Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP has considerable expertise in the nuclear energy sector, offering comprehensive support to public utilities, nuclear power developers, and investors. The firm handles a broad spectrum of energy transactions and advises on policy, regulatory, and litigation matters. The practice is led by Vincent Zabielski, who specialises in international nuclear energy issues, providing strategic counsel on new-build EPC contracts, power purchase agreements, as well as operations and maintenance.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team comprises seasoned professionals with extensive experience in their respective fields, ensuring that clients benefit from insightful strategies and informed decision-making. It could swiftly adapt to changing client requirements or market conditions.’

  • ‘The international footprint of Pillsbury allows the London-based team to draw on a plethora of in-house experts, many located in international offices. Thus, this comment should be understood as feedback to the entire Pillsbury topic-focused team (in our case, nuclear).’

  • ‘The overall reputation of the team is noted in every nuclear-related circle. As such, having them by our side brings much standing, true gravitas, and helps foster immediate trust with counterparts.’
  • ‘Pillsbury has brought together an incredibly talented team, that draws on the experience of the individuals. Some have worked as nuclear engineers or physicists, some have worked as regulators, some have worked on the financing element. Consequently, the team can bring together the entire gamut of necessary experiences, thereby providing clients with comprehensive solutions and answers.’
  • ‘Vincent Zabielski brings a wide understanding of the engineering and physics of nuclear, thereby allowing him to relate with everyone in our company. This allows him to naturally bridge between relevant competencies and is seen as everyone's best advocate--which incredibly he is.’

Key clients

  • Newcleo Ltd
  • China Nuclear Power Engineering (CNPE)
  • NNB Generation Company (HPC)
  • Electric Power Research Institute
  • General Fusion
  • Moltex Energy Limited (UK), Moltex Energy Canada
  • TEPCO
  • Cameco Corporation
  • Trading House Kazatomprom
  • PCL Construction Inc
  • Trading House Kazatomprom Inc.
  • Elementl
  • The Park Corporation

Work highlights

  • Advised newcleo on all aspects of its export control programme, developed procedures, and provided export licensing advice.
  • Advised China Nuclear Power Engineering Co. on its supply of a section of the Hinkley Point C project here in the UK. Advice included contract negotiation and drafting, construction industry scheme advice, and tax advice.
  • Advised General Fusion on construction contracts for a fusion demonstration plant in Culham, England.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Vincent Zabielski