Ranking tables

Environment | UK

South West

This ranking table reflects contentious and non-contentious work relating to planning as well as environmental matters. Work includes, for example, advice on planning applications or regulatory compliance matters as well as representing clients in disputes arising from planning- and environment-related issues.

All Lawyers profiles

1

Band 1

  1. Matthew Germain
    1
    Matthew Germain
    Osborne Clarke LLP
    Osborne Clarke LLP | Environment
    2026 | Band 1 | 15 Years Ranked

    Matthew Germain is highly knowledgeable on environmental matters pertaining to energy and infrastructure projects, as well as providing regulatory compliance advice in relation to waste, water and climate change issues. He also assists clients facing investigation and enforcement action by the Environment Agency.

  2. Michael Barlow
    1
    Michael Barlow
    Burges Salmon LLP
    Burges Salmon LLP | Environment
    2026 | Band 1 | 18 Years Ranked

    Michael Barlow specialises in environmental litigation. He frequently represents public and private sector clients facing potential criminal prosecution, as well as in regulatory disputes with the Environment Agency. He has particular expertise in areas such as energy efficiency, contaminated land and environmental permitting.

2

Band 2

  1. 2
    Anne Harrison
    DAC Beachcroft LLP
    DAC Beachcroft LLP | Environment
    2026 | Band 2 | 18 Years Ranked

    Anne Harrison is highlighted for her deep expertise in relation to planning and environmental issues, including Section 106 agreements for residential schemes, planning appeals and the Community Infrastructure Levy. She assists clients with ongoing compliance as well as providing due diligence during business transactions.

  2. Ben Derrington
    2
    Ben Derrington
    Freeths LLP
    Freeths LLP | Environment
    2026 | Band 2 | 2 Years Ranked

    Ben Derrington has a wealth of expertise in regulatory mandates, with notable experience in internal investigations and external enforcement actions. He has worked on matters involving spillage into controlled waters, permit surrenders and tree protection orders.

  3. Richard Broadbent
    2
    Richard Broadbent
    Freeths LLP
    Freeths LLP | Environment
    2026 | Band 2 | 2 Years Ranked

    Richard Broadbent is frequently instructed by public sector clients to work on a range of environmental issues, such as abstraction licences and planning permission. He has in-depth knowledge of natural environmental law and natural capital law.

  4. 2
    Sarah Holmes
    Womble Bond Dickinson UK LLP
    Womble Bond Dickinson UK LLP | Environment
    2026 | Band 2 | 25 Years Ranked

    Sarah Holmes regularly handles the planning and environment aspects of large infrastructure projects, as well as providing advice on compliance with waste management regulations. She is also adept at advising on European environmental regulations.

3

Band 3

  1. Christian Silk
    3
    Christian Silk
    Osborne Clarke LLP
    Osborne Clarke LLP | Environment
    2026 | Band 3 | 4 Years Ranked

    Christian Silk is a partner with deep knowledge and experience across sectors, including complex environmental law, infrastructure and residential development.

  2. Helen Hutton
    3
    Helen Hutton
    Michelmores LLP
    Michelmores LLP | Environment
    2026 | Band 3 | 12 Years Ranked

    Helen Hutton advises on planning agreements, applications and appeals, as well as judicial review and other court and enforcement actions. Her clients include landowners, developers, non-profits and corporations.

  3. Kee Evans
    3
    Kee Evans
    Foot Anstey LLP
    Foot Anstey LLP | Environment
    2026 | Band 3 | 11 Years Ranked

    Kee Evans of Foot Anstey is well regarded in the market for assisting clients from the renewable energy and transport sectors with contaminated land and permitting issues.

  4. 3
    Neil Scott
    DAC Beachcroft LLP
    DAC Beachcroft LLP | Environment
    2026 | Band 3 | 2 Years Ranked

    Neil Scott has commendable expertise in representing clients in Environment Agency investigations. He has acted for clients across a variety of industries, including housing development, utilities and agriculture, as well as public sector clients.

  5. Ross Fairley
    3
    Ross Fairley
    Burges Salmon LLP
    Burges Salmon LLP | Environment
    2026 | Band 3 | 29 Years Ranked

    Ross Fairley is particularly focused on advising clients in the energy and utilities sectors. He has notable expertise in issues relating to site decommissioning, including contaminated land claims, environmental liability and water rights.

  6. Stephen Panton
    Stephens Scown LLP | Environment
    2026 | Band 3

Associates to watch

  1. Sarah Sackville Hamilton
    Burges Salmon LLP
    Burges Salmon LLP | Environment
    2026 | Associates to watch | 2 Years Ranked

    Sarah Sackville Hamilton is growing her environmental practice, assisting with significant mandates involving areas such as waste disposal, ESG and EU environmental regulations. She advises corporate clients across a broad range of sectors.