Acting for leading developers, investors, and government-backed institutions, Shepherd and Wedderburn advises on offshore and onshore renewables, hydrogen, CCUS, and transmission issues. Recognised for its strength in specialist areas such as aviation matters and ports, the firm regularly leads on complex multi-phase projects across the UK and is highly active in the energy transition space. Team head Clare Foster’s strong market reputation continues to drive a significant flow of project finance mandates. Offshore co-head Scott McCallum is a trusted adviser on planning matters for a broad spectrum of domestic and international developers, while onshore co-head John Morrison brings notable experience in energy-related M&A and private equity transactions. Craig Whelton, onshore co-head, handles consenting issues across a range of renewables and energy transition projects, and Susan Swan advises on grid connection and offtake arrangements. Tom Swan is well regarded for his M&A and corporate finance work, while Colin Robertson and Colin Innes contribute complimentary expertise in real estate and planning work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is knowledgeable and down to earth. Rather than sit in their ivory tower, they walk the journey with us. They have a huge corporate memory and apply their knowledge in a proactive, practical manner. Innovations include looking ahead at projects and suggesting introductory briefings that bring together topics such as rural and agricultural law so we can see a project from the other side.’
‘John Townsend (partner): depth of knowledge, always looking to collaborate and happy to bring in colleagues from other teams. He sees the client as an asset of the Firm, not an individual "secret". Colin Robertson: calmness and experience.'
‘Extremely knowledgeable team with in depth experience, particularly within offshore wind.'
‘Deep expertise in the offshore wind industry, focusing on niche elements of the commercial agreements needed to develop and build an offshore wind farm. They manage to link the niche elements with broader legal considerations from other teams in the firm to provide a balanced view on the legal issue at hand. Very clear approach with the Partners, who support as much as possible with external stakeholder management and negotiations.'
‘Highly knowledgeable Partner - Susan Swan- who has a prolific understanding of the renewable energy space, especially across crossing agreements with O&G and OFTO counterparts, as well a OFTO divestments. This is showcased in excellent problem solving and negotiation support with difficult stakeholder, where a position acceptable for us has been reached at all times, when she has been involved.'
Key clients
- Nadara Limited
- BayWa r.e. UK Limited
- Scottish National Investment Bank
- GT R4 Limited
- Canadian Solar
- Offshore Wind Power Limited
- Drax Limited
- Mooir Vannin Offshore Wind Farm Limited
- ScottishPower Renewables Limited
- Acciona Industrial SA and Acciona Indstrial UK Limited
- Scottish National Investment Bank
- Cierco Limited
Work highlights
Advised Nadara on the Scottish aspects of a group refinancing for Nadara Limited. The transaction involved the establishment of a common terms platform and included the refinancing of Nadara Italy S.p.A's existing indebtedness, with Nadara Limited (the UK holding company) as one of the counterparties to the suite of finance documents.
Advised BayWa r.e. on the sale of Baywa.r.e.UK (Jubilee) Limited (which is the parent company of the project SPV for the Broken Cross Wind Farm, Broken Cross Wind Farm Limited).
Advising OWPL on the West of Orkney Offshore Wind Farm Project, which involves the development of a 2GW offshore wind farm around 30km from the west coast of Orkney.
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.
Colin Robertson
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
John Morrison
Susan Swan
Practice head
Clare Foster; Scott McCallum; John Morrison; Craig Whelton; Susan Swan; Tom Swan; Colin Robertson; Colin Innes
Other key lawyers
John Townsend