Next Generation Partners

Leading Associates

Firms To Watch: Energy and projects

Freeths LLP‘s Leeds offering has seen rapid growth, with the 2025 addition of Michael Wells from Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP following the recruitment of Deborah Harvey from Osborne Clarke LLP in 2024.

Energy and projects in Yorkshire

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard fields an ‘outstanding’ team, integrated with the firm’s global offering, which is active across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The group has core strength in renewables and alternative energy, including battery storage, hydrogen, and EV charging mandates. Richard Goodfellow and Paul Dight jointly lead the team from the Leeds office. Goodfellow is regularly active on first-of-a-kind projects, including in the nuclear sector, while Dight contributes key expertise in energy and utility infrastructure projects. Sophie Hiley advises on regulatory and transactional matters in the energy space, with an emphasis on hydrogen projects. Anthony McDonnell is also a key name to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Richard Goodfellow; Paul Dight


Autres avocats clés:

Sophie Hiley; Jack Harris; Anthony McDonnell


Les références

‘The energy and projects practice at AG is outstanding. It is the most responsive and knowledgeable team I have come across while working in an in-house capacity.’

‘Sophie Hiley is the best partner I have worked with in any law firm. Her responsiveness, attention to detail, negotiation skills and industry knowledge is phenomenal.’

‘Paul Dight has demonstrated an exceptional ability to understand our niche area within the industry, and offer pragmatic and novel solutions to the very specific challenges we face. He has brought a wealth of experience and gravitas to our cause, which again has been advantageous in our negotiations.’

Principaux clients

National Wealth Fund (NWF)


Leeds City Council


Green Generation Energy Networks Cymru Limited


Vattenfall


Ares Wealth Management Solutions LLC


Pod Point


Breedon


Anglo American Woodsmith Limited


Yorkshire Water


The Highland Council


Aberdeen City Council


Council and Moray Council


Primark Stores


mua Group


Smart Choice Metering Limited


National Grid Electricity System Operator


South East Water


Slough Electricity Contracts Limited


Slough Heat & Power Limited


Volkswagen AG Group Companies (DE)


Environ Services Limited


Euro Garages Group of Companies


Wizz Air Holdings Plc


Intelligent Growth Solutions Limited


SSE Generation Limited


Onsite Energy Group of Companies


Aviva Investors GR SPV1 Limited


Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited


Cranswick Plc


Siemens AG


Gravis Capital Partners LLP


ERG


Octopus Energy Limited


Engie Group of Companies


Diamond Transmission Corporation Limited


Diamond Transmission Partners Rampion Limited


Peel Holdings Group Companies


Greencoat Group of Companies


Scotia Gas Networks Limited


Horizon Energy Infrastructure Limited


Urenco Group of Companies


Aberdeen Standard Investments Limited


National Nuclear Laboratory Limited


United Utilities Water Limited


Southern Water Services Limited


Anglian Water Group Companies


Network Rail Infrastructure Limited


Foresight Group of Companies


ASDA Stores Limited


ABF Investments plc


BT Group Companies


UK Parliament


Unify Energy Limited


P3 Group SARL


Royal Mail Group of Companies


EQUANS Services Limited


Canadian Solar EMEA GmbH


Arrival Limited


ProLogium Holding Inc.


Industria Resources U.K. Limited


Trojan Energy Limited


Greenvolt Group of Companies


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising National Wealth Fund on the financing of Sizewell C; a proposed two-unit 3.2 Gigawatt nuclear power station and the most advanced nuclear project in the UK after Hinkley Point C.
  • Advised Leeds City Council on the Leeds South Bank and Advanced Zone Project. This project will be one of the first to be launched under the Government’s Heat Network Zoning Programme.
  • Advising Green Gen Cymru on the regulation and commercial/legal aspects of the establishment of the regulated ‘regional’ independent distribution network operator (IDNO) in the North of Wales.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper‘s team offers support on regional, national, and international projects, with core expertise in renewable energy and energy transition projects. Wind, solar, and nuclear matters are all covered by the department, which has additional expertise in relation to transport and infrastructure mandates. Jointly leading the group are Natasha Luther-Jones, Robert Smith, and Ben Peecock, in Leeds, and Teresa Hitchcock and Ian Doig in Sheffield. Ntsakisi Baloyi Rigby has expertise advising on transport regulatory matters, while Sophie Linnell advises on international energy projects, with key strength in relation to grid connection issues. Emma Whitfield is also an active name in the practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Natasha Luther-Jones; Robert Smith; Teresa Hitchcock; Ben Peecock; Ian Doig


Autres avocats clés:

Ntsakisi Baloyi Rigby; Emma Whitfield; Tom Metcalfe; Sophie Linnell


Les références

‘What makes them unique is that they have really high competence and great experience in everything they do, there is an advantage that they have represented both buyer and seller side for different clients.’

‘They have a great holistic approach, so even if they advise us on the legal part, they also have great knowledge on the commercial, and the technical aspects. Another benefit is the access to the big network within the industry that we get through DLA Piper.’

‘Deep experience in energy projects, sound knowledge of the energy market, in the UK and Europe.’

Principaux clients

BayWa r.e


Bloomberg L.P.


Elgin Energy


GKN Automotive


Hennes & Mauritz (H&M)


Kelda Group plc (Yorkshire Water)


Manchester City Council


National Energy System Operator (NESO)


National Highways


NORD/LB – Norddeutsche Landesbank-Girozentrale


Northern Trains Limited


Schroders Greencoat LLP


Siemens Financial Services


South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority


Transport for Greater Manchester


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the shareholders of Elgin Energy Holdings Limited, in connection with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners’ (CIP’s) acquisition of a majority stake in Elgin Energy through its flagship CI V fund.
  • Advising Northern Trains Limited on its pathfinder project to replace ageing rolling stock across the North of England with a new fleet of up to 450 trains which will incorporate and benefit from the latest green technologies.
  • Advised Manchester City Council on its public procurement of clean energy.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP fields a team with strength in both contentious and non-contentious mandates, leveraging support from the firm’s nationwide offering to advise on high-value projects in areas such as carbon capture, cycle gas turbine power plants, and major hydrogen projects. Melanie Grimmitt co-leads the team alongside Stacey Collins and John Bruce. Collins leads on carbon capture and low-carbon hydrogen projects, while Bruce is the key contact for bioenergy matters. Also key are Mark Harris, who has more than 30 years’ experience advising on infrastructure projects, and Nick McDonald, who works closely with Collins. Cameron Reid made partner in May 2025, and covers procurement and construction issues. Christina Oulton is a key name.

Responsables de la pratique:

Melanie Grimmitt; Stacey Collins; John Bruce


Autres avocats clés:

Mark Harris; Nick McDonald; Naomi Stafford; Cameron Reid; Christina Oulton


Les références

‘Mark Harris and his team provide an outstanding service. They are professional and client focused, the team provides sound clear advice and keen legal strategy.’

‘They are a great team and nothing is too much trouble.’

Principaux clients

Renew Holdings Plc


Drax Group Plc


EPH Group


Leeds City Council


Amey Group Plc


University of Leeds


Viridor Energy Limited


Kier Group Noenfinium


West Yorkshire Combined Authority


bp plc


Heidelberg Materials Group


RWE A.G. Group


FCC


Cyden Homes Limited


Balfour Beatty Group


Ørsted Group


NDA Group


Statkraft


Laing O’Rourke Group


Yorkshire Ventures Group


University of Huddersfield


Royal Bam Group


InterGen


Samsung C&T Corporation


China Triumph International Engineering Co Ltd


Homes England Group


Lendlease Group


Black & Veatch Group


Roberston Group


Veolia Group


University of Sheffield


Centrica Plc


Ameresco Limited


SBM Group


Sembcorp Industries Ltd


Forterra PLC


Green Investment Group


London Array Limited


CB&I


Flogas Britain Limited (part of DCC Group PLC)


Hitachi Zosen


Schroders Greencoat


Foresight Group


Shanghai Electric


VPI Immingham LLP / VPI Immingham B Limited (part of Vitol)


Mitsubishi European Power System Group


Nordex UK Limited


UK Energy Reserve


UK Power Reserve


Eden Project


EDF Energy Renewables Limited


AMP Clean Energy


Iona Capital


Viridor Energy Limited


Encirc Limited


Mitie Group PLC


Mura Technology


Carlton Power Limited


MAN Energy Solution


Triton Power


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising West Yorkshire Combined Authority on its proposals for a new Mass Transit system in West Yorkshire.
  • Advising Carlton Power on the development, construction, and operation of a pipeline of Green Hydrogen Production projects in the UK, as part of its joint venture with Schroders Greencoat.
  • Providing ongoing advice to BP on the Northern Endurance Partnership and Net Zero Teesside Carbon Capture & Storage projects.

Clarion

Clarion is building notable recognition for its strength in energy and low carbon projects. Clients praise its ‘unique knowledge of the energy sector and operative understanding’, which extends to hydrogen, wind, and solar projects, as well as EV infrastructure matters. The Leeds-based team is led by Christian Hellmund, as well as disputes expert David Williams, real estate specialist Lindsay Texel, and Carolyn Lord, who focuses on planning and infrastructure work. Gina Rhodes is also a key team member.

Responsables de la pratique:

Christian Hellmund; David Williams; Lindsay Texel; Carolyn Lord


Autres avocats clés:

Paul Matthews; Gina Rhodes; Siobhan Dexter; Andrew Symms


Les références

‘Clarion provides excellent legal services. Their unique knowledge of the energy sector and operative understanding with respect to high-volume projects in the field of energy transportation were key elements for our project’s success.’

‘Christian Hellmund and his team leave no stone unturned in finding sound legal solutions for complex issues. Christian’s advice was always on point and tailored to the operative demands of our pipeline project. Andrew Symms’ specific knowledge and expertise in construction and energy transportation was a decisive factor for the success of our project.’

‘Clarion provide a hands-on personal service – it does not feel as though they are independent of your business, they feel part of it. They have provided us with guidance throughout the years, supporting our acquisition plans and being honest when they believe we should walk away.’

Principaux clients

Gascade Gastransport GmbH


AquaDuctus Pipeline GmbH


Greentech Invest (UK)


ITM Power Plc


Fulcrum Infrastructure Services


Dunamis Infrastructure Services


NatPower Development Limited


Land Logical Group


Northumbrian Water


Electricity North West Limited


Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies


Leo Group Limited


LBBC Limited


Bayford Group


Wilson Power Solutions


Winder Power


Leonard Curtis Business Rescue and Recovery


Acumen Waste Services Limited


Vensys Energy AG


Etgas/Enertecgreen Limited


Genovate Power Solutions Limited


Xrenewable Limited


Chameleon Technology Holdings


Continental AG


Greentech Energy


Advanced Generation Limited (AGL)


LCM Environmental


Greenarc Energy


Craggs Energy


Orsted Power Sales (UK)


Port of Mostyn


Goldbeck Solar


Carlton Forest Group


We Power Your Car


Future Earth Energy


Melton Wind Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisting the Gascade Gastransport/ AquaDuctus Pipeline team with various English law related matters for the GW-scale offshore green hydrogen pipeline project to be located in German North Sea.
  • Advising NatPower Development, providing strategic legal planning advice on a portfolio of renewable and low carbon projects, including two 1GW BESS schemes in North Yorkshire.
  • Advising ITM Power on developing its template contracts for capital projects in respect of hydrogen electrolysers including procurement of goods and services as well as aftersales.

CMS

CMS, based in Sheffield, advises on large-scale projects across numerous industries, including the education, pharmaceutical, and transport spaces, as well as covering key energy sectors. Fraser Askham and Helen Johnson co-lead the department, with Askham covering non-contentious matters, while contentious issues are led by Johnson. Jenny Whipps is an additional key name for disputes, with experience in litigation and arbitration proceedings.

Responsables de la pratique:

Fraser Askham; Helen Johnson


Autres avocats clés:

Jenny Whipps; Katie Rider


Les références

‘The partners were supported by a highly competent team who worked enthusiastically to deliver an outcome that was innovative and well-structured.’

‘Fraser Askham is responsive efficient and clear thinking, allowing us to stay on top of a claims situation and to reach a positive conclusion through negotiation.’

Principaux clients

Equans UK (Group)


Mileway


The University of Sheffield


The Sheffield United Football Club Limited


Lendlease Construction (Europe) Limited


AECOM Limited


Bailey Total Envelope Solutions


Glasgow City Council


NG Bailey Group


Wates Group


Equans N.V/S.A


Multiplex


Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Limited


International Hotel Properties


E Poppleton & Son Limited


Ambassador Theatre Group


Henry Boot Construction Limited


Ground Control Limited


Crown Commercial Services (Wider Public Sector)


Galliford Try


Places for People


The MEH Alliance (a JV comprising Balfour Beatty, NG Bailey, Doosan Babcock, Cavendish Nuclear and Altrad SA)


Henry Boot Developments


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising a prominent contractor entity in relation to a complex renewable energy project dispute.
  • Advising the MEH Joint Venture (comprising Balfour Beatty, Altrad, Cavendish Nuclear, Altrad Babcock, Bilfinger and NG Bailey) on a multi-billion pound alliance contract for the new Sizewell C nuclear power station.
  • Advising on the delivery of a major highways infrastructure project.

Shoosmiths LLP

Shoosmiths LLP‘s practice has three key focus areas; clean energy development, energy procurement, and sustainable infrastructure. James Wood-Robertson leads the department, with experience advising on infrastructure and energy projects both within the UK and internationally. James Haikney acts for a broad range of clients in relation to energy projects, and Jennifer Clarke is a key name for wind farm projects.

Responsables de la pratique:

James Wood-Robertson


Autres avocats clés:

James Haikney; Jennifer Clarke


Les références

‘Very impressed with the team as a whole – really in depth industry knowledge that helps the right decision-making.’

‘James Wood-Robertson is our partner who is excellent – huge expertise with a good dose of pragmatism.’

‘The Shoosmiths Energy and Infrastructure team are our go-to firm for almost everything relating to our projects. They offer excellent technical and commercial expertise and are a trusted adviser. They are business focused and can be trusted to provide commercial pragmatism on deals to help get them over the line.’

Principaux clients

EnergieKontor


Foresight Group


ENGIE UK


ABO Energy


Switch2 Energy


Gresham House


InfraRed Capital Partners


Iona Capital


Triple Point


Generate Capital


Jaguar Land Rover


Toyota Manufacturing UK


Central Co-operative


Hemiko


Liberty Global


TotalEnergies


British Solar Renewables


Harvest Green


Pathfinder Clean Energy


Shawton Energy


Urbanchain


Goldbeck Solar


ITM Power


Kona Energy


Instavolt


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised German onshore wind developer, EnergieKontor, on the development and disposal of several onshore wind projects across the UK, including negotiation of corporate PPAs and contracts for difference.
  • Advising Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK on a private wire power purchase agreement and biomethane supply agreement from a large anaerobic digestion plant being constructed on a site adjacent to its Deeside manufacturing plant.
  • Advising D9 Infrastructure Plc, an investment company managed by InfraRed Capital Partners, on two strategic divestments – the sale of Aqua Comms, a specialist operator of subsea fibre infrastructure, and the disposal of $42m EMIC-1 cable.

Walker Morris LLP

Walker Morris LLP is adept in the full suite of issues relating to energy projects, including real estate, procurement, planning, and regulatory matters. The team is jointly led by Ben Sheppard, Tim Jackson-Smith, Shane Toal, and Laura Gordon. Sheppard has expertise in energy from waste and power purchase agreements, Jackson-Smith has a background in commercial M&A, Toal is key for energy and infrastructure work, and Gordon is a specialist in planning. Judith Pike is a highly experienced real estate lawyer with a track record in renewables and infrastructure work.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ben Sheppard; Tim Jackson-Smith; Shane Toal; Laura Gordon


Autres avocats clés:

Judith Pike; Lee Gordon; Paul Dinning; Jake Smith


Les références

‘The team I worked with at Walker Morris were exceptional. The most impressive part was their real ability to work together. Members of the team, both senior and junior, were always up to speed on the latest developments as the transaction progressed.’

‘Tim Jackson-Smith was outstanding in relation to my transaction. He was able to easily get into the detail required and ensure that my position was protected, whilst seeing the bigger picture of, put simply, getting the deal done sensibly and quickly.’

‘Walker Morris have a very experienced, knowledgeable and skilled team. They invariably provide pragmatic advice appropriate to the needs of the client and the specific project, they are direct, honest and straight forward.’

Principaux clients

Amelio Enterprises


Arla Foods


Barnsley Metropolitan District Council


Bio Capital


British Steel


Conrad Energy


Drax Group


DZ BANK


Elevate (formerly Telcom Group)


Enovert


FCC Environment


Gasrec


Grissan Energy


Hargreaves Waste Management Services


Hochtief SolarPartner


Homes England


Iona Capital


Island Green Power


Kier Group


M Renewables (formerly Metka)


MVV Environment


Net Zero Marine


OCO Technology


Opus Energy


Port of Tilbury (Forth Ports)


Pyrol Group


Rock Solid Processing


SmartestEnergy


Trina Solar


Two Blues Solar Limited


Zeus Renewables


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for Trina Solar on its acquisition of a 50% share in the Bicker Fen solar and BESS project in Lincolnshire encompassing a solar installation with a maximum export capacity of 49.9MW coupled with a 100MW Battery Energy Storage System.
  • Advised the Port of Tilbury in relation to the letting of a site within the port to Thameside Energy Recovery Limited for the construction of a new energy recovery facility.
  • Acting for Hochtief Solar Partner on a ‘first of its kind’ 50 year rooftop solar PPA project forming part of a low-carbon student village accommodation project.

Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP

Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has key strength in relation to offshore projects, as well as matters relating to ports and harbours. Pipeline installation, offshore wind issues, and vessel chartering are covered by the department, in addition to terrestrial projects such as anaerobic digestion facilities and battery storage schemes. Andrew Oliver and Claire Ramsden jointly lead the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andrew Oliver; Claire Ramsden


Autres avocats clés:

Philip Ashworth; David Dixon; Katy Hansom


Les références

‘We are given specific points of contacts and these do not change very often, which means they are able to build up a really good understanding of our business and needs.’

‘They take the time to really understand our business so they can cater for our needs specifically.’

‘Dan Hammond is always available to offer advice.’

Principaux clients

Specialist Marine Consultants Limited


Groupe LHD


LPG Direct Limited


Yorwaste


EON


Associated British Ports


Northern Energy Oil Limited


Swinton Technology Limited


RE Group


Mainprize Offshore Ltd


Grimsby Renewables Partnership


BostonAir Group


LSTC Group


SSE


Greater Gabbard Offshore


Woodhouse Wind


Humber Freeport


Virgin Money


HSBC


NatWest


Oxbury Bank


Gassco AS UK


Galwad Y Mor Shellfish (Bridlington) Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for Associated British Ports on agreements and leases with international energy suppliers/wind farm operators/developers in connection with nationally significant O&M facilities to service offshore wind farms.
  • Acting for Flush Energy on the acquisition of a waste to energy plant in Lincolnshire including renewing and transforming RHI and ROC benefits.
  • Assisting Galwad Y Mor Shellfish (Bridlington) Limited in connection with multiple claims in respect of fisheries compensation schemes and payments relating to various offshore renewable projects.

Bevan Brittan LLP

Bevan Brittan LLP has a significant history of expertise in PFI/PPP matters, particularly in the healthcare sector. The group covers the full range of related matters, including procurement and contract management. Michael Boyd is adept in transactional, commercial, and compliance issues, with key healthcare expertise. Sarah Wilson leads on work in the construction sector, and Judith Hopper is an experienced disputes practitioner.

Autres avocats clés:

Michael Boyd; Sarah Wilson; Judith Hopper; Niamh Batterton; Helen Feinson; Laura Howell


Les références

‘The individuals are very personable and able to explain complex legal issues in a way that enables non-legal people to understand them. They have a sense of humour (alongside their professionalism).’

‘The team is friendly and efficient, they collaborate with their colleagues in offices across the country to ensure the client receives the best specialist and technical advice. They are proactive, they manage their time well and respond to queries very quickly.’

‘The availability of advisers is managed extremely well, and they all break any legal points or drafting down into easily understood explanations. The 2 main advisors I have dealt with are Michael Boyd (Partner) and Laura Howell (Associate), both are very approachable and deal with my queries quickly and efficiently.’

Principaux clients

The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust


University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust


Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust


Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust


Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust


University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust


Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust


Birmingham and Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust


Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


Sovereign Network Group


North Yorkshire Combined Authority


Windcare Ltd


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust on an £160m extension to the Managed Equipment Service provided as part of the Trust’s PFI Project at Bexley Wing, St James’ University Hospital.
  • Advising Sovereign Network Group in connection with several retrofitting projects as part of a programme of strategic asset management aimed at achieving net zero carbon targets.
  • Advising Windcare Ltd in relation to its construction of a three turbine windfarm for generating renewable energy from wind.

Schofield Sweeney

Schofield Sweeney is regularly active for landowners, advising on a range of issues including wind turbine developments, sustainability projects, and battery energy storage work. Adam Hastie leads the team, bringing to bear expertise in development and regeneration work on behalf of regional and national clients. Hastie works closely with Karen Crutchley, who is experienced in commercial agreements.

Responsables de la pratique:

Adam Hastie


Autres avocats clés:

Karen Crutchley


Principaux clients

Forepower Limited


Raleigh Power Limited


Seamer Power Limited


Doncaster Power (10MW) Limited


Doncaster Power (16MW) Limited


Aqua consultants Limited / Lanes Farm Energy Limited


Woodyfuel


Harmony Energy Limited


Harmony Energy Income Trust PLC


Broughton Farming Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for a landowner in relation to the site assembly and grant of an Option for a 100MW battery storage scheme in West Yorkshire.
  • Acted for a landowner in relation to a 50MW battery energy project near Bradford.
  • Acted for an energy developer in securing a site for a 250MW plus battery storage facility.