LinkedIn
The value of the energy expert witness
In today’s energy industry, legal disputes often involve highly technical issues that require more than just legal expertise to resolve. This is where energy expert witnesses play a key role in bridging the gap between technical complexity and legal clarity. By providing independent, technically sound analysis and testimony, expert witnesses help legal teams and courts make informed decisions based on the realities of the industry.
As the global upstream energy landscape continues to evolve – with increasing regulatory scrutiny, market volatility, and growing concerns around energy security – the need for credible and experienced expert witnesses has never been greater.
Expert support in energy dispute resolution
RISC Advisory provides energy expert witness services to support the resolution of disputes in the energy industry, particularly in the upstream oil and gas sector.
Our experts are skilled at delivering technical arguments to non-technical readers. Our success in translating technical issues into understandable reports for legal firms and courts is a testament to our expertise. We understand that the duty of an energy expert witness is to the court, and our reputation for independence supports this commitment.
Our areas of expertise
RISC has provided energy expert witness support to court proceedings in several areas, including:
- Gas contract disputes
- Licence disputes
- Unitisation across boundaries and borders
- Redeterminations
- Project and contractual disputes
Technical excellence and independent insight
We leverage our deep knowledge of oil and gas basins, projects, statutory and regulatory approvals, compliance requirements, subsurface development, capital and operating costs, and markets to provide independent ‘sanity checks’ on information provided by proponents.
Our reports and commentary are crafted using language and formatting that is accessible to legal professionals and others without in-depth technical knowledge of the energy industry.
Our energy expert witness team
Our energy experts are recognised leaders in the industry and are frequently invited to speak at conferences, public forums, and professional events. With extensive experience in public debates and technical presentations, they bring insight and credibility to every engagement.
Geoff Salter
Reservoir Engineering | Petroleum Resource Development – Subsurface
Geoff brings decades of global experience in the upstream oil and gas industry, having excelled in both technical and management roles with major operators and consulting firms. His deep knowledge of the upstream energy sector enables him to consistently deliver realistic and insightful assessments, earning him an outstanding reputation.
Geoff’s professional achievements and contributions to the industry were recognised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers when he was appointed as a Distinguished Lecturer in 2020.
Expert knowledge highlight
Asset valuation
Bruce Gunn
Reservoir Engineering | Petroleum Resource Development – Subsurface
An expert in both conventional and unconventional resource assessments and valuations, Bruce has over 40 years of international experience and has worked on assets across the APAC and EMEA regions. Bruce is a specialist in the assessment and reporting of hydrocarbon reserves and is adept at coordinating multi-disciplinary studies.
Bruce has made two court appearances as an expert witness and has prepared expert witness reports in several other cases.
Expert knowledge highlight
Coal Seam Gas (CSG)/Coal Bed Methane (CBM)
Martin Wilkes
Facilities Engineering | Petroleum Resource Development – Infrastructure & ESG
Martin is a creative thinker with strong analytical skills, outstanding communication and a track record of influencing positive outcomes. With over 30 years in the international oil and gas industry, Martin’s experience encompasses upstream oil and gas, LNG, gas technology development and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance).
Martin’s exceptional leadership skills and insightful judgement were key factors in his appointed as Managing Director of RISC in 2017.
Expert knowledge highlight
Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)
Gavin Ward
Geoscience | Petroleum Resource Development – Subsurface
As a Chartered Accountant and professional Geoscientist, Gavin epitomises the multi-disciplinary nature of the RISC team. With over 35 years of industry experience that bridges the divide between technical and economic disciplines, he has reviewed and valued assets across the EMEA and North American regions.
Gavin’s technical and management skill has led to his award as an Honorary Life Member of the Petroleum Exploration Society of Great Britain.
Expert knowledge highlight
Geoscience
Bill Billingsley
Reservoir Engineering | Petroleum Resource Development – Subsurface
Bill has a deep understanding of private and listed businesses which, when combined with his extensive M&A experience, enables him to deliver exceptional upstream insights. He has over 25 years of international experience covering petroleum engineering, due diligence, financing and reserves assessments.
Bill is an outstanding communicator known for his natural ability to connect with stakeholders. He values diverse perspectives and fosters collaboration to deliver effective solutions.
Expert knowledge highlight
Mergers and acquisitions
Case study
In a dispute over the value of an exploration permit in New Zealand containing an equivocally commercial gas condensate discovery, RISC Advisory was engaged as an expert witness to…