TLT strengthens public sector, infrastructure and future energy offering with two new partners

National law firm TLT has welcomed planning and infrastructure specialists Mustafa Latif-Aramesh and Duncan O’Connor. These strategic appointments place TLT at the forefront of planning and infrastructure advice in the UK. 

Duncan and Mustafa are celebrated as two of the go-to infrastructure lawyers in the country, particularly known for their expertise in advising on some of the UK’s most significant and complex infrastructure projects. 

Their arrival at TLT cements the firm’s position as a 1st tier adviser to the future energy and public law sectors, underscoring the firm’s strategic focus on meeting the current needs and creating opportunities for the future. 

Duncan is an infrastructure planning specialist, skilled in providing technical advice on all aspects of the planning process. His expertise includes environmental impact assessment, compulsory acquisition, order drafting and negotiating agreements with affected parties. 

He is experienced at leading project teams through public inquiries and Development Consent Order (DCO) hearings and has over 15 years’ experience securing authorisation for major infrastructure projects, particularly in the transport and energy sectors. He has advised on some of the largest and most complex infrastructure projects in the UK – including East West Rail, Heathrow third runway and the Silvertown tunnel.

Mustafa is regarded as one of the leading infrastructure, planning and public law lawyers in the UK. Having advised on over 20 Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects under the Planning Act 2008, Mustafa has advised on a wide breadth of projects including some of the most complex and high-profile major infrastructure projects in the country across energy (including solar, and nuclear), highways, aviation and business and commercial schemes. 

In addition, Mustafa is one a few lawyers in the UK who is also a registered “roll A” parliamentary agent and has advised government on infrastructure planning, adding to TLT’s public law and parliamentary expertise. 

At TLT, Mustafa and Duncan will be working closely with the firm’s leading cross-practice future energy, public sector and planning teams, expanding the strength and depth of service provided to clients in this space and supporting the strategic growth of this practice area. Duncan and Mustafa’s unrivalled market-insight and commercial-focused approach to advising the industry will complement the existing reputation TLT has for its understanding of the future energy and public sector market, and its client-focused approach. 

On Friday 28th April, TLT will be launching a blog delving into various aspects of infrastructure planning and development in the UK. Readers will be able to catch up on the latest in infrastructure projects, green-energy initiatives and learn more about DCOs.  

Maria Connolly, partner and head of TLT’s future energy and real estate at TLT said: “Duncan and Mustafa’s appointment continues our strategic growth plans and our commitment to delivering a 1st tier service to our clients. 

“The government’s pledge to invest into infrastructure and clean energy to deliver growth will present huge opportunities for our clients, whilst also requiring legal guidance to navigate the ongoing reforms to the planning system and ever-evolving regulatory landscape. Duncan and Mustafa’s knowledge and insight into the infrastructure and planning arena will be an invaluable addition to our future energy and public sector teams. We’re delighted to have them on board.”

 Mustafa Latif-Aramesh, partner at TLT said: “In the last decade, TLT has carved out a reputation for being the leading law firm in the future energy, planning and infrastructure arenas. With a team of nearly 150 lawyers specialising in this practice area, I’m looking forward to helping shape the future of this key sector, helping meet the Government’s ambitious target of 150 projects in the next 5 years and delivering forward-thinking solutions for our clients.” 

Duncan O’Connor partner at TLT commented: “There’s no doubt that the infrastructure and clean energy sectors are experiencing significant changes. The ever-pressing need to find alternative sources of energy, decarbonise and support the UK’s journey to net-zero present unique challenges for undertaking new infrastructure projects. As the sectors anticipate further fluctuations, I look forward to working with the team to prepare clients for the challenges and opportunities ahead.”