McGuireWoods is expanding its formidable energy industry capabilities with the arrival of London partner Simon Hems, who brings two decades of experience advising U.S. and European energy clients in litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. Hems joins McGuireWoods’ Business & Securities Litigation Department from Ince Gordon Dadds, where he led the energy and infrastructure group.
Hems primarily represents contractors and service companies in engineering and construction disputes, as well as matters arising out of offshore casualties, contracts for the provision of offshore services and project insurance coverage issues. He handles matters at all levels of the English court system and in international arbitration venues, including the International Chamber of Commerce, the London Court of International Arbitration, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law and the London Maritime Arbitrators Association.
“Simon’s transatlantic practice enhances our capabilities, particularly for our energy industry clients with projects in the United States and abroad,” said Jonathan Blank, chair of McGuireWoods’ Business & Securities Litigation Department.
“Simon is a highly respected litigator whose keen industry insight provides significant advantages to our clients, particularly during this period of uncertainty in the market,” added Ryan Purpura, leader of the firm’s energy industry team.
Hems’ recent experience includes assisting a Houston-based client navigating the termination of an offshore project in the Middle East due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also handled arbitrations for leading U.S. and European companies in the offshore oil and gas industry over the cancellation of major infrastructure projects because of the 2016 market downturn, and has represented industry clients in claims under construction all risks (CAR) insurance and for damage to offshore assets in the Gulf of Mexico caused by hurricanes.
“The depth and breadth of Simon’s experience in high-stakes commercial disputes is immensely valuable to our clients,” said Daniel Peyton, managing partner of McGuireWoods’ London office. “He is an important addition as the firm continues to expand in London.”
McGuireWoods’ commercial litigation team defends clients’ interests in domestic and cross-border matters in courtrooms and tribunals around the world. The firm represents energy industry clients in high-profile litigation, as well as regulatory matters, internal investigations and appeals.
“McGuireWoods has a powerful litigation practice with the legal, policy and business insight clients need to meet the challenges in today’s market,” Hems said. “The firm’s strong platform and global reach make this a perfect fit for my practice.”
