Osborne Clarke names James Watson as international Energy and Utilities Sector Head

James Watson has been appointed by international legal practice Osborne Clarke, to lead its international Energy and Utilities sector.

James will work closely with the key UK and international members of the sector group to continue maintaining Osborne Clarke's reputation as a market leader in the energy and utilities sector, as well as collaborating with the other Sector Leaders to support Osborne Clarke’s sector-first strategy. James is a project finance lawyer and energy sector specialist. He supports investor and developer clients in the development, investment and financing of projects in the renewables, energy storage, waste resource management, cleantech and defence sectors.

James joined Osborne Clarke in 2011, having spent nine years in the projects team at Pinsent Masons in London. Prior to that he was at Clifford Chance, where he qualified. He is a member of The City of London Law Society Energy Committee and the Association for Decentralised Energy.

James succeeds Partner Dave Ferris who, after serving three terms as Sector Head is standing down. Dave will continue to play a key role in growing the sectors presence across Osborne Clarke's international offices.

Simon Beswick, international CEO at Osborne Clarke said:

"As a close colleague of Dave Ferris and a sector expert, James is a natural fit to take over as Energy and Utilities sector leader. In his time at Osborne Clarke he has built strong relationships with our clients internationally and I look forward to working with him as he continues to steer the sector strategy towards meeting the future needs of the industry."

James Watson, Energy and Utilities Sector Leader said:

"We have a great platform on which to keep building the sector and I will be working closely with the team to continue to drive international growth and maintain our market-leading position. Supporting innovation in the energy sector is our core strength and will be a key part of our strategy."

James's announcement follows on from the recent appointment of Ashley Hurst as Head of Osborne Clarke's international Tech, Media and Comms Sector.

Osborne Clarke has an established and well-respected position as one of the leading international law firms in the energy and utilities sector. For over 20 years it has helped clients to seize new opportunities and meet the challenges of making energy generation clean, affordable and secure. The combination of the team’s experience and understanding of the energy and utilities sector means they are regularly called upon to support businesses on all aspects of their commercial, regulatory, corporate, finance and construction legal needs.