Upstream Legal Advisors
Specialist Oil & Gas Law Firm
Strategic Legal Insight for the Global Energy Sector
We advise oil & gas producers, trading houses, and investors on complex upstream, LNG, and cross-border energy transactions, from contract structuring to dispute resolution.
Request a ConsultationAbout Us
Upstream Legal Advisors is a boutique law firm dedicated to complex matters in the global oil & gas value chain.
Upstream Legal Advisors is a premier law firm specializing in the complex legal landscape of the global oil and gas industry. With decades of collective experience, our team of attorneys and consultants are well-versed in navigating upstream energy contracts, multinational regulatory frameworks, and high-stakes oil sales transactions.
Our reputation is built on precision, responsiveness, and a deep understanding of the intricacies of cross-border energy deals. We work closely with oil producers, investors, and governments to safeguard legal interests and maximize value across the deal lifecycle, from farm-ins and bid rounds to long-term offtake arrangements.
We recognize that the upstream oil and gas sector demands swift, intelligent action. Our approach combines rigorous due diligence with real-world commercial insight to solve today’s regulatory and contractual challenges. Whether advising on production sharing agreements, state licensing compliance, or complex M&A, Upstream Legal Advisors is the trusted partner for risk-sensitive legal counsel.
The firm is headquartered in Houston, Texas, with a network of trusted colleagues across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Our multilingual, multidisciplinary team delivers practical outcomes that align legal solutions with your strategic and operational objectives.
Lead partners with deep experience in exploration, production, and energy M&A mandates.
Projects spanning North America, Europe, West Africa, and the Middle East.
Advisory experience on high-value upstream, LNG, and midstream transactions.
ICSID and UNCITRAL energy-sector disputes, including investor–state matters.
Our Services
Integrated legal support for the full lifecycle of oil & gas projects, from bid strategy to post-closing.
Contract Negotiation & Drafting
Expert drafting and review of oil sales agreements, joint operating agreements (JOAs), farm-out and farm-in arrangements, and production sharing contracts (PSCs).
Regulatory & Compliance Advisory
Advice on upstream petroleum laws, export controls, sanctions, environmental licensing, and local content requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
Due Diligence & Transaction Support
Comprehensive legal due diligence for acquisitions, disposals, and investment into upstream assets, including title, concession rights, and contract risk.
Risk Management & Governance
Legal strategies for managing geopolitical, operational, and compliance risks, including robust governance frameworks and contractual protections.
International Arbitration & Disputes
Representation and advisory services in cross-border energy disputes, ICSID and UNCITRAL arbitration, and enforcement of awards in key energy markets.
Licensing, Permits & Government Interface
Support in acquiring exploration and production licenses, government consents, environmental permits, and negotiating host government agreements.
Energy Sector Focus
We focus on high-value upstream and midstream mandates where specialist sector knowledge matters most.
Upstream Exploration & Production
Concession agreements, blocks, licensing rounds, and joint venture structuring for exploration and production assets.
LNG & Gas Commercialisation
Gas supply, LNG offtake, and long-term sales agreements supporting LNG projects and gas-to-power initiatives.
Energy Trading & Offtake
Crude and product trading documentation, lifting arrangements, and credit-risk mitigants for offtakers and traders.
Disputes, Arbitration & Enforcement
Investor–state and commercial disputes arising from concessions, expropriation claims, and contractual breaches.
Meet Our Team of Experts
A senior team combining oil & gas sector knowledge with international dispute and regulatory capability.
John Carter
Managing Partner
Former General Counsel at a major U.S. oil producer with 20+ years in upstream M&A, JOAs, and cross-border contract negotiation across North America and West Africa.
Sarah Chen
Regulatory Specialist
Expert in U.S. and EU environmental and energy-sector regulation, advising on sanctions, export controls, and ESG-driven compliance frameworks.
David Miles
Arbitration Counsel
Leads our arbitration practice, representing clients in ICSID and UNCITRAL disputes involving upstream oil & gas projects in Africa and the Middle East.
Anna Petrova
Licensing & Permitting Advisor
Advises on licensing strategy, regulatory approvals, and stakeholder engagement across frontier and emerging upstream markets.
Connect With Us
Looking for trusted legal counsel in oil & gas? Share a short brief about your project, transaction, or dispute and a senior member of the team will respond.
No obligation consultation. Confidential inquiries only.