This episode is hosted by Francesca Ruddy and discusses the current volatility in energy markets and how this is likely to create energy disputes. Taking part in the conversation are:

  • Rachel Lidgate: a solicitor-advocate and partner in the dispute resolution division of Herbert Smith Freehills in London. Rachel has over 15 years’ experience advising clients in the oil, gas and power industries on contractual and other disputes, with her practice spanning High Court litigation, international arbitration, expert determination and mediation. Rachel is ranked as a ‘Next Generation Partner’ in Legal 500 and recently chaired the energy disputes panel at London International Disputes Week.
  • Elizabeth Farrell: a partner in the Energy & Natural Resources Group at Reed Smith. Elizabeth is ranked as a “Next Generation Partner” by Legal 500 for her work in commodities disputes. She has extensive experience in the international trade and transportation of a wide range of commodities, particularly coal, metals, iron ore, LNG, crude oil and oil products. She also has wide-ranging transactional experience, having advised on long-term offtake agreements, flash title arrangements, and tolling agreements in the commodities sector.
  • James Cutress QC: who specialises in heavy and complex commercial disputes which are international in nature and often raise jurisdictional issues. James is ranked as a Leading Silk by Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners in a range of practice areas, including Commercial Dispute Resolution, Insurance, Banking and Finance, Aviation and Professional Negligence. He is frequently called upon to advise clients in relation to contractual, recovery and insurance issues arising out of sanctions.

The episode discusses the impact of energy price volatility on contractual disputes, principally in the oil and gas sectors. The speakers consider the impact of the war in Ukraine and current sanctions on Russian entities, as well as the possibility of further sanctions. The speakers also discuss how the renewed focus on energy security interacts with the decarbonisation agenda, before reflecting on current trends in environmental litigation more generally.

For more information about our energy practice, please see here.

We hope you enjoy the episode.