United Kingdom > London > Real estate > Environment
Index of tables
Environment
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Leading individuals
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- John Bowman Burness LLP
- Paul Davies Macfarlanes LLP
- Martyn Day Leigh Day & Co
- Ross Fairley Burges Salmon LLP
- Vanessa Havard-Williams Linklaters LLP
- Nigel Howorth Clifford Chance
- Michael Hutchinson Mayer Brown International LLP
- Jonathan Isted Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
- Edward Keeble Slaughter and May
- Owen Lomas Allen & Overy LLP
- Caroline May Norton Rose LLP
- Steven McNab Simmons & Simmons
- Louise Moore Herbert Smith LLP
- Kathy Mylrea CMS Cameron McKenna LLP
- Christopher Norton Hogan Lovells International LLP
- Jacqui O’Keeffe Howard Kennedy
- Ian Salter Burges Salmon LLP
- Claire Sheppard Addleshaw Goddard LLP
- Stephen Shergold SNR Denton
- Paul Sheridan CMS Cameron McKenna LLP
- Aidan Thomson Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP
- Matthew Townsend Allen & Overy LLP
- Andrew Waite Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP
- Andrew Wiseman Stephenson Harwood
Allen & Overy LLP focuses heavily on transactional support, particularly for multi-jurisdictional deals, but also advises on regulations. It advised Shell on a business divestment and Dana Petroleum on acquiring Petro Canada Netherlands. Practice head Matthew Townsend, who demonstrates a ‘high level of knowledge and willingness to understand client needs’, advised Khazanah Nasional Berhad – the Malaysian government’s investment arm – on a carbon joint venture with AIM-listed Camco International. Other clients include Amazon, Sita and BNP Paribas. The team has also been advising on carbon allowances thefts in the EU Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS). Consultant Owen Lomas advises on environmental aspects of M&A, and on carbon trading agreements.
Burges Salmon LLP’s four-partner practice covers contentious, regulatory and energy sector matters, for clients across the public and private sectors, among them DEFRA, Helius Energy, and new clients DHL. Practice head Ross Fairley advises Small Hydro Company/British Waterways on hydroelectric developments. Ian Salter is well known for nuclear regulatory advice; Georgie Messent has ‘deep knowledge’ of environmental compliance issues; and Michael Barlow is ‘extremely knowledgeable, and an experienced, able litigator’.
CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is highly regarded for its responsiveness, commercial advice and ability to ‘suggest tactics to the client rather than just giving the law’. Areas of focus include waste and renewables, and it handles a range of prosecutions. The team has been advising on water pollution investigations, and representing waste management companies in class actions. It has also been advising clients on CRC legislative changes and their impact on complex real estate funds. Practice head Paul Sheridan is ‘simply outstanding on environmental matters; he provides tailored, concise and extremely thorough advice’.
Linklaters LLP is well regarded for its astute commercial understanding and deep industry knowledge, particularly on environmental aspects of transactions. Practice head Vanessa Havard-Williams, who ‘provides strong team leadership’ and is ‘adept at managing potential regulatory issues’, recently advised various corporations on divestitures and restructuring. Chris Staples is ‘very strong on the carbon finance front’, and recently advised Barclays Bank and International Finance Corporation.
The team at Clifford Chance advises on transactions, where it is ‘keen to really understand a client’s problem and not just answer questions’, and on regulations. Energy and infrastructure are busy sectors for the group, which recently acted for Horizon on nuclear developments; and Shell on oil refinery disposals. It advises clients such as HSBC and BNP Paribas on climate change regulations. Practice head Nigel Howorth is ‘a sharp, patient negotiator, and excellent at explaining environmental risk to clients’.
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP’s environment, planning and regulatory group is most renowned for its contentious work. It represents blue-chip clients in High Court proceedings, and practice head Jonathan Isted continues to act for British Pipeline Agency in investigations pertaining to the Buncefield incident. The practice is a major player in the nuclear sector, and advised the Nuclear Industry Association on its successful application to the government for approval of the nuclear newbuild programme. Paul Bowden leads on carbon finance matters. Counsel Daniel Lawrence has ‘sound environmental law knowledge and tactical reasoning’.
Herbert Smith LLP has ‘good industry knowledge’ for energy sector and contentious matters. Practice head Louise Moore, who is recommended for her ‘practical experience and clear advice’, has led on transactions for Chevron and Essar Energy, and advised EDF on its nuclear newbuild programme. In litigation, the practice has been advising an investment group on allegedly stolen EU ETS allowances; and a multinational on high-value pollution damage claims in the US.
Macfarlanes LLP’s team is ‘very imaginative and constructive in its approach to legal issues’, and its service ‘combines professionalism and discretion’. It frequently represents multinationals in cross-border litigation, and also recently advised on M&A, real estate matters, and climate change regulations. Paul Davies has ‘exceptional’ environmental law expertise, and Simon Nurney and Dan Lavender are recommended for contentious issues.
SNR Denton’s practice head Stephen Shergold, who has ‘excellent knowledge and experience on environmental matters’, continues to lead on regulatory advice to Grundon, the UK’s largest privately owned waste management company. Infrastructure and energy projects are a key focus, with newly promoted partner Sam Boileau, who has ‘excellent understanding of client needs’, recently advising Centrica on the Baird gas storage project. It also drafted legislation for the Environment Agency and the Northern Ireland government, and advised J Sainsbury on contaminated land issues.
Slaughter and May is valued for its ‘sensible, commercial approach’ to environmental issues, particularly in connection with transactions. It recently advised Ineos and GE Capital on energy sector deals. On the regulatory side, the group advised Westbrook Partners on CRC compliance; and CDC Climat on its contract with the Environment Agency to develop an emissions reporting system. Practice head Edward Keeble is ‘an excellent drafter and negotiator’, and provides ‘a strong commercial take on situations’.
Ashurst LLP’s environmental group provides transactional and regulatory advice to corporate, finance, real estate and energy clients. Recent instructions have come from Shanks Waste Management, BAE Systems, and London & Continental Railways. It also successfully represented a client in an Environment Agency waste offence prosecution. Practice head Nigel Price is ‘one of the most accomplished environmental lawyers around’.
Baker & McKenzie LLP’s ‘approachable and professional’ environment team is ‘head and shoulders above most other lawyers in the field of compliance litigation’. Its climate change expertise is especially well regarded. Graham Stuart leads the practice, which has an emphasis on international matters in the energy and technology sectors. Clients include Sony, Hewlett-Packard, Macquarie Bank, and new clients Cummins and Invensys. Senior associate Richard Weatherhogg is appreciated for his ‘knowledge and tenacity’ on regulatory issues.
Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP’s client base spans the public and private sectors, and includes Thames Water, the Olympic Delivery Authority, and National Grid. The practice advises on infrastructure projects; regulatory compliance; and waste and pollution claims, with recent successes including settling a contaminated land compensation claim for UBS. The group also supports clients such as Tesco and Balfour Beatty on real estate transactions. Andrew Waite heads the practice.
DLA Piper UK LLP competes effectively with City firms, and is well regarded for its ‘excellent knowledge of industry issues’. It advises manufacturing, financial, nuclear and mining industry clients on climate change issues, and on environmental aspects of transactions. Teresa Hitchcock led the team’s advice on ICL’s acquisition of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. For environmental prosecutions, Roy Tozer is ‘tactically excellent, and rarely puts a foot wrong in handling cases’. He represented Total during the Buncefield litigation.
Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP has developed expertise in renewables transactions, and advises corporate and banking clients on regulations and carbon trading. Clients include AEGIS, GDF Suez and Neste Oil. The team also successfully defended Fortum at the High Court in a case concerning EU ETS allowances. Nicholas Rock heads the practice. John Bowman left for Edinburgh-based Burness LLP.
Hogan Lovells International LLP handles climate change related regulatory and transactional matters. Practice head Christopher Norton ‘has a wonderful aptitude for explaining in layman’s terms, is very knowledgeable about environmental regulations, and is incredibly responsive’. On the contentious side, senior associate Magnus Burroughs is ‘very knowledgeable on environmental law, and provides practical advice’.
‘In a league of its own’ as a claimant firm, Leigh Day & Co has a ‘strong commitment to social issues and justice’, underpinned by the team’s strong technical and scientific expertise. Martyn Day is representing Colombian farmers in an environmental damage claim against BP. Richard Stein is ‘innovative, creative and intelligent – a veteran of judicial review with an enduring passion to push the boundaries of the law’. He and the ‘efficient, intelligent, personable’ Rosa Curling successfully represented the WWF and The Angling Trust in their joint challenge against DEFRA’s water management plans. Sean Humber, whose ‘determination is matched by his great ability and knowledge’, has been acting in various water pollution cases.
Mayer Brown International LLP provides ‘creative solutions’. Recent instructions include advising Klesch & Co on acquiring Shell’s German oil refinery business. Other clients include Unilever, AT&T and The Dow Chemical Company. Practice head Michael Hutchinson is ‘pragmatic, and has excellent commercial acumen’.
Norton Rose LLP is well regarded for its strength in depth. Its key focus is advising on regulatory, permitting and liability issues pertaining to energy projects, and its clients include the European Commission, Solena Group and Drax Power. It acted for Crest on the UK’s first contested decision under the contaminated land regime. Practice head Caroline May has ‘in-depth knowledge, and is highly effective in negotiations’.
Pinsent Masons, which is well regarded for its business acumen and industry understanding, acts across the waste, real estate and manufacturing sectors. Energy is a growing focus, with client gains including NuGeneration. Waste sector clients include Veolia, Viridor and WRG. Practice head Paul Rice is recommended, as is Gordon McCreath, who has ‘strong knowledge of specific disciplines and a very high level of contacts’. Richard Ford is leading on environmental work for the 2012 Olympic Park.
Addleshaw Goddard LLP provides ‘very thorough, appropriate advice’ on regulatory and compliance issues, and has ‘in-depth industry knowledge’. A substantial portion of the practice involves transactional support for clients such as Brunner Mond and Travelodge, but the team also recently advised Threadneedle and new client Semparian Capital Management on CRC regulations. Practice head Claire Sheppard ‘applies her high knowledge to clients ’ issues in a thorough way’.
Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP’s practice is heavily weighted towards contentious matters; but also advises clients such as Angel Trains on regulatory compliance. It advises insurers on environmental liability claims, with Aidan Thomson providing ‘excellent, concise advice on a market sector that is increasing in importance for insurers’. The team represented TAV Engineering in its prosecution regarding the Buncefield explosions; and also acts for manufacturers on environmental breach claims.
Bircham Dyson Bell LLP advises its core client, the Environment Agency, on utility and infrastructure projects. Other clients include South East Water, TfL, and Esso. Paul Thompson heads the group.
K&L Gates has a ‘very approachable team covering a broad range of subjects in depth, and has a pragmatic approach to issues’. Sebastian Charles recently advised on transactions by Water Hall Group, and Jordan Energy and Mining. Scott Megregian is well regarded for regulatory advice, particularly with an international focus, and recently advised various consortia on compliance and appeals.
Nabarro LLP is particularly strong in the waste sector. Practice head Clare Deanesly is ‘the specialist in the waste quarrying industry for environmental matters; a strong lawyer with excellent understanding of risks’. Recent highlights include assisting on Biffa Waste Services’ £1bn contract PPP for a biological waste treatment facility, and advising on CCS aspects of the Barking Power Station development. James Snape is ‘a strong commercial lawyer’ for waste projects; and Tom Bainbridge leads on climate change and energy matters.
Osborne Clarke advises on renewables projects, contaminated land issues, and regulations. Highlights included acting for BNRG Renewables on photovoltaic power projects; ABP and Western Power on regulatory matters; and Castle Cement and St Regis Paper Company on Environment Agency prosecutions. Brian Greenwood and practice head Alan John are recommended.
SJ Berwin LLP advised Amcor on selling its Spanish business; and London City Airport on its lease grant to Shell for a fuel farm development. It provides regulatory advice to clients such as Hilton Hotels, Marks and Spencer plc and Macquarie Bank. The team is well regarded for its technical know-how, and practice head Angus Evers is ‘well versed in a range of environment policies, and understands the implications of legislative changes on real estate matters’.
Recent work for Simmons & Simmons includes advising on energy-from-waste projects. It also advised Deka on regulations affecting a site acquisition at Greenwich Peninsula. Environmental campaigner Tony Juniper, Blackfield Land, InSource Energy and Veolia Water are also clients. Practice head Steven McNab is well regarded.
Squire Sanders Hammonds’ reputation has been growing since the arrival of national head David Gordon from Eversheds LLP. Gordon, who ‘knows his business and has his finger on the pulse’, advises on regeneration projects and contaminated land issues. New clients include Taylor Wimpey and TRW.
Travers Smith LLP provides ‘professional advice’ on transactions, projects, regulations and contentious matters. It recently advised on contaminated land issues at the Pinewood Studios development. Clients include private equity firms such as Bridgepoint and Silverfleet, and real estate developers including Glengall Bridge Holdings. Practice head Doug Bryden is ‘commercial’, and has ‘excellent knowledge’ on climate change and other environmental issues.
Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP has a strong position within the growing area of environmental insurance, including defending environmental prosecutions by local authorities and the Environment Agency. Michael Salau ‘gives well-balanced advice on environmental law’.
Clyde & Co LLP provides environment advice in the insurance, aviation and energy sectors. Clients include IATA and Marcol International Asset Management. ‘Bright, astute and knowledgeable’ senior associate Georgina Crowhurst heads the practice.
Dundas & Wilson LLP’s Mark Brumwell advises on environmental aspects of infrastructure and energy projects. Clients include National Grid, SSE Renewables and Nufarm.
Eversheds LLP is recommended for environmental advice to the infrastructure sector. Elizabeth Shepherd heads the team, which acted in an appeal against the Environment Agency regarding EU ETS allowances. Other highlights included advising Lend Lease on CRC compliance; and representing Hertfordshire Oil Storage in the Buncefield litigation, with David Young leading.
Greenberg Traurig Maher LLP’s practice head Cate Sharp has ‘broad knowledge in environmental law’. The group provides strong transactional support across various industries, and clients include AkzoNobel, Rentokil and First London Power.
Shearman & Sterling LLP’s Mehran Massih leads on environmental aspects of corporate and finance transactions. Highlights included advising American Sugar on acquiring Tate & Lyle’s European business, and advising ICE Futures Europe on carbon trading regulations.
Stephenson Harwood advises public and private sector clients on transactions and regulatory/contentious matters, including contaminated land issues and energy-from-waste projects. Clients include Verus Energy, Agropharm, EDF Energy, University of Greenwich, and certain local authorities. Practice head Andrew Wiseman has ‘outstanding knowledge of environmental law and excellent business acumen’.
Taylor Wessing LLP’s planning and environment practice head Alistair Watson advises on real estate and infrastructure developments, including the incorporation of clean technology into project plans.