Christina Howard > Watson Farley & Williams LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Noted for its ‘excellent sector knowledge and good partner involvement in transactions,’ Watson Farley & Williams LLP is a key choice for clients across the energy, transport, and infrastructure sectors. The team is headed up by oil and gas expert Chris Kilburn, who regularly works with clients from the mining, commodities, transport, infrastructure, and energy sectors. The ‘commercial and experienced’ Jan Mellmann specialises in domestic and cross-border acquisitions, particularly in the mining and commodities spaces. On the shipping and offshore oil and gas front, Daniel Saunders and Andy Savage are highly adept transactional lawyers, while Christina Howard and Mark Tooke work with clients from the transport and technology sectors respectively on international mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and corporate restructuring. Energy and natural resources specialist Tony Edwards joined the practice in May 2023 from Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP.

Watson Farley & Williams LLP advises a host of financial sponsors, funds and corporates across a host of sectors, showcasing particular strength in non-performing loan transactions, secondary market deals, and emerging market mandates. Practice head Chris Kilburn is well-placed to advise on complex M&A, particularly in the energy sector. Andy Savage, who is also known for his energy and infrastructure focused work, has an active practice focused on emerging markets, including in Africa, while Daniel Saunders acts for a range of PE houses, venture capitalists, and corporates across numerous industries. Other key figures include Mark Tooke, who handles cross-border M&A, joint ventures, and high-growth deals; Christina Howard, a specialist in the maritime space; and Tony Edwards, who comes recommended for his cross-border practice and considerable understanding of MENA region affairs.

A ‘knowledgeable and approachable team’, Watson Farley & Williams LLP‘s London energy and infrastructure offering combines M&A and finance expertise, with asset knowledge that spans the energy, digital and social infrastructure, and transport sectors.  Head of the team Andy Savage is routinely sought out by private equity clients for cross-border acquisition expertise, while Christina Howard is well regarded for her work concerning transport infrastructure. Chris Kilburn is a key name to note for oil and gas deals. Previous co-head Ryan Ayrton joined Travers Smith LLP in July 2024.