Seen as 'the go-to option for water-related work,' Addleshaw Goddard frequently advises water companies utilising the DPC model for new infrastructure procurement, while also being tasked with liaising with Ofwat across a range of regulatory mandates. David Shaw takes the lead on DPC projects, taking water companies through issues tied to the development of water and wastewater projects. Rona Bar-Isaac is the firm's key contact for competition matters, handling appeals to the CMA and judicial reviews of regulatory decisions. Project finance specialist Philip Dupres provides further DPC expertise and is also involved in transactions centred on water assets. Joanne Holbrook departed the firm in June 2023.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is called upon by both water companies and contractors on either side of the bidding process for major water infrastructure projects, providing advice in regard to planning, construction and financing challenges. Practice head Mark Richards advises on the financing of key water projects, including DPCs, and also oversees M&As in the sector. Questions of planning and environmental law fall under the remit of James Good , who acts for water and wastewater services and local authorities in relation to the development of key water infrastructure. Kimberly Roberts is the key contact for procurement and construction contracts, also advising on the sustainability of such agreements.

The ‘broad scope and depth’ of Herbert Smith Freehills LLP‘s water team allows it to handle mandates across the full spectrum of issues, including competition challenges in the leadup to PR24, advice on infrastructure delivery under the SIPR and DPC regimes and other commercial matters. Tim Briggs spearheads the firm’s regulatory and competition work in the sector, including assisting water companies with procurement processes and state aid. Leading on corporate and commercial mandates is Malcolm Lombers, an M&A lawyer who brings considerable experience in water asset transactions and restructurings.

Linklaters LLP provides advice to a wide range of water sector stakeholders, acting for water companies on regulatory and competition challenges and investors on financing arrangements. Julian Davies and Natura Gracia head the team in tandem, with Davies specialising in M&A and financing in the sector, while Gracia takes the lead on regulation and competition. Mark Nuttall heads the firm's structured finance team, assisting water companies with both debt and equity raises, working alongside Elisabeth Johnson, who is well versed in setting up infrastructure financing. Emma Crawford provides further financing capacity and is also able to assist with regulatory issues and investigations.

Pinsent Masons LLP maintains a wide-ranging water practice, advising water companies on their critical infrastructure projects, including those developed under the SRO and DPC models. The team also provides assistance in relation to planning law, CPOs and overarching public law issues. Practice head Gordon McCreath is noted for his work on SRO projects, including new reservoirs and water transfer systems, and is also called upon for regulatory advice. Planning and consenting matters under the Planning Act 2008 and Transport and Works Act 1992 are areas of expertise for George Wilson. Arriving from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP in November 2023, Marcus Mackenzie handles  infrastructure-related financings, note issuances and securitisation transactions.

Burges Salmon LLP utilises its ‘fundamental understanding of water-related legislation’ to advise on environmental issues arising from the management and use of water, including water transfers. The practice also acts for water companies facing investigations by Ofwat and the Environment Agency. Michael Barlow steers the practice, specialising in regulatory issues affecting the water sector, including environmental compliance and permitting challenges. Solicitor-advocate Victoria Barnes is a key contact for environmental disputes, including both regulatory enforcement proceedings and prosecutions.

Gowling WLG is the firm of choice for Ofwat, advising the regulator on the development of critical water infrastructure, ranging from new reservoirs to wastewater treatment facilities and more. The team is also adept at handling cross-border transactions with water at their centre, with practice co-head Andrew Newbery taking the lead. Alongside him is Alexandra Poynter, whose focus is primarily on the procurement for and delivery of infrastructure projects. Mike Stewart is a specialist in water disputes, with a particular focus on the Middle East. Ravi Randhawa advises across the spectrum of regulatory, public and administrative law as it relates to the water sector.

Acting for water and sewerage companies alike, Weightmans LLP advises on environmental and broader regulatory issues, with further expertise in competition law. Practice co-head Clive Mottram utilises his 'wealth of industry experience and knowledge' to advise water companies on all manner of regulatory challenges, while Simon Colvin assists water companies with their AMPs and provides support in the wake of environmental spills. Nick Barker is sought after for advice in relation to regulatory investigations and enforcement actions.

Ashfords LLP's multi-faceted team supports clients across a range of water sector challenges, be they regulatory or commercial. Mark Manning is the key contact for issues tied to water infrastructure projects, advising on construction contracts and mitigating potential sources of litigation. The team's commercial work is led by Brian Farrell, whose expertise covers M&A and joint ventures and extends to assisting clients with their decarbonisation aims. Augmenting the firm's regulatory offering is Paul Collins, who arrived from DEFRA in April 2024.

Sharpe Pritchard LLP is called upon by both water undertakers and Ofwat to assist with complex regulatory issues and is also able to advise on DPC projects. Practice head Steve Gummer offers experience in overseeing a variety of projects taken on by water companies, including the construction of entirely new assets, water transfer agreements and other transactions in the sector.