Edward Bretherton > Clifford Chance LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Boasting an ‘unmatched depth and breadth of experience’, the non-contentious construction team at Clifford Chance LLP advises on major energy transition developments, including mezzanine financing transactions, for the full range of significant international clients. With expertise in cross-border nuclear energy-related  matters, the team’s key strengths also include multi-contract procurement strategies, and LNG and carbon capture projects. Head of international construction Sandy Hall chairs the team, leading on joint ventures between major international clients, advising on construction issues and project financing. Clean hydrogen specialist Edward Bretherton advises on offshore wind farms. David Metzger leads on advising lenders in the development of a major cross-border PPP project.

Trusted by multiple premier lenders and sponsors for marquee projects around the world, Clifford Chance LLP is one of the strongest energy and infrastructure financing practices in the market. Clare Burgess, who is now both co-head of the Worldwide Projects group and co-head of the Energy sector, is a highly experienced finance practitioner who handles a range of international projects, spanning transport, social infrastructure, and renewables. Michael Pearson draws on his deep PFI/PPP knowledge to act on large-scale projects across EMEA, while Praveen Jagadish, also noted for his PFI/PPP expertise, advises in relation to novel funding models. Edward Bretherton’s practice focuses on procurement and construction related issues, and Bryony Theaker, who was promoted to partner in May 2024, works with lenders and sponsors involved in energy transition and digital infrastructure deals. Caireen McCluskey is sought out by lenders, procuring authorities and developers engaging with landmark projects across the wider EMEA region. Craig Nethercott – noted for his international projects work – joined from Latham & Watkins in September 2023.

Clifford Chance LLP boasts a robust power team recognised for guiding clients through the entire spectrum of energy projects, spanning both conventional and nuclear power. John Wilkins chairs the firm’s global nuclear group, leveraging his expertise to advise on high-profile nuclear power projects, including cross-border matters concerning the extension of nuclear power plants. Nicholas Hughes heads the firm’s Africa practice for power and renewables, advising on cross-border and domestic M&A, restructurings, and joint ventures. Complementing this leadership are Praveen Jagadish, noted for handling nuclear power projects, and Edward Bretherton, who focuses on procurement, construction and operations and maintenance (O&M) for complex construction projects in the nuclear power sector.