Legal 500 Energy Scotland
Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP is known for its renewable energy design work and regularly handles section 36 applications and planning complaints. The team is also active in energy-related development work and is led by Andy McFarlane, a dedicated renewable energy specialist with expertise in real estate structures for asset and infrastructure sharing, project due diligence and community development. “Excellent team for renewable energy with strong partners, especially in the real-estate, regulatory and banking fields.” “Charlene McLaughlan is an expert in her field and provided us with comprehensive and valuable advice on a difficult PFI issue – Charlene put our company at ease and remained in constant communication throughout the file. Addleshaw Goddard is an established player in energy-related corporate transactions, but has also significantly expanded its project development work in recent years. Alan Shanks is a specialist in transactions in the primary and secondary markets for renewable energy assets, while Nick Taylor is a point of contact for development projects, including power generation assets and onshore and offshore wind farms. The couple lead the team alongside Sarah Baillie, a planning lawyer accredited by the Law Society of Scotland, and David McEwing, who has made numerous acquisitions in the oil industry. Morton Fraser assists landowners and developers in approving, licensing, financing and marketing energy projects. Jonathan Seddon leads the practice and uses special services related to wind turbine, waste incineration and grid connection projects. The firm is also well positioned to assist with planning inquiries, project disputes, environmental protection and portfolio transactions, and relies on the “unique” expertise of General Counsel Gail Watt. Brodie`s LLP undertakes a wide range of work, but is particularly impressive in the areas of onshore wind, tidal current, hydro, heat projects and pumped storage.
Keith Patterson works in project finance, mergers and acquisitions, construction and expansion, and power supply. He co-leads the office with Kirsty Macpherson, a project specialist who mentors developers and landowners, often assisted by Managing Partner Claire Reid. Sarah-Jane McArthur provides the team with a low-carbon energy project, a renewable energy subsidy program and regulatory capabilities, and the group is also highly regarded for its power purchase agreement activities. “They have a lot of experience and knowledge in the energy sector on the financial and project document side, having acted as borrower advisors and lender advisors. are able and willing to go beyond objective legal bases and provide expert advice and recommendations. “Small team that is efficient and communicates well. Regular contact with partners with extensive experience in the energy sector. Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP`s energy team manages port infrastructure projects and offshore wind farm development mandates and also advises port operators on commercial contracts, contracts and leases. Marine specialist Andrew Oliver leads the firm with real estate expert Stephen Unwin, who provides support for onshore wind farms and renewable energy. David Dixon and his partner Martin Collingwood are also key members of the team. “Trinity is a specialized law firm with extensive experience in energy and infrastructure finance in emerging markets. Known for its “depth, experience and professional knowledge”, CMS advises and supports a wide range of large-scale projects at every stage of their operational lifecycle.
Team leader Ailsa Ritchie “demonstrates strong leadership” in championing programs in the health, education, renewal and defence sectors, while Christine Worthington works in energy, engineering and commercial real estate. Eleanor Lane is also a standout name, demonstrating excellence in the transportation and marine sectors, and the team also benefits from significant depth beyond partner level in the form of Fiona Scott, specialist in waste, street lighting and hub formation. The practice has recently seen an increase in battery, hydrogen and economic infrastructure storage projects and continues to be heavily involved in 5G infrastructure and decarbonization programs. “TLT has extensive experience in the energy sector and we have used it for a range of services ranging from real estate, contracts and financial due diligence. They always respond quickly to our work requirements and support the company when needed. “Lux Nova is everything you`d want when asked. Dedicated, competent, capable, persevering, etc. What really sets them apart is that in a business world that is so often lacking, Lux Nova demonstrates integrity and a shared commitment to address climate change and a just transition away from conventional fuels and energy sources.
Pinsent Masons LLP`s tech-savvy team advises clients throughout the lifecycle of domestic and international energy and infrastructure projects, from design and planning, development and execution to operational and contentious issues and aftermarket sales. Global Sector Head Melanie Grimmitt, whose current workload includes conventional energy mandates, offshore wind sales and battery storage projects, leads the practice alongside Stacey Collins, whose “deep business knowledge and technical knowledge is unparalleled,” and bioenergy expert John Bruce. Mark Harris, who oversees cross-border infrastructure projects and has experience in energy-related litigation, is another key member of the group. “You`re not trying to overwhelm yourself with legal language and you`ll always explain the legal implications in layman`s language, which helps you make decisions very quickly.” “The Addleshaw Goddard team is exceptional at every level. They combine leading legal expertise and experience with smart marketing and in-depth knowledge of energy projects. The practice areas all work seamlessly with our in-house legal and business teams – they have a culture of collaboration to get the job done. Whether it`s a highly complex innovative project or a transaction, it is executed with the strength of passionate, high-quality partner leaders. “A multi-disciplinary, responsive team and its tendency to offer high-calibre specialist lawyers at much lower than average prices are hard to find elsewhere in the legal market, and that means clients can access the highest quality advice at the most affordable prices (because it`s offered by experienced people with years of experience).” “Helen Rumford has extensive experience in the renewable energy industry, which is evident when talking to customers. She brings a clear and calm manner to the table, which is invaluable in negotiations with landowners and NCOs. “Alix Bearhop is an excellent advisor and is willing and able to give opinions on the level of legal risk in decisions, rather than always pushing for the most conservative position.” “Gillespie Macandrew has expertise in real estate and retail clients that enables them to provide true advice in specialized areas such as renewable energy, but with the support of the broader team and knowledge base.
Their knowledge of renewable and rural energy means they are leaders in onshore wind and hydroelectric projects, and particularly in commercial forest real estate. “Brodies is the only legal advisor we would consider for our projects.