The Legal 500 > Pinsent Masons LLP > Manchester M3, ENGLAND

North West: Corporate and commercial

Corporate and commercial: Manchester

Corporate and commercial: Manchester - ranked: tier 1

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP is adept at representing large corporates on strategic M&A and equity capital markets deals, as well as focusing on private equity, where it works with many buyout houses and management teams . On the commercial side the firm advises on supply chain management, franchising, advertising, agency, distribution, outsourcing, logistics, managed services, licensing, data protection and compliance. Key client sectors include manufacturing, technology and energy. Gregg Davison and Samantha Livesey head the team, with support from Helen Ridge, Kieran Toal and Amie Norris who was recently promoted to partner. Senior associate Alasdair Weir is also recommended.

Practice head(s):Gregg Davison; Samantha Livesey

Other key lawyers:Victoria Jew; Sam Hall; Helen Ridge; Kieran Toal; Amie Norris; Alasdair Weir

Key Clients

AMEC Foster Wheeler Plc

Livingbridge Equity No Partners LLP

LDC

Equistone Partners No Europe Limited

ECI Partners

UDG Healthcare plc

Sovereign Capital Partners

Linnaeus group

Co-operative Group

Aventas Manufacturing

Vaultex UK Limited

UK Sport

Innovative Vector Control Consortium

The Jockey Club

Work highlights

Advised AJ Bell plc on its £650m main market flotation.
Sole adviser to Equistone Partners Europe and the management team on the £380m private equity sale and secondary management buyout of Travel Counsellors to Vitruvian Partners.
Advised the shareholders of Linnaeus on its sale to Mars, having acted for Sovereign Capital on the initial investment and advising the company on all of its bolt on acquisition.
Advised the Co-op Group on its successful purchase of Nisa Retail for £143m.
Advised the Innovative Vector Control Consortium on international projects for the delivery of products for the reduction of vector borne diseases.

Leading individuals

Gregg Davison - Pinsent Masons LLP

Helen Ridge - Pinsent Masons LLP

Kieran Toal - Pinsent Masons LLP

Rising stars

Alasdair Weir - Pinsent Masons LLP

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Corporate tax

Corporate tax - ranked: tier 1

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP advises on general tax issues, disputes and interventions, share plans and incentives, M&A-related tax, compliance, criminal tax offences and cross-border tax issues. Clients include major corporates, high-net-worth individuals and family offices. Lynette Jacobs heads the team from Manchester with support from Steven Porter who advises on both contentious and non-contentious tax matters, specialising in tax investigations. The team also works with Pinsents' network of offices across the UK.

Practice head(s):Lynette Jacobs

Other key lawyers:Steve Porter

Key Clients

Imperial Brands plc

Halfords Group plc

Rightmove plc

River and Mercantile Group plc

AMC Theatres

Portmeirion Group plc

Carr’s Group plc

Begbies Traynor Group plc

Norcros plc

Janus Henderson Investors

E.ON

Work highlights

Advised Manchester based AJ Bell, one of the largest UK investment platform providers, on its IPO to the premium listing segment of the Official List of the Financial Conduct Authority and listing on the main market of the London Stock Exchange.
Advised on the drafting and implementation of an Irish tax-advantaged all-employee SharesaveScheme to enable Merlyn’s employees to participate in Sharesave in the same way as Norcros’s UK employees.
Advised Begbies Traynor on the adoption of its new tax-advantaged all employee Sharesave Plan
Advised AMC Theatres on the operation of its Equity Incentive Plan in the UK and across Italy, Spain, Germany, Finland, Norway and Sweden

Rising stars

Steven Porter - Pinsent Masons LLP

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North West: Dispute resolution

Commercial litigation: Manchester

Commercial litigation: Manchester - ranked: tier 2

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP's practice advises an impressive roster of clients on high-value disputes, with the Manchester team leading on major international matters backed up by the firm's 24 offices around the world. The northwest practice is notable in that it offers a 'search and seizure' practice, which has attracted a number of referrals from leading law firms. ‘Fantastic team leader and a stand-out litigator’ Julian Diaz-Rainey heads the team; he advises on commercial disputes, company disputes and trust litigation, while senior associates Andrew Mitchell and Jo Seed are also well-regarded.

Practice head(s):Julian Diaz-Rainey

Other key lawyers:Andrew Mitchell; Jo Seed; Steven Porter;

Testimonials

‘The Pinsent Masons litigation team is superb’.

‘Julian Diaz-Rainey is wonderful to work with, a great strategist and handles clients superbly well’.

Key Clients

Travel CounsellorsLimited

London School of Economics and Political Science

NoMauser UK Limited

CVS (Commercial Valuers& Surveyors) Limited

NoHCMT Limited / AnthonyHanson

United Drug (UK) Holdings Limited

Manchester City Football Club

Jockey Club Racecourses Limited

Work highlights

Helping our clients defend a guarantee claim in an amount of around £6m brought by the Irish National Asset Management agency.
The team are acting for United Drug (UK) Holdings Ltd ("UDH"), the Defendant in a claim for misrepresentation (and negligent advice) arising out of the purchase of a pharmaceutical events company.
Instructed to act on City Football Group's application for an injunction against a group of prominent and infamous parkour enthusiasts who had, without permission, climbed on the roof of the Etihad Stadium, Manchester.
The firm obtained an anti-trespass injunction barring ticket touts from selling tickets on Cheltenham Racecourse premises.
We are leading a series of ground breaking Judicial Review challenges brought by taxpayers against HMRC's decision to issue them with payment notices as a result of their prior involvement in tax avoidance schemes (the Treasury claim that these new powers will bring in £5.5bn of tax).

Leading individuals

Julian Diaz-Rainey - Pinsent Masons LLP

Rising stars

Andrew Mitchell - Pinsent Masons LLP

Jo Seed - Pinsent Masons LLP

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North West: Finance

Banking and finance

Banking and finance - ranked: tier 1

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP is active across real estate finance, corporate lending, acquisition finance, public sector lending, debt capital markets, asset based lending and education finance mandates. The team acts for a raft of major banks, public sector bodies, sponsors and borrowers on complex domestic and international transactions. Team head Matthew Morgan acts for lenders and borrowers on real estate finance, corporate finance and acquisition finance mandates, while Samantha Rollason is experienced in advising on the restructuring of UK and international real estate transactions and UK and overseas real estate funds, and Tim Fearn specialises in corporate finance, acquisition finance and asset based lending. Senior associate Sarah Jay and legal director Pippa Whitmore are also noted.

Practice head(s):Matthew Morgan

Other key lawyers:Samantha Rollason; Tim Fearn; Sarah Jay; Pippa Whitmore

Testimonials

Matthew Morgan is an exceptional lawyer, and he has vast experience and is very visible in the market

The team is adept at handling complex transactions

Tim Fearn is experienced across corporate finance, acquisition finance and asset based lending work

Samantha Rollason is brilliant

Sarah Jay is a star of the future

Key Clients

HSBC Bank

RBS

Select Property Group

Permira Debt Capital

Tyman plc

PJ Livesey Group

N M Rothschild & Sons

European Metal Recycling

Clydesdale Yorkshire Bank

Quint Group

Work highlights

Acted for Tyman plc on its £240m refinancing.
Advised Select Property Group on the £180m refinancing of three student accommodation schemes.
Advised a group of lenders on a £325m facility forPZ Cussons.
Advised agroup of lenders on the £150m refinancing of Johnson Service Group.
Acted for Permira Debt Capital on the refinancing of an acquisition facility.

Leading individuals

Matthew Morgan - Pinsent Masons LLP

Samantha Rollason - Pinsent Masons LLP

Rising stars

Sarah Jay - Pinsent Masons LLP

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Insolvency and corporate recovery

Insolvency and corporate recovery - ranked: tier 2

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP is adept at handling complex regional and national restructuring and administrations, and its client-base spans a range of banks, asset based lenders, major corporates, directors, private equity houses, distressed investors, pension trustees and public sector bodies. The pensions and charity sectors are key areas of focus for the experienced Manchester-based team which is headed by James Cameron.

Practice head(s):James Cameron

Other key lawyers:Daniella Thompson; Samantha Latham

Testimonials

James Cameron is a first-rate operator and has good commercial awareness

Key Clients

FRP Advisory

Deloitte LLP

EY LLP

PwC LLP

Hilco Capital

SEA Equity

Duff & Phelps

Mazars

BDO

Work highlights

Advised Hilco Capital on the pensions aspects of the acquisition of hardware and homeware retailer Homebase by its vehicle ARK UK Holdings.
Advised Duff & Phelps on the administration of Manchester House restaurant.
Advised FRP Advisory on the administration of Speciality Coatings (Darwen).
Advised PwC on the administration of Prestige Hotel Reservations.
Advised Hilco Retail on its appointment as retail agent for PwC, the administrators of Maplin Electronics.

Leading individuals

James Cameron - Pinsent Masons LLP

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North West: Human resources

Employment

Employment - ranked: tier 2

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP's employment team - which is led by Neil Black, who is known for his work for food and drink clients - has expertise in large-scale reorganisations and restructurings, minimum wage enforcement and matters relating to the gender pay gap, industrial relations, TUPE and outsourcing. The team serves local, national and international clients including large bluechip corporates.

Practice head(s):Neil Black

Other key lawyers:Lynette Jacobs; Rob Childe; Leanne Francis;

Testimonials

'A knowledgeable team, with good practical advice.'

'Commercial and pragmatic - the firm understands our business and culture.'

Key Clients

Wincanton plc

Mondelez International (Cadbury / Kraft)

Weetabix

Arrive

Costain plc

Morgan Sindall plc

Mercer

Barratt Developments plc

N Brown plc

Witherslack Group

Work highlights

Successfully represented SIG plc in the Court of Appeal in an important reported case.
Supporting a major UK retailer in respect of a HMRC audit into National Minimum Wage compliance.
Successful defence of UK Sport in a claim involving discrimination and whistleblowing made against UK Sport and British Cycling.
Providing advice to Checkatrade in respect of the relocation of their HQ to a new dedicated site.
Supporting English Institute of Sport on a high-profile Employment Tribunal claim linked to allegations of over-training.

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Health and safety

Health and safety - ranked: tier 1

Pinsent Masons LLP

Kevin Bridges leads the health and safety team at Pinsent Masons LLP, which acts for major players in high hazard industries including construction, waste, manufacturing and energy. Bridges, who is also qualified as a Chartered Safety and Health Practitioner and member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, has wide-ranging experience, while senior associate Zoe Betts has a particular focus on the waste sector. Associate Emma Evans handles, among other things, manslaughter investigations, inquests and challenges to enforcement notices.

Practice head(s):Kevin Bridges

Testimonials

'Zoe Betts is a very dedicated lawyer and has a keen eye for detail'.

'Kevin Bridges provides high quality expert advice immediately'.

'Zoe Betts is approachable, confident, clear in terms of advice, bold and very trustworthy'.

Key Clients

Kier Group plc

Crest Nicholson Operations Limited

Into Properties

Morgan Sindall Group plc

Pennon Group plc (Viridor and South West Water)

Future Industrial Services Limited

Bouygues Group

Muller

FedEx / TNT

Work highlights

Represented Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure following a hand amputation incident which gave rise to a prosecution for a guarding offence.
Represented national waste contractor Viridor Waste Management Limited in two-week trial arising out of a rollaway skip lorry fatality and a sentencing hearing following a fatal incident involving entrapment in a large waste sorting machine.

Rising stars

Emma Evans - Pinsent Masons LLP

Zoe Betts - Pinsent Masons LLP

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Pensions

Pensions - ranked: tier 1

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP's pension department advises in relation to some of the largest pension schemes in the country with significant experience of scheme restructuring, funding and security projects. The team also has substantial capability in pensions litigation, helping clients with investigations by The Pensions Regulator or the Pensions Ombudsman. The team's client base includes financial institutions and pension providers, as well as pension schemes and their employers. Stephen Scholefield leads the department; litigator Hayley Goldstone was promoted to partner in May 2018 and senior associate Robert Tellwright is also recommended.

Practice head(s):Stephen Scholefield

Other key lawyers:Pippa Read; Howard Ridley; Hayley Goldstone; Robert Tellwright; Peter White

Testimonials

'The pensions team at Pinsent Masons has a strong London and regional presence and the extensive network of pensions lawyers allows the team to service clients in a prompt and cost effective manner. The size of the team and collaborative working patterns means that they can tap into specialist advice from their tax, insurance, employment and data protection teams, amongst others.'

'Stephen Scholefield is always pragmatic and understands our business and any constraints within which we are working.'

'Personable, friendly, accessible. Technically hugely competent but wrapped in a very friendly package which was just right for the circumstances.'

'Stephen Scholefield is pragmatic, organised, experienced, knows his clients well and is good to work with.'

Key Clients

Balfour Beatty Pension Fund

Royal Ordnance Pension Schemes

Rentokil Initial plc

Unite the Union Pension Scheme

Newell Rubbermaid UK Pension Scheme

Mercer Limited and Mercer (Ireland) Limited

Baxi Group Pension Schemes

Babcock International Group Pension Scheme

Eurotunnel Pension Schemes

Laird Pension Scheme

Makro Staff Pension Scheme

Work highlights

Advise the trustee of the Balfour Beatty Pension Fund on a wide range of issues, including an asset backed funding and security arrangement, member communications, member queries, investment matters and procedures to simplify and improve the governance of the day to day operation of the fund.
Providing a full legal service to the trustees of the two Royal Ordnance pension schemes, which relate to BAE Systems.
Advised Rentokil Initial on the buy-out of its pension scheme with Pension Insurance Corporation, one of the largest pension buy-out transactions of 2018.
Advising Unite the Union Pension Scheme on the use of contingent property assets, member communications, scheme mergers, a flexible apportionment arrangement, as well as routine compliance issues.
Advised the independent trustee of the BWI Retirement Benefits Scheme in securing benefits with Scottish Widows in a 'PPF plus' buy-out transaction.

Leading individuals

Stephen Scholefield - Pinsent Masons LLP

Next Generation Partners

Hayley Goldstone - Pinsent Masons LLP

Rising stars

Robert Tellwright - Pinsent Masons LLP

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North West: Projects, energy and natural resources

Energy

Energy - ranked: tier 1

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP handles a raft of national and international projects in the energy sector and acts for large energy organisations, public sector clients, owners, developers, operators, funders and utilities clients. The nuclear, thermal power, oil and gas, biomass, solar and wind, waste management and mining sectors are key areas of focus for the team. Graham Alty heads the transactional construction team in Manchester and Mark Job leads the transactional construction and engineering team in the UK. Legal directors Ian Fairclough, who is experienced in nuclear, conventional energy and renewables projects, and Sian Hughes, who handles disputes, are also noted.

Practice head(s):Mark Job; Graham Alty

Other key lawyers:Anthony Bradley; Katherine Sneddon; Ian Fairclough; Sian Hughes; Simon Stubbs

Testimonials

Sian Hughes is able to identify key strengths and weaknesses with a strong commercial sense

They are not only very bright lawyers, they are also very commercially astute, outstandingly good at handling clients and at managing cases, and are very easy to work with

They team is keenly attuned to the commercial objectives of the client and is highly skilled at devising the strategies by which such objectives might be achieved

Anthony Bradley is an outstanding lawyer who commands the absolute confidence of his clients, and is hugely conscientious and hardworking

Key Clients

Sellafield

Johnson Matthey

United Utilities

Yapı Merkezi İnşaat ve Sanayi A.Ş.

Balfour Beatty

Laing O'Rourke

Centrica

Work highlights

The team advises Sellafield on more than £15bn of capital projects at its nuclear decommissioning site in Cumbria.

Leading individuals

Graham Alty - Pinsent Masons LLP

Mark Job - Pinsent Masons LLP

Rising stars

Ian Fairclough - Pinsent Masons LLP

Sian Hughes - Pinsent Masons LLP

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Project finance and PFI

Project finance and PFI - ranked: tier 1

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP handles a range of national and international development, construction and infrastructure projects and is particularly noted for its experience in energy, waste, transport, health, education and real estate projects. The team is adept at handling joint ventures, PPP and PFI work across a range of sectors. Graham Alty heads the firm's nuclear practice and Scot Morrison is noted for transactional work.

Other key lawyers:Graham Alty; Scot Morrison; Nick Ogden; Ian Fairclough; Steven Ovenden

Leading individuals

Scot Morrison - Pinsent Masons LLP

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North West: Public sector

Education

Education - ranked: tier 2

Pinsent Masons LLP

The 'brilliant' team at Pinsent Masons LLP is regularly involved in a range of planning, environmental, projects, construction, finance and employment mandates for higher education clients. Development, planning and environmental specialist Michael Pocock advises on large and complex development projects for clients in the university and higher education sector and legal director Pippa Whitmore leads the firm's education finance bank lending practice and focuses on lending to education institutions.

Practice head(s):Michael Pocock

Other key lawyers:Pippa Whitmore; Rob Childe

Key Clients

University of Sheffield

London Legacy Development Corporation

University of Huddersfield

Bricks Capital

University of Exeter

University of Gloucester

University of Sussex

University of Lincoln

Work highlights

Provided strategic planning advice to the University of Sheffield in relation to the continued expansion of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.
Advised Bricks Capital on the acquisition of three student housing development sites in Swansea and Norwich, together with the refinancing of its student housing development portfolio.
Advised London Legacy Development on redevelopment opportunities, including a new education district.
Advised Wates Construction on various Priority Schools Building Programme schemes.
Advised the University of Hertfordshire on a ten day employment tribunal claim for race, maternity and sex discrimination and unfair dismissal.

Leading individuals

Michael Pocock - Pinsent Masons LLP

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Local government

Local government - ranked: tier 1

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP in Manchester is best known for its ability to advise on a range of issues for local government clients including cutting-edge developments in PPP policy in regeneration and social housing, alternative service models, alternative investment models and infrastructure funds in the region and beyond. The team also offers planning advice and is regularly engaged on housing, development and regeneration schemes. Team head Scot Morrison has a 'wealth of experience' and is noted for his experience in joint venture structuring; he is ably supported by Helen Robinson on public-private partnership transactions.

Practice head(s):Scot Morrison

Other key lawyers:Helen Robinson; Michael Pocock; Victoria Scanlon; Liz Nuttall

Key Clients

Manchester City Council

Wandsworth Borough Council

London Borough of Haringey

Homes England

Folkestone and Hythe District Council

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hampshire County Council

Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council

Sunderland City Council and South Tyneside Council

London Borough of Croydon

Work highlights

The team continues to advise Manchester City Council on the Northern Gateway Project.
Advised London Legacy Development Corporation in relation to a number of residential developments across the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and wider area.
Advised Folkestone and Hythe District Council in relation to Otterpool Park – a new Garden Town.
Advised London Borough of Wandsworth on the procurement of a private sector development partner for the delivery of a 13 hectare estate renewal project, for the Winstanley and York Road Estates.
Advised Manchester City Council and the Greater Manchester Pension Fund in relation to the delivery of its second Housing Investment Fund.

Leading individuals

Scot Morrison - Pinsent Masons LLP

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North West: Real estate

Commercial property: Manchester

Commercial property: Manchester - ranked: tier 3

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP handles a raft of complex, high-profile development and regeneration projects including investment work, and regularly acts for international investors. The firm also advises on public and private sector developments and joint venture projects, and advises on residential development projects. The hotels, leisure, logistics, energy and infrastructure sectors are key areas of focus, and the team also handles real estate finance mandates. Team head Jonathan Brocklehurst specialises in tax efficient funding structures and is experienced in complex promotion agreements, site assembly and regeneration projects. Helen Robinson, legal director Matthew Rowlands and senior associate David Herbert are also noted.

Practice head(s):Jonathan Brocklehurst

Other key lawyers:Phillip Birchall; Helen Robinson; Jane Morden; Matthew Rowlands; Ann-Marie Salmacis; Sarah Thomas; David Herbert

Testimonials

'The team is able to handle highly-complex transactions and will get to grips with large volumes of information in a short period.'

'Matthew Rowlands is down-to-earth and very approachable; he doesn't just take a textbook legal approach to issues, he will suggest a suitable commercial approach to a matter where required in order to facilitate a transaction.'

'The scope of services and integration of the commercial teams means the firm provides a one-stop shop for commercial property.'

Key Clients

St Modwen Developments

Manchester City Council

Bricks Capital

United Utilities

HIMOR Group

Morgan Sindall Investments/Lovell Partnerships

Balfour Beatty

Homes England

Keepmoat

Harworth Estates

Lancaster City Council

BVK Hines

Yorkshire Ventures

Work highlights

Advised St Modwen Developments on the £53m sale of a portfolio of more than 30 industrial estates.
Advised Bricks Capital on the acquisition of a long leasehold interest, and provided ongoing advice on the development on the site, of a 197 room Hilton Garden Hotel.
Acted for Manchester City Council on the Northern Gateway project.
Advised Morgan Sindall Investments on a public-private sector partnership with Hertfordshire County Council to deliver 6,000 homes over 15 years.
Advised Basingstoke & Dean Borough Council and Hampshire County Council on the joint procurement of a private sector partner to deliver a major regeneration scheme.

Leading individuals

Jonathan Brocklehurst - Pinsent Masons LLP

Next Generation Partners

Helen Robinson - Pinsent Masons LLP

Rising stars

David Herbert - Pinsent Masons LLP

Matthew Rowlands - Pinsent Masons LLP

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Construction

Construction - ranked: tier 1

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP is active across a raft of complex transactional and contentious construction mandates in the UK and internationally. It is active across real estate development and regeneration work and it operates across the nuclear, conventional power, offshore wind, energy from waste, rail, roads, education and health sectors. Graham Alty heads the transactional construction and projects team and Michael Hopkins leads on construction advisory and disputes work. Anthony Bradley specialises in major construction and infrastructure projects, Mark Job heads the national transactional team and Katherine Sneddon handles contentious construction work. Legal directors Siân Hughes, who is 'first-rate', and Ian Fairclough are also noted, as is senior associate Arwyn Jones.

Practice head(s):Graham Alty; Michael Hopkins

Other key lawyers:Anthony Bradley; Mark Job; Katherine Sneddon; Ian Fairclough; Siân Hughes; Nick Kippax; Jo Falencka; Andrew Batty; Simon Stubbs; Arwyn Jones; Jennifer Cook.

Key Clients

Sellafield

Ministry of Justice

Yapı Merkezi İnşaat ve Sanayi A.Ş

Wates Construction

Himor (Carrington)

Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council and Hampshire County Council

Seddon Construction

Lendlease Construction (Europe)

Johnson Matthey

SK Engineering & Construction Co.

Work highlights

Advising Sellafield on more than £15bn of capital projects at its nuclear decommissioning site in Cumbria.
Advising the Ministry of Justice on a number of interlinking work streams, forming part of its overall prisons strategy totalling £5.3bn.
Advising Yapı Merkezi İnşaat ve Sanayi as EPC contractor on a $1.7bn railway project in Ethiopia.
Advising Yapı Merkezi İnşaat ve Sanayi A.Ş. as EPC contractor on two rail projects in Tanzania with a value of more than $3bn.
Advising Himor (Carrington) on the construction of the Carrington Village project, which includes the development of approximately 450 acres of former industrial land and 1,200 acres of agricultural land.

Leading individuals

Anthony Bradley - Pinsent Masons LLP

Graham Alty - Pinsent Masons LLP

Mark Job - Pinsent Masons LLP

Michael Hopkins - Pinsent Masons LLP

Next Generation Partners

Katherine Sneddon - Pinsent Masons LLP

Rising stars

Arwyn Jones - Pinsent Masons LLP

Ian Fairclough - Pinsent Masons LLP

Siân Hughes - Pinsent Masons LLP

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Planning and environment

Planning and environment - ranked: tier 1

Pinsent Masons LLP

At Pinsent Masons LLP the planning team, which is led by Mike Pocock, acts for developers, public sector clients and landowners, as well as construction, energy and water companies. It is engaged on infrastructure and development projects and is experienced in education sector work. Compulsory purchase orders and development consent orders are also a key area of expertise and it handles contentious planning cases. Associate Elizabeth Nuttall is experienced in development planning mandates and senior associate Melanie Grimshaw is 'excellent'. Legal director Claire Gregory heads the environmental team which handles contentious and non-contentious work for clients across the water, energy, waste, chemicals, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Practice head(s):Mike Pocock (planning); Claire Gregory (environment)

Other key lawyers:Melanie Grimshaw; Elizabeth Nuttall

Testimonials

'The environment team is particularly strong technically and it offers pragmatic, user-friendly legal advice.'

'Claire Gregory provides excellent specialist legal advice in a user-friendly way and is very reliable and approachable.'

'The team is unerringly friendly, down to earth and hugely competent.'

'Mike Pocock is a pleasure to deal with, his friendly and approachable manner is greatly appreciated.'

'Mike Pocock is excellent with clients and is astute and approachable.'

'Matthew Baker is excellent with clients.'

'Beth Grant is diligent, well prepared and hardworking.'

Key Clients

United Utilities

Northern Trust Company

HIMOR

University of Sheffield

Land and Lakes

Befesa Salt Slags

Stockport Council

The Casey Group

Sellafield

Yorkshire Water

Miller Homes

Kier Construction

Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure

Tata Steel

St Modwen

Work highlights

Advised United Utilities Water on a strategically significant compulsory purchase order pursuant to the Water Industry Act.
Advised Land and Lakes on its plans for a temporary worker accommodation campus for the Wylfa nuclear power station, which will then deliver legacy benefits in the form of a holiday leisure village and affordable housing.
Provided strategic planning advice to HIMOR in relation to Carrington Village, one of the largest regeneration sites in the country.
Advised Albion Land on successfully obtaining planning permission, on appeal, for a new employment site in North West Bicester and then defended a judicial review challenge.
Advised Harworth Estates Group in seeking to obtain planning permission for a waste transfer station.

Leading individuals

Mike Pocock - Pinsent Masons LLP

Rising stars

Claire Gregory - Pinsent Masons LLP

Elizabeth Nuttall - Pinsent Masons LLP

Melanie Grimshaw - Pinsent Masons LLP

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Property litigation

Property litigation - ranked: tier 2

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP is instructed by investors, developers and occupiers on a range of landlord and tenant disputes and development issues. Its sector expertise is wide, and it spans the financial services, agriculture, housing and development, utilities, infrastructure, leisure, energy, retail and education sectors. The team has specialist knowledge of rights to light, electronic communications, tresspass, professional negligence, judicial review and vacant possession cases. Michael Smith has transferred from Leeds to Manchester to lead the local property disputes team. Senior associate Stuart McCann is experienced in the application of non-domestic business rates and agricultural law. Associate Patricia Mellody is also a key figure.

Practice head(s):Michael Smith

Other key lawyers:Stuart McCann; Patricia Mellody; Matthew Baker

Testimonials

'Michael Smith is always available to advise and comment on strategic matters. He is an excellent litigator and provides clear and concise advice and guidance on all matters. Clients wouldn't hesitate to recommend him'.

Key Clients

Balfour Beatty Group

The University of Manchester

Aviva Group

JD Williams & Company

St Modwen Properties Group

Homes England

Makro

Preston North End Football Club

Harworth Group

Asda Stores

Aldi Stores

Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council

Morgan Sindall Group

United Utilities

Work highlights

Represented Leeds City Council on obtaining vacant possession of various agricultural interests in order to enable the development of a new East Leeds Orbital Road.
Advised Preston North End Football Club on various rights being asserted against it by neighbours in relation to the club's development of a golf course to build a training ground for the club as well as a local housing development of 440 homes.
Assisted Makro Self Service Wholesalers in recovering possession of a wholesale warehouse in the North Acton area of London which had been occupied by HS2 protestors.
Advising Sunderland City Council in relation to recovering possession of land subject to agricultural tenancies in order to allow for the development of a 150 hectare, nationally significant, International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP).
Advising Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council on the redevelopment of the Merseyway Shopping Centre

Next Generation Partners

Michael Smith - Pinsent Masons LLP

Rising stars

Stuart McCann - Pinsent Masons LLP

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Social housing

Social housing - ranked: tier 2

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP acts for a range of housing sector clients such as landowners, registered providers, residential developers, local authorities, funders, grant givers and contractors. The team is adept at handling public-private housing partnerships and is experienced in structuring public sector joint venture vehicles. It is regularly instructed on complex housing and regeneration schemes, where team head Helen Robinson is active, and the team also boasts strong planning expertise for projects in the sector.

Practice head(s):Helen Robinson

Other key lawyers:Scot Morrison; Mike Pocock; Melanie Grimshaw; Sarah Thomas

Key Clients

Homes England

HIMOR (Carrington)

Manchester City Council

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hampshire County Council

Morgan Sindall Investments

London Legacy Development Corporation

Folkestone and Hythe District Council

Keepmoat Homes

Crawley Borough Council

Rowlinson Construction

Work highlights

The team continues to advise HIMOR on the redevelopment of the former Shell refinery at Carrington.
The team acted for Manchester City Council on the Northern Gateway project, which included securing an investment partner for one of the largest urban regeneration opportunities in the UK.
Advised Manchester City Council and the Greater Manchester Pension Fund on the delivery of its second Housing Investment Fund.
The team is advising two local authorities jointly procuring a private sector partner to deliver a major regeneration and housing scheme.
Advised Morgan Sindall Investments on a public-private sector partnership with Hertfordshire County Council to deliver 6,000 homes over 15 years.

Next Generation Partners

Helen Robinson - Pinsent Masons LLP

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North West: TMT (technology, media and telecoms)

IT and telecoms

IT and telecoms - ranked: tier 1

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP's ‘highly proactive and efficient’ team advises top clients on a range of matters relating to IT procurements, outsourcing, cloud computing and online trading. Other areas of expertise GDPR, breach notification and remediation work, which the firm is seeing an increasing amount of instructions for. Clients include both public and private businesses in the tech and retail spaces. Samantha Livesey co-heads the team and focuses on IT, digital and IP matters. Claire Edwards also co-heads the team and specialises in major IT, technology and data protection matters.

Practice head(s):Samantha Livesey; Claire Edwards

Other key lawyers:Rif Kapadi; Sam Hall; Rachel Forbes; Chris Benn

Testimonials

‘Highly proactive and efficient’.

‘Claire Edwards is responsive and highly engaged’.

Key Clients

Exerp ApS

Celtic Football Club

Bonmarché Holdings Plc

The Jockey Club

Hanson Group

DCC plc

Allstate Insurance

Liberty IT

Silentnight

Work highlights

Acting for Allstate Northern Ireland on its technology services procurements.
Advised APG Cash Drawer UK Limited on the development of a partner agreement for the sales, support and maintenance of its new smart till product.
Advising The English Football League on their CRM agreement with Goodform for the delivery of website, e-marketing and mailshot content to The Football League and the clubs it represents.
Advised the procurement team of new client Sage Global Services on numerous international technology procurement matters.

Leading individuals

Samantha Livesey - Pinsent Masons LLP

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Intellectual property

Intellectual property - ranked: tier 2

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP has a particular focus on the life sciences, TMT and retail sectors for soft IP. Other client sectors include construction, IT, financial services, media and entertainment and consumer. Areas of expertise include brand reputation and development, portfolio management, patent procurement strategies, design right protection, unfair competition, breach of confidence actions, patent litigation and GDPR. Samantha Livesey heads the team and focuses on IP, IT, digital and data matters.

Practice head(s):Samantha Livesey

Other key lawyers:Nadia Zegze; Sam Hall

Key Clients

The Jockey Racecourses Limited

Innovative Vector Control Consortium

Lily's Kitchen

Bandai Namco

Silentnight

Headlam Group PLC

University of Manchester Innovation Group

F2G Limited

Consumer Credit Solutions

Total Composite Solutions

Work highlights

Acted for Jockey Club Racecourses on its commercial rights and sponsorship contracts.
Advised the Innovative Vector Control Consortium on international projects for the delivery of products for the reduction of vector borne diseases.
Advising Lily's Kitchen on its IP and commercial contract matters.
Advising Bandai Namco on its licensing arrangement with Microsoft for the use of the Halo brand within amusement arcade games.
Advised Silentnight on numerous international licences and IP matters over the past 12 months.

Leading individuals

Samantha Livesey - Pinsent Masons LLP

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Sport

Sport - ranked: tier 1

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP advises both national and international sports clients on a broad range of matters, covering investment, disputes, construction, planning and technology. Clients include governing bodies, sponsors, venues, teams, major events, funders, broadcasters and high-net-worth individuals. Julian Diaz-Rainey heads the team and focuses on dispute resolution, commercial and regulatory matters. Senior associate Andrew Mitchell specialises in contentious sports matters. Jo Seed is also recommended.

Practice head(s):Julian Diaz-Rainey

Other key lawyers:Andrew Mitchell; Jo Seed; Samantha Livesey; Alexander Richardson

Key Clients

Manchester City Football Club/City Football Group Limited

The Jockey Club / Jockey Club Racecourses (including Aintree and Haydock Park in the North- West Region)

The International Association of Athletics Federations

The English Football League

Leeds United Football Club (and parent company ASER)

Sport England

UK Sport

Rugby Football League

Everton Football Club

Club Regatas Vasco De Gama FC

Work highlights

Obtained an anti-trespass injunction for The Jockey Club barring ticket touts from selling tickets on Cheltenham Racecourse premises.
Advising Manchester City Football Club on issues arising out of an inquiry into any connections the club may have had with convicted child sex offender Barry Bennell.
Acted for The English Football League in high-profile regulatory charges brought against Watford Football Club and one of its former directors and former chairman Raffaele Riva.
Obtained a permanent, anti-trespass injunction barring trespassers from entering any of City Football Group's properties worldwide.
Acting for Championship Racing in implementing the commercial contracts required to set-up and run the new series.

Leading individuals

Julian Diaz-Rainey - Pinsent Masons LLP

Rising stars

Andrew Mitchell - Pinsent Masons LLP

Jo Seed - Pinsent Masons LLP

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Further information on Pinsent Masons LLP

Please choose from this list to view details of what we say about Pinsent Masons LLP in other jurisdictions.

United Arab Emirates

Offices in Dubai

Australia

Offices in Sydney

China

Offices in Shanghai and Beijing

Germany

Offices in Munich, Dusseldorf, and Frankfurt am Main

Spain

Offices in Madrid and Madrid

France

Offices in Paris

Hong Kong

Offices in Hong Kong

Iran

Foreign law firms

Ireland

Offices in Dublin

London

Offices in London EC2A, London EC1Y, and London EC4M

Northern Ireland

Offices in Belfast

North West

Offices in Manchester M3 and Manchester M3

Philippines

Qatar

Offices in Doha

Foreign firms

South Africa

Offices in Johannesburg

Scotland

Offices in Aberdeen, Glasgow G2, Edinburgh EH3, Glasgow G2, and Edinburgh EH3

Singapore

Offices in Singapore

West Midlands

Offices in Birmingham

Yorkshire and the Humber

Offices in Leeds

Top-tier Firm rankings

Firm Rankings

North West: Corporate and commercial

Corporate and commercial: Manchester

Key Clients

Work highlights

Corporate tax

Key Clients

Work highlights

North West: Dispute resolution

Commercial litigation: Manchester

Testimonials

Key Clients

Work highlights

North West: Finance

Banking and finance

Testimonials

Key Clients

Work highlights

Insolvency and corporate recovery

Testimonials

Key Clients

Work highlights

North West: Human resources

Employment

Testimonials

Key Clients

Work highlights

Health and safety

Testimonials

Key Clients

Work highlights

Pensions

Testimonials

Key Clients

Work highlights

North West: Projects, energy and natural resources

Energy

Testimonials

Key Clients

Work highlights

Project finance and PFI

North West: Public sector

Education

Key Clients

Work highlights

Local government

Key Clients

Work highlights

North West: Real estate

Commercial property: Manchester

Testimonials

Key Clients

Work highlights

Construction

Key Clients

Work highlights

Planning and environment

Testimonials

Key Clients

Work highlights

Property litigation

Testimonials

Key Clients

Work highlights

Social housing

Key Clients

Work highlights

North West: TMT (technology, media and telecoms)

IT and telecoms

Testimonials

Key Clients

Work highlights

Intellectual property

Key Clients

Work highlights

Sport

Key Clients

Work highlights

Further information on Pinsent Masons LLP