Introduction
The players of regulated industries face the challenges of operating in an increasingly stringent regulatory regime. Increased vigilance and proactivity is required of businesses active in these markets. A deep understanding of the changing regulatory landscape and emerging trends is vital for efficient operation in these highly regulated markets. Equally, familiarity with the approach and expectations of regulatory authorities is also of paramount importance.
We are aware that, in a number of sectors and industries, the successful and reliable legal advice takes more than just an exceptional knowledge of the law and a meticulous attention to detail. Oppenheim has therefore created a dedicated practice group whose members specialize in supporting clients active in regulated industries and sectors. Our specialized lawyers are not only experts in the various sector specific (national and EU) law and regulation but also possess an intricate knowledge of how these industries work, understand their trends and are deeply familiar with the practice of the regulatory authorities.
We have extensive experience in a number of sectors and have provided legal advice and support to market players, regulatory authorities and even the legislator on a wide array of issues. We have particular expertise in the energy (natural gas, electricity, renewable energy sources), mining, utilities (water and sewage), healthcare and pharmaceuticals and transport sectors.
Services
We provide high quality legal advice and support in the following areas:
- Licensing and permits
- Industry specific contracts
- Competitive bids and auctions
- Compliance
- Preparation and commenting draft legislation
- Price regulation
- Public administration procedures
- Dispute resolution in industry specific matters
Team
Awards and rankings
Legal500
Oppenheim’s regulatory, energy, utilities and healthcare team is regularly ranked as market leading by Legal500:
‘Always professional’, Oppenheim’s ‘highly educated’ and ‘deeply informed’ team advised a European energy trader on its entry into the Hungarian electricity trading market, and acted for a Swiss and Czech company in a cross-border energy dispute. Other clients include a German energy giant. Practice head Gergely Légrádi provides ‘professional service’ and ‘timely execution’.
Chambers and Partners
Chambers and Partners also recognizes our team’s efforts by ranking Oppenheim’s practice group as market leading:
Commentators single out this firm for regulatory work, contentious energy matters and energy trading. It continues to assist a German energy company with everyday operations and represents a Slovenian energy company in a multimillion-euro arbitration claim arising out of a European Federation of Energy Traders-based electricity sale and purchase agreement. Other highlights include advising a European energy company on entering the market and establishing its Hungarian platform, and assisting another significant client with gas purchase contracts. Large multinational and Hungarian energy companies are amongst the firm’s other key clients. Sources say: “The advice was perfect in terms of both the quality and the response time.” “Their lawyers know how to deal with customers and get us good results.” “They are always quick and effective and understand what I am asking for.” Gergely Légrádi is well known for his knowledge of regulatory and energy trading matters. Sources say: “He is a very amiable individual with an extraordinarily firm grasp of the law.” He advises on contentious matters and represented a Swiss and Czech company in a complex dispute concerning the allocation of cross-border capacity in the electricity industry.