The team at Burges Salmon LLP advises across all areas of environmental work, from contaminated land remediation and liability issues, to environmental disputes and prosecutions. Other key workstreams for the group include climate change and carbon law, nature-based solutions, and environmental compliance. Practice head Michael Barlow draws praise for 'tirelessly seeking good outcomes for clients'. Ross Fairley has expertise in major environmental law and net zero matters, while Ian Salter has recently become particularly well known for his expertise in nuclear law. Guy Bastable regularly works across all areas of corporate crime and regulatory investigations, with a major part of his practice covering environmental protection. Other key figures include Ian Truman, who stands out for his expertise in radiological environmental permitting, and Sarah Sackville Hamilton, who works with clients to navigate regulatory and contractual issues, and to bring forward net zero/sustainability projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Very approachable team, a pleasure to work with. Clear, comprehensive and helpful advice. ’
‘Burges Salmon LLP is a full-service firm built around the quality of its lawyers.’
‘Guy Bastable stands out. He is frequently asked by utility companies and large corporations to provide advice, assistance and representation when the Environment Agency knocks at the door. He is a master tactician who thinks everything through to the nth degree. ’
‘Mike Barlow is an excellent partner - well informed on the law; tireless in seeking good outcomes for clients without the need for expensive litigation. He has careful client care skills; he knows when to seek help and who to ask - his teamwork skills are top notch. ’
‘Ian Truman is a an expert in his filed and extremely user friendly. I appreciate how clear and pragmatic his advice is and enjoy working with him.’
‘The best standalone environmental law team in the UK. For regulatory environmental law, there is no-one better.’
Key clients
- FirstGroup
- Canal and River Trust
- EDF Energy Ltd
- Severn Trent Water
- Koch Industries (and subsidiaries including Georgia Pacific LLC, INVISTA, Guardian Glass)
- John Lewis
- JG Pears Group
- ENGIE
- Affinity Water
- Pennon plc
Work highlights
- Advised a water and sewerage undertaker on its response to investigations by the Environment Agency and Ofwat into river discharges and on proceedings related to these issues.
- Advised a natural capital brokerage business on the contracts underpinning its nature-based solutions projects and the sale of biodiversity units and nutrient credits generated by the projects.
- Advised a global aviation company on the implications of emerging climate legislation for its business and on managing the risks and opportunities presented.
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.
Michael Barlow
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Sarah Sackville Hamilton
Practice head
Michael Barlow
Other key lawyers
Ross Farley; Ian Salter; Guy Bastable; Ian Truman; Sarah Sackville Hamilton