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Greeno, Ted
Direct Tel: +44 20 7653-2030
London
Tel: +44 20 7653 2000 Fax: +44 20 7653 2100

Ted is Co-Managing Partner in Quinn Emanuel’s London office and Co-Chair of the firm’s Energy Disputes practice. Since 1989, he has conducted commercial litigation as lead partner in all of the higher English courts on disputes ranging from general contract and tort claims, to company law, M&A, public law, fraud, intellectual property, tax, and antitrust matters. He has also undertaken cases before the European Court of Justice, the Tax Tribunal, the Copyright Tribunal, a Select Committee of the House of Commons and as counsel in numerous international arbitrations and expert determinations.

Although much of his work has been in the oil, gas, and power sectors (both UK and international), in which he has specialised since the 1980's, he has acted on numerous disputes relating to engineering and construction contracts and defects, shareholder and private equity disputes, media and product liability law, defence contracts, pharmaceutical licensing disputes, professional negligence (legal, accounting and valuation) and accountancy disputes arising on completion accounts.

Ted has conducted international arbitrations involving oil, gas, power, minerals, defence, pharmaceuticals, investment partnerships, private equity, telecoms and other contracts in Africa, China, Europe, Central Asia, India, Indonesia, the Middle East, North America, South America, and the United Kingdom both as arbitrator and counsel.

Described as “legendary” in Legal 500 (2023), Ted has been ranked as a Band 1 leading practitioner by Chambers UK for over 25 years. Chambers UK said: “The “fantastic” Ted Greeno “is absolutely number one”. He is also one of three litigation lawyers listed in the Chambers UK list of 100 leading business lawyers, which comments: “Ted exercises impeccable judgment, gets to the heart of the issue and explains it simply. Very easy to get along with and good at communicating with all levels of the organisation.”

Teams led by Ted have won four Litigation Team of the Year Awards and one Arbitration Team of the Year Award. Unusually, if not uniquely, he is recognised by Who’s Who Legal as a Global Leader in three categories: Arbitration, Litigation and Energy.

 

 

 

 

 

  • Celestial Aviation (part of the AerCap group) v UniCredit in proceedings relating to a demand under a letter of credit made upon the loss or commercial aircraft following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which UniCredit declined to pay in reliance on sanctions. (Commercial Court 2023) 
  • Greensill Bank AG (in Administration v Zurich Insurance in proceedings brought under trade credit insurance policies relating to unpaid receivables. (Commercial Court, 2023)
  • Phones 4u (by its administrators) in proceedings against Telefonica, Vodafone and EE relating to their conduct in terminating their support contract, which led to the insolvency of Phones 4u. (Chancery Division, 2022).
  • Peter Bosworth and Colin Hurley in proceedings relating to an alleged $400 million oil trading fraud (Supreme Court in 2017 and the European Court of Justice in 2019).
  • Providence Resources in a dispute under a drilling contract with Transocean arising from delivery of a rig with defective well control equipment (in the Court of Appeal, 2016).
  • China Offshore Oil (Singapore) in a dispute with Vitol arising from the seizure of an oil tanker by port authorities in Nigeria (in the Commercial Court of England and Wales, 2012).
  • Sky TV in its successful recovery of £318 million damages from Electronic Data Systems for fraudulent misrepresentation in obtaining the contract to integrate BSkyB’s customer relationship management (CRM) call centre systems (in the UK Technology and Construction Court from 2007 to 2010).
  • Chevron in its successful defence of a claim by Total that their joint venture managing company was liable for the £1 billion costs of the Buncefield oil depot explosion and that, alternatively, Chevron was obliged to indemnify Total for its liability for those costs (in the Commercial Court of England and Wales in 2009, and the Court of Appeal in 2010).
  • Guy Hands and seventy-four other investors in Bertrand v Baker Tilly and Anor (2008), in a successful recovery of damages for negligent advice regarding the tax implications of film finance schemes (in the Chancery Division of the UK High Court of Justice).
  • Shell UK in proceedings before the Special Commissioners on how the Petroleum Revenue Tax applied to gas sold under the extended Brent Principal Agreement (in the Special Commissioners and Chancery Division in 2007).
  • Dana and Star Petroleum International on its recovery of damages from Woodside Kenya for breach of an obligation to drill a carried well under a farm-in agreement (in the Commercial Court of England and Wales in 2010).
  • ATP Oil & Gas Ltd on its successful defence of a claim by WesternGeco Ltd for a contractual indemnity under the standard contracts for the UK offshore oil and gas industry (formerly CRINE standard terms), against WesternGeco’s liability to compensate Total for damage to a wellhead marker buoy (in the Commercial Court of England and Wales in 2006).
  • Chevron Nigeria Ltd in successful interpleader proceedings against International Finance Corp., in which an English court upheld for the first time a purchaser’s equitable lien under a contract for work and materials (in the Commercial Court of England and Wales in 2005).
  • Intel Corporation against a defence by VIA Technologies, Inc to a patent enforcement action based on European competition law (in the Chancery Division of the Patents Court in 2003).
  • TXU Europe Energy Trading Ltd in its successful defence of claims by Enron Capital and Trade Resources Ltd for alleged breach of two long-term ‘Virtual Power Station’ agreements, valued by Enron at £1.2 billion (in the Commercial Court of England and Wales in 2002).
  • Amoco, BG, Amerada Hess, Phillips Petroleum, Agip and Fina as owners of the CATS North Sea gas pipeline in their successful claim under a send-or-pay gas transportation agreement with Enron, through which Enron sought to avoid paying for pipeline capacity and to ultimately escape its obligations under the J-Block take-or-pay gas agreements (in the Commercial Court of England and Wales, the Court of Appeal and, in 2001, the House of Lords).
  • Koch Hightex Gmbh on its successful claim against New Millennium Experience Company for cancelling the contract to supply the roof for the Millennium Dome (in the Chancery Division in 1998 and 2001 and the Court of Appeal in 1999).
  • BSkyB in proceedings against Performing Right Society Ltd, to determine the reasonable royalty payable for broadcast music (in the UK Copyright Tribunal in 1997).
  • The Ninian and Heather Field Groups (comprising 10 oil companies) in relation to a dispute with the Alwyn North and South Field Groups concerning the latter’s entitlement to transport crude oil from the Alwyn South Field without paying a tariff (Chevron UK Ltd v Total Oil Marine plc and Elf Exploration PLC (1996)  in the Chancery Division of the UK High Court of Justice).
  • Obtaining an anti-suit injunction restraining parallel proceedings in Texas, USA (Amoco (UK) Exploration Co and Ors v Enron Corp (1996) in the Commercial Court).
  • The owners of the Nelson gas field regarding proceedings arising from an expert’s equity redetermination under the Nelson Field Unitization Agreement (Svenska and Neste v Shell, Esso, Enterprise and Enterprise Elf (1992) in the Chancery Division of the UK High Court of Justice).
  • Grand Metropolitan on its claim for the deferred purchase price of the William Hill betting business sold to Brent Walker; and defending Brent Walker’s claim for a £300 million price adjustment based on completion accounts to be determined by an expert accountant. The matter involved successful High Court proceedings for summary judgment of £50 million in 1990; and obtaining an Order for rectification of the relevant agreement following a four week trial; and proceedings before the expert accountant with regard to accounting issues (in the Chancery Division of the High Court and Court of Appeal of England and Wales in 1991, and the Chancery Division of the High Court of Justice in 1996).
  • BSkyB on claims brought following the merger of BSB and Sky Television, defending numerous and substantial claims totalling £290 million, brought by consumer electronics companies in relation to the development and manufacture of systems unique to the old BSB technology. Judgments include Tatung UK v BSkyB 1993, Philips v BSkyB 1994 and Gillatt v Sky Television 2000 (all in the Court of Appeal of England and Wales).

Most of Ted’s arbitrations are confidential. However, arbitrations that are in the public domain include:

  • Braeburn Inc. v Camerus AB
  • DP World v Republic of Djibouti
  • Enron Oil and Gas India Ltd v Oil and Natural Gas Corporation and another
  • Elpis Finance v International Petroleum Refining Services
  • Creighton Ltd v Government of the State of Qatar
  • Svenska Petroleum v Government of Lithuania (as arbitrator)
  • Shell Egypt West Manzala v Dana Gas Egypt Ltd.
  • College of Law
    (1981)
  • Kings College, University of London
    (LLB, Honors, 1980)
  • Solicitor, England and Wales
    • Higher Rights of Audience (Civil)
  • Solicitor, Hong Kong
  • Herbert Smith Freehills LLP:
    • Partner, Litigation & Arbitration Department, 1989-2013
    • Associate, 1983-1989
    • Articled Clerk, 1981-1983
  • Ted has been recognised to the “Hall of Fame” by Legal 500 United Kingdom for his work in Commercial Litigation: Premium, 2025.
  • Ted has been recognised by Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Litigators, International Disputes & Arbitration, esp. Energy, 2024
  • Ted is recognised in The Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom for Litigation, Arbitration and Mediation and Energy and Natural Resources Law (2025).
  • Ted has been recognised by Lawdragon 500 Global Plaintiff Lawyers - Complex Litigation, Inc. Financial, Energy, 2024
  • Ted has been recognised by Chambers Global UK - Commercial and Corporate Litigation, 2024
  • Ted has been recognised by Chambers Global UK - Energy & Natural Resources: Disputes, 2024
  • Ted has been recognised by Who’s Who Legal, Thought Leaders Global Elite, Energy – Oil & Gas, 2024
  • Ted has been recognised by Who's Who Legal - Commercial Litigation, 2024
  • Ted has been recognised by Benchmark Litigation - Litigation Star, 2024
  • Ted has been inducted to the “Hall of Fame” by Legal 500 United Kingdom 2024 for his work in Commercial Litigation: Premium.
  • Ted has been recognised as a “Recommended Individual” by Legal 500 United Kingdom 2024 in Fraud: (Civil)., International Arbitration, Projects, Energy and Natural Resources: Oil & Gas and Commodities Disputes.
  • Ted has been recognised in Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Global Litigators Guide 2023 for his work in International Disputes & Arbitration, especially Energy.
  • Ted is been recognised by Who’s Who Legal  as a Global Leader in three categories: Arbitration, Litigation and Energy (2023)
  • Ted is recognised as a ‘Global Leader’ by Who’s Who Legal’s International Guides in three categories: Commercial Litigation, Arbitration and Energy - Oil & Gas. He is also recognised as a ‘Thought Leader’ in Firm Management.
  • Ted led the team that won ‘Arbitration Team of the Year’ at the 2021 British Legal Awards.
  • Ted led the teams that won ‘Litigation Team of the Year’ at The Lawyer Awards in 2009 and 2010; ‘Litigation Team of the Year’ at the British Legal Awards in 2010; and Legal Business ‘Litigation Team of the Year’ in 2011. Ted was also nominated for ‘Partner of the Year’ at The Lawyer Awards in 2010.
  • Ted is recognised as a leader (Band 1) in the fields of Dispute Resolution and Energy and Natural Resources in the major UK and international legal directories. He is also listed in Chambers UK's list of 100 leading business lawyers and is one of the 10 leading UK lawyers listed in Reuters' Superlawyers.

Accolades include:

“Ted Greeno. He is an exceptional lawyer with a great gift for understanding the points that will put pressure on the other side, not just legal points but practical and presentational points that depend on his acute assessment of how the arbitral tribunal will react to particular submissions and arguments.” Legal 500 United Kingdom (2024)

“They are talented and committed across the board. Nick Marsh, and all the associates led by the legendary Ted Greeno are without exception outstanding.” Legal 500 United Kingdom (2024)

"He remains at the top of his game." Chambers (2024)

"Ted is a very experienced and knowledgeable lawyer who has a good strategic mind." "He is extremely good, has great judgement and is decisive." "He is a strong litigator".’ Chambers Global (2022)

"Pre-eminent energy disputes lawyer" Ted Greeno focuses his practice on oil and gas litigation over production sharing agreements, joint operating agreements and LNG price reviews. He also has noted experience in LCIA arbitrations. One market source says: "He's seen everything before and he's not fazed by anything," adding: "He's got an excellent grasp on how to win." Chambers Global (2020)

‘Ted Greeno spearheads the dispute resolution practice at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP and is regarded by one client as 'simply the best oil and gas litigator in London'. Legal 500 (2019)

Ted Greeno is one of the foremost litigators in the UK, particularly on commercial disputes in the energy sector. Chambers UK (2019)

"Chair of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan's energy litigation group Ted Greeno is endorsed by commentators as ‘a sterling energy arbitration lawyer’. He is highly esteemed for his litigation record in national and international oil, gas and power disputes. One client states: ‘He's probably the top oil and gas litigator in England. He's excellent.’ " Chambers UK (2018)

"He has rightly gained a reputation as a true expert," says one source, while another adds: "He works incredibly hard to get the best results for his client and has an excellent grasp of the legal issues." Chambers UK (2017)

"He is one of the best in the business," sources say; "he is extremely experienced, thinks about legal issues deeply and comes up with good solutions to problems." Chambers UK (2016)

“Ted Greeno…is a highly respected commercial litigator with significant energy sector expertise. Solicitors and barristers are impressed with his abilities, describing him as a "phenomenal litigator" and a "formidable opponent." Another source commented: "He has a genuine interest and instinct for the law and he is a very good analyser of legal problems." Chambers UK (2015)

‘He really is an éminence grise – a very clever fox’ and ‘Ted is extremely knowledgeable – he's one of the great and good and full of energy.’ Chambers UK (2014)

'Ted exercises impeccable judgment, gets to the heart of the issue and explains it simply. Very easy to get along with and good at communicating with all levels of the organisation.' Chambers UK 100 (2013)

'The “fantastic” Ted Greeno, sources say, “is absolutely number one. He's very calm and very good at making judgment calls.”' Chambers UK (2013)

‘Top of the league, Ted Greeno is “tactically astute and completely reliable”’. Chambers UK (2012)

‘Ted Greeno’s disputes practice is immensely respected within the energy industry – a sector he is reputed to “have made his own”.’ Chambers UK (2012)

‘Unfailingly impressive.’ Chambers UK (2011)

Ted Greeno is someone in whom you can place complete confidence. His tactical acumen is second to none and his calm, clear, analysis of the facts and law is extremely helpful in stressful situations.’ Legal 500 (2010)

Ted Greeno is “a hard tactical player and a redoubtable opponent”.’ Chambers UK (2009)

‘The disputes team is “hard to beat”, fielding the likes of the “legendary expert” Ted Greeno.' Chambers Global (2007), Energy and Natural Resources

Highly recommended litigation partners include Ted Greeno, “whose intellectual ability and tactical expertise one would find hard to fault”.' Legal 500 (2005)

‘Ted Greeno [is] known among peers as an aggressive fighter who is “happy to go to the nth degree”.’ Chambers (2003–2004)

'Ted Greeno has the respect, and sometimes the fear, of the competition.’ Chambers (2003–2004)

 

  • Ted sits on the London Commercial Court Users Committee. Over the years he has also sat on its sub-committees on Alternative Dispute Resolution, review of the Commercial Court Guide, Arbitration Appeals and on the Court's participation in the Jackson review on costs.
  • Ted also sat on the "Unlocking Disputes" committee with representatives of the Judiciary, Bar and Ministry of Justice responsible for promoting London as a centre of international dispute resolution occasioned by the opening of the Rolls Building business courts.