James Watson

James is a transactional energy infrastructure lawyer with over 20 years' experience. He is also the firm's International Head of Markets.

A partner in our energy transactions team, who led our international Energy & Utilities sector for three years, James supports innovation and transformation in the energy and energy transition and data centre sectors. He advises investors, funds, banks and developers in developing, investing in and financing projects in the renewables (solar, onshore wind and hydro), data centres, battery storage, hydrogen, bio-energy/waste resource management/waste to energy (including RDF/SRF supply and export, AD and biomass), combined heat and power, peaking plant, cleantech and power management sub-sectors.

James brings expertise in structuring, bidding, contracting, negotiating, financing, closing and post-completion matters on complex energy infrastructure transactions. He advises on funding options, security packages, risk management, supply chain structuring, grid connection, offtake and supply arrangements, renewable incentives, interface issues and the associated legal documentation development and completion.

In his current role as Osborne Clarke’s International Head of Markets, James leads the international rollout of the firm’s Clients & Markets strategy. Working with sector and service line leaders across our network, he translates high-level strategic goals into clear annual priorities, drives cross-sector and cross-border collaboration, and helps embed strong sales and key account practices. He is focussed on building integrated, multi-jurisdictional client offerings and ensuring we deliver measurable growth in cross-border client relationships, revenue and profitability.

James Watson leads the team fantastically and ensures everyone provides a very high level of service and availability."

Legal 500