With ‘unrivalled expertise in the energy sector’, Shepherd and Wedderburn has a diverse competition law practice that spans subsidy control work, procurements, domestic and European investigations, and transactional issues. While a key name for clients involved in the utilities, renewables and traditional energy sectors, the firm is also a trusted adviser to an array of local Scottish authorities and sports governing bodies, handling competition law concerns. Team lead Gordon Downie ’has developed a particular emphasis on the role and functioning of markets in regulated sectors in the UK’, and is praised for his ability to handle key issues affecting energy and infrastructure clients. Jamie McRorie joined the team in November 2023 and has substantial regulatory expertise, while John Grady is noted for his ‘first-rate’ energy expertise, and Scott Rodger is a ’go-to person’ for subsidy control issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘An excellent team with enormous experience, particularly in the energy sector. ’
‘John Grady is absolutely first rate, with unrivalled expertise in the energy sector.’
‘This is a very strong team both in terms of leadership and depth. They are across the law and very well-resourced.’
‘I have worked with John Grady, Gordon Downie and Scott Rodger and Natasha Durkin. They are incredibly smart, extremely knowledgeable and committed to finding workable/pragmatic solutions for their clients.’
‘It feels like the team is an extension of our own in this area, as we engage the team as our subject matter experts. The advice is pragmatic, commercial and presented in a straightforward manner, even where the circumstances are complex, which we can easily implement in our organisation.'
‘The team’s main strength is its ability to support its clients on a wide range of competition law and regulatory matters, drawing on decades of market-leading experience; its expertise in fast-changing UK legal environment on topics such as foreign investment regulation and subsidy control.'
‘We are in relation with Gordon Downie who is a long-time partner of ours. We sincerely appreciate Gordon’s responsiveness, user-friendliness and ‘can do’ attitude.’
Key clients
- Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult
- Water Industry Commission for Scotland
- ScottishPower
- Scottish National Investment Bank
- Energy Transition Zone
- Single Electricity Market Committee
- East Lothian Council
- Loch Duart Salmon
- City of Edinburgh Council
- Dumfries and Galloway Council
Work highlights
- Advised Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult on an extensive range of subsidy control matters.
- Advised Scottish National Investment Bank on subsidy control and National Security and Investment Act matters on a range of investments.
- Advised the Water Industry Commission for Scotland on competition law and subsidy control compliance regarding its ongoing regulation of the water industry in Scotland.
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Gordon Downie