Freshfields is highly regarded for its expertise in environmental and climate litigation, as well as governance and operational advisory work. The practice is co-led by Vanessa Jakovich, who advises on environmental and climate issues and the regulation of major energy and infrastructure projects, and Simon Duncombe, who focuses on environmental matters, product liability, and consumer protection. Douglas Bryden brings extensive experience assisting corporates, financial institutions, and investors on environmental, climate, sustainability, and governance issues. Charlotte Aspin acts on the full spectrum of environmental law mandates, with particular expertise regarding ESG risks, sustainability regulation, corporate governance, and reporting.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Douglas Bryden stands out for commercial work and transactions, Vanessa Jakovich for nuclear.’
‘Deep and broad expertise in environmental matters, including some of the most complex areas of planning, permitting, liability and risk management, including nuclear, other power and infrastructure projects.’
‘Douglas Bryden has a highly collaborative approach to his work and understands the practical implications of the legal advice that he gives. He has broad experience, including of European regulatory matters that are a specific challenge for clients at this time.’
Key clients
- Brookfield
- Cathay Pacific
- PepsiCo
- Flutter
- SSE plc
- Nike, Inc.
- Urenco
- Croda International
- Nvidia
- Newcleo
- Haleon
- Pladis Foods
- ASML
- Smurfit Westrock plc
- Shein
- Petra Diamonds
- Occidental Petroleum
- Huntsman
- Save the Children Global Ventures
Work highlights
Advising EDF Energy on all aspects of the development of the twin-EPR Sizewell C nuclear project in Suffolk, a £20billion-plus nuclear project.
Represent Yorkshire Water Services Limited and Kelda Holdings Limited in opt-out collective proceedings brought by proposed class representative Professor Carolyn Roberts in the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
Advising London Stock Exchange Group plc in key strategic environment and climate change-related mandates, which include global sustainability regulatory monitoring and ESG ratings investigation.
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
Vanessa Jakovich; Simon Duncombe
Other key lawyers
Douglas Bryden; Charlotte Aspin