Department profile
Freshfields

Environment & Climate Change

UK Guide 2026 : London (Firms)

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Freshfields

Rankings

About

Provided by Freshfields

Please visit the Freshfields website for more details about our work in this category:

ESG and sustainability | Freshfields

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Environment & Climate Change - London (Firms)

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Freshfields regularly handles large environmental litigation cases, including the defence of high-profile pollution claims. The firm acts on permitting and environmental compliance matters for clients in the oil and nuclear sectors. It assists global manufacturers and oil companies with Environment Agency investigations and prosecutions in cases of marine pollution. In addition, the team advises on regulation and environmental issues in commercial transactions.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Freshfields advised EDF Energy on all aspects of the development of the twin EPR Sizewell C nuclear project in Suffolk.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Freshfields have excellent coverage, are very responsive and provide pragmatic advice.

    Environment & Climate Change respondentUK

  • Freshfields is able to assemble teams who are responsive and come together to provide proactive crisis management, often in very challenging situations for their clients.

    Environment & Climate Change respondentUK

  • The Freshfields team take on a proactive role in crisis management and strategic decision-making for their clients, who operate in a complex international business environment.

    Environment & Climate Change respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Jonathan Isted
    Jonathan Isted

    Jonathan Isted

    Jonathan Isted is a well-respected practitioner who specialises in environmental disputes, showing expertise in climate change litigation risk. He is noted for his ability to defend group actions in a number of sectors, including energy and construction.

    • Jonathan is a highly regarded lawyer in the area, distinguished and respected across the sector by clients and fellow lawyers alike.

      Environment & Climate Change respondentUK
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  • Douglas Bryden
    Douglas Bryden

    Douglas Bryden

    Douglas Bryden is highly regarded for his work on ESG matters and contentious environmental issues, in addition to providing transactional support. Bryden represents clients in the chemicals, energy and asset management sectors.

    • Douglas has enormous contentious regulatory environment expertise that complements the wider team.

      Environment & Climate Change respondentUK

    • Douglas has a good balance between commercial and legal expertise.

      Environment & Climate Change respondentUK

    • Douglas is an excellent attorney - extremely knowledgeable, responsive and aware of business concerns.

      Environment & Climate Change respondentUK
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  • Vanessa Jakovich
    Vanessa Jakovich

    Vanessa Jakovich

    Vanessa Jakovich has notable expertise in matters concerning the nuclear sector. She is additionally adept at handling regulatory work and matters pertaining to environmental consents.

    • Her key strength is energy. She is extremely well versed in nuclear matters. She probably has the strongest knowledge of anyone I know in this sector.

      Environment & Climate Change respondentUK

    • Vanessa Jakovich is very knowledgeable. It is really hard to find someone who has expertise in this space, and she is one of them.

      Environment & Climate Change respondentUK

    • One of the top nuclear lawyers in UK and internationally. She has a very good client base.

      Environment & Climate Change respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Freshfields (3)

London (Firms)

Members

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