Described as a team that ‘always delivers’, Orrick’s expertise in areas such as project financing, concession agreements and power plant management is brought to bear in an array of major domestic and international mandates. Christophe Lefort, who joined in July 2023 from Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, spearheads the firm’s offering. Contractors and financial institutions frequently turn to him for assistance with the construction and financing of energy projects. Public law specialist Geoffroy Berthon, PPP expert Yves Lepage, Foucaud Jaulin, whose practice extends to privatisations in the energy sector, and public contracts authority Constance Boillot are further key contacts.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Orrick stands out from competitors thanks to its powerful strike force of an experienced and qualified team in the energy field. The team is agile and very collaborative.’

  • ‘Foucaud Jaulin and Carole Schertzinger are very attentive to our concerns.'

  • ‘Excellent knowledge of the local African market.’

  • ‘I have worked a lot with Foucaud Jaulin, who is particularly knowledgeable in matters of energy law.'

  • ‘Good Francophone capacity, and knowledge of and experience in West Africa.’

  • ‘The Orrick energy team is a safe pair of hands. They have been performing under very tight deadlines and always deliver. They are analytical, yet can make pragmatic decisions. This team is highly recommended and I could not be more grateful to have them on our side.’

  • ‘Foucaud Jaulin is an excellent energy lawyer. He is very knowledgeable in his field and delivers succinct, commercial advice.'

  • 'Knowledgeable responsive and time efficient.'

Key clients

  • Africa50
  • Ardian
  • EDF
  • ENEO
  • Eranove Group
  • Gridworks (a subsidiary of British Investment International)
  • Société Générale
  • The French government (French Ministry for Energy Transition)
  • Total Eren
  • Voltalia

Work highlights

  • Advising the French government (the Ministry for Energy Transition) on the framework of the multi-annual energy plan related to offshore wind development.
  • Advising Total Eren and Visolar on the project financing of the Villarpando 100 Mwac solar PV plant in the Dominican Republic.
  • Assisting Gridworks, Eranove and AEE Power with the conclusion of concession agreements for the development and financing of mini-grids and power generation plants in the cities of Gemena, Bumba and Isiro.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners: Energy projects
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading partners: Regulatory and public law
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners: Energy projects
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Christophe Lefort

Other key lawyers

Yves Lepage, Geoffroy Berthon, Foucaud Jaulin, Constance Boillot, Carole Schertzinger