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Energy Disputes lawyers

International energy companies operate in a complex and challenging environment. Investments in the energy sector are often high-value, high-risk transactions involving projects that rely on cutting edge technology. In addition to the technical challenges in this heavily regulated industry, the progressive development of reserves and infrastructure around the globe, and the need for ongoing geographic diversification, have exposed energy companies to increased legal and political risk. In such an environment, despite best business practices, disputes may be unavoidable.

When disputes occur, energy companies expect their lawyers to be true specialists that understand the industry. The Energy Disputes Team focuses entirely on advising and representing clients in the energy sector. Their experience covers all forms of dispute resolution, including international arbitration (both commercial and investor-state), litigation (either of the underlying dispute or in support of arbitral proceedings), expert determination, adjudication and mediation.

CMS is consistently ranked in the Global Arbitration Review ‘GAR30’ of the world’s busiest international arbitration practices and ranked by Legal Week in 2015 in the top 10 litigation firms by revenue. The Energy Disputes Team has a recognised expertise and track record in high value and complex international arbitration and litigation in the energy sector.

As trusted advisers to numerous international energy companies, our energy disputes offering is truly global. We advise clients across the world, from the UK to South America to the Far East. We have significant recent experience in regions such as continental Europe, sub-Saharan Africa (for example, Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Madagascar, Nigeria), North Africa (including Algeria, Egypt, Morroco, Tunisia), the Russian Federation, the Middle East (including extensive experience in Iraq) and Brazil.

Project Advisory and Risk Management

The team also offers a ‘Project Advisory and Risk Management’ service - offering advice on how to avoid disputes at every stage of the lifecycle for major energy projects. As the legal, contractual and regulatory environment in which major projects are delivered becomes ever more complex, proactive management of risk has become a critical part of delivery strategies. 

Our team provides flexible support to help you maximise opportunities and manage time, cost and quality risks that have the potential to impact the successful outcome of a project. This early intervention by our team minimises your risk of a costly dispute, protecting your reputation and your relationship with clients. 

Our services include analysis of documentation and procedures, producing proforma documents and communication strategies, delivery of teach-in workshops to project delivery and commercial teams, regular project surgeries and risk review workshops, telephone helpline providing real-time project advice and post completion reviews.

 
Valerie Allan
Valerie Allan
Partner
United Kingdom, Aberdeen
Valerie is a Partner in our infrastructure, construction and energy disputes team, based in Scotland but with a practice that extends across the UK and overseas.  Valerie has over 20 years’ experience...
Will Anderson
Will Anderson
Partner
United Kingdom, Edinburgh
Will Anderson is a partner in CMS's UK Dispute Resolution Group advising clients on a wide range of English law commercial disputes. His work often involves bringing and defending claims for breach of...
Marc Armstrong
Marc Armstrong
Partner
United Kingdom, Edinburgh
Marc is a Partner in the Dispute Resolution team in Edinburgh with over 16 years’ experience and a focus on Real Estate Disputes in Scotland. Marc works with clients in relation to a variety of disputes...
Phillip Ashley
Phillip Ashley
Partner
United Kingdom, London
Phillip Ashley is a partner who "specialises in contentious matters relating to the oil and gas and power sectors" and has advised on "matters relating to oil and gas investments in every continent except...
Fraser Askham
Fraser Askham
Partner
United Kingdom, Sheffield
Fraser has 23 years of experience, which he uses to help clients resolve disputes and successfully deliver construction, engineering, energy and climate change, infrastructure and waste projects, within...
Adrian Bell
Adrian Bell
Partner
Co-head of the Infrastructure, Construction and Energy Disputes Group | Joint Managing Director for Asia and the Middle East
United Kingdom, London
Adrian is a Partner and co-head of the Infrastructure, Construction and Energy (ICE) Disputes Group and is a qualified solicitor advocate. He advises on dispute avoidance and all types of dispute resolution...
Louise Boswell
Louise Boswell
Partner
Solicitor Advocate
United Kingdom, London
Louise Boswell advises on disputes and dispute risk areas in a range of sectors.  She regularly acts on complex commercial contractual disputes including post-acquisition and on termination, and disputes...
Mark Breslin
Mark Breslin
Partner
United Kingdom, London
Mark Breslin is a Partner in the ICE Disputes team
Alex Denslow
Alex Denslow
Partner
Head of the CMS Insurance Group
United Kingdom, London
Alex Denslow is Head of the CMS Insurance Group. In this position, he leads an international team of 100 specialist lawyers. He is a recommended partner in Chambers and Legal 500 for insurance / reinsurance...
Sarah Grenfell
Sarah Grenfell
Partner
United Kingdom, London
Sarah Grenfell is a solicitor-advocate and Partner in our Infrastructure, Construction and Energy (ICE) Disputes Group. Sarah advises clients on disputes avoidance and all forms of dispute resolution...