Energy Disputes Partner Joins IDR Team at Squire Patton Boggs

Squire Patton Boggs has announced the appointment of International Dispute Resolution (IDR) partner Ben Holland, who has joined the firm from Covington & Burling in London.

Mr. Holland’s practice focuses on energy-related disputes, particularly in the oil and gas, power, renewables, utilities and mining sectors. Specialising in multi-jurisdictional large-scale commercial dispute resolution for UK and international clients, Mr. Holland has a particular focus on pricing disputes under long-term international oil, gas, LNG and coal supply agreements. He also focuses on disputes arising from the impact of changes in the price of crude oil on other commodities.

Mr. Holland is recommended by leading legal directories, and he has been described by Chambers & Partners in its UK 2013 guide as a ‘true energy disputes lawyer.’

Peter Crossley, European and Middle East Managing Partner of Squire Patton Boggs, said:

“London continues to be a very significant centre for handling international disputes and we are seeing increasing demand for IDR experts in London, particularly resulting from the expansion of our Middle East practice through our combination with Patton Boggs earlier this year.”

“Ben is one of the leading lawyers in the energy disputes field and we are delighted to welcome a partner of his pedigree to the firm.”

Global Chair of Squire Patton Boggs’ International Dispute Resolution practice, George von Mehren, commented:

“We have a market leading team for gas pricing disputes and Ben’s background and experience are highly synergistic with the work that we already do in this area. Ben’s arrival will add to the strength of this team, enhance our offering to clients, and help us achieve our goal to be a dominant firm in the international energy dispute resolution market.”

Carol Welu, London Head of International Dispute Resolution at Squire Patton Boggs, added:

“Ben will be a great addition to our expanding IDR team globally. Over the past year, we’ve added 26 lawyers to the group, including three in London.”

In London, Mr. Holland joins James Barratt who arrived from O’Melveny & Myers in September and Alexis Martinez who joined the firm from Allen &?Overy at the end of last year. Mr. Holland said:

“The price that you pay for energy around the world is an issue that affects everyone: businesses, consumers, producers, buyers and traders. I have always been a specialist energy disputes lawyer because I enjoy studying the technical and economic details that arise in energy sector disputes – particularly those that impact on energy prices. I’m pleased to join a firm with such a track record of success in this area of law.”