The CMS Manchester-based energy, projects and construction team continues to lead on a number of high-profile nuclear, energy and rail infrastructure projects where leading engineering contractors, government and public sector bodies, various employers and institutional investors belong to the firm’s regular client base. Chris Hallam leads the team and handles all aspects of contract structuring and drafting for infrastructure projects in the nuclear and rail industries. Tim Williams was made partner in May 2024 and has experience advising on electricity transmission, solar, nuclear and battery storage projects, following which Nick Case received his partner promotion in April 2025 and bolsters the team in contentious engineering and construction mandates. Chris Henshaw is noted for his experience handling PFI and PPP projects and senior associates David Turner and Helen Achilleos are also active in the sector.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Superb mix of contentious and non-contentious construction skill sets, within a collaborative team and well-established expertise.'
- 'Chris Hallam continues to provide standout strategic advice in an ever-changing infrastructure landscape. He is my go-to adviser and his team is exceptional in continuing his pragmatic approach to problem solving.'
Key clients
- AtkinsRealis
- Mace Construction
- The MEH SZC Alliance
- Sanofi SA
- Dragados Construction
- Polskie Elektrownie Jadrowe SP z o.o.
- Ansaldo Nucleare S.p.A.
- Sargent & Lundy Engineers Ltd
- Flour B.V.
- Equitix
- National Grid Electricity Transmission PLC
- Equans Group
Work highlights
Advising separate joint ventures comprising international contractors on the C3&4 new build nuclear plant and the C1 nuclear retubing and refurbishment project at Cernavodă, Romania.
Advised National Grid Electricity Transmission PLC on the £4.3bn EGL2 sub-sea cabling project.
Advising five nuclear contractors on the c. £4bn Sizewell C MEH alliance contract.
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.
Helen Achilleos
Practice head
Chris Hallam
Other key lawyers
Tim Williams; Nick Case; Chris Henshaw; David Turner; Helen Achilleos