Rachel Speight
Mayer Brown International LLPinternational governments, multilateral financial institutions, infrastructure groups and energy companies turn to Mayer Brown International LLP for substantial, often first-of-its-kind developments spanning the conventional, renewable, energy transition and mining and minerals space. Practice head Rachel Speight is noted for her mining and PPP expertise, demonstrating recent activity on large-scale projects in Africa. Fellow co-head Kirsti Massie largely focuses on the development and procurement aspects of projects headed by sponsors and public bodies and is well regarded for her regulatory acumen – particularly with regards to energy assets. Jonathan Hosie is a go-to figure in the team for project development and disputes work, while oil and gas specialist Richard Nelson, who joined from King & Spalding LLP in May 2024, is lauded for his ability to ‘blend finance, legal and commercial advice into everything he counsels on’. Jonathan Stone is another key name for procurement, construction and engineering advice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Richard Nelson in London works seamlessly with Mayer Brown offices around the globe.'
- 'Richard provides clear, concise fabulous support year after year regardless of whether a project is traditional oil and gas, renewables, or project finance.'
- 'Lawyers who are across the table from Richard also acknowledge his expertise developed over the past 25 years globally.’
‘Richard Nelson and the global energy team at Mayer Brown always provide top-quality sophisticated advice on complex legal matters. Richard understands well how to blend finance, legal and commercial advice into everything he counsels on. Great value overall and counterparties fully respect Richard's skills and professionalism during challenging negotiations.’
Key clients
- Banque Atlantique Cote d’Ivoire
- Bridge Bank Côte d’Ivoire
- Coris Bank
- Ecobank Cote d’Ivoire
- Orabank Cote d’Ivoire
- Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania
- United Bank for Africa (Côte d’Ivoire) SA
- Africa Finance Corporation
- Summit Group
Work highlights
- Advised Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and Equity Bank Uganda on their US$100m financing of an equity investment in Mahathi Infra (Uganda) Limited’s Uganda – Kenya Lake Victoria integrated logistics project.
- Mayer Brown advised the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania on the project development of five green hydrogen projects with an aggregate capacity of 85 GW and value of US$40bn
- Advising Coris Bank in relation to the US$265m syndicated corporate loan facility with Sprott Resource Lending Corp and Coris Bank International on the Kiaka Gold Project in Burkina Faso.
Lawyers
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Practice head
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Kirsti Massie, Rachel Speight