Ashurst is a market leader in complex project development and finance mandates, advising on major cross-border energy and infrastructure projects. The team is frequently instructed on first-of-their-kind matters by UK Government departments, including CCUS and DPC mandates; has a strong track record in international hydropower, transport and battery production schemes; and stands out on innovative PPP and regulatory delivery models. Terry van Poortvliet leads the team and is well regarded for his expertise in the transport sector. Philip Vernon acts as a key adviser to government bodies on nationally significant infrastructure programmes, while Logan Mair is particularly active in the defence and PFI/PPP arenas. Patrick Boyle and Cameron Smith have recently been instructed on large-scale circular economy and carbon capture projects. Sonny Udovicic plays a central role in the firm’s infrastructure financing work, while Quentin Robinson is sought-after by multinational sponsors on high-profile energy transition ventures, including green hydrogen and carbon capture developments. Anthony Johnson advises the UK Government on energy security programmes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Ashurst went above and beyond their scope, ultimately allowing our deal to reach financial close. Great partners and teams, very proactive, extremely professional, problem solvers. They put forward a very wide team with diverse backgrounds & experience covering all of our needs.'
- 'One of the best teams I had the chance to work with in my career.'
‘This team has an excellent range of coverage and provides advice across a broad range of jurisdictions. The juniors are particularly well trained and extremely efficient. Overall this is an extremely professionally run team.’
‘Sonny Udovicic has a remarkable ability to recall the smallest details on complex large scale project financing structures which allows her to provide astute solutions to any issues which may arise.’
‘The team did an outstanding job in what was a complicated and novel project financing. They shower a deep understanding of PFI, precedent, a strong grasp of risks but also a commercial approach to mitigate these.’
‘The team did a fantastic job. Katie Williams in particular was outstanding in managing the process, leading the structuring work, navigating what was a tricky process with multiple conflicting counterparties.’
Key clients
- Mota-Engil
- Trafigura
- The Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat)
- abrdn
- The Circular Economy Development Ltd
- NatWest Markets plc
- John Laing
- Protos ERF CCS Limited
- Octopus Energy
- UK Government
Work highlights
Advising Mota-Engil and Trafigura on the development and structuring of the Lobito Corridor railway and infrastructure project connecting Angola and DRC with the port of Lobito.
Advising Ofwat on the £1bn Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP), being procured by United Utilities – the first of its kind under Ofwat's new Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) initiative for major infrastructure in the water sector.
Representing the consortium comprising EDF, TotalEnergies and Sumitomo Corporation in connection with the development of the Mphanda Nkuwa hydropower project, on the Zambezi River in Mozambique.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Terry van Poortvliet
Other key lawyers
Philip Vernon; Logan Mair; Patrick Boyle; Sonny Udovicic; Quentin Robinson; Anthony Johnson; Cameron Smith; Antony Skinner; Katie Williams; Samuel Outtridge