The team at Linklaters LLP advises a wide array of domestic and foreign clients, including major banks, corporates, funds, and asset managers, across ESG and energy transition matters, particularly standing out for its work in the carbon market. Rachel Barrett, who took over as the firm’s global head of ESG in 2023, works with numerous leading clients on a range of sustainability matters. Vanessa Havard-Williams, founder of the firm’s ESG practice, works closely with Barrett and the ESG team on a host of issues, including contaminated land and environmental insurance. Chris Staples specialises in climate change and carbon trading work, while Kerry Liebenberg works across the full spectrum of carbon transactions. Aileen Buchanan has particular experience advising on environmental and security issues on energy and infrastructure projects. Other key figures include Iyesogie Igiehon, who specialises in advising clients on their ESG strategies.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Linklaters team we worked with is exceptional. They benefit from a global footprint with a deep knowledge of the market and have the ability to seamlessly consult their own internal experts for niche matters to bring forward recommendations and keep the deal process moving forward. ’
‘Excellent multi-disciplinary team covering advisory and transactional ESG legal advice, across a breadth of Sustainability, Climate and ESG matters, covering UK/EU/US/APAC regions - including reporting and disclosures, sustainable finance, climate risk, financed emissions reporting, sustainable and transition finance frameworks, climate policies, as well as ESG litigation tracking. ’
‘Chris Staples - straightforward, solutions oriented, aiming to solve the client’s legal questions and challenges. The best and most sensible advice.'
‘Linklaters is very business focused, up to speed with the nuances of the market in which my fund operates. They are flexible and commercially focused.’
Key clients
- Diageo
- Barclays Bank UK PLC
- The Carlyle Group
- Alcon
- Transition Plan Taskforce (TPT)
- Northland Power Inc.
- Nestlé
- Baltic Power
- INEOS
- National Grid
Work highlights
Advising Nestlé on a broad range of ESG mandates as its ESG Counsel, including carbon related projects, ESG disclosure regulations, environmental regulatory queries, and on sustainability claims.
Providing critical environmental and social advice with respect to Northland Power in relation to the financing of its Hai Long Offshore Wind Project, including by negotiating complex environmental and social provisions in financing agreements.
Advising Diageo on the full spectrum of ESG matters including in relation to ESG disclosures; supply chain, labelling and packaging matters; advice on the shifting ESG legal landscape (including in relation to a broad range of ESG disclosure regulations); and advice on insetting projects.
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.
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
Vanessa Havard-Williams; Chris Staples; Kerry Liebenberg; Aileen Buchanan; Iyesogie Igiehon