Steve McNab joins DWF as a partner and UK Head of Decarbonisation & Energy Projects, having previously co-founded both a low carbon energy project development business focused on early-stage development, , and a ‘community energy’ focussed social impact charity. He has over 25 years of cutting-edge experience in law and has been involved in all stages of development, providing clients with advice across energy and environmental regulation, emissions trading, consenting strategy, ESG and fundraising. In a previous role, Steve was Head of Environment & Climate Change at Simmons & Simmons, where he also coordinated the Cleantech and Environmental Finance group.
With DWF recently realigning its 120+ strong global energy sector team, including 80 dedicated Energy Partners, to advise on projects through the full project lifecycle from beginning to end, Steve’s wealth of practical, hands-on industry experience will add further depth and experience to the team, and it reflects the growing demand for this type of legal counsel.
Chris Wright joins DWF as a Director and UK Head of Nuclear from Stephenson Harwood where he was Head of Nuclear.
Chris has significant experience in nuclear new build, nuclear regulation and nuclear fuel cycle, in both private practice and across the nuclear industry. He was previously a Director of External Affairs at U-Battery, and Head of Legal & Company Secretary at EDF's nuclear business in the UK, and also served as Chair of the World Nuclear Association’s Law Group and co-Chair of the Nuclear Industry Association’s Legal & Financial Affairs Working Group. With strong links to Westminster, Whitehall, and various nuclear and energy associations, Chris' arrival at DWF further diversifies the team’s offering and relationships for clients.
With nuclear power a vital and likely growing part of the UK’s energy supply, security and transition strategy, this appointment demonstrates DWF’s commitment to deliver a tailored and relevant service to clients, helping them to deliver on their commercial and operational ambitions.
Commenting on the appointments, Darren Walsh, Global Head of Energy at DWF, said: “The arrival of these two energy industry leaders shows our clear ambition to provide clients with the most relevant, practical, and expert legal advice and support anywhere in the world.
“Our global energy sector team provides mission critical advice to clients across the industry, helping them to meet the demands and complexity of the low carbon transition. These appointments add to our industry expertise and relationships, and importantly at a time when hands-on project experience and a deep knowledge of energy supply and security is paramount.
“From nuclear power, an important transition fuel, to the expansion of renewables and storage technologies, DWF is committed to a best-in-class approach for clients, and one that is capable of genuinely servicing decarbonisation, net zero, and sustainability projects from end to end.”
The appointments coincide with the delivery of DWF’s new Renewables and Net Zero Carbon International Atlas, which will directly support clients and their strategies, by highlighting key growth markets to initiate the expansion of energy projects.
