Raquel Tarancon Plata
Ashurst LLPOne of the ‘pre-eminent oil and gas and petrochemical practices in the region’, Ashurst LLP stands at the forefront of the market and regularly acts in high-profile deals and projects for a mix of leading industry players. The firm’s experienced advisors are able to provide a comprehensive offering that encompasses corporate, financing, procurement, construction and disputes work. The department has a particular focus on oil and LNG assets but is also equipped to advise across hydrogen, chemicals and minerals issues. Team head David Charlier has recently been engaged by clients on blockbuster power transmission projects, while Luke Robottom is a key figure for transactional work. Stuart James has a formidable cross-border practice that sees him advising European and Asian entities on private equity, joint ventures and M&A. Senior associate Priya Shah is highlighted by clients as an exceptional LNG specialist. Senior associate Raquel Tarancon Plata continues to be involved in major regional projects. Former joint practice head Simon Fraser left the practice in December 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Ashurst has a pre-eminent oil and gas and petrochemical practice in the region, with the team handling a range of complex matters for us. They also have expertise advising on power and water, petrochemicals and infrastructure projects. The team is outstanding on every level. Always ready to go to any length to provide fast, tailored and commercially creative solutions to whatever issue arises, no matter how complicated a deal.'
- 'Ashurst are incredibly collaborative and always available. Their advice is clear, concise and very commercial.'
‘Priya has recently moved from Singapore where she has exceptional LNG experience. She has already shown her capabilities as a go-to and trusted LNG and upstream oil & gas lawyer in the Middle East. She has specialist knowledge of LNG receiving terminal capacity and use agreements and her advice is concise, practical and incredibly commercial.'
- 'Priya is a straight talker with an astute, commercial, in-depth understanding of upstream, LNG. She has an unwavering commitment to her clients and demonstrates a capacity for breaking down complex concepts into concise, clear drafting.'
- 'Luke Robottom is a power-player in the region with incredible knowledge of IPPs in the UAE and the region. In particular has great strength in acting on contractual oil and gas mandates for government entities. He demonstrates a strong understanding of the transactional aspects of construction, with further experience in energy and infrastructure projects.'
- 'Stuart James focuses on cross-border and domestic energy and infrastructure transactions. He has been instrumental in providing clear, concise and commercial advice on a number of upstream and petrochemical projects. He has a laid-back style which comforts clients but he is very erudite and focused in his advice.’
Key clients
- ADNOC
- Kuwait Petroleum Corporation
- Petrochemical Industries Company K.S.C
- ADES Investments Holding Ltd
- Sojitz
- Interserve Group Holdings Limited
- Mitsui E&P
- Schlumberger
- OMV
- Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners
- Brookfield
- Venice Energy
- Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA)
- Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC)
- Itochu Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised ADNOC on all aspects of the establishment of ADNOC Gas, one of the world's largest integrated energy companies.
- Acting on Project Lightning, a major project jointly procured by ADNOC and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company involving the design, construction, maintenance and operation of sub-sea power transmission systems.
- Advised Schlumberger on its acquisition of shares, as a cornerstone investor, in the IPO and listing on the Muscat Stock Exchange of Abraj Energy Services.
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.
Priya Shah
Ashurst LLPNext Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Luke Robottom
AshurstPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
David Charlier