Fort Stratford Partners featured in Law UK’s Energy sector coverage
The latest issue of Law UK focuses on developments across the energy sector, with Fort Stratford Partners’ Christian Squire and Jonny Fort invited to share their insights on two key areas of the market.
Commenting on US firms’ recent bolstering of their London transactional practices with energy industry experience, Christian Squire said:
“What stands out is that competition for leading energy partners is no longer limited to the traditional energy firms. We’re continuing to see leading private equity firms investing heavily in energy transition and infrastructure capabilities as their sponsor clients deploy increasing amounts of capital into the sector. For established partners in the market, there are more options than ever.
“In the energy market, scale matters. London’s strategic importance as the gateway to Europe means it will continue to be a key investment hub for US firms looking to build integrated energy and infrastructure platforms.
“Whilst US firms have traditionally been recognised for their strength in oil and gas, these hires reflect a broader shift in client demand. They increasingly want to see full-service energy and infrastructure capabilities in London, spanning energy transition, infrastructure, digital infrastructure, mining and renewables alongside conventional energy. Demand for oil and gas expertise remains as strong as ever, but the market has evolved significantly, with clients now looking for advisers who can support them across the full energy life cycle.”
On recent energy disputes hires, including George Burn, Richard Power and Elizabeth Wilson, Jonny Fort noted:
“While these partner hires are for firms of different shapes and sizes, there is a clear upward trend in demand for energy sector disputes lawyers in London. Since the US strikes on Iran began and the subsequent blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, arbitration lawyers with experience of LNG supply disputes have never been busier or more in demand.
“It remains to be seen whether money will be reprioritised away from net-zero projects and what impact that may have on demand for disputes lawyers with renewables experience.”
As firms continue to invest in both transactional and disputes capabilities, Fort Stratford Partners remain well placed to provide insight into the trends shaping the market.