Nick Atkins
ConsultantNick's environmental and energy practice includes transactions and advice for those involved in the nuclear and defence industries, providing specialist guidance on all aspects of environmental law including waste management, pollution and contaminated land and he is also heavily involved in the firm's other energy and utilities work.
Nick uses his considerable skills and experience in commercial property work to advise many investor and developer clients.
Nick's approach is one of always getting to know the people and the key issues at a very early stage - and of working closely with other professionals on any deal as one team - all to get the best result for his clients.
Over the years, he has been involved in a wide range of different and challenging issues - including World Heritage sites, land required for the UK's contribution to the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, through to the closure of major yards and the development plans for their successful regeneration.
Article
Liquidators cannot disclaim title to land in Scotland or abandon environmental licences
In December 2013 the Inner House of the Scottish Court of Session overturned the July 2013 decision of its lower division on the question of whether the liquidators of The Scottish Coal Company Limited ("SCC"), a company registered in Scotland, could disclaim ownership of certain Scottish land owned by SCC and disclaim any liability to comply with licences and permits under certain environmental regimes. The lower division had said that the liquidators of such a Scottish registered company could so abandon or disclaim - but this decision was reversed on appeal, the challenge to the lower court's view having come from SEPA and others.