Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP advises clients on a wide spectrum of environmental, planning, and climate-related issues, with particular strength in regulatory compliance, permitting, and risk management. As a core area of focus, the team supports major real estate, infrastructure, and energy projects, with additional expertise in emerging contaminants and ESG regulatory matters. Julie Goulbourne handles investigations and compliance; Catherine Howard focuses on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and energy asset consenting; Silke Goldberg is noted for her EU and UK energy law expertise, particularly concerning the energy transition; and Joanne Holbrook is highly regarded for strategic water sector advice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Joanne Holbrook is a real expert in the environmental law arena and absolutely knows her stuff. She will always work hard to get to the bottom of any thorny issue.’
‘Joanne Holbrook is a true expert in the water sector, and Julie Goulbourne is well regarded for her waste sector experience. Both are exceptional lawyers who are a pleasure to work with.’
‘A highly experienced team, with a depth of understanding beyond just the black-letter law, but of the policy, politics, nuance in application and challenges faced by our industry and its regulators. I have been working closely with Joanne Holbrook whose advice I find sound, practical, sharp and strategic.'
‘I have predominantly worked with Joanne Holbrook, who stands out because she listens and is listened to and because she is very client-focused and her advice is always clear, targeted, and effective. ’
‘The team not only has a good understanding of the environmental legislation but also an excellent working knowledge of the water resource legislation, where there are conflicts and how to navigate through these for a successful conclusion.’
‘Joanne Holbrook has an excellent working knowledge of the legislation, delivers advice on time and can find practical solutions to the most complex of legislative challenges. ’
Key clients
- Kellanova
- Sainsbury’s PLC
- Seven Trent
- All Company Working Group
- Water Resources South East
- Southern Water
- EYDAP
- Sizewell
- Cornish Lithium
- RWE Generation PLC
- Colorifix
- Sumitomo
Work highlights
Advising Water Resources South-East at various stages throughout the development of its regional best value water resource plan (2025-2075) with £15.6bn of proposed new supply infrastructure.
Advising Kellanova on several sustainability issues including on an in-depth EU Deforestation Regulation implementation work programme and on recyclability of packaging under the new Extended Producer Responsibility Regime.
Advising Sizewell on its extensive environmental consenting programme.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Catherine Howard; Silke Goldberg; Joanne Holbrook
Other key lawyers
Julie Goulbourne