Addleshaw Goddard's multidisciplinary practice group is a leader across the power and renewables space, and regularly secures a number of national and international mandates. Key partners include Richard Goodfellow, who leads the team and advises on a range of high-value energy and utilities matters for large domestic corporates; Paul Dight, who heads up the firm's low carbon and electric vehicle group and specialises in infrastructure regulation work, and John Emerton, who handles litigation across the oil and gas sector. David Shaw has notable expertise in the transactional construction work, and James Reynolds oversees the firm's nuclear practice. Also in the group is Sara Gilmore, who was elevated to the partnership and focuses on regulated sectors. Associate Alex Clayton is also of note.
Infrastructure and energy in Yorkshire And The Humber
Addleshaw Goddard
Practice head(s):
Richard Goodfellow; Paul Dight; John Emerton
Other key lawyers:
David Shaw; James Reynolds; Sara Gilmore
Testimonials
‘The AG team are practical and good at “seeing the wood for the trees”. Their work is consistently to a high standard, and they have helped us navigate delicate legal issues on multiple projects. They have a range of skills and experience, from ex Magic circle partners to agricultural tenancy experts which means that a team of appropriate breadth can be assembled for most of our engagements.’
‘Richard Goodfellow is an experienced and well-respected team head. As well as his legal work, he has a broad range of client relationships which gives him a wide ranging view on the sector and its developments.’
‘The team was competent with sufficient depth to include subject matter experts of specific aspects of the project such as regulated procurement.’
‘Overall the team is competent. The team listened to our requirements and challenged where appropriate.’
‘In this case the team supported us in the complete unwind of our UK agency portfolio. The team structure incorporated various fields of expertise creating a robust working environment. The dedication and cooperation within the team resulted in an optimal working template usable for all projects. The needed small tweaks per project were picked up quickly allowing us to focus on the relational side of the unwind. All in all, the team was instrumental for the thorough approach we envisaged.’
‘Paul Dight, Partner – Paul was very much hands on during the whole process. Despite his vast experience in this field he remained open for suggestions from both his colleagues and the client. He managed the process very well and saw it through to the end. Paul effectively always available for questions and discussions creating a smooth process.’
‘The team’s willingness to consider and put in place ‘non-standard’ pricing models to accommodate the fluid nature of the work, and to transition between team members when they get swapped out for good reason without creating upheaval in the project.’
‘Lead Partner, Richard Goodfellow’s hands-on, but not unduly heavy in every aspect of the project, and his willingness to openly discuss social issues arising in wider society not necessarily related to the chargeable work.’
Key clients
Volkswagen AG
SSE Generation Limited and SSE Electricity Limited
Onsite Energy Projects Limited
Aviva Investors
Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS)
Red Rock Power a wholly owned subsidiary of SDIC Power, a Chinese SOE
Siemens
Gravis Capital
ERG
Octopus Energy
Engie
Diamond Transmission Corporation Limited
Peel Group
Greencoat Capital
Consortium of banks, including Societe Generale, SMBC, MUFG Bank and Mizuho Bank
Scotia Gas Networks plc (SGN)
Horizon Infrastructure Limited
Urenco
Aberdeen Standard
National Nuclear Laboratory
United Utilities
Southern Water Services
Anglian Water
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
Foresight Group Holdings Limited
ASDA
ABF
Channel Four
BT
UK Parliament
Work highlights
- Advised Volkswagen AG on its agreement to supply Ford with VW’s modular electric vehicle toolkit (MEB).
- Advised SSE Generation Limited (SSE) in respect to the sale of its 50% stake in its Slough Multifuel Project to Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP).
- Advising Network Rail in relation to the first phase of its decarbonisation programme for non-traction energy.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper handles an arsenal of big-ticket international energy projects and is jointly led by key partners Natasha Luther-Jones, who is also the firm’s global chair of energy and natural resources, Robert Smith and Ben Peecock. The group has strength in the renewable energy space, particularly across high-value offshore wind farm financing work and acquisitions. Dual-qualified senior associate Rob Cockburn advises on the financing and refinancing of energy and infrastructure projects in the UK and Europe. Also in the group is senior associate Jennifer Keogh, who focuses on corporate PPA matters. Stephen Atkinson works closely with Luther-Jones on renewable energy matters, acting for both buyers and sellers. Allison Page departed the firm for DWF.
Practice head(s):
Natasha-Luther Jones; Robert Smith; Ben Peecock
Other key lawyers:
Rob Cockburn; Jennifer Keogh; Stephen Atkinson
Testimonials
‘Natasha is an absolute star, very quick in grasping the needs of a client and is the main player in the team.’
Key clients
Prime Capital AG
NTR Plc
Greencoat Wind UK Plc
EIP – (formerly known as Credit Suisse Energy Infrastructure Partners)
Greencoat Solar Assets I Limited and Greencoat Solar Assets II Limited
Equitix
Nord/LB
Investec Bank
Ignitis grupė UAB
City of London
Drax
DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale
EY
Platina partners
Commerz Real
AB InBev
UK Department for Transport (DfT)
Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive
Highways England
Transport for Greater Manchester
Boston Scientific
Work highlights
- Advised Prime Capital AG, and Enlight Renewable Energy, the Tel-Aviv-listed independent power producer, on their co-investment in the ready-to-build Björnberget wind park project in central Sweden.
- Advising Nexus on the £700m+ project for the replacement of the Metro fleet, which forms the centre of the North-East’s integrated transport network.
- Advising The Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the City of London on the signing of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Voltalia in relation to procuring electricity for the square mile in London from a 49MW solar farm in Dorset.
Pinsent Masons LLP
Pinsent Masons LLP’s market-leading practice handles a steady stream of national and international renewable energy projects, and is jointly overseen by Melanie Grimmitt, who is also the global sector head, and Stacey Collins, who is described by clients as 'excellent'. The team handles public infrastructure projects, assists with conventional power generation issues, and advises on large-scale offshore wind projects. In the waste to energy and wider bioenergy sector, John Bruce is the key name with over a decade of experience. Mark Harris is the main contact for infrastructure projects and has a significant cross-border practice across EMEA, where he advises on oil and gas issues, and acts in litigation.
Practice head(s):
Melanie Grimmit; Stacey Collins
Other key lawyers:
John Bruce; Mark Harris
Testimonials
‘This team is second to none in terms of knowledge of the industry and expertise.’
‘Stacey Collins in particular is an excellent practitioner with deep commercial and legal expertise.’
‘A very joined up, knowledgeable and approachable team. They offer concise and user friendly advice and great value for money on fees. The team members are down to earth and pragmatic and we enjoy working with them.’
‘John Bruce – very knowledgeable and enjoyable to work with. His advice is pragmatic and commercial which assists clients to make informed decisions on key commercial points. John has a very approachable manner and remains calm under pressure which is invaluable during protracted negotiations.’
Key clients
Renew Holdings Plc
Drax Group Plc
EPH Group
Amey Group Plc
Kier Infrastructure and Overseas Ltd
Hanson Group
E ON A.G. Group
RWE A.G. Group
BH EnergyGap Group
Cyden Homes Limited
Balfour Beatty Group
Ørsted Group
NDA Group
Statkraft
Johnson Matthey Plc
Laing O’Rourke Group
Yorkshire Ventures Group
University of Leeds
University of Huddersfield
Royal Bam Group
InterGen
Samsung C&T Corporation
China Triumph International Engineering Co Ltd
Homes England Group
Saint Gobain
Lendlease Group
Black & Veatch Group
Roberston Group
Veolia Group
Cargill PLC
Kaplan Inc
University of Sheffield
Centrica Plc
Ameresco Limited
SBM Group
Sembcorp Industries Ltd
Forterra PLC
Green Investment Group
London Array Limited
CB&I
Flogas Britain Limited (part of DCC Group PLC)
Wheelabrator
Avara Foods Limited
Hitachi Zosen
Greencoat
Foresight Group
Kier Infrastructure Limited /Kier Construction Limited
Shanghai Electric
VPI Immingham LLP / VPI Immingham B Limited (part of Vitol)
BP Exploration Operating Company Limited
Mitsubishi European Power System Group
Nordex UK Limited
UK Energy Reserve
UK Power Reserve
Work highlights
- Acting for Wheelabrator as developer of a £350m project financed merchant energy from waste plant in West Bromwich.
- Advising Flogas in relation to its project to convert the National Grid liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility at Avonmouth into a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage terminal.
- Advising BP Exploration Operating Company Limited on the consenting of Net Zero Teesside project, its carbon capture, usage and storage project which aims to decarbonise a cluster of carbon-intensive industries by 2030.
Squire Patton Boggs
Squire Patton Boggs is highly active across the energy and infrastructure space, with a track record in high-end international and domestic project mandates. Co-head Richard Glover leads on planning matters with a multidisciplinary group fielding experts from litigation and real estate law. Dual-qualified David Hardy handles planning matters for private sector clients and local authorities, while on the international side, practice co-head James Duckworth splits his time between Leeds and Dubai and is strong on large-scale energy projects in the Middle East; he is also the PPP specialist in the team and regularly handles government regulatory work for Gulf States.
Practice head(s):
Richard Glover; James Duckworth
Other key lawyers:
David Hardy
Key clients
Muse Developments Limited
Leeds City Region Revolving Investment Fund LLP
Catalyst Capital
FORE
PricewaterhouseCoopers Dubai
Dubai Municipality
Egdon Resources UK Limited
Veolia Middle East
Sumitomo Corporation
Marubeni Corporation
NKT Cables A/S
Global Wind Services US, Inc.
Selenkei Investment Limited and Cedate Limited
Capital and Centric
Zenith
Brookfield Group
Taqat Development Co
GSC Holdings (Pty) Limited
SP Manweb
EnergieKontor (UK) Limited
Innogy/Ventient
Triton Power
UK Power Networks
Northern Gas Networks
Northern Power Grid
Fred Olsen Renewables
Elgin Energy
Work highlights
- Advising a GCC government on a review of the current PPP legislative and regulatory framework, the development of a PPP strategy and policy and the preparation of PPP legislative, operational and regulatory guidelines, as well as the identification of opportunities for PPP projects.
- Advising Gruppo Falck (through its UK business, Falck Renewables (UK) Limited) regarding the repowering of its suite of existing on-shore wind farms across the UK.
CMS
The Sheffield-based energy and infrastructure practice at CMS has a track record in acting on large infrastructure and construction projects across the development, regeneration and waste sectors. Led by Fraser Askham, the group handles project financing matters and has developed a niche in dispute resolution arising out of PFI projects. Chris Hallam is the key name for complex construction matters, while Lukas Rootman leads the group's contentious mandates. The team regularly works with the firm's offices in Manchester and across Europe.
Practice head(s):
Fraser Askham
Other key lawyers:
Chris Hallam; Lukas Rootman; Jenny Whipps
Testimonials
‘The team as a whole is friendly, efficient and made up of good lawyers. They are an excellent choice for complex construction matters.’
‘Fraser Askham is commercial and a great tactician. He is also a delight to work with.’
‘Down to earth, straight talking lawyers who also have a sense of humour.’
‘The Sheffield office of CMS is capable of running extremely complex litigation for major clients. One of its key strengths is its ability to call upon expertise and assistance from other offices in the country.’
‘Fraser Askham is a sensible and pragmatic partner who is extremely adept as organising complex litigation with a large solicitor, counsel and expert team. Jenny Whipps is skilled at keeping on top of the many issues that arise in complex litigation and putting in the hard work to ensure that everything that needs to be done is completed in good time.’
Key clients
University of Sheffield
Amey LG
Crown Commercial Services
Galliford Try
NG Bailey Group
Lendlease Construction
Wates Group
BUG AluTechnic
Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
Amey Community
Education and Skills Funding Agency (The Department for Education)
STRABAG
Multiplex
M Group
Public Health England
Manchester Airport Group
Muse Developments
The Mayfield Partnership
Moorfields NHS Trust and University College London
Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council
Work highlights
- Advising and representing BUG AluTechnic, an Austrian contractor, in three separate Technology and Construction Court disputes concerning the design, manufacture, supply and installation of materials to one of Europe’s tallest residential buildings, the Beetham Tower in Manchester.
- Advising the Mayfield Partnership (which comprises U+I, the London and Continental Railways, Manchester City Council and Transport for Greater Manchester) on transforming a 22 acre brownfield site which includes the former Mayfield railway station into a new urban neighbourhood and riverside public park.
- Advising Lendlease on delivering the £500m Perry Barr Regeneration Scheme.
Shoosmiths LLP
At Shoosmiths LLP, the infrastructure and energy practice retains its core strength in the renewables and alternative energy area, with group head James Wood-Robertson being the key specialist in the PPP transactional space. The core team is made up of experienced associates Jennifer Clarke, who advises on large projects and non-contentious public procurement matters, and Heather Stark. The team recently expanded its capacity with new mandates in the digital infrastructure projects space, and is able to leverage the firm’s wider national commercial and corporate practices.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Jennifer Clarke; Heather Stark
Testimonials
‘James Wood-Robertson – It’s great to have a lawyer that not only understands the commercial details of projects but really understands how he can help to get deals and projects completed. The commentary and understanding that details out the legal input really makes a difference in reducing time spent in negotiation etc.’
Key clients
Equitix
Cellnex
DIF Capital
Iona Capital
Triple Point
Energiekontor
ABO Wind
Switch2 Energy
Discovery Park
Zeus Renewables
Lombard
ERG
Work highlights
- Advising a leading UK infrastructure fund on the disposal of a consented wind farm and the development and disposal of a battery storage facility.
Walker Morris LLP
Walker Morris LLP fields a cross-disciplinary team of experts across real estate, construction and planning to handle infrastructure projects, particularly in the waste and bioresources sectors. Overseen by Ben Sheppard, who is the contact for waste and energy-from-waste projects, the core group comprises construction expert Jules Harbage, and Judith Pike, who is noted for real estate transactions. The team also receives a steady stream of mandates across housing and wind farm financing projects. On the litigation side, Gwendoline Davies focuses on energy-related disputes, acting for large businesses.
Practice head(s):
Ben Sheppard; Jules Harbage; Judith Pike
Other key lawyers:
Gwendoline Davies
Testimonials
‘I am always delighted to learn that Ben Sheppard will be on a deal. I have now worked with him on two deals and every time I find him to be extremely professional, courteous and a pleasure to deal with. He also approaches issues on a collaborative basis and builds strong relationships will all involved in a deal.’
‘Ben really comes in to his own when his clients need to be inventive and think outside the box to find a solution to a commercial issue. He supports and helps them to find that solution using gentle persuasion which is appreciated by all round the table.’
‘The team have a strong focus on delivery, which is greatly appreciated when we have tight deadlines. They also take the time to understand our requirements and take a flexible approach when trying to meet them.’
‘The individuals we have worked with consistently have a “can do” attitude with a strong client focus. This gives us confidence that we can rely on them when required.’
Key clients
MVV Environment
Arla Foods
Kier Group
FCC Environment
Coal Authority
Grissan Energy Limited
Associated Waste Management
Iona Capital
Earth Capital Limited
Yorkshire Water Services
Barnsley Metropolitan District Council
Northumbrian Water
Bio Capital Limited
Anchor Hanover Group
Rock Solid Processing
Vinci Construction
Northern Hydropower Limited
Winston & Strawn LLP
Work highlights
- Advising Northumbrian Water on a development framework for up to eight externally financed solar farm projects supplying the waste water treatment works facilities with green energy by way of private wire power purchase agreements.
- Advised ENGIE on a student accommodation PPP project with Kingston University involving £55m construction and a 50-year facilities management and lifecycle contract worth a further £140m for new student accommodation.
- Advised Peel Environmental on a collaboration with public and private sector partners to create a net zero industrial zone for the North West of England and North East Wales, aiming to create over 33,000 new jobs and more than £4bn of investment.
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP
At Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP, the energy practice has a transactional focus and is strong across the offshore wind space. Jointly overseen by Andrew Oliver and Stephen Unwin, the group advises on commercial contracts, agreements and leases for ports and fisheries. York-based Philip Ashworth is a key corporate name in the practice. On the infrastructure side, the firm has a reputation in the maritime sector and continues to be instructed to advise on small-to-medium-sized project work.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Oliver; Stephen Unwin
Other key lawyers:
Philip Ashworth
Testimonials
‘The Andrew Jackson team are personable, contactable, knowledgeable, reliable and professional. We have enjoyed working with them and consider them a long term business partner rather than just a firm of solicitors. We would have no hesitation in recommending them to others.’
‘I have been working directly with a senior partner, Philip Ashworth who has been very professional and has a good in depth understanding of the renewable energy sector, which has been crucial.’
‘Easy to work with, honest, open and patient.’
‘Philip Ashworth did a great job for us on an acquisition, I felt we were always on top of the negotiations and stayed one step ahead which resulted in a great deal for us.’
Key clients
Specialist Marine Consultants Limited
Groupe LHD
LPG Direct Limited
Yorwaste
EON
Associated British Ports
RE Group
Mainprize Offshore Ltd
Grimsby Renewables Partnership
BostonAir Group
LSTC Group
SSE
Greater Gabbard Offshore
Woodhouse Wind
MMS
Virgin Money
HSBC
NatWest
Work highlights
- Acting for Associated British Ports in connection with agreements with an international energy supplier.
Bevan Brittan LLP
At Bevan Brittan LLP, the national infrastructure practice has strength in large-scale projects and PPP matters and is led by London-based Andrew Tobin. The team has bolstered its capacity with the recruitment of project disputes expert Judith Hopper from DLA Piper, who advises clients across the waste, energy and construction sectors. On the commercial projects side, Michael Boyd in Leeds is the main contact and has a large roster of NHS bodies as key clients.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Tobin
Other key lawyers:
Michael Boyd; Judith Hopper
Testimonials
‘The breadth of knowledge and the flexibility of the team to adapt to the varying requirements of our business is excellent, in respect of both legal advice and in supporting our in house team with training and development.’
‘Great team, very organised and adaptable. Works well with clients.’
‘Judith Hopper is very much into the detail, with a reassuring manner.’
‘Fantastic, very well resourced and knowledgeable team, with excellent client management. An absolute pleasure to work with.’
‘Judith Hopper is outstanding – very thorough, knowledgeable and calm in the eye of the storm.’
Key clients
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Department of Health
Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Sunderland City Council
Clarion
Clarion fields a multidisciplinary energy practice group, which has a focus on the renewable energy and low carbon sectors, and handles work for a client roster which spans regional, national and international names. Based out of Leeds, the team is jointly overseen by Christian Hellmund (formerly of DWF) and litigator David Williams, and handles a steady stream of contentious and non-contentious mandates. The team acts for oil, gas and electricity clients in domestic and international litigation, and also handles regulatory issues. Associate Victoria Leadley is the name for large-sale projects.
Practice head(s):
Christian Hellmund; David Williams
Other key lawyers:
Victoria Leadley
Testimonials
‘We have worked with Christian Hellmund for a number of years. His attention to detail, pragmatic approach and thinking “outside the box” attitude means that we trust him implicitly to act on our behalf. It really is a pleasure to work with Christian.’
‘We had a great collaboration on an energy asset purchase transaction, Clarion arranged a team that covered all relevant aspects of the transaction as well as organized completion of the transaction in a timely and efficient manner. Our suggestions and concerns around the transaction were duly analysed and implemented where relevant. Project was completed in relatively short period of time.’
‘Project and team leader Christian Hellmund was able to cover all relevant aspects of the agreement package, allowing us to have centralized communication with the legal office. Christian was the right professional to work with, as he had the relevant experience in areas that were important to us.’
Key clients
Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies
Leo Group Limited
LBBC Limited
Bayford Group
Wilson Power Solutions
Winder Power
Leonard Curtis Business Rescue and Recovery
Acumen Waste Services Limited
Vensys Energy AG
Etgas/Enertecgreen Limited
GF Genovate Ltd (Genovate Power Solutions)
CorEnergy Limited
Kinetic Renewable Services Limited
Xrenewable Limited
Chameleon Technology Holdings
Work highlights
- Advising Vensys Energy on the supply of a 3.5MW onshore wind turbine to provide renewable energy directly to Budweiser Brewing Group’s brewery in Magor.
- Advising Etgas/Enertecgreen on the successful purchase of an advanced thermal gasification plant Enertecgreen originally designed for Yorkshire Water.
- Acted on the acquisition of the entire share capital of Chemwaste Limited, a hazardous waste management and environmental services business, by Acumen Waste Services Limited.
DWF
DWF’s energy practice, which includes real estate development specialist Guy Rusling in Leeds, works across the electricity, gas, water and renewables sectors, handling a number of domestic and cross-border matters across EMEA for clients operating in the construction, manufacturing and property arenas. Recent instructions include acting for an energy company in an ICC arbitration in France pertaining to the conversion of a coal-fired power station to biomass. Darren Walsh joined from DLA Piper and heads up the firm's power and utilities group; Allison Page also joined from DLA Piper in late 2020.
Practice head(s):
Guy Rusling
Other key lawyers:
Darren Walsh; Allison Page
Testimonials
‘Allison Page is fantastic.’
Key clients
ScottishPower Group (including ScottishPower Energy Retail, ScottishPower Energy Networks, SP Transmission, ScottishPower Generation, ScottishPower Energy Management and ScottishPower Renewables)
Yorkshire Gas and Power
Yingli Namene Solar Limited & Yingli Green Energy Europe GmbH
Doosan Power Systems SA
Whitbread Group plc
Vensys Energy AG
Canary Wharf Group
Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeen City Council and Moray Council
Dundee City Council and Angus Council
South Staffordshire plc
Steag energy solutions GmbH
Discovery Park Limited
Farm Energy Partnership LLP
United Utilities Renewable Energy Limited
Quartzelec
WM Morrisons Supermarkets plc
Marks & Spencer plc
Places for People
Essar Oil
MRC Global
Ansaldo Nuclear Limited
Q-Park
Welsh Government
Franklin EV Limited
Cavendish Nuclear Limited
Ryse Hydrogen Limited
Mostyn Sea Power
Work highlights
- Instructed by Ryse Hydrogen to assist with the development of a 13,000 kg/day green hydrogen production facility that will be co-located with an on-shore wind farm in the UK.
- Advising Aberdeen City Council on an energy scheme to supply council owned buildings and housing association and car home properties.
- Acting for Lloyds Bank on a £100m financing of a series of battery energy storage sites and gas peaking plants across the UK.
Schofield Sweeney
Schofield Sweeney’s renewable energy practice has a specialism in small energy sites and is able to handle large transactions for international equity houses and pension funds. Adam Hastie leads the group, which also fields Karen Crutchley, who is the commercial contact noted for negotiating renewable fuel and heat supply contracts. The group acts for developers, funders and consultants on wind, solar, biomass, waste to energy and battery storage projects.
Practice head(s):
Adam Hastie
Other key lawyers:
Karen Crutchley
Testimonials
‘Experienced in the power sector, being able to easily understand complex issues of fuel supply logistics and specifications.’
‘Karen Crutchley and Adam Hastie have both dealt with matters on our behalf. Always able to provide responses to tight timescales requested.’
‘Adam Hastie. Very responsive. Excellent industry knowledge so able to identify key issues and frame advice appropriately.’
Key clients
Sirius Renewable Energy Limited
Templeborough Biomass Plant Limited
Forepower Limited
Raleigh Power Limited
Catfoss Renewables Limited
Seamer Power Limited
Doncaster Power (10MW) Limited
Aqua consultants Limited / Lanes Farm Energy Limited
BWSC Power Corporation Limited
Gascorp Limited
Earthmill Limited
Woodyfuel
Harmony Energy Storage Limited
Tetrogen (Knapton) (UK) Limited
Eastern Fuels Limited
Graphite Resources Limited
Work highlights
- Assisting Harmony Energy Storage Limited in relation to site assembly work, funding issues and sales.
- Advising BWSC Power Corporation Ltd on ongoing developments and operational matters at sites including Snetterton and Brigg.
- Supported Seamer Power on a large battery storage project at the Seamer Carr recycling centre in Scarborough.