Burges Salmon LLP‘s construction team has claimed a spot in the market through its standout proficiency in large-scale projects, with notable experience in tech and energy. The members provide end-to-end services, from procurement and acquisitions to contract disputes and advice on innovative infrastructure. Steven James heads the practice, drawing on his experience as a chartered quantity surveyor to efficiently manage building and engineering mandates. Key members include Lloyd James, an expert in renewables; Jessica Wearing Evans, who handles contentious matters with a ’great strategic overview’; and James Horton, commended for his transactional expertise and ‘helpful market updates’. Laura Sharples and Rob Russell-Smith provide essential support.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The construction and infrastructure practice at Burges Salmon is second to none. The team approaches complex and regulated work carefully and confidently, applying their evident familiarity with our project and the wider industry. Technical analysis is rigorous, but never abstracted from context. Legal positions are explained with clarity and moderation, with due regard to governance, accountability, and commercial consequence. The result is that stakeholders are well positioned to decide and confident that the reasoning will withstand both internal and external examination. Burges Salmon's lawyers are comfortable in innovative spaces. "Innovation Paralegals" are an unusual and welcome offering in this space. They focus on the use of cutting-edge tools to drive efficient legal delivery. This complements lawyers in ensuring efficiency and innovation, whilst maintaining the same high standard of advice and client care which we are accustomed to in our more traditional dealings with Burges Salmon.
- The individuals we work with at Burges Salmon stand out for their professionalism, sound judgment, and depth of sector experience. They are measured, reliable, and strong at navigating complex issues without over-complicating matters. Steve James is a highly effective lead partner. He brings deep experience, calm authority, and balanced judgement to his advice. Steve is particularly valued for his ability to assess risk proportionately and explain complex issues clearly. Steve's previous life as a Quantity Surveyor gives him the perspective to see matters through more than just a legal lens and to communicate effectively with commercial and delivery teams. Rob Russell-Smith is a standout director; his clarity of thinking, responsiveness, and practical focus are invaluable. He communicates clearly, keeps matters well organised, and is particularly effective at coordinating multi-faceted matters across teams and workstreams.
- Jessica Evans is the titular partner and leading light in construction for Burges Salmon. She is all over the detail while retaining a great strategic overview. Jacob Pockney is a hard-working associate, one you want to be running your case.
- Quality at a modest price. They are really national standard construction lawyers in a regional setting.
- My main points of contact were Jessica Evans (Partner), Andy Sheppard (Associate), and Tom Morrish (Senior Associate), who were all very approachable and made time to clarify any specific information that I required.
- The team I have dealt with at Burges Salmon was not only very professional in the way they handled the matters, but they were also very polite and approachable. My whole experience working with Burges Salmon was refreshing, in that information was transmitted in a secure and efficient manner, questions were responded to quickly and accurately, and meetings were conducted in an open forum, making for productive discussions.
Key clients
- SIMEC Atlantis Energy
- Severn Trent Water Limited
- Bute Energy Limited
- Constantine Energy Storage
- Tritax Big Box REIT
- Environment Agency
- NNB Generation Limited
- London & Regional Properties
- Nuclear Waste Services
- Great British Energy
- OnPath Energy Limited
Work highlights
Providing OnPath with ongoing assistance on various solar and BESS projects across the UK.
Advising Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners from the tender process through to the construction and operation of two transmission-connected battery storage projects and numerous other large-scale projects.
Advising Sizewell on the delivery of the nuclear build project at Sizewell C, which has included advising on multi-million-pound equipment, civil, and site operations contracts.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Steven James
Other key lawyers
Lloyd James; Jessica Evans; James Horton; Laura Sharples; Rob Russell-Smith