Osborne Clarke LLP‘s energy and utilities practice advises on a broad range of power projects and transactions, including planning, M&A, financing, dispute resolution and regulatory matters. The team is active across battery storage, nuclear, grid, infrastructure, and green hydrogen assets. The team is led by Matthew Lewis, who focuses on private equity and M&A. The ’impressive’ Dominic O’Brien is recognised for his project finance experience covering the full lifecycle of energy and infrastructure projects, while Emily Van Schalkwyk advises on complex projects, grid-related disputes and energy purchase mandates. Hannah Roscoe is an expert on power project M&A and commercial agreements. The team expanded with the arrival of disputes specialist Helen Waddell from Pinsent Masons LLP in January 2025, and Christian Silk, who joined from Foot Anstey in November 2024, bringing experience in planning, zoning consenting and environmental permitting.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Helen Raynsford and the team partner with our commercial and investment teams well, providing clear, commercially astute advice to time and budget.’
‘Helen Raynsford takes the time to understand our commercial pressures and drivers and provides tailored advice - she is technically razor-sharp and always one step ahead. She builds rapport with our business and partners well with us. She is our go-to lawyer on all things related to offtake strategy and grid.’
‘The Osborne Clarke team is very approachable and engaged in understanding our business. They have worked hard to get to know our values and principles, and the people within the business, which means that the lawyers can add true value with their legal advice.’
‘Josh Taylor is a very safe pair of hands with all planning and energy matters. He takes time to understand our business and the key drivers. He has delivered pragmatic and timely advice.’
'The team at Osborne Clarke is very invested in the matters on which they are engaged. Strong continuity of teams and knowledge carried over from each transaction makes the individuals we work with valuable and capable of creating value.'
'Bethan Moore's ability to lead and manage the transaction, whilst maintaining a detailed understanding of all relevant workstreams and components, was incredibly valuable. Bethan demonstrated strong technical skills from a legal and financing perspective, which made all the difference.'
'Dominic O'Brien was very impressive, with a wealth of project finance experience. His hands-on approach, availability and engagement distinguished the team from other legal teams we have worked with in the past.'
Key clients
- Downing Infrastructure
- Shell Energy
- Octopus Energy (Deep Green)
- SNRG
- I Squared Capital/Aurora Utilities Limited
- Conrad Energy
- Biffa Limited
- RWE Generation UK plc
- Bluefield Group
- Fleete
Work highlights
Advised Shell Energy on the structuring and execution of a first-of-a-kind green gas corporate sleeving arrangement between Future Biogas and AstraZeneca.
Advised Octopus on its £200m investment in heat re-use technology for data centres.
Advised RWE on Planning strategy for its multi-billion pound Pembroke Net Zero Centre projects – decarbonisation developments at RWEG's largest gas-fired power station.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Hannah Roscoe
Emily Van Schalkwyk
Practice head
Matthew Lewis
Other key lawyers
Bethan Moore; Dominic O'Brien; Hannah Roscoe; Emily Van Schalkwyk; Josh Taylor; Duncan Parker; Helen Raynsford; Christian Silk; Helen Waddell