Stuart McMillan > Burges Salmon LLP > Edinburgh, United Kingdom > Lawyer Profile

Burges Salmon LLP leverages a strong real estate and energy practice to act for a host of lenders and borrowers on debt financings, acquisition financings, project financings, and restructurings; the firm has also advised on renewables and digital infrastructure financings in Europe and Africa. Team lead Stuart McMillan is the go-to for energy and infrastructure-related mandates and has close connections to a number of clearing, challenger and development banks. Amy McVey has an extensive domestic and cross-border practice and is notably proficient in real estate finance, leveraged finance, and distressed debt matters. Stephanie Lynch works with a variety of funds in the real estate space, while Samir Younes is also recommended.

Burges Salmon LLP has a strong record in cradle to grave delivery on a range of energy projects, including solar, offshore wind, hydroelectricity, and CCUS. In particular, the firm has a notable focus on handling project development instructions, often supporting on the consenting, land acquisition, and construction side of ventures. Team head Craig Whelton is chiefly recognised for his planning and consenting work and also regularly acts as advocate in planning hearings and inquiries. Danny Lee is sought out by a number of multinational strategics for his corporate finance expertise, while Stuart McMillan is especially well-regarded for his project finance specialism. Promoted to partner in 2023, Claire MacLean leverages her real estate background to counsel investors, developers and funders on an array of project development issues. Gregor Hayworth comes recommended for his contentious practice.

Burges Salmon LLP‘s national practice handles M&A, joint ventures and debt finance instructions for a range of infrastructure funds, energy groups and social infrastructure providers. The team continues to be highly active advising on new technologies and deals in emerging sectors, and is frequently instructed on energy transition and decarbonisation mandates. Camilla Usher-Clark and Stuart McMillan co-lead the team; the former is regarded for her work in the renewable energy sector, while the latter is known for his debt and equity financing expertise. Jonathan Eves is a key name for energy and social infrastructure instructions, while Graham Soar is chiefly noted for his M&A and financing work regarding renewable energy assets.

Demonstrating ‘extensive experience in the field’ with the ability to ‘apply knowledge from many learned experiences and developments’, Burges Salmon LLP acts for both public and private entities across the entire project lifecycle, particularly excelling in the rail sector. Stuart McMillan acts on a range of renewables, rail, and energy transition financings, and is the first port-of-call for multinational sponsors and lenders. Ian Salter, who is the main driver behind the firm’s environmental law team, is chiefly recognised for his work In the nuclear sector and possesses deep regulatory and commercial acumen. Keith Beattie is a go-to figure for several government agencies and has recently been active on procurement instructions in the defence, digital infrastructure and energy sectors, while Brioney Thomas’ activity is primarily centred in the rail sector, where her ‘experience and knowledge makes her a leading light in the industry’. Chris Simms also comes recommended for his understanding of the transport sector.