Matthew Lewis > Osborne Clarke LLP > Bristol, England > Lawyer Profile

Osborne Clarke LLP is known for its varied workload pertaining to PPP and PFI projects in sectors such as student accommodation, telecommunications, and defence, while also being active in the energy space, where the firm advises on battery storage and EV charging infrastructure, amongst other matters. Chris Wade acts as practice head, providing support to clients in both the public and private sectors, including the health and care industries. Energy and utilities are key areas of expertise for Matthew Lewis, while David Ferris handles corporate matters, such as joint ventures and M&As, for energy clients. Another name to note is Simon Hancock, who is a go-to advisor on PPP and PFI work for entities active in defence, security, and aerospace.

Osborne Clarke LLP‘s energy and utilities team – led by Bristol-based Matthew Lewis – provides comprehensive advisory services to clients involved in renewable energy transactions. This includes advice on wind (both onshore and offshore), solar, and energy from waste projects, as well as battery energy storage systems. Key contacts include Dominic O’Brien, a specialist in energy and infrastructure project finance; decarbonisation and low carbon energy expert Hugo Lidbetter; and Caroline Saul, whose practice spans solar, wind (onshore and offshore), battery storage, and energy efficiency. Hannah Roscoe, a specialist energy and infrastructure lawyer, is also recognised for her involvement in green hydrogen and battery energy storage projects.

Led by the Bristol-based Matthew Lewis, Osborne Clarke LLP’s energy and utilities team handles a range of power sector projects and transactions, covering M&A, financing, and regulatory work. Key workstreams include advice on electricity generation and supply, power trading arrangements and nuclear power matters. Project finance specialist Dominic O’Brien is a key contact, advising on the gamut of energy and infrastructure projects and corporate financings for utilities, developers and energy providers, while Hugo Lidbetter is noted for his expertise in project development work in the nuclear sector. Hannah Roscoe assists with M&A, joint ventures, commercial contracts, and restructurings. The ‘superb’ Emily Van Schalkwyk is highly praised by clients for her knowledge of complex disputes in the energy sector. Deborah Harvey  left to join Freeths LLP in February 2024.