Praised for their expertise across ‘a wide range of environmental sectors’, Burges Salmon LLP covers environmental litigation, plant decommissioning, regulatory work and ESG, among others. Practice head Michael Barlow‘s water expertise is a key driver behind the firm’s strong offering in the sector, where the team represents a number of major water companies. Ross Fairley is a key contact for carbon credit work, while Ian Salter is well known for his nuclear waste expertise. Guy Bastable bolsters the office's capabilities in criminal matters, while contaminated land and environmental waste issues are key focuses for Ian Truman. Sarah Sackville Hamilton‘s wide-ranging practice spans advisory, transactional and litigious work.

Turned to by a range of major corporations, utilities companies, and energy firms, the broad scope of Osborne Clarke LLP‘s environment practice spans from remediation and prosecutions brought by environmental regulators, to issues augmented by climate change, carbon trading, and ESG. Matthew Germain, who chairs the Bristol-based practice, regularly advises on ESG and waste law. Caroline Bush is well versed in decarbonisation regulation, with a strong focus on sustainability and climate change. Arthur Hopkinson frequently advises on ESG compliance, with nature-related performance obligations standing out as a particular strength.

Ashfords LLP's broad practice focus sees the team advising on the purchase of energy from waste plants, helping commercial developers to unlock carbon credits, and supporting clients who have been accused of waste permitting breaches, including advising on interviews under caution and negotiating enforcements. The leadership team is divided between two cities; Ian Manners and Kate Topp are based in Bristol, while Brian Farrell and Tim Heal work from Exeter. Bristol-based Zoe Hunt is another name to note. Ben Derrington left the firm in November 2022.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP‘s regulatory and environment practice draws particular praise for its advice on biodiversity net gain, environmental regulatory compliance, and its work defending clients in prosecutions arising from environmental incidents.  Jon Cooper - a 'real leader’ and a key port of call for environmental regulatory matters - spearheads the team's offering from Bristol. In Plymouth, Sarah Holmes advises clients in the private, public and third sectors on issues such as species protection and risk minimisation. Also in Bristol, Ashley Borthwick is frequently sought out by manufacturing sector clients to advise on a range of issues, including waste obligation. Stephen Panton left the firm in April 2023.

Covering both contentious and non-contentious work, the ‘very strong’  practice at Clarke Willmott LLP continues to focus on the agriculture and waste sectors, working with a host of farming enterprises, utilities companies, and developers. Steering the team from the firm’s Bristol office, Neil Baker regularly combines his planning and environmental expertise in applications for projects such as housing sites and urban regeneration schemes. Caroline Waller and Chris Charlton further extend the team’s expertise in planning and environmental law. Daniel Gill left the practice in July 2022.

DAC Beachcroft LLP is noted for its strategic focus on environmental due diligence and the scope of its regulatory advice, working with clients on waste management and environmental permitting offences, and advising landowners and developers on contaminated land and other liabilities. Regulatory expert Anne Harrison and Environment Agency investigations specialist Neil Scott co-lead the Bristol-based team. Karen Howe frequently advises on issues relating to Environmental Impact Assessments.

Energy and infrastructure projects, ESG and corporate responsibility, and environmental reporting and due diligence make up a core part of Foot Anstey‘s portfolio of work. The team also regularly advises developers on nitrate and phosphate mitigation. In Bristol, Christian Silk‘s varied practice spans advice relating to landfill sites and environmental risk assessments. Regulatory specialist Nathan Peacey advises on a range of risk management issues. Kee Evans, who joined the department from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP in September 2022, frequently handles contaminated land issues. Renewables specialist Aliki Zeri rejoined the firm after a period serving as general counsel for WeLink, while Chris Pritchett and Becca Doman left in April 2023 and in June 2022, respectively.

TLT assists clients from the leisure, retail, housing and public sector with contentious regulatory work, property related environmental issues, and clean energy mandates. The team is jointly chaired by Katherine Evans, who has a strong track record in contaminated land issues, and Kerry Gwyther, a construction industry specialist. Solicitor advocate Duncan Reed contributes his longstanding experience of representing clients facing environmental prosecutions. Energy and infrastructure expert Fergus Charlton is another name to note.