Becoming An Energy Lawyer

Energy and natural resources is a fast-changing sector. Climate change, renewable energy, diversification and shifting global politics all have a significant impact. Lawyers at Vinson & Elkins share their insights into what it means to build a career in this dynamic area.

Chambers Student: What is energy law? 

Lauren Davies, Partner: Energy law encompasses many areas of legal practice within the energy and infrastructure sectors, including corporate, commercial, finance, regulatory, tax, policy, and disputes work. The sector itself spans renewables, transitional fuels, oil and gas, power, infrastructure, petrochemicals, and more. At Vinson & Elkins, advising on energy law means high-value, international, and often groundbreaking transactions, projects, and disputes across various legal disciplines and involving a broad range of renewable, energy transition and traditional energy sources.

Steven Wilson, Counsel: International energy markets are navigating a volatile and uncertain landscape shaped by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and the energy transition. The war in Ukraine continues to strain natural gas supplies to Europe, forcing a shift toward LNG imports and renewable sources, while raising energy costs and complicating energy security. Recent conflict in the Middle East adds further instability, particularly in oil markets, increasing the risk of supply shocks. Meanwhile, global LNG markets face tight supply and high demand, especially from Asia and Europe, creating fierce competition and price volatility. Trade disputes and rising tariffs are disrupting the flow of energy technologies and critical materials, hampering clean energy deployment. At the same time, countries are racing to secure critical minerals essential for batteries, wind turbines, and solar panels, leading to geopolitical friction, resource nationalism, and long-term supply chain risks. Together, these factors present a difficult balancing act between ensuring energy security, managing affordability, and advancing the global energy transition.

Chambers Student: What does your day to day typically involve?

Lauren Davies: Travel, meetings and conference calls are a regular part of our work, as is drafting, negotiating and managing the legal documentation required to progress and close a transaction. Almost all of our matters are cross-border, involving jurisdictions across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and the United States. Each day can be different, which is part of what makes the work so engaging.

Louis Molloy, Associate: Day-to-day, associates take responsibility for managing communications with clients, local counsel and opposing counsel. At V&E, almost all matters span multiple jurisdictions and time zones, so it’s common to be juggling deadlines and workstreams across regions. You might work on an EPC or offtake agreement for a hydrogen project in Central America in the morning and switch to working on M&A documentation for a deal in Africa in the afternoon.

Eleanor Connolly*, Trainee: There’s no such thing as a typical day! I’m currently in my transactions seat, which means my work spans M&A, project development and finance. In one day, I might attend a client call for an upstream project in Tunisia, help review shareholder and subscription agreements for equity investors, and later work with the finance team on loan documents to secure project funding. This variety makes for a steep learning curve and broad exposure across the deal lifecycle.

Chambers Student: What is the role of an associate in energy transactions and projects?

Louis Molloy: Associates work within several sectors in the energy industry, including, but not limited to, oil and gas, renewable energy and wind power. Associates typically support senior associates and partners with drafting and negotiating key documents while taking the lead on ancillary agreements. They manage due diligence exercises, coordinate with local counsel, and assist with supervising trainees and paralegals on the matter. Staying organised and balancing these responsibilities enables associates to grow quickly as they build expertise and commercial judgment.

Chambers Student: Who do you collaborate with most frequently?

Louis Molloy: Internally, we collaborate closely with our project teams and, when needed, with colleagues from other practice groups. We also work alongside business services professionals, such as professional assistants, IT and office services, who are essential to keeping projects on track. Externally, we interact regularly with clients, their advisers, and lawyers representing counterparties. We also work with technical, financial and environmental consultants, as well as local lawyers handling jurisdiction-specific matters.

Eleanor Connolly: I work most closely with associates, particularly my supervisor. I’ve also contributed to business development initiatives, such as drafting articles for publication. Externally, I’ve liaised with local counsel in different jurisdictions and recently worked directly with a US-based project manager to coordinate EPC documentation for a chemicals facility.

Chambers Student: What skills make a successful energy lawyer? 

Afzaal Abidi, Associate: A successful energy lawyer needs to be adaptable and commercially minded. The sector is fast-moving and influenced by political, regulatory and technological developments, so it’s important to stay agile and think ahead. Clear communication is key, especially when dealing with cross-border teams and translating complex legal concepts for clients. Attention to detail is also crucial, whether you’re reviewing a contract or coordinating with local counsel across multiple jurisdictions. Finally, having a genuine interest in the sector makes a huge difference. The work is technical, but if you enjoy the subject matter, it becomes much more rewarding.

Chambers Student: How can junior lawyers stay informed?

Louis Molloy: Staying up to date is crucial given how dynamic the sector is. General news outlets are a good start, but industry-specific publications offer deeper insights. Associations such as the Westminster Energy Forum, the Association of International Energy Negotiators, and Offshore Energies UK regularly share useful updates and host events.

Eleanor Connolly: I enjoy listening to the FT News Briefing podcast during my commute — it’s a quick way to get up to speed. Attending webinars and in-person events is also valuable. Meeting others in the sector helps develop commercial perspective and keeps you connected to the real-world impact of your work.

Chamber Student: What guidance would you give to students considering energy law?

Afzaal Abidi: Be curious and open-minded. You can approach energy law through many different routes — M&A, finance, disputes — and each offers unique opportunities. It’s also helpful to reflect on what personally interests you about the sector, whether it’s the global scale, the sustainability angle or the tangible impact of your work.

Louis Molloy: Stay interested in both the industry and the legal frameworks. From oil and gas to renewables and the energy transition, there’s always something changing — new deals, new regulations, new technologies. Keep reading, stay informed, and don’t be afraid to dig into the technical side of things too.

Eleanor Connolly: Be proactive. Whether it’s attending open days, speaking with lawyers, or joining webinars — every experience helps you figure out what you enjoy. During training, say yes to opportunities outside your comfort zone. Business development, article writing and project coordination all build essential skills for a career in energy law.

CS: What sets V&E apart for those interested in energy work?

Eleanor Connolly: Energy is at the heart of V&E’s practice. The firm works on high-value, international deals and disputes across the full energy spectrum, from oil and gas to renewables and energy transition projects. Trainees benefit from a small intake, which means more responsibility and close mentorship from the start. The non-rotational second year gives you the flexibility to follow deals through from inception to close, which really accelerates your development. And while the work is serious, the culture — shaped by our Texan roots — is genuinely friendly and collaborative.

This information is provided by Vinson & Elkins LLP for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended, nor should it be construed, as legal advice.