The Legal 500

United Kingdom > West Midlands > Real estate > Construction

Editorial sections

Other

All countries

Wragge & Co LLP has a number of leading lights for construction work, among them Simon Baylis (who ‘knows what he is doing’); Michael O’Shea (‘very switched on’); and Ashley Pigott (‘technically very astute’). The firm acts for Balfour Beatty and John Sisk, and secured Rotary (International) and Hyder Consulting (UK) as new clients. Its recent highlights include acting for Aceramais in litigation arising from a housing development in Cheltenham.

DLA Piper UK LLP advised Centro on the redevelopment of Snow Hill station, and Aviva Global Investments on contracts for the Plaza Development in Birmingham, and also acts for names such as Virgin Holidays, West Midlands Police, and Vue Cinemas. The ‘very experienced’ Graeme Bradley is recommended for his expertise in domestic and international engineering and construction projects.

Eversheds LLP is highly regarded for its work in major construction and utility-led infrastructure projects. The ‘well-thought-of’ Peter Scurlock is recommended for non-contentious work, while Amrik Kandola is a lead partner on the contentious side. The firm advised RWE npower on the gas turbine upgrade project at Little Barford Power Station, and Birmingham International Airport on the multi-phase project to convert the two current terminals into one terminal.

At Gateley, David Lloyd Jones is ‘one of the best non-contentious lawyers in town’, although the team suffered a ‘big loss’ with the departure of Andrew Jones and Alastair Young. The group is advising Parkridge Developments on the property and construction aspects of a new commercial development for the construction of a supermarket in a major London suburb. Significant client wins include Ladbrokes.

At Pinsent Masons LLP, newly promoted partner Anthony Bradley and Peter Clayton on the contentious side ‘get up to speed very quickly’, while Nigel Blundell is noted for his ‘quick responses’ on the transactional side. The team has diverse sector expertise, in areas including rail, education and utilities, and acts for names such as Carillion Construction, Royal Mail Group, Lovell and Kier.

Beachcroft’s focus on insurance and the public sector has ensured a strong work flow for the team. The practice advised Queen Mary University of London on issues relating to the construction of a health and fitness facility at the Student Union premises, and it also acts for The John Lewis Partnership and Solihull Sixth Form College. Martin Cannon and newly promoted partner Nick Basi are recommended.

Martineau remains strong in the education sector, as well as acting for private sector clients, and recently advised Aberystwyth University on the resolution of a dispute over the cancellation of a new-build project following a failure to obtain detailed planning permission. Paul Mountain is recommended on the non-contentious side, while practice head Michael Craik is the primary contact on the contentious side.

Mills & Reeve LLP advised Cheval Property Holdings on the £70m development of the Three Quays site on the River Thames, while other major clients include Cranfield University and Johnson Matthey. The ‘erudite’ Martino Giaquinto is recommended for contentious matters, along with the ‘first-class’ Stuart Pemble on the non-contentious side.

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP’s ‘experienced team’ represents a significant number of housing providers and local authorities, and is appreciated for its ‘in-depth knowledge of the charity sector’. Major clients include Colchester Borough Council and Gloucester City Homes. The ‘practical’ Andrew Millross is well regarded, and Andrew Lancaster is another key contact.

Cobbetts LLP acted for Whitbread Premier on a number of projects, and resolved various performance issues, defect claims and fee claims for Conwy County Borough Council. It has also been involved in a number of prestigious international projects. James Bessey is recommended.

Shakespeares is acting for Sandwell and Dudley Councils in the drafting of two framework agreements for highways works, and has also been active on the contentious side. Quantum Care and Feltham Construction are also clients. Ian Yule is recommended.

Shoosmiths is advising Citygrove Securities on the construction aspects of a major town-centre mixed-use development, and Boots (UK) on the contract for the construction and installation of a mechanical warehouse system for Boots.com. Simon Wain (now a partner) heads the team.

Philip Harris heads the department at Wright Hassall LLP, and has particular strength in arbitration. Kingerlee Construction and Ashe Construction are major clients.

Search News and Articles

Press releases

The latest news direct from law firms. If you would like to submit press releases for your firm, send an email request to

Legal Developments in the UK

Legal Developments and updates from the leading lawyers in each jurisdiction. To contribute, send an email request to

Press Releases in the UK

The latest news direct from law firms. If you would like to submit press releases for your firm, send an email request to
© 2012 www.legal500.com