Methodology

The Global Elite Thought Leaders are those individuals who received the highest number of nominations from peers, corporate counsel and other market sources this year. Our research has identified them as truly outstanding practitioners and the very best in their field.

Who’s Who Legal does not list law firms, only individual lawyers. The leading firms are those in each region whose listed practitioners received the most total nominations in our research.

Europe

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Steven Galbraith - Slaughter and May, London
• Juan Ignacio González Ruiz - Uría Menéndez, Madrid
• Marc Grüninger - GHR Rechtsanwälte AG, Zurich
• Michael Meyer - Gorrissen Federspiel, Copenhagen
• Thierry Lauriol - Jeantet AARPI, Paris
• Alex McLean - Arthur Cox, Dublin
• Peter M Polak - Fiebinger Polak & Partners Rechtsanwälte GmBH, Vienna
• Rabbe Sittnikow - Hannes Snellman Attorneys Ltd, Helsinki
• Dirk Uwer - Hengeler Mueller, Düsseldorf
• Damien Verhoeven - Liedekerke Wolters Waelbroeck Kirkpatrick, Brussels

 

Leading Firms

Herbert Smith Freehills

Stéphane Brabant is an “internationally renowned” energy specialist with a wealth of experience in and knowledge of projects across Africa.
Rebecca Major is a “top pick” in the energy market, applauded as “really good on the corporate side” according to market commentators.
Paula Hodges QC is a “superb” and “very well regarded” energy specialist with over 30 years of experience in the sector.
Nina Bowyer is well thought of among sources thanks to her sweeping knowledge of energy and mining project financing and development, notably across Africa.
Mark Newbery is recognised as an “exceptionally good and incredibly experienced” energy lawyer, renowned for his work on sector-related projects spanning financing and development.
Martin Kavanagh is looked upon with enormous favour for his expert handling of high-value project financings in the energy sector.

Allen & Overy

John Geraghty is a “very impressive” lawyer, highly recommended for his exceptional work handling high-value energy transactions on an international level.
Marinus Winters is hailed a “regulatory expert” in the energy sector by sources, who hold him in high esteem as a “great guy and a very good practitioner”.
Gareth Price draws widespread praise as an “outstanding energy practitioner” with profound understanding of project development across the sector.
Sheila Connell ranks highly among peers for her excellence on the financing side of complex energy and infrastructure projects.
Mark Levy QC is “a very capable and skilled advocate”, widely regarded by peers as “top counsel in gas-pricing disputes”.

CMS

Munir Hassan has “extensive technical knowledge”, “remarkable expertise” and the “focus to provide solutions” for clients across all aspects of energy and climate change matters.
Cecile van der Weijden comes “highly recommended” for her strong experience in corporate, M&A and energy-related matters.
Charles Currier is a “very well regarded” energy practitioner, with deep experience of renewables and infrastructure deals.
Mónica Carneiro Pacheco is commended by sources for her “excellent reputation” as “a very important lawyer in the Portuguese energy space”.

Dentons

Charles Wood is “one of the best energy lawyers in the industry”, and is highly commended for his LNG expertise.
Elizabeth Tout is “hugely experienced” and draws praise from peers for being “excellent on all energy disputes”.
Gregory Hammond comes highly recommended as “a hands-on and very involved” practitioner, with exceptional attention to detail.

Clifford Chance

Hein Tonnaer is “very strong in project finance” and “regularly does big offshore wind work”, according to peers.
With 30 years of experience, Russell Wells is “among the best practitioners” thanks to his tremendous knowledge and experience of the energy sector.
Audley Sheppard QC draws praise as a “very experienced” and “excellent” energy disputes practitioner.

Linklaters

Kai Uwe Pritzsche is a “hugely experienced” and “excellent energy lawyer”, with an abundance of expertise in oil and gas matters.
With over 20 years of experience, John Pickett comes “highly recommended for UK renewables” work.
Jeremy Gewirtz is commended for his excellence in oil and gas, and power-related project financing and development.

 

Leading Individuals

Austria

Global Elite Thought Leader Peter Polak of Fiebinger Polak & Partners is a “excellent energy lawyer” with a “very knowledgeable, efficient and client-oriented” approach.

At Schima Mayer Starlinger, Thomas Starlinger is “a strong regulatory lawyer”, distinguished by sources as “an expert in all things gas-related, and particularly gas transportation”.

Belgium

Damien Verhoeven of Liedekerke Wolters Waelbroeck Kirkpatrick is highly sought after by clients who consider him a top name and the “go-to energy lawyer in Belgium”.

Bulgaria

Milan Pandev of Djingov Gouginski Kyutchukov & Velichkov is a “very responsive” and “excellent energy lawyer”, well versed in M&A and corporate finance matters within the energy sector.

Cyprus

Andrew Demetriou of Ioannides Demetriou is internationally renowned for his considerable experience in financing and projects within the energy sector.

Denmark

Michael Meyer of Gorrissen Federspiel is “absolutely first class” according to peers who note he is “very impressive” in handling significant energy transactions.

England

Slaughter and May’s Steven Galbraith is a Global Elite Thought Leader this year for his “top-notch” and “first-class service”. He draws high praise as a “great energy lawyer”.

With over 30 years of experience in the sector, Paul Griffin of White & Case is “greatly experienced” and a “leading name” in the energy space.

Watson Farley & Williams’ Heike Trischmann is “an excellent energy and natural resources lawyer”, commended for her “vast knowledge about the LNG industry”.

Simon Tysoe at Latham & Watkins gains strong recognition from sources, one of whom notes he is “a great person to have across on a deal ­– an expert and a gentleman”.

Finland

Rabbe Sittnikow of Hannes Snellman ranks highly among peers, and is hailed as “a brilliant mind, and an excellent energy and natural resources lawyer”.

France

Thierry Lauriol of Jeantet sits “among the top leaders in energy law in France”. He enjoys an “excellent reputation among high-profile clients” for his leading expertise in the sector.

Germany

Dirk Uwer of Hengeler Mueller is “extremely well versed in energy and natural resources law”. He comes “highly recommended for his excellent services and efficiency”.

Ireland

Alex McLean of Arthur Cox is a “fabulous energy lawyer” and is “extremely well versed and efficient” when handling complex regulatory issues and high-value transactions relating to renewables and natural resources.

Italy

Fiorella Alvino leads a "great team of energy lawyers at Nunziante Magrone" and draws praise for her considerable energy and natural resources experience.

Netherlands

Arjan Kleinhout of De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek is a “top-notch” lawyer, held in high regard for his “excellent energy law practice”.

Norway

Advokatfirmaet Wiersholm’s Inge Ekker Bartnes is “an excellent energy law practitioner” renowned for her “great reputation”, and is “very pleasant to work with”.

Poland

Krzysztof Cichocki of Soltysinski Kawecki & Szlezak is “highly recommended” by clients as a “first-class energy practitioner” when it comes to infrastructure and energy projects.

Portugal

Rui Amendoeira of VdA is singled out by sources as a “very experienced practitioner” who is “very skilled on oil and gas matters”.

Spain

Uria Menéndez’s Juan Ignacio González Ruiz is a “first class, very knowledgeable, efficient” lawyer, “very experienced” in project financing across the energy sector.

Sweden

Jakob Falkman of Hammarskiöld comes “highly recommended” for his “excellent skills and efficiency” in the energy sector.

Switzerland

GHR Rechtsanwälte’s Marc Grüninger draws praise from market commentators for being “hugely experienced and great to work with” on energy transactions and corporate financing.

 

North America

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• David F Asmus - Sidley Austin LLP, Houston
• Jason Bennett - Baker Botts LLP, Houston
• Andrew B Derman - Thompson & Knight LLP, Dallas
• Donald E Greenfield QC - Bennett Jones LLP, Calgary
• Sean Korney - Burnet Duckworth & Palmer LLP, Calgary
• Steven P Otillar - White & Case LLP, Houston
• Patrick T Maguire - Bennett Jones LLP, Calgary
• James L Rice III - Sidley Austin LLP, Houston

 

Leading Firms

Bennett Jones

Donald Greenfield possesses over 35 years of experience in the energy sector, where he enjoys a stellar reputation for his excellence handling high-value oil and gas, and LNG development projects.
Patrick Maguire is a “leader in the market” distinguished for his deep knowledge of financing international energy projects.
Vivek Warrier is widely regarded as an “excellent lawyer” with extensive knowledge of, and expertise in, LNGs and renewable energy matters.
Jason Roth draws plaudits from market commentators for his impressive practice spanning sophisticated infrastructure and energy projects.

Burnet Duckworth & Palmer

Global Elite Thought Leader Sean Korney is an “excellent oil and gas lawyer”, widely considered the “best in the field” by peers and clients alike.
Alicia Quesnel is singled out by peers as “one of the finest energy lawyers” in the Canadian market, and is credited with great “diligence and unbelievable work ethic”.
John Cuthbertson QC is an “excellent” oil and gas lawyer with a significant experience in energy disputes and contractual matters.

Sidley Austin

David Asmus is “very well-known and respected in the energy field”, notably for his work on oil and gas development projects and related transactions.
Global Elite Thought Leader James Rice III is very well regarded among peers for his oil and gas expertise, and “great communication of complex topics for clients”.
Cliff Vrielink is an “excellent energy finance lawyer”, widely considered a “top-drawer” transactional specialist by sources.

Baker Botts

Jason Bennett is looked upon with enormous favour by sources for his deep experience and knowledge across a wide array of energy matters, from oil and gas, to LNGs and water development.
Steven Miles is a “very well-known energy lawyer” in the field with a wealth of knowledge of domestic and international LNG matters.
Joshua Davidson is a “really helpful, extremely reasonable and knowledgeable” energy lawyer, commended for his great work on related securities transactions.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Michael Irvin receives widespread plaudits for his domestic and international energy practice, where he is well known for his top-tier handling of complex transactions.
Kevin Johnson QC comes highly recommended by peers and clients for his deep experience of oil and gas transactions.

 

Leading Individuals

Canada

The “very knowledgeable” Mungo Hardwicke-Brown of Blake Cassels & Graydon is an “excellent energy lawyer” who excels in sector-related M&A and project development.

J Jay Park QC of Park Energy Law is an “excellent international lawyer” with over 30 years of experience handling the gamut of energy matters, including exploration, development and production.

At Dentons, William Jenkins is singled out by market sources for his impressive work across the renewables energy sector.

The “excellent” Janice Buckingham of Osler Hoskin & Harcourt “definitely deserves to be in the list” for her combined knowledge and experience of joint ventures developments and energy storage projects.

Janan Paskaran of Torys is “great to work with” and is well regarded by peers and clients for his “swiftness in completing transactions” and “very practical approach and advice”.

USA

Andrew Derman of Thompson & Knight is a “big name in the oil and gas industry” recognised for his top-tier international energy practice.

White & Case’s Steven Otillar is a “well respected” practitioner highly commended for his “excellent knowledge of oil and gas” projects.

David Sweeney of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld is a Global Elite Thought Leader distinguished for his “excellent” handling of high-value oil, gas and infrastructure transactions.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher’s Michael Darden is widely acknowledged as a “top-shelf oil and gas lawyer”, well versed in related transactions and project developments.

John Cogan Jr of Cogan & Partners is an “excellent energy lawyer” who “definitely should be on the list” according to impressed sources.

Liskow & Lewis’ William Pugh is an impressive energy lawyer, singled out as “hugely knowledgeable and excellent to work with”.

 

Asia-Pacific

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Michael E Arruda - Baker Botts LLP, Hong Kong
• Okan Demirkan - Kolcuoglu Demirkan Koçakli, Istanbul
• Chris Flynn - Gilbert + Tobin, Sydney

 

Leading Firms

Herbert Smith Freehills

David Clinch “definitely deserves inclusion” for his wealth of experience advising on joint ventures and project finance within the oil and gas sector.
Stuart Barrymore draws praise for his “superb expertise in the offshore oil and gas sector” and has become “one of the major players in the market”.
Hilary Lau comes highly recommended by peers and clients alike for his knowledge and experience of advising international energy companies on their global projects.

King & Spalding

Richard Nelson is “very well regarded” for his LNG offtake work and has become renowned for his impressive international energy practice.
Merrick White is “highly knowledgeable” across all aspects of energy projects and developments and draws plaudits for his upstream expertise.

Baker Botts

With over 30 years of experience, Michael Arruda is highly sought after for his wealth of knowledge across a wide array of oil and gas matters including cross-border M&A and refinancings.
Russell Wilkinson is an “excellent lawyer who is very active in project development matters, from power to LNG”.

Other Leading Individuals

Australia

The “outstanding” Chris Flynn of Gilbert + Tobin is “very responsive and highly knowledgeable in the field” and is distinguished among peers as a leading light in the energy sector.

At Allen & Overy, the “excellent” Geoff Simpson “is very highly thought of” by peers and combines his 25 years of experience with a thorough knowledge of the energy sector.

Peter Jarosek of Corrs Chambers Westgarth comes highly recommended for his combined knowledge and experience of high-profile oil and gas projects.

With over 25 years of experience, Energy Estate’s Simon Currie is an “excellent guy” who is “very reliable” on sophisticated upstream oil and gas matters.

China

The “excellent” Jay Kolb of Vinson Elkins has significant experience in dealing with complex project developments in the oil and gas space.

Hong Kong

Fei Kwok of Clyde & Co “is always a pleasure to work with” and is particularly impressive on oil and gas trading transactions.

With over 20 years of experience, John Yeap of Pinsent Masons comes highly recommended for his international energy and power practice and knowledge of multi-jurisdictional power projects.

India

Akshay Jaitly of Trilegal is the “top practitioner in India” and “continues to be very well recognised” for his profound expertise in renewables.

Cyril Shroff of Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas is “very well known” for his energy and infrastructure practice and has a wealth of experience in the sector.

Phoenix Legal have a “very professional” practitioner in Abhishek Saxena, who is “great to work with and very experienced”.

Japan

Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe’s James Atkin is “very experienced” in global oil and gas matters and is singled out as a “standout name in the market” by peers.

Justen Fleming of Milbank is a “great LNG specialist” with considerable experience in power, petrochemical, and oil and gas projects.

Kazakhstan

Rashid Gaissin of Integrites is “very responsive and experienced in energy”, credited with considerable skill in representing Kazakhstani and foreign clients in oil and gas matters.

Olga Chentsova of Aequitas “specialises in energy, oil, gas, and mining” matters, where she ranks highly for her “superb” work.

Singapore

Brad Roach of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is a “top practitioner in Singapore” remark impressed peers who applaud his sweeping knowledge of upstream oil and gas matters.

The “highly experienced” Brian Scott of Pinsent Masons MPillay is looked upon with enormous favour by peers for his deep expertise in projects in the energy and natural resources space.

Turkey

Okan Demirkan of Kolcuoglu Demirkan Koçaklı “is a highly recommended energy and natural resources practitioner” with “top-notch skills and a very efficient approach".

Jonathan Blythe of Senguler & Senguler has “significant experience in advising energy companies” and is praised as a “very effective” practitioner.

 

Middle East and Africa

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Sola Adepetun - ACAS-Law, Lagos
• Soji Awogbade - AÉLEX, Lagos
• Shawn Davis - King & Wood Mallesons, Dubai
• Ken Etim - Banwo & Ighodalo, Lagos
• Felicia Kemi Segun - ACAS-Law, Lagos

Leading Firms

ACAS-Law

Felicia Kemi Segun is “very experienced” in project finance matters in the energy sector and draws praise for her oil and gas expertise.
Sola Adepetun “continues to impress” market commentators and has established “a reputation for his brilliance and ability” across the energy sector.

Olaniwun Ajayi

Wolemi Esan is “still at the top of his game” according to peers, who praise his significant expertise in energy and infrastructure projects.
With over 20 years of experience, Tominiyi Owolabi is a “leading name” in the sector, with a wealth of knowledge of oil and gas financing matters.

Aluko & Oyebode

The “excellent” Olubunmi Fayokun is “very experienced” in oil and gas matters and comes highly recommended for his expert handling of commercial transactions in the energy sector.
The established Oghogho Makinde has an excellent energy finance practice and is “great to work with” according to peers.

Other Leading Individuals

Algeria

Hassan Yassine of Thompson & Knight is an internationally renowned practitioner with deep experience of handling upstream and downstream oil and gas investments.

Egypt

With over 40 years of experience, Sameh Khodeir of Zaki Hashem & Partners draws plaudits from peers who note he is “extremely active” in the oil and gas sector.

Shalakany Law Office has an “excellent” practitioner in Aly El Shalakany, who excels in domestic energy projects and related financings.

Donia El-Mazghouny at Mazghouny & Co is “one of the best partners for energy deals” according to sources who add: “She understands the business, meaning that her approach is pragmatic and business-oriented.”

Gabon

Jean-Pierre Bozec of Project Lawyers is “very well known” for his impressive energy and mineral resources practice, which is bolstered by more than 25 years of experience.

Ghana

Bentsi-Enchill Letsa & Ankomah’s Kojo Bentsi-Enchill is described as a “go-to lawyer” and a “legend” in Ghana, as a result of his leading expertise in energy and natural resources law.

Iraq

Bangeen Nuri Yaba of Nuri Yaba Law Office is the “go-to practitioner in Iraq”, deemed “excellent” in advising international clients on energy investments.

Israel

With over 25 years of experience, Dan Hacohen of Agmon & Co Rosenberg Hacohen & Co is regarded as an “absolutely fantastic lawyer” who is “great on oil and gas” cases.

Lebanon

Fadi Moghaizel at Moghaizel Law Office is “very active in the field of energy” and comes highly recommended by peers for his impressive and international energy-focused practice.

Nigeria

Global Elite Thought Leader Soji Awogbade of AÉLEX is a pre-eminent name in the region who “does a lot of energy-related work across in Nigeria and Ghana”.

Ken Etim of Banwo & Ighodalo is an “excellent lawyer” with a wealth of experience of energy and project finance transactions.

At Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, the “well-respected” Dan Agbor “deserves so much recognition” for his energy practice which sees him “accomplish an awful lot” of success in the sector.

South Africa

Norton Rose Fulbright’s Jackie Midlane is “excellent in the energy sector” and is highly regarded among peers for her energy finance expertise.

Lara Bezuidenhoudt of Fasken is “committed to getting the deal across the line”, and has “great project finance knowledge and commitment to clients”.

United Arab Emirates

Shawn Davis of King & Wood Mallesons is an “outstanding” energy practitioner who provides clients with “legal advice that is consistently of the very highest calibre”.

Allen & Overy’s Judith Kim has a “very technical approach”, and “can move transactions forward quickly and with acuity”.

Tim Armsby of Pinsent Masons is a “highly knowledgeable” lawyer with a wealth of expertise and understanding across all forms of energy law.

 

Latin America

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Giovani Loss - Mattos Filho Veiga Filho Marrey Jr e Quiroga Advogados, Rio de Janeiro
• Paulo Valois Pires - Schmidt Valois Miranda Ferreira & Agel, Rio de Janeiro
• Carlos de Maria y Campos - Galicia Abogados SC, Mexico City

 

Leading Firms

Schmidt Valois Miranda Ferreira & Agel

Global Elite Thought Leader Paulo Valois Pires has an impressive practice which focuses on oil and gas matters, an area in which he is praised as “very experienced and knowledgeable”.
Guilherme Guerra D’Arriaga Schmidt is an “excellent energy lawyer”, widely regarded as a “strong name” in the sector.
Rogério Sobral de Miranda is a “highly experienced” lawyer with a deep knowledge of local and international energy projects.

Mattos Filho Veiga Filho Marrey Jr e Quiroga Advogados

Global Elite Thought Leader Giovani Loss is the “leading person in the market”, and is both “very business-oriented and aware of the particularities of the energy sector”.
Felipe Rodrigues Caldas Feres has “great negotiating and communication skills” and is commended for his great “ability to work with different cultures”.
Nilton Gomes de Mattos Neto is widely regarded as an “excellent lawyer” by peers for his “very diligent” and “greatly knowledgeable” approach.
Pablo Sorj is “great to work with” and has extensive experience in energy and infrastructure projects.

Carey

Juan Francisco Mackenna comes “highly recommended” by peers and clients alike for his renewable energy expertise and “great commercial approach”.
José Miguel Bustamante is a “top-notch” lawyer, renowned for his encyclopaedic knowledge of energy-related regulation.

 

Other Leading Individuals

Argentina

Tomas Lanardonne of Martinez de Hoz & Rueda impresses peers with his “deep legal analysis and comprehensive knowledge of the industry”, along with his “strong technical skills”.

Francisco Macías of Marval O’Farrell & Mairal comes highly recommended by peers and clients alike for his impressive local and international oil and gas practice.

Colombia

With over 30 years of experience, Carlos Umaña Trujillo of Brigard & Urrutia Abogados is an “excellent” energy specialist with a wealth of knowledge across all aspects of the sector.

Ecuador

The highly respected Jaime Zaldumbide of Perez Bustamante & Ponce is an “exceptional oil and gas lawyer”, well known for his impressive work on related projects and exploration matters.

Mexico

Global Elite Thought Leader Carlos de Maria y Campos of Galicia Abogados is one of “the most knowledgeable practitioners” in the market, and has a strong practice focusing on infrastructure projects in the energy sector.

Peru

Jorge Perez-Taiman of Rodrigo Elías & Medrano Abogados draws praise from peers for his excellence in, and deep experience of, all forms of oil and gas cases, from exploration and exploitation to transportation.