CMS handles high-end M&A, project finance, development, procurement and disputes work for an enviable roster of large-cap sponsors, global developers, and financial institutions across the full breadth of energy assets, including notable engagement with onshore and offshore wind, hydrogen, battery storage and CCUS, and nuclear projects. The strong planning and consenting practice is coupled with deep-founded environmental and regulatory expertise and ensures the team is frequently instructed on large-scale, multifaceted developments requiring multiple assets and complex grid connection issues. Team lead Chris McGarvey ‘is a first-class energy lawyer’ and is noted for the breadth of his asset understanding and technical expertise. Co-head Robin Hutchinson specialises in planning work and is highly active in the renewable space, while fellow team-leads Gordon Hay and Darren Craig have a strong body of work focused on project finance. Co-head Frank Fowlie has a background in M&A, and Kirsty Nurse is a crucial contact for developers due to her dual-proficiency in commercial and financing affairs. Promoted to partner in May 2023, Vini Cowden takes on infrastructure-related mandates, with close engagement with carbon capture, and Laura Sefton has recently been active on heat network and digital infrastructure projects. Kathryn Nolin also comes recommended, while Fenella Mason joined in September 2023 from Burness Paull LLP.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Chris McGarvey is a first-class energy lawyer. Technically brilliant but also knows the market very well and is very commercial and practical. I can't rate highly enough.’
‘Laura Sefton is great. Her ability to convey complex and evolving rules and regulations around a growing market segment to us was tremendous. Succinct, clear, and able to explain and convey in a way we could quickly comprehend was a life saver. Her delivery of items to her own strict and very very tight timescales and restrictions was just great.’
‘Kirsty Nurse is excellent and very user friendly. I particularly value Kirsty's flexibility and legal expertise in relation to construction, O&M and PPA agreements within the energy space.’
‘The team's strengths are its overall sector expertise and collaborative, client focused approach.’
‘The individuals we work with stand out for their sector expertise and collaborative, client focused approach.'
Key clients
- SSE
- NeuConnect
- Storegga – Pale Blue Dot
- Close Leasing Limited
- Constantine Energy Storage LLP
- bp Aberdeen Hydrogen Energy Limited
- Gigabox Developments
- SENS Iqony Solar Energy Solutions (UK) Ltd
- WRIF HOLDCO C 2 Limited
- Triodos Bank UK Limited
- SSE plc
- HV Storm Holdings AS
- Flotation Energy Limited
- ScottishPower Renewables
- Equitix TEPCO Consortium
- Muirhall Energy Limited
- Virgin Money
- Blackfinch Investments
- Elm Wind Holdings Limited
- Inch Cape Offshore Limited
- Red Rock Power Limited
- Luminous Energy Limited
- Mitsubishi HC Capital UK Plc
- R-Gen Renewables Limited
- Lower48 Energy Ltd
- bp
Work highlights
- Advising on the £85m debt facility to Conrad Energy to assist with the development of 10 battery storage projects across England.
- Advising on a broad variety of issues on the Acorn CCUS and Hydrogen Projects at St Fergus Gas Terminal, Peterhead.
- Advising on all aspects of the successful purchase of the 857MW Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm Transmission assets.
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 partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Gordon Hay, Robin Hutchison, Chris McGarvey, Frank Fowlie, Darren Craig