Watson Farley & Williams LLP
Client SatisfactionPraised for providing ‘strong and good quality legal advice’ to a broad spectrum of clients, Watson Farley & Williams LLP handles the development, financing and corporate aspects of large-scale international projects. With a practice spanning conventional and renewable energy assets, the firm has a growing track record in solar, offshore wind, and gas-fired power work. Practice head Henry Stewart is regarded for his renewables-related project finance work, both domestically and overseas. Joe Levin has a strong track record advising sponsors, lenders and strategics on oil and gas projects, while Katherine Best advises on a wide array of energy and infrastructure assets, delivery astute project finance capabilities. Jennifer Charles is instructed on project financings and refinancings in the renewables space. Paul Simpson, who joined from CMS in July 2023, is lauded for his ’very deep knowledge of the legal as well as the commercial and financial implications’ of complex energy and infrastructure builds.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I have worked with Paul Simpson on several transactions in the past, and he is always very knowledgeable and helpful in transactions.’
‘WFW is a law firm that I'd definitely recommend and they provide strong and good quality legal advice. The firm's ESG offering is something that I'd highlighted as this is something where we don't have much experience and WFW has been able to steer us successfully across this territory, based on their creds in the space.’
‘Incredibly knowledgeable team with a proven track record of delivering timely and innovative legal advice on major renewable projects across multiple jurisdictions.’
‘Henry Stewart is a market leader in the project financing of renewable energy projects globally and is someone we trust implicitly for his sage legal advice. He and his team not only grasp the legal questions but also the commercial aspect driving the process.’
‘Amazing work ethic and great market knowledge. Thinking outside of the box and always with a solution in hand. Special mention to Katherine Best.'
‘The team is distinguished by the currency and experience of its team members - that is they have active involvement in all areas of the value chain, relevant and recent and successful transaction experience across the sector and very strong networks. They are also very commercially astute and are able to find realistic and pragmatic solutions as well as offering some very innovative approaches. ’
'Paul Simpson has advised us on financing matters. He had a very deep knowledge of the legal as well as the commercial and financial implications and could provide us with very valuable tactical advice, too. He had a very comprehensive view on the very complex matters and provided a comprehensive advice in all necessary aspects. He was very accessible and available on short notice and you felt to be in very good hands.’
'Paul Simpson has a hands-on approach as well as a fast and commercial mind.'
Key clients
- Infranity SAS
- Varco Energy Limited
- Sonnedix UK Services Limited
- West Burton Energy
- Palestine Power Generating Company
- DIF Capital Partners
- Citibank
- HSBC Bank
- CCC Oil and Gas Ltd and Massader
- BW Energy Holdings Pte. Ltd
- Mauritius Commercial Bank
- Santander
- Lloyds Bank
- Lightsource bp
- The Republic of Guinea
- Investec
- NatWest
Work highlights
- Advising the Republic of Guinea on the development, financing and corporate aspects of the US$15bn Simandou project.
- Advising CCC Oil & Gas and Massader on the development and financing of the integrated Gaza Marine gas project involving the development and financing of a gas field offshore Gaza, Palestine, and the development and financing of a gas processing plant at El Arish in Egypt.
- Advising Sonnedix on an innovative €500m financing for the construction of its renewable development pipeline in Europe and the UK, particularly in Spain, Italy and England.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Henry Stewart