Ashurst remains a dominant force in the oil and gas sector, fielding a team of lawyers with experience in handling mandates across the full value chain, from traditional upstream, midstream and downstream work to clients investing in energy transition. Michael Burns leads the group, attracting a spread of high-profile clients for his in-depth knowledge of project development and M&A, while Julia Derrick, who predominantly deals with sales and acquisitions of hydrogen and oil and gas assets, and Quentin Robinson, who specialises in project development, offer their support. Sanja Udovicic and Matthew Wood are also recommended, with Wood’s finance expertise securing him a wealth of oil and gas cross-border transactions.

The projects, energy and natural resources team at Baker Botts (UK) LLP attracts a broad range of national and global clients from across the oil and gas industry for its extensive offering, which encompasses the full spread of M&A, joint ventures, project development, and financing work. Mark Rowley is recommended for his adept handling of upstream developments, liquified natural gas projects and cross-border pipeline work. Alex Kerr is also recommended, regularly dealing with project developments and the sale and purchase of LNG and hydrogen assets. Shashank Krishna left the firm in June 2023, while Rob Butler left in July 2024.

Oil majors, financial institutions and independents turn to Clifford Chance LLP for its advice on corporate and financing mandates, in addition to disputes within the oil and gas sector, and with a dedicated environmental group, the practice is well-equipped to advise on environmental regulation and ESG. The group’s environmental offering also extends to green transition, offering advice on green hydrogen and carbon capture projects. The practice is jointly led by Graham Phillips, who deals with M&A, joint ventures and equity transactions, and Alex Panayides, who heads the firm’s global dispute resolution practice. Other key figures include Russell Wells, whose focus lies within the energy transition arena, and energy and infrastructure partner Craig Nethercott, who adds further weight to the group’s project finance offering.

Showcasing demonstrable experience in project finance mandates, disputes and M&A across the hydrocarbon and renewables sectors, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is well-equipped to handle matters spanning the entire supply chain. The deep bench includes practice head Lewis McDonald, who offers clients assistance with the gamut of upstream oil and gas work, in addition to LNG and renewables projects. James Baily‘s practice encompasses both corporate mandates and disputes within the oil and LNG arenas. Reza Dadbakhsh is another key contact in the group.

Oil majors, investors from private equity houses and NCOs to banks turn to Latham & Watkins for its experience in handling matters concerning project finance, development, regulation and litigation. Simon Tysoe leads the team, offering clients assistance with cross-border mandates, including upstream, mid-stream, and downstream oil and gas M&A, joint ventures, restructuring, and project development. Sam Newhouse, chair of the firm’s M&A practice, regularly acts for clients on high-value public and private M&A and joint ventures, and Becky Wee is another key contact in the group.

Jointly led by Michael Watson and Philip Stopford, the oil and gas team at White & Case LLP is highly sought after for its wide practice which encompasses the breadth of M&A, project finance and disputes, in addition to energy transition mandates. David Baker is noted for his adept handling of high-profile construction cases, development work and M&A, with a particular focus on LNG projects, Jason Kerr deals with international project finance matters and the ‘exceptionally talented’ Mukund Dhar, who is backed by an excellent track record in international oil and gas transactions, ‘goes above and beyond for clients’.

Bracewell (UK) LLP acts for oil and gas majors on energy transition matters, in addition to international arbitration and litigation relating to energy projects. Practice head Jason Fox has 35 years of experience as an energy finance lawyer and focuses on upstream oil and gas deals. Other key practitioners include Olivia Caddy, whose multi-jurisdictional focus secures her a workload of upstream debt financings from across the globe, Adam Blythe, who handles upstream, midstream and downstream M&A and project developments, particularly in Africa, and John Gilbert, who is well versed in handling arbitration and litigation. Mark Hunting is another key contact in the group.

Dentons is well known for its ability to handle oil and gas mandates across the entire value chain, from commercial and corporate mandates to financing work and disputes. Humphrey Douglas stands at the helm of the practice, regularly serving as lead on cross-border M&A, joint venture and project development matters for energy clients. Charles Wood specialises in the design of new commercial and regulatory frameworks for oil and gas market reform and large energy projects, while Colm Ó hUiginn assists stakeholders with the development and financing of large-scale oil and gas infrastructure projects, with a particular strength in LNG.

The oil and gas team at DLA Piper handles high-profile domestic and international disputes, in addition to regulatory work and corporate transactions. Practice head James Carter specialises in high-value corporate and commercial disputes, while Nacim Bounouara handles energy and infrastructure project developments and financing matters. The team has been bolstered by the strategic new hires of Derwin Jenkinson and Steven Bryan, both of whom joined from Paul Hastings LLP in February 2024, while Nikhil Markanday joined from King & Spalding in September 2024. Other key contacts in the group include Anna Mills, Jean-Pierre Douglas-Henry and Charles Allin.

With a broad practice that encompasses mandates concerning upstream, midstream, downstream and alternative fuels, the oil and gas team at King & Spalding LLP is a key point of contact for clients seeking assistance with M&A, disputes and project financing. Leadership of the group is shared between four key partners: Thomas Sprange KC, John Savage KC, international arbitration expert, and Martin Hunt, who acts on M&A and joint ventures. Key team changes include the arrival of Peter Schwartz from Paul Hastings LLP in March 2024, and the departures of Nina Howell in April 2024, and Nikhil Markanday in September 2024.

Clients turn to Linklaters LLP for its expertise in handling a wide range of oil and gas mandates, including M&A and joint ventures, as well as project developments and financing matters. Mark Russell co-leads the group, leveraging his expertise in LNG, upstream hydrocarbons and CCUS, alongside Daniel Tyrer, who specialises in global project developments and financing mandates.

Headed by Rob Marsh, the oil and gas team at Norton Rose Fulbright acts as a trusted adviser to oil majors, NOCs, government bodies, commercial banks, multinational corporates, developers and investors, offering support to clients throughout the entire lifecycle of projects. Other key contacts in the group include Holly Stebbing, who handles litigation and contentious cases, and Hussain Kubba, a corporate energy lawyer who specialises in acquisitions, disposals and commercial agreements. Clients also praise the work of India Furse and Andrew Davies.

Specialising in cross-border M&A in the oil and gas sector, clients praise the team at Pinsent Masons LLP for its ‘deep industry and transactional knowledge and strong client focus’. The practice is led by Rosalie Chadwick, who focuses on domestic and international corporate finance transactions, while Akshai Fofaria co-leads the firm’s Africa group and advises on transformational projects and transactions in the continent. Bruce McLeod handles matters concerning oil and gas infrastructure and joint ventures, and Jonathan Woolf joined from CMS in January 2024.

Slaughter and May acts for oil and gas majors, listed companies, private equity groups, financial institutions, NOCs, government departments and regulators seeking aid with upstream, midstream, and downstream oil and gas activities. The team is jointly chaired by Hywel Davies, a public and private M&A specialist, and Michael Corbett, noted for his capabilities in corporate finance. Steven Galbraith is also recommended, leveraging his expertise in international projects and project finance across the oil and gas arena.

Vinson & Elkins RLLP is well-equipped to handle a range of oil and gas mandates concerning financings, disputes and M&A. The team is led by Alex Msimang, who is supported by Andrew Nealon, a project development and finance specialist who has demonstrable expertise in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Other key contacts in the group include Alistair Wishart, a name to note for downstream oil and gas mandates and petrochemical, and Nadine Amr, whose focus lies within energy M&A, energy infrastructure projects and regulatory matters. Lauren Davies also stands out as ‘an absolute champion of efficiency’.

Akin has a robust track record in handling international oil and gas mandates, spanning the breadth of corporate transactions, litigation, disputes and arbitration, encompassing traditional oil and gas work, as well as LNG and energy transition mandates. The group is jointly led by Shaun Lascelles, a specialist in international corporate deals, private equity transactions and joint ventures, Alex Harrison, who is recommended for his execution of high-stakes, cross-border oil and gas deals, and Justin Williams, who expertly handles natural resources arbitration.

Baker McKenzie's expertise covers every stage of the investment life cycle, from project structuring and development, and operating agreements to financing, joint ventures, acquisitions, disposals and disputes. The team is also well placed to advise on oil and gas transactions linked to energy transition. Richard Blunt represents a spread of national and international clients in M&A, joint ventures and project developments, while Andy Moody leads on multi-jurisdictional litigation. Philip Thomson is recommended for his work in the midstream and downstream oil and gas arena, where he regularly assists clients with project development and financing.

The ‘highly experienced’ oil and gas team at Fieldfisher acts for clients in the upstream, midstream, downstream and services sectors, advising on contentious and non-contentious matters concerning oil and gas exploration and production, transportation and processing, refining, marketing, storage and sales, among others. Paul Stockley leads the practice and acts for leading oil and gas companies in the UK and internationally, while arbitration expert Simon Sloane focuses on oil and gas disputes.

Energy majors, state-owned enterprises, independents and private equity houses turn to Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher for its advice on corporate transactions and energy transition matters, in addition to disputes. It is also a trusted adviser to oil and gas clients exiting the UK North Sea for its adept handling of decommissioning liability issues, end of life assets and clean break transactions. Anna Howell leads the group, with demonstrable experience in cross-border transactions, and is supported by Mitasha Chandok, whose wide practice encompasses M&A, project development, financing and ESG mandates. New additions to the team include Ben Shorten and Trinh Chubbock, both formerly of Shearman & Sterling LLP.

Mayer Brown International LLP’s offering covers M&A and debt and equity fundraising mandates in the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors, in addition disputes and arbitration cases. Practice leader Bob Palmer’s wide practice encompasses M&A in the oil and gas industry, international arbitration matters and disputes. The team welcomed Richard Nelson from King & Spalding LLP in May 2023, who handles upstream oil and gas and LNG transactions, and Massimo Amoruso from Clifford Chance LLP in March 2024.

Milbank advises on a range of matters concerning infrastructure, oil and gas, energy transition and power. John Dewar, who is praised by lenders and sponsors alike for his adept handling of multi-sourced financings, stands at the helm, alongside Matthew Brown, who regularly leads on development and financing mandates relating to oil and gas, in addition to hydrogen and renewables. Munib Hussain is a first point of contact for ECAs, multi-laterals, and commercial and Islamic banks looking for assistance with international projects and energy and infrastructure financing matters. Alex Brightman is another key contact in the group.

The oil and gas team at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP ‘stands out for the depth of its industry knowledge and the proactive, solutions-oriented approach of its team’, with demonstrable capabilities in handling project finance mandates. The 'standout' Opeyemi Atawo is a key contact in the group. Former practice head Ayesha Waheed has left the firm.

Simmons & Simmons is well-placed to handle multi-jurisdictional oil and gas matters, spanning the acquisition, development, financing and disposal of large-scale projects, in addition to arbitration cases and disputes. Iain Duncan leads the group and Andrew Petry's wealth of banking and finance experience secures him a client roster of financiers, borrowers, infrastructure funds and project sponsors. Patrick Wallace has considerable experience in the power, oil and gas and infrastructure arenas, while Alexander Keepin acts for investment banks and issuers on M&A across the energy, mining and energy transition sectors.

Watson Farley & Williams LLP is well versed in handling M&A, project finance matters and litigation, advising a spread of financial entities and traders on oil and gas transactions often cross-border in nature. Practice head Chris Kilburn acts for sponsors and lenders on M&A in the oil and gas arena, while Heike Trischmann assists with the firm’s expansion into LNG and Joe Levin is a key name to note for upstream financing.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is recommended for its experience in handling joint ventures and M&A in the oil and gas sector, in addition to disputes. Adam Dann leads the practice, boasting considerable experience in the energy, energy transition and oil and gas industries, while multinational clients from the traditional energy arena turn to Kevin Atkins for his knowledge of cross-border corporate transactions and financing mandates.

Clients praise the oil and gas practice at Clyde & Co as ‘a solid choice for heavyweight disputes in the sector’, with additional expertise in handling the breadth of both contentious and non-contentious mandates. David Bennet and Mark Walsh are names to note for disputes and international arbitration in the sector, while Anna Nerush supports clients throughout the full life cycle of oil and gas projects, from exploration and development to production and commercialisation.

Government bodies, state-owned companies and national oil companies turn to Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP for its expert advice on oil and gas mandates. Marc Hammerson leads the group, with demonstrable experience in handling corporate matters within the energy and natural resources arenas. Andrei Baev counts sponsors, international banks, financial institutions, export credit agencies and multilateral lending agencies among his key roster of clients, and Mo Haque KC has experience in domestic and international commercial litigation and arbitration in the energy sector.

Praised as ‘true experts in the field’, Haynes and Boone CDG, LLP handles upstream, midstream, and downstream matters, from exploration, infrastructure development, licensing and operations agreements to M&A, regulatory compliance and decommissioning. Glenn Kangisser leads the group and advises on the full scope of mandates, including upstream exploration, production and transportation, in addition to disputes. Other key contacts in the group include William Cecil and Fiona Cain, while Anna Nerush left the firm in October 2023.

HFW acts for a range of clients, including government bodies, regulators, national and international oil companies, financiers and investors, seeking assistance with a spread of contentious and non-contentious matters. Alistair Mackie stands at the helm, offering clients aid with high-value, cross-border deals, with a particular focus on energy security and LNG projects.

Housing a robust international practice, K&L Gates LLP acts for clients on non-contentious and contentious oil and gas issues, and is equipped to handle the full spread of upstream, midstream and downstream matters. Leadership of the group is shared between corporate partner Paul Tetlow and Jeremy Farr, who focuses on contentious cases. Ben Holland is another name to note, with a strong focus on national and international LNG and gas disputes.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP is praised for its ‘extensive industry-specific expertise and knowledge’, and stands out for its track record in energy and natural resources disputes. Counting upstream oil and gas companies, trading houses and global resources companies among its key roster of clients, the team is led by ‘exceptional‘ Ted Greeno, who boasts an enviable track record in litigation and arbitration cases in the oil and gas sector.

The team at Reed Smith LLP, led by Kyri Evagora, is praised for its high level of ‘collaboration’ and ‘synergy between lawyers’, which perfectly complements its wide coverage of oil and gas mandates. James Atkin stands out for his ‘strong industry knowledge’ and James Hatchard for his ‘vast knowledge of contract agreements and the VC landscape’.

Wikborg Rein showcases a robust offering in the oil and gas sector, covering regulatory compliance and corporate transactions, in addition to disputes, litigation and international arbitration. The team is jointly led by Jonathan Goldfarb, whose specialism lies in LNG mandates, and Renaud Barbier-Emery, who routinely deals with the development and financing of offshore projects for drilling contractors.

Praised for its ‘high-quality level of service’, Addleshaw Goddard is noted for its expertise in upstream and midstream oil and gas transactions in emerging markets, with a particular focus on mandates concerning Africa. Paul Jones advises upstream oil and gas matters, LNG and energy transition projects across the North Sea, Africa and the Middle East. Jones jointly leads the team alongside 'incredibly client focused' Angus Rollo, who handles energy-related M&A transactions.

The energy, infrastructure and natural resources practice at Gide Loyrette Nouel LLP is well-placed to leverage the firm's global footprint to handle a range of national and international commercial and corporate matters in the oil and gas arena, in addition to disputes. Practice leader Colin Graham is recommended for his ability to adeptly handle the gamut of cross-border corporate and commercial gas mandates.

Hill Dickinson LLP counts junior upstream companies, rig and oil infrastructure owners and financial institutions, in addition to ports and shipowners, among its key roster of clients. The group is steered by corporate partner Jonathan Morris, while Roderick Palmer, who formerly led the practice, handles supply contracts and sales, and charter agreements.

Keystone Law handles a range of oil and gas mandates, and, in the past year, has continued to further expand into the renewables sector, offering aid on solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal and hydrogen energy. Key practitioners include Fei Mao, Richard Temple, who acts for major oil and gas clients on transactions in Africa and the North Sea, and Stuart Mathews.

Led by corporate finance partner Nick Davis, the team at Memery Crystal is sought out by a spread of international clients for its advice on M&A, debt financing and private equity investments in the oil and gas sector.

Praised for its 'knowledge and experience of oil and gas matters', Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP continues to expand its expertise in handling energy transition mandates. Greg Hammond ‘combines a true bulldog spirit with a hawk’s eye for detail, and never fails to bring a sense of calm to proceedings’. Hammond jointly leads the team alongside Deborah Ruff , who is highly recommended for her adept handling of high-value, multi-jurisdictional disputes.

Steered by Trevor Ingle, the energy and natural resources team at Squire Patton Boggs handles a range of oil and gas matters concerning regulation, project development and corporate finance, in addition to disputes and arbitration cases. The practice is also home to Peter Stewart, a trusted adviser to governments and national oil companies in emerging markets, and Timi Balogun.