Ian Salter > Burges Salmon LLP > Bristol, England > Lawyer Profile

With one of the biggest teams on the market, Burges Salmon LLP fields a renowned group of specialists handling a steady work stream across renewable and nuclear energy, as well as PFI and PPP. Noteworthy figures include Ross Fairley and Ian Salter, who are renowned for their adeptness in renewables and nuclear energy, respectively. Mark Paterson and Keith Beattie are frequently sought out by clients for their experience in projects, with the former also leading the firm’s defence practice. The water, energy, and transport sectors profit from Julian Boswall‘s experience relating to infrastructure projects, while Alec Whiter is praised for his ‘exceptional level of energy sector knowledge and expertise’.

Described as ‘one of the top teams in the UK’, Burges Salmon LLP‘s practice covers the full spectrum of environmental matters encompassing water issues, power station decommissioning work and redevelopments as well as sizeable mandates relating to the waste industry. Practice head Michael Barlow ‘knows environmental law inside out’ and has been especially active advising the water sector on regulatory investigations relating to sewage overflows. Ian Truman has specialist knowledge on nuclear regulation and radiological environmental permitting, while Ross Fairley and Ian Salter are highly regarded environmental lawyers, focusing on net zero and nuclear law respectively. Corporate crime ‘heavyweight’ Guy Bastable is a key contact, and senior associate Sarah Sackville Hamilton covers a range of regulatory and contractual matter. Victoria Barnes is also noted, particularly for environmental investigations and disputes.

The team at Burges Salmon LLP advises across all areas of environmental work, from contaminated land remediation and liability issues, to environmental disputes and prosecutions. Other key workstreams for the  group include climate change and carbon law, nature-based solutions, and environmental compliance. Practice head Michael Barlow draws praise for ‘tirelessly seeking good outcomes for clients‘. Ross Fairley has expertise in major environmental law and net zero matters, while Ian Salter has recently become particularly well known for his expertise in nuclear law. Guy Bastable regularly works across all areas of corporate crime and regulatory investigations, with a major part of his practice covering environmental protection. Other key figures include Ian Truman, who stands out for his expertise in radiological environmental permitting, and Sarah Sackville Hamilton, who works with clients to navigate regulatory and contractual issues, and to bring forward net zero/sustainability projects.

Burges Salmon LLP‘s Bristol-based power practice is renowned for its substantial expertise in the nuclear power sector, where it offers strategic guidance to clients on major projects and developments, both domestically and internationally. The team is jointly led by nuclear sector specialist Ian Salter and regulatory expert James Phillips. A further key contact is Ian Truman, recognised for his significant knowledge of international and UK nuclear law. Truman regularly works with developers, operators, contractors, investors, and regulators on key nuclear new build projects, globally.

Demonstrating ‘extensive experience in the field’ with the ability to ‘apply knowledge from many learned experiences and developments’, Burges Salmon LLP acts for both public and private entities across the entire project lifecycle, particularly excelling in the rail sector. Stuart McMillan acts on a range of renewables, rail, and energy transition financings, and is the first port-of-call for multinational sponsors and lenders. Ian Salter, who is the main driver behind the firm’s environmental law team, is chiefly recognised for his work In the nuclear sector and possesses deep regulatory and commercial acumen. Keith Beattie is a go-to figure for several government agencies and has recently been active on procurement instructions in the defence, digital infrastructure and energy sectors, while Brioney Thomas’ activity is primarily centred in the rail sector, where her ‘experience and knowledge makes her a leading light in the industry’. Chris Simms also comes recommended for his understanding of the transport sector.