James Mallery-Nelson

He has been recognised as a 'Recommended Lawyer' in the Legal 500 and advises clients across many sectors spanning central government and public sector bodies, renewable energy firms, telecommunications and property development.

James brings specialised expertise in the energy, infrastructure and telecommunications sectors. He advises clients on large-scale infrastructure projects such as road construction schemes, waste projects and energy schemes, as well as utility installations and matters relating to the Electronic Communications Code.  

Having worked as in-house counsel for a leading renewable energy company, James understands the commercial realities of delivering complex projects and provides clear, strategic guidance to see them through to a successful conclusion.

James' approach is collaborative and strategic, with a focus on building strong relationships with his clients. He is detail-driven and analytical, but always able to see the wood for the trees and provide clear, commercially grounded advice when it matters most.

Jurisdiction: England & Wales

• Advised a public body, as part of a multidisciplinary team, on land assembly for a major regional road scheme, including CPO powers, property transactions for a key construction phase and a suite of land agreements.
• Advised a local authority on land acquisition and asset management for a major road scheme, including options, easements, leases and other contracts required to facilitate construction.
• Led the real estate workstream within a multidisciplinary team renegotiating key contracts for a major London district heating scheme.
• Advised an energy company on highways and property law issues affecting proposed battery storage projects on highway land across several local authority areas, developing a strategy to support authority engagement and project rollout.
• Advised a local authority on land acquisition strategy for a major new link road in the Midlands, negotiating easements, transfers and licences for canal and railway bridges and utility land, and resolving property issues throughout the project lifecycle.
• Acted for energy company client to advise on strategic exit from energy depot site, involving advising on electricity connections works, commercial lease issues and obligations to deliver an electricity substation.
• Undertook secondment at central government body as legal adviser to the department on real estate and regulatory issues. This involved advising the body on regulatory discussions with key stakeholders, training regulatory advisers on legal issues and providing legal advice on interaction between property law and the regulations.
• Advised a commercial landlord client on the impact of the terms of CVA entered into by an eminent retail tenant. Explained impact of CVA terms in connection with the commercial leases in place and set out range of options (explaining pros and cons of each) with regards termination, dilapidations and break provisions.