One of the UK’s leading energy lawyers, Bob Ruddiman, has joined Burness Paull.
Ruddiman will lead and grow the firm’s Energy team, combining its well-established Renewables practice and highly-regarded Oil & Gas practice.
The new-look Energy team will advise a growing client base, as transition to a low carbon future impacts more companies and draws in a wider range of technologies.
Ruddiman’s deep energy expertise is supported by the team’s experience across corporate finance, capital markets, private equity and debt alongside consenting and regulatory, property, construction, technology and employment matters – all within the energy sector.
The move will ensure the firm is perfectly placed to support clients on the rapidly-evolving energy agenda, as businesses of all types align themselves to comply with the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda and embrace a zero-carbon future – a shift that will increase in importance in the build-up to COP26, hosted in Glasgow, and as the UK seeks to take a leading role in the global ESG and Energy Transition agenda.
In his previous role at Pinsent Masons, where he held a number of senior leadership positions including heading the Global Energy Sector team, Ruddiman operated extensively across the USA, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and South East Asia as well as the UK.
This experience provides an excellent fit with the international experience and ambition of Burness Paull – much of which is centred on the firm’s energy practice. Burness Paull is the exclusive member firm in Scotland for Lex Mundi – the prestigious international law firm network.
Peter Lawson, Chair of Burness Paull, said: “Bringing a lawyer of Bob’s stature to the firm is a real coup. He will build on our considerable strength in the energy sector and his reputation as an industry leader is well-recognised and justified given his knowledge and network.
“Energy is a dominant economic and social issue as companies of all types address a reduced-carbon future. Bob’s considerable expertise in this will help us support our clients as they wrestle with this challenge.
“His addition to the firm underlines our strategy to be present within the key themes for the Scottish and Global economy – Climate, Health and Technology.”
Bob Ruddiman added: “Burness Paull is a firm I know well and have respected throughout my career. My new role in securing its position as the number one energy firm operating from Scotland will be about connecting great clients with great people.
“Its lawyers match the best in any UK law firm, and we aim to build on that platform. A key measure of success will be the growth of the team.
“Being part of the future shape of energy is incredibly exciting and we look forward to bringing fresh thinking, confidence and thoughtful strategic advice to ambitious client energy agendas, locally and globally.“