Ross Fairley > Burges Salmon LLP > Bristol, England > Lawyer Profile

The offering at Burges Salmon LLP comprises a large group of specialists who are singled out as ‘leaders in their fields‘. On the energy side, Ross Fairley and Ian Salter are the key names at leadership level, noted for their extensive expertise in renewables and nuclear energy, respectively. For the projects angle, Mark Paterson and Keith Beattie are core contacts. Julian Boswall is noted for his niche knowledge in the field of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, while Charles Robson, who joined the team from Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP in November 2022, singificantly strengthened the firm’s proficiency in mandates relating to heat networks.  Alec Whiter – who was promoted to partner in May 2023 – and Emma Andrews are also active members of the group.

Praised for their expertise across ‘a wide range of environmental sectors’, Burges Salmon LLP covers environmental litigation, plant decommissioning, regulatory work and ESG, among others. Practice head Michael Barlow‘s water expertise is a key driver behind the firm’s strong offering in the sector, where the team represents a number of major water companies. Ross Fairley is a key contact for carbon credit work, while Ian Salter is well known for his nuclear waste expertise. Guy Bastable bolsters the office’s capabilities in criminal matters, while contaminated land and environmental waste issues are key focuses for Ian Truman. Sarah Sackville Hamilton‘s wide-ranging practice spans advisory, transactional and litigious work.

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.

The Bristol-based power practice at Burges Salmon LLP is described as being ‘truly of the industry, with a genuine passion for it’ and has a focus on innovative projects in the sector. The team has strong capabilities in the sector, advising such notable clients as Bristol City Council on complex projects of value in the billions. Renewables are an area of focus for the team; Euan Bremner is noted as being ‘one of renewable energy’s biggest acts and a man you want on your side’, whilst Nick Churchward brings waste-to-energy expertise to the cohort. The team has impressive experience in floating wind work, in particular; it is currently advising on the Erebus project, which is set to be the UK’s largest. Ian Truman has expertise in nuclear work. Energy storage is another specialism and the team is noted as ‘standing above the legal industry pile on’ in this area. Decarbonisation and renewables expert Ross Fairley leads the team alongside Ian Salter and James Phillips.