Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Energy & Natural Resources - UK
What the Team is Known For
Keating Chambers is a highly regarded set with leading dual expertise in energy and construction disputes. Interviewees note Keatings' depth of offering to be "extraordinary across all levels of experience." Members are instructed by high-profile energy companies, the owners and operators of oil, gas, nuclear and renewable energy facilities, corporate investors and contractors in a plethora of high-value disputes. Barristers regularly appear in the LCIA, ICC, TCC and Court of Appeal in high-profile matters. MW High Tech Projects v Outotec is a recent example of members leading work in the TCC.
Strengths
The clerks are very responsive and receptive to our requests at short notice. They provide a full service.
The clerking team is well led by joint directors of clerking, James Luxmoore and Will Shrubsall.
Keating's clerks are the best, second to none. They are on top of billing and very easy to communicate with.
Keating Chambers are very focused on service and we have always found the clerks to be excellent, in particular James Luxmoore, director of clerking, and Robert Garvan, practice manager.
Notable practitioners
Paul Bury is an accomplished junior who routinely acts in onshore and offshore energy infrastructure disputes, such as biomass and power plant cases. He has expertise acting in ICC arbitrations and before the High Court.
Paul Bury has a soothing, calm manner and can be counted upon to spot the key detail that will propel a case forwards.
Paul is really hands-on and he is very client-facing.
Simon Hughes KC is a well-known construction silk with noted experience in the energy sector. He frequently appears in international disputes involving oil fields, coal-fired power plants and nuclear power plants.
Simon has a keen ability to devise a clear strategy, taking in all the moving parts, which then comes to life compellingly through his advocacy.
Simon Hughes is really excellent. He has a really nice, determined but polite advocacy style.
Simon is detail driven and strategy-focused, with an excellent client-facing manner.
Veronique Buehrlen KC is noted for her ability to grasp the pertinent details in complex energy cases. She operates a strong practice in both litigation and arbitration, and regularly handles matters concerning the construction of oil production and transportation facilities. Her strengths in the sector include advising on farmout arrangements, SPAs and injunctive relief issues.
Veronique Buehrlen is an excellent counsel with a fantastic eye for detail.
Lucy Garrett KC is praised by many for her expert handling of cases and diligent preparation. She stands out for her strength advising on issues concerning the construction of energy projects, including contractual issues, delays and claims of defective work and misconduct. Her deep oil and gas expertise is complemented by her ability to handle disputes in the wider sector, including in nuclear energy.
Lucy provides focused legal advice against complex fact patterns and her awareness of broader commercial issues is invaluable.
Lucy Garrett is very direct, all over the detail and her whole demeanour enables her to be approachable to the ultimate client.
Lucy quickly gains clients' trust both for being a delightful team player, even when the going gets tough, and for giving concise, merits-based advice.
Sean Wilken KC is notable for his thorough knowledge of the upstream oil and gas sector. He is frequently instructed in large-scale international litigation, especially in cases concerning the development of significant African resources. He has considerable experience advising on contractual disputes stemming from environmental crises and issues connected to renewable assets.
Sean Wilken knows the energy industry back to front. He is also really good with clients. He has a manner which promotes confidence.
Vincent Moran KC is a highly capable performer in energy, professional negligence and construction cases. He is a regular fixture at the Technology and Construction Court, and has particular experience of cases relating to domestic waste and power plants.
Vincent Moran is a very tenacious lawyer, but also very easy-going and friendly.
Calum Lamont KC is recognised for his strength in the energy space as part of his wider construction practice. He has experience handling issues across the full gamut of energy projects, from gas pipelines to energy-from-waste facilities. He has noted skill on his feet.
Calum is fantastic. He is able to find the tiniest detail in a case.
Calum Lamont is a good advocate.
David Thomas KC is deeply adept at handling construction disputes involving a broad spectrum of energy technologies related to renewables and downstream processing. He has long-standing experience of ICC and LCIA arbitrations alongside High Court and TCC proceedings.
David is a highly skilled and experienced professional. He is an absolute pleasure to work with.
David Thomas' ability to get up to speed and present in a clear and forceful way is remarkable.
Paul Buckingham KC is a respected barrister who brings noted experience as a process engineer in the oil and gas sector to a practice that takes in engineering, construction and energy matters. He has particular expertise in issues involving international parties, and is held in high regard for his capacity to advise clients on the technical aspects of energy disputes.
Paul was an engineer, so he has an advantage on petrochemical cases. He gets it straight away.