‘Tom Newcombe is my ‘go to’ planning lawyer and always has a practical solution to any issue, no matter how complex.’

‘Tom Newcombe – always available to help, even if it is just a chat. Approachable and affordable.’

‘Deborah Sharples is excellent, always makes herself available and always attentive, and professional’

‘Birketts provide a fully comprehensive ‘London’ service. This includes the very able Planning and Environment team who are innovative and creative in their approach to client issues. Their commercial knowledge and client engagement are excellent.’

‘Deborah Sharples is a standout practitioner whose attention to detail and strategic skills are evident from the start. An excellent communicator.’

‘Birketts has been invaluable in their knowledge of new and developing areas of environmental legislation and their experience of applying it to our commercial negotiations. What made Birketts stand out in the tendering process was their ability to foster strong and sympathic working relationships with our new business and their confidence in working through tough negotiations.’

‘We work predominantly with Deborah Sharples who delivers a highly personalised service which is efficient, timely and managed in a very pleasant and collaborative way.’

‘Every member of the team is incredibly personable, which makes this firm incredibly effective and also a pleasure to work with.’

‘Jamie Childs has been excellent upon every project I have worked alongside him on. His attention to detail and speed to turn work round has been fantastic.’

‘Jamie Childs is an excellent planning lawyer. Clear-headed and knowledgeable.’

‘Jay Mehta and Jamie Childs are regarded as top-tier planning and development solicitors, and trusted amongst colleagues and clients alike.’

‘Jamie Childs and Jay Mehta are both very experienced, knowledgeable and astute to client’s needs to provide clear and credible legal advice on complex matters. Their planning legal knowledge is extensive and always adds value to projects.’

‘You feel like you are the most important client, their attention to detail and level of customer experience is exceptional. Their roadshows to update the planning sector on movements in case law and legislation sets them apart from their competitors.’

‘Jay Mehta provides us with expert planning advice and is a valued member of our external project team, advising us on all aspects of planning law. He provides expert advice on all planning law matters including advice on strategy. He consistently provides first rate legal advice, combining best in class advice on planning matters with exceptional commercial awareness.’

‘Jay Mehta – highly capable individual with great knowledge and industry experience. Has a real understanding of how to approach matters strategically.’

‘Jay Mehta is a highly regarded and well-respected planning lawyer, with a huge amount of experience in navigating a successful path through complex legislation and case law. Jay is complemented in the team by Beth Boucher, who brings a thoroughly capable and diligent approach to all matters.’

‘Local knowledge and expertise, providing prompt and clear advice.’

‘I have worked with Peter Seaborn on a number of occasions and found him to be able to simplify complex planning matters and respond to queries promptly.’

‘To find that balance between detail and strategy, one needs both to make good decisions and M&R can do that. They help with the big decisions, but get down into the weeds when needed.’

‘Peter Seaborn is a very thorough solicitor and brings confidence into any team.’

‘My experience of the M&R planning team is that they are incredibly responsive, clear and precise in their advice. Supporting us across a number of clients, they are our “go to” planning laywers, and always deliver.’

‘Peter Seaborn is our lead partner and given our relationship across a number of projects is readily available, and even if tied up with inquiries or similar, always ensures we get what we need. Other team members (Howard Felstead, Caroline Bywater) are able and help to ensure timely progress.’

‘There is a very strong overlap between planning / property matters and the planning team are very well integrated with the commercial property team.’

‘The team is client-focused and quick to respond. They provide practical advice in a clear manner which clients appreciate.’

‘Bob McGeady is responsive and quickly gets to the point with his advice. Clients like his straightforward approach.’

‘It is the communication that sets Ashtons apart. I am always confident of a rapid and informed response to any question I have.’

‘Bob McGeady. Utterly reliable, highly skilled and delivers outstanding advice, on budget and on time. He is a joy to work with and when the chips are down and an issue is getting difficult his sense of humour rapidly diffuses the situation and gives one the confidence to listen and act upon his advice. ’

‘Consistently leading the field with a mix of planning judicial review and developer work.’

‘Bob McGeady – unequalled experience in acting for and against developers and local authorities. He’s really the star of the Ashtons show.’

‘Bob McGeady – outstanding solicitor. Puts the same effort into helping the small individuals as the big net worth clients. Has a fantastic approach to work/life balance, but yet always there for you when required.’

‘Bob McGeady has the experience, knowledge and ability to deal with complex issues in a timely and efficient manner which has been a massive help in the increasingly complex planning environment.’

‘Having used practice services across numerous legal areas (including conveyancing, corporate business sale, corporate business purchase, local planning, employment matters et al), the team members are consistently highly knowledgeable, professional and effective. Every engagement with the team has resulted in a successful outcome.’

‘The key common individual strengths and characteristics of the team that differentiate them from their competition include: highly ethical and values driven; excellent empathetic understanding, listening skills and insight; true genuineness and congruence; and a natural culture of respect and unconditional positive regard.’

‘The individuals at HCR are all great but if I have to pick, Brendon Lee of the Cambridge office has been outstanding in his support and service to our community. His knowledge of the law is very good, he is honest and will pass us to a colleague if he feels it is best for us but is always on hand if we need further support and guidance. Brendon is a team player with a focus on his client’s needs. You cannot ask for more than this.’

‘Very client-focused. I have only done claimant work with them, but have found them to have the rare gift of being able to balance bringing a case and the client’s interests with the commercial and practical realities of litigation. I consider HCR notable in being able to promote their clients interests fairly and appropriately.’

‘Brendon Lee is extremely knowledgeable on the law. Understands a wide range of causes of action and how they can apply to a given case. He’s very good at working towards the best outcome for a client. I also find him very personable, and know him to be extremely hard working. He is one of my top recommendations for potential claimants who want a solicitor who will best represent their interests, especially where there may be litigation required.’

‘Excellent all round. Understand developers needs and perspective and give well researched, practical, clear and insightful legal advice. Work is always to a very high standard and within deadlines. Excellent value for money – market leading advice without market leading rates.’

‘Gemma Dudley. Exceptional planning lawyer. Excellent in-depth knowledge of legislation, case law, its implications and practical application. Clear, thoughtful advice which delivers practical solutions to complex issues. Advice is always presented logically and clearly. Quick to grasp the issues and always sees the bigger picture. First class, always first choice.’

‘We have used Brendon Lee for a few years now and his knowledge and professionalism is second to none, He is friendly and approachable. He understands what I am trying to achieve and goes above and beyond to make it succeed.’