Who’s Who Legal has recognized James H. Smellie in Canada and Derek Goodban in the U.K. among the world’s leading energy lawyers. The guide praised Smellie's “impressively in-depth knowledge” of energy regulation law and described Goodban as “one of the all-time greats.”

James Smellie, a senior partner in Gowling WLG’s Calgary office, has extensive experience in energy regulatory matters, administrative law and litigation. Practising primarily in the areas of oil and gas and electricity, Smellie has represented clients before numerous courts, boards and provincial regulatory tribunals.

Co-head of Gowling WLG’s global Energy Group and based in the firm’s London office, Derek Goodban has over 15 years of experience dealing with energy-related matters. With a particular focus on the electricity industry, Goodban advises private and public sector stakeholders on matters including major transactions (such as project development and transaction structuring), market transformation projects, a wide range of regulatory issues and energy trading arrangements.

Who’s Who Legal guides are among the world’s foremost legal directories, recognizing the top legal practitioners in over 100 countries across a range of business law areas. Listings are based on a comprehensive voting process that solicits feedback from clients, in-house counsel and peers.

Gowling WLG’s Energy Group has top-tier expertise across the sector, including nuclear, thermal, hydropower, wind, biomass, solar and storage. Whether advising on major energy transactions or projects, the deployment of new technology or the introduction of market and regulatory reforms, our team delivers innovative, pragmatic advice to clients around the world.