Clients seek the ‘knowledgeable and understanding’ team at CMS for its expertise in areas including enforcement action, waste, carbon emission, and environmental impact assessment. The department is spearheaded by of counsel Joanna Waddell who specialises in environmental enforcement matters, particularly for clients under investigation by SEPA. She co-leads the practice with energy and infrastructure specialist Robin Hutchison. Rosalind Morgan in Aberdeen is noted for environmental advice to offshore oil and gas clients. Pamela Coulthard joined as of counsel in April 2024, bringing expertise from her previous position at Dentons.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Joanna Waddell is outstanding. Great technical knowledge and great ability to simplify complex matters.’
‘Working with the CMS team is a pleasure and they are knowledgeable and understanding of our needs in the public sector. As well as being excellent lawyers they are really easy to deal with.’
‘Joanna Waddell's knowledge of her area was second to none and she quickly got to grips with the issue and provided excellent support throughout the project. I would recommend her and would use Joanna again in future projects.’
‘Joanna Waddell has been thorough in the advice given, which has been provided in a logical and understandable way that clearly sets out the steps to be taken.’
Key clients
- Allego
- Bakkafrost Scotland Limited
- BP Exploration Operation Company Limited
- Brockwell Energy
- Cadent Gas
- Curlew Property LP
- EDF Energy
- EDF Renewables
- Equinor
- Hargreaves Land Limited
Work highlights
- Advised SSE on a Compulsory Purchase Order for the 200MW Strathy South Wind Farm and the onshore and offshore planning, environment, and consenting aspects of Seagreen 1A owned by SSE Renewables.
- Advised the National Grid on multiple occasions regarding liability under environmental law, particularly involving scenarios related to the ownership and potential contamination of land.
- Advising Falkirk Council on the Grangemouth Flood Protection Scheme, involving 27km of flood defence walls and embankments.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Joanna Waddel
Practice head
Robin Hutchison; Joanna Waddell
Other key lawyers
Pamela Coulthard