The power team at Clifford Chance LLP, noted as being ‘a pleasure to work with’, has a strong reputation for its capabilities in the full scope of complex power work, at both domestic and international levels. The team has a particular presence in the African market, which is Jeremy Connick’s area of specialism. Partners include the firm’s global head of renewables and wind power expert James Pay , alongside global co-head of power Nicholas Hughes and global head of nuclear power John Wilkins, who is described as being ‘particularly effective in the energy sector’. A key example of the nature and scale of the team’s workload is its advising AXA IM Alts and Crédit Agricole Assurances on the acquisition of a 50% stake in the 1.3 GW Hornsea Two offshore wind farm in the UK. ’Incredible leader and lawyer’ Clare Burgess heads up the Energy & Infrastructure team in London and has a particular focus on green finance initiatives, namely being work involving green bonds, green loans and current regulatory and legislative initiatives in this area.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘There are many qualities that set the team apart from any other, being expertise - each member of the team possesses a strong foundation in their respective area of expertise; team strength - there is a strong team spirit and individuals work seamlessly together; and problem solving - they are incredibly flexible, solutions-oriented and creative.'

  • 'It is always a pleasure to work with the Clifford Chance team.’

  • ���Clare Burgess is an incredible leader and lawyer - she is extremely knowledgeable of the infra sector and in project financing. She has built a solid team and is always ready to step-in when needed, she is an excellent communicator with a great sense of humour.'

  • 'Leonhard Rudolph is our go-to adviser on anything construction and operations-related. He is great at thinking outside the box and able to deliver valid inputs and different points of view to optimise the project's position.'

  • 'Joseph Woodworth is very experienced within the project financing area. He has been of tremendous help in our dialogue with senior creditors and really understands the borrower/lender dynamics and our needs therein.’

  • ‘An excellent, knowledgeable team.’

  • ‘An ability to keep calm and maintain good relationships with all involved. John Wilkins is particularly effective in the energy sector.’

Key clients

  • Sizewell C
  • Global Infrastructure Partners
  • Actis
  • Iberdrola
  • Whitetail Clean Energy
  • Greenlink Interconnector Limited
  • AIP Management
  • Parc Eolien Offshore de Provence Grand Large
  • Climeworks
  • Official Receiver of Calon Energy (Baglan Bay) Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised a consortium of AXA IM Alts and Crédit Agricole Assurances on the acquisition of a 50% stake in the 1.3GW Hornsea Two offshore wind farm in the UK, the world's largest wind farm.
  • Advising on the development and financing of the new Sizewell C nuclear power station in the UK, the largest power project in the world.
  • Advised Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) on the sale of its entire 50% interest in the Hornsea One offshore wind farm.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

James Pay, Nicholas Hughes, John Wilkins

Other key lawyers

Clare Burgess, Jeremy Connick, Leonhard Rudolph, Joseph Woodworth