Scotland's leading Energy & Renewables expert to join Harper Macleod

Leading Scottish commercial law firm, Harper Macleod LLP is delighted to announce the appointment of the principal consultant to the UK Renewable Energy Industry, David Bone.

David joins the firm on 1st March 2010 as lead Partner in the Energy & Natural Resources Practice Group. Currently at Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP, David has been involved in Renewables since 1993 working on many of Scotland's largest wind farms and has been involved in completed projects contributing over 600 mws of green energy with another 2,450 mws either under construction, consented or under licence. In addition he has advised clients on projects in countries as diverse as Chile, Ireland, France and Turkey. Having been "involved in more wind farm work than any other human being" (Chambers UK, 2009) and ranked as one of Scotland's leading Renewables` lawyers (Chambers UK, 2010) David has been engaged by developers such as RWE NPower, Fred. Olsen and E.ON on the full range of alternative energy projects. He is also the legal adviser to key industry groups including the Scottish Renewables Forum and Alba Energy, is a past winner of the Scottish Law Awards Partner of the Year for his contribution to energy work and has been shortlisted for the Green Energy Awards Outstanding Industry Contribution.

David brings with him a wealth of experience across the industry, including hydro, biomass, on and off-shore wind, wave, tidal and waste projects, and will complement the Harper Macleod Energy & Natural Resources team dubbed by Chambers UK 2009 as "occupying a healthy position in the wind power market". Harper Macleod has been advising on energy matters since 1994 and 2008 saw the firm advise Airtricity on the acquisition of property interests for the construction of the Clyde wind farm. Described as 'incredibly competent' (The Legal 500, 2009), team members know 'how to get deals done efficiently and without dramas' (Chambers UK, 2009). The appointment of David Bone, to lead the team of 11 partners, illustrates our commitment to excellence in an increasingly sensitive environment.

Harper Macleod Chairman Professor Lorne Crerar said: "The credit and energy crunch breeds opportunity and there are few greater challenges than addressing the Renewables opportunity for Scotland in 2010 and beyond. As a firm our primary strategic objective is sustainable growth and we recognise the increasing need for Renewables advice. David's appointment continues to build our reputation and expertise in this sector". 

Harper Macleod CEO Martin Darroch said "David's appointment proves our commitment to developing long-term sustainable relationships with our clients, and cements our position as leaders in the Energy and Renewables field, providing innovative and flexible multi-disciplinary legal services to clients who require practical advice in one of the most heavily regulated sectors in the UK".  

Established in 1988, Harper Macleod has 43 Partners, 126 Fee Earners and a complement of over 250 staff based in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness.  The firm is noted for its expertise in Corporate, Real Estate, Recoveries & Insolvency, Energy and Renewables, Litigation, Sports, Employment and Insurance & Reparation. Clients include The Scottish Government, The Department for Work & Pensions, The Forestry Commission, Scottish Coal, ATH, Highland & Islands Enterprise, The Scottish Premier League, William Hill, Airtricity, Optical Express and Tulloch Homes.