Projects & Energy: Global-wide

THE FIRM This firm has an excellent international capacity for projects and energy. It continues to demonstrate outstanding competence in the power sector, and its worldwide oil and gas offering goes from strength to strength. The firm’s European, African, Middle Eastern and Asian practices are among the best in their jurisdictions, while its projects offering across the Americas is also highly recommended. Latin American highlights saw the firm advise a group of agency lenders including IFC and the Inter-American Development Bank on the approximately USD4 billion Etileno XXI petrochemical project in Mexico. The London office assisted the lenders and export credit agencies with the USD2.1 billion financing for the modernisation of the Tupras oil refinery in Turkey, and acted for the export credit agencies on the USD10 billion development of the Barzan gas project in Qatar. In Asia, the team has been active with financings on behalf of major lenders and borrowers.

Sources say: “A tremendous global competitor.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gareth Price leads the global projects group, and co-heads the global energy group with Jeremy Parr. New York-based Robert Kartheiser is the main contact for Latin American projects. Aled Davies leads the Asia-Pacific energy, infrastructure and projects group from Japan. Paris-based Tim Scales is the head of the Africa group while Bimal Desai remains a key contact in Dubai.

THE FIRM This Australian giant is home to one of the world's premier mining practices. It continues to be a leading player in Australia, and is highly active across the major resource hubs in Asia. A 2012 alliance with Linklaters further enhances the firm's expertise in energy, resources and infrastructure, and deepens its global reach. In work highlights, the firm continues to act for Rio Tinto on the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold project in Mongolia, and on a transaction with Chalco to acquire an interest in the Simandou iron ore project in Guinea. Notably, the firm is also advising Oyu Tolgoi itself on the establishment of a power supply for the mine.

Sources say: "A standout firm – they have quality people and decades of knowledge."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Brisbane partner John Greig heads the firm's energy, resources and infrastructure group, while Phillip Cornwell leads the project finance group from Sydney. Hong Kong-based David Wenger has broad experience of energy, resources and infrastructure matters, and is head of corporate for North Asia. In Singapore, Marae Ciantar is the head of mining for South East Asia.

THE FIRM This firm demonstrates strong competence in the oil and gas and power sectors worldwide. Its UK headquarters also houses a top PFI/PPP practice, with notable strength in transportation. In highlights, the team continues to be heavily involved in the development of the GBP15 billion London Crossrail project. The firm's Asian projects practice comes highly recommended, with most work led from Tokyo and Singapore; its recent tie-up with Blake Dawson further extends its reach, adding a strong Australian desk to the firm's international network. In the Middle East, the firm is strong in respect of IPP projects, and advised the lenders on the financing of the IPP3 project in East Amman.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Elsey spearheads the firm's global energy, transport and infrastructure team from London. Joss Dare is the head of projects and energy in the Middle East. Tokyo managing partner John McClenahan and Singapore-based Matthew Bubb are key contacts for Asia.

THE FIRM This firm is best known for its strength in projects in Asia and the Pacific, with excellent coverage across the region and strong teams stationed in Greater China, Singapore, Japan and Vietnam. In Africa, its Egyptian and South African desks come highly recommended; new additions in Johannesburg further strengthen the firm's grip on this market. It also advises on projects across Australia, Europe and the USA. 2012 highlights saw the Hong Kong team continue to advise on the HKD21.6 billion development of the West Kowloon Cultural District. The firm also acted for Dow Chemical and its subsidiaries on the USD1.4 financing for three petrochemical projects in Saudi Arabia.

KEY INDIVIDUALS London-based Mike Webster leads the global transport and infrastructure group. Also based in London is Neil Donoghue, who heads the global oil and gas practice. In Chicago, James O'Brien is the chair of both the global and North American energy practices. Formerly of Dewey & LeBoeuf, Scott Brodsky is a key contact for projects and energy in South Africa while Anne Hung in Tokyo leads the major projects group in Japan. David Smith is a key contact for projects and construction in Hong Kong.

THE FIRM This Texan-headquartered firm is widely acknowledged as a market leader in the global oil and gas industry. Its transactional footprint stretches across the globe, with major deals handled in the USA, Russia, Qatar, Indonesia and China. The firm's eminent US practice is led from Houston and is strongly supported by partners in New York, Washington, London, Moscow, Hong Kong and Beijing. The firm also has a notable presence in the Middle East, acting out of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh. It is particularly strong on LNG projects worldwide, and recently acted for Cheniere Energy Partners on the Sabine Pass liquefaction project, the first LNG export project in the continental United States. It also acted for Mitsubishi on Iraq's first midstream gas project.

Sources say: “A very strong oil and gas practice – we come across them on a day-to-day basis." "A top-tier multinational firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Hugh Tucker leads the firm-wide oil and gas practice from Houston. Also in Houston, Stuart Schaffer chairs the global projects group. In DC, energy sector chair Steven Miles is the head of the firm's LNG practice. Steven Wardlaw is also a key contact, dividing his time between London and Moscow. Dubai-based Sean Korney advises on projects in Africa and the Middle East.

THE FIRM This large Canadian firm acts on a wide range of energy and resources projects. It benefits from offices located in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the USA, and is acclaimed for its work in the oil and gas, power, mining and infrastructure sectors. The firm has a strong focus on Latin America, and regularly handles major Canadian transactions involving Asian investors. In highlights, the firm acted for the independent directors of SouthGobi Resources on the proposed takeover of the company by Chinalco, and for the Solway Group on its purchase of the Fenix ferro-nickel project in Guatemala from Hudbay Minerals.

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Glennie manages the firm's London office, focusing on M&A and corporate finance in the resources sector. Key contacts in Canada include Bob Wooder and Peter O'Callaghan.

THE FIRM This firm stands out for its work on power matters, and its international team is regularly involved in major IPPs around the world. Its London, Dubai and US offices field strong teams, and have been particularly active on African, Middle Eastern and American projects. Notably, the firm advised a consortium including ACWA Power International, Samsung C&T and ENA Infrastructure Fund on the development and financing for the 3,927 MW Qurayyah IPP in Saudi Arabia. It is also well known for its work on behalf of GDF SUEZ. In the USA, the firm garners high praise for its expertise in domestic power, renewable energy and public-private partnership transactions.

Sources say: "I think they are top notch – we have worked with them again and again. They have a good understanding of the project finance market."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Keith Martin and Rohit Chaudhry co-head the global project finance group from Washington, DC. Robin Mizrahi and Agnieszka Klich are key contacts in the UK, focusing on Africa and the Middle East, respectively.

THE FIRM Clearly Gottlieb enjoys a high profile in the USA, where it excels in the mining and minerals sector and is well regarded for its expertise in PPP transactions. It maintains a strong focus on Latin America, and opened a second office in Brazil in late 2011 to support its work in this area. Notably, the Paris office serves as a hub for African and Middle Eastern mandates. In highlights, the team acted for the Gambia River Basin Organisation, which includes Senegal, Gambia, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau, on the structuring of a PPP for the construction of a USD1 billion hydroelectric project. The firm also advised the Republic of Iraq’s Ministry of Oil on the USD17 billion Basrah Gas Company joint venture Project.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Key contacts include Barthélemy Faye in Paris and Richard Lincer in New York.

THE FIRM With an outstanding network of specialists, Clifford Chance continues to be viewed as a dominant player in project finance, with notable strength across the energy and resources sectors, including power, mining and oil and gas. It attracts notable mandates from both sponsors and lenders, and has tackled major projects on almost every continent. Notable US highlights include assisting the US Department of Energy with the development and implementation of the FIPP energy programme, under which the firm has acted on a steady flow of renewable energy deals of late. In other work, the firm acted for Sinochem on its acquisition of oil and gas assets in Colombia from Total, and advises Vale on the development of its iron ore trading platform in China.

Sources say: "Our overall impression of the firm is extremely positive: they have a very coherent approach, and are consistent in their delivery across different groups and teams."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Grenville from London and Anthony Giustini from Paris co-head the worldwide projects group. Bleddyn Phillips leads the global oil and gas group from London, while David Evans and Christopher McIsaac co-head the Americas energy and projects group from Washington, DC. Huw Jenkins in Hong Kong and Robin Abraham in Dubai are also key contacts.

THE FIRM This firm is recognised for its strong European presence and for its focus on PFI and PPPs in the UK and further afield. Notable mandates include advising the sponsors on the GBP600 million Nottingham Express phase 2 PPP project, and acting for Laing O'Rourke and Innisfree on their investment in the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM). The team is also well regarded for its expertise in oil and gas, and is regularly instructed by an array of high-profile international oil companies. Its client following includes BP, BG, National Grid and EDP, among other energy giants.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Penelope Warne heads the firm-wide oil and gas group from London. Robert Lane leads the regulated industries team, focusing on energy and power. Andrzej Blach co-ordinates the energy, construction and infrastructure practice for Central and Eastern Europe from Warsaw, while Natalia Kozyrenko is a key contact in Moscow. Andrew Ivison is a key contact for PFI/PPP work in the UK.

THE FIRM This firm has an excellent energy, resources and projects team in the UK, which acts on both domestic and cross-border transactions, including oil and gas, power and PPP infrastructure deals. 2012 highlights saw the firm's London and Middle Eastern offices work together to advise a consortium including Korea Electric Power Company, Mitsubishi and Wartsila on the development of a USD6 billion power plant in Jordan. The firm also acted alongside PwC for the government of Rwanda on the procurement for the Bugesera Airport PPP project.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Charles Wood leads the UK energy and infrastructure department from London. James Dallas returned to London in April 2012 from Dubai, and continues to advise on Middle Eastern projects. Other key contacts in London include Tom Eldridge.

THE FIRM This firm benefits from an extensive global network, and acts on a wide range of energy and infrastructure projects worldwide. The large, international team attracts notable instructions and has seen significant activity out of its Australian, UK and US offices. In cross-border highlights, the Australian team advised on an IPP procurement programme in South Africa, and the US team acted for Bank of America Merrill Lynch on the financing for the construction of a portfolio of health projects in Peru. In addition, the UK office is advising on the USD3 billion procurement for the Mchuchuma power project in Tanzania.

KEY INDIVIDUALS London partner Charles Morrison is the international head of infrastructure, finance and commodities. In New York, Robert Gruendel chairs the global energy sector group while Nicolai Sarad is a key contact for power matters. Melbourne-based Damian McNair chairs the finance and projects group for Asia and the Pacific.

THE FIRM This Canadian firm is a major player in the natural resources sector. Its mining team is ranked among the best in the country and, with an office network which stretches from North America to Europe and Africa, it is widely regarded as a top competitor in this sector worldwide. The firm continues to assist BHP Billiton with the development of the Jansen potash mine project in Saskatchewan, one of the largest potash mines in the world. It also advised AngloGold Ashanti on its proposed acquisition of First Uranium. The firm is also a strong player in the Latin American mining market, and continues to grow its practice in South Africa.

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Turner leads the global mining group from Toronto. Tanneke Heersche in Johannesburg heads the firm's Africa practice group while Jean-Claude Pétilon and Nigel Gordon are key contacts in Paris and London, respectively. 

THE FIRM This firm's international offering goes from strength to strength. It has an excellent network in Europe, with highly rated practices in Germany, Russia, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK. In Asia, the Vietnam practice remains a top choice, and its Japan and Singapore teams have been strengthened with new hires. The US practice is also top notch, with notable strength in the PPP space and additional expertise in mining. Highlights involving the UK office include assisting the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure of British Columbia with the CAD1.4 billion Evergreen Line rapid transit project. In Asia, the team advised AES on the USD1.5 billion project financing for the Mong Duong 2 power project in Vietnam.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Laurie McFadden is based in London and co-heads the international energy and natural resources group with Dirk Hamann from Hamburg. New York-based Kent Rowey leads the Americas energy and infrastructure finance practice while Melissa Raciti-Knapp is a main contact for Latin American transactions. Tony Foster is a driving force behind the team in Vietnam.

THE FIRM This firm is widely regarded as a major contender in the oil and gas industry. Its US offices have been very active at home and overseas, with some notable instructions in the Canadian LNG market as well as further afield. The firm is also recognised for its focus on upstream work in China. Major deals include acting for Anadarko on the development and operation of a floating production, storage and offloading facility (FPSO) in the Republic of Ghana’s Jubilee Field Unit. The firm also advised Sinopec on its USD2.5 billion investment in oil and gas properties across the USA. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Irvin from Houston leads the firm's global energy and real property department. DC-based Gregg Harris co-heads the global infrastructure group with James Tussing in New York. Ben Smith is the head of the Asian energy department. Jeffrey Blount is also a key contact in Hong Kong.

THE FIRM This firm is well known for its work on projects across Europe, Asia and francophone Africa. With a core team in Paris, the practice is ably supported by strong teams in China and Vietnam. Its workload encompasses both inbound and outbound investment between the regions, with a focus on matters involving Chinese state-owned enterprises. In highlights, the firm acted for Total on the establishment of a joint venture with China Power Investment to build and operate a coal-based polyolefin petrochemical plant in Inner Mongolia. 2012 also saw the firm act on projects in Senegal, Mali, Algeria and Morocco.

KEY INDIVIDUALS François Krotoff heads the firm’s oil, gas and mining practice, splitting his time between Paris and London. John Crothers and Stéphane Vernay are key contacts in Paris, while Rebecca Silli in Hong Kong and Samantha Campbell in Vietnam are key partners in Asia.

THE FIRM This firm remains at the forefront of the energy sector, with a strong emphasis on oil and gas. The 2012 tie-up between Herbert Smith and Australia's Freehills further enhances its capabilities in Asia and the Pacific, particularly in Australia where Freehills' energy and resources practices have long been viewed as first-class. The firm now has highly rated projects, energy and resources teams stationed across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Notable mandates include advising CNOOC on its USD1.47 billion acquisition of an interest in exploration areas in Uganda, and acting for Apache on its USD1.75 purchase of ExxonMobil's North Sea oil and gas assets.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stephen Murray leads the global oil and gas practice from the UK. Stéphane Brabant in Paris heads the firm’s Africa practice, and also co-heads the mining group. Patrick St John in Sydney leads the global finance, real estate and projects practice.

THE FIRM This firm has an active practice in Asia, and is regularly involved in many of the region's major infrastructure projects. Its offices in China, Singapore, Japan and Vietnam are particularly well regarded, with additional strength in Germany and the UK, as well as in Venezuela and increasingly in the Middle East. In notable work, the firm advised the Réseau Ferré de France and the French Ministry of Transport on the concession agreement for the EUR7.8 billion Tours-Bordeaux high-speed rail link. Asian infrastructure highlights include acting on the sale of the Chongqing Expressway in China and advising on the development of the Puerto Princesa Airport PPP project in the Philippines.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Miguel Zaldivar is based in Miami, where he co-heads the global infrastructure, project and public finance practice with Adrian Walker in the UK. James Harris in Singapore leads the Asian infrastructure and project finance practice.

THE FIRM King & Spalding is recognised for its extensive geographical capabilities in energy and natural resources, fielding strong practices in Singapore, Russia, the UK and the USA. It is also well regarded for its presence in Latin America and the Middle East. The global team regularly features on major LNG mandates around the world. Notably, it acts for Anadarko on all aspects of its Mozambique LNG export project, and is advising on the first LNG import terminal facility planned for Uruguay. In other highlights, the firm represented Jabal Omar Development Company in connection with a USD5.5 billion district energy PPP in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Sources say: "They are very strong in oil and gas." "They're staffed with lawyers who know the industry. There is no learning curve."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Philip Weems divides his time between Houston and Singapore, and co-heads the global energy group with DC-based Neil Levy. Tim Burbury and Leroy Levy are the main contacts for Middle Eastern matters. Garry Pegg in London and Jennifer Josefson in Moscow are key contacts in Europe.

THE FIRM This firm's project finance practice is rated as amongst the best in the world, with a strong foothold in the power sector internationally. With more than 150 specialists spanning its offices across the globe, the firm has the capacity to advise on some of the largest power project financings to go to market, acting on behalf of both lenders and sponsors. Notable mandates include advising Goldman Sachs and Citi as the lenders on the project financing for the USD2.9 billion California Desert Sunlight Project. The firm also represented a consortium including HSBC, the Export-Import Bank of Korea and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking in respect of the financing for the development of the 1,200 MW Mong Duong 2 power plant in Vietnam. In other highlights, the team acted for the borrowers on the senior debt financing in connection with the Rift Valley railroad project in Kenya and Uganda.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Kelley Gale chairs the global project development and finance practice from San Diego. New York-based Jonathan Rod chairs the energy/power industry practice group. Joseph Bevash in Tokyo and Stephen McWilliams in Singapore are notable contacts for Asian transactions.

THE FIRM Linklaters' international practice enjoyed another excellent year in the projects space, handling some of the largest mandates in oil and gas, power, mining and infrastructure worldwide. Notable highlights in the oil and gas sector include advising on the USD4.75 billion expansion and upgrade of the 80,000 bpd Refineria de Cartagena in Colombia. On the power side, the firm assisted JBIC and NEXI with the USD1.6 billion financing for a 2,000 MW IPP in Oman. The firm also acted for Shandong Iron & Steel on its USD1.5 billion investment in African Minerals' Sierra Leone-based Tonkolili iron ore project, and represented the lender group in respect of the project financing for the central section of the St Petersburg ring road.

Sources say: "They are our competitors for everything, globally."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bruce White in London spearheads the global energy and infrastructure group. Jeremy Gewirtz and Charlie Jacobs are also based in London. Gewirtz is a main contact for power sector work while Jacobs handles major mining matters.

THE FIRM This firm is best known for its expertise in project finance in the mining and minerals sector. It has outstanding capabilities in Latin America and Africa, and has also been active on projects in Central Asia, with a strong focus on lender-side work. Highlights include representing BNP Paribas and Standard Chartered Bank in connection with the financing for the development of the Kevitsa ore deposits in Finland, and advising Discovery Metals as the sponsor in connection with a greenfield copper project in Botswana. The firm also represented Banco General and Banco Industrial in the financing for a hydroelectric power project in Guatemala, and advised the lenders, including US Ex-Im Bank, the Export-Import Bank of Korea and K-Sure, on the financing for the development of a USD4 billion petrochemical project in Egypt.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Based in London, Ian Coles is the head of the mining industry group in Europe. He also co-chairs the global projects group with Barry Machlin, who is based in Chicago.

THE FIRM This firm advises on an impressive number of energy and resource deals all around the world. Its expertise attracts top-drawer instructions, including mining, offshore drilling, telecoms, healthcare and transport infrastructure deals. Of late, the Latin American practice has dealt with projects in nearly every active industry, while the US team has been occupied with major power projects. In the UK, the firm is heavily involved in domestic TMT sector projects, with an additional focus on large energy and infrastructure projects in Central Asia. In the Middle East, the firm's level of activity is second to none. Its impressive clientele includes GDF SUEZ Energy, Reliance, Total, and an enviable list of major lenders.

Sources say: "It was great working with them. They have very extensive experience, especially in mining deals. They know the best practices on the business side." "They're excellent, and are especially good on first-of-a-kind projects."

KEY INDIVIDUALS London-based Phillip Fletcher is the leader of the global project finance group, the head of the European practice and a key contact for work in the Middle East. Andrew Jánszky leads the Latin American practice group, dividing his practice between New York and São Paolo. Hong Kong and Tokyo partner Gary Wigmore is the head of the project finance group in Asia.

THE FIRM This firm has strong global credentials, acting on a variety of projects across the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa. It increased its international coverage in 2012 with the hire of new teams in Russia, Kazakhstan and China following the collapse of Dewey & LeBoeuf. The firm has a strong focus on oil and gas, and has also been involved in substantial transactions across other sectors. Notable mandates include advising BHP Billiton on its USD15.1 billion acquisition of Petrohawk, and acting for Kazakhstan's state oil and gas company in respect of a loan from the Export-Import Bank of China to finance a USD1.68 billion upgrade to its Atyrau oil refinery.

Sources say: “We have worked with them on all sorts of complex matters – they are able to advise across all jurisdictions and industries. They have a real understanding of the market.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Asmus leads the energy transactions department from Houston, where Brian Bradshaw co-chairs the Latin America team. Martin Stewart-Smith is a key contact in London.

THE FIRM This team is recognised for its involvement in projects in the USA, with a notable focus on renewable energy deals. It also benefits from a top-rated team in Japan, and regularly advises on transactions across Asia, Europe and the Americas. Work highlights include advising the US Department of Energy on a USD1.4 billion loan provided to BrightSource Energy and its subsidiaries in connection with the Ivanpah solar complex project in the Mojave desert. The firm also acted for Lumina Copper on the financing for the Caserones copper and molybdenum mining project in Chile, and represented Toshiba in connection with its bid to develop two nuclear power projects in Finland. 

Sources say: “They have been really terrific for us. They are really professional, and we would be happy to hire them again.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tokyo-based Michael Graffagna leads the global project finance and development group. Frederick Jenney and Nicholas Spiliotes are based in Washington, DC and have been involved in several major energy projects of late.

THE FIRM This firm benefits from extensive geographic coverage, with robust capabilities across Asia, Europe and Africa. Its international practice stands out for its mining sector experience and frequently acts on cross-border transactions involving South Africa, Russia and the UK. The firm is equally involved in power and infrastructure, where recent highlights saw it act on substantial projects in Africa and the Middle East. On the oil and gas side, its 2012 merger with Macleod Dixon further enhances its credentials in Canada, Latin America and Central Asia. Notable highlights include advising Zimbabwe Power on the project financing for the Hwange Thermal Power Expansion project and the Kariba Hydro Power Extension project. The firm also acted for the successful bidding consortium on the Medina Airport PPP project, and advised the financing parties on the USD4.1 funding for the development of the Surgil gas field and chemical complex in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Sources say: "Their client service is excellent." "A strong oil and gas practice." "They have invested heavily, and are reaping the benefits in clients and recognition."

KEY INDIVIDUALS In London, Martin McCann leads the global infrastructure, mining and commodities practice, and Simon Currie leads the global energy practice. Vincent Dwyer in Sydney leads the Asia-Pacific energy practice, while Robert Borduas is a key contact in Canada.

THE FIRM This firm demonstrates an outstanding ability to advise on multi-source project financings all around the world. It is recognised as one of the best practices in the UK, the Middle East and across Asia, and continues to grow its profile in Africa. Its expertise cuts across all product lines, from power and mining to LNG and infrastructure, and the global team has featured on many of the market's most high-profile deals. It advised Citadel Capital and Egyptian Refining Company on the development and financing for a USD3.5 billion hydrocracking refinery in Cairo. The firm also acted for Dow Chemical on the blockbuster USD20 billion Sadara integrated chemicals complex in Saudi Arabia, together with joint venture company Saudi Aramco.

Sources say: "I can't say enough good things about the firm and the consistency of its work across multiple jurisdictions."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tim Pick leads the global project development and finance practice from London. Bill McCormack in Singapore and Gregory Tan in New York both act as deputy practice group heads.

THE FIRM This UK firm is regularly involved in both domestic and international projects. It has received several major IPP instructions in Africa, as well as significant infrastructure mandates in the Middle East. Highlights include acting for AES as project counsel on two landmark IPPs in Cameroon, and advising the project company on the Nabucco Gas Pipeline project, an EUR8 billion gas pipe connecting the Caspian Region, the Middle East and Egypt to the Central and Eastern European gas markets.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Juliet Reingold leads the international energy and infrastructure group from London. Other key contacts include Muneer Khan in Abu Dhabi and Yves Baratte, who divides his time between London and Paris and advises on African projects.  

THE FIRM Skadden is best known for its prowess in project finance, and has also acted on major joint venture projects and energy asset transactions around the world. The US arm of the practice is one of the best in the market, while the global team is active on deals across the UK, China, the Middle East and Latin America. It earns widespread acclaim for its work in the oil and gas sector, attracting prominent roles on large financing transactions. For example, the team acted for RBS on the financing for the Barzan Gasfield Development Project, a USD10.4 billion joint venture between Qatar Petroleum and ExxonMobil. In other notable highlights, the firm advised the newly established South Sudanese government on oil and gas issues relating to its secession.

Sources say: "I have the highest regard for them. We have been active with them on deal after deal."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Harold Moore in New York co-heads the global energy and infrastructure projects group with Martin Klepper in Washington, DC. Douglas Nordlinger heads the London practice, while Alan Schiffman leads the Asian practice, dividing his time between Singapore and Hong Kong.

THE FIRM Stikeman Elliott is one of Canada's most prominent mining firms. It has a strong network of offices in North America, and additional outposts in the UK and Australia facilitate its work on projects across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. The firm also has a solid profile for Latin American work, which includes mining M&A, joint ventures and corporate finance transactions. Its UK and Toronto teams advised European Goldfields on its CAD2.5 billion sale to Eldorado Gold. The firm also acted for Minefinders on its CAD1.4 billion sale to Pan American Silver. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Toronto managing partner Jay Kellerman spearheads the global mining group. In London, Derek Linfield is a key contact, while Sydney-based Brian Hansen co-ordinates the Asia-Pacific practice.

THE FIRM A true leader in the global mining industry, this firm's New York, London and Tokyo offices have been busy with substantial projects around the world. The firm also houses a strong oil and gas practice, and regularly advises on infrastructure-related PPP projects. Many of its major instructions come from sponsors and project companies; the firm's enviable clientele includes Anglo American, ExxonMobil, Sumitomo, Goldman Sachs Infrastructure Partners II and ConocoPhillips. Deal highlights include representing Australia Pacific LNG in connection with the USD8.5 billion project finance facility for the development of its USD20 billion coal seam gas-to-LNG plant on Curtis Island. Notably, the firm is counsel to Rio Tinto on the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mining project in Mongolia.

Sources say: “For the infrastructure side of the business, they are the firm of choice. They are terrific time after time."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Frederic Rich heads the global projects practice from New York, where Sergio Galvis heads the Latin America group. Jamieson Logie is based in the UK, and is the main contact for the Europe, Middle East and Africa projects practice. Chun Wei divides her time between Hong Kong and New York, and leads the Asia and China practices.

THE FIRM This premier oil and gas firm acts on many of the industry's largest transactions worldwide. It has market-leading capabilities across China, India and the USA, with additional expertise in Japan, Russia and the UK, as well as across Africa and the Middle East. The firm's loyal client base includes an array of private and state-owned industry giants, and stands out for its significant experience in LNG projects. Notably, the firm advised Apache on its investment in the Kitimat LNG export terminal in British Columbia. It also advised Statoil on its USD4.7 billion acquisition of Brigham Exploration, and assisted Reliance Industries with its USD7.2 billion disposal of 23 Indian oil and gas production sharing contracts to BP. Other notable clients include Sinopec, CNOOC and Essar.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Marcia Backus is based in Houston, and leads the firm's energy transactions/projects practice group. Also in Houston, John Michael leads the maritime and offshore practice. Alexander Msimang is the London office’s managing partner, and is active on UK, European and African transactions. In Hong Kong, James Cuclis is the international co-ordinator of the firm's Asian practice. He is ably supported by Paul Deemer in Beijing and David Blumental in Shanghai.

THE FIRM This firm is acclaimed for the depth and breadth of its global project finance practice. With more than 200 lawyers operating out of its offices worldwide, the team is well placed to tackle major project financings on a concurrent basis. It continues to enjoy notable activity across every industry, and has been instructed on some of the world’s largest ongoing oil and gas and transport sector projects. The firm acted for Saudi Aramco on the Sadara Chemical Company joint venture project with Dow Chemical to build and operate a USD20 billion chemicals complex in Jubail Industrial City. It also advised Qatar Petroleum and ExxonMobil on the successful closing of the Barzan gas project.

Sources say: “Their turnaround was incredible. Their output was also valuable and their general availability extraordinary.” “They’re very strong in the market – they have regulatory expertise as well as transactional.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS New York-based Arthur Scavone heads the global energy, infrastructure and project finance group. Wendell Maddrey, also based in New York, leads the global oil and gas group. John Tivey joined the firm in Hong Kong from Freehills as head of the global mining and metals practice in May 2012. Philip Stopford heads the London practice, and was heavily involved in the above-mentioned Barzan gas project. Li Xiaoming is based in Beijing, and heads the China practice.