James Taylor
About James Taylor
James Taylor is a Legal Counsel at ExxonMobil, specializing in downstream property issues and environmental law, with extensive experience in planning and permitting for large-scale energy projects.
Professional Background and Experience
James Taylor currently serves as Legal Counsel at ExxonMobil, a position he has held since 2015. In this role, he specializes in downstream property issues, contributing significantly to major projects such as the UK's largest gas-fired CHP Plant. Prior to this, Taylor worked at Simmons & Simmons as a lawyer from 1998 to 2015, gaining extensive experience in planning, permitting, and environmental law.
Educational Background
James Taylor holds a Legal Practice Course (LPC) with Merit from the College of Law London, completed in 1997. He also completed a Common Professional Examination (CPE) from the same institution in 1996. Taylor earned a degree in Marine and Environmental Biology with a 2.1 from the University of St Andrews in 1995, which laid the groundwork for his specialization in environmental legal issues.
Major Projects and Responsibilities
Throughout his career, Taylor has led various high-profile projects. At ExxonMobil, he led the planning and permitting process for the UK's largest gas-fired CHP Plant, drafting the Development Consent Order and representing the company at oral hearings. He has also worked extensively on solar projects exceeding 250MW and participated in the purchase of a stake in the London Array wind project.
Environmental and Energy Sector Expertise
James Taylor is noted for providing strategic consultation for projects in sensitive areas such as National Parks and Special Areas of Conservation. He has advised major waste sector clients on planning and permitting for Energy from Waste Private Finance Initiatives and has represented these clients in contentious matters. Notably, he has successfully represented clients at PACE interviews regarding waste treatment and export.
Professional Affiliations and Roles
In addition to his role at ExxonMobil, Taylor has served as vice-chair of the United Kingdom Environmental Law Association. He has also acted as a legal adviser to the UK Shale Gas Taskforce, bringing his expertise in environmental law to national policy discussions and legal frameworks.