He is a guest lecturer on the LLM Securities Law course at Queen Mary University of London, is consistently named as a top practitioner in Commodities: Derivatives in both Legal 500 and Chambers and he has received the following recognition from these independent legal directories and from the industry:
- Chambers UK 2018 describes Brett as “a good communicator and a people’s lawyer” and able to “explain legalese with ease”.
- Chambers UK 2017 describes Brett as “an expert in financial regulation and offers good commercial advice”
- He always delivers “good, strong advice”. Legal 500 2016
- “Regularly advises clients on commodity derivatives matters. His broad practice encompasses complex financial arrangements and regulatory issues.” Chambers UK 2016
- Described as having “a wealth of practical and industry experience on the regulatory side”. Legal 500 2015
- “He wins plaudits for being ‘effective, efficient and pragmatic,’ as well as ‘very responsive - he clearly has a great grasp of the practice area and the commercialism of the sector’.” Chambers UK 2015
- “Clients are ‘very happy with the regulatory advice' of Brett Hillis” by Legal 500 2014
- Described as a "technically sound lawyer" with a "strong focus on energy trading and derivatives" by Chambers UK 2014
- Rated as a leading individual for commodity derivatives by Legal 500 2013
- Described as "always responsive and easy to work with" by Legal 500 2012
- "Clients value his ‘extremely practical, hands-on approach’ and his responsiveness" by Chambers UK 2009
- Recommended by Legal 500 2009 and 2010
- Member of FIA Europe's Energy and Emissions Working Group
- Member of the joint associations Commodity Derivatives Working Group (CDWG)
On the transactional side, Brett has particular expertise in helping clients to structure and document transactions where regulatory constraints and other limiting requirements are particularly intense or rapidly evolving. Brett advises on complex commodity derivatives transactions, exchange-traded commodity products (ETPs), energy management services arrangements, tolling agreements, structured energy supply transactions and renewable energy development.
On the regulatory side, Brett is most well-known for helping clients navigate the changing shape of financial regulation as it affects derivatives and securities markets. He also advises on a broad range of regulatory matters including regulatory capital, market abuse, client money, financial sanctions, anti-bribery and corruption, asset management, payment services, consumer credit, insurance mediation, and financial sector outsourcing and M&A. He has also helped establish exchanges and trading facilities. Brett joined the firm in May 2011.
