Burness Paull LLP advises across the full lifecycle of energy projects and is particularly active on regulatory, planning, corporate and construction mandates. The team continues to advise on emerging technologies including hydrogen and CCUS issues, while a growing portfolio of ESG-linked work includes handling complex private wire and heat network projects for clients across the housing, industrial and manufacturing sectors. Bob Ruddiman and Chris Gotts lead the team from Aberdeen and Glasgow respectively. Peter Ward is a key figure for a wide array of developers, utilities and lenders, demonstrating impressive activity in the offshore wind, solar and battery storage spaces. Neil Bruce is well-regarded for his skill in energy-focused M&A and financing and also acts as a crucial part of the firm’s real estate offering. Sophie Coffey provides further finance capabilities, whereas Nicky Pascoe is highlighted for her real estate work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent market knowledge on ever-evolving complicated energy regulation, including subsidy and tariff processes, and electricity market reform. A really positive and proactive approach to providing a full service offering - the team will always consider all relevant aspects of a query, from finance to stakeholder engagement, when responding to a request.’
‘Peter Ward has an excellent market knowledge and understanding of the electricity market and associated regulation, able to filter and translate the topic in a way that is meaningful for us as a client.'
- 'Neil Bruce is a skilled lawyer, providing advice that is well balanced between legal nuance and commercial drivers.’
‘True sector expertise is at the heart of the Burness Paul team. They understand the sector incredibly well (particularly renewables) and the sector focus transcends all of their different practice groups.’
‘Neil Bruce is approachable, knowledgeable and a strong leader. His work product is always of a high standard. The Burness Paull team also work well as a team, providing a fully integrated service.’
‘The energy sector is under duress currently and the team at BP offer timely replies and suggestions to balance the cause and effect of Option and Leases for both Developer and Landowner. They are proactive and have prioritised my projects even though I'm not one of their biggest clients.'
Key clients
- EDF Energy Renewables
- Orsted
- Statkraft UK
- Nadara
- Invenergy Wind Europe
- Fred Olsen Renewables
- BayWa r.e. UK
- Brookfield Renewables
- Fidra Energy
- Thistle Wind Partner
- West Burton Energy
- EDP Renewables
Work highlights
Advised Mizuho Bank as agent to the funding syndicate in connection with the financing of the 1.1GW Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm.
Advising EDF Renewables in relation to the development of the 102-megawatt Stranoch Wind Farm.
Advising Thistle Wind Partners in respect of the energy regulatory and grid connection arrangements of its two ScotWind projects.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Neil Bruce
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Sophie Coffey
Practice head
Bob Ruddiman; Chris Gotts
Other key lawyers
Peter Ward; Neil Bruce; Sophie Coffey; Nicky Pascoe