Environment

Burges Salmon LLP

The team at Burges Salmon LLP advises across all areas of environmental work, from contaminated land remediation and liability issues, to environmental disputes and prosecutions. Other key workstreams for the group include climate change and carbon law, nature-based solutions, and environmental compliance. Practice head Michael Barlow draws praise for 'tirelessly seeking good outcomes for clients'. Ross Fairley has expertise in major environmental law and net zero matters, while Ian Salter has recently become particularly well known for his expertise in nuclear law. Guy Bastable regularly works across all areas of corporate crime and regulatory investigations, with a major part of his practice covering environmental protection. Other key figures include Ian Truman, who stands out for his expertise in radiological environmental permitting, and Sarah Sackville Hamilton, who works with clients to navigate regulatory and contractual issues, and to bring forward net zero/sustainability projects.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Very approachable team, a pleasure to work with. Clear, comprehensive and helpful advice. ’
‘Burges Salmon LLP is a full-service firm built around the quality of its lawyers.’
‘Guy Bastable stands out. He is frequently asked by utility companies and large corporations to provide advice, assistance and representation when the Environment Agency knocks at the door. He is a master tactician who thinks everything through to the nth degree. ’
‘Mike Barlow is an excellent partner - well informed on the law; tireless in seeking good outcomes for clients without the need for expensive litigation. He has careful client care skills; he knows when to seek help and who to ask - his teamwork skills are top notch. ’
‘Ian Truman is a an expert in his filed and extremely user friendly. I appreciate how clear and pragmatic his advice is and enjoy working with him.’
‘The best standalone environmental law team in the UK. For regulatory environmental law, there is no-one better.’

Key clients

FirstGroup
Canal and River Trust
EDF Energy Ltd
Severn Trent Water
Koch Industries (and subsidiaries including Georgia Pacific LLC, INVISTA, Guardian Glass)
John Lewis
JG Pears Group
ENGIE
Affinity Water
Pennon plc
Virgin Management Limited
Carbon Trust

Work highlights

Advised a water and sewerage undertaker on its response to investigations by the Environment Agency and Ofwat into river discharges and on proceedings related to these issues.
Advised a natural capital brokerage business on the contracts underpinning its nature-based solutions projects and the sale of biodiversity units and nutrient credits generated by the projects.
Advised a global aviation company on the implications of emerging climate legislation for its business and on managing the risks and opportunities presented.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.