Tony Norris > Geldards LLP > Cardiff, United Kingdom > Lawyer Profile

The ‘very approachable’ team at Geldards LLP has an excellent reputation in the Welsh market and beyond, as a result of its ‘strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills’. The success of the team is firmly centred around team head Tony Norris, whose contractual drafting capabilities and knowledge of the sector is such that the framework agreements that he has drafted, including for Carmarthenshire County Council, have become the industry standard and are used in relation to the majority of local authority and police capital projects in the South West of Wales. Norris is also recognised as ‘outstanding construction litigator’, which manifests itself not only in the context of risk management in contract drafting but also in any attendant disputes which may arise. Senior associate Claire Laviers is also a key resource to clients on transactional construction matters, in light of her  contract drafting and negotiation expertise.

Drawing upon a breadth of experience developed over many years acting for local authorities, central government and regulatory bodies, Geldards LLP can provide an ‘extremely knowledgeable, professional and very responsive’ service, which is considerate of the often unique challenges and expectations of clients in the space. As well as drawing upon a considerable amount of pure public law expertise, the team, which is headed by ‘amazing’ employment lawyer Helen Snow, operates in a multi-disciplinary fashion across many different practice groups. Construction partner Tony Norris has deep knowledge on contract drafting and framework agreements for central government and local authorities, including on key infrastructure projects, as well as in any subsequent arbitrations. On the planning front, ‘very good tactician’ Charles Felgate has a ‘meticulous eye for detail’ and provides ‘outstanding support’ to local councils and central government on contentious and non-contentious matters including as it relates to Compulsory Purchase Orders. For litigation, Jonathan Griffiths is particularly adept at representing public sector clients, including in the defence of public procurement challenges.