Energy and natural resources

CMS Woodhouse Lorente Ludlow

Client Satisfaction

The energy and natural resources group at CMS Woodhouse Lorente Ludlow 'knows the regulatory framework like no one else' and has a notable history in advising government entities on an overhaul of the country’s electricity framework. It is counsel of choice in Mexico for a host of international energy companies and investors in the country’s energy and natural resources sectors, assisting them with both the commercial and regulatory advice required throughout the full life cycle of project development. 'An extraordinary lawyer expert in energy issues', co-leader of the practice and senior partner Derek Woodhouse is one of the most experienced figures in energy matters in Mexico, a dedicated specialist regarding power, infrastructure and PPPs. He coordinates the practice alongside Luis Fernández, who is the main contact for mining matters, as well as leading the transactional side of the energy and infrastructure department. The third of the leadership trio is Giancarlo Schievenini, whose practice focuses on oil and gas, and corporate and transactional matters in the energy and infrastructure segments. Raúl Zepeda is another experienced partner to note, and can draw on two decades' in-house experience in the energy industry; his practice also covers banking and finance matters. Senior associate Gabriel Salinas is especially noted for electricity sector work.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘They know the regulatory framework like no one else, highly qualified.’
‘Attitude of service, creativity and capacity, they have seen it all.’
‘Good collaboration and communication between team members. They propose different alternatives to solve it. One of the characteristics that stand out of the work team is the ability to adapt according to the changes that the client indicates and/or that are generated during the process due to the matter in question.’
‘Raúl Zepeda, Luis Fernández and Gabriel Salinas show mastery of the subject, experience, efficiency, clarity, attention, and adaptation.’
‘It is an extremely specialized area with environmental impact, and important in companies to achieve ESG objectives in the short, medium and long term. The team's skills are knowledge of the subject and its relationships with the government environment, regulations and legislative initiatives. News, anticipate what is going to happen, giving recommendations to protect contracts with foreign companies and not incur breaches. It is a dynamic and consistent office of change and transformation, adapting to new environments, and investment in technology in its infrastructure, adapting to the new reality, adjusting its standards and ESG commitment in Mexico.’
‘Derek Woodhouse is an extraordinary expert in energy issues. I have known his career for more than 20 years, in the different offices in which he has collaborated and he is characterized by his commitment, treatment of clients, transparency and solvency in each matter entrusted to him.’
‘We admire their customer service and the way in which they convey complex legal issues to practical and business concepts. They compare positively as they provide us with uninterrupted, consistent and congruent care.’
‘This year in particular we worked positively with Luis Fernández with whom we were able to navigate complex issues and understood where he could and should intervene to reconcile agreements with our counterparts in a calm and logical manner which helped collaboration.’

Key clients

CICSA
Mota-Engil
Sanborns
Carso Energy
Petronas
Gold Royalty
Shell
Sabritas (PepsiCo)
Fibra Macquarie
Cargill de México
BP
Vitol
Walmart
Suburbia
Rassini
CDPQ
CKD IM
Eni
Troy Energía
Energía de Apizaco
Thermion
PepsiCo
Mitsui
EDF Renewables
Vesta
IADB

Work highlights

Advising Walmart, Suburbia, Troy Energía, Thermion, EDF, CDPQ, CKD IM and other power generators and off-takers on resisting several resolutions passed by CRE, SENER and other federal government entities.
Advising Shell's electricity and gas trading business in Mexico on commercial and regulatory matters.
Advised Carso Energy on a joint venture with CFE for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of a 650 km natural gas pipeline that will move gas from Sonora to Baja California to serve CFE’s combined power plants.