Rachel Barrett > Linklaters LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

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.

Linklaters LLP acts for top-tier multinational clients on a range of governance and ESG matters and has recently been handling a large number of ESG and sustainability-linked loans and financings for high-profile banks. It draws on a range of practice areas to handle regulatory, human rights, governance and risk management issues. Vanessa Havard-Williams heads the practice and is a key contact for environmental and climate change matters, while Alexandra Beidas is recommended for remuneration matters, ESG and diversity issues. Other key contacts include Rachel Barrett, who also deals with ESG, Tom Cassels, who handles crisis and reputation management, Raza Naeem, who advises on regulatory and governance matters in the finance sector, and managing associate Aileen Buchanan, who is experienced in matters of disclosure.

Linklaters LLP‘s London team is routinely instructed by both investors and states on PIL disputes. The group also advises on international trade, international human rights, state sovereignty, and sanctions. The global international arbitration practice is chaired by Matthew Weiniger KC, whose broad practice includes inter-state disputes, while Charlotte Morgan advises on international trade. Also highly regarded, Vanessa Havard-Williams and Rachel Barrett co-head the business and human rights group, and Ben Carroll is energy disputes head. At managing associate level, Rebecca James specialises in international arbitration and international law, and William Chan advises international and supranational organisations on PIL issues.