Linklaters LLP offers comprehensive advice to a diverse client base that includes leading banks, corporates, funds, and asset managers, with particular strength in ESG and energy transition matters. The firm is also especially noted for its expertise in the carbon markets, supporting clients on innovative climate finance solutions and emissions trading. Rachel Barrett advises on a wide range of sustainability issues, including environmental regulation, climate risk, and corporate governance. Aileen Buchanan assists clients with ESG considerations relating to energy and infrastructure projects, providing guidance on regulatory compliance, due diligence, and project development. Iyesogie Igiehon plays a key role in ESG mandates, advising on climate transition strategies, decarbonisation, and embedding sustainability into business operations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'What makes Linklaters’ practice truly stand out is the consistent excellence of its people and the depth of market insight they bring—particularly in emerging and complex asset classes.'
- 'The team’s market knowledge is best in class. They have a deep understanding of both the legal nuances and commercial realities facing fund managers operating in non-traditional or evolving sectors. Linklaters has taken the time to really understand our asset class, and they’ve consistently provided clear-eyed, pragmatic advice, even in novel or grey areas of regulation.'
- 'What sets them apart is their client-first attitude. It’s rare to find a top-tier firm that is so willing to partner with clients in a thoughtful and practical way.'
- 'Working with them feels like a true extension of our internal team. Simply put, we love working with Linklaters. They strike the perfect balance of intellectual rigour, market leadership, and genuine commercial partnership.'
- 'The team as a whole is remarkably cohesive, and it’s clear they invest in developing talent that shares the firm’s values of excellence and pragmatism.'
- 'Across the board, we’ve valued their integrity, calm under pressure, and the sense that they are genuinely on our side—not just providing legal advice, but helping us move our business forward.'
- 'Linklaters truly understands our requirements as clients. They are an extension to our legal team and assist us in curating the best solutions to fit the purpose of the work assignment. Very responsive and deep knowledge of the market, which they share in order for us to plan ahead to navigate the prospective changes so as to avoid disruptions to business activities.'
- 'Rachel Barrett and her team, especially Aileen Buchanan, are stand-outs in terms of helping us with ESG and sustainability matters, navigating and understanding the changing landscape on CSDDD and the Omnibus Simplification Package.'
- 'The individuals we work with at Linklaters consistently stand out for their intellectual clarity, responsiveness, and deep commercial understanding of complex and emerging asset classes. Chris Staples, in particular, has been exceptional. He brings a calm, considered approach to highly technical matters, and has an incredible ability to cut through complexity and guide negotiations with strategic precision.'
- 'Responsiveness, quality, availability.'
Key clients
- Barclays
- INEOS
- Nestlé
- Anglian Water
- CPP Investments
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Rachel Barrett
Other key lawyers
Aileen Buchanan; Iyesogie Igiehon