Pinsent Masons bolsters global energy offering with new corporate partner in Aberdeen

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has hired energy specialist Chris Sawyer to join the corporate team as a partner in the firm’s Aberdeen office from 27 May.

Chris most recently held the position of general counsel at independent energy company EnQuest PLC. Before that, he spent almost 18 years at global energy giant bp, including a year and a half as assistant general counsel for bp’s production and operations business. During his time at bp, Chris was instrumental in setting up and running bp Legal’s extended leadership team.

This background has given Chris an enviable expertise in helping global energy companies deliver projects across different jurisdictions while seeking to develop more carbon-neutral energy operations. He has demonstrable depth of experience, both within Scotland and across the global energy sector.

Chris’ practice will focus on serving Pinsent Masons’ large, international energy clients, drawing on his proven track record in mergers and acquisitions.

Julia Maguire, Global Sector Head for Energy at Pinsent Masons, said, “The energy market, both in the North Sea and globally, offers huge opportunities. We’ve seen our global energy practice grow by 90 per cent during the last four years alone. Our clients need guidance on navigating a shifting market, driven by the energy transition and the need to ensure a secure energy supply in the context of continuing geopolitical uncertainty.

Many larger energy companies are selling their mature assets to the smaller independent energy businesses who then redevelop them to extend their lifespan while reducing carbon emissions. Chris’ impressive expertise will help ensure we capitalise on these opportunities and continue to deliver our energy clients’ most important and most complex deals, across the globe.”

On joining Pinsent Masons, Chris said, “I worked very closely with Pinsent Masons during my time at bp and EnQuest. The firm always provided first-rate legal support, and I could see that there was a great workplace culture.

“The risks associated with operating in the North Sea have increased significantly in recent years because of regulatory scrutiny and fiscal pressures. However, these issues are not unique to the UK and lawyers need to understand how to mitigate risks across different jurisdictions. I’m confident that my experience of working closely with executives and boards of directors means I’m ideally placed to advise our clients who are navigating these complex issues.”

This appointment is the latest in a spate of corporate hires, following healthcare and higher education specialist Rachel Soundy joining as a corporate partner in Birmingham last month.