DEPARTMENT PROFILE

Lawson Lundell LLP

Energy, Projects, Environmental & Aboriginal Law

11 ranked lawyers

Band 3

Canada

Global 2021 View ranking table

chambers review

department information

Ranked Lawyers

Chambers Review

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What the team is known for

Strong Vancouver-based team that leverages the firm's offering in corporate/commercial, environmental and Aboriginal law to assist clients with national energy projects. With a strong resources-focused practice, the group offers substantial experience of LNG, oil sands, mining and pipelines work. Represents industry clients in their negotiations with Aboriginal stakeholders, as well as advising on regulatory and court proceedings. Experience cuts across a wide range of sectors including transportation, mining and forestry. Also provides valuable litigation expertise, with experience representing clients in environmental law matters before the British Columbia Supreme Court and the Supreme Court of Canada. Clients benefit from the firm's additional offices in Calgary and Yellowknife.

Strengths

Interviewees characterise the team as "very well informed," as well as "very responsive and solutions-oriented."

One commentator enthused: "Their knowledge and understanding of the law and key regulatory agencies is, in my experience, unmatched."

Notable practitioners

Brad Armstrong QC is recognised by market sources for his considerable experience in Indigenous law. He acts on mining and port projects, with a notable focus on environmental issues.

Clifford Proudfoot QC advises on a range of matters including environmental assessments and court challenges to the issuance of mining permits. One client shared: "His record is extraordinary. He is my trusted adviser and a leading regulatory lawyer in Canada."

Ian Webb represents public utilities and alternative energy producers in a wide range of regulatory matters, including advising on requirements and compliance.

Experienced litigator Jeff Christian represents clients before energy regulators across Western Canada, as well as the Canada Energy Regulator. Based in Vancouver, he regularly acts for utilities and service providers in the power sector.

Jeff Scobie is a Calgary-based oil and gas lawyer who wins recognition for his work involving the State of Qatar and across the Middle East. He benefits from his previous experience as general counsel at Qatar Petroleum when advising on such matters.

Respected practitioner John Olynyk advises on the Indigenous law aspects of mining and oil and gas operations. He is noted for his regulatory work, and market commentators highlight his presence on significant disputes in the Aboriginal law space.

Keith Bergner has experience representing clients in the Aboriginal law elements of major energy projects. His clients include corporations and governmental bodies. A client stated: "He's incredibly well versed in giving us a strategic view of working with Indigenous communities."

Lana Shipley is described by sources as "extremely well informed about negotiations for Indigenous benefits agreements." Her practice includes an emphasis on mining projects.

Lewis Manning is noted for his handling of rate and facilities applications before the Alberta Utilities Commission and the Alberta Energy Regulator. He has significant experience across regulatory matters arising out of the electricity and oil and gas sectors.

Paul Negenman represents oil and gas exploration and production companies in a range of corporate mandates, including joint ventures and dispositions. Interviewees note: "He is very knowledgeable, both in terms of the law and the practical business side of things."

Department Information

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Overview

With a significant presence in British Columbia, Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Lawson Lundell has helped conventional oil gas producers, oil sands and non-conventional oil and gas developers, refiners, retailers, local distribution companies, governments, independent power producers, electric utilities and regulators pursue their interests in finding, developing, producing, transporting, exporting and selling energy resources. We have provided advice relating to such matters as corporate structure, joint venture agreements, asset acquisitions, share offerings, construction contracts and activities, permitting, Indigenous consultation and economic regulation.

Specific areas of knowledge that continue to prove important to our energy sector clients include Project Development, Acquisitions & Divestitures, Environmental, Regulatory, Electricity, Climate Change/Emissions Tracking, and Indigenous