Environment: Scotland

Brodies houses an impressive team of environmental specialists, with expertise spanning a broad range of work. In addition to providing standalone advisory advice, it also regularly supports the property, corporate and litigation departments. Sources say that the firm is "in a pre-eminent position, and it is going from strength to strength." The team's client list includes Veolia Water, Glasgow City Council and The Co-operative Bank.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Charles Smith heads the environment department and has a wealth of expertise in this sector. He recently advised the Shetland Islands Council on environmental issues surrounding a proposed gas processing plant. Sources comment that he is "supremely commercial in his approach" and he has "an undoubted understanding of the mechanics of environmental law." Glasgow-based Kenneth Ross provides particular expertise on contaminated land issues, and he draws upon his considerable expertise in commercial property. His recent work has included acting for the owners of potentially contaminated land. Sources say that his "technical expertise is right up there."

Semple Fraser houses a full-service environmental practice which serves Scottish clients, and also receives mandates from across the UK and in Europe. The firm has a specialist waste group within its environment practice, which offers additional expertise in this area, particularly with regard to EU directives. The past year has seen the team act for hazardous waste industry client in connection with a new fuel product line, while it has also advised REG BioPower on developing incentives for generating renewable energy.  

Client Service "The team is very good at driving an issue forward on its own initiative and not waiting for prompting from the client."

Commercial Awareness "Commerciality is one area in which they show considerable aptitude." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Vincent Brown is an established figure in this market. He recently advised oilfield services operator TWMA on a range of issues including EU end-of-waste regulations. He is considered to be "a true environmental expert and leader," while clients say that "he continues to impress with his experience and expertise, and his ability to effectively co-ordinate a range of colleagues."

This practice remains a leading player in the Scottish environment market. The team has recently represented the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on a number of cases involving waste management, pollution prevention and control permits. The group has recently increased its activity in the renewable energy sector, while it has also advised on environmental issues arising from Hammerson's recent property acquisitions.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Neil Amner is recognised for his expertise in waste-related matters, and he recently advised Viridor on a lease that will service significant waste movements from Edinburgh to Dunbar, in East Lothian. He also provided key advice to Scottish Leather on its new thermal energy plant which makes use of the company's waste.  

This practice earns recognition in the market for its strong environmental expertise. Waste and energy are the sectors that comprise the majority of this group's recent non-contentious work, and its clients in this arena include ScottishPower and BP. One recent work highlight involved acting for ScottishPower Generation on a potential carbon capture and storage development, a matter which involved environmental impact assessments. The team is also adept at handling contentious matters and advising on the environmental risks attached to sales and acquisitions of land and businesses.

On 1st May 2012, McGrigors merged with Pinsent Masons. The resulting entity now trades as Pinsent Masons LLP.

Commercial Awareness "They could see how to get round problems and mitigate the risk involved; they were able to understand the commercial impact of the process."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jennifer Ballantyne offers clients expertise across a broad spectrum of environmental areas including renewable energy, contaminated land and water, and environmental permitting. Sources say: "Her technical skills are excellent; she is able to get to the nub of the issue and she doesn't get sidetracked by extraneous points." Ross McDowall joins the rankings following considerable praise from sources: "He makes sure the advice he is providing is understandable to a non-legal mind. He is available and proactive." Ballantyne and McDowall recently advised SABIC Innovative Plastics on potential environmental liability following the sale of a plastics plant, and they have also drafted waste service contracts for Baker Hughes. Gordon McCreath garners praise for having "a good and detailed background knowledge." He is highly proficient in advising clients on waste issues, while his practice also spans sustainability and energy issues

Shepherd and Wedderburn wins praise from all corners, and it is particularly well known for its expertise in energy and waste infrastructure projects. The team continues to advise subsidiaries of UK Mainstream Renewable Power in connection with wind farm applications, while it also advises on the regulatory aspects of nuclear decommissioning. Other clients for whom the team provides environmental services include BAE Systems on contaminated land, and Veolia on environmental permitting.

Client Service "They are proactive and think two steps ahead. They will have prepared an answer before the question is asked."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Patricia Hawthorn is highly regarded for her expertise in the waste sector, where she recently acted for Viridor on two public inquiries. She is also adept at dealing with issues regarding the renewable energy sector, and she has recently been involved with a number of offshore wind farm projects. "She is good at making sure we receive the attention we need, and tailoring the firm's response to our requirements," comment satisfied clients.

This practice offers expertise on both contentious and non-contentious matters, acting for local authorities, regulatory bodies, developers and private businesses. The team continues to act for Clyde Gateway and it regularly advises clients on issues such as contaminated land, due diligence and environmental liability. Market commentators note: "They have a broad portfolio of expertise that sets them apart from their competitors."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The key point of contact for this environment practice is Michael Wood.

This team has secured a solid position in the Scottish environmental market. Recent work highlights include advising numerous clients on environmental issues related to renewable energy projects. This has included representing clients on the extension of a wind farm and on the development of an anaerobic plant. Waste management issues also form a considerable part of the firm's workload, and the team continues to represent Sita UK in this sector.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Highly experienced practitioner Douglas Taylor "has always been a great enthusiast for environmental law." He focuses his environment practice on carbon and climate change issues, waste, noise and renewable energy. Recent work highlights include advising W H Malcolm on the restoration of landfills, and in its negotiations with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

This environment practice services clients across a range of environment work, with climate change and waste being two areas in which the team is held in high regard. The group continues to represent Masterton Demolition on the remediation of land in relation to its acquisition of SABIC's contaminated site. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Pamela Coulthard's background at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency enables her to provide standalone environment advice, as well as supporting the firm's corporate and property practices on transactions involving environmental law issues.  She wins praise for her quick turnaround. "She is excellent at providing responses and getting the information required," say sources.

This team houses a variety of expertise in both contentious and non-contentious environment issues, and it regularly handles work for waste management companies. One recent highlight was advising Waste Recycling Group on liabilities and potential remediation measures connected with a historic landfill site.

Client Service "They are good at organising teams and coming back to us for feedback - they take comments on board."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jamie Grant leads this environmental team and he has considerable expertise in planning law. "He regularly sends us briefings with updates and is good at interfacing with the people we deal with. He is technically strong and commercially minded," comments one client.

This team has an established presence in the environment sphere that is supported by its expertise in planning, litigation, energy and property. Renewable energy is an area in which this team has been particularly active over the past year, advising clients on the environmental ramifications of wind farms, biomass and hydropower projects. This includes acting for RWE npower on a public inquiry into the refusal of a water abstraction licence, and advising Balnagowan Estate in a statutory legal challenge against the decision of Scottish Ministers to grant planning permission for a waste-to-energy facility.

Commercial Awareness "They knew the issues inside out. They knew we had a budget to work to and knew our constraints, and they were able to advise me on the ramifications of any decision."

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Drysdale has a broad environmental practice that includes agricultural issues, fisheries and water law. He regularly represents landowners and developers on a range of matters. Alastair McKie heads up the planning and environment department and he recently advised INEOS on a number of issues concerning the use and storage of hazardous waste. "He is efficient and personable and I enjoyed dealing with him," says one satisfied client.

Dundas & Wilson has attracted a number of instructions from the renewable energy and water sectors over the past year, and it has also been advising on climate change issues and  carbon reduction commitments. Recent work highlights include acting for National Grid on a possible carbon capture and storage project, and reviewing an Environmental Impact Assessment for EDF Energy. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Key contacts for this practice are Zoe Pearson and Joanna Waddell.

This group offers contentious and non-contentious support in environment matters, and it has specific expertise in air and water pollution, waste and recycling, and land pollution. The firm has recently been advising North Lanarkshire Council on a residual waste procurement project. Sources are quick to point out that "this team is professional, competent and reliable in this area."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stephen Colliston heads up this practice.