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.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Doug Bryden is an experienced regulatory lawyer and is able to bring that expertise and broad environmental law background to bear on corporate and private equity M&A. Doug is always a pleasure to work with; highly responsive, he collaborates effectively with other advisors and delivers clear guidance.
- The team has a deep bench of experts, meaning that they can deliver on large and legally/technically complex projects. They have a strong focus on energy projects, with market-leading expertise in nuclear projects. They also collaborate effectively with other advisors and deliver clear, actionable guidance to clients.
- Simon Duncombe - an excellent and enormously able lawyer with huge expertise in ESG matters and group action claims relating to ESG. Doug Bryden - has been working in ESG for many years with real experience and expertise.
- We like Cat Greenwood Smith for her manner and her depth of knowledge.
- Cat Greenwood-Smith is exceptional, commercially astute, has outstanding knowledge, and distills advice into practical, client-friendly content. Simon Duncombe is excellent in breadth of knowledge. Both are highly responsive and prioritize client service.
- Superior standard advice, expertise in the subject area, excellent service.
- Simon Duncombe (Partner): Commercially minded and great client management skills. Fosters a collaborative environment that gets the best out of the whole team. Chris Bellringer (Senior Associate): Calm and composed, handles multiple workstreams and project manages well while adding analytical value to all tasks. Sanjana Canumalla (Associate): Incredibly hardworking and diligent. Produces comprehensive work efficiently.
- Exceptional team with great expertise, resources, and analytical ability at every level of seniority. A very diverse team that works collaboratively with counsel and delivers the highest quality work product.
- Top-notch. Outstanding ability and service.
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