. Sheis particularly well versed advising on international interconnector projects.
Thomas Bethel has significant expertise in oil and gas financings. He often represents lenders on loan refinancings and reserve-based lending.
"Thomas is an excellent counsel with a strong track record, patience and commercial awareness."
Senior associate Eliza Eaton is heartily endorsed by clients for her able handling of corporate transactions within the oil and gas sector.
"Eliza is a bit of a superstar. She is extremely responsive, committed and highly technically competent."
Ranked Lawyers at
Herbert Smith Freehills
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills
Clients
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills
Amber Infrastructure
CPPIB
Chevron
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
DIF
EDF
GIC
InterGen
Interogo Holdings
Macquarie
Marubeni
National Grid
OMERS
Renewable Power Capital
bp
Industries
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills
Conventional power generation
New technologies
Nuclear
Oil and gas
Renewable energy