New leadership for Fieldfisher’s Oil and Gas sub-sector group will see the group continue to support clients with the energy transition as they adopt low carbon solutions and advance towards Net Zero.

FMP Partner, Anna Crosby and Dispute Resolution Partner Richard Waugh have been appointed co-leads of the Oil and Gas sub-sector group which is a key part of the wider Energy, Natural Resources and Sustainability sector group.

Both Anna and Richard bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their new roles and are strong advocates for sustainable practices. Anna regularly advises clients in the Renewables, Mining and Oil & Gas industries on their financing needs and heads up our ESG Finance group which focuses on Green and Sustainability Linked lending. Richard represents international and UK businesses in a wide range of complex and high value disputes is currently leading a team of English and Russian speaking lawyers in a very high value arbitration for a Central Asian client in the oil and gas sector. Their combined knowledge and dedication to the energy transition will undoubtedly drive the sub-sector forward.

The Oil and Gas sub-sector encompasses a broad range of clients involved in exploring, refining, and supplying oil and gas, as well as those providing related services. This often includes developers, financiers, investors, operators, logistics and storage providers and retailers. Our client base is international, spanning companies across the entire service chain.

A sector undergoing transformation

The sector is undergoing a significant change as organisations transition towards low carbon energy solutions and aim to achieve Net Zero. Fieldfisher is at the forefront of this shift, supporting clients in adopting alternative fuel sources such as hydrogen, investing in renewable energy projects, and participating in carbon capture initiatives essential for reducing carbon emissions.

The misrepresentation of oil and gas companies

Oil and gas companies are sometimes misrepresented as resistant to change, a perception that can polarise public opinion, political views, and client perspectives. Despite this, Anna and Richard emphasise the crucial role of the oil and gas sector in the energy transition. The oil and gas industry is fundamental to achieving low carbon energy solutions and, ultimately, Net Zero. Economies currently cannot operate solely on renewable energy, making sustainable oil and gas production essential. For example, the gas industry is central to producing LNG, developing hydrogen, and implementing low carbon capture projects, including new pipelines and storage solutions for these fuels.

Comprehensive client support for complex environments

Our clients operate across challenging international markets, requiring our multi-disciplinary expertise. Fieldfisher provides comprehensive support, including construction, regulatory, litigation and arbitration, and finance services, often involving collaboration with international colleagues. Increasingly, clients seek our assistance in navigating ESG requirements and preparing for climate-related activism, including maintaining operations during protests and defending against climate litigation.

Aims and contributions of the sub-sector

The Oil and Gas sub-sector aims to:

• Support clients in developing operations that facilitate the energy transition.
• Protect clients’ interests amidst litigation and arbitration.
• Assist clients in entering and growing within new markets.

In summary, by working closely with our clients in this vital sector, we contribute positively to the energy transition towards Net Zero. We help build the new energy solutions that will drive our future.