The Legal 500

Within Corporate and commercial: Newcastle, Eversheds LLP is a third tier firm,

Charles Reynard’s team at Eversheds LLP recently advised Baird Capital Partners Europe on its investment in Nigel Wright Group, and SPX International on its acquisition of the issued share capital of Torque Tension Systems. Key partners Alan Fletcher and Ian Gilthorpe have left to set up Square One Law, a boutique practice, while Amy Wanless and James Bryce recently joined the team.

Within Corporate tax, Eversheds LLP is a third tier firm,

Eversheds LLP’s corporate tax expertise is provided through Leeds-based David Jervis and his team.

Within EU and competition, Eversheds LLP is a first tier firm,

Adam Collinson heads up the ‘excellent’ and ‘very responsive’ Leeds-based team at Eversheds LLP, which also has a strong presence in Newcastle. Clients rate Manchester-based Adam Ferguson.

Within Licensing Licensing

Within Commercial litigation: Newcastle, Eversheds LLP is a second tier firm,

At Eversheds LLP, Bill Gilliam is praised for his invaluable industry knowledge, and is considered a ‘tough opponent’. The team recently received new instructions relating to procurement disputes, notably from Kelly Park Caring Agency.

Within Insolvency and corporate recovery , Eversheds LLP is a first tier firm,

Paul Dutton’s team at Eversheds LLP was recently joined by Kelly Jordan from Watson Burton LLP. Highlights included advising Barclays and PwC on the administration of CJ Garland & Co. Key clients include Deloitte, HSBC and RBS.

Within Employment, Eversheds LLP is a first tier firm,

Eversheds LLP’s recent appointment as the sole adviser to a major Newcastle-based plc further strengthens an impressive client roster that includes Nissan, Tarmac plc, University of Newcastle and British Polythene plc. The firm is currently providing exclusive advice to a national, non-departmental public body on high-profile restructuring matters relating to government cuts. The ‘very good’ Simon Loy leads the team, which was recently joined by Frances Barker from Addleshaw Goddard LLP.

Within Health and safety, Eversheds LLP is a first tier firm,

Eversheds LLP’s Newcastle team recently acted for European Metal Recycling and Connaught Compliance Services. The wider team’s impressive client list also includes EDF Energy, Arcadia Group and Mitchells and Butler plc.

Within Pensions, Eversheds LLP is a second tier firm,

The ‘technically strong’ Terry Saeedi heads the team at Eversheds LLP, which operates between the firm’s Leeds and Newcastle offices.

Within Personal injury: defendant, Eversheds LLP is a second tier firm,

Eversheds LLP’s Lex Dowie is an expert in insidious disease claims.

Within Regional review, Eversheds LLP is a third tier firm,

Eversheds LLP’s leading PFI, shipping and real estate groups were extremely busy through the year, with the latter team having a foothold in the ports sector. Clients can also draw on the firm’s Leeds-based expertise, in areas such as EU and competition, pensions and corporate tax.

Within Energy, Eversheds LLP is a first tier firm,

Eversheds LLP handles oil and gas matters, and has a growing renewable energy offering. Key highlights included advising on wind farm and biomass projects.

Within Private finance initiative (PFI), Eversheds LLP is a first tier firm,

At Eversheds LLP, Ruth Connorton and Karen Lockwood are recommended for complex public procurement matters. Adrian Stanley is the firm’s key PFI contact in Newcastle.

Within Health, Eversheds LLP is a second tier firm,

Eversheds LLP’s Bill Gilliam handles healthcare disputes.

Within Local government, Eversheds LLP is a second tier firm,

Eversheds LLP is currently advising Cleveland Police Authority on its ten-year, £175m strategic partnering agreement with Steria UK, which involves the outsourcing of a wide range of back office functions.

Within Commercial property: Newcastle, Eversheds LLP is a first tier firm,

Eversheds LLP is currently advising Newcastle upon Tyne City Council in the pre-ballot stage of the housing stock transfer of a Grade II-listed estate in Byker, and One North East and Northumberland County Council on a development agreement for the redevelopment of Blyth Town Center. Adam Heather leads the real estate team, which has a particular focus on ports. Key clients include Greggs, The Northumberland Estates and University of Newcastle.

Within Construction , tier 4

Senior associates Mary Anne Roff and Michael Conroy Harris at Eversheds LLP recently acted for South Tyneside Council, NAREC and University of Newcastle on construction matters.

Within Planning, Eversheds LLP is a third tier firm,

The team at Eversheds LLP, featuring Peter Nesbit and Elspeth Wrigley, is recommended ‘without reservation’. It provides specialist advice to the energy sector, and recently advised NAREC on its proposed offshore wind farm test facility. Active clients include Banks Renewables and Cumbria Waste Management.

Within Property litigation , Eversheds LLP is a first tier firm,

Eversheds LLP recently acted for One North East and University of York in £1m-plus disputes, and advised Greggs on the management of its property portfolio.

Within Social housing, Eversheds LLP is a first tier firm,

Eversheds LLP’s Mitch Brown recently advised Home Group on a joint venture arrangement to develop 19 separate mixed-tenure housing sites with Gateshead Council. New clients include Waterloo Housing Group, Twin Valley Homes and Fabrick Group.

Within IT and telecoms, Eversheds LLP is a third tier firm,

Eversheds LLP’s Leeds-based team provides IT services to Co-operative Financial Services, NHS Direct and the Highways Agency on a national basis.

Within Shipping, Eversheds LLP is a second tier firm,

Stephen Mackin leads the ‘very good’ team at Eversheds LLP, which combines with colleagues in the firm’s London, Stockholm, Doha and Hong Kong offices, and counts Thomas Miller P&I, Gard P&I and Steamship Mutual P&I as clients. Jessica Swindells and Jonathan Kemp are recommended.