Energy & Natural Resources | UK Bar

Brick Court Chambers is "of the highest calibre" and "a gold-standard chambers" with a strong bench of experienced silks and juniors collectively offering an impressive level of expertise in the energy sector. Members are particularly respected for their prowess in commercial cases, in addition to competition, public law and insurance disputes. Clients include multinational oil and gas companies, energy regulators and financial services giants. A key case for the set this year was Zaur Leshkasheli v Republic of Azerbaijan, defending the latter against claims of expropriation of interest in an oil field and other breaches of an investment treaty. An interviewee remarks: "I was extremely impressed by their ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters."

One Essex Court is a market-leading set for energy and natural resources work with an unparalleled membership of heavy-hitting advocates. The expertise of the barristers spans the full range of energy disputes, including those relating to oil and gas, renewable energy sources, water, nuclear and conventional power and mining. Members maintain an outstanding reputation for success in the Commercial Court and in arbitrations, and are frequently seconded to regulators such as Ofgem and Ofwat. The set acted for Trafigura Pte defending claims brought by Rasmala Trade Finance Fund alleging fraudulent coal trades. An interviewee says: "One Essex Court is the go-to set for complex matters in the energy sector."

4 Pump Court is an esteemed commercial construction set with a plethora of experience in energy sector construction, engineering, shipping and technology disputes. Its international client roster includes shipyards, contractors, insurers and reinsurers, in addition to leading energy companies. Although offering a breadth of experience across various energy sectors, 4 Pump Court garners particular acclaim for its standout work in relation to oil and gas projects, including onshore and offshore oil fields, pipelines and LNG plants. A key matter from this year was Apache North Sea v Esso Exploration and Production and others, representing Esso. This USD $150 million dispute concerned obligations of security provided by Apache to Esso and others during oil field decommissioning in the North Sea. A source highlights: "4 Pump Court is a very strong chambers in terms of its ability to digest complex contractual disputes quickly and provide pragmatic advice."

Atkin Chambers is home to an outstanding group of energy barristers with significant construction and engineering experience. Members stand out for their representation of upstream and downstream oil and gas clients in high-profile disputes, and also have an increasing presence in renewable energy cases. Barristers at Atkin Chambers regularly appear in disputes relating to large projects across the world, as well as in cases regarding UK-based schemes. For example, members of the chambers acted on both sides of Energy Works (Hull) Ltd v MW High Tech Projects UK Ltd & Others, a five-week hybrid TCC trial involving multimillion-pound claims arising from the construction of a waste to energy power plant. The parties received the first judgment in December 2022 and settled the same month. A source describes Atkin Chambers as "a premium set with extraordinary practitioners at all levels."

Essex Court Chambers is a heavyweight set which draws upon particular strengths in international arbitration and commercial disputes to represent clients in a range of energy matters. Members are renowned for their strong international practices and are adept at handling cases relating to oil and gas pricing, climate change, insurance matters and construction problems. An interviewee says: "Essex is first rate."

Keating Chambers is a highly regarded set with leading dual expertise in energy and construction disputes. 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. An interviewee reports: "There is an incredible depth to the expertise at Keating, and I have never had anything but outstanding service from both senior and junior counsel."

39 Essex Chambers is a respected set offering a breadth of experience across energy mandates, including construction, engineering, environmental and planning disputes, as well as regulatory work and the representation of public bodies. Tenants are additionally qualified to handle international arbitration for energy sector clients and others. Cases undertaken by barristers at the set range from those arising in the oil industry to disputes relating to nuclear power stations. Demonstrating regulatory and nuclear expertise, members advised the Nuclear Decommissioning Agency and Magnox Limited on issues relating to transfer of AGR stations and use of nuclear sites. One interviewee says: "39 Essex is reputable in the energy sector, and I always recommend them."

7 King's Bench Walk is an esteemed group of barristers with significant experience in energy and natural resources disputes. The set handles environmental, shipping, insurance and contractual claims, to name a few. Members offer deep expertise in the field of oil and gas exploration and production. The set is also known for its success in complex international arbitrations, with barristers regularly appearing in the LCIA. A highlight matter for the set this year was acting for Verum Plus on Commercial Court claims to recover damages from a long-standing oil and gas JV partner. One source highlights: "It is a very talented set all round and is always able to handle the most complex and sophisticated matters with skill, tact and charm."

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."

Twenty Essex has a group of highly esteemed litigators and arbitrators with a notable energy focus. Members are equipped to handle the full range of oil and gas and mining-related matters, including upstream, midstream and downstream work, construction disputes and corporate issues. The barristers here are frequently active in high-profile international disputes, including those in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. The set has acted for Glencore Energy this year in a dispute related to allegations of contaminated crude oil.