Projects & Energy: International

Herbert Smith Freehills' well-respected team offers expertise in domestic and international projects in the oil and gas, mining and renewable energy sectors as well as telecommunications, social infrastructure and railways. The practice handles project developments and financing issues, as well as transactions, joint ventures, regulatory and contractual matters. The law firm has a particular strength in African and European solar mandates, often collaborating with its international offices. The team represents project developers, sponsors and lenders.

"Herbert Smith Freehills' advice is very useful."

"Herbert Smith Freehills provides very good commercial advice and is very protective of its clients."

"There are a number of challenging items in our jurisdictions but the team has responded and reacted quickly, adding value."

"It is a great comfort knowing I can pick up the phone and speak to the team straight away without any forewarning and it will be able to give some very sensible, clear and helpful initial thoughts."

"The client service is excellent and I am very pleased with the team's work."

Herbert Smith Freehills advised Hainan Mining on its USD117 million investment in the Bougouni lithium project in Mali.

The firm's strong Africa team is formed of experienced practitioners with extensive expertise across North, Central and West Africa, including OHADA jurisdictions. It provides sponsors and lenders as well as energy companies with expert advice in the renewables, oil, gas and mining sectors. Nina Bowyer is a key client contact.

Dual-qualified in France and the UK, EMEA managing partner Nina Bowyer continues to develop a strong practice advising on natural resource mandates across Europe and Africa. She routinely handles sales, acquisitions and investments of oil and gas companies and power projects. "Nina Bowyer is one of the smartest, most hard-working, switched-on, dedicated partners I have worked with." "She knows her stuff and is commercial. She manages to think of all possible scenarios within a few minutes and is able to come back with clear guidelines highlighting risks or tipping points."

Head of department Rebecca Major earns a higher position in the rankings this year and is qualified in English and French law. She has a diverse project practice that spans renewable energy and mining investments. She additionally handles transactions in the oil and gas sector and assists with matters in Europe, Africa and Asia. "Rebecca Major is a brilliant lawyer who is reactive, hard-working and very client-oriented. She is 100% reliable and I know I can call her up when I need something."

Paris-based Bertrand Montembault acts as a key contact for clients operating in francophone Africa, where his expertise is sought after to assist with the development of mining, renewable energy and oil and gas projects.