Watson Farley & Williams LLP
Client SatisfactionWatson Farley & Williams LLP has 'a flexible and adaptable finance practice, focusing on the commercial outcomes', and clients note that the firm is 'helpfully pragmatic in its approach'. The firm is particularly strong in reserve-based lending deals. Lead partner Joe Levin 'provides practical, solution-focused advice, and understands the commercial drivers behind a transaction'. The highly regarded Philip Beswick recently assisted Levin with a $300m reserve-based lending facility to support increased crude oil production in the Republic of Congo. Jan Mellmann, who co-leads the mining and commodities group, and global head of oil & gas Chris Kilburn are closely involved in the financing of major projects around the world.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A flexible and adaptable finance practice, focusing on the commercial outcomes whilst ensuring the legal product supports the client's needs. Helpfully pragmatic in its approach.’
‘Joe Levin provides practical, solution-focused advice. He understands the commercial drivers behind a transaction, clients' needs, and delivers a personal service.’
‘Pragmatism, commercial and solution-focused.’
‘Jan Mellmann is hugely experienced and runs a strong team.’
‘WFW has an exceptional business in infrastructure, combining strong sector knowledge with a hands-on, practical approach to solving legal problems.’
‘Daisy East is a superb lawyer in the banking team at WFW with a clear commercial focus and a client-first approach.’
‘Very professional.’
‘Very experienced and commercial.’
Key clients
- JE Energy Ltd
- BW Energy Holdings Pte. Ltd
- Mauritius Commercial Bank
- DNB Bank ASA
- CCC Oil and Gas Ltd and Massader (The Sovereign Wealth Fund of Palestine)
- African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank)
- The Republic of Guinea
- Coastline Exploration (“Coastline”)
- Beacon Energy plc
- HSBC Bank plc
- San Cristobal Mining Inc.
- Chaarat Gold Holdings Limited
- ECAM LP
- Celsius Resources Limited
- Ascent Resources Plc
Work highlights
- Advising BW Energy on an up to US$300m new international reserve-based lending facility. The facility will be used initially to further finance and develop the Dussafu license off the coast of Gabon.
- Advising DNB and the lenders on the refinancing of the over US$2.75bn RBL facility for Harbour Energy plc for its general corporate purposes.
- Advising Afreximbank on an agreement to provide a US$300 million facility to Trident OGX Congo in a transaction expected to raise the Republic of Congo’s crude oil production by an estimated 30 per cent.
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.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Joe Levin