Energy & Natural Resources: Australia

David Maloney receives several recommendations for his work in the oil and gas space.

Perth-based Nic Tolé is a highly regarded mining specialist, well known for his long-standing representation of Rio Tinto.

Grant Anderson has extensive experience of both transactional and regulatory matters in the energy space, notably those concerning electricity generation. He has highly complementary skills in energy efficiency and carbon pollution reduction issues, and heads the firm's climate change group.

John Greig is hugely experienced in the utilities space. His track record includes advising Australian state governments on all aspects of their respective energy policies.

Mining specialist Igor Bogdanich acts frequently in the oil and gas sector, and is praised as a lawyer who adapts very well to the cultures of the organisations he serves. He has been notably active in the expanding resources sector in Mongolia of late.

Erin Feros combines extensive experience of the Australian resources sector with in-depth knowledge of the Mongolian scene. These qualities, and her close involvement in the establishment of the firm's Ulaanbaatar office, make her a key source of advice for clients with interests in that jurisdiction. 

Anthony Patten is an oil and gas specialist whose lengthy experience as an in-house counsel at Shell fits him particularly well to advise on transactions in this space. His expertise covers the Dutch, Indian, Russian and Nigerian jurisdictions, plus several in the Middle East.  

Paul Newman is best known for his excellence in handling electricity-related matters, and also has a considerable amount of experience and expertise in those involving oil and gas projects. This combination of skills is well illustrated by his recent work for the Shell and PetroChina joint venture Arrow Energy, which he advises on the electricity, gas and carbon aspects of its multibillion-dollar LNG project in the Surat and Bowen basins.

Oil and gas specialist Rupert Lewi recently advised KOGAS on its acquisition of a 15% interest in the GLNG Operations joint venture, which is developing a pioneering AUD16 billion coal seam gas conversion project in Queensland. One client praised him as "the best LNG lawyer in the Asia-Pacific region," noting that "his advice is always practical and blends commercial and legal aspects in a sophisticated manner."

Peter Limbers is best known for his utilities-related work in New South Wales. He led the team advising Delta Electricity and Eraring on the state-directed sale of their assets. Clients praise his ready availability to discuss matters and his careful analysis of the options confronting them.

Martin Kudnig specialises in the acquisition and disposal of oil and gas and mining assets. He advised CLP/TRUenergy on the AUD284 million acquisition of all outstanding ordinary shares in Eastern Star Gas.

Marie McDonald is widely recognised as one of Australia's foremost M&A lawyers. She has particular experience of handling transactions in the mining sphere, with one commentator singling her out as "one of the best legal advisers I have dealt with." McDonald was recently part of a multi-jurisdictional and multidisciplinary Ashurst team advising St Barbara on its AUD556 million acquisition of Allied Gold Mining.

Oil and gas specialist Peter Vaughan has recently assisted Woodside with several aspects of its three vast LNG projects in the Timor Sea, which have a total value of around AUD52 billion. Clients value him as "a top-shelf commercial lawyer with a notable depth of experience in, and understanding of, commercial transactions. His greatest strengths are his ability to articulate advice with great efficiency and clarity, and to gently influence the client to make the best decision."

James Bruining has broad expertise in energy and resources matters, with particular strength in the oil and gas and electricity sectors. He is strongly praised by both peers and clients as a "very up-to-date, responsive and proactive lawyer who thinks ahead of the next move." He recently acted for Santos on the co-ordination, tie-in and offtake arrangements for its AUD490 million Fletcher Finucane oil project.

Stuart Barrymore is widely recommended by peers as "one of the pre-eminent oil and gas lawyers" in Australia and is noted for handling high-profile matters. He advises China's CNOOC Gas & Power on a number of issues, including its substantial interest in the BG Group's Curtis Island LNG project.

Lead energy partner Robert Merrick is highlighted for his experience and prowess in oil and gas matters. His "sensible and practical" approach and commercial insight are also singled out for praise. He recently advised Roc Oil on transactions in Malaysia and Africa. Other recent clients include CNOOC, Santos and Woodside.

Robert Nicholson is a well-regarded partner whose corporate experience is often applied to transactions involving utilities. He recently advised Singapore Power on the restructuring of arrangements for operating its Multinet and United Energy businesses.

Andrew Clark specialises in representing clients involved with renewable energy projects, and has recently advised on hydro, solar and wind power developments in a number of jurisdictions, including Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. 

Mining specialist Jay Leary is seen by several peers as "a star performer," and praised by clients for his "excellent performance and breadth of knowledge in the energy and resources sector." He recently advised Yanzhou Coal on its proposed AUD8 billion takeover of Gloucester Coal.

Sharon Wilson is praised as "one of the standout energy and resources lawyers in the Perth market," and a "very good lawyer who's easy to work with and has particularly solid commercial drafting skills." Expert in oil and gas matters, she recently advised JX Nippon Oil & Gas on its involvement in the AUD490 million Fletcher Finucane oil project.

Louis Chiam is an eminent Melbourne-based practitioner with extensive experience in acting for Australian state governments and major players in the Chinese energy sector.

Alan Murray is said to be "a valued adviser." He stands out for his oil and gas expertise, and is also highlighted for his work in the mining sector. He acted as lead partner advising Chevron on the AUD29 billion development of its Wheatstone LNG and domestic gas project in Western Australia.

Robert Jackson leads the firm's Australian mining and metals group from the Brisbane office. He acts for BHP Billiton on several mining projects, and was also lead partner advising the Gladstone Ports Corporation on the development of the AUD4 billion Wiggins Island Coal Terminal.

Nicholas Pappas' significant experience in advising corporate clients incorporates a notable and much-admired specialisation in mining matters. He acted as lead partner advising both Glencore and Xstrata on the proposed takeover by the former of the latter, a deal valued at USD90 billion.  

David Perks is based in Perth and acts on all manner of energy and resources matters, with a particularly notable focus on those involving mining projects. His recent clients include BHP Billiton, CITIC Resources and Glencore.

Vishal Ahuja attracts very high praise for his work in the energy and resources sector, particularly in the utilities subsector. Clients praise him as an "incredibly talented lawyer with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the regulatory framework and the industry." He recently advised the APA Group on its bid to acquire all of the stapled securities in the energy infrastructure-focused Hastings Diversified Utilities Fund, a matter with a value of AUD1.8 billion.

Paul Lingard is identified by one client as "an outstanding adviser." He is active across the sector, and has recently been most prominent in the mining space. He has advised BHP Billiton on numerous matters for more than a decade, and recently represented the company in its acquisition of HWE Mining iron ore assets worth AUD705 million.

Nicola Wakefield Evans spent four years in the firm's Hong Kong office, where she acted as international managing partner. A resources and energy specialist with substantial experience of a wide range of corporate and financial work, she frequently advises PRC companies on their investments in the Australian resources space. 

Beijing-based Jin Xiong is a specialist in cross-border mandates, with several years' experience of living and working in Australia. He is especially skilled in assisting Chinese clients with their investments in Australian resources projects and recently advised Guohua Energy Investment on its AUD88.6 million acquisition of a 75% share in the Woolnorth Wind Farm project. 

Angus Jones is "regarded very highly in oil and gas matters," and has noted strength in contractual issues. He recently acted on a number of LNG-related mandates, including representing the Mitsui-Mitsubishi (MIMI) Japan Australia LNG joint venture in its USD2 billion acquisition of an interest in Woodside's Browse LNG Project.

Geoff Simpson is regarded as "one of the most eminent resources lawyer in Australia." He is the first Allen & Overy lawyer outside London to be made global head of the firm's mining sector group. He took a prominent role advising Equinox Resources during its AUD7.1 billion takeover by Barrick Gold.

Peter Wiese acts across the energy and resources sphere, but is particularly well known for his oil and gas and mining expertise. He led the team advising Fortescue Metals on the massive expansion of its operations in Western Australia's Pilbara region.

Keira Brennan is highly recommended for her work in the mining space. She was lead partner advising the consortium of coal exporters funding the AUD1 billion Wiggins Island Rail Project. Clients note that she "brings her significant experience in the sector to the table," and that she is "very committed, very efficient, and commercial in her advice."

Practice head Graeme Dennis is highly praised for his work on utilities and related energy trading issues.

Andrew Smith is experienced in handling the downstream issues attending oil and gas projects. He acted as co-lead partner advising the APLNG project on the extension of its sales agreement with Sinopec, the largest LNG supply transaction in Australian history.

Graham Taylor has a long-standing relationship with Origin Energy, and played a prominent part in its successful AUD3.25 billion bid for energy retail assets in New South Wales.

Peers and clients alike acknowledge Peter Jarosek as one of Australia's pre-eminent oil and gas lawyers. He led the team advising Inpex Browse on numerous aspects of its AUD24 billion Ichthys gas field development in the Browse Basin, and has extensive experience in advising US, Chinese and Indian investors.

John Kelly is praised by clients as "one of the best regarded energy and resources lawyers in Queensland," and "a smart and absolutely fantastic lawyer – the reason we went to Corrs in the first place." He recently advised long-standing client the QR Network on its contract to construct the Wiggins Island Rail Project.

Michael MacGinley earns warm acclaim from clients, one of whom calls him "a great all-round lawyer and go-to person with a very broad and commercial understanding of the legal issues affecting the industry." MacGinley is particularly prominent in mining matters and played a significant role acting for Macarthur Coal during its AUD4.9 billion takeover by Peabody Energy.

According to sources, special counsel Paul Careless is "great – a very thorough practitioner." He is notably active in the oil and gas sector, and advised QGC on its QCLNG project.

Bruce Adkins is "an excellent, very commercial lawyer who can turn his hand to anything and is very pleasant to deal with." He specialises particularly in mining and its related infrastructure, and played an especially notable role in the Wiggins Island Rail Project matter.

David Ryan is praised by clients as "one of the best commercial lawyers in town," and "a very fine lawyer who is easy to deal with." One source added: "David's advice always adds value." Ryan is notably strong in the utilities space, and acted as lead legal adviser to the Commonwealth government on its Contracts for Closure programme for high emissions intensity electricity generation facilities.

Chris Saxon leads the practice and is well known as a utilities specialist. He advised TEPCO on the AUD448 million sale of its interests in Great Energy Alliance to AGL Generation. Clients say: "He is able to provide balanced views on the issues, which help us to come up with the best solutions."

Martijn Wilder AM is best known for his pre-eminent environmental and climate change expertise; this naturally entails a comprehensive understanding of the energy sector, and he is a noted practitioner in projects involving renewables.

Paul Curnow draws considerable praise for his "very deep experience and understanding of renewables," his strategic vision, and his thorough comprehension of how things work in both the public and private sectors. He acted as lead partner advising Union Fenosa Wind Australia on the AUD2.4 billion development of its portfolio of eight Australian wind farm sites.

Jon Carson is highlighted as "one of the best energy and resources lawyers in the country." He is active in both mining and utilities matters, and is leading the team advising Verve Energy and Alinta on their applications for access to the Dampier to Bunbury natural gas pipeline.

Mining specialist Mark Pistilli is a "commercial, can-do guy," praised for his strategic thinking and ability to simplify the complex. He advises Vale on its dispute with Aquila Resources over their joint venture involvement in three Queensland coal mining projects.

Michael Blakiston receives high praise for his comprehensive knowledge and extensive experience of mining matters, and has been called "the pre-eminent legal adviser for African mining developments." He acted as lead partner advising mining company Sundance Resources on its agreements with the Republic of Cameroon and the Republic of Congo to develop a AUD4.2 billion iron ore project straddling the border of the two countries.

Peter Rose heads the department and has a "very strong and quite justified reputation" as one of the pre-eminent gas lawyers in Australia, with one client reporting that there is "resistance within our organisation to our using anyone but him." Rose recently advised Origin Energy on a series of gas sales and gas transportation agreements.

Oil and gas specialist Michael Dulaney acted as lead partner representing ATCO Australia in its AUD1 billion acquisition of West Australian Gas Networks from Brookfield Infrastructure. He is praised for combining "great industry knowledge and commercial savvy," with one client adding: "We get him to take the leading role because he's proactive and good at finding solutions."

James Marshall specialises in matters of resource exploration, production, transportation and sales. He acted for Santos on its investment in an exploration venture in Tajikistan.

Paul Turner specialises in negotiating major construction contracts in the energy and resources space. He played a significant role in the team's recent representation of APLNG, as the chief partner concerned with the negotiation of an EPC contract for its AUD900 million transmission pipeline.

Anthony Groom attracts praise for his comprehensive skill set and is described as a "hard worker and very solid performer who meets deadlines," as well as a "very clever lawyer who grasps industry issues quickly." He was a prominent adviser to Multinet and SP Ausnet on the reforms in the Australian retail gas market effected by the introduction of the National Energy Customer Framework.

Denis Gately has more than 30 years' experience in the sector, and now acts as a consultant. His expertise in oil and gas projects extends across the greater part of the Asia-Pacific region.

Mark Carkeet heads the practice and specialises in energy matters.

Mitzi Gilligan is also active across the energy sector, and has a wealth of experience in both corporate transactions and regulatory matters. She has notable niche skills in matters involving renewable energy projects or climate change issues.  

Michael Harrison recently joined the team and has a wealth of expertise in advising on LNG-related issues or major project developments in a wide range of regional jurisdictions. 

Adam Handley specialises in handling M&A and project development mandates in the energy and resources space, particularly those involving mining. He frequently advises major Chinese state-owned and private companies on their Australian investments.

Robert Edel heads the firm's global mining group, and is highly experienced in matters extending across Australia, China, North Asia and Africa. He has been prominent in several recent deals, including acting as one of the leading partners advising Oakajee Port & Rail on the AUD7 billion development of infrastructure supporting the iron ore industry in Western Australia.

Kym Livesley leads the practice and has more than 30 years' experience in the field. One lawyer praised him as "one of the best lawyers I know," highlighting his "good range of experience and practical application of the law." Livesley played a key role in several recent mandates, including assisting Metminco, a company with a portfolio of copper and gold mining projects in South America, with the institutional placing of shares on the Australian and London Stock Exchanges.

Clients describe Sally Weatherstone as a "very cool-headed, dependable and responsive" senior associate with a comprehensive command of legislative detail and "enormous potential for the future." She recently acted on deals with African, Chinese and South American connections. 

Michael Hunt commands huge respect amongst clients and peers for his blend of academic authority and hands-on experience in matters of mining and petroleum law. One client calls him "nothing short of superb," whilst another highlights his "exceptional knowledge of Western Australian legislation, tireless work on documents to meet deadlines, and extremely commercial attitude to business." Hunt's mining law expertise extends to such distant jurisdictions as Eritrea, Ghana, Guyana, Indonesia, Mauritania and South Africa.

Alex Cull specialises in matters involving less conventional sources of energy, such as shale and coal seam gas. Clients praise him as an approachable and responsive partner with a "very commercial mindset and pragmatic, considered approach," which are "productive in driving transactions forward."