Stockport-based Somerville has been named in The Lawyer magazine's prestigious Hot 100 list with his expertise helping shape the future of the UK legal profession.

General Counsel and Company Secretary for the firm which operates the North West’s power network, Somerville navigated one of his busiest years at Electricity North West since joining in 2010.

This involved a sale to a consortium made up of Japanese Kansai Electric Power, international investment company CNIC and London-based energy and infrastructure investor Equitix.

“It is an honour to be named on such a prestigious list,” Somerville said.

“The list features a number of high profile lawyers and experienced figures so to be recognised is an achievement I am immensely proud of.

“Last year was one of the busiest years I’ve had since being at Electricity North West, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Whilst this award recognises my achievements, I also want to say a huge thank you to the team who also play a vital role in the way we operate.”

As well as overseeing a takeover, Somerville also oversaw two retenders done for the first time since 2010, including of the onshoring of the company’s offshore IT support and its largest outsourcing contract, for the construction of underground assets, worth £400m.

The Lawyer Hot 100 recognises the most daring, innovative and creative lawyers from in-house, private practice and the Bar and those on the list are shaping the legal profession right now and in the future.