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.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team at Burges Salmon provide an excellent service throughout and are a pleasure to deal with at all levels. As a client I have full confidence in their abilities and professionalism to manage all that I ask of them.'

  • 'The Burges Salmon team demonstrate extensive experience in the field and are able to apply their knowledge from many learned experiences and developments. Their ability and prior knowledge of the industry and their ability to keep up to date with ever changing developments makes the team a delight to work with and gives assurance that they are at the top of their game.'

  • 'Brioney Thomas' experience and knowledge makes her a leading light in the rail industry. For any rail contract I would, without doubt, go to Brioney and her team as a priority. Her understanding of the industry, from decades of experience, along with the speed of response, excellent collaboration with other parties and Stakeholders, make her a trusted and invaluable part of any team.'
  • ‘The team has good experience in emerging markets renewables.'

  • ‘Stuart McMillan is helpful, responsive, thorough and understands the market and sector contexts. Good relationships with local counsel.’

  • ‘Burges Salmon put forward a multidisciplinary team combining their transport, banking and corporate teams to offer us a seamless service and help us successfully deliver our transaction.’

  • ‘We worked with partners Chris Simms and Stuart McMillan. Both were committed to working in a collaborative way with us and our funders to ensure that the deal got done.’

Key clients

  • XLinks Limited
  • Transport Design International Limited
  • Transport for Wales
  • Ministry of Defence
  • West Midlands Trains Limited
  • First TransPennine Express Limited
  • Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
  • FirstGroup – Great Western Railway
  • Sizewell C Limited
  • Progressive Energy
  • Blue Gem Wind/TotalEnergies/Simply Blue Energy
  • Drax Power Limited
  • United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
  • Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company
  • Alcemi Storage Developments 4
  • Department for Environment, Food, Rural and Agriculture
  • Government Property Agency
  • Protium Green Solutions

Work highlights

  • Advising Xlinks Limited on all UK aspects of its energy project linking renewable power generated in Morocco to the UK via 3,800km of HVDC sub-sea cables
  • Advised the Mayor of London’s Energy Efficiency (MEEF), managed by the Amber Infrastructure Group, on providing a debt and equity funding solution to Rock Road.
  • Advising Progressive Energy and ENI on The HyNet North West Project, a key hydrogen and carbon capture project.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Stuart McMillan

Other key lawyers

Ian Salter, Keith Beattie, Brioney Thomas, Chris Simms