Freshfields offers a full-service environmental practice, bringing together contentious, advisory and transactional specialists to support clients throughout the lifecycle of environmental law. The team advises on board-level strategy, operational compliance, regulatory engagement, projects and high-value transactions, as well as representing clients in complex disputes. Doug Bryden is sought-after for his expertise on environmental, sustainability, governance and regulatory challenges across high-risk sectors. Simon Duncombe co-leads the litigation and crisis team, while Cat Greenwood-Smith is of note on ESG-driven disputes and enforcement mandates. Vanessa Jakovich is a trusted adviser on complex environmental, climate and ESG matters.
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Key clients
- AB Volvo
- Adidas
- Associated British Foods
- Brookfield Asset Management Inc
- Fever-Tree Limited
- First Quantum Minerals
- Flutter Entertainment
- Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
- General Dynamics
- Holcim
- Lactalis Group
- Nike, Inc.
- Nvidia
- Pepsico Inc
- PERNOD RICARD
- Pladis
- Rolls-Royce
- Shein
- Smurfit Kappa Group Plc
- Society for Corporate Governance
Work highlights
Advised EDF Energy on the environmental, regulatory and funding framework for the £38bn Sizewell C nuclear project, including nuclear licensing, ESG considerations and decommissioning and waste arrangements.
Advised Rolls‑Royce SMR on its small modular reactor programme, with a core focus on environmental and nuclear safety regulation across licensing, deployment and commercialisation.
Advised more than 30 global and UK clients on EU sustainability disclosure obligations, climate transition and decarbonisation strategies, and governance reforms triggered by the evolving CSRD and ISSB reporting regimes.
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.
Practice head
Doug Bryden; Vanessa Jakovich; Simon Duncombe; Cat Greenwood-Smith
Other key lawyers
Charlotte Aspin; Chris Bellringer