Clyde & Co boosts energy transactional offering with hire of Ben James

London, 6 February 2025 – Global law firm Clyde & Co today announces the appointment of Ben James as an energy transactional partner in London, as part of the firm’s increased investment in its energy transition services for clients. Ben will support the firm’s energy transition and carbon markets offering.

He joins from Simmons & Simmons where he established a robust corporate energy practice, mainly in renewables, specialising in private M&A (acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures). He has also developed a practice in the voluntary carbon markets, in carbon financing, offtake arrangements and M&A.

Ben has over a decade of experience advising on corporate transactions in the broader energy sector, initially in oil and gas, and subsequently across a range of other energy sub-sectors and most recently specialising in renewable energy in the UK and globally.

Rebecca Armstrong, partner at Clyde & Co, comments: “As the world races to achieve net zero, the demand for clean energy is driving many governments and players in the energy sector to invest heavily in renewables and the energy transition. This is resulting in increased demand for specialist M&A support. Ben brings this depth of expertise and insight to the firm and to our clients navigating the risks and opportunities in the continuously evolving transition to clean energy.”

Ben James comments: “I’m excited to join Clyde & Co at a time when renewable energy and energy storage transactions are at the forefront of driving the global transition to a cleaner, greener future. The firm's commitment to supporting clients through complex energy projects and its leading global presence in the renewables space were key factors in my decision to join. The current market presents huge opportunities in renewables and the energy transition, as well as carbon markets, and I look forward to working with such a talented and dedicated team to help our clients achieve their goals.”

Clyde & Co’s energy specialists bring together experience from a range of sectors and industries. The firm advises a variety of businesses including energy companies, funds and other investors, developers and independent power producers, financial institutions, governments and contractors across the world on the full range of energy issues.

Recognised as leaders in energy, the firm has a growing presence across Europe following the recent hires of Alex Blomfield, Marianne Anton and Sebastian Lea in London, Julie Cornely in Paris, Agnieszka Kulińska, Arkadiusz (Arek) Krasnodębski and a team of twenty in Warsaw last year, in addition to Tim Pipe and Anna Nerush in the UK in the last couple of years.

For further information please contact:

Katherine Howbrook

Global External Communications Lead

Katherine.howbrook@clydeco.com

About Clyde & Co

Clyde & Co is a leading global law firm, helping organisations navigate risk and maximise opportunity in the sectors that underpin global trade and commercial activity, namely: insurance, aviation, marine, construction, energy, trade and natural resources. Globally integrated, the firm has 490 partners, 2,400 lawyers, 3,200 legal professionals and 5,500 people overall in nearly 70 offices and associated offices worldwide. For more information please visit www.clydeco.com.