Freeths LLP advises both private and public sector clients on environmental compliance, planning, permitting and consenting. The team is co-led by Penny Simpson, who specialises in environmental and natural capital matters, with a client base spanning developers, mineral and water industry players, and public sector actors. Alison Ogley leads the firm’s environmental advocacy practice, with a focus on civil matters including judicial reviews, High Court challenges and environmental permit appeals.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Strong on nature conservation and habitats.’
- ‘Penny Simpson - very experienced and conscientious.’
- ‘A small team with a particular focus on environmental impact assessments and Habitats regulations assessment.'
- 'They have built up a good deal of experience and expertise in specialist fields.’
- ‘Penny Simpson - clever and hard-working.'
- 'Penny Simpson has a deep understanding of the Habitats Regulations alongside the willingness and ability to find innovative approaches to overcome problems.'
Key clients
- Horsham District Council
- Bedfordshire and River Ivel Internal Drainage Board
- Office for Environmental Protection
- FCC Environment (UK) Limited
Work highlights
Advised Horsham District Council on the legal aspects of establishing a water neutrality scheme in the Sussex North Water Resource Zone.
Advised Bedfordshire & River Ivel Internal Drainage Board in negotiations with Natural England to improve the badger licensing regime.
Acted in a complex, first-of-its-kind appeal against an Environmental Permit refusal, providing end-to-end legal support.
Practice head
Penny Simpson; Alison Ogley
Other key lawyers
Richard Broadbent