Freeths expands energy sector offering in the North with strategic senior hire

National law firm Freeths has established a new energy offering in the North with the appointment of Partner Deborah Harvey, expanding on its wider national practice.

Joining from Osborne Clarke in London where she led the firm’s international Energy Innovation Group, Deborah has over 14 years’ dedicated energy sector legal experience. Her practice focuses on clean energy transactions, agreements, and regulation. She is experienced in dealing with all forms of renewable energy generation technology.

Deborah is particularly recognised for her experience of route to market arrangements, with her specialisms including asset optimisation and corporate power purchase agreements. She has a keen interest in energy innovation, which includes the role of data in energy and the interplay between energy and mobility – her practice includes the energy aspects of mobility projects, and she is currently acting for clients in this area of the sector. in this area of the sector. Deborah was recognised by the Legal 500 as a “Next Generation Partner” (2024 edition).

At Freeths, Deborah will look to further develop the firm’s energy offering and work with the national team to grow the practice in the North.

Commenting on the appointment, Freeths Managing Partner of the North John May, said: “Deborah’s appointment is key for our ongoing Freeths sector strategy as we continue to experience unprecedented growth in our Northern offices. I’m certain that her wealth of experience will help provide a vital offering for both new and existing clients. Deborah joins dozens of recent talent acquisitions for the firm in the last year since we expanded our office space in Sheffield, Manchester and Leeds.”

Commercial Partner Iain Bowler continued: “The energy market has never been more prevalent, and Deborah’s renowned capabilities are certain to bolster our leading dedicated clean energy, waste and sustainability practice. With our team working with high profile clients to roll out innovative clean energy solutions across the country, the latest having advised SmartParc on the development of a low carbon energy solution for a major food production and distribution hub in Derby, I’m confident that Deborah will continue to make her mark on the sector here at Freeths.”

Deborah Harvey added: “I’m excited to have arrived at Freeths. With its enviable accelerated growth and impressive client list, the firm is the ideal environment for me to continue my work within the clean energy sector. Working alongside a talented group of lawyers with extensive experience of delivering energy projects, I believe I can make a real difference for my clients here.”