Energy & Natural Resources
Global Guide 2024 : UK
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7583 4444Chambers Review
Quadrant Chambers is a leading shipping set with a strong energy offering. Barristers at Quadrant are routinely engaged by upstream and downstream oil and gas clients in significant disputes. Unparalleled experience in marine, rig and transport engineering also informs the set's growing energy practice. Barristers from the chambers acted for the UAE oil and gas company, Der Mond, and its parent company, Locafrique, in their defence of a claim by the Russian oil company, LITASCO, filed in the High Court. The claim concerned the failure by Der Mond to pay for cargoes of oil following imposition of sanctions on Russia. One source notes: "All barristers we've worked with have excellent knowledge of the industry and underlying drivers."
"The clerks offer a perfect level of services and perfect responsiveness. What more can one expect?"
"Senior clerk Simon Slattery is very client-friendly and responsive."
"You're always able to get hold of someone, and the clerks are very good at managing counsel availability."
Notable Practitioners
Lionel Persey KC is a clear choice for mammoth oil disputes. Persey is highly regarded in the field for the depth of his technical expertise, especially in marine engineering. He specialises in midstream and upstream cases including those relating to pipeline, ship and rig construction, as well as oil production and exploration. He is well versed in cases involving oil majors and national oil companies, and has expertise in a number of Middle Eastern jurisdictions. He also has a significant amount of experience sitting as an arbitrator in shipbuilding disputes.
"He's excellent."
Simon Rainey KC is a strong commercial silk with noted prowess in complex, high-profile oil and gas work. He is an expert in maritime and shipping issues, especially those concerning transportation and rig engineering. He frequently appears in the Commercial Court and Court of Appeal, as well as in arbitrations, and is highlighted by peers for his skilful advocacy.
"Simon is the best there is."
"Simon is impressive. He just comes in with really incisive points and comments. He just gets to the point."
"He's rightfully regarded as one of the top energy silks."
"His knowledge of oil and gas is incredible. He has decades of real experience."
Ben Gardner is a go-to junior for notable firms in the energy space on a range of complex disputes including in the oil and gas, power and mining sectors. He is frequently sought after for ICC, Singapore and LCIA arbitrations.
Caroline Pounds continues to impress in heavy contractual disputes across the oil and gas sector involving construction issues, terminated contracts and disputed payments. She has experience in cases before the Commercial Court and in arbitration.
"Caroline is sensible and experienced."
"Caroline has enormous attention to detail."
Gaurav Sharma is dual-qualified in England and France and has experience working as both an in-house litigator for Shell and a solicitor-advocate. He has a strong oil and gas specialism, acting on commercial disputes and international investment disputes.
"Gaurav is a rising star in international arbitration for energy matters."
"Gaurav Sharma is extremely experienced in oil and gas disputes. He has an immense knowledge of the industry unparalleled in junior counsel."
"Gaurav has shown excellent legal skill and ability to speak the same language as clients."
Luke Parsons KC is highly respected for his commercial and admiralty practice. His noted shipping expertise strongly informs his adroit handling of a variety of marine engineering disputes in the E&P sector, and he is also adept at dealing with high-value corporate matters. His experience includes advising clients on disputes involving oil rigs, exploration platforms, floating storage platforms and pipelines.
"He's really fantastic, smart and a good cross-examiner."
"He is a superb energy specialist."
Chris Smith KC is an impressive commercial silk who has expertise in energy as part of a wider shipping and commodities practice. He is highly skilled in matters pertaining to the oil and gas sector. He regularly acts on behalf of top-drawer energy companies both in court and in arbitration.
"He's an effective advocate and has genuine expertise in this area."