The Cleaver Fulton Rankin energy and renewables team handles a breadth of matters for energy companies, covering corporate transactions, financings, regulatory matters, and disputes. An ‘expert in the NI renewables area’, Stephen Cross is regularly called upon by international law firms on investment-related matters. Commercial real estate lawyers Joe Marley and Michael Boyce, who was promoted to director in October 2024, advise on the real estate aspects of renewable projects. Brendan Martyn has particular expertise advising on planning law and is the go-to for environmental permits and licensing issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The energy team at Cleaver Fulton Rankin is excellent. We have worked closely together on many high-profile matters over the past years and have found them to be extremely knowledgeable, commercial and pragmatic.’
‘Stephen Cross is an expert in the NI renewables area and brings his many years of experience to bear when advising clients. Michael Boyce provides targeted and commercial advice, always appreciated by clients. Karen Blair provides invaluable planning expertise.’
‘Unparalleled professionalism. Great breadth and depth of experience.’
‘Particularly impressed by Brendan Martyn. Speedy and effective.’
Key clients
- Dalradian Gold Limited
- EirGrid / SONI
- Assured Energy LLP
- The Lycra Company
- Close Brothers Asset Finance
- Gravis Capital Partners
- Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIEN)
- Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (NIAUR)
- HSBC UK Bank PLC
- Harland & Wolff plc / Islandmagee Energy Limited
- Welcome Break Limited
Work highlights
Advising Northern Ireland Electricity, the licensed distribution network operator for Northern Ireland, on its wayleave network for Northern Ireland’s electricity distribution network to include the granting of all new wayleave agreements, together with their wayleave portfolio management.
Advising Assured Energy LLP on (1) an enforcement notice issued by a local authority in respect of an anaerobic digester operation, and (2) the management of their portfolio of AD plants, which included the sale of a 250kW plant.
Acting for EirGrid and SONI to provide cross-border consultancy advice on the operation of the Single Electricity Market and the Trading and Settlement Code that provides the framework for the operation of the electricity market on both sides of the Irish border for generators and electricity suppliers.
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.
Practice head
Stephen Cross
Other key lawyers
Joe Marley; Michael Boyce; Brendan Martyn; Karen Blair