Richard Nelson

Title: Partner
Division: Corporate (energy)
Location: Singapore

As a student I studied Anglo-French Law at King's College, London and the Sorbonne, Paris, before taking my first job at Linklaters.

In July 2008 I moved to Herbert Smith because I was attracted by the energy team’s strong reputation. I was also offered partnership and the chance to relocate to Singapore.

Herbert Smith's reputation as a top-tier, multi-practice office is growing in Singapore. The energy team has acted on a number of major transactions recently, including bids for several of Singapore's power stations and the development of the new Singapore LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) terminal. We are also gaining recognition due to our office expansion, high profile credentials and the recent award of a licence to advise on Singapore law (we were one of only seven international firms to receive such a licence).

My personal highlight has been organising and participating in the International Energy Week in Singapore in November 2008. We were invited to collaborate with the Energy Market Authority of Singapore (Singapore Government) to organise a conference on Sustainable Energy as part of this inaugural, week-long event. The event was very well attended by many of our target and high-growth clients.

The vast majority of my work is cross border. Recent examples include the refinancing for BG plc of a power station in the Philippines, advising an international oil major on a regional divestment and a Singapore-based corporate on bids to acquire oil and gas assets in Europe and Africa.

Working here has enabled me to branch out and start developing an entirely new practice in Singapore and across South East Asia, which has been extremely rewarding.