UK law firm Ashfords has appointed Rhiannon Morgan-Williams as a partner in its Bristol-based real estate team, specialising in renewable energy.
Ashfords said Rhiannon, pictured, would add further weight to its established energy & resource management sector offer, with more than 15 years’ experience working for some of the largest clean energy developers and funders in the market. 
She has a particular focus on solar development and separate battery storage projects and extensive experience advising on the sale, acquisition and development of renewables assets, acting for both investors and funders.
Rhiannon joins Ashfords from Simmons & Simmons, where she spent nine-and-a-half years. A University of Bristol graduate, she trained at Trowers & Hamlins in London.
She said: “I’m excited to join Ashfords’ large and respected real estate team working on energy projects across the UK.
In particular, using my experience to make a difference for clients in the renewable energy space who are driving forward the transition to more green and sustainable energy sources.”
Ashfords partner and head of real estate Kate Topp added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Rhiannon to Ashfords. Her knowledge and expertise in the renewable energy sector will further strengthen the service we can provide to our clients in what is a growth area for the firm.”
Rhiannon’s appointment follows the latest round of partner promotions at Ashfords, with Lianne Edwards (construction and infrastructure), Jonathan Hickman (trusts and estates) and Ian Ramsay Tompkins (real estate) taking up their new roles last month.
Ashfords also welcomed five senior hires in April, including Paul Collins (business risk and regulation) and Laura Guest (corporate).
The firm’s real estate team provides legal advice and support on large scale property developments, urban regeneration, self-invested pension schemes and real estate investments.
Its energy and resource management sector experience spans the full lifecycle of legal issues that clients may face, from securing investment, gaining planning consents and land rights to construction, operational management and refinancing.
Ashfords employs 500-plus people across its four main hubs in Bristol, Exeter, London and Plymouth.
