Brodies LLP‘s oil and gas team advises on complex, high-stakes matters across the upstream lifecycle, with particular strength in M&A, decommissioning work, field developments, and disputes. The group acts for operator and service sector clients in the UK and internationally, with growing activity in the Middle East through its Abu Dhabi office. Team head Clare Munro is lauded as an ‘exceptional partner with top-quality knowledge, experience and commercial acumen’ and is active on project development and oil and gas commercial contracts. Greg May handles drilling, offshore construction and decommissioning contracts for a global client base, while Rhona McFarlane brings in-house experience to bear across upstream and midstream mandates. Laura Petrie is active on M&A, joint ventures, and project development work for operator clients. Laura Fraser also comes recommended.

Praised as a ‘market leading oil and gas practice’, CMS’ team delivers specialist advice across the full oil and gas lifecycle. The team acts for a core client base of operators and service companies, advising on M&A, asset and infrastructure developments, decommissioning strategies, supply chain agreements, and regulatory issues. Team head Norman Wisely is a go-to for cross-border M&A, particularly on mandates involving national oil companies, sovereign wealth entities, and major international players. Paula Kidd leads on operational matters, advising on a mix of corporate and commercial issues, while Graeme Clubley focuses on upstream acquisitions and disposals. Valerie Allan acts on contentious matters, especially disputes arising from oil and gas operations, and Frank Fowlie adds additional transactional expertise. Judith Aldersey-Williams retired in April 2025.

Pinsent Masons LLP is routinely instructed by leading independents and supermajors on high-value M&A, disposals, and cross-border transactions across Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Team head Rosalie Chadwick epitomises the group’s oil and gas M&A strength and led on the landmark £754m business combination between Ithaca Energy and Eni’s UK upstream assets. Shirley Allen, who has over 25 years of private practice and in-house experience, is recognised for her regulatory insight and adept handling of complex commercial contracts. Bruce McLeod is frequently active on multi-jurisdictional M&A and joint ventures, while Rachel Warner has developed a strong track record in domestic and UK-wide mergers and disposals. Neil Hehir, Heather Hutcheon and Ailie Isdale also come recommended. In May 2025, Chris Sawyer joined the team.

Burness Paull LLP advises major oil and gas clients on upstream M&A, project development, and sector-specific regulatory matters. Its cross-practice approach supports work across the energy spectrum, including CCUS, hydrogen, and renewables matters, while guiding clients through environmental, regulatory and energy transition issues. Bob Ruddiman helms the department and is praised for his ‘incredible level of experience and knowledge across the energy sector’, advising industry players and financial sponsors on business acquisitions and mergers as well as inventory-focused transactions. Helen Dickson provides further M&A expertise to clients active in the upstream space, and Brian Hemming often advises on bespoke contractual arrangements.

Addleshaw Goddard advises a diverse client base of supermajors, independents, and service companies on upstream M&A, project development, and operational matters. The practice has a strong international focus, with regular instructions on cross-border transactions and commercial issues across Europe, South America and Africa. Team head Fiona Kindness continues to impress in the sector, advising operators and contractors on the full spectrum of commercial contracts. David McEwing is highly regarded for his transactional expertise, covering major upstream and midstream business combinations as well as the acquisition of oilfield interests.

Stronachs LLP advises independents and international operators on upstream acquisitions and disposals, field developments, and decommissioning matters in the UK and overseas. The team has particular strength in complex decommissioning issues and has continued expanding its practice in the energy transition space, including providing regulatory and commercial advice on CCS and emerging technologies. Team head James Muir is praised as a ‘very strong oil and gas partner’ and chiefly focuses on M&A, project structuring, and regulatory matters. James Downie retired in 2024.