United Kingdom > London > Projects, energy and natural resources > Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables)
Index of tables
Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables)
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- Baker & McKenzie LLP
- Chadbourne & Parke (London) LLP
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Hogan Lovells International LLP - Simmons & Simmons LLP
- Vinson & Elkins RLLP
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- Addleshaw Goddard LLP
- Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP
- Bird & Bird
- Bond Pearce LLP
- Burges Salmon LLP (Bristol)
- Clyde & Co LLP
- DLA Piper UK LLP
- Dundas & Wilson LLP
- Eversheds LLP
- Jones Day
- Latham & Watkins LLP
- Mayer Brown International LLP
- Nabarro LLP
- Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
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Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP - Squire Sanders LLP
- Trinity International LLP
- Trowers & Hamlins LLP
- Watson, Farley & Williams LLP
- Wragge & Co LLP
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- Bevan Brittan LLP
- Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
- E&A Law
- Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP
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Fulbright & Jaworski International LLP -
K&L Gates LLP - Lawrence Graham LLP
- McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP
Leading individuals
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- David Baker - White & Case LLP
- Jeffery Barratt - Norton Rose LLP
- Nicholas Buckworth - Shearman & Sterling LLP
- Simon Currie - Norton Rose LLP
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John Deacon -
Hogan Lovells International LLP - John Dewar - Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP
- Ross Fairley - Burges Salmon LLP
- Jeremy Gewirtz - Linklaters LLP
- Andrew Grenville - Clifford Chance
- Paula Hodges - Herbert Smith LLP
- John Inglis - Shearman & Sterling LLP
- Jason Kerr - White & Case LLP
- Robert Lane - CMS Cameron McKenna LLP
- Richard Metcalf - Norton Rose LLP
- Charlotte Morgan - Linklaters LLP
- Mark Newbery - Herbert Smith LLP
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Douglas Nordlinger -
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP - Tim Pick - Shearman & Sterling LLP
- John Pickett - Linklaters LLP
- Gareth Price - Allen & Overy LLP
- Julia Pyke - Herbert Smith LLP
- Ian Salter - Burges Salmon LLP
- Marcus Trinick - Eversheds LLP
- Neil Upton - SJ Berwin LLP
- Douglas Wardle - Watson, Farley & Williams LLP
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Matthew Williams -
Hogan Lovells International LLP - Charles Wood - SNR Denton
Allen & Overy LLP acts across the spectrum of practice areas in virtually every power subsector, advising a broad array of clients. Among recent work, Gareth Price has been advising Hitachi GE Nuclear on its investment in the development of the Visaginas nuclear power plant in Lithuania. The firm is also acting on three of the largest IPPs in the Middle East, including the Sur IPP in Oman. Price, who also took over as head of project finance after the retirement of Anne Baldock in April 2012, is ‘absolutely the most talented and knowledgeable legal adviser in nuclear energy’.
CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is ‘authoritative with respect to the power industry, and provides high-quality legal support’. Active across all sectors and with a strong UK focus, the firm is lead adviser to the joint venture between ScottishPower and National Grid for the Western HDVC Link. Robert Lane is ‘outstanding in the field of energy regulation, and brings a wealth of experience to difficult and complex issues’.
Clifford Chance has acted on some of the most significant deals and projects in the power market in recent years. In 2011, it closed the $17bn reverse takeover of client International Power by GDF SUEZ. The London team remains part of a large cross-office group advising the international lenders on the $3bn coal-fired ultra mega power plant in Sasan, India. On the contentious side, Audley Sheppard recently represented The Republic of Poland at an Energy Charter Treaty tribunal, successfully obtaining dismissal of claims by the claimant company alleging breach of the treaty. Andrew Grenville heads the group.
Herbert Smith LLP is ‘a pure energy firm’ with ‘excellent sector experience’. Group head Mark Newbery ‘provides good leadership’; nuclear specialist Julia Pyke is ‘excellent’; and senior associate Sarah Pollock has ‘a broad knowledge of diverse nuclear topics’. Adrian Clough is leading the advice to The Bureau of Public Enterprises of Nigeria on the privatisation of the 17 successor companies to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria.
Linklaters LLP has ‘extensive knowledge in various jurisdictions for a variety of stakeholders’, and is ‘equally well placed to advise lenders and project sponsors’. Clive Ransome has ‘excellent knowledge of all aspects of the power business, including the latest technologies’; and Daniel Tyrer also attracts praise from clients. The firm acted forCo Energy on its acquisition of Powerfuel Power and Powerfuel Mining.
Ashurst recently advised the lenders, including Japan Bank for International Cooperation, on the financing of the $1.7bn Shuweihat S3 IPP. Antony Skinner heads the renewables team, which is advising DONG Energy and ScottishPower Renewables on their joint venture for the development of the West of Duddon Sands wind farm. David Wadham heads the firm’s Gulf power group.
Particularly active in renewables, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is ‘very experienced and provides excellent advice’. Paul Bowden and Sally Roe advised URENCO on its acquisition of land at the Capenhurst nuclear site in Cheshire; and Alex Carver is advising the European Investment Bank on the financing of the offshore transmission assets of six offshore wind farms.
The highly regarded John Dewar heads the team at Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP, and continues to act on an impressive roll call of mega-projects. Recent work includes assisting BNP Paribas in the $3.5bn financing of the Marafiq IWPP, one of several high-profile lenders’ mandates in the Middle East.
Truly international in scope, Norton Rose LLP acts for clients including energy majors, governments and industry bodies. Prominent in conventional and nuclear, the firm recently advised Inter Rao UES on a feasibility study to attract international investment into the development of the Baltic nuclear power plant. With a highly regarded renewables practice, the firm is advising Masen Ouarzazate on the tender process for the Ouarzazate Solar Power Complex, one of the world’s largest solar energy projects. Simon Currie is the firm’s head of energy.
Pinsent Masons LLP has expertise in the areas of onshore and offshore wind, and nuclear new build and decommissioning. It recently advised East Anglia Offshore Wind Limited on procurement strategy for its offshore wind farm projects in the region. The firm hired Christopher White, formerly EDF Energy’s nuclear legal head, to co-lead the nuclear team with group head Paul Rice.
A leading presence in the regulatory arena, SNR Denton in 2011 acted for Ofgem, the Environment Agency, and the Department of Energy and Climate Change, which it is advising on the Green Deal programme. On the nuclear side, the firm advised successful bidders for three of the UK’s decommissioning projects. Lucille De Silva has ‘an understanding of commercial pressures and how contracts need to cover all circumstances’. The highly regarded Charles Wood heads the team.
Shearman & Sterling LLP is ‘experienced in wind project financing and analysing the risks associated with offtake agreements and EPC equity agreements’. Recent projects include the Dorper Wind Farm in South Africa, on which Nicholas Buckworth is advising the successful bidding consortium. Buckworth is praised for his skills at the negotiation table.
Slaughter and May’s recent transactions include advising Centrica on the formation of a joint venture with DONG Energy to co-develop offshore wind farms in the Irish Sea; and also on its joint venture with the same partner in relation to the Lincs offshore wind farm.
Highlights for finance powerhouse White & Case LLP included advising the lending consortium on the $1bn gas-fired Gebze Power Project in Turkey; and, on the corporate side, advising GMR Group on the sale of its 50% stake in power plant owner InterGen NV to the state-owned China Huaneng Group. The firm is also active in hydropower matters, nuclear-related disputes and renewables.
Neil Donoghue at Baker & McKenzie LLP continues to act for KEPCO on the project financing and development of a $30bn nuclear power plant in the UAE. The firm has also been active in conventional and renewable projects domestically and internationally.
Agnieszka Klich at Chadbourne & Parke (London) LLP advised the winning consortium, ACWA Power, on the $1.5bn development of the Al Qurayyah IPP in Saudi Arabia. The team has a strong Africa focus, with Robin Mizrahi recently leading a team advising the Morocco state owned utility, Office National de L’Electricité, on its tender for the Tarfaya Wind Project.
The highly regarded projects team at Hogan Lovells International LLP advised the lenders to the Blue Transmission consortium, including Santander and ING, on its successful bid for the transmission link to the Walney 1 offshore wind farm. Matthew Williams is highly rated, and John Deacon also attracts praise from clients and peers.
Simmons & Simmons LLP has a strong African projects practice, and recently assisted AES Corporation in reaching financial close on the Dibamba IPP in Cameroon. The firm is also advising AES on the Kribi IPP in the same country. Domestically, it has been active in CHT and energy-from-waste projects. Julian Nichol ‘cuts to the chase in his approach to negotiations’.
Vinson & Elkins RLLP secured a variety of high-profile mandates, with highlights including work in the US, the Middle East and Africa. The firm has been involved in the privatisation of the Nigerian electricity market as well as handling nuclear and renewable matters.
Addleshaw Goddard LLP’s practice spans finance, planning and regulatory in conventional, nuclear and renewables. Team head Richard Goodfellow also acts as head of legal for the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation, which the firm has advised on several matters.
In 2011, Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP was active in several high-profile arbitration and litigation cases. On the corporate side, Robert Gross advised Mid Europa Partners on a further investment in Energy 21, a Czech-based developer of solar power.
Bird & Bird’s renewables practice was buoyed by the arrival of Matt Bonass and Michael Rudd from SNR Denton in 2011. A major force in the domestic solar and CHP markets, the firm has also been very active on the disputes side, and is acting for RWE nPower at the Commercial Court in a complex multi-party dispute relating to damage to a power station. Andrew Renton, former head of energy at Dundas & Wilson LLP, joined in December 2011.
Bond Pearce LLP is ‘one of the top law firms in the country’ for the renewables sector. A cross-practice team is advising Renewable Energy Systems on all aspects of the Blyth Biomass Project, including consenting and deal structure. Luke Gabb heads the renewables group in Bristol, and Southampton-based Sebastian Briggs and Bristol-based Chris Towner are also recommended.
Burges Salmon LLP has an enviable reputation in nuclear. It recently advised the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority on the tender for the Dounreay site decommissioning, and on the NDA’s transfer of the Capenhurst site to uranium supplier URENCO. Mark Paterson’s team also has an strong reputation in renewables.
Clyde & Co LLP has an established presence in the Middle East and Africa, and has also been active domestically in biomass, solar and conventional energy mandates. Consultant Clare Hatcher is ‘well tuned in and firm at the negotiating table’; and senior associate David Owens is ‘reliable and a good communicator’.
DLA Piper UK LLP advised sponsors and lenders on an impressive list of projects in 2011. Dimitri Papaefstratiou acted for Eaga plc on Project Bright, the UK’s first large-scale rooftop photovoltaic project.
Prominent in onshore and offshore wind projects, Dundas & Wilson LLP acted for Scottish and Southern Energy on the sale of three of its wind farms to Terra Firma. Peter Willis attracts praise for his knowledge of EU/competition law and the Third Energy Package.
As well as having a prolific onshore and offshore wind practice, Eversheds LLP handled some high-profile nuclear mandates in 2011, including advising Nuclear Power Delivery UK on its proposed tender to Horizon Nuclear for the construction of new facilities at Wylfa and Oldbury.
Jones Day has been active in conventional and renewables, and has experience in nuclear decommissioning matters. It advised Saudi Masader Company on its bid for the Qurayyah power project in Saudi Arabia. Paul Exley, who joined from Simmons & Simmons LLP in September 2011, heads the group.
Craig Nethercott at Latham & Watkins LLP was part of a cross-office team which advised the managers on an Islamic finance bond issuance by a subsidiary of Saudi Electricity Company.
Mayer Brown International LLP’s team, headed by Robert Hamill, acted on a wide range of projects in 2011, including conventional, renewables and nuclear mandates. Gillian Sproul and Jonathan Hosie are other key figures.
Tom Bainbridge’s team at Nabarro LLP is advising 2CO Energy on the groundbreaking Don Valley Power Project, a leading example of carbon capture and storage technology in the UK. CHP, distributed energy and renewables remain core practice areas. Marc Isaacs attracts praise from clients.
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP’s London team head George Borovas has considerable nuclear expertise, and is currently advising a number of governments on the development of nuclear power programmes.
Douglas Nordlinger at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP advised China Three Gorges Corporation, a developer of hydropower projects, on its proposed bid for a 20% stake in Energias de Portugal SA.
Squire Sanders LLP has ‘longstanding and sound sector expertise in renewables/cleantech’, and recently acted for the shareholders of North British Windpower on its sale to EDF Energy Renewables. Team head Trevor Ingle is recommended.
Africa specialist Trinity International LLP continues to act on an array of deals on the continent. In other regions, the firm is advising EPC Global Energy on the development of a wind farm in Romania. Team head Paul Biggs, Patrick Leece and senior associate Kaushik Ray are all recommended.
Middle East specialist Trowers & Hamlins LLP has ‘a deep knowledge of the local law and practices’ in the region. London team head Martin Amison is advising Jordan’s National Electric Power Company on the development of an oil shale-fired IPP.
Watson, Farley & Williams LLP acted on an impressive list of wind-related transactions in 2011. Practice head Evan Stergoulis advised DONG Energy on its divestment of transmission assets at the Walney I offshore wind farm.
Wragge & Co LLP combines project finance and M&A work with a strong regulatory practice. Team head Derek Goodban advised Statkraft as the purchaser on a number of UK renewable energy projects under long-term power purchase agreements.
With a strong reputation for representing local government clients, Bevan Brittan LLP recently advised Birmingham City Council on its procurement process for the Birmingham Energy Savers Delivery Partner Project under the Green Deal initiative. Energy-from-waste projects remain a key area.
Daniel Braverman at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP is advising EuroSibEnergo on its joint venture with China Yangtze Power Co for the development of hydro and thermal power projects in Siberia and the Russian Far East.
Boutique energy firm E&A Law’s specialisms include M&A, privatisation and EU regulation, with a strong Eastern and Central European focus. Founder partner Ana Stanic is recommended.
Carlos Pierce at Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP ‘provides expert property advice’, and is currently advising National Grid Electricity Transmission on a wide range of planning and real estate matters. Solar power , metering and biomass are other active areas for the firm.
Andrew Hart at Fulbright & Jaworski International LLP advises multilateral financial institutions such as the International Finance Corporation on restructuring issues.
K&L Gates LLP is acting for the sponsors on a £200m wind turbine roll-out programme. Biomass is a key area.
Lawrence Graham LLP’s Louise Gowman has expertise in the ports-related aspects of renewables projects. Jonathan Riley is ‘personable, knowledgeable, realistic and quick to respond’.
David Birchall and Andrew Watson at McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP were part of a cross-office team which advised Ener-g on CHT power projects in the UK, Italy, Greece, Spain and the US. Birchall is ‘very commercial and knowledgeable’.
Olivier Chambord relocated to Morgan Lewis’ London office from Paris in June 2012 to add to a team already bolstered by the arrival of Martin Stewart-Smith from Simmons & Simmons LLP.
Maintaining a longstanding reputation in renewables, Osborne Clarke also has an impressive roster of utilities clients, among them British Gas. Team head David Ferris is recommended.
As well as acting on solar, wind and biomass mandates, Reed Smith has been handling a high-profile dispute in the nuclear sector. Peter Cassidy is ‘an excellent lawyer with a proactive approach to settling disputes’.
SGH Martineau LLP can call on its recently opened Brussels office, which was opened in response to increasing activity in EU energy matters in October 2011. Renewables projects and corporate and commercial work remain core areas of focus for Andrew Whitehead’s team.
Neil Upton at SJ Berwin LLP is advising Norfund on the development of the Fula Rapids Hydro Electric Power Plant in South Sudan. Upton was a lateral hire from Greenberg Traurig Maher LLP in January 2012. Finance specialist Rinku Bhadoria joined from Clifford Chance in 2011.
In 2011, Shepherd and Wedderburn advised on several notable onshore and offshore wind projects in Scotland and the North of England. James Saunders’ team also has considerable experience in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Notable for its experience in renewables, TLT LLP ‘offers an excellent service’. Team head Maria Connolly and associate Kerri Ashworth are praised for their ‘diligence, experience, and speed of service’.
Dominic Fitzpatrick’s team at Taylor Wessing LLP continues to act on the decommissioning of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant in Lithuania, alongside renewables mandates in solar, biomass and wind.