Feel The Power: A Roundup Of The Go-To Law Firms Of The Energy Industry

Few industries have changed over the past several decades as much as the energy industry has. Old standbys like coal have given way to a whole host of renewable resources, while the landscape for oil, gas, and electricity continue to evolve in the face of the dual imperatives of rising energy demand and emissions reduction. New opportunities abound for both upstarts and traditional utilities.

Energy lawyers handle a wide range of transactional and litigation matters, ranging from contract and construction issues to high-stakes regulatory and dispute resolution matters, both domestically and internationally. Clients run the gamut of the industry, including producers, transporters, plant developers, exporters, financers, and funders.

As a primer on the complex ecosystem of law firms servicing the industry, our friends at Lake Whillans Litigation Finance present the Go-To Firms of the Energy Industry. Among them, these firms not only can handle every transactional and litigation need, but also niche areas such as climate change expertise and regulatory matters.

Lake Whillans is there to partner with the full spectrum of industry players, including energy companies and leading law firms. Engaging these Go-To Firms can help energy industry companies avoid or contain problems down the road. Should legal issues arise, Lake Whillans can step in and help resolve them.

1. The Best Global Powerhouse for Energy Law: Norton Rose Fulbright

With more than 900 attorneys working on energy projects across the globe, it’s hard to rival Norton Rose Fulbright’s reach in the energy industry. The firm’s full-service energy practice is adept at handling a wide range of transactional and regulatory matters involving power, utilities, oil, gas, water, and renewable energies. Whatever your energy needs are, this firm can handle them.

2. Best Firm for Complex Energy Litigation: Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

When you’re dealing with transactions as large as energy mergers or the construction of power plants, conflicts and disputes are inevitable. If you’re going to survive in the industry, you need trusted litigators on your team. The experienced energy lawyers at Weil have you covered from all sides, from the first day a project comes to life, through the successful conclusion of your litigation. When the stakes are high, this is the firm you want at the counsel table.

3. Best Firm if Your Fortunes Lie in That Black Gold: Vinson & Elkins

Many firms claim to have oil expertise, but Vinson & Elkins goes the extra mile. Simply having an oil law practice isn’t enough — the firm has separate practice groups dedicated to Downstream Oil and Gas, Midstream Oil and Gas, Upstream Oil and Gas, and Oilfield Services. If oil is your game, Vinson & Elkins is the name you need to know.

4. Best Firm for Companies Looking to Get Into Renewable Energy: Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

A longtime player in the industry, Akin Gump is widely recognized as a leader when it comes to financing and developing energy and infrastructure projects. The firm’s Renewable Energy practice is taking that expertise into the next century, offering insight for clients looking to get into the geothermal, biofuel, hydroelectric, solar, wind, and biomass sectors. If your new project involves alternative or renewable energies, this is the firm to call.

5. Best Firm for Energy Exporters: Baker Botts

Universally recognized as one of the top energy law firms in the world, it’s hard to pick just one area where Baker Botts excels. When the powers of their Energy and Natural Resources Practice Group and their International Trade Group combine, however, they become the dream team for energy exporters. Whether you’re dealing with export control laws or international import regulations, this team will make sure you’re compliant at all times.

6. Best Firm for Insider Insights Into the Industry: Haynes and Boone, LLP

Lots of firms can offer expertise and experience, but few can rival Haynes and Boone when it comes to having an inside track on the industry. The firm’s Energy Practice Group is made up of people who have worked their entire careers in the energy arena, and not just as lawyers — they count everything from petroleum engineers and geophysicists to energy bankers and oil and gas law professors among their ranks. If you’re new to the energy world, this is the firm to put you on the right track.

7. Best Firm for Energy Lobbying and Regulatory Matters: Bracewell

Like all major industry sectors, the construction industry always benefits from having an ear in Washington. Bracewell is a recognized leader among law firms when it comes to lobbying and government relations, and their Policy Resolution Group knows The Hill inside and out. The firm’s lawyers bring that expertise to their energy clients, which span all segments of the industry. If you want your concerns heard by the powers that be, Bracewell is the firm for you.

8. Best Firm to Consult on Environmental Matters: Baker McKenzie

Few industries have the potential to impact the environment as much as the energy industry does. Baker McKenzie’s Energy, Mining & Infrastructure group works hand-in-hand with its Environment & Climate Change group to make sure its energy clients are always in compliance with environment laws and regulations across the globe. In a sea of ever-changing global laws and regulations that govern energy companies and projects, you need a firm that can stay on top of the developments and advise you accordingly.

9. Best Firm for Energy Tax Matters: Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

The name Skadden has long been synonymous with excellence, so it should come as no surprise that their diverse energy team is capable of counseling their clients in even the most niche areas of energy law. In addition to the transactional and litigation services offered by other energy firms, Skadden’s attorneys have developed an expertise in energy tax matters. When you need experienced advisors to guide you through the specific tax issues that are most relevant in the energy industry, give Skadden a call.

10. Best Firm to Help Finance Your Next Energy Project: Jackson Walker

Jackson Walker has been at the forefront of energy law for over a century, and their expertise shines particularly brightly in the area of energy finance. Their depth of financing knowledge covers experience with all kinds of financing arrangements, including liens, credit facilities, loans, note and bond offerings, structured debt, equity investments, hedges, and joint ventures. The firm’s attorneys understand that no two energy projects are the same, so they’re the folks to call when you want financing advice tailored to your specific energy project.

11. Best Firm to Handle Your Security Concerns: Hunton Andrews Kurth

Physical security and cybersecurity threats are at an all-time high for companies across all industries, and energy companies are no exception. The Energy Sector Security Team at Hunton Andrews Kurth is well versed in devising the best possible security strategies for infrastructure facilities in the energy industry. If you want to be sure you’re protected during the next natural disaster or cyber attack, this is the firm you want in your corner.

12. Best Jack-of-All-Trades Energy Firm: Sidley Austin LLP

While some firms specialize in certain aspects of energy law, other firms do it all. Of that latter group, Sidley is undeniably one of the best of the best. Touting a holistic approach to serving their clients in the energy sector, the firm’s energy group draws on the talents of the firm’s other practice groups, from project finance and taxation, to international regulation and dispute resolution. No matter what your energy issue is and no matter where in the world you are, the expert team at Sidley will be able to tackle it.