David Blondel co-leads Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner’s global energy transition team, providing assistance to global financial institutions, investment funds, and private operators on national and cross-border transactions in the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors.
Blondel’s expertise is particularly valued on complex projects in the wind, solar, energy storage, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure segments, demonstrating an ability to support clients across the entire lifecycle.
Beyond his client work, Blondel is an active figure in the renewable energy community. He is a member of the leading industry association Syndicat des énergies renouvelables, regularly attending its events. He also participates annually in the Time to Change event organised by GreenUnivers, which focuses on exploring trends and innovation in the energy transition.
Bringing longstanding expertise in antitrust and competition law to major corporate, commodities, industrial, and energy sector clients, Anne Blume Huttenlauch at BLOMSTEIN Rechtsanwälte is highly sought-after to provide incisive advice on ESG and supply chain matters impacting the e-mobility, clean power, and green fuels segments.
Huttenlauch is a particular expert in the e-mobility space. In a cross-border mandate, Huttenlauch is assisting French shipping and logistics company CMA CGM regarding merger control issues within its investment in a joint venture between Renault and Volvo. The investment supports the development and delivery of electric vans and helps decarbonise the transport sector. Huttenlauch is also providing electric vehicle charging company Fastned antitrust and competition law advice regarding the award for contracts to construct, maintain, and operate fast-charging stations along German highways.
A keen thought leader on the green transition, Huttenlauch regularly speaks on ESG and sustainability topics from an antitrust perspective. Complementing this engagement, Huttenlauch co-authored a competition-based insight into the European Commission’s sustainability agenda and delivered a masterclass on supply chain obligations within the EU.
Samuel Bordeleau is a key member of Linklaters’ energy and infrastructure team and part of the firm’s green energy group. Recognised for his extensive experience advising on sustainability-related transactions, Bordeleau’s practice spans the full spectrum of renewable energy projects — including photovoltaic, onshore and offshore wind, biomass, and waste-to-energy projects. A further core area of focus includes emerging asset classes such as carbon capture, green hydrogen, and EV batteries.
Bordeleau is actively involved in sustainability-focused groups and represents the firm as a member of the Syndicat des Énergies Renouvelables — the French association of professionals in the renewables sector. A recognised thought leader in the field, Bordeleau has published articles on global hydrogen strategies and the financing required behind decarbonisation.
Nathan Bradberry heads up Bevan Brittan LLP’s infrastructure practice and is a leading advisor in environmental sustainability and decarbonisation projects. With over 12 years of experience in carbon capture, emissions trading, and district energy solutions, Bradberry has played a pivotal role in multi-billion-pound public-private partnerships, including the £12bn Bristol City Leap project aimed at decarbonising Bristol through a 20-year initiative.
His expertise extends to advising on groundbreaking projects involving municipal energy supply companies, and biomass, solar, and wind energy. Recently, he hosted the 2024 Energy From Waste Conference, where he led discussions on heat networks and carbon capture.
Leading the firm’s environmental sustainability group and responsible business programme, he is a frequent contributor to legal discourse on sustainable infrastructure through seminars, webinars, and articles.
Cillian Bredin leads Dillon Eustace LLP’s ESG working group and is highly regarded for his expertise in sustainable finance matters. Bredin frequently advises clients on the establishment of Article 8 and Article 9 funds under the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation and assists with compliance on ESG reporting obligations, including those mandated by the EU Taxonomy Regulation.
Bredin provides bespoke training sessions on ESG and sustainable finance matters for asset managers and boards of directors at ESG funds and for senior management at fund management companies, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.
As a recognised thought leader, Bredin recently led a video series on the latest developments concerning SFDR and has authored multiple briefings addressing recent advancements in ESG and sustainability regulations.
Federico Briano leads Linklaters’ capital markets practice and is widely recognised for his expertise in integrating ESG considerations into capital markets transactions. Briano plays a pivotal role in structuring green bonds and sustainability-linked securities, ensuring these financial instruments adhere to ESG standards.
Notably, Briano recently advised Grupo Abertis on its groundbreaking bond issuance tied to environmental objectives. Briano also assists corporations in incorporating ESG principles into their broader capital markets strategies.
Briano showcased his thought leadership in green finance through an article on key regulatory developments, featured in the EU Green Bond Regulation Hub. His influence as a leading voice sustainable finance is further demonstrated by co-authoring a publication on ESG disclosure and supply chain due diligence regulations.
An expert in structured finance and asset-based lending, Micelle Broere is a key contact among developers and investment managers regarding the decarbonisation of the real estate and infrastructure sectors. Alongside a particular focus on green and sustainable finance, Broere is an expert in navigating ESG regulation and reporting requirements.
Supporting the sustainable development of housing in the Netherlands, Broere assisted residential and commercial property manager Heimstaden regarding its €725m sustainability-linked financing. A further key client is sustainability-focused building developer EDGE, whom Broere advised on a €99m green loan to finance the acquisition of the Cross Towers in Amsterdam. The financing will support the transition of the asset into a sustainable, energy-efficient property.
Broere regularly leads the discussion on sustainable finance matters within the legal and business communities. As part of the firm’s ESG conference, Broere presented on ongoing and future developments within the sustainable finance landscape. Helping share knowledge within the real estate sector, Broere co-authored an academic article on how financing within the sector could be encouraged to become more sustainable.
Clyde & Co reinsurance team head Nigel Brook is a key partner to the industry in its green transition journey. As co-lead of the firm’s global climate risk & resilience practice, he advises clients on ESG and climate issues including duties of care, liability, and governance.
Brook is also a leading voice within the firm’s thought leadership output, co-authoring insights into topics including environmental due diligence regimes, greenwashing litigation trends, and the potential impact of the KlimaSeniorinnen case regarding states’ obligations to mitigate climate change.
Supporting the business community in engaging with corporate climate advocacy, Brook spoke during the UN Global Compact Network UK’s webinar on stakeholder disclosures, discussing how businesses can best report on climate policy engagement activities in order to meet stakeholder expectations while avoiding legal and reputational risks.
Offering standout expertise in project finance, corporate financing, and restructuring mandates, Bram Bulter at Linklaters brings a keen focus on sustainability and the energy transition. Alongside his experience in sustainability-linked and green loan provisions, Bulter is a key contact on the financing of renewable energy, electricity and decarbonisation assets.
Bulter is a key contact on the construction financing of landmark energy transition assets. In a €29m mandate, Bulter assisted ABN AMRO Bank on the financing for waste-to-energy operator Attero, supporting the construction of a carbon capture and storage facility in Moerdijk. With the project part of the landmark Delta CO2 capture corridor, the mandate supports the borrower in constructing a solution vital in decarbonising its electricity and heat production.
Owing to his leading expertise in sustainability and energy project finance, Bulter regularly speaks on key emerging issues, having organised an event on North Sea energy hubs alongside the International Project Finance Association. Bulter is a key partner to major industry associations and players, regularly delivering trainings for ECAs and multilateral agencies on renewable energy sector developments and project finance structuring.
Thomas R. Burton has chaired Mintz’s energy & sustainability practice since its inception in 2004. With over 25 years of experience, he has dedicated himself to clean energy and innovative technology, advising clients – from start-ups, entrepreneurs, and venture capital and private equity funds to Fortune 100 companies – across all stages of development, in venture capital and private equity financings, M&A, and IPOs. His portfolio of energy and technology clients spans a range of sectors, including solar and wind, smart grid and energy efficiency, energy storage, water technologies, waste treatment, biofuels, electric vehicles, and green buildings.
Burton’s influence is evident in his various memberships: He is on the advisory council of bluetech company SeaAhead, Dynamo Energy Hub, and the Environmental League of Massachusetts, among many others. He is also a founding and board of trustee member of the Massachusetts Housing & Climate Innovation Center.
His thought leadership is showcased in the firm’s energy and sustainability related publications, including his contributions to regular newsletters and an ESG guide for employers and stakeholders. He has also been involved in various events, such as the firm’s annual Energy Transition Summit.
At Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes, Gabriel Calvillo has a long track record in the regulatory, law enforcement and compliance fields with a focus on environmental and human rights matters. He regularly represents clients in complex environmental litigation, and acts for buyers and sellers in environmental compliance and due diligence matters.
Notably, Calvillo oversaw the design and implementation of the Federal Law on Environmental Responsibility, which addresses central issues of climate responsibility, and environmental compliance and litigation.
He also brings a background of having acted as head of the Environmental Crimes Unit of the Attorney General’s office, and as General Counsel for the Federal Environmental Enforcement Agency, as well as Litigation Director General at the Environmental and Natural Resources Ministry, and head of Environmental Crimes Division of the Federal Department of Justice.
Alongside his frequent speaking engagements on environmental justice, sustainability and ESG, he also teaches a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) Acceleration Programme in partnership with Mexican Stock Exchange BIVA and Social Value Institute.
Iria Calviño leads Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer’s regulatory and environmental practice in Spain alongside co-heading the firm’s ESG offering for EMEA. With nearly two decades of experience, Calviño is a recognised expert in ESG regulations, decarbonisation, and renewable energy, playing a pivotal role in Spain’s energy transition. Notably, Calviño is advising a major global infrastructure and energy fund on establishing an investment platform to create a pan-European initiative for biomethane and biogas projects.
Calviño spearheads the firm’s Energy Transition Hub, which helps boost knowledge on the energy transition and low-carbon strategies. Calviño is also deeply engaged in external efforts to drive sustainability, leading the Sustainability Hub of EJECON and serving on the ESG committee of SpainCap, where she contributed to a publication on the application of sustainability regulations within the private equity industry.
Calviño’s commitment extends to pro bono work, including collaborating with the Ocean Born Foundation to raise awareness and develop innovative funding mechanisms to protect and restore the ocean.
Juan Carlos Hernanz leads Cuatrecasas’ environmental and climate change practice and plays a pivotal role within the firm’s sustainability team. Drawing on his extensive expertise in public law, Hernanz advises clients on a broad range of issues, including circular economy initiatives, renewable energy projects, the green transition, and sustainable mobility strategies. Notably, in the renewable energy sector, Hernanz is guiding a major client through an innovative project to convert animal and foodstock waste into biomethane.
A strong advocate for sustainable practices, Hernanz is a prominent speaker at industry events, where he addresses critical topics such as groundwater protection, the sustainable management of water resources, and strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of the road transport sector.
Eoin Cassidy leads Mason Hayes & Curran LLP’s energy team and is a prominent figure in Ireland’s renewable energy sector, with a longstanding track-record delivering projects which increase the share of clean power on the Irish grid. His recent work includes advising on Ireland’s leading wind and solar farms, highlighting his pivotal role in advancing renewable energy initiatives.
Internally, Cassidy leads the firm’s sustainability team, Green MHC, which organises an annual Green Month featuring targeted events and initiatives to promote environmentally sustainable practices within the firm and the wider community. Cassidy also hosts the firm’s annual energy conference, Financing Ireland’s Energy Transition, and curates the firm’s energy sector update series, providing clients with key insights into industry developments. Cassidy also serves as a board member of the Irish Wind Energy Association, contributing to policy and advocacy efforts in the sector.
Bringing over 25 years’ of experience in energy law and project matters, Thomas Chellingsworth at AKD is highly sought-after among leading renewable power developers, grid operators, and public authorities. Offering clients a particular focus on the energy transition, Chellingsworth is an expert on green energy project development and regulation, market modernisation, and energy-related contracts.
Entrusted for his expertise at the intersection of EU and Belgian energy law, Chellingsworth is representing the Flemish regional government in multiple civil cases regarding the EU-mandated phase-out of the net billing method and its impact on solar panel owners with smart meters. Chellingsworth is also representing the Flemish electricity distribution system operators in a legal challenge against the energy regulator’s tariff methodology.
A notable thought leader, Chellingsworth spoke at the annual conference by Sustainability College Europe and the Flemish Energy Law Association regarding the offshore wind tender landscape and elsewhere authored an academic chapter on the subject within the 2023 Energy Law Annual. Reflecting his leadership within academic discourse, Chellingsworth is also a member of the editorial board of the Environmental and Energy Law Journal.
Corentin Chevallier, a partner at UGGC Avocats, is highly regarded for his expertise in advising companies on the decarbonisation of their operations, with a particular focus on biodiversity protection. Within the renewable energy sector, Chevallier counsels both public and private entities on the development of innovative projects hydrogen, wind, and solar power proejcts.
Notably, Chevallier is advising on the pioneering Terrega project, which aims to establish a major underwater infrastructure dedicated to hydrogen transport. Chevallier is also a recognised authority in carbon compensation, regularly advising clients on regulatory frameworks governing greenhouse gas offsetting.
Chevallier’s thought leadership in environmental law is evidenced by his contributions to specialised publications, including the Bulletin of Industrial Environmental Law. Since 2012, he has been a regular speaker at annual conferences addressing legal issues related to air quality. Further demonstrating his commitment to sustainability, Chevallier is a member of the scientific committee of Atmos’Fair, an organisation dedicated to improving air quality and reducing polluting emissions.
Joseph Chun heads Shook Lin Bok’s ESG practice and specialises in environmental law, often assisting clients with environmental compliance matters. He also regularly works with local green civil society groups on advocacy projects and reports.
Chun is a professor and a member of the Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law at the Faculty of Law in the National University of Singapore, where he teaches and researches environmental and ESG law. He has written widely on environmental law and ESG issues and is the lead author of Singapore’s only environmental law textbook.
Demonstrating his leading role as a sustainability champion in the region, Chun serves as a member of the Singapore Venture Capital and Private Equity Association’s ESG and impact committee, the Asia Pacific regional board of the Global Alliance of Impact Lawyers, the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s World Commission on Environmental Law, and the Mandai Wildlife Group’s Animal Welfare and Ethics Committee.
Alexandra Ciarnau at DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH is a key advisor across a wide range of sustainability-related matters, assisting major clients in drafting and reviewing sustainability-conscious ESG policies, delivering comprehensive risk analyses of green claims, and developing green compliance strategies including literacy programmes which help deliver accurate green claims. Ciarnau also draws on her expertise in digitalisation to advise clients in assessing data flows used in green tech initiatives and sustainability reporting.
Beyond her client work, Ciarnau is committed to advancing sustainability in the wider community. Ciarnau acts as a pro bono advisor to the Circular Economy Forum Austria and is involved with various research projects, including Kreisbau, which seeks to improve ESG standards in the construction industry through the use of AI. Notably, Ciarnau contributed as a co-author to several publications in the ESG field, including a chapter on greenwashing in the Practice Handbook of Sustainability.
Richard Cockburn serves as the head of Womble Bond Dickinson’s energy group and is a leading figure in the renewable energy sector. His expertise spans a diverse range of projects, including onshore and offshore wind farms, renewable heat, solar, wave and tidal energy. Currently, Cockburn is engaged with progressive organisations to drive practical advancements in the energy transition, focusing on initiatives such as carbon capture and storage projects in the North Sea and various UK hydrogen projects.
His thought leadership is prominently featured in the firm’s publications on energy and sustainability, with notable contributions including articles on the UK’s pathway to a hydrogen economy and the broader green transition.
Cockburn also serves as a member of the Association of International Energy Negotiators, further reflecting his active involvement and influence in the energy sector.
As head of the cross-practice compliance and sustainability group at Gorrissen Federspiel, Camilla Collet provides deep experience across sustainability and ESG matters. Collet regularly assists leading corporates and multinationals on regulatory, governance, and contractual issues concerning novel ESG, sustainability, and green developments, demonstrating a particular focus on the implementation of CSRD, CSDDD, and EU Deforestation Regulation into Danish law. Key clients include major multinational beverage company Carlsberg, pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, and sustainability solutions advisor Green Finance Institute.
Collet makes a leading contribution within the firm’s thought leadership output, co-authoring insights into topics including corporate sustainability reporting and due diligence. A key teacher on sustainability and corporate practice, Collet presents for law students at the University of Copenhagen on embedding sustainability and led the firm’s seminar series on sustainability at work.
Helping share best practice within the legal community, Collet serves on the Association of European Lawyers’ ESG committee. As a key voice within major organisations, Collet served on an Association of European Lawyers panel on ESG and spoke at a Danske Bank event on sustainable finance.
