Energy Disputes Lawyer - Equity Partner (Oil & Gas), London to £1m

A recent senior retirement in the London energy disputes group, and with another on the horizon, has created a classic succession role at this leading international law firm - and with it, a rare opportunity for an ambitious energy disputes lawyer to potentially assume a genuine role of influence.

The practice has been embedded in the energy sector for decades; in London, as elsewhere, the law firm acts on high-value, complex disputes across the oil & gas lifecycle, from field development and joint venture arrangements through to transportation, trading and downstream infrastructure.

The energy disputes team sits at the intersection of the law firm’s broader disputes, energy and infrastructure capabilities and regularly finds itself instructed on big-ticket international matters - often arbitrations seated in London and other key centres - which span multiple jurisdictions and governing laws. The law firm already enjoys long-standing relationships with a roster of energy companies, including oil & gas majors, independents and service providers, ensuring a strong flow of heavyweight contentious work. however, there is a clear strategic intent to broaden and deepen this client base rather than simply preserve it.

The law firm is looking for a partner who can help lead and shape the London energy disputes practice, acting as a visible "brand champion" for oil & gas disputes within the wider global network. You will work alongside highly rated disputes partners and a strong bench of associates.

Although there are existing institutional relationships with energy clients to inherit, this is not a pure service role, and a new partner will still need to earn their stripes with a personal business case. The firm is realistic about what a litigator can sensibly port in today’s market, but a lateral partner at this level will need a following and clear evidence of originating, nurturing and retaining mandates from oil & gas clients (or closely adjacent energy players). In particular, the law firm is keen to see partners who can "go shopping" with colleagues across international arbitration, construction, regulatory and corporate energy to unlock further opportunities.

In return, the energy disputes lawyer steps onto a platform where energy is treated as a core strategic sector. With revenues edging close to £1 billion, PEP close to £800,000 and profits consistently increasing this law firm is both financially robust and committed to continued investment in its disputes and energy offering.

The ideal candidate will likely be:

• An established partner whose core focus is international energy disputes, with a particular emphasis on oil & gas.
• A lawyer with demonstrable experience of running complex, multi-jurisdictional arbitrations and litigation, often involving technical expert evidence, significant quantum and politically or commercially sensitive issues.
• A lawyer with a proven ability to originate and grow client relationships – whilst there is a warm institutional client base to service, a personal client following is required at this level, and you should be able to show a track record of business generation.
• A lawyer with the appetite to take on a visible leadership mandate: mentoring junior lawyers, helping to drive the London and global energy disputes strategy, and collaborating closely with partners across allied practice areas.