Wragge & Co has boosted its growing international projects practice with the hire of former Norton Rose partner Jonathan Brufal. Jonathan, a projects expert who specialises in major energy, water, mining and infrastructure projects, joined the firm on 10 April 2012.
He will work alongside head of projects David Fennell, head of energy Derek Goodban and head of energy and infrastructure finance Kieron Dwyer to build a strong international projects practice. His arrival takes the total number of energy, infrastructure and projects partners to 12.
Senior partner Quentin Poole said: “Jonathan has entrepreneurial flair, excellent technical skills, a first-class CV and a superb reputation in the international projects market. His appointment is another step in our continued international development and adds heavyweight credentials in strategically important growth areas: projects, energy and infrastructure.”
Jonathan Brufal said: “International projects is a competitive market, but there is a real opportunity for a firm offering a cost-effective, partner-led service that delivers high-quality advice and excellent client service. Wragge & Co has that reputation and is committed to growing its international projects practice. I am looking forward to being part of its continued success.”
A partner in Norton Rose’s Abu Dhabi and London offices from 2006 to 2011, Jonathan has worked on a wide range of power, utility, mining and PPP projects. His strong track record includes advising government entities, sponsors, lenders and contractors on projects in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Energy highlights include advising the lenders behind a Japanese sponsor’s bid for the Shuweihat S3 independent power project (IPP) in Abu Dhabi. Jonathan led the team advising the Government of Bahrain, in partnership with HSBC, on the Muharraq wastewater PPP project – recognised as the Middle East Infrastructure Deal of the Year by PFI Magazine. He also acted for the Government of Yemen and the International Finance Corporation on a privatisation strategy for three thermal IPPs in Yemen.
His water and infrastructure work includes wastewater projects in Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, as well as road, port and airport projects across the Middle East. He has handled mining projects in Africa and South America, including the US$700 million project financing of the Lumwana Copper Mine in Zambia. Additional projects experience includes schools, waste management, health and housing PPP projects.
Jonathan is the second international partner to join this year. His arrival follows that of new head of international construction disputes Anthony Wilson in March 2012. Anthony joined from Middle East-based arbitration firm Hafez where he was a partner and head of construction disputes.
In October 2011, former DLA Piper projects partner Gurmeet Kaur joined Wragge & Co Legal Consultants LLC as head of projects in the UAE. A projects specialist, Gurmeet advises public and private sector clients on water, waste, energy, transport and construction projects.
Wragge & Co’s international projects practice is a cross-firm team comprising experts in structuring, financing and delivering high-profile projects across the world. Its lawyers focus on a number of sectors including energy, health, waste, infrastructure, transport and defence.
Highlights include advising on a US$230 million oil and gas finance facility in Nigeria, a desalination project in Namibia, road projects in Croatia, strategic health projects in the UAE and a £20 billion European defence procurement project.
