Lewis Silkin has been appointed to lead an investigation into TV presenter Gregg Wallace, after historical allegations of misconduct were made against the MasterChef host.
Continue reading “Lewis Silkin brought in for high-profile investigation into MasterChef’s Wallace”
Topping this week’s major moves, Phil Cheveley has joined Covington & Burling’s cross-border M&A practice group in London as a partner. Cheveley departs Sidley Austin, bringing a wealth of experience from top firms, including legacy Shearman & Sterling, where he served as EMEA and Asia M&A head, as well as his previous role as M&A head at Travers Smith.
Kirkland & Ellis and A&O Shearman are advising Swedish battery maker Northvolt as it enters Chapter 11 restructuring proceedings, with court filings stating that a total of $5.84bn in total funded debt obligations has left the company in a ‘dire’ liquidity position.
Herbert Smith Freehills and Simpson Thacher each announced the launch of a new office in Luxembourg this week, with both firms attempting to capitalise on a lively and growing private capital market.
Continue reading “HSF and Simpson Thacher to launch in Luxembourg with A&O Shearman hires”
‘All lawyers need to be ESG lawyers in one form or another’, says Gilly Hutchinson, head of ESG regional development in Asia at Linklaters in Hong Kong. In contrast, others argue that there is no such thing as an ESG lawyer.
In practice, these conflicting views are really two sides of the same coin as both acknowledge that ESG has permeated such a vast range of practice areas that no practitioner remains unexposed. All lawyers are ESG lawyers, and therefore no lawyers are ESG lawyers.
Whatever your personal view there’s no doubt that law firms are actively building up ESG practices with teams of sustainability professionals.
As Wynne Lawrence (pictured), who founded Clyde & Co’s climate risk and resilience practice, says: ‘we are growing the first generation of dedicated ESG lawyers in a corporate world that increasingly requires true ESG experience and understanding of business sustainability and its implications.’
While some firms and lawyers may be more interested in the fee potential from ESG, for others sustainability is a personal passion.
‘I believe in walking the talk’, states Werner Grau, partner at Pinheiro Neto in São Paulo.
‘The ESG field is one where I can make a true difference’, comments New York-based senior counsel Lauren Bachtel, a member of Linklaters’ global ESG team.
Steve Gummer, head of net zero at Sharpe Pritchard in London, goes further still when discussing the E of the ESG acronym: ‘addressing climate change isn’t a choice; it’s an existential necessity.’
Champions for change
With the growing focus on ESG comes a fear for some that ESG is losing its purpose and turning into little more than a glorified tick-boxing exercise. Lawrence, for example, raises a ‘ concern that a shift in focus to compliance could be detrimental to meaningful action’.
But amid the ever-increasing ranks of sustainability-focused lawyers are some who are true champions for change; fighting for sustainability beyond a nice-to-have.
The Green Guide’s brand new research recognises some of the top lawyers championing sustainability in major regions and markets across the world. Moving on from our previous firm-wide approach, we’re now shining a light on the individuals who not only demonstrate a strong sustainability-related work portfolio but also show engagement with climate change and ESG issues which goes beyond their client-facing work. These lawyers are advocates for sustainability: Legal 500’s new Green Ambassadors.
Read more about the Green Ambassadors in each region:
Green Ambassadors: United Kingdom
Green Ambassadors: Latin America
Green Ambassadors: Asia Pacific
Green Ambassadors: United States
In addition to demonstrating involvement in pace-setting sustainability mandates, these lawyers are committed to driving change either inside their own firms or in the wider market.
Alongside their involvement in developing their firms’ ESG service offerings for clients, they are also pushing for increased sustainability within their firms’ internal operations. Thought leaders in the space, they contribute to legal education, knowledge sharing and ongoing dialogues via publications and speaking engagements. They are also active members and key voices in relevant industry bodies, alliances and networks.
All have been chosen as a result of extensive research carried out as part of our latest Green Guide US, Latin America, UK and Asia Pacific research, which was released last week (14 November).
A challenging field
In our Green Guide research over the past three years, we have observed an increasing number of firms embedding green purpose into their business, with much of this development being driven by individuals.
So, why are more and more practitioners dedicating their legal career to sustainability matters?
For Gummer (pictured), it was a realisation that ‘traditional legal frameworks and firms weren’t just outdated; they were part of the problem. Many law firms claim to do green work but still handle oil and gas deals – that contradiction doesn’t sit right with me.’
Part of the appeal is that ‘the path to real change isn’t set yet and the tools for the journey aren’t built yet’, says Gummer. As a result, in his view it’s a field that can ‘challenge and expand your thinking.’
Indeed, a common thread which emerges when speaking to some of our ambassadors is the challenging and fast-evolving nature of the work.
‘The ongoing challenge with climate and ESG work is that it is constantly evolving. That is also what makes it so exciting and interesting; the ability to see norms, regulations and jurisprudence in action and in development’, adds Lawrence.
Claire Rogers, head of ESG at King & Wood Mallesons in Sydney, agrees that ‘not only is it incredibly important, it’s intellectually engaging, always changing and gives me an opportunity to engage with a wide variety of clients and stakeholders.’
Meanwhile, London-based Heather Gagen, head of Travers Smith’s ESG and impact group, adds that ‘it’s a fascinating area to work in as a lawyer because it is never standing still and it is intrinsically linked to some of the most complex issues facing the world today.’
A powerful tool for a powerful profession
‘Law is a powerful tool for social and environmental change’, states Gummer before voicing his biggest concern; that change isn’t happening fast enough. ‘Progress over the last two decades has been seismic, but it’s still not enough. We need to go faster and further.’
For Gummer: ‘The world doesn’t need more lawyers; it needs more lawyers with a green conscience.’ Those with passion and commitment who are willing to take action and push boundaries.
It’s a position that Susan Mac Cormac (pictured), San Francisco-based co-chair of Morrison Foerster’s ESG + Sustainability group, agrees with. She points out: ‘lawyers that focus solely on advising companies and investors on regulation and compliance will not have a positive impact in the long run; in 10 years, we will still be heading for the cliff that is climate change’.
So, by showcasing some of the leading private practice lawyers who do have a green conscience, the Legal 500 hopes to inspire other lawyers to play an active part in building a more sustainable future. Because after all, as Lawrence suggests, ‘every lawyer has a role to play in sustainability, whether through engaging with clients on sustainability issues, or within their company or firm, or with suppliers’.
Taking this a step further, Mac Cormac insists that ‘lawyers need to help lead the way’ given the urgency in the fight against climate change and its impact on poverty and inequality.
She believes it is imperative for the profession that lawyers act as agents of change. As Yves Hayaux du Tilly, partner at Mexican firm Nader, Hayaux & Goebel, explains it is a personal way to ‘assume the responsibility of serving society as a lawyer’.
Kirkland & Ellis has hired long-time Clifford Chance fund finance specialist Andrew Husdan as a partner in London, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Continue reading “Kirkland snaps up senior Clifford Chance fund finance partner in London”
Compared to some of its flashier US rivals, it’s fair to say Davis Polk has not taken the fastest route to building up in the City.
Despite having an office in London for more than five decades, the firm only started practising English law in 2012, and has been relatively cautious about lateral recruiting ever since. Until now.
With the addition of four partners in London over the last six months, the firm has overhauled its strategy in the City, helping to take London lawyer count above 60.
Proskauer announced today that it has hired former A&O Shearman and Milbank partner John Goldfinch into its global finance practice. He will start at the firm’s London office on 2 December.
Continue reading “Proskauer continues finance build out with former A&O Shearman and Milbank hire”
Leading the high-profile moves this week, White & Case has hired Richard Browne as a partner into its global M&A practice. Recognised as a Legal 500 leading individual for corporate governance, Browne joins from A&O Shearman.
‘We want to use this combination to forge a new global elite,’ Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) CEO Justin D’Agostino tells Legal Business as he discusses the firm’s ambitious merger plans with New York’s Kramer Levin.
Heralding the planned union as ‘the first real transatlantic and transpacific merger’, D’Agostino stresses that the deal offers ‘a winning trifecta: global disputes and global transactions on day one, a high-quality US law firm, and alignment over ambitions for growth.’ Continue reading “‘All options are on the table’: HSF’s CEO on why they chose Kramer – and whether more mergers could follow”
A&O Shearman
Matt Townsend
Alongside acting as global co-head of A&O Shearman’s environmental and sanctions practice, Matt Townsend is also one of the founding members of the firm’s global ESG group. With nearly 30 years of experience in environmental and climate law, Townsend is a leading advisor on a wide range of sustainability and regulatory matters, spanning climate change, carbon trading, supply chain risk management, and circular economy programmes. Recently, he played a key role in advising credit providers on the financing of the NEOM Green Hydrogen Project in Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s largest commercial-scale green hydrogen facilities.
His leadership in sustainability matters extends beyond his client work. He serves on multiple industry and advisory bodies, including the City of London Law Society’s environmental working group and the Financial Markets Law Committee’s ESG working group. He is also a member of the Legal Sustainability Alliance’s executive committee and an advisory board member for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on ESG guidelines for the CEE region. A regular commentator on emerging climate and sustainability trends, Townsend remains an influential voice in shaping global ESG standards.
Bevan Brittan LLP
Nathan Bradberry
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.
Burges Salmon
Ross Fairley
Ross Fairley chairs Burges Salmon’s renewable energy team and its net zero services, advising developers, investors, and public sector clients on clean energy contracts and regulations.
Recently, he was part of the team advising Bristol City Council on its City Leap initiative involving the appointment of a partner for a 20-year joint venture that will deliver up to £1bn of investment in low carbon energy infrastructure in Bristol and support its aim of becoming a carbon neutral city by 2030.
Fairley’s expertise spans a wide range of technologies, including wind, hydrogen, biomass, wave and tidal, solar, and geothermal energy. In addition to his legal work in these areas, he chairs Renewable UK’s Strategy Forum and is deputy chair of the UK Hydrogen Energy Association.
A prominent speaker on clean energy issues, he also acts as mentor in the Entrepreneurial Women in Renewables scheme and serves as a trustee for Avon Wildlife Trust.
Freeths LLP
Kirstin Roberts
Kirstin Roberts at Freeths LLP heads up the firm’s waste & sustainability practice, part of the broader clean energy team. She is a leading expert in the waste and renewables industry, advising companies on waste reduction, re-use, recycling, and sustainability policies. As a fellow of the Chartered Institution of Waste Management (CIWM), she guides publicly listed companies, local authorities, and energy-from-waste businesses on waste regulation, sustainability policies, and compliance with waste-related laws. Her expertise includes waste permitting, circular economy initiatives, and landfill operations.
Roberts is also a prominent speaker, regularly hosting webinars and training sessions on topics such as end-of-waste regulation and circular economy practices, as well as publishing articles on sustainability issues, including the beverage industry’s struggle to meet net-zero targets and the ban on single-use plastics.
Freeths LLP
Clare King
Clare King heads up the clean energy, waste & sustainability practice at Freeths LLP and co-leads relationships with major energy clients such as Centrica PLC, ENGIE, and Statkraft. A specialist in clean energy projects, particularly battery storage, she led the team advising Cambridge Power on one of the UK’s largest battery deals, and regularly advises developers, investors, and joint ventures on the commercial, regulatory, and transactional aspects of renewable energy, energy storage, and cleantech projects.
With King’s deep technical knowledge across a range of clean energy technologies, including CHP, bioenergy, and carbon credits, she remains at the forefront of large-scale, innovative projects.
She is also a frequent industry speaker, and as part of the firm’s membership with The Chancery Lane Project, she has been responsible for drafting sustainability clauses to introduce sustainability provisions into clients’ supply chains.
Freeths LLP
Penny Simpson
Penny Simpson leads Freeths LLP’s environmental group and chairs its natural capital group, part of the firm’s broader ESG team. With over 20 years of experience, she is a leading authority in natural environment and natural capital law, advising developers, energy companies, and public bodies on regulatory and transactional matters. A pioneer in the natural capital economy, Simpson has been instrumental in helping landowners enhance biodiversity for offsetting. Notably, she secured a landmark victory in 2022’s Harris vs Environment Agency, shaping post-Brexit environmental law. A sought-after expert in complex environmental cases, she also advises on regulatory compliance, health and safety law, and represents clients facing proceedings from environmental agencies.
Extending her engagement beyond this work portfolio, Simpson is a member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology & Environmental Management and an active member of UKELA’s Nature Conservation Working Group. She also regularly conducts training on key environmental issues, including European Protected Species Law and Habitat Regulations Assessments.
Hausfeld & Co. LLP
Ingrid Gubbay
Ingrid Gubbay is a distinguished litigator and campaign lawyer, focusing on environmental, human rights, and climate law. She leads the human rights and environmental team at Hausfeld & Co. LLP, and actively contributes to the Global Climate Litigation network. She also serves as a legal trustee of the Sea Rangers, a Dutch environmental enterprise focused on marine protection.
Having been appointed as a visiting research fellow at the British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL), Gubbay teaches climate litigation, engaging in projects around corporate accountability and transitional justice. Her work on climate change litigation and championing the role of lawyers in tackling global warming have gained her wide-spread recognition.
A passionate advocate, she frequently delivers speeches and publishes extensively on environmental litigation, climate justice, and corporate environmental liability.
Leigh Day
Martyn Day
Martyn Day, co-founder of Leigh Day, is a renowned expert in international, environmental, and product liability law. He has represented communities in high-profile cases, including Zambian claimants affected by pollution from a large open cast mine in the Copperbelt. Since 2022, he has been representing hundreds of thousands of UK claimants in the emissions scandal, targeting car manufacturers accused of manipulating NOX emission tests.
Day’s engagement extends to several memberships and his thought leadership on environmental issues: He is the director of Greenpeace Environmental Trust and routinely publishes, gives lectures and participates in seminars on environmental topics. He and his work regularly feature in the media, and he recently co-authored a guide on environmental action.
Lux Nova Partners: Sandy Abrahams
With a career spanning over 15 years, Sandy Abrahams at Lux Nova Partners is a distinguished expert in clean and low-carbon energy projects. Specialising in the development of clean energy initiatives both in the UK and internationally, she has played a pivotal role in pioneering projects such as the first utility-scale wind farm in the Middle East and utility-scale solar farms in Jordan.
Besides her project work, Abrahams is deeply involved in policy development and industry innovation and has been instrumental in advancing transformational models for distributed and decarbonised energy generation, advising on projects such as Clean Energy Prospector’s renewable energy generation models.
She also serves as a director of Flex Assure (which establishes standards in the flexibility market) and has been appointed to the UK PACT roster of experts, contributing to global climate change expertise through the DFID-funded programme. Her international work includes hybrid solar-storage projects in Kenya, off-grid renewable electricity models, and capacity-building efforts with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) across West Africa.
Her influence and thought leadership is further evident in her membership of UKELA’s Climate Change & Energy Working Party.
Lux Nova Partners
David Short
David Short at Lux Nova Partners leverages over 25 years of experience in commercial, technology, IP, data protection, and environmental law to advise businesses navigating the net-zero transition in matters ranging from clean energy projects to nature-based solutions.
Short has been instrumental in guiding two of the UK’s most significant biodiversity and nature restoration projects, the Wendling Beck Environment Project in Norfolk and Iford Estate in West Sussex. He also played a key role in developing GE Capital Real Estate’s sustainability programme, is an assessor for the Green Heat Networks Fund, and provides strategic advice to industry bodies including the Better Buildings Partnership (where he sits on the steering group for the Green Leases Working Group), Renewable Energy Assurance, and the Green Finance Institute.
A thought leader in the sustainability space, Short is also a member of the Green Finance Institute’s Zero Carbon Heating Taskforce, and serves pro bono as sustainability and climate change adviser to the Wessex Multi Academy Trust. He helps guide the Trust’s leadership in the development and implementation of its sustainability strategy, mentoring grassroots Eco Leaders across 12 schools in Dorset.
Lux Nova Partners
Tom Bainbridge
Founding partner of Lux Nova Partners, Tom Bainbridge is a recognised leader in the clean energy sector. With an over two-decade long track record in energy and district heating schemes, he continues to play a key role in shaping the heat market: Recently, he led the legal work for the UK Government’s Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP) and Green Heat Networks Fund (GHNF), delivering substantial public funding to support low-carbon heat networks. His experience spans landmark projects, including the first utility-scale wind farm in the Middle East and one of the world’s first carbon-financed biomass refueling projects.
Also beyond his legal work for clients, Bainbridge remains actively involved in advancing clean energy: He sits on the Board of the UK Emissions Trading Group, is a member of the Association for Decentralised Energy, and has served as chair of UKELA’s Climate Change & Energy Working Party and the Heat Trust. He has provided expert testimony before Parliamentary Select Committees and the National Audit Office on energy and environmental policy.
Bainbridge is also the founder of business consulting company Road from Rio, which provides strategic advice on net zero pathways.
Mishcon De Reya
Alexander Rhodes
Head of Mishcon Purpose, Alexander Rhodes is an experienced litigator who specialises in complex multi-jurisdictional disputes and in providing strategic ESG advice to businesses transitioning to more sustainable and resilient practices. He has worked closely with governments and global leaders, focusing on balancing environmental conservation with human development in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
A thought leader in environment, climate change, biodiversity, and human rights, Rhodes regularly contributes to academic research and recently wrote an article on the role of law in driving sustainability.
A recognised conservationist, he was the founding CEO of Stop Ivory and led the Secretariat for the Elephant Protection Initiative, playing a pivotal role in combatting the illegal ivory trade. He currently serves as Chairman of Tusk Trust and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).
Norton Rose Fullbright
Caroline May
A highly respected environmental and health and safety lawyer, Caroline May serves as chair of Norton Rose Fulbright’s environment, planning, and health and safety practice across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. With over 30 years of experience, she has become a recognised leader in her field, offering specialised expertise in sustainability and ESG corporate reporting. Appointed as Norton Rose Fulbright’s first sustainability partner, May plays a key role in shaping the firm’s global sustainability strategy, helping businesses navigate complex ESG regulations including the CSRD, ISSB standards, and the EU Deforestation Regulation.
A prominent sustainability thought leader, May holds several influential roles: She chairs the Law Society of England & Wales’ Climate Change Working Group, is a director of leading sustainability NGO Aldersgate Group, and co-chairs the Legal Sustainability Alliance. Additionally, she chairs the firm’s sustainability committee for EMEA, guiding its internal initiatives towards net zero.
May regularly presents at major events, including the ESG and Sustainability Reporting Summit in Berlin and the World ESG Summit, and contributes to environmental initiatives such as The Language of Green Demystified, which simplifies ESG concepts for legal professionals.
Simmons & Simmons
Sonali Siriwardena
As global head of ESG at Simmons & Simmons, Sonali Siriwardena leads the firm’s strategy on environmental, social, and governance matters across all practice areas and offices. Her deep expertise in ESG allows her to support clients, including those with a global presence, in navigating the complex regulatory and policy landscape; she advises them on regulatory developments and risks, while also helping them leverage business opportunities in the rapidly evolving ESG space.
Beyond her legal work, Siriwardena holds key leadership roles in several ESG-focused organisations. She is a member of the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s ESG Advisory Committee, helping shape the UK’s ESG regulatory framework. She also serves as a board member of the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF) and the Blue Marine Foundation (BMF), a leading ocean conservation charity, and is an active member of the City of London Law Society (CLLS) ESG Committee.
Travers Smith LLP
Heather Gagen
As head of Travers Smith LLP’s dispute resolution practice as well as ESG and impact group, Heather Gagen specialises in complex disputes involving environmental damage, human rights, and product liability litigation. Her practice focuses on advising clients on corporate risk management, particularly regarding business and human rights issues, and broader ESG-related risks. With a deep understanding of the evolving ESG landscape, she provides strategic guidance to clients navigating the increasing legal and reputational challenges associated with sustainability, human rights, and environmental responsibility.
Gagen is also a recognised thought leader in the ESG space, frequently speaking at industry conferences and seminars on emerging trends and regulatory developments. In July 2024, she co-hosted a seminar with leading Japanese law firm Nishimura & Asahi, where she discussed emerging ESG trends in the UK and Europe, further cementing her reputation as an expert in this evolving field.
Travers Smith LLP
Simon Witney
Simon Witney is a senior consultant and chair of Travers Smith LLP’s ESG and impact group, with over 25 years of experience in sustainable finance, corporate governance, and private markets. He has advised private equity and venture capital firms, as well as the UK Government, on complex regulatory, transactional, and fund formation matters.
Throughout his career, Witney has been a prominent writer and speaker on company law, corporate governance, and ESG-related issues, including in the private equity space. His contributions include co-leading the firm’s internal ESG and Sustainable Finance Academy and helping to shape important ESG policies. He is a member of the BVCA’s Accounting, Reporting and Governance Committee, the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF) Policy Committee, and the ESG Committee of the City of London Law Society (CLLS). In addition, he serves on Invest Europe’s taskforces for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
Travers Smith LLP
Jonathan Gilmour
Jonathan Gilmour heads up the derivatives and structured products (DSP) practice at Travers Smith LLP with a specialisation in advising clients on carbon trading, green bonds, and other ESG financial instruments. Navigating the complexities of ESG-related financial products, he works closely with industry bodies to develop policy and regulation in this field.
Gilmour is actively involved in several key industry bodies: He is a member of the Governance Committee of the UK Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) Forum and participates in the UK Sustainable Investment & Finance Association’s (UKSIF) Green Taxonomy Advisory Working Group and Industry Development Committee. Additionally, he serves on the UK Board of the Global Alliance of Impact Lawyers.
Gilmour’s commitment to sustainable financial practices is also reflected in his dedication to pro bono work. He supports organisations such as the Impact Investing Institute, the Green Finance Institute, and the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (UN-PRI), helping advance the agendas of impact investing and green finance.
Irwin Mitchell
Keith Davidson
An environment and sustainability partner at Irwin Mitchell, who previously served as environment commissioner for Greater Manchester and founded environmental firm ELM Law, Keith Davidson is one of the UK’s foremost authorities on contaminated land and environmental liability. Dedicated to addressing environmental and climate change challenges, he played a key role in establishing the firm’s Net Zero Hub, offering clients expert guidance on net zero strategies and carbon literacy training.
Davidson’s frequent publications on sustainability and net zero topics include a recent article around reporting scope 3 emissions in the UK’s corporate real estate sector. He is also a prominent industry speaker on net zero, ESG, and PFAS issues, recently sharing his expertise in climate due diligence, PFAS liability risks, and contaminated land liability in a Manchester Law Society webinar.
Davidson’s contributions to the field are further highlighted by his roles as a member of the Law Society’s Climate Change Working Group, the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) contaminated land panel, and PFAS working group.
Macfarlanes
Rachel Richardson
Rachel Richardson serves as the head of ESG at Macfarlanes, where her engagement extends to co-leading the firm’s ESG working group and chairing the ESG steering committee. In these roles, she provides expert advice on ESG matters, develops internal policies, and oversees the firm’s ESG training and public policy initiatives.
Her legal practice is centred on ESG guidance and training, with a notable focus on sustainable finance. Her expertise in this area is underpinned by her certificate in sustainable finance from the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. Specialising in nature-based solutions, biodiversity, and carbon credit generation and utilisation, Richardson also often leads cross-practice ESG initiatives, including B-Corp accreditation.
She recently collaborated with the UN PRI and the Alternative Credit Council on the UN PRI’s Responsible Investment DDQ for Private Debt Investors. She is also a prominent thought leader, regularly authoring articles on topics such as corporate sustainability and ESG reporting. Besides leading the firm’s ESG-related podcasts, she also speaks regularly at industry events and conferences on topics such as ESG and greenwashing.
Michelmores
Ben Sharples
Ben Sharples heads up Michelmores’ natural capital practice and is a distinguished expert in agricultural law. Besides handling contentious matters in this field, he advises clients on carbon sequestration, payments for environmental services, and sustainability issues. His recent work includes advising the Forestry Commission on evaluating the environmental benefits of halting traditional agricultural activities on a site near the River Stour to prevent leaching.
Alongside his legal practice, Sharples is a pioneer in natural capital policy. He authored a practical guide to payments for environmental services, published by Law Brief Publishing, which serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the diverse opportunities available in the environmental services market.
In 2024, Sharples delivered a full day of lectures on natural capital issues to an audience of 240, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in this crucial area.
TLT
Maria Connolly
Alongside her role as head of the real estate and future energy team at TLT, Maria Connolly is also the executive board sponsor for the firm’s sustainability strategy. In this capacity, she set the ambitious target for the firm to become a carbon-neutral organisation by 2025 and engaged Carbon Intelligence to develop a robust sustainability programme. She has also established several key partnerships with organisations such as Forest Green Rovers, the Green Britain Foundation, The Chancery Lane Project, and Action Net Zero.
Connolly advises on a broad range of property matters including the acquisition of subsidy-free and operational sustainable energy generation and green infrastructure projects. Her expertise in sustainable energy is evident in her involvement in numerous wind, solar, biomass, and hydro projects.
Beyond her legal work, she acts as mentor for the RegenSW Entrepreneurial Women in Renewable Energy programme and has been appointed to the City of London Law Society Energy Committee. She is also a frequent speaker at industry events, discussing topics such as subsidy-free project modelling, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and multi-technology projects.
Womble Dickinson
Richard Cockburn
Richard Cockburn serves as the head of Womble 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.
Weightmans
Simon Colvin
Simon Colvin leads Weightmans’ national environment team and its energy and utilities sector. Applying his knowledge from developing the firm’s own internal ESG programme, he guides clients in establishing their ESG frameworks and policies. He also serves in a non-executive capacity on a client’s ESG committee.
Colvin’s experience ranges from advising on the development of a biodiversity net gain programme for rural landowners and acting for a developer on the construction of an Ecotown to advising landowners and developers on solar, wind and hydro schemes. He also has expertise in green leases, government subsidy schemes on renewables, and the EU ETS, CRC scheme and climate change agreements.
His thought leadership extends to regular speaking engagements and publications on the aforementioned topics, including a column in the Environmentalist and a quarterly legal update webinar for the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment on greenwashing.
His commitment to the sector is underscored by his membership of The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management and his active involvement in the Broadway Initiative’s net zero programme and the development of the Environment Act 2021 with DEFRA.
Shoosmith
Chris Pritchett
Chris Pritchett is co-head of Shoosmiths’ national sustainability team and a prominent leader in renewable energy, mobility, battery storage, and EV charging matters. Drawing on over 20 years of experience, Pritchett, previously head of energy & future mobility at Foot Anstey, provides expert advice to funders, asset owners, developers, and contractors on renewable energy projects, including the trading and procurement of renewable power.
An ardent advocate for innovation in energy and mobility, Pritchett is passionate about advancing new commercial models to accelerate the transition to net zero, encompassing voluntary carbon offset schemes, local energy markets, and a range of data-driven flexibility projects.
His contributions extend to shaping energy policy; he was a steering group member of the Government’s Energy Data Task Force and chaired the Electricity Storage Networks Markets and Revenues Group.
A frequent speaker and panellist at leading sustainability and net zero conferences, Pritchett recently led a discussion at the Automotive Summit 2024 on sustainable energy policies and their impact on the automotive sector. He also moderated a session on alternative rooftop space for large-scale solar at the Solar Media Limited UK Solar Summit.
Sharpe Pritchard
Steve Gummer
Steve Gummer is head of net zero at Sharpe Pritchard LLP, where he spearheads the water, infrastructure, and energy team with a focus on regulated and net zero projects. Leveraging his extensive experience, he provides expert advice to investors, utilities, and government entities on complex projects across the nuclear and water sectors. He is particularly skilled in regulated asset base delivery models and regulated electricity projects, power purchase agreements, and various energy solutions, including solar PV, nuclear power, offshore wind, and hydrogen. Regulators and central government bodies including Ofwat, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Department for Business and Trade have sought his advice.
Gummer is also the driving force behind the firm’s Green Goals campaign and GreenSteves project, which aim to highlight how public bodies can address the climate crisis and support them in achieving their net zero goals.
Additionally, he is a regular contributor to monthly articles and webinars and supports initiatives such as Net Zero Catapult by providing free advice on energy issues. His frequent speaking engagements cover a range of topics related to energy and sustainability.
Pinsent Masons
Michael Watson
Michael Watson heads up Pinsent Masons’ climate and sustainability advisory practice, playing a pivotal role in guiding a dedicated team towards advancing the firm’s comprehensive ESG initiatives. Overseeing the curation of the firm’s ESG-focused products and services, his responsibilities include spearheading the firm-wide learning and development agenda on ESG matters, providing expert guidance on achieving net zero and sustainability targets, and ensuring that strategic initiatives are aligned with the most current climate and sustainability standards. Watson has also been a driving force in helping the firm significantly enhance and expand its impact investment practice and credentials.
In addition to his internal responsibilities, Watson is a well-regarded commentator on sustainability issues. He has provided expert insights on the sustainability disclosure standards published by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), further underscoring his role as a key voice in the ongoing dialogue about effective sustainability practices and reporting standards.
Pinsent Masons
Stacey Collins
A leading authority in transactional construction and engineering solutions for the energy, industrial, and infrastructure sectors, Stacey Collins at Pinsent Masons frequently advises clients on climate change, net zero, and sustainability strategies, with a particular emphasis on carbon capture and low-carbon hydrogen projects.
He manages crucial client relationships across the energy sector, including with Drax Group and Ameresco, and advises on major UK energy projects such as Carlton Power’s low-carbon hydrogen initiatives and Viridor Energy’s carbon capture programmes.
Stacey’s influence extends beyond his transactional expertise. He co-drafted the NEC’s X29 Climate Change clause and is deeply involved in various decarbonisation taskforces, including those led by Government departments and the UN’s Industrial Deep Decarbonisation Initiative. He also serves on the ICE’s Decarbonisation Board and was the sole legal contributor to the Carbon Reduction Code for the Built Environment, developed by the Cambridge Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction’s Achieving Net-Zero taskforce.
A prominent speaker and writer on sustainability, Stacey hosted a roundtable at the UK CCUS & Hydrogen Decarbonisation Summit.
Pinsent Masons
Hayden Morgan
Hayden Morgan heads up Pinsent Masons’ sustainability advisory practice, bringing over 25 years of experience in corporate sustainability and sustainable finance. Recognised as a leader in developing global sustainable finance standards, he has significantly influenced the field for financial and corporate clients.
As the global convener for the ISO standard ‘Sustainable Finance: Principles and Guidance’ (ISO 32210), he led the development of the first global sustainability standard for financial organisations, published in 2022. He also spearheaded the creation of the Sustainable Infrastructure Label, launched at COP26 by the CEO of HSBC, as part of the global Finance to Accelerate the Sustainable Transition (FAST) Infrastructure initiative.
Morgan also played a pivotal role in establishing the UK Green Investment Bank (later Group), where he designed and implemented the green impact and sustainability framework during his tenure as director from 2013 to 2020.
In 2020, he founded Morgan Green Advisory, a consultancy dedicated to promoting a sustainable, lower-carbon future, which was subsequently acquired by Pinsent Masons in 2023.
Morgan is also a fellow of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment.
Cleary
Maurits Dolmans
Cleary’s Maurits Dolmans is a true leader on the intersection of sustainability regulation with UK, EU, and international competition law. He leverages this vital insight to help enable the legal sector’s collaboration in mitigating global climate and biodiversity risks, assisting Net Zero Lawyers Alliance members with sustainability-related antitrust agreements and concerns concerning the UN Race to Zero, UN Climate Champions, and the Science-Based Targets initiative.
Dolmans provides a leading voice within the firm’s thought leadership output, co-authoring memorandums into topics including the UK CMA’s green agreement guidance and the European Court of Human Rights’ decisions on landmark climate change cases.
Evidencing his leading reputation in the business community, he has co-authored journal articles, including the impact of the KlimaSeniorinnen case for future climate tort litigation, and wrote for the New York University of Law on how antitrust law must not stand in the way of positive climate action. An expert on emerging ESG topics, Dolmans’ speaking posts include a presentation on the business case of climate action for the International Chamber of Commerce’s COP28 summit.
Clyde & Co
Wynne Lawrence
Wynne Lawrence founded Clyde & Co’s climate risk and resilience practice group and coordinates the team’s advice on emerging sustainability risks and corporate ESG requirements. As a longstanding insurance and reinsurance disputes specialist, she is a key advisor to insurers on climate liability risk exposures and leads the firm’s bespoke seminars and workshops, which are aligned with the Bank of England’s Climate Biennial Exploratory Scenario, for clients across the insurance, transport, and resource sectors.
Lawrence plays a key role within the firm’s external sustainability engagement, supporting its involvement with the Net Zero Lawyers’ Alliance and authoring the firm’s series of reports into climate change and biodiversity liability risks.
Reflecting her reputation as a thought leader on the insurance industry’s engagement with climate challenges, Lawrence sits on the International Underwriting Association’s Climate Change and ESG committees.
Clyde & Co
Nigel Brook
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.
CMS
Laura Houët
Global co-head of the CMS ESG taskforce, Laura Houët is a notable advisor to international fund houses and financial institutions on green investment strategies, sustainability regulation and reporting, and climate transition governance. Helping deeply integrate a green consciousness within its internal operations, she also sits on the firm’s sustainability board committee, which helps pursue and coordinate practical steps toward reducing its carbon footprint.
Houët is a thought leader within the firm on ESG matters, co-authoring insights on topics including how industry bodies interact with ESG ratings regulation, the European Securities and Market Authority’s guidelines on ESG and sustainability-related fund names, and the FCA rules into greenwashing and sustainability disclosure requirements.
Owing to her strong reputation regarding ESG regulatory issues, Houët has spoken at events including the European Public Real Estate Association & FTSE Russell Sustainability Summit on the impact of the net zero transition, providing expert insight into the implications of the SDR. As a key voice in the ESG funds space, she was a judge for the Sustainable Investment Awards 2024.
CMS: Olivia Jamison
With over 20 years of environmental law expertise, Olivia Jamison at CMS is a key contact on UK and EU climate change law and policy, offering focused expertise into GHG emissions reductions, sustainability, biodiversity, and the low-carbon and circular economy. In offering a London and Dublin practice, and by leading the regional team which advises on the European Green Deal, Jamison is a valuable advisor to clients on how UK and EU green regimes interact and impact business practices, investments, and products.
Having initiated its UK and global commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative, Jamison takes up a leading role in managing the firm’s climate commitments by sitting on its global EST steering committee and sustainability committee. Helping ensure the partnership remains cognisant of sustainability best practice, Jamison presented on climate change risk and litigation at the firm’s global partners conference.
Complementing her legal insights into environmental emissions, plastics regulation, and waste reduction as part of the firm’s thought leadership offering, Jamison writes a quarterly legal article on environmental developments for the Chartered Institution of Waste Management.
CMS: Munir Hassan
CMS’ head of energy & climate change Munir Hassan is a specialist advisor on low-carbon and renewable energy projects and transactions, assisting across M&A, financings, project development, regulatory issues, and disputes. He brings familiarity across all technology segments and is particularly active in the offshore and onshore wind, solar, and biomass project segments.
Hassan is a thought leader on legal and policy reforms concerning the UK grid connection process and electricity market operation and was a lead author of the firm’s global guide on the renewable energy market. Helping build internal knowledge on emerging green topics, he spoke at the firm’s global partner summit on the role of AI within the climate crisis.
A highly sought-after advisor on sustainability topics, Hassan co-led the firm’s pro bono legal support for the COP28 summit, assisting the conference to launch partnerships and intergovernmental collaborations on sustainable finance, corporate, IP, and reputational matters. He also facilitated the Energy Leaders’ Roundtable Dinner at COP28, sparking an industry discussion across funding, reskilling, the role of data, and the necessity of consumer engagement in the energy transition.
DLA Piper: Natasha Luther-Jones
Renewable energy expert Natasha Luther-Jones is international head of sustainability and ESG at DLA Piper has over 20 years’ experience in assisting domestic and international clients on transactional, development, construction, and operational mandates concerning energy transition projects.
Luther-Jones played a leading role in developing the firm’s international corporate PPA practice, which assists major companies such as H&M in procuring virtual and physical green power to underpin their sustainability objectives. Leveraging this experience, she led on the firm’s own cPPA with NextEnergy, which serves as a key and landmark pillar for its internal decarbonisation journey.
Elsewhere, Luther-Jones plays a key role within the firm’s green energy thought leadership offering, leading its global renewable energy and corporate PPA global guides while also hosting its climate transition podcast.
Attesting to her market-leading reputation on renewable power transactions, Luther-Jones spoke in 2024 on a panel at Solar Finance & investment Europe on realising the potential of the European PPA market, at the Women Powering Smart Energy forum on innovation in PPAs, and on a panel at client Nord/LB’s European Energy seminar on offtake optimisation.
Gowling WLG: Ben Stansfield
With deep experience on project consenting, environmental regulatory, and reporting matters, Gowling WLG’s planning and environmental law expert Ben Stansfield is a leading advisor regarding planning matters for major electricity infrastructure projects which make a marked contribution to the UK’s net zero transition.
Stansfield has built up expertise on ESG matters and demonstrates this through a vast thought leadership offering. Stansfield leads on articles covering topics such as ESG trends and environmental crimes, contributes to webinars which discuss trends including the impact of the UK Biodiversity Net Gain rules, and hosts insightful webinars on topics including the embedding of sustainability considerations within sport.
A regular contributor to industry events which seek to propel sustainability dialogue, Stansfield spoke at the Leisure Property Forum on how investor and customer pressure is pushing the real estate sector to improve its environmental impact, led a roundtable organised by the American Bar Association’s ESG and Sustainability Committee on how businesses can best embed sustainability into their supply chains, and wrote an article for the UK Environmental Law Association on the successes of COP28.
Herbert Smith Freehills: Silke Goldberg
As chair of the global ESG leadership team at Herbert Smith Freehills, Silke Goldberg is a leading advisor to major listed and private companies on transition plans, climate- and nature-related reporting and disclosure, greenwashing risk, and EU sustainability regulation. Goldberg pairs this expertise with over 20 years’ experience on international energy and climate change matters, serving as the firm’s corporate law lead on low-carbon infrastructure and green hydrogen projects.
Goldberg is a key thought leader across the gamut of sustainability matters, offering insights on topics including the European wind power sector, green claims, and the legal and commercial implications of biodiversity due diligence and reporting regimes.
Goldberg also makes a leading contribution to the industry discussion on crucial green issues, co-authoring an analysis of the business and investment implications of the UK Labour government’s plans to achieve a zero-carbon electricity system by 2030. Reflecting her leading reputation across sustainability law matters, she spoke at the COP28 Sustainable Innovation Forum on the role of the carbon market in reaching net zero.
Hogan Lovells: Adrian Walker
Hogan Lovells global board member and corporate and finance specialist Adrian Walker has long-time expertise leading on energy and infrastructure matters, focusing his practice on the delivery of projects which support sustainable businesses and leave a positive social impact. Walker continues this long-term purpose as the firm’s head of ESG and co-lead of the social impact and business integrity groups.
Alongside his longstanding experience in the development and financing of renewable energy projects, Walker takes a leading role in spearheading the firm’s diverse ESG client solutions, including helping launch its ESG Risk Reader, which supports companies in identifying and understanding relevant sustainability risks and building targeted and appropriate mitigation measures.
Walker is a notable thought leader across a diversity of sustainability topics, authoring insights into topics including the ESG requirements of China-based offshore wind supply chains. As a leading voice within the firm, he spoke at its 2023 ESG Game Changers summit, which offered C-Suite and ESG-suite participants insights into how to navigate ESG regulation and sustainability trends in order to drive positive change within their businesses.
Kirkland & Ellis International LLP: Rhys Davies
Rhys Davies, ESG & impact expert at Kirkland & Ellis International LLP, brings over 15 years of experience in advising private equity firms, public companies, and project sponsors on the design and implementation of ESG strategies. Supporting the delivery of vital global climate projects, he brings deep expertise on sustainable finance disclosures, green taxonomies, ESG reporting, climate change, and biodiversity loss.
Davies is a leading contributor to the firm’s thought leadership offering, co-authoring insights on topics including the Financial Conduct Authority’s sustainability disclosure requirements and the impact of the COP28 summit across transition finance, the carbon markets, and public- and private-sector decarbonisation commitments.
With a postgraduate certificate in Sustainable Business from the University of Cambridge and an FSA credential from the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, Davies provides technical and commercial know-how to support clients’ green transition journeys. He leverages this perspective as a regular contributor to industry discussion, having moderated a panel discussion on climate strategy evolution at the PEI Infrastructure Investor Forum and speaking on global ESG regulation at the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics’ ESG and Compliance conference.
Maples Teesdale: Anastasia Klein
Head of ESG at Maples Teesdale LLP Anastasia Klein brings a particular interest in the impact of ESG on the commercial real estate market. She is an expert in ground-breaking green lease matters, assisting in their creation and drafting for major listed and sustainability-focused clients. As well as serving as a member of the British Property Federation’s Green Lease Working Group, Klein also spoke on the importance of environmental and social considerations at the BE News roundtable on the role of green leases within the built environment sector.
As part of her leading commitment to the decarbonisation of the built environment, Klein sits on the BE News ESG editorial advisory board, helping the industry commentator in its mission to build knowledge and best practice concerning sustainability trends. Making a further contribution to supporting the sector in building a greener future, she also spoke at Bisnow’s UK ESG Real Estate conference on how data measuring and effective leadership can best enable companies to achieve their carbon goals.
Mewburn Ellis: Eleanor Maciver
As sustainability champion at Mewburn Ellis, leading patent attorney Eleanor Maciver makes a marked contribution to the firm’s green transition journey, leading its environmental strategy and coordinating staff activity within its sustainability collaboration group. She is a thought leader on best practices surrounding law firms’ decarbonisation journeys, having written insights for the Legal Sustainability Alliance on the internal measures which best enable the delivery of its sustainability ambitions.
In her legal practice, Maciver supports emerging technology players in building their green products, specialising in how IP can be leveraged in the sustainable chemical and material inventions space to help create and scale-up sustainable polymers, nature-based materials, plant-based foods, battery materials, sustainable refrigerants, and carbon capture and storage.
As part of this expertise, Maciver coordinated the firm’s 2023 Green Channel report, which explored key trends and takeaways from the UK’s green IP pathways. As a thought leader in the cleantech and IP spaces, she has authored insights into topics including the European Patent Office’s cleantech commercialisation and financing report and delivered a green IP masterclass for the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Osborne Clarke: James Watson
At Osborne Clarke, James Watson serves as head of decarbonisation, leading an international team in assisting clients across ESG law and net zero strategies to help create a technology-driven, sustainable, and decarbonised economy. Bringing clients over 20 years’ experience in renewable energy transactions, he is a longstanding advisor to investors, funds, banks, and developers on development, transactional, and finance mandates in the renewable energy, battery storage, hydrogen, bio-energy, and cleantech spaces.
Also serving as international co-head of ESG, Watson helps clients shape and implement their ESG strategies, advising on horizon scanning, reporting obligations, and risk management. He complements this by conducting training sessions for legal and business teams on topics including greenwashing and product labelling, sustainability due diligence, and the voluntary carbon markets.
Supporting the firm’s thought leadership output in this space, Watson takes a leading position within the firm’s ESG Knowledge Update series and was a key speaker in its Decarbonisation Week webinar programme, which provided expert overviews concerning sustainable innovation, climate finance, and greenwashing risk.
Osborne Clarke: Hugo Lidbetter
Energy expert Hugo Lidbetter serves as head of sustainable infrastructure at Osborne Clarke, providing key expertise for domestic and international clients on legal and policy issues surrounding the decarbonisation of the energy sector. Lidbetter’s particular expertise is in development, construction, and operation mandates concerning electricity delivery projects and renewable and zero-carbon power generation.
As a key voice in the firm’s thought leadership offering, Lidbetter has co-authored insights into topics including barriers surrounding the UK grid connection process, the impact of the Contracts for Difference regime on the offshore wind sector, and the implications of UK political changes on the attainment of net zero carbon emissions.
Helping further boost sustainability discourse, Lidbetter wrote a LinkedIn Pulse news article on the potential impact of the Great British Energy policy in delivering additional renewable energy and making an effective contribution to the country’s decarbonisation targets.
Osborne Clarke: Matthew Germain
As Osborne Clarke’s environment and sustainability practice head, Matthew Germain advises general counsel, boards, and senior leadership teams on risk, law, and compliance concerning sustainability due diligence, climate change, natural capital, supply chain impacts, waste, and the circular economy.
Germain leads the firm’s internal net zero and sustainability strategy as chair of its executive sustainability steering group. Within the role, and making a leading contribution within the Osborne Clarke for Good initiative, he leads the firm’s efforts to achieve its science-based target and reduce all carbon emissions by 50% by 2030.
Leveraging the experience gained as part of the firm’s ESG service group and as co-lead of net zero policy and regulation, Germain is a key author in the firm’s monthly ESG regulatory outlook, which offers timely insights into issues including Biodiversity Net Gain requirements, CSDD and SFDR regulation, and the FCA guidance on ESG and sustainable investment funds. Supplementing these regular insights, he has co-published articles on topics including the EU CSDDD and how businesses and investors can gain a first-mover advantage in the natural capital space.
While interest in transatlantic tie-ups is currently peaking in the wake of the A&O Shearman and Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer deals, one firm that is ahead of the trend du jour is Eversheds Sutherland.
The firm – the result of the 2017 combination of the UK’s Eversheds and Atlanta-based Sutherland Asbill & Brennan – has since 2017 been led by co-CEOs Lee Ranson and Mark Wasserman, but is now entering its next leadership phase, with fresh names taking over at the top.
The joint UK-US leadership model in operation since the merger is continuing, with Keith Froud, managing partner of the firm’s business outside of the US, named co-CEO alongside Texas-based global energy co-head Lino Mendiola following an uncontested election, with the duo set to take up their roles in the second quarter of 2025.
Ranson is stepping down after two terms, while Wasserman has led the firm’s US arm through five terms as managing partner and co-CEO.
The change represents the first top-level leadership shift since the 2017 merger, since when it has achieved global growth of more than 50%, with total revenues rising from around $800m to $1.48bn.
Over the same period, Eversheds Sutherland International – which reports separately to the firm’s US arm – has seen revenues grow even more sharply, increasing 70% from £438.6m in 2016-17 to £749.4m this year.
Speaking with Legal Business, Mendiola emphasised the shared vision between the new leaders: ‘Keith and I are proud to be the first leaders elected since the merger. Our priority is to bring people together. It’s vital that everyone understands our strategy, vision, and goals, feeling part of our collective momentum.’
Froud acknowledged the legacy of outgoing leaders Ranson and Wasserman, describing them as ‘outstanding leaders’, while also acknowledging the importance of a smooth leadership transition.
Mendiola added: ‘Over the past seven years, we’ve experienced a smooth journey marked by increasing alignment each year. This leadership transition is yet another step toward strengthening that alignment. This change is a natural progression in the evolution of a large organisation like ours.’
A strategic objective for the firm is global growth. ‘In today’s fast-paced world, agility is essential for both our clients and us. Supporting different regions will be crucial for driving this growth,’ Froud explained.
He pointed to several areas for expansion, including cross-border transactions, multi-jurisdictional disputes, and global regulatory advice: ‘Globalisation raises interesting philosophical debates about its direction, but the demand for international cross-border advice in professional services is undeniably high.’
The decision to continue co-CEO roles supports the firm’s commitment to collaboration. ‘At this stage in our evolution, the co-chief roles help support that partnership message we want to convey, but we’re open to possibilities for the future,’ said Froud.
Mendiola continued: ‘It was natural to have co-CEOs at the time of the merger in 2017, with each firm having its own leaders. Now, after seven and a half years of observing how well that has worked, it’s clear that this structure has been effective.’
Regarding financial integration, Froud stated that it is not an ‘immediate’ plan, but something they ‘can’t say never’ to down the line.
Mendiola added: ‘We share a lot right now in terms of clients, strategies, and systems, and it’s working well. We’ll continue with what has been effective, as it makes sense for now.’
‘We don’t have a large ship to turn around; instead, we have the opportunity to keep our hands on the wheel and maintain the direction that Mark and Lee have set over the last several years.’
As the new leadership team takes shape, Mendiola, who has spent nine years as a partner in Eversheds’ energy team including the last three as co-head of global energy said: ‘As I transition from practising law to a leadership role within the firm, I’m dedicating time to smoothly transfer some of my clients to other partners. This period allows me to shift my mindset from that of a practitioner to a full-time law firm leader, and I truly appreciate having this time to make that transition.’
As Ranson prepares to step down, he said his successors should ‘stay close to clients.’ He cautioned: ‘It’s easy to become subsumed by the internal demands of the role as chief executive, but keeping a close connection to clients keeps you sharp and grounded.’
‘Our culture and values are unique and are why our people want to work for us, and why clients like working with us – protect it as the prized asset that it is.’
Meanwhile, partners Keri Rees and Helen Thomas have been elected as managing partners of the international business, while Adam Cohen has been appointed executive partner of the US business. With a clear focus on global growth and client service, Eversheds Sutherland is poised for continued success under its new leadership.
Baker Botts walked away from this year’s Legal Business Awards with the trophy for energy/infrastructure team of the year, in recognition of the firm’s work advising Air Products and Chemicals on Saudi Arabia’s landmark NEOM Green Hydrogen Project. LB spoke with two of the lead partners on the deal to discuss getting it over the line, the importance of sector expertise, and what it means for the future of green hydrogen.
The data doesn’t lie – it’s been a good year for the Global 100. Eighty-eight of the world’s largest firms posted revenue increases last year, with many enjoying record results, and total revenue across the group rose by more than 6% to break through the $150bn mark for the first time.
As to what was behind this performance, various factors are cited by law firm leaders, from sector strategies to expansion into key markets. (Cynics might suggest the less-frequently mentioned billing rate hikes of as much as 10% may have also played a part.)
But while revenue is the most commonly accepted metric to measure firms on, it obviously doesn’t always follow that the firms with the biggest revenues or highest profits have the happiest clients.
As every lawyer who’s ever had to collect a bill knows, clients are not always satisfied with the service they’ve received.
Which is where Legal 500’s client research comes in. Legal 500 canvasses the opinions of hundreds of thousands of clients around the world every year for feedback on the law firms and lawyers that advise them.
And what comes out of all this feedback can offer much more insight into what clients really think than the glowing testimonials that get posted on LinkedIn in the weeks after the annual law firms’ rankings are published.
In a market where differentiation is key, being known for keeping clients happy is about as compelling as it gets.
The information isn’t considered as part of practice ranking decisions but, separately, the Legal 500 is now able to rate law firms across a whole range of client satisfaction metrics; including lawyer quality, availability, billing, communication and expertise.
And we collect this data for every firm, from single-partner boutiques to global mega-firms, allowing us to provide an entirely different view of how firms compare to each other.
We ask referees to rate firms on ten key criteria, as well as asking them how likely they are to recommend the firm to others. The responses are then combined to produce an overall client satisfaction score. Firms that subscribe to Legal 500 and have scores in the top 30% now have a Client Satisfaction icon next to their name in the rankings, indicating that not only are they ranked for the strength of their practice – they are also among the best for client service.
So which Global 100 firms make the grade and demonstrably show they’re doing the best job of keeping their clients happy? Of the largest 50 by revenue, 11 meet the client satisfaction criteria: Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, Skadden, Sidley, White & Case, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, King & Spalding, Weil, Paul Hastings, WilmerHale and Debevoise & Plimpton.
Others further down the Global 100 include Proskauer and Pillsbury. Interestingly, UK heritage firms do not fare as well as their US counterparts – with just one of the 18 UK origin firms in the Global 100 making the cut – Bird & Bird.
In a market where differentiation is key, being known for keeping clients happy is about as compelling as it gets.
In the coming months, we’ll be producing more data-rich editorial content for Legal Business about what clients really want from their advisers. If you want to know more about how your clients rate your firm, or how you compare to your competitors, please get in touch.
Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has made no secret of its ambition to grow in the US, and has long been touted as a potential merger partner for Stateside firms. Even so, Monday’s news (11 November) that it is intending to combine with New York’s Kramer Levin came as a surprise to some partners within the firm – let alone the wider market.
Should the partner vote go through early next year, the pair will unite in May as Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer; a $2bn, 2,700-lawyer firm that will operate as HSF Kramer in the US.
With US expansion still a strategic priority for many UK firms, Legal Business spoke to senior figures in the market to gauge opinions on the merits of the deal and predictions on how the latest transatlantic tie-up will play out.
Why Kramer Levin?
HSF has had a disputes-focused base in New York since 2012, launched on the back of a series of hires from legacy Chadbourne & Parke, before that firm’s merger with Norton Rose. The office now has around 50 lawyers, including 17 partners, the majority of which focus on disputes.
The Kramer Levin deal will substantially broaden HSF’s US presence, adding new offices in Washington DC and Silicon Valley, as well as some 300 lawyers in New York.
As a result, the noises from within HSF are largely positive so far, with one partner telling Legal Business: ‘The US is one of the most important legal markets in the world today, and we’ve been exploring ways to achieve greater scale there for some time. It has been a key priority for us.’
‘This merger will enable us to offer broader global coverage and move us closer to our goal of becoming a truly global, top-tier firm. This is exactly what our clients want – having a strong US presence is crucial.’
‘The partner buzz is really positive,’ another HSF partner remarks, framing the merger as a logical next step in the firm’s US strategy. ‘We’ve been so open that we wanted to do something in the States, and we’ve been fussy about getting a good fit. Kramer are well known in New York market and our New York office has a good relationship with them.’
Peer perspectives
Snap reaction to the deal among partners at peer firms has been mixed.
‘This is a very smart move,’ says one management figure at a leading global firm, of HSF’s solution to plugging the gap in its US presence. ‘If you look at the narrative over the past three or four years, there’s been a lot of talk about US firms dominating the market and taking over others. Recent deals, however, show a new dynamic: international firms are now able to persuade US firms to fully merge. It’s a very promising shift.’
Others, however, point out that given HSF’s size, they would have expected a tie-up with a larger firm, despite the inevitable challenges such a deal would have brought.
‘I had suspected HSF would have ended up with a bigger firm in the US, but availability likely played a big role in this,’ said one London managing partner. ‘Many US firms are powering ahead, so there’s only a certain type of firm open to this kind of arrangement.’
Another law firm leader echoed this view: ‘If they had approached a much more profitable firm, there would have been little incentive for the US firm to engage. They had no choice but to merge with a firm that wants to globalise, rather than just focusing on profitability.’
Putting the doubts more bluntly, one sourced joked: ‘One partner at HSF said they would update me once they had Googled the firm’. (For the full lowdown on the US firm, see: Getting to know Kramer Levin – a guide to HSF’s merger partner)
The profits puzzle
While in previous years, many transatlantic deals adopted the verein model, allowing them to dodge the challenges of combining profits, HSF and Kramer intend to have a single global profit pool from day one, following in the footsteps of other recent transatlantic tie-ups such as A&O Shearman and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner.
Past reluctance to financially integrate was often down to the higher partner profits at US firms, and indeed Kramer Levin is more profitable than HSF, with 2023 PEP of $2.41m (£1.87m), compared to HSF’s equivalent figure of £1.315m.
‘It’s well known that generating profits in the US is generally easier than in Europe or regions like Australia,’ notes one source. ‘In past mergers, firms often aimed for similar profitability levels to simplify integration. It means that, when a US firm merges with a UK firm of equal profitability, the US firm is often perceived as the ‘inferior’ partner outside the US.’
The decision to push ahead with financial integration despite a difference in PEP marks a turning point in how UK and US firms are willing to approach mergers, according to partners .
‘This shift proves that some US firms are willing to look beyond short-term profitability and adopt a more global, entrepreneurial mindset, which has traditionally been difficult in the US market,’ one partner observes.
One key question is the extent to which HSF’s existing US referral relationships will be affected by the deal. One former HSF partner suggested that the Kramer merger could minimise disruption to existing relationships with larger US firms.
‘By merging with a smaller firm, they could be trying to avoid stepping on the toes of the bigger firms they rely on for referrals,’ the partner explained.
However, others doubt this hypothesis, with one law firm leader describing an impact on US referrals as ‘unavoidable’. ‘This will inevitably have an impact. That said, it now has a US base from which it can expand, positioning itself as one of the most integrated, truly global businesses. This move serves as a wake-up call to US partners who may be resisting integration for the sake of profits. It highlights the urgency of pursuing more innovative strategies.’
Combining cultures
As with any major merger, the success of the deal will depend on how effectively both firms integrate cultures and align strategies. ‘They have a lot of work ahead of them—particularly around attracting clients and creating a solid business rationale for why clients should engage with them,’ says one London managing partner.
One managing partner with experience in past transatlantic mergers notes that this will take ‘time and effort’. ‘They’ll need to ensure both firms align culturally, that their strategies mesh, and that the integration process works smoothly.’
Sceptics of the deal point to the contrast between the two firms as a potential problem. ‘They are like oil and water – they are so different,’ one source bluntly remarks. ‘HSF is global, while Kramer Levin has a strong focus on high-end private equity clients. Can they really leverage the synergies they believe are there?’
However, that disparity is also cited as a potential positive by another recruiter. They noted that HSF being ‘the senior partner’ in the merger, as the bigger firm and with its leaders set to retain their positions in the merged firm, means it could avoid ‘the painful integration issues we’ve seen with other transatlantic mergers.’
What next?
With the deal following hot on the heels of the A&O Shearman merger, attention will inevitably focus on whether other similar tie-ups will follow – and whether HSF’s decisiveness has handed it a head start on competitors.
According to one recruiter, the deal gives HSF ‘a distinct advantage’. ‘People will now be looking at firms like Simmons & Simmons and Ashurst, who haven’t yet made similar moves,’ he explains.
The deal could also have a knock-on effect of encouraging other comparable US-UK tie-ups involving firms of differing scales. ‘This could actually make it easier for other international firms to negotiate full mergers with mid-sized US firms, something that would have been much harder even five years ago,’ according to one law firm leader. ‘Larger US firms might start looking for merger candidates as well, realising that waiting may not be in their best interest.’
Another partner at top 20 global firm notes that the merger has implications beyond just HSF. ‘For firms that are global but not fully integrated, this creates a challenge. An integrated firm is generally more efficient, and now, with HSF’s example, these semi-integrated firms aren’t just lagging behind in efficiency – they’re no longer unique in their global presence either.’
With additional reporting from Tom Cox and Elisha Juttla
While Herbert Smith Freehills is one of the best-known legal brands in the UK, it is fair to say that Kramer Levin does not have the same name recognition. So who is HSF’s prospective merger partner? Here’s everything you need to know.
Continue reading “Getting to know Kramer Levin – a guide to HSF’s merger partner”
What do clients really think about the service they get from your firm? Every year, the Legal 500 asks hundreds of thousands of clients how they rate firms on a range of metrics, including lawyers and team quality, value, billing, and industry knowledge.
The scores we collect allow us to benchmark firms against each other – this article looks at how DLA compares to its peers for lawyers and team quality.
How DLA compares to the Global 100 for lawyer and team quality
The graph below shows all scores for the Global 100 firms – the green dots representing firms which score above average for lawyers and team quality, and the red dots below. DLA’s score of 79.52 sits below the Global 100 average of 81.97.
Lawyers and
Team Quality
Quality of partners 82.29
Quality of associates 74.80
Partner availability and engagement 81.87
The client scoring data also shows how DLA Piper rates in comparison to its competitor firms for quality of partners, quality of associates, and partner availability and engagement, among many other key metrics.
(The rest of this article is available to logged-in users only. If you are not logged in and unable to do so above, please click ‘Forgot your password?’ below to gain access to the full article). Continue reading “The Client’s View on DLA Piper – how do your lawyers score?”
It’s been an active start to the week for restructuring lateral moves in the City, as Sidley co-heads Mark Knight and Jifree Cader have joined Davis Polk, and Adam Plainer, co-chair of Dechert’s global restructuring group, has moved to DLA Piper.
Lucie Cawood, the head of Travers Smith’s private equity and financial sponsors group, has left the firm, marking the latest in a series of exits from the City firm’s transactional practices.
Cawood has led the firm’s PE group since January 2023, when she succeeded Ian Shawyer, following his move to Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton. She has spent over 20 years at the firm, making partner in 2012, and was also on the firm’s diversity and inclusion board.
Recent key deals she has been involved in include co-leading on Inflexion’s £342m take-private of DWF last year alongside corporate partners Richard Spedding and Ben Lowen.
In a statement, the firm said that she had decided to retire from the partnership to focus on her family. She will be replaced as practice head by Will Yates, has been at the firm since 2007, making partner in 2015.
Cawood’s departure is another blow for Travers’ private equity practice, which saw the double departure of partners Ian Keefe and George Weavil to Goodwin this spring. Other recent departures include Genna Marten, who joined Linklaters in March 2023, and James Renahan, who moved to Fried Frank in mid-2022, as well as Shawyer’s predecessor as practice head, Paul Dolman, who left for Latham & Watkins in 2021.
Eight partners remain in the firm’s private equity and financial sponsors group – Yates, Victoria Bramall, Alex Dixon, Tom Hartwright, Emma Havas, Adam Orr, Laura Kelly, and managing partner Edmund Reed. The team has recently handled matters such as advising Sixth Street Partners and Patron Capital on the £1.35bn acquisition of Cala Homes from Legal & General, on which Dixon took a lead role.
Yates thanked Cawood for her ‘considerable contribution’ and cited ‘a very busy start to the new financial year’.
‘We are excited and energised to drive the private equity business forward, and build on our enviable client base,’ he said. ‘Our dynamic and flexible approach, coupled with a focus on building long lasting relationships puts us in a great position to pursue, alongside our valued clients, the many opportunities arising from current market dynamics, and to provide the right environment for a fulfilling and enjoyable career in the industry for our people.’
Recent departures from other practices include Mahesh Varia, the head of the firm’s incentives and remuneration group, whose move to A&O Shearman was announced last week (8 November), although the firm did recently secure a boost for its funds team with the hire of Joel Grossmark, who joined from Blackstone Credit and Insurance, where he had led the Europe legal function for five years.
Despite the recent exits, Travers posted strong financials for 2023-24, with a near-10% increase in revenue to £215m and a 18% increase in PEP. The firm cited strong performances across core sectors including disputes and investigations, corporate, M&A and asset management, as well as ‘continued success in private equity’, according to senior partner Andrew Gillen.
Since the A&O Shearman merger went live in May, there has been no shortage of market speculation about which transatlantic duo would be next to tie the knot.
However, few had predicted Monday’s (11 November) news that Herbert Smith Freehills is set to combine with New York’s Kramer Levin, a deal which will create a new $2bn, 2,700-lawyer firm.
The proposed tie-up, which the firms announced in a joint statement, remains subject to a partner vote at both firms, but if confirmed, is set to go live on 1 May next year.
The combined firm will be known as Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer – operating as HSF Kramer in the US – and will operate with one single global profit pool, following in the footsteps of A&O Shearman, which also eschewed the verein model.
While HSF is the much larger of the two firms, with 23 offices across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, New York and South Africa, Kramer Levin is the more profitable, with 2023 profit per equity partner of $2.41m (£1.87m), according to law.com, compared to HSF’s 2023-24 figure of £1.315m.
HSF’s revenues of £1.3bn will be boosted by around £330m by the deal, pushing it past the $2bn mark and placing it on the fringes of the world’s 25 largest law firms.
While HSF has had a small New York base since 2012 – the same year the merger between legacy UK firm Herbert Smith and Australia’s Freehills went live – it has long harboured ambitions to bulk up in the States. In a statement, HSF chair and senior partner Rebecca Maslen-Stannage (pictured) described the deal as ‘transformational’.
‘We have long been committed to expanding our offering in the US and Kramer Levin is the perfect fit,’ she said. ‘The combination delivers immediate growth for both firms from day one.’ Global CEO Justin D’Agostino added that the deal was ‘just the beginning… an excellent long-term, strategic move.’
Kramer Levin is led by co-managing partners Howard Spilko and Paul Schoeman, who described the deal as ‘a one-of-a-kind opportunity’, while also citing the firms’ cultural alignment.
In addition to its three US offices in New York, Washington DC and Silicon Valley, Kramer Levin also has a well-established Paris base, which has been in operation since 1999, although this office will be spinning off and will not be part of the merger.
In terms of practice strength, Kramer Levin has five top-tier Legal 500 rankings: advertising and marketing litigation; immigration; land use/zoning and both corporate and municipal restructuring.
The US firm also has rankings for commercial disputes, employment litigation and appellate work, adding heft to HSF’s traditional disputes credentials, as well as transactional capabilities in mid-market M&A and private equity.
Announcing the deal, the firms cited shared strengths in private capital, M&A, restructuring, securitisation, real estate, white collar corporate crime and investigations, class actions, IP, and arbitration.
