Ofgem panel review sees Dentons axed

Denton Wilde Sapte has lost its place on the Ofgem panel after a review of the gas and electricity regulator's legal service providers. The firm's arch technology, media and telecoms rival Olswang has been newly appointed to the panel, as well as South West firm Burges Salmon.
Regular advisers Simmons & Simmons and Nabarro Nathanson remain on the panel, with Maclay Murray & Spens being retained for Scottish work. Each successful firm will be on the panel for three years.
Regulated industries partner Colin Long led the Olswang bidding team. Olswang fielded regulated industries lawyer Natasha Hobday, who was previously a Government lawyer for the Department of Trade and Industry, to help it win the pitch. The appointment also involves Olswang's competition, employment, data protection and litigation teams. Long said: "This is the first pitch the department has done for a UK regulator."
Dentons has handled some high-profile work for Ofgem in the past. Energy partner Charles Wood advised the regulator on the programme for wholesale market New Electricity Trading Arrangements, and was responsible for drafting its balancing and settlement code.
Dentons recently won a place on the Oftel panel when the telecoms regulator reviewed its legal services last month.