Firms in the Spotlight Environment

Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP

Ronald Fletcher Baker attracts a diverse client base from financial institutions, high-net-worth individuals and substantial freehold corporate investors, as a result of which the firm has considerable expertise acting for corporate investors based in the BVI, Bahamas, Mauritius, Seychelles, Turkey and Isle of Man. This department also acts for sellers and buyers, and buy-to-let investors, …

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Environment in London

Allen & Overy LLP

The practice at Allen & Overy LLP has a strong reputation for its abilities advising on the full gamut of matters across the environmental regulatory law space. Its workload consists of advising its noteworthy portfolio of clients on matters including renewables, regulatory law and corporate compliance. It regularly advises on emerging ESG requirements across various industry sectors, as well as on the financing and construction of large-scale environmental projects both domestically and internationally. Carbon avoidance and removal projects are another area of focus. Tom d’Ardenne, who has particular expertise in REACH and producer responsibility requirements, was promoted to partner in May 2023. Matthew Townsend is at the helm of the London offering in addition to his position as co-lead of the firm’s global environmental, climate and regulatory team. Sustainability specialist counsel Kelly Sporn departed to DLA Piper in October 2022.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Townsend


Other key lawyers:

Chris Andrew; Tom d’Ardenne; Sophie Davis; Ying Peng Chin; Danae Wheeler


Key clients

RMI


Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA)


International Finance Corporation


World Bank


Marks & Spencer plc


Marks and Spencer (A2B) Limited


Carlyle Group


CheilJedang CJ Corporation


Seagate Technology


Equator Principles Association


Uniper


W. L. Gore & Associates


European Bank for Development and Reconstruction (EBRD)


Work highlights


  • Advised RMI (formerly Rocky Mountain Institute) and a group of leading steel industry lenders on the creation of the Sustainable STEEL Principles, the first climate-aligned finance agreement for the steel sector.
  • Advised the European Bank for Development and Reconstruction on the development of a new ESG guide for the Prague Stock Exchange, helping companies to apply new ESG reporting requirements.
  • Advised financiers on a project financing for the construction of an olefin complex in the Port of Antwerp, Belgium in what will be Europe’s largest investment in the chemical sector in a generation.

Clifford Chance LLP

The team at Clifford Chance LLP is well-equipped to advise its international client base, which covers sectors including real estate, aviation and finance, on the array of regulatory environmental, health and safety, and climate change issues. Increasingly, a large portion of its workload is formed of ESG-related matters, namely advising corporations on considering and fulfilling reporting and due diligence requirements therein. Additionally, ably advises on major infrastructure and development projects, as well as on complex carbon trading work. Nigel Howorth heads up the team and has a strong reputation for his corporate and energy sector expertise. ‘Technically brilliant lawyer’ Adam Hedley, who specialises in EHS, carbon and climate change-related regulatory work, joined the team from Reed Smith LLP in December 2022. Senior associate Kirsty Souter is a noteworthy team member for her developing specialism in carbon trading and environmental reporting and disclosure matters.

Practice head(s):

Nigel Howorth


Other key lawyers:

Adam Hedley; Michael Coxall; Kirsty Souter; Anneke Theelen


Testimonials

‘Adam Hedley has always been an excellent partner to deal with. His technical knowledge, responsiveness and communications are exceptional.’

‘Adam Hedley’s availability, communication and efficiency is excellent. Beyond being a technically brilliant lawyer he is differentiated by his ability to be agile, innovative, commercial and practical in his approach to providing legal advice.’

Key clients

Official Receiver


Clayton, Dubilier & Rice LLP


Government of Sarawak


UBS


Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry


easyJet


CBRE Investment Management


Aviation Working Group


City of London Corporation


Partners Group


Work highlights


  • Advising the Official Receiver of the Baglan group of companies on numerous various issues associated with the liquidation of the Baglan Bay gas turbine power station.
  • Advising a major energy company on emissions aspects in connection with a high-profile climate change action brought against the company by a number of NGO’s.
  • Advised the Sarawak Government on legislative changes to enable the ownership of, and rights to trade in, carbon stocks and carbon credits in the State of Sarawak, Malaysia.

CMS

The ‘strong team of environmental lawyers’ at CMS is led by Olivia Jamison, who ‘stands out in the environmental law field’. The team is regarded as having a way of handling regulatory matters that is second-to-none’, often advising its solid client list, particularly in the retail sector, on climate and carbon-related laws and regulations. The team is experienced advising on the due diligence of significant corporate deals; specialist counsel Alex Ibrahim stands out for her abilities advising on complex environmental aspects of significant M&A. The team also has a notable ability to assist on sustainability-related work at international levels, a key example being its advising consumer regulators on green energy principles and due diligence throughout the UK’s EU transition period. Former co-head of the team Paul Sheridan retired in May 2022.

Practice head(s):

Olivia Jamison


Other key lawyers:

Lukas Rootman; Alex Ibrahim; Kamen Stoilov


Testimonials

‘Olivia Jamison leads a strong team of environmental lawyers that are able to deal exceptionally well with standalone environmental law matters in particular.’

‘Olivia Jamison stands out in the environmental law field on the basis of her client-specific, calm and incisive analysis of law and policy developments in this always evolving area of law and her ability to efficiently and effectively manage projects in multiple jurisdictions.’

‘CMS employ very clever staff. They are on-the-ball.’

Key clients

Costco Major retailer


Cameco Corporation


Precision Castparts Corporation


Taqa Energy company


Sky


Tarmac


Airline operator


Cazoo Automobile company


Gopuff online services provider


Work highlights


  • Advising a range of clients in the retail and other sectors on climate and carbon related laws including mandatory climate related disclosures in relation to ESG.
  • Provided UK environment due diligence advice in relation to the proposed acquisition of Westinghouse Electric Company.
  • Advising on developing areas such as the interaction between consumer regulators and advertising authorities, in order to support sustainability claims on products and services.

Latham & Watkins

The team at Latham & Watkins is experienced advising its broad array of clients, including governments, companies, shareholders, and investors, on significant ESG matters, in particular. The team advises on the financial as well as the wider implications of implementing necessary changes therein and its work often international in scope, spanning numerous jurisdictions. Notably, it assists such key clients as Microsoft and American Airlines on potential their investments in new technologies and initiatives, with a view to offsetting their carbon usage. A key area of focus for the team has been advising on legislative initiatives such as the EU Green Deal and the EU’s Sustainable Finance Action Plan. ‘Thought-leader’ Paul Davies is at the helm of the team. Davies is supported by specialist counsel Michael Green, who ably advises namely corporate bodies on ESG and sustainability best practices, as well as providing more general strategic and contentious advice in these areas.

Practice head(s):

Paul Davies


Other key lawyers:

Michael Green


Testimonials

‘Paul Davies is a thought leader who transformed the environmental practice into a leading ESG practice long before others came across ESG.’

‘The team are available, responsive, thorough, to-the-point, and good business partners.’

‘Paul Davies leads the team well to make sure they respond to our needs quickly and efficiently, and remain accessible for any follow-ups we might need.’

Key clients

Platinum Equity


Microsoft Corporation


The Carlyle Group


Venator Materials PLC


Archroma


Triton Partners


American Airlines


Medline


Trafigura


Energy Capital Partners


SABIC Petrochemicals


SK Capital


Public Investment Fund


Leigh Day

The environmental team at Leigh Day exclusively focuses on representing claimants in matters ranging from multi-party actions, in jurisdictions where legal representation is difficult to come by, often arising from environmental damage; to UK and European public law challenges regarding climate change and human rights; to UK-based litigation in relation to breaches of environmental regulations, defending clients against such well-known corporations as Shell. Martyn Day specialises in international work.  Daniel Leader has a notable focus on complex, multi-party, cross-jurisdictional action work. Richard Meeran, who has particular experience handling disputes in South Africa, and planning specialist Jamie Beagent co-head the practice. Tessa Gregory is a litigator who stands out for her expertise in wildlife and habitat protection-related work in relation to the planning and development of infrastructure which threatens it, experienced associate solicitor Carol Day also has expertise in this area. Key associates in the team include Rowan Smith, who is adept at handling climate change work.

Practice head(s):

Richard Meeran; Jamie Beagent


Other key lawyers:

Martyn Day; Daniel Leader; Oliver Holland; Carol Day; Tessa Gregory; Paul Dowling; Rowan Smith; Ricardo Gama; Matthew Renshaw; Benjamin Croft; Rowan Smith


Key clients

Parties v Amerisur Resources Plc


The Ogale and Bille Communities, Nigeria


Kabwe Lead Poisoning Class Action


The Bodo Community clean-up claim, Nigeria


Diesel emissions group litigation


Wild Justice


The Wildlife Trusts


Better Streets for Kensington and Chelsea


Save Our Safer Streets Tower Hamlets


Friends of the Earth


River Action


Global Feedback


Uplift


Possible (The 10:10 Foundation)


Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport


Work highlights


  • Acting for the Ogale and Bille communities in the Niger Delta, who allege that oil spills from Shell’s pipelines have caused long-term and serious contamination of their land and water.
  • Advising Johannesburg attorneys on a class action against Anglo American South Africa Ltd filed in the Johannesburg High Court on behalf of over 100,000 Zambian people believed to have been poisoned by lead.
  • Represented Friends of the Earth Ltd in a successful judicial review of the Government’s Net Zero and Heat and Buildings Strategy, published in breach of the Government’s duties under the Climate Change Act 2008.

Linklaters LLP

Linklaters LLP‘s environment team, noted as being ‘one of the firms with the most experience in the climate change sector’, is led by Vanessa Havard-Williams. It has a strong reputation for its capabilities advising international and national corporates, financial institutions, credit agencies, governments and social enterprises on complex and high-value transactional matters, as well as advisory and litigation work across the sector. Managing associate Iyesogie Igiehon stands out for her work advising on environmental and climate-related aspects of significant M&A. Rachel Barrett stands out in the team for her expertise advising on complex ESG matters; she co-leads the firm’s global, focused practice in this area. Chris Staples is noted for his wealth of experience on the voluntary carbon market’ and has a focus on climate change and emissions trading matters in particular. Carbon transaction work is also an area of expertise for ‘excellent’ counsel Kerry Liebenberg.

Practice head(s):

Vanessa Havard-Williams


Other key lawyers:

Chris Staples; Kerry Liebenberg; Rachel Barrett; Iyesogie Igiehon; Aileen Buchanan


Testimonials

‘One of the firms with the most experience in the climate change sector, unique in their ability to advise across a range of issues including project development, regulatory compliance, derivatives and funds.’

‘Chris Staples has a wealth of experience on the voluntary carbon market and an ability to think laterally around issues which inevitably arise in a nascent market.’

‘Kerry Liebenberg is excellent at managing transactional work.’

Key clients

IETA and ISDA


INEOS


Nestle


Europe Realty


Barclays


Unilever


NatWest


Various Mining Companies


Carrier Global


Cerberus


CK Infrastructure Holdings


Nestle Nespresso


Work highlights


  • Advising IETA in relation to the development of global market standard trading documentation for both the primary and the secondary voluntary carbon markets.
  • Advising Nestle on a broad range of ESG matters including carbon capture projects, disclosures and reporting, litigation and greenwash risk, and the channelling of financings into sustainable agriculture projects.
  • Advising Ineos on its planned €3bn “Project One” investment to expand its chemical production facilities in Antwerp, which will fund the construction of a new ethane cracker unit in Antwerp.

Travers Smith LLP

The environmental offering at Travers Smith LLP is regarded as being ‘one of the first to recognise the importance of ESG’. It is also well-regarded for its abilities advising its key client roster on related EU regulations particularly in relation to chemical and product support law, an area in which Sarah-Jane Denton has noteworthy expertise. Its workload features matters involving advising renowned corporate clients on financial and investment considerations in relation to sustainability regulations and ESG principles. Transactional work is another area of focus for the team; it often advises both domestically and cross-jurisdictionally on the environmental elements involved in key sales and acquisitions in this regard. Senior counsel John Buttanshaw and team lead Doug Bryden both also bring notable experience in advising such clients as Meta on the regulatory considerations surrounding large-scale energy and infrastructure projects.

Practice head(s):

Doug Bryden


Other key lawyers:

John Buttanshaw; Heather Gagen; Sarah-Jane Denton; Simon Witney


Testimonials

‘The team were one of the first to recognise the importance of ESG and ESG regulation and deliver it to our business. They have also been extremely helpful in assisting us in our understanding of EU Regulations.’

‘The team has provided us with numerous notes and guidance papers and have an excellent ESG website, as well as having a very strong, capable team.’

‘The practice give their time freely to various industry bodies to help with training, and with understanding the impact of ESG Regulations more generally.’

‘Simon Witney is a very experienced member of the team and is very well-versed in European sustainability legislation. He is able to cut through the confusion and produce very clear guidance.’

Key clients

BOC


Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.


Breedon Group


Cravath


Nomura


Bridgepoint


Brookfield Asset Management


Oaktree Capital


Ancala Partners LLP


Facebook / Meta


Palletways


Arjun Infrastructure Partners


Advent International


Carlyle Group


Atlantic Capital


Work highlights


  • Advising Meta with comprehensive environmental support for all non-US global fibre infrastructure projects.
  • Advised on the sale of Briar Chemicals, the UK’s leading agrochemicals contract development and manufacturing organisation provider; the business had a full range of EHS and chemical law issues.

Ashurst

The environment practice at Ashurst is well-regarded for its experience providing environmental and safety-related advice on significant projects, complex M&A and energy transition-related transactions and on litigious matters. ‘Standout in the environment field’ Eleanor Reeves leads the practice and has growing experience handling matters relating to ESG and the team’s corporate clients’ investment in innovative products and technologies therein. Counsel Isabelle Laborde, who joined from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner in September 2022, is noted as being ‘a first-rate environmental lawyer for both contentious and non-contentious work’. Senior associates to note include Joanna Fox, who focuses on environmental risk and regulatory aspects of built environment, and waste and energy projects, and the ‘outstanding’ James Nierinck.

Practice head(s):

Eleanor Reeves


Other key lawyers:

Joanna Fox; James Nierinck; Isabelle Laborde


Testimonials

‘The environment team at Ashurst work seamlessly with other departments within the firm in order to deliver very high quality work on large projects. They are practical and driven by finding solutions to specialist issues.’

‘Eleanor Reeves is a standout in the environment field, she provides excellent practical advice where required and focuses on delivering the best outcome for clients. James Nierinck is outstanding – he works at great pace without compromising on precision. Joanna Fox is a very smart lawyer and a pleasure to work with.’

‘Ashurst genuinely believe in giving the advice that is relevant to a client, rather than just trying to find ways to make more money, flogging stuff the client doesn’t actually need, or clocking up the hours to inflate their invoice. Which is something that I see others doing! And the knowledge and strength of the team is exceptional.’

Key clients

Department for Energy Security & Net Zero


Lendlease


Aviva


Oxford Properties


Intermediate Capital Group (ICG)


Connect Plus


Panattoni


East West Rail Company


Transport for Greater Manchester


Qair Environnement S.A.S.


OCO Technology


Work highlights


  • Advising the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on cutting edge energy transition matters for the UK government, including the UK’s Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage and Hydrogen programmes.
  • Advising Lendlease on the £800m acquisition of 21 Moorfields (new Deutsche Bank HQ) from Land Securities, one of the largest real estate deals of the year.
  • Advising Qair Environnement S.A.S. on the acquisition of Britaniacrest Recycling Ltd.

Baker McKenzie

‘Star and the leading lawyer for complex environmental matters in the UK and across EMEA’ Graham Stuart heads up the ‘highly recommended’ environment offering at Baker McKenzie. Sustainability and the environmental regulation of products and services is a key area of focus for the team and they frequently advise globally known companies on such matters. Its workload involves the provision of the full array of environmental advice across the UK and the EU, on cases with focus ranging from REACH, sustainability, and waste and its transportation, to ecodesign, energy efficiency and labelling. ESG is an increasing area of specialism, whilst the team remains focused on climate change and emissions law; Andrew Hedges is a climate change and clean energy specialist. Senior associate Rachel MacLeod is another name to note.

Practice head(s):

Graham Stuart


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Hedges; Rachel Macleod


Testimonials

‘Baker McKenzie is the go-to international firm for complex environmental transactional and regulatory matters. Their industry knowledge is exceptional. They are my first-choice firm and we have recommended them multiple times.’

‘Graham Stuart is a star and the leading lawyer for complex environmental matters in the UK and across EMEA. He is definitely the subject matter expert, his client service is exceptional. He and his team come highly recommended.’

Key clients

Dyson


Emerson Electric


Google


Mattel


Platinum Equity


Unilever


Westinghouse


Sika AG


Suez


Work highlights


  • Advising Sika on the EHS and permitting workstreams in connection with its acquisition of MBCC Group from an affiliate of Lone Star Funds for a consideration of $5.6bn.
  • Advised on the EHS workstream in respect of Veolia’s divestment of Suez’s UK waste-treatment business which was required for regulatory purposes following Veolia’s acquisition of Suez earlier in 2022.

Burges Salmon LLP

The Bristol-based environment team at Burges Salmon LLP is experienced in handling matters spanning various sector. Its particular areas of expertise are water, wherein it represents many well-known UK clients on high-profile investigatory matters, and nuclear-related work which frequently involves the team advising on the decommissioning of power stations; nuclear work is Ian Salter‘s area of specialism. Corporate crime specialist Guy Bastable provides contentious capabilities to the team. The ‘excellent’ Michael Barlow, who leads the team, is noted as being ‘a really good, all-round environmental litigator’. Renewables and net-zero-related matters are the focus of Ross Fairley; other key names include senior associate Sarah Sackville Hamilton.

Practice head(s):

Michael Barlow


Other key lawyers:

Ross Fairley; Ian Salter; Ian Truman; Guy Bastable; Sam Aldous; Sarah Sackville Hamilton


Testimonials

‘The team does diverse work covering regulatory, advisory, public and private law litigation with a very collaborative work ethic.’

‘Michael Barlow has excellent client care skills, measured judgment, is a thoughtful litigation strategist and a curious and ambitious lawyer who will explore all avenues.’

‘The Burges Salmon environmental litigation team is perhaps the best in England for this kind of work. They’ve got real experts, with the backing of a good firm to resource litigation matters when the work needs extra lawyers brought in.’

‘Michael Barlow is excellent – a really good, all-round environmental litigator. He is tough in litigation but knows where to compromise in mediation to get the best for his clients. He is a good leader and has such in-depth knowledge that he is able to play a key role in environmental disputes alongside counsel.’

‘Burges Salmon’s team is headed up by Michael Barlow, with Guy Bastable leading on Environment Agency investigations and prosecutions. Burges Salmon represents major corporate clients in all manner of environmental investigations, and uses judicial review proceedings to great tactical effect.’

‘Guy Bastable is a strategic genius in high-demand. He is a heavyweight in the field and Boards utterly respect his candid no-nonsense approach to litigation. Senior associate Sam Aldous is Guy’s right hand man. He is incredibly bright and knowledgeable on all his cases, bringing a good sense of humour to his work.’

Key clients

FirstGroup


Canal and River Trust


EDF Energy Ltd


Severn Trent Water


South West Water


Koch Industries (and subsidiaries including Georgia Pacific LLC)


John Lewis


JG Pears Group/Tigerfert


ENGIE


Affinity Water


Dentons

Dentons‘ environment team is noted for its ‘unique and strong support capability’. It is well-equipped to advise its clients on ESG-related matters and the effects of their implementation in both the short and long-term in multi-jurisdictional as well as domestic contexts. Additionally, the team assists its clients on matters at the forefront of the sector, advising on sustainability and the risks of greenwashing. As well as its advisory work involving regulations, the team handles contentious matters of alleged breaches in this regard. Stephen Shergold is at the helm of the practice, while senior associate Annabel Hodge has experience working on both contentious and non-contentious matters.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Shergold


Other key lawyers:

Helen Bowdren; Sam Boileau; Annabel Hodge


Testimonials

‘Dentons and its global advisors offer a unique and strong support capability varying from technical regulatory support, to strategy development and advocacy, with key decision makers on a national and local level.’

‘Dentons’ political network and strong client focus are key considerations we make in choosing to work with them.’

Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbright‘s practice, noted for its ‘great technical strength and depth’ is highly regarded for its ability to advise on a broad range of environmental work across various geographies. Sustainability and ESG is a key area of focus for the team. Special counsel Lucy Bruce Jones, noted as being ‘really sensible, with good judgement’, is particularly adept to handle matters in this regard, and provides related advice on key property transactions; infrastructure, development and renewables projects; and on regulatory compliance issues more broadly. It also has experience advising on contentious work. Head of environment, health and safety across EMEA Caroline May, who ‘stands out as a leader not only of her practice but within the legal sector’, heads up the practice alongside planning and environment specialist Sarah Fitzpatrick and projects and renewables expert Laura Kiwelu.

Practice head(s):

Caroline May; Sarah Fitzpatrick; Laura Kiwelu


Other key lawyers:

Lucy Bruce Jones; Suncica Miletic


Testimonials

‘The team work together, are a pleasure to work with, are extremely hands-on, provide excellent client care and champion diversity – leaders in the field.’

‘Lucy Bruce Jones is great to work with and hardworking whilst Caroline May has strong leadership skills and is notably savvy.’

‘An easy to use, dynamic team.’

‘Caroline May consistently impresses with her environmental knowledge and commercial skill.’

‘Caroline May is a market leader in sustainability. Lucy Bruce Jones is excellent.’

‘Caroline May is very experienced and counsel Lucy Bruce Jones is great – really sensible with good judgement.’

‘The climate change and sustainability practice has great technical strength and depth, combined with experience across a wide-range of sectors and geographies. As part of the global practice they can provide multi-jurisdictional subject matter advice to clients.’

‘Caroline May stands out as a leader not only of her practice but within the legal sector. She co-authored the Law Society’s Guidance on the Impact of Climate Change on Solicitors recently, which has been well-received. She’s a popular panellist and speaker at sustainable finance conferences and also finds time to host networking roundtables.’

Key clients

AIG Asset Management (Europe)


AT&T Corp.


BMW (UK) Limited


BNP Paribas


CF Industries Holdings Inc


Crest Nicholson Plc


DP World/London Gateway Port Limited


Europa Capital LLP – Dagenham Dock Limited


ExxonMobil International Limited


General Motors Company


GlaxoSmithKline LLC


Gore Street Energy Storage Fund Plc


Greencoat UK Wind Plc


Greenergy International Ltd.


Greenlink Interconnector Limited


HSBC Global Asset Management (UK)


HSBC UK Bank plc


Kerry Group Plc


Laing O’Rourke Plc


Macquarie Group Limited


Numis Securities Limited


Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners


Sandvik Mining & Construction Tools AB


Setha Canterbury Limited


Shell International Limited


Silicon Valley Bank


Tees Eco Energy Limited


Tiger Infrastructure Partners LP


Vodafone Group Services Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for the lead contractor on Phase One of HS2 project in supporting defence of an injunction and judicial review application brought by environmental protestors.
  • Advising a consortium of banks on the nationally significant infrastructure project “Greenlink”, an electricity interconnector between Ireland and Wales.
  • Advising a newly incorporated UK investment trust, on ESG disclosure frameworks in relation to its initial public offering and the admission to LSE trading.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

The practice at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is described as having a strong ability to advise on transactional matters as well as compliance’. Its workload involves advising such well-known clients as Thames Water and the National Grid on liability and compliance matters in particular. Projects the team handles often feature the development of significant UK-based real estate projects of high-value. Environment expert Aidan Thomson is at the team’s helm alongside planning and zoning specialist Tim Hellier. Associate Sam Levy  has a particular focus on planning and public law-related work. Isabelle Laborde departed to Ashurst  in September 2022.

Practice head(s):

Aidan Thomson; Tim Hellier


Other key lawyers:

Sam Levy


Testimonials

‘A great breadth of practice, a strong ability to advise on transactional matters as well as compliance and equality, diversity and inclusion.’

‘Aidan Thompson has ably supported us on transactional, compliance and equality, diversity and inclusion workstreams.’

Key clients

AIG


International Underwriting Association


Thames Water


National Grid


Blackrock


Angel Trains


Tesco


Oxford Properties


Chancerygate


Canary Wharf


Work highlights


  • Acting for BlackRock in respect of various real estate development projects in the UK including Voltage Park and Uplands.
  • Advising on the £4.2bn Thames Tideway Tunnel for Thames Water and Bazelgette (the ‘super sewer’), and the West Midlands Interchange Rail project.

DLA Piper

The team at DLA Piper has expertise handling a broad-range of work across the UK and Europe, in particular. Global co-head of EHS and product compliance Nick Rock, who ‘provides a consistent, excellent service’, leads the environment practice. Rock is experienced handling the environmental, health & safety aspects of complex transactions, disputes and large-scale projects, with a particular focus in the offshore energy, natural resources, chemical and tech sectors. Contaminated land and environmental insurance advisory work are some of the key areas of focus for senior associate Annie O’Connor.

Practice head(s):

Nick Rock


Other key lawyers:

Richard Buxton; Annie O’Connor


Testimonials

‘Nick Rock provides a consistent, excellent service. His knowledge base is deep and he manages a fantastic team that can handle a wide variety of complex matters in a timely and professional manner.’

‘DLA Piper assist us in legal demands related to REACH matters (UK, EU and Turkey REACH). The subjects involve complex and innovative regulatory issues that require a technical and practical knowledge about international scenarios.’

‘DLA is highly qualified to deal with complex and sophisticated themes. Moreover, DLA has a lot of experience and knowledge on various subjects, especially regarding REACH compliance. The team that serves us demonstrates deep and broad expertise in regulatory matters.’

‘Nick Rock acts objectively in his deliveries and always seeks to understand in detail the operation of his clients in order to be effective in his analysis and legal propositions. He is business-oriented and demonstrates expertise in complex subjects regarding regulatory matters.’

‘Richard Buxton also always seeks to understand business contexts in order to propose solutions to the challenges presented to him. He is always available and is very well organized.’

Key clients

Government of Papua New Guinea


Koppers Inc


Tarmac


Work highlights


  • Acted as exclusive external legal counsel to the Government of Papua New Guinea in its participation in the COP 15 international Biodiversity Convention negotiations in Montreal, Canada in December 2022.
  • Advising on a matter relating to the remediation of contamination involving one of the largest plumes of contamination to affect an aquifer used for public supply in the UK.
  • Advising Koppers Inc on all aspects of a transaction to dispose of a speciality chemicals production, storage and testing site in the UK.

Hausfeld & Co LLP

The offering at Hausfeld & Co LLP is described as being formed of ‘senior practitioners who have a deep understanding of environmental law’ for whom climate change and environment litigation is a key area of focus. It frequently advises for the claimant in policy and regulation matters against significant and high-profile bodies; a significant portion of such work is carried out pro bono. Its workload is international in scope, and developing in areas involving greenwashing and misrepresentation, finance disputes, and breaches of policy in regard to environmental harm. The ‘very dedicated’ York-based Sarah Moore, ‘leader in the field’ Ingrid Gubbay and Simon Bishop, noted as being ‘a pleasure to work with’, co-lead the team.

Practice head(s):

Ingrid Gubbay; Sarah Moore; Simon Bishop


Other key lawyers:

Wessen Jazrawi; Lianne Craig; David Lawne; Hana Tawfik


Testimonials

‘The team is very good. They have shown a major commitment to strategic environmental litigation by acting pro bono for various NGOs in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court in long-running litigations.’

‘Sarah Moore and Hana Tawfik are both excellent in all respects – creative, committed, efficient, and very nice people to work with!’

‘Simon Bishop is a pleasure to work with – willing to think outside the box to find appropriate solutions.’

‘Hausfeld is an international law practice. It is very well-run and has significant capacity to take on large-scale and high-profile casework in the environmental field, with senior practitioners who have a deep understanding of environmental law and the most recent developments in litigation, legislation and policy.’

‘Ingrid Gubbay and Wessen Jazrawi both impress with their legal knowledge, tactical awareness and commitment to the case and clients. Ingrid is a leader in the field of environmental law with a rounded knowledge of domestic and international caselaw.’

‘Sarah Moore is very dedicated and clever, with commitment to the cause and the ability to advise on long-term outcomes as well as on the immediate case in hand. We hope to work with her more in future.’

‘Creative thinking and expertise are key attributes of the team.’

‘Sarah Moore and Hana Tawfik are both excellent, generous with their time and able to get on top of a lot of technical information without losing sight of the bigger picture.’

Key clients

Thousands of Mercedes Customers


The Environmental Law Foundation (ELF)


Work highlights


  • Building a group action against Mercedes-Benz in in the UK on behalf of individual and business purchasers of diesel Mercedes vehicles regarding the devices in diesel vehicles that could cheat emissions tests.
  • Acting for the Environmental Law Foundation to make oral and written submissions in support of ELF’s Intervention in the Supreme Court hearing Manchester Ship Canal Company Limited vs United Utilities.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Catherine Howard, who is experienced advising on work ranging from the environmental aspects of significant infrastructure and development projects, to advising on the climate issues surrounding the aviation industry, leads Herbert Smith Freehills LLP‘s practice. Its non-contentious work includes the range of regulatory, transactional and project issues, which are areas of focus of energy specialist Silke Goldberg, who also has expertise in ESG. The team collaborates with its international offices to provide advice in cross-jurisdictional contexts, a key example being the firm’s multidisciplinary global ESG offering. Specialist counsel Julie Vaughan departed to Reed Smith LLP in April 2023.

Practice head(s):

Catherine Howard


Other key lawyers:

Silke Goldberg; Peter Leon


Testimonials

‘The team has provided exceptionally strong support in defence of high-risk environmental class action litigation. The thoroughness of their advice, paired always with a strategic approach has been invaluable. The team’s ability to work with and coordinate difficult, local correspondent attorneys is impressive.’

‘Ernst Muller is key to the exceptional team; they are highly skilled with a huge depth of experience and a strategic approach with a view to practical and achievable outcomes.’

Key clients

Anglian Water


Goldman Sachs


Logicor


Abrdn


Indaver UK Ltd


Intergen


Engie


Royal Mail Group


Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners


Johnson Matthey


Transmission Capital Limited Partners


Essar Oil (UK)


British Land


Mitsubishi Corp


London Luton Airport Operations Limited


Impact Investing Institute


Indofood


The Big Issue Group


International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank Group)


Parkdean


The Church Commissioners


Vimian Group


Anglian Water


Goldman Sachs


Logicor


Pogust Goodhead

Pogust Goodhead has an exclusive focus on litigation on behalf of claimants, with a view to bringing to light breaches of environmental law committed by global corporations and international subsidiaries, and it litigates against high-profile clients of this nature. It is noted as being ‘ambitious; it embraces the opportunity to take on precedent-setting litigation’. The practice has a multitude of specialists at its helm, being Tom Goodhead who is described as harnessing unrivalled expertise in environmental group actions’; Céline Barnwell; Jeremy Evans; Christopher Neill; Tom Ainsworth; the ‘very knowledgeable’ Ana Carolina Salomão; Tony Winterburn; and November 2022 arrival from Keller Postman UK Guy Robson. Other team changes include the departures of founding partners Pedro Martins and of Tomás Mousinho to respective in-house roles, both in August 2022.

Practice head(s):

Tom Goodhead; Céline Barnwell; Jeremy Evans; Christopher Neill; Tom Ainsworth; Ana Carolina Salomão; Guy Robson; Tony Winterburn


Other key lawyers:

Felipe Hotta; Bruna Ficklscherer


Testimonials

‘Pogust Goodhead is unique in its pursuit of seeking justice for underprivileged people.’

‘Tom Goodhead is a brilliant strategist; Guy Robson brings a lot of fresh and deep litigation experience to Pogust Goodhead; Bruna Ficklscherer is passionate and hard-working.’

‘Pogust Goodhead has a strong focus on international environmental disputes. It is very impressive how the firm provides thorough and systematic knowledge of the Brazilian legal system. The firm has a great experience in mass litigation claims and follows a very structured approach to handling proceedings with a large number of claimants.’

‘Tom Goodhead’s strategic input is very valuable – his team provides a very pragmatic advice and is focused on values. Christopher Neill has a very pragmatic approach to complex legal questions.’

‘Anna Carolina Salomão is very knowledgeable, responsive and pragmatic and can be relied upon to find practical solutions to very complex legal challenges.’

‘PGMBM outperforms its rivals. For a relatively new firm, it has deservedly made a name for itself. The team pursue their client’s interests fearlessly and obtain excellent results. The team is ambitious; it embraces the opportunity to take on precedent-setting litigation.’

‘Tom Goodhead has excellent judgment and unrivalled expertise in environmental group actions.’

Work highlights


  • Representing over 700,000 claimants in regard to the 2015 ‘Fundão Dam collapse’ in South-eastern Brazil, involving 50m cubic metres of iron ore tailings being washed into the Doce River.
  • Issued proceedings against Dutch petrochemical giant Braskem over significant environmental destruction (including an earthquake) caused by its controversial mining activities in the city of Maceio, Brazil.
  • Representing over 15,000 claimants in the Volkswagen NOx Emissions Group Litigation as part of the Steering Committee appointed by the Court to conduct the Litigation pursuant to a Group Litigation Order.

Slaughter and May

The team at Slaughter and May, well-regarded for its provision of ‘an exceptional service’ is has senior counsel Samantha Brady at its helm, with support from the ‘outstanding’ sustainability specialist Jeffrey Twentyman and financing-focused Matthew Tobin. Brady is experienced in providing the remit of EHS-related advice to its client portfolio, and is developing the team’s focus on climate change, sustainability and ESG-related work also. A portion of its workload is assisting its clients across industry sectors, namely the energy sector, on environmental risks in their transactions.

Practice head(s):

Samantha Brady; Jeffrey Twentyman; Matthew Tobin


Other key lawyers:

Dean Hickey


Testimonials

‘Slaughter and May provide an exceptional service, demonstrating an excellent level of knowledge and understanding of environmental issues.’

‘The team care passionately about the environment and clearly want to use their legal expertise to make a real difference.’

‘Jeffrey Twentyman and Dean Hickey are both outstanding in their professionalism, responsiveness and client care. As well as providing specific legal advice on a range of matters, they were always available to discuss specific challenges we had as a firm.’

‘The team leads regular training sessions for clients to help increase understanding of the legal challenges that organisations need to consider. I cannot recommend them highly enough.’

Key clients

Hyphen Hydrogen Energy


Marshalls plc


Kellas Midstream


Schroders plc


Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market


Essentra plc


Coca-Cola Europacific Partners


DS Smith plc


Derwent London plc


Reckitt


Drax


INEOS


Centrica plc


Ferrovial


Burberry


Norsk Hydro ASA


SEGRO plc


Work highlights


  • Advising Hyphen Hydrogen Energy on its plan to construct and operate one of the world’s largest vertically-integrated green hydrogen projects in Namibia’s Tsau Khaeb National Park.
  • Advised Marshalls plc on its acquisition of Marley Group plc from Inflexion Buyout V Investments LP, Inflexion Supplemental V Investments Limited Partnership in the value of £535m on a cash-free, debt-free basis.
  • Advised Hydro on the establishment of its €5bn Medium Term Note Programme and its issuance of two tranches of sustainability-linked bonds.

BDB Pitmans

BDB Pitmans‘ team has Mark Challis at its helm has a focus advising its client portfolio on environmental aspects of significant projects; there is an evident expertise in infrastructure and public law across the offering. The team frequently works with local councils tackling environmental issues such as clean air, water and emissions issues; notably, it has acted for the Manchester Ship Canal Company in its Supreme Court dispute with United Utilities regarding sewage discharge. Infrastructure and planning expert Sarah Clark is well-regarded for her ‘outstanding attention-to-detail’.

Practice head(s):

Mark Challis


Other key lawyers:

Angus Walker; Nicholas Evans; Sarah Clark; Richard Langley; Tom Henderson


Testimonials

‘A very knowledgeable and personable team that goes to great lengths to understand the issues and provide a professional and tailored approach to deliver outcomes quickly and efficiently.’

‘Sarah Clark has outstanding attention-to-detail and an ability to digest new and diverse information quickly and comprehensively.’

Key clients

National Highways


Environment Agency


Natural Resources Wales


East Suffolk Council


Bath and North East Somerset Council


Oxfordshire County Council


Birmingham City Council


Alternative Use Boston Projects Limited


Transport for London


Manchester Ship Canal Company Limited


Clyde & Co

The ‘tight-knit and efficient’ environment practice at Clyde & Co has a well-established ability to advise its clients, which is formed in part of global corporate clients and insurers, on a broad range of matters regarding such environmental aspects as waste, chemicals, energy, water pollution and asbestos issues. In addition to its advisory work across these areas, the team also has strong capabilities in the environmental crime space, advising on prosecutions and investigations. Brian Greenwood leads the team from the London office, which support from Rod Hunt and Chris Morrison, who are both based in Manchester.

Practice head(s):

Rod Hunt; Chris Morrison; Brian Greenwood


Other key lawyers:

Tom Roberts; Sabrina Sardo; Stephanie Lunt


Testimonials

‘A tight-knit and efficient team that works well together and has excellent communication with counsel in litigious cases.’

‘Tom Roberts is excellent at coordinating the overall team. He knows his own strengths, he is also not afraid to say when cases take him into territory with which he is less familiar. Sabrina Sardo is incredibly diligent, great at picking up all the detailed things that need to be done.’

‘Clyde & Co’s environmental enforcement team always impress me. The team does a large amount of insurance-funded environmental enforcement work, as well as privately funded work, principally for corporates but also for individual clients.’

Jones Day

The ‘committed’ cohort at Jones Day has a strong reputation for its capabilities in various areas of environmental regulatory and transactional cases. Particular areas of focus for the team include advising on contaminated land disposals and acquisitions; on environmental risks involved in significant transactions; and on product safety and related government investigatory work. Climate change litigation is a developing area of specialism across the firm at international level. Waste management is a specialism of team lead counsel Chris Papanicolaou.

Practice head(s):

Chris Papanicolaou


Other key lawyers:

Gregory Barden


Testimonials

‘The team works incredibly hard, they are proactive and support us extremely well. They are approachable and responsive which is what we really need.’

‘I think the key was timely and fast responses. Even if there isn’t a major update, they ensured we understood where we were at, at all times. They were committed throughout our project. Chris Papanicolaou was key to this.’

Key clients

Sanofi


International Automotive Components Group Limited


Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC


Delancey Real Estate Asset Management Limited


Hoshizaki Europe B.V.


LondonMetric Property Plc


Oxenwood Real Estate LLP


Helios Technologies


APPLiA Europe


Omnimax International


The Timken Company


Sun Communities Inc


Arsenal Capital Partners


Maquarie Asset Management


EUROAPI


FleetCor Technologies, Inc


Flowserve Corporation


Mayer Brown International LLP

Tim Baines, who was promoted to partner in January 2023, is at the helm of the practice at Mayer Brown International LLP which is well-equipped to advise its roster of clients on environmental aspects of notable corporate and real estate transactions, consistently of millions in value. Consultant Michael Hutchinson provides expertise advising on mandates regarding environmental regulations and transactions, climate change, and health and safety as well as representing in litigation. More broadly, the team is developing a focus on ESG.

Practice head(s):

Tim Baines


Other key lawyers:

Michael Hutchinson


Key clients

Dow, Inc.


Aurelius


Klesch Group


Crosstree Real Estate Partners


Cabot Properties Inc.


Kennedy Wilson


Tungsten West plc


Whirlpool


Sykes Cottages Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Tungsten West on its c.£40m equity fundraise, its debt project financing and admission to AIM.
  • Advising Whirlpool on the sale and leaseback of its UK headquarters in Peterborough.
  • Advising Sykes Cottages Limited in the acquisition of Forest Holidays, the UK’s leading owner and operator of environmentally sensitive cabins which are located in 12 forests across the UK.

Osborne Clarke LLP

Osborne Clarke LLP‘s environment practice is led by Bristol-based Matthew Germain who is well-known for his capabilities in advising corporate clients on ESG matters, as well as sustainability, climate change and waste-related work. The wider team has a specialism in advising on the ESG regulatory landscape in cross-jurisdictional contexts, as well as on matters of carbon reduction and transitions to net-zero. Julian Wolfgramm-King, who works from the firm’s London office is a senior associate to note.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Germain


Other key lawyers:

Caroline Bush; Julian Wolfgramm-King


Key clients

Reckitt Benckiser


National Grid Electricity Distribution Plc


Stericycle Limited


St Modwen Developments Ltd


Capgemini


QinetiQ Ltd


Dreams Ltd


Vodafone Ltd


Wessex Water / Entrade


Acorn Bioenergy Ltd


Pinsent Masons LLP

The environment team at Pinsent Masons LLP which is described as ‘approachable, down-to-earth and responsive’ has a solid reputation for its development and planning expertise, advising on environmental factors involved in urban developments and regenerations as well as on emerging nature-based climate solutions. It also advises ably on the financial aspects of environmental transactions. It has particular experience handling matters relating to water, energy and infrastructure. The firm’s national head of planning, environment, energy and infrastructure Richard Griffiths and Glasgow-based legal director Ross McDowall co-lead the offering. ‘Trusted advisor’ and legal director Fiona Ross is a key member of the team.

Practice head(s):

Richard Griffiths; Ross McDowall


Other key lawyers:

Eluned Watson; Fiona Ross


Testimonials

‘The team is approachable, down-to-earth and responsive to client needs – something that is very important in a technical area.’

‘Fiona Ross is warm, intelligent and commercial in her approach. She is a trusted advisor that can work with a range of technical and non-technical specialists.’

Key clients

Southern Water Services Limited


Environment Agency


Thames Water / Affinity Water


Drax Power Limited


Leading FMCG Plc


Unboxed 2022


Thames Water


Work highlights


  • Advising Southern Water on the development of major new water supply infrastructure in Hampshire, including advising on the Ofwat/RAPID framework for obtaining development funding.
  • Advising Drax on all environmental matters in the context of its proposed Bioenergy Carbon Capture and Storage project, including advising on environmental permitting and biodiversity net gain.
  • Advising Unboxed on environmental and waste law issues associated with the use of a partially decommissioned North Sea gas rig as the structure for a large scale public art installation in Weston-super-Mare.

Squire Patton Boggs

Squire Patton Boggs‘ practice is headed up by Manchester-based, national head of EHS at the firm, Robert Elvin and its workload consists namely of the gamut of non-contentious advisory work, through to regulatory defence work. Additionally, the team advises its clients on the interpretation of legislative requirements, guiding them through environmental policies and processes. Its expertise span REACH, waste, producer responsibility and climate change. Director and chemicals specialist Anita Lloyd, who works from the Birmingham office, is a key name to note in the team.

Practice head(s):

Rob Elvin


Other key lawyers:

Anita Lloyd; Oliver Bristow; Dave Gordon


Key clients

ZF Friedrichshafen


Olin Corporation


Hackman Capital


Taylor Wimpey


Michelman Inc


Zippo Manufacturing Company


Owens Corning


Avery Dennison


Essity


Kobayashi


Baxter International Inc


Braskem Netherlands BV


McBride Plc


St Francis Group


Berry Global


Eden Springs


EDF


Work highlights


  • Advising Olin Corporation on REACH to facilitate transfer of chlorinated solvent division from Olin to SafeChem, including transfer of a REACH authorisation under an asset transfer/change of legal entity mechanism.
  • Reviewing and renegotiating Environment Agency bonds and security arrangements nationally for Taylor Wimpey.
  • Advising a global healthcare company on a wide range of environmental and chemical regulatory matters relating to EU and UK operations, including authorisation requirements under REACH and UK REACH.

White & Case LLP

The environment practice at White & Case LLP has strong abilities to assist its clients on matters including energy transition, renewable power, green and sustainable finance in addition to its work advising on the environmental aspects of large-scale transactions. It has a particular presence assisting on projects in the Saudi Arabian and UAE market. Michael Watson and counsel Tallat Hussain who has a specialism in ESG work, co-head the practice which was bolstered in October 2022 by the arrival of experienced environment consultant Anna Janas who joined the team from an in-house role.

Practice head(s):

Michael Watson; Tallat Hussain


Other key lawyers:

Anna Janas


Key clients

Triton


Nine Saudi and regional banks


Macquarie Asset Management


Dakoa consortium of institutional investors


N+P Beheer B.V.


Investment firm focussed on the agricultural commodities


Stora Enso Oyj


Verallia


Antin Infrastructure Partners


Basalt Infrastructure Partners


Oaktree Capital Management


Sellagic Investments


Work highlights


  • Representing Triton in connection with its acquisition of utilities contractor OCU Group Limited involving a Term Loan B facility, an acquisition facility and a super-senior revolving credit facility.
  • Representing a consortium of nine Saudi and regional banks in connection with the approximately $2bn Shari’ah-compliant project financing of Advanced Polyolefins Industry Company’s petrochemical complex.
  • Representing Macquarie Asset Management on its purchase of a significant minority stake in Virtus Data Centres group from ST Telemedia.

Beale & Co

Beale & Co‘s team is adept in handling environmental matters in both domestic and cross-jurisdictional contexts. Team lead Michael Salau, noted as ‘a safe pair of hands’ is experienced advising and defending clients in relation to environmental damage and pollution in relation to waste and water management in particular.

Practice head(s):

Michael Salau


Other key lawyers:

Zita Mansi


Testimonials

‘Michael Salau is a safe pair of hands with many years of experience under his belt. He consistently provides sensible and pragmatic advice.’

‘Michael Salau and Zita Mansi make a small but efficient team and are our go-to people for environmental issues.’

Work highlights


  • Advising an international client in relation to their insurance portfolio and the impact of English environmental legislation as well as insurance law.
  • Advising in respect of a potential environmental prosecution concerning the alleged carrying out of a licensable activity without a permit.
  • Advising a national utilities company in relation to a claim alleging defective mapping of a sewer.

K&L Gates LLP

Feroze Abbas leads the planning and environment cohort at K&L Gates LLP, which has a particular focus advising namely local planning authorities on the environmental aspects of urban regeneration projects and corporate transactions.

Practice head(s):

Feroze Abbas


Other key lawyers:

Georgina Rigg


Key clients

AMBIPAR PARTICIPAÇÕES E EMPREENDIMENTOS S.A.


Workspace Group plc


International Molybdenum Association


London Borough of Hounslow


Nortek Inc.


Coty Inc.


LRC Group


Nuveen Real Estate


Work highlights


  • Advising the Council as Local Planning Authority on environmental aspects of significant development and regeneration schemes including carbon offset programs, sustainable travel links and green travel plans.
  • Providing development advice to a longstanding client on a number of schemes including all environmental elements of agreements such as contaminated land and remediation.
  • Acting for Brazil-based Ambipar Participacoes E Empreendimentos S.A. on its corporate acquisition of Enviroclear Site Services Limited, a UK-based waste management service.

Kennedys

Kennedys‘ ‘hugely experienced team’ advises its clients on potential liabilities and enforcement actions in connection with environmental issues, namely involving waste deposits and water-related matters. David Wright is the team lead and is regarded as having ‘very good experience and a good profile in the industry.’

Practice head(s):

David Wright


Other key lawyers:

Danny McShee; Laura Bradford; Stephanie Power


Testimonials

‘A hugely experienced team who have dealt with the most high profile cases for decades.’

‘The team is well-balanced and adopts a collaborative approach.’

‘The individuals in the team are knowledgeable and more importantly make it their business to know their clients’ businesses. They can work independently but come together as a team to support and provide a number of services.’

Macfarlanes LLP

‘Extremely approachable and knowledgeable’ consultant Nigel Price heads up the offering at Macfarlanes LLP. The team has notable experience advising its client list on the redevelopment of brownfield land, on acquisitions and developments of environment projects, and on significant, cross-border transactional work also.

Practice head(s):

Nigel Price


Testimonials

‘The team’s work is always detailed, efficient and of high-quality. I have experienced a high-level of interaction with the wider Macfarlanes teams, making for a smooth and informed process.’

‘Nigel Price is always extremely approachable and knowledgeable. I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up the phone to him to discuss all aspects of a project or proposal.’

‘The Macfarlanes team have a great understanding of the key issues in matters – they are responsive and client friendly.’

‘Nigel Price is a key individual in this practice. He is very knowledgeable and approachable and I would have no hesitation in recommending him.’

Key clients

Binderholz / BSW Group


GHO


KPS Capital Partners


Legal & General


Berkeley Group (including St William)


Parkdean Resorts


Apollo


Various other leading investment funds/PE house clients


BAE Systems


Greenergy


Work highlights


  • Advised Binderholz on the acquisition by its subsidiary, BSW Timber Limited, of Scott Group, which provides a wide range of goods and services to industrial and manufacturing markets throughout the UK.
  • Advising GHO on various transactional matters.
  • Advising St William on numerous projects involving the redevelopment of brownfield land, now fully owned by Berkeley, which acquired National Grid’s stake in the business.

Shoosmiths LLP

Shoosmiths LLP is adept at handling regulatory enforcement matters for its notable client list which includes such names as Ikea, Boots and Nissan. Team head Angus Evers is experienced in handling the array of transactional, advisory and contentious work, particularly in relation to land contamination and development projects, and is regarded as being ‘cool in any situation’.

Practice head(s):

Angus Evers


Other key lawyers:

Joanne Sear


Testimonials

‘Angus Evers provides competent and good practical advice in a timely manner.’

‘Angus Evers responds to us with a commercial approach to the particular regulatory issues we have regarding environmental regulations.’

‘We like working with Angus Evers as we have always found him to come back to us promptly and to always take a commercial approach to how we should deal with environmental regulatory requirements.’

‘The environmental sector is niche but becoming increasingly important as environment becomes an increasingly relevant topic and trend in the industry.’

‘Angus Evers is cool in any situation, even when there are seemingly no obvious options. There are no other legal advisors I have come across in the sector as good as Angus.’

Key clients

Brenntag


Extra Motorway Services


Tingdene Parks


Northwood Investors


Epiris Managers


Ikea


Boots


Nissan


SGN


St Modwen Developments


J Murphy & Sons


Henkel


Jaguar Land Rover


Stellantis (Peugeot/Citroen/Vauxhall)


Linnaeus Veterinary


Travel Sector Property


Cavendish Education and Training


Work highlights


  • Advised service station owner SGN on the environmental aspects of a swap of a total of 38 service stations with Motor Fuel Group.
  • Advised chemicals company Brenntag on the preparation and submission of an application for a new Hazardous Substances Consent.
  • Advised a holiday parks operator on the share acquisition of two holiday and leisure parks, and the business and assets acquisition of another.

Watson Farley & Williams LLP

Watson Farley & Williams LLP‘s team is noted as being ‘very approachable and accessible’. Nick Walker heads up the cohort and is described as being ‘pragmatic and clear in his advice’. The team advises on the broad spectrum of EHS law, sustainability and nature-based solutions to its clients, with a partial focus on the maritime industry. Senior associate Valentina Keys has a notable focus on decarbonisation work.

Practice head(s):

Nick Walker


Other key lawyers:

Valentina Keys


Testimonials

‘A very approachable and accessible team who offer consistent advice.’

‘Very proactive and quick to pick up phone and chat through queries.’

‘The team comprises comprehensive knowledge who apply attention-to-detail.’

‘The team has great initiative and pre-emp issues.’

‘The practice has exceptional experience and knowledge. They are respectful of client regardless of the size of the matter.’

‘Nick Walker is responsive, knowledgeable and considerate of all issues.’

‘They are very experienced in dealing with environmental regulators in different jurisdictions, and able to give sound practical advice about how to communicate with them successfully.’

‘Nick Walker is pragmatic and clear in his advice when it comes to dealing with regulatory investigations.’

Key clients

Republic of Guinea


BW Energy


Work highlights


  • Advising the Republic of Guinea on ESG, and EHS risks and liabilities in connection with the $15bn Simandou project, the world largest mining and related rail and port infrastructure project.
  • Advising BW Energy on an up to $300m new international RBL facility which will be used initially to further finance and develop the Dussafu license offshore Gabon.