Derek Goodban

As head of the firm's Energy and Regulated Industries team, I provide advice across a range of sectors, with a particular focus on the electricity and gas markets in the UK. Lead partner on launch of Single Electricity Market on the island of Ireland. Read about the team's latest marine energy deal.

Tel: +44 (0)121 685 2710

Email: derek_goodban@wragge.com

Best brains in ...

Power generation projects, including conventional and renewables, energy regulation and energy trading

Highlight of your career so far?

There have been a number! The one that stands out is my recent involvement providing advice to the relevant Regulatory Authorities on the Northern Ireland aspects of the introduction of the Single Electricity Market to the island of Ireland. It's the first cross-border wholesale electricity market of its type in Europe. At the same time, I advised the Northern Ireland Regulator on further implementation of the second EU Electricity Directive. Between them the projects involved both the creation of new legislation, licences and contracts and amendments to the existing legal framework. All the aspects reflected the cross-jurisdictional nature of the new market and were compliant with the requirements of EU legislation. A real challenge but great fun!

Most challenging job you've ever done?

See above!

What's your definition of going the extra mile... And when have you done it?

Doing whatever needs to be done to meet the client's requirements, including flying out of Birmingham to Edinburgh at very short notice on 23rd December to attend a negotiation meeting; driving back to Edinburgh airport in a snowstorm on 24th December and (just) catching the last flight out the day before the airport was closed. Had we not made the flight, hitching a lift from the reindeer would have been the only remaining option!

How do you get under the skin of a client's business?

By spending time with clients and communicating with them (and then more time and more time). My three years as in-house counsel taught me to treat lawyers with caution who say that they know a client's business. It is unrealistic to expect to know a client's business anywhere near as well as they do. But by talking to them frequently and openly you can begin to get a feel for the organisation, what its drivers are and how best you can provide a top-class service tailored to meet its needs.

What's been written or said about you that you're most proud of?

Chambers UK said 'Derek Goodban is characterised by his absolute mastery of the law and his ability to cultivate lasting relationships of trust with clients which has seen him build an impressive client list'. Quotations such as these are particularly rewarding.