Emma is a Partner at Burness Paull and is an experienced planning and environmental lawyer. She advises on all aspects of contentious and non-contentious planning law, including: consenting advisory, environmental impact assessment, contract negotiation, planning aspects of due diligence, public inquiries, and appeals.

Emma advises across all sectors, with particular expertise in the energy sector, having advised on some of the UK’s largest energy projects including onshore wind, offshore wind, battery storage, solar, hydrogen and multi-technology sites.

Emma has a strong understanding of issues faced by developers, having spent time on secondment with two global renewable energy developers where her in-house roles spanned consenting, property and commercial matters. She also spent time at the Energy Consents Unit of the Scottish Government, where she led strategic projects as the Technical Manager there.

I would single out Emma Paton for particular praise, who brings first class technical knowledge and strategic insight to the table.

Legal 500 UK, 2026

Related Insights

Error.

No results.

Webinar recordings: Junior Energy In-House Lawyers Webinar Series 2026

25/02/2026

A ten-module online learning programme for junior in-house lawyers looking to increase their knowledge on key topics and issues relevant to the renewable energy sector.

Read more
Planning Obligations And Good Neighbour Agreements What Should Housebuilders Be Aware Of

Planning obligations and good neighbour agreements: What should housebuilders be aware of?

04/02/2026

Here, we explore new Scottish planning guidance on obligations and good neighbour agreements, highlighting stricter policy tests, viability considerations and key implications for housebuilders.

Read more
Horizon Scan The Risk Landscape In 2026

The risk landscape in 2026: A horizon scan of what lies ahead for business leaders

19/01/2026

This horizon scanning article sets out some of the key risks for 2026 already visible across many sectors.

Read more

Want to hear more from us?

Subscribe here Subscribe here