Mayer Brown grows energy and oil and gas capabilities with appointment of Richard Nelson

London — Mayer Brown announced today that Richard Nelson joined the firm as a partner in its Global Energy group, with a particular focus on liquefied natural gas (LNG), upstream oil and gas, energy M&A and energy projects and disputes. He joins from King & Spalding with over 25 years’ experience in the energy industry.

Richard advises clients on energy transactions with a particular focus on upstream oil and gas and LNG transactions for companies, host governments, project developers and sponsors. He boasts a particular geographic focus on southeast Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region, where he was based (in Singapore) since 2008. Richard has also worked previously in London and Tokyo.

“Richard is a significant hire for our Global Energy team and will boost our upstream oil and gas and LNG capabilities,” said Alex Chequer, leader of the Global Energy group at Mayer Brown. “We are expecting that the volatility in the oil and gas industry will continue and, with Richard on board, we are well positioned to capitalise upon M&A opportunities and new energy projects.”

Partner Nick Kouvaritakis, global head of Mayer Brown’s LNG team added: “There has been significant growth in LNG demand in the past year and the expectation is that this demand will continue to grow in Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. Europe is competing with Asia both in terms of volumes and LNG infrastructure and security of LNG supply is of paramount importance for Europe given the current geopolitical situation. Richard’s significant expertise will be a huge asset to our clients as we continue to expand our global energy and LNG capabilities and enhance our energy offering in Europe and across the EMEA region.”

Richard will continue to develop LNG and oil and gas related project opportunities, as well as upstream M&A and project and upstream finance and energy disputes. He will also augment the firm’s capabilities in London between its corporate, finance and LNG practitioners in EMEA, the US and Asia.

“We continue to focus on attracting high calibre lateral partners to the firm and, in Richard’s case, someone who will expand our international energy capabilities,” said Dominic Griffiths, Mayer Brown’s London managing partner. “Richard brings a wealth of global experience and contacts and his positioning as a conduit between London and the rest of the world for oil and gas advice means that we are uniquely placed to offer clients premium advice in this booming market.”