The Legal 500

The ‘commercially aware’ team at Shoosmiths LLP is ‘very knowledgeable, particularly on rolling stock matters’ and has ‘good understanding of franchising and the link between rolling stock leases and franchising obligations’. It is also noted for its experience in rail infrastructure projects. It is advising Stagecoach Group on the establishment of two framework agreements, and is advising Centro (now Transport for West Midlands) on the Wolverhampton Interchange Project. In another highlight, the team advised Porterbrook Leasing Company Limited (PLCL) on transfer tof leases for the various Porterbrook-owned rolling stock fleets and associated heavy maintenance agreements, as well as the leases for the ticket barriers installed at numerous stations, from Abellio Greater Anglia to Abellio East Anglia. Department head Chris McClure is ‘very approachable and knowledgeable’; he is supported by the ‘enthusiastic’ Martin Fleetwood, who has a ‘deep knowledge of the structure of the UK rail industry’, Ursula Gould, who advises on concessions for the construction and operation of light rail schemes and transport interchange projects, and Joanne McGuinness, who handles real estate matters in the sector.

The ‘very quick and knowledgeable’ team at Shoosmiths LLP assists clients in the public, education and healthcare sectors on land and property acquisitions and divestments, leasehold agreements and planning matters. It is currently advising NATS on its acquisition of a 25-year lease for part of the Daedalus airfield in Hampshire, as well as on the installation of a new air traffic control training facility. The team is also acting for Almacantar Centre Point Investment on multiple pre-lettings for retail units in Centre Point. Other highlights included assisting OHD 1, a subsidiary of the Orchard Homes group, on the £4.4m divestment of its development site for a 72-apartment retirement home, as well as advising Lifeways Finance on is acquisition of four leasehold sites to be purposed as healthcare units, with a combined annual income of £510,000. Seaward Properties, Hamleys and IKEA Properties Investments are also clients. Joanne McGuinness heads the practice and is noted for her expertise in transport and infrastructure matters. Other key figures include senior associate Cara Beveridge, who is an expert in option agreements and site acquisitions, as well as ‘first-class’ associate Jessica Ready, who specialises in portfolio management matters and investment issues.

In aviation, Shoosmiths LLP ‘always gives appropriate, commercial and helpful advice’. The team advises aviation businesses, departments of government and financial institutions on aircraft finances, leasing transactions, sharing arrangements and other commercial or planning matters. The ‘excellent’ team lead Chris McClure in Southampton has ‘in-depth knowledge of the sector and applies this in a commercial way’. The other partners are Joanne McGuinness and Martin Fleetwood, who specialises in the Cape Town Convention aspects of aviation cases. Associate Sarah Fairweather completes the team. In August 2016, McClure and Fairweather advised Swiss International Airlines on the sale of ten RJ100 aircraft to Tronos Jet Maintenance. They also assisted the same client with the novation of a lease agreement from AerCap to KDAC and the termination of five finance leases with Crossbow. McGuinness supported NATS (En Route) on the installation of a new RRF Radar Air Traffic Control & Engineering training facility and the acquisition of a 25-year lease of part of Daedalus Airfield. Blue Islands, Manchester Airport, Monarch Airlines and Thomas Cook also belong to the active client base.