EY loses energy duo to Jones Day as exits continue

EY Law has lost two more senior partners in London, with energy specialists Michelle T. Davies and Rob McNabb leaving for Jones Day.

Davies and McNabb, who both joined EY from Eversheds Sutherland in 2022, have moved to Jones Day’s energy practice as the US firm continues to expand its bench in energy transition and infrastructure work.

Davies is recognised for her M&A work across clean energy and sustainability, having advised clients on major wind, solar, hydrogen and biofuels projects around the world. McNabb focuses on construction and engineering matters and has experience on multiple clean energy projects globally.

The hires follow a run of energy and infrastructure-focused additions for Jones Day globally, as firms race to scale their practices to capture booming demand around decarbonisation and clean energy.

What they said

Jeff Schlegel, chair of Jones Day's energy practice, called the hires a "significant step forward" for the firm’s global energy offering.

Vica Irani, corporate co-chair said: "London remains a critical hub for global energy investment", adding "These market-leading practitioners reinforce our commitment to helping clients capitalize on opportunities in traditional power, emerging renewables, and the broader energy transition."

More exits from EY

The duo's departure is the latest blow to EY’s legal arm, which has seen a series of exits and a turbulent start to 2025.

In March, up to 30 jobs were put at risk in a major overhaul of its legal business, with the firm citing a sharper focus on core areas like corporate law and tax litigation.

In the same month, Squires moved for a five-lawyer regulatory team led by senior EY partner Monica Gogna. In December, an 11-lawyer energy and projects team left for US firm Hunton Andrews Kurth in London, while in May last year, a five-strong technology team moved to Browne Jacobson.