The environment team at Osborne Clarke LLP advises a number of water companies and large multinational clients on environmental credits, including nutrient neutrality and biodiversity net gain issues, and handles investigations, prosecutions, contracts and regulatory compliance work. Located in Bristol, team lead Matthew Germain has experience covering ESG, natural capital, and waste law mandates alongside disputes and the environmental aspects of real estate and infrastructure transactions. Associate director Caroline Bush has a focus on natural capital work, while associate Arthur Hopkinson covers ESG compliance and environmental planning mandates.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Good understanding of the relevant issues and able to explain it to non-specialists in an accessible and helpful way.’

  • ‘I enjoyed working with Matt Germain - he was very willing to get involved and went the extra mile to help our business.’

Key clients

  • Wessex Water Ltd, trading as EnTrade
  • Biffa
  • Stericycle Limited
  • St Modwen Developments Ltd
  • Capgemini
  • QinetiQ Ltd
  • Dreams Ltd
  • Vodafone Ltd
  • Wessex Water/Entrade
  • Acorn Bioenergy Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advising Entrade on the implementation of various environmental credit markets, initially focusing on the areas of nutrient neutrality and biodiversity net gain.
  • Provided advice regarding the environmental aspects of Biffa's acquisition of a Scottish construction and demolition waste company.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
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.

Matthew Germain

Other key lawyers

Caroline Bush, Arthur Hopkinson, Georgia Lythgoe, Matthew Vernon