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Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : Australia

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Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

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About

Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

The firm is a leader in Australian energy and mining, with a deep network of professionals that live and breathe these sectors. Our full-service offering, intrinsic understanding of market practice, and extensive global platform has seen us act on some of the most innovative and first-of-kind deals in Australia and beyond; and support our diverse portfolio of clients through their most complex challenges.

We are known for our:

  • unrivalled experience in all facets of energy transition, including energy security, new energy and decarbonisation initiatives, and the rapidly evolving critical minerals landscape;
  • seamless integration of our mining and energy knowledge, allowing our clients to benefit from a vast network of experience;
  • work in tackling the big issues within these industries, helping to drive market reform; and
  • unrivalled sub-sector knowledge across each of mining, oil & gas, and power, and covering the full project lifecycle – including all commodities, renewables and battery storage, hydrogen, pumped hydro and clean energy. 

Industries (22)

  • Renewable Energy
  • Hydrogen
  • Solar
  • Oil and Gas
  • Energy Transition
  • Transmission
  • Battery Energy Storage Systems
  • Critical Minerals
  • Copper
  • Lithium
  • Nickel
  • Rare Earths
  • Ports and Rail
  • Gold
  • Coal
  • Iron Ore
  • Carbon Capture
  • Nuclear
  • Onshore and Offshore Wind
  • Energy from Waste
  • Water
  • Pumped Hydro

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas - Australia

What the Team is Known For

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer's substantial and impressive team offers specialist expertise in all practice sub-areas and is regularly engaged by blue-chip clients. The practice is further noted for its provision of entire life cycle support to energy and resources projects and full engagement with transactional, operational and contentious issues, supported, where required, by relevant expertise from the firm's corporate and disputes practices. The group also incorporates a regional renewables team, with increasing experience in innovative clean energy projects.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • HSF Kramer advised HMC Capital on its acquisition of Neoen's Victorian renewable energy generation and storage portfolio, and development pipeline, for AUD950 million.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team are highly responsive and experienced in different sectors, well connected internally and each team works seamlessly together.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentAsia-Pacific

  • The quality of their personnel and the service delivery are exceptional.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentAsia-Pacific

  • The firm has extensive knowledge of Australian corporate law, transaction structures, requirements and documentation. Its depth of resources from the partner level down to graduates is very strong.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Stuart Barrymore
    Stuart Barrymore

    Stuart Barrymore

    Stuart Barrymore is based in Perth and enjoys a strong reputation in the market for his oil and gas-related expertise. He advises across gas sales, transportation, pipeline developments and transactional matters, and is particularly noted for his experience with LNG projects.
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  • David Ryan
    David Ryan

    David Ryan

    David Ryan is based in Sydney and advises across a range of transactional, commercial contracting and regulation mandates, often with regard to large energy infrastructure projects and developments.

    • David is a pleasure to deal with. He is always responsive, commercial and a top negotiator.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Jay Leary
    Jay Leary

    Jay Leary

    Jay Leary handles the full range of mining sector matters, including transactions, and operating and development agreements, dividing his time between the firm's Brisbane and Perth offices.

    • Jay is a highly experienced, commercial and pragmatic business partner.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Robert Merrick
    Robert Merrick

    Robert Merrick

    Robert Merrick is based in Perth and has an impressive track record of advising large oil and gas companies on asset acquisitions, divestments and project development issues.

    • Robert is first class in every respect.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Robert is one of the top five lawyers in the market. He excels at structuring complex projects.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Nick Baker
    Nick Baker

    Nick Baker

    Nick Baker is based in Melbourne and is known for his expertise advising on joint ventures and other large transactions in the utilities sector.

    • Nick is someone who just gets it. He is knowledgeable across a variety of sectors, understands his clients and is very commercial.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Nick is the best commercial lawyer I have ever worked with. He is phenomenal. He is skilled, experienced, an effective communicator and a strategic thinker.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Peter Davis
    Peter Davis

    Peter Davis

    Peter Davis is based in Sydney and is acknowledged for his expertise in energy and infrastructure, regularly advising on operational and regulatory matters. His considerable knowledge in mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures make him well placed to advise on commercial contracts in the energy sector.

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  • Neena Aynsley
    Neena Aynsley

    Neena Aynsley

    Neena Aynsley is based in Melbourne and is frequently called upon by clients for her expertise in projects concerning thermal and renewable power. She is particularly well placed to advise on corporate transactions in the energy sector including joint ventures, acquisitions and commercial contracts, among numerous other issues.

    • Neena is an exceptional lawyer and a delight to work with. She brings her London and New York professionalism and expertise to the Melbourne market.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentAsia-Pacific
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Ranked Individuals at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP (7)

Australia

Members

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