Described as ‘one of the top teams in the UK’, Burges Salmon LLP’s practice covers the full spectrum of environmental matters encompassing water issues, power station decommissioning work and redevelopments as well as sizeable mandates relating to the waste industry. Practice head Michael Barlow ‘knows environmental law inside out’ and has been especially active advising the water sector on regulatory investigations relating to sewage overflows. Ian Truman has specialist knowledge on nuclear regulation and radiological environmental permitting, while Ross Fairley and Ian Salter are highly regarded environmental lawyers, focusing on net zero and nuclear law respectively. Corporate crime ’heavyweight’ Guy Bastable is a key contact, and senior associate Sarah Sackville Hamilton covers a range of regulatory and contractual matter. Victoria Barnes is also noted, particularly for environmental investigations and disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Good all-round environmental lawyers with significant expertise in nuclear and renewables.’
‘The team has a strong national presence despite being regional in location and is very highly regarded for both regulatory advice and heavier environmental litigation work.’
‘Michael Barlow is an excellent partner with attentive client care skills and a patient, strategic approach to litigation and problem solving. A pleasure to work with, he brings excellent value to cases particularly when it comes to finding inventive solutions to problems and solving client’s challenges efficiently with out of the box answers.’
‘Ian Truman is user-friendly, has exceptional technical expertise and provides excellent advice.’
‘The Environment team is standout in the industry, with the corporate crime team conducting heavyweight defence work for large corporates and directors.’
‘Michael Barlow (Partner) has an exceptional depth of knowledge. Sarah Sackville Hamilton (Senior Associate) is resourceful and diligent.’
‘Michael Barlow is one of the best environmental lawyers in practice: he knows environmental law inside out, and brings those deep insights into problem solving for clients. He is calm, measured, and always on your side. Sarah Sackville Hamilton is a rising star with a very bright future: she doesn't miss a trick.'
‘Sector leading expertise in water industry and environmental regulation.’
Key clients
- FirstGroup
- Canal and River Trust
- EDF Energy Ltd
- Severn Trent Water
- Koch Industries (and subsidiaries including Georgia Pacific LLC, INVISTA, Guardian Glass)
- John Lewis
- JG Pears Group
- ENGIE
- Affinity Water
- Pennon plc
Work highlights
- Advised a water and sewerage undertaker on its response to investigations by the Environment Agency and Ofwat into river discharges and proceedings related to these issues.
- Advised a natural capital brokerage business on the contracts underpinning its nature-based solutions projects and the sale of biodiversity units and nutrient credits generated by the projects.
- Advised a global aviation company on the implications of emerging climate legislation for its business and managing the risks and opportunities presented.
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.
Michael Barlow
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Sarah Sackville Hamilton
Practice head
Michael Barlow
Other key lawyers
Ian Truman; Ross Fairley; Ian Salter; Guy Bastable; Sarah Sackville Hamilton; Victoria Barnes