Energy and Environmental Disputes
The ever-increasing burden of environmental regulation is an important issue, impacting on a company’s operating strategy and, ultimately, its financial objectives. Failure to comply with the regulations can lead to civil disputes, resulting in the payment of compensation (toxic tort claims) and also criminal prosecutions for breaches of environmental legislation. Handled badly, such disputes can damage the company’s reputation, have a negative impact on valuable commercial relationships, over-occupy management time and the costs can be punitive.
In the event of such actions or the involvement of the regulatory enforcement agencies, Osborne Clarke’s Environment group is able to provide immediate assistance to protect the company’s interests.
Our Environment group comprises lawyers with expertise in environmental law across the disciplines of litigation, corporate, property and planning. The group was established in 1990 and has a proven track record in providing sound commercial advice on a wide variety of energy and environmental-related disputes, including contaminated land, water pollution, waste management, packaging and disputes arising from construction projects, between contractors and sub-contractors, environmental warranties and indemnities in property and corporate transactions. According to Chambers & Partners, we have “experienced lawyers, they have a good attitude; they're all very friendly and sensible and good to work with” and are “incredibly enthusiastic, knowledgeable and helpful."
We have particular expertise in acting for utility companies on a broad range of issues, including distribution, financing, supplier agreement and pipeline connection disputes, as well as on cable and pipeline damage claims.
We also have extensive environmental ‘insider’ knowledge of latest thinking and best practice, gained from our active membership of the Environmental Services Association, the United Kingdom Environmental Law Association, the Bristol Wind Energy Association and the Renewable Energy Association. This ensures we remain at the leading edge of new legislative developments. Our clients benefit, as we help them to anticipate and implement changes, which – in turn – maximise their business opportunities and minimise their liabilities.