D'Empaire has a clear strong suit in the oil and gas industry, where the team has been highly active in advising international companies on complex issues relating to the operating models for oil joint ventures implemented by PDVSA, including regulatory issues, procurement processes and the negotiation of oil off-take contracts. The firm also has significant expertise in the mining sphere and in advising on infrastructure projects for petrochemical clients. Fulvio Italiani, who is well versed in corporate and financial transactions in the oil and gas space, and Carlos Omaña, who frequently advises on oil and gas projects, lead the firm.

Dentons is well versed in the full range of energy issues, with a strong emphasis on the oil and gas sector, where the team advises a growing number of major international companies on the structuring and restructuring of oil and gas projects, contractual and regulatory issues, and the divesting of investments in Venezuela. In addition, the team stands out for its expertise in advising on the impact of foreign sanctions. Sergio Casinelli focuses on regulatory and transactional matters in the energy sector, advising on projects in both Venezuela and other Latin American jurisdictions; he is also experienced in advising on gold and strategic minerals. Natalija Vojvodic frequently advises on the incorporation of new oil joint ventures, while Daniela Jaimes is skilled in regulatory issues for oil, gas and services companies. Banking specialist Rubén Eduardo Luján and administrative and public law expert Luis Andueza are other key names from the firm.

Led by Gabriela Rachadell de Delgado, who has a long track record of advising on high-profile transactions in the energy sector, from the Miami and Madrid offices, InterJuris Abogados maintains a full-service oil and gas practice in Venezuela, advising on everything from crude oil, extra heavy oil and hydrocarbon projects to the conversion and incorporation of new joint venture companies, the procurement of upstream onshore and offshore natural gas licences, and the development of infrastructure projects for upstream and downstream companies. Juan José Delgado is experienced in handling all aspects of oil and gas deals, including exploration, farm-in and out and operating agreements, joint ventures and M&A. Luis Ortiz-Álvarez advises on the impact of US sanctions, while Adriana Lezcano handles corporate transactions in the oil and gas sector.

Lega is well known for its prowess in the development, construction and financing of oil and gas, power and infrastructure projects, including hydroelectric power and petrochemical plants. The oil and gas sector is a key area of strength for the firm, which has expertise in upstream, midstream and downstream work. In addition, the team has developed a niche capability in the design, analysis and review of complex international financing structures used by Venezuelan public sector entities. Miguel Rivero, the former president of the board of directors of the Venezuelan Association of Gas Processors, specialises in oil and gas matters, including the development and financing of major energy projects, while José Alberto Ramírez is skilled in regulatory issues and financial transactions in the oil and gas sphere.

Baker & McKenzie, S.C. has seen a significant recent increase in oil and gas-related work, building on extensive experience of advising major international companies on corporate and regulatory issues relating to their Venezuelan operations. Eugenio Hernández-Bretón has broad expertise in oil and gas matters, including assisting with arbitrations, and contractual and regulatory matters in this space. María Eugenia Salazar-Furiati is experienced in handling regulatory and contentious matters for oil and gas clients. Senior associates Héctor Martínez, an expert in the mining and oil and gas fields, and regulatory and compliance specialist Jesús Villegas are other key names.

Mendoza, Palacios, Acedo, Borjas, Paez Pumar & Cia. has a long track record of advising on legal developments in the oil sector and its regulations, including working with the Venezuelan government and state-owned companies in oil-related negotiations and transactions, alongside privatisation processes. Diego Lepervanche and Luisa Lepervanche frequently assist in matters related to international sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union, while Esteban Palacios Lozada and Luisa Acedo advise contractors to the oil industry and other energy fields. Juan Castillo Carvajal also adds expertise in assisting oil and gas companies regarding tax issues.

Palacios, Torres & Korody advises clients in the energy sector on a wide variety of matters, ranging from financing to taxation and regulatory issues. The firm has seen an increase in work from long-time industry participants, including licensees and concessionaires, as well as engaging with new entrants, assisting with financing, acquisitions and day-to-day operations. Carlos Plaza heads the mining practice at the firm, bringing experience in advising large and medium-sized companies on the acquisition of mining rights in Venezuela and abroad. Daniel Betancourt handles regulatory compliance work for clients in the oil and gas and mining sectors. Juan Korody is another key name from the firm.

Led by Juan Carlos Andrade, LEC Abogados' oil and gas department has experience of assisting in oil projects across Venezuela, acting for major international oil companies, E&P companies and service providers. The practice covers financial transactions and corporate, tax and regulatory matters. Other key names in the practice include associates Arturo Jáuregui and Ivanna Blanco Mendoza.

Travieso Evans Arria Rengel & Paz has long been active in the energy space in Venezuela, with significant experience of advising on oil projects, and it has recently been engaged on a growing number of mandates relating to re-entry to the Venezuelan market. Areas of strength for the team range from regulatory issues to labour, taxes and contractual matters. Simón Guevara Camacho, who frequently advises major national and multinational energy companies on corporate matters, leads the firm alongside Eduardo Travieso Uribe. Hernando Barboza Russian and Daniela Del Vecchio are also key contacts.