THE FIRM Allen & Overy houses a team of project finance experts with experience of transactions arising from all parts of the African continent. Lawyers collaborate with colleagues across practice areas and offices to deliver a rounded service to clients from such sectors as telecoms, mining and finance. Advice is available in a number of key languages, including French, Arabic and Portuguese, and the firm has worked to build relationships with local counsel in jurisdictions all over Africa.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "exceptionally thorough" Lorraine Ball "has a good commercial approach and is an excellent person to have on your side," according to enthusiastic clients. She is also highly adept at handling different aspects of export credit financing. Recently, Ball has been particularly active in the Middle East where, amongst other matters, she advised the lenders to a petrochemicals transaction in Saudi Arabia. She is a key member of the firm's Turkey desk, where highlights include representing Tupras in the USD2.1 billion financing of an upgrade to the company's refinery facilities at Izmit.

Head of team Gareth Price "has very broad experience and good knowledge of the market," according to impressed clients. He is also deemed "very involved in the nuclear field," and has a sound understanding of issues affecting that sector. He has been advising on power projects in Lithuania, Kenya and Turkey.

Andrew Castle's high ranking comes as no surprise to sources who admire his work. Although he is broadly experienced across a range of jurisdictions and sectors, he is especially skilled when it comes to projects concerning energy-from-waste, oil and gas and petrochemicals. He advised the Bank of China on a USD500 million loan to a Kazakh oil company.

Mark Walker wins respect as a "very strong player" in the power sector, where his advice has recently been sought on nuclear and thermal plants. He also advises on LNG regasification, liquefaction and storage terminals.

THE FIRM Clifford Chance offers a number of foreign desks involving experts from an array of offices, supported by a fantastic breadth and depth of talent and the resources of a magic circle law firm. It covers a range of jurisdictions in Africa and has cemented its reputation there through working for leading clients such as governments, lenders, financial institutions and non-governmental organisations. In addition to expertise across a variety of legal systems and languages, the firm has also forged relationships with local counsel across Africa and in 2012 opened its own offices in Casablanca. Highlights include representing Trafigura in a bid to operate a cross-border railway line in Angola, and acting for CNA Holdings on building an ethanol plant in Egypt. 

The firm also maintains an impressive Greece desk that includes Greek-qualified and Greek-speaking lawyers. It is intimately familiar with the Greek legal system and business culture, as underlined by its recent work in Greece. Key highlights include acting for the successful bidders on a scheme to build and operate the new international airport in Athens, and advising on a bid for the Ionia Odos Motorway toll road project.

India is also a key area of focus here, with the firm providing expertise in a range of disciplines including corporate law, dispute resolution and capital markets, as well as project finance. Clients benefit from the firm's long-standing presence in this jurisdiction and tap into its experience of working with a range of industry sectors. Representative work highlights include acting for Standard Chartered Bank on financing the Jammu Udhamper Highway, and counselling ICICI on its India Infrastructure Fund.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeremy Connick's "strength in reviewing documents and assisting in negotiations was invaluable," according to one impressed client, and positive reviews of his work abound: "I've heard good things from clients saying how highly they think of him," reports one solicitor. Connick recently advised a consortium of banks on lending to a project to install solar panels on social housing units. He is co-head of the firm's Africa desk.

Ranbir Hunjan is a leading figure in the firm's Indian desk and a central pillar of the team's projects group.

Andrew Grenville is head of the global energy and infrastructure group. He is so well regarded in the market that peers "go to him as the first point of call" when they are conflicted. He has been the lead partner acting for InterGen UK on the 860 MW expansion of its Spalding gas power plant.

Russell Wells specialises in financing, commercial concerns and company matters for clients from an array of sectors. He recently advised private equity firm Helios Investment Partners on a joint venture with Vitol Holding to acquire Shell's African downstream petroleum business.

THE FIRM Linklaters maintains a position as one of the most prominent international firms in the African energy and natural resources arena. Project financing is a core strength, and the team advised the lenders and mandated lead arrangers on a USD1.4 billion financing for the expansion of the Jorf Lasfar IPP in Morocco. The South African IPP programme also furnished the firm with numerous mandates. Top-level mining mandates demonstrate the breadth of the firm's expertise.

Linklaters has had a long-running association with Lefosse Advogados in Brazil and the two firms frequently combine to handle domestic and regional projects matters. The Linklaters team recently represented Schahin Engenharia in connection with the financing of two drillships being built in China for leasing to Petrobras.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Jones is "a very clever person who thinks about things very carefully." He receives excellent feedback for his African work, especially his management of the South African IPP mandates, and is an important member of the team.

Daniel Tyrer was based in Russia for a number of years and continues to be instrumental in the firm's work in the region. Clients value his grasp of technical detail.

Charles Jacobs is a key contact at the firm for mining matters, and has been described as "a massive name in Africa." The Glencore/Xstrata merger is one of the most high-profile of his recent instructions.

Ian Andrews lends his expertise to infrastructure, transport and utilities deals across Central and Eastern Europe. He acted for the key sponsor on the Visaginas nuclear power plant project in Lithuania.

Jeremy Gewirtz's place in the top tier is well merited, according to sources, as he has "a great reputation." He heads the firm's power and energy trading teams, and is a co-leader of the energy and utilities group. Significant recent deals he has worked on include advising on the expansion of Saudi Arabia's Tihama plants and acting on the development of the Egemer independent power project in Turkey.

John Pickett is respected for his "practical legal advice that ensures a deal gets done." He is very highly regarded in renewables, and recently advised the lenders to a Lincolnshire offshore wind farm.

Matthew Hagopian splits his time between London and New York, advising on the development and financing of energy and infrastructure projects. He has headed many recent deals, including several Russian LNG liquefaction projects. Hagopian also advised Refineria de Cartagena on the expansion and upgrade of a refinery in the Republic of Colombia.

THE FIRM Project finance is a cornerstone of this firm's global offering, which plays well into the quality and reach of its Africa practice. The team is involved in substantial financings in jurisdictions from Nigeria to Mauritania and Sierra Leone. Recent highlights include advising O3b Networks on a USD130 million financing for four additional satellites to expand its coverage of Africa. The team also represents energy sector clients in their corporate/M&A transactions. Mining is a key sector, and the firm acts for clients such as London Mining on various financial and commercial issues.

Milbank also has a long-established Middle Eastern project finance practice with a sterling reputation for advising big-ticket international names. Its workload features a variety of complex energy, power, mining and independent power and water production (IWPP) matters. Standout mandates include representing Global Facility Agent BNP Paribas and the other financiers in the USD3.5 billion financing of the Marafiq IWPP project in Al-Jubail, Saudi Arabia.

This firm also has an impressive track record of acting on high-profile mandates in Oman. The team is particularly active in power and water matters, acting as counsel on a range of complex project financings. One highlight involved advising the lenders on the sale of Barka 1 power plant by AES to ACWA Power. The team also acted for the lenders on the privatisation of a vertically integrated electricity utility based in Salalah.

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Dewar is based in the firm's London office and is especially well regarded for his representation of lenders in transactions in India. He also has an impressive Middle Eastern presence, where highlights include representing Sumitomo Mitsui Banking, JBIC and the commercial banking lenders in the USD2.8 billion refinancing of the Shuweihat S2 IWPP Project.

Phillip Fletcher is described by peers as a "great lawyer," with extensive expertise in financing projects in the Middle East. He is also a big name in project finance in Africa. He led the firm's representation of African Development Bank in an USD810 million loan to Transnet, a South African rail, port and pipeline company.

Clive Ransome comes highly recommended by clients for his negotiation skills and knowledge of the Turkish energy sector.

Cathy Marsh specialises in the financing aspects of mining deals, especially those in Africa. Sources praise her pragmatism and understanding of requirements, and recommend her negotiation skills: "She has the ability to act for large lender groups without appearing to favour or disregard any of them." Marsh is also highly respected for her work on complex transactions in the natural resources field across the Middle East.

THE FIRM This firm offers expertise in representing both Qatari and international investors in a range of projects, including power plants, oil refineries and infrastructure developments. Key clients include Qatar Investment Authority, Qatar Holding and Qatar Electricity and Water Company. Practitioners in the team also have expertise in Islamic finance and real estate developments.

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Inglis is an "extremely knowledgeable lawyer," who is valued by clients for his experience in the Middle Eastern region.

Nicholas Buckworth is an "outstanding individual," who warrants high praise for his work in the power arena in the Middle East.

Ben Shorten's active practice includes highlights in the Middle Eastern power, wastewater and oil and gas fields.

THE FIRM White & Case is a key player in the Qatari market, where it is complemented by a large network of experts spread across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The much-vaunted projects and energy team represents Qatar Petroleum, ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, Shell and Total in the landmark Qatargas 2, 3 and 4 projects.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Marc Polonsky is a frequent visitor to Moscow and has an in-depth knowledge of the local market. His practice spans the CIS and CEE, and focuses predominantly on energy and infrastructure projects.

Mark Castillo-Bernaus is prevalent on some of the firm's most high-profile mandates in the UAE.

Philip Stopford leads the London arm of the energy practice and has years of experience in African projects, including LNG, petrochemical and infrastructure projects. Sources praise his knowledge and enthusiasm. He also advises on work in the Middle East, where highlights include advising sponsors ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum on the USD10.3 billion Barzan Gas Project.

Peter Finlay has "strong legal skills but also looks to provide commercially acceptable solutions" to all parties, sources claim. He is deemed "client-focused and proactive, with a 'can-do' mindset." Joint ventures, privatisations, project financing and projects M&A form the core of his practice.

Jason Kerr wins praise for his skilled management of all aspects of project finance. "He is a very good negotiator and capable of running critical projects," sources add. Recent matters include advising the sponsors and project company on a subsea gas pipeline in the Baltic linking Russia and EU member states.

David Baker "has great industry knowledge and is very bright," according to one pleased client. "He doesn't get lost in documents and can run cases well. He's also a team player, a supportive guide and a very good negotiator." Baker's practice focuses on project finance and energy infrastructure transactions.

THE FIRM This firm has a long-standing foothold in the African projects space, with experience of representing governments, lenders, sponsors and developers across an impressive variety of jurisdictions. Members of its Africa practice have forged relationships with an array of local counsel and continue to be involved in transactions involving market-leading clients. Highlights include acting for Satarem on energy-from-waste projects in Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon and Guinea. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Wadham has extensive experience of working on water and power projects in the Middle East, and splits his time between the firm's London and Abu Dhabi offices. He represented the lenders and two export credit agencies in the Hassyan independent power project in Dubai.  

Mark Elsey heads the team, winning strong market praise. He has been involved in a number of significant transport and social infrastructure projects, including advising the funders on the Intercity Express Programme.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Martin Kavanagh advises sponsors and a variety of lenders on all aspects of projects in Africa. Peers respect his practice, and one comments: "He's a great lawyer – if I'm in a conflict situation he'd be on my list."

Jason Fox's reputation is founded on his good work in oil and gas, where financing concerns remain a particular specialisation. He is greatly experienced in reserves-based lending transactions.

This "fabulous" team wins considerable praise for being "excellent at what they do" and, amongst peers, as being "very worthy adversaries." The USA and the Far East are real areas of focus for the firm, whilst projects across Europe and the Middle East are also expertly covered. Indeed, Latham & Watkins continues to handle the development and financing of some of the largest projects in the world. Specific areas of projects expertise include transport, infrastructure, oil and gas, LNG units, shipping, renewable electricity generation facilities and telecoms.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Craig Nethercott is a member of the finance department and works from the firm's London and Dubai offices. He has a particular specialisation in Islamic finance, handling Middle Eastern projects in the infrastructure, mining and oil and gas sectors. Saudi Arabia is also a strong area of focus for Nethercott, whose highlights include acting for Bin Jarallah Group on a SAR2.105 billion project financing for the development of a tubular steel factory.

William Voge focuses on project financing and project development, attracting praise for being "very efficient, good at spotting issues and resourceful in coming up with solutions." Although based in London he often acts on power and oil and gas projects for clients on a global level.

THE FIRM Sources are impressed by Norton Rose's commitment to Africa. The firm's growing network of offices, including South Africa, Morocco and Tanzania, ensures that international expertise is combined with local knowledge. In one highlight, the group acted for Zimbabwe Power Company on the expansion of coal and hydropower projects with a combined capital of approximately USD3 billion. It is also highly visible in the IPP procurement process in the South African renewables sector. The team includes individuals with expertise in particular jurisdictions such as Nigeria, where the firm represents several bidders in power sector privatisations. The group's wider experience includes oil and gas, mining and transport.

Norton Rose has an impressive track record of advising on Qatari projects and representing Qatari companies in overseas transactions. Highlights include acting for Qatar Electricity Water Company on its efforts to be selected as preferred bidder for a desalination plant. Other clients include Qatar Petroleum and the Qatari government.

This firm houses a dedicated Nordic group with an impressive track record of advising on Swedish energy deals.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Erol Huseyin operates a significant projects and energy practice in Qatar, where he regularly advises on a number of transactions. He has previously spent time on secondment at Qatar Petroleum.

Oil and gas specialist Nick Prowse is involved in numerous African jurisdictions with recent finds of significant natural resources.

Arun Velusami is a projects and energy partner who works across anglophone Africa and has particular knowledge of the power sector in Nigeria. Clients value his experience, and peers agree that his working style is both approachable and productive: "He gets it."

Richard Metcalf specialises in African oil and gas exploration, development and transmission. He is particularly well known for his work on behalf of governments.

Peers "would telephone Simon Currie for advice," such is his standing at the firm and in the projects market as a whole. He is the firm's global head of energy and has considerable expertise across a range of sectors, including nuclear and renewables such as solar and hydropower. Recent work includes advising the sponsor of the Jädraås Wind Farm in Sweden.

Global projects head Jeffery Barratt is well regarded for his work for clients from the energy, financial, infrastructure, mining and commodities sectors. His advice is also sought on project financing for Middle Eastern power and water schemes.

Martin McCann is "very practical and solution-oriented," and is "very much a 'let's make it work' solicitor." He heads the firm's infrastructure, mining and commodities practice. He advised IRC on the financing and construction of an iron ore processing facility.

THE FIRM This "well-rounded, well co-ordinated" team continues to work on large, complex projects and maintains its traditional strength in the oil and gas and mining sectors. The majority of the firm's worldwide projects work is conducted on behalf of borrowers and sponsors, with project bonds being a particular area of expertise.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jamieson Logie's experience includes projects in South Africa and Nigeria. Sources commend his knowledge of Africa: "He really knows projects inside and out, and is very good at co-ordinating large teams." He also "knows the people in the local jurisdictions very well."

Stewart Robertson is a "really top-notch lawyer," highly valued by clients for his wide-ranging Middle Eastern expertise. His impressive workload includes representing the EMAL smelting plant project company in the proposed financing for Phase II of the project.

THE FIRM Chadbourne & Parke is known for its strong track record in projects across Africa and the Middle East. It has been particularly active in Oman, where it has dealt with several independent power and independent power and water projects.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Agnieszka Klich is particularly well versed when it comes to projects in the Middle East, Turkey and South Africa. Her recent work includes representing ACWA Power International and other sponsors in Saudi Arabia's Qurayyah power project.

Robin Mizrahi is "a skilled lawyer who brings intelligence, practicality, commercial acumen and creativity to negotiations," according to clients. He has in-depth experience of advising on power projects across a mix of African states.

THE FIRM Hogan Lovells' project finance and infrastructure team continues to expand in size and global reach, attracting recognition for its work across infrastructure, natural resources and energy projects. It also handles power projects covering nuclear and renewable energy. Clients include VINCI, Petrobras, JPMorgan, Alstom, EIB and Macquarie.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Adrian Walker is a key contact.

THE FIRM This practice can be trusted to handle large, complex matters with aplomb. The firm's reputation has been built on its handling of power, LNG, government infrastructure, mining and cross-border pipeline projects. More recently, the team has also expanded into emerging markets, especially in Africa.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Patrick Wallace is a key contact.

See above for editorial

See above for editorial

THE FIRM Baker & McKenzie's Africa team includes project finance experts with expertise in structuring and developing deals across the continent. Members of the team are stationed in the firm's offices around the world, including three bases in Africa, and call on the support of colleagues in departments such as corporate, intellectual property and dispute resolution to provide a truly rounded service. Key transactions include acting for Morocco's Office Nationale D'Electricité et de l'Eau Potable on financing and developing an 850 MW wind farm.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Marc Fèvre is a key contact.

THE FIRM This firm's Africa group merges the skills of practitioners based in a number of offices on project financings, corporate transactions, regulatory concerns and commercial contracts arising across the African continent. It is particularly well versed in dealing with energy matters, including oil, gas, LNG and power projects. Practitioners have experience of working on cutting-edge or strategic transactions, such as the Brass LNG liquefaction project in Nigeria and an integrated natural gas project in Angola.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Anthony Higginson is a key contact.

See above for editorial

See above for editorial

THE FIRM This firm's Africa practice operates through key partners in Europe and the Middle East and an extensive network of associations with local firms. Its workload includes project finance, PPPs and privatisations, as well as work across the full spectrum of energy and natural resources concerns. Clients appreciate the hands-on involvement provided by the firm's partners.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients have been impressed by James Dallas's ability to produce excellent results in time-pressured situations, especially with regards to Middle Eastern concerns. He is "terrific, and well-regarded as an oil and gas lawyer."

THE FIRM This firm's Africa offering is distinguished by its network of local firms in various regions. London-led highlights include advising Puma Energy on the USD296 million acquisition of BP's downstream oil business in several south and east African jurisdictions. In the mining sector, the group advised the government of Uganda on the privatisation of the Kilembe Mines.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alex Guy has a great deal of experience of working in the UK, and advises several major clients. One such client is the UK Department for Transport, which he advises on the administrative and regulatory structures best suited for maintaining the benefits of the PPP for London Underground.

Charles Morrison is international head of the finance and projects group and leads some of the firm's most high-profile work on the African continent.

THE FIRM Eversheds has a widely respected Africa practice, including a full-service office in South Africa and a partnership with Chassany Watrelot & Associés (CWA) in Morocco. Mandates include project financing, PPPs and energy sector disputes. Clients such as the East African Development Bank seek the group's advice on development projects in various countries. The team advised The Addax and Oryx Group on a EUR133 million financing for ethanol and renewable energy projects in Sierra Leone.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Howard Barrie is a key contact.

THE FIRM This firm operates a broad practice focusing on Qatar. Its expertise includes project development work and corporate transactions. Of note, it is advising the Supreme Committee for Qatar 2022 on delivering the infrastructure required for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Other high-profile clients include the Qatar Investment Authority. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alan Rae Smith has a wealth of experience in project finance transactions in the energy sector, most notably across the Middle East and Africa. He is particularly experienced in handling privatisations, PPP and project financings in Turkey, where recent work includes advising on the merger of Vallares and Genel Energy International by means of a USD2.1 billion all-share reverse takeover.

Tim Pick joined the firm from Shearman & Sterling in 2013. He has a particularly strong reputation for Middle Eastern work. At his previous firm he represented some of the biggest names in the region from London.  

See above for editorial

See above for editorial

THE FIRM This firm's mining practice is respected worldwide and its Africa offering fits this global picture. Key partners in London work with colleagues around the world to serve an array of sector-significant clients. The team handles financing and development of projects, offers ongoing support, and handles disputes in the mining space. It advised Xstrata on the development of an iron ore mine in Mauritania, and represented the mandated lead arrangers in a USD170 million loan to Base Resources to finance the Kwale titanium mining project in Kenya. Non-mining project work is also handled; for example, the team advised Helios Towers Tanzania on a syndicated loan for the expansion of its mobile telecommunications tower network.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ian Coles is a highly regarded mining and finance lawyer whose work in Africa earns him plaudits from commentators. He is head of the European finance practice, and receives praise for his "great sector knowledge and good negotiation skills."

Rachel Speight is also recognised for her expertise in the African mining space, especially on the financing side. She regularly represents lenders and sponsors, and sources compliment her level-headedness and dedicated work ethic.

See above for editorial

See above for editorial

See above for editorial

See above for editorial

THE FIRM SJ Berwin advises on inbound and outbound African matters, acting for sponsors and lenders on energy and infrastructure projects. It advised Norfund on proposals for a hydroelectric power plant in South Sudan, which will be financed by development finance. The firm's strength in private equity is a key boon for the project finance team.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Neil Upton brings significant African expertise to the practice. Peers respect his experience and comment that they would be happy to refer work to him.

THE FIRM Trinity International has a niche practice that focuses solely on emerging markets, with Africa as its principal area of interest. Work includes projects, finance and corporate/commercial transactions, and the team is highly regarded for its power experience.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Senior partner Paul Biggs "lives and breathes Africa" and is recognised as a true Africa specialist. He has years of experience across an array of sectors, and clients seek him out for his business understanding.

Patrick Leece is an "experienced lawyer with very good commercial acumen." He has a particular focus on concession and construction contracts across Africa.

Sources note that Simon Norris's experience smoothes negotiation processes. He regularly takes a lead role in African energy, transport and telecommunications mandates. 

THE FIRM This firm's specialised oil and gas skills provide a strong basis for its Africa practice. Involvement in upstream matters is a particular strength and frequently takes the team to countries such as Nigeria and Angola. The firm's workload includes transactional matters and project development for a wide variety of clients.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alexander Msimang is described as "a good guy with a very fine practice." He advises clients on oil and gas matters in a number of African jurisdictions, with a particular focus on Nigeria.  

Nabil Khodadad is now the firm's global co-head of project finance, having joined the firm in 2012 from Dewey & LeBoeuf. He has been involved in power, mining and metals, petrochemicals, pipeline and oil and gas projects across more than 35 countries for more than 20 years, and is well known in the market.

See above for editorial