Overview

A drive for low carbon energy solutions has led to a renewal in interest in nuclear power over the last 15 years, but nuclear remains the most challenging technology to deliver.

Our understanding of the nuclear sector is unrivalled – we have worked on almost all of the UK’s public nuclear licensed sites, and alongside operators at all levels of the supply chain.

We are committed to developing long-term relationships with our nuclear sector clients, from the NDA, government and regulators to energy companies, site licence companies and contractors.

We have a unique understanding of international nuclear law. Our lawyers are active in key industry associations – including the INLA, NIA, WNA and Nuclear Institute – and we have produced a comprehensive Guide to Nuclear Law, now in its second edition and one of only a few texts on this subject in the world. 

Areas of focus

Our nuclear lawyers have a proven track record advising on the following:

  • Decommissioning.
  • Operational issues on existing sites.
  • Waste issues both interim and long term.
  • New build development.
  • Regulatory including establishing nuclear laws to best international standards in countries looking to undertake nuclear power programmes for the first time. 
  • Litigation.
Experience

Advising the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority on the £2.5 billion Dounreay decommissioning contract, for which we were named the Commercial Team of the Year at the Legal Week British Legal Awards 2012.

Advising the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority on the transfer of the world's first uranium-enrichment facility in Capenhurst to URENCO.

Advising Radsafe CLG, an organisation representing all consignors of nuclear waste and material, on emergency response.

Advising owners, carriers, insurers and shippers on nuclear materials transport – global nuclear liability, contractual negotiations, safeguards and regulator liaison, including advice on contractual terms relating to international nuclear waste/fuel shipments globally.

Advising NEPIOs in many jurisdictions on establishing their domestic nuclear laws to the best international standards including their laws relating to security, safeguards, safety and nuclear liability. We have experience of applying IAEA laws and standards and can advise foreign governments seeking to introduce new nuclear legal regimes.

Advising new build developers in the UK, the supply chain, and regulators on aspects of the UK new nuclear programme.

Advising the UK Government on its £800 million land disposal programme for nuclear new build in the UK.

Providing Imperial College London with a full legal support package to the Reactor Decommissioning Planning Project.

Advising nuclear site licence companies on regulatory and operational issues, for example grid connectivity, boundary issues, and compliance, as well as commercial, procurement, property, planning, construction and liability issues.

Advising the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority on the transfer of Springfields Fuels Limited to Westinghouse and a 150 year lease to operate the site.

Advising on the NEC3 suite of contracts in relation to nuclear new build and other major infrastructure projects.

Working with all the UK's major consignors of radioactive waste, covering just about all the UK's public nuclear sites and for many years worked for UK Nirex Limited.

Advising over a number of years on global transportation contracts, commercial fuel agreements, liability, and insurance. Also advising on commercial agreements between domestic and international customers relating to the storage, handling, reprocessing and transport of nuclear waste and the supply of mixed oxide fuel to the nuclear industry.

Advising on many of the key contentious nuclear sector disputes that have arisen in the last few years and providing specialist litigation capability within our nuclear team.

Meet the team
Ian Salter

Ian Salter Partner

  • Head of Nuclear
  • Head of Projects
  • Environment
Ian Truman

Ian Truman Partner

  • Nuclear
  • Projects
  • Environment
Michael Barlow

Michael Barlow Partner

  • Head of Environment
  • Head of Water
  • Head of ESG
Philip Beer

Philip Beer Partner

  • Real Estate
  • Transport
  • Energy and Utilities
Julian Boswall

Julian Boswall Partner

  • Energy and Utilities
  • Infrastructure
  • Planning and Compulsory Purchase
Paul Browne

Paul Browne Partner

  • Head of International Trade
  • Real Estate
  • Nuclear
John Houlden

John Houlden Partner

  • Head of Public Sector
  • Head of Procurement and Subsidy Control
  • Projects
Steven James

Steven James Partner

  • Construction and Engineering 
  • Energy and Utilities
  • Construction Disputes
Mark Paterson

Mark Paterson Partner

  • Defence
  • Business Transformation
  • Central Government
James Phillips

James Phillips Partner

  • Head of Energy & Utilities
  • Head of Energy Transition
  • Energy Regulation
Patrick Robinson

Patrick Robinson Consultant

  • Energy and Utilities
  • Infrastructure
  • Planning and Compulsory Purchase
Camilla Usher-Clark

Camilla Usher-Clark Partner

  • Corporate
  • Energy and Utilities
  • Co-operatives
Nick Graves

Nick Graves Partner

  • Head of Corporate
  • Corporate Advice
  • Mergers and Acquisitions

What others say...

The team is excellent, agile and super client-focused. They are creative and able to look at issues from multiple perspectives in order to develop the best way forward.

Legal 500 2024

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