Sonya is a partner and heads-up our large and experienced team of energy lawyers in Exeter. She deals with grid, infrastructure, policy, Ofgem, licensing and supply issues as well as EPC and O&M contracts.

What sets Sonya apart from other lawyers is her experience, commitment and passion for renewables.  She is nationally renowned for her renewable energy experience having worked in the sustainability sector for over 10 years as a lawyer and has gained an MSc in renewable energy. In 2018 she was awarded an MBE for her services to community energy, following a trio of industry awards.

Following her qualification in September 2000, she has experience in all renewable energy projects:

• wind
• solar PV (large and small scale)
• anaerobic digestion
• biomass
• hydro

Her recent experience includes:

• advising on Ofgem accreditations for over 20 solar parks and 5 wind sites
• project managing a number of anaerobic digestion sites
• acting for over 20 community energy groups – from set up/funding/site acquisition to development and subsequent generation
• investment of over £30,000,000 into renewable energy sites
• establishing the UK’s first grid consortium and grid sharing agreements for communities

Sonya is a true expert and is truly immersed in renewable energy giving her time as a

• non executive director of Regen SW
• director of Exeter Community Energy
• director of Somerset Renewable Energy Community
• board member for the Sustainable Institute

In her spare time she sings with a band and goes wind turbine spotting!

Recommended Lawyer - Legal 500 UK 2017 - "The very responsive energy group at Stephens Scown LLP possesses very strong knowledge of and connectedness with the renewable industry".   Legal 500 is an independent guide to the legal profession who recognises top lawyers. Sonya is "extremely well-connected".

Chambers 2016 - ranked as an "up and coming" lawyer. Clients say "she is very approachable, has good knowledge and we are able to establish a really thorough working relationship."

Chambers 2018 - Energy & Natural Resources: Renewables & Alternative Energy - UK-wide - Recognised Practitioner

Chambers 2019 - Energy & Natural Resources: Renewables & Alternative Energy - UK-wide - Recognised Practitioner