Clyde & Co LLP's sizeable footprint in the transport industry sees it undertake work in the marine, aviation, logistics and motor industries. Although contentious work forms the majority of the firm's mandates, it is also increasingly instructed in non-contentious matters (particularly in the logistics arena). The team particularly stands out in the marine sector, where areas of expertise include disputes over collisions, cargo claims, yacht claims and recoveries, product liability and personal injury/fatal accidents. Elsewhere, in the logistics industry, the firm advises clients on matters connected with transportation, warehousing, and customs and excise, among other areas. Emma Rice leads the marine and international trade team, which includes senior associate Liz Watton. Robert Muttock is an expert in marine personal injury. Mark Hemsted and Craig Rooney manage the motor and aviation teams respectively.
Transport in North West
Clyde & Co LLP
Practice head(s):
Emma Rice; Robert Muttock; Mark Hemsted; Craig Rooney
Other key lawyers:
Liz Watton
Key clients
Holyhead Marina Ltd
Work highlights
- Instructed to defend claims brought by more than 80 vessel owners and/or their insurers against Holyhead Marina Ltd, following the destruction of those vessels and Holyhead Marina during Storm Emma in March 2018.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper is heavily involved in transport and infrastructure projects, with its multidisciplinary team acting for public and private sector clients on matters related to air, rail, road and shipping transportation. The practice has a strong record in construction claims and PFI/PPP disputes. In addition, other areas of activity concern asset finance, IT procurement, outsourcing and smart ticketing. Team head Liam Cowell concentrates on infrastructure and project finance transactions, and has extensive experience of handling complex and innovative projects. David Moss is now a consultant.
Practice head(s):
Liam Cowell
Other key lawyers:
Paul Giles; Alan Cunningham; Lee Brierley; Rebecca Williams; David Moss
Testimonials
‘Good solid performers all round. Paul Giles, the construction partner, is hugely experienced and very savvy.’
‘The team understand public sector transport issues. They understand how a public sector organisation moves and the need for governance.’
Key clients
Welsh Ministers
Transport for the North (“TfN”)
Vinci Concessions, Vinci Highways, Implenia Schweiz AG
Transport for Greater Manchester
Highways England
All Best Financial Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Welsh ministers on the ground-breaking A465 Roads Project.
- Supported Transport for the North in respect of its integrated and smart travel innovation procurement to digitally connect travel actors and facilitate greener, shared and active mobility across the North of England.
- Represented an international consortium made of Vinci Concessions, Vinci Highways, Implenia Schweiz AG In relation to a the design, build, financing and operation of a new four-lane motorway, a new suspension bridge, approximately 11km of tunnels and a number of other structures and roads.
DWF
DWF's practice in the North West is part of a larger international transport group that acts for government and private sector clients in the automotive, rail, maritime, aviation, logistics and retail industries. With the firm having a strong insurance offering in the North West, it is seen as a first port of call in related transport and motor claims. In addition, it provides support on regulatory, corporate and finance matters, among others. Vikki Woodfine specialises in transport regulatory and health and safety issues. Joanne Witheford has been leading the team's expansion into European markets. Nigel Teasdale leads the motor and fraud team, which handles both volume and high-value, complex defendant work for insurers.
Practice head(s):
Vikki Woodfine; Nigel Teasdale
Other key lawyers:
Joanne Witheford; Andrew Barton
Testimonials
‘The team’s strengths certainly lie in their knowledge of the sector and the commercial yet approachable outlook they have when dealing with clients.’
‘A hard working team of people who are particularly good lawyers with an excellent attention to their clients.’
‘Being a national firm, DWF has excellent and longstanding links with insurance companies and work hard to maintain the level and quality of service.’
‘I very much appreciate the team’s speed of response. It is crucial in cases in which our policy holders require immediate support, advice and representation.’
‘I enjoy working with Andrew Barton. I value his powers of analysis and clarity of presentation. His pays keen attention to detail. He prepares and advises thoroughly.’
‘Highly responsive, very kind and professional.’
‘DWF are an extremely professional and thorough firm that leaves no stone unturned. Meticulous detail in every case. They provide friendly and professional advice to clients and experts.’
Key clients
Booker plc
Wincanton plc
Morgan McLernon (part of Culina Logistics Group)
WM Morrison Supermarkets Plc
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGm)
BT plc
Severn Trent plc
NFU Mutual (Insurer)
Aviva (insurer)
RSA (Insurer)
QBE (Insurer)
Virado Transport Limited
Far Logistics Ltd
Dream Trans Eood
Motor Vehicle Transportation Ltd
MM Freight Limited
Umgedacht GmBH
West Logistics Gmbh
PDT Trans GmbH
Traynors Limited
Work highlights
- Provided 24/7 crisis response support to one of the UK’s largest transportation and logistics businesses in relation to serious workplace incidents.
- Advised a leading online retailer in relation to expansion of its transport operation into European markets.
- Successfully represented a large national road transport company at public inquiry before the Traffic Commissioner, with no action taken against the licence and the company commended by the Traffic Commissioner for the systems it had in place.
Hill Dickinson LLP
Hill Dickinson LLP‘s cargo and logistics team advises marine insurers and intermediaries, domestic and global logistics operators, and corporate and institutional clients. The team offers a full range of dispute resolution and risk and crisis management services. Practice head Adrian Marsh is noted for his experience in marine insurance, logistics and international trade. Caroline Bridge has specialist expertise in drafting and advising on agreements for the logistics industry. Richard Allingham specialises in litigation arising from the international and domestic carriage of goods by road, sea, air and rail.
Practice head(s):
Adrian Marsh
Other key lawyers:
Caroline Bridge; Richard Allingham
Testimonials
‘The logistics and transport team at Hill Dickinson combines full expertise and deep industry knowledge with practical and straightforward advice, which is really essential for us as a client.’
‘Adrian Marsh is extremely friendly and knows how to provide legal advice in a manner that is easy for the business (which is unfamiliar with legal technicalities) to understand. As a client, I feel that he provides very detailed and complete legal advice without making it too complicated.’
‘The team has the capability to promptly address any kind of shipping matter focusing on the practical aspects of any issue to provide the clients with pragmatic solutions.’
‘Always approachable, very friendly and always happy to provide support. Excellent at providing training when needed on complex issues. Caroline Bridge is my go-to person she is an absolute star. Also deal with Adrian Marsh, who is excellent to deal with too.’
‘I have worked particularly closely with Richard Allingham and know him to be a lawyer of the highest calibre.’
‘They are always happy and willing to assist. They always have time for their customers and have great knowledge of their subject.’
Key clients
RSA
WE Cox Claims Group/WE Cox Recoveries Ltd
PCL Claims Ltd
CNA Hardy
AXA XL
Aviva
TMK
NMU (Specialty) Ltd
Agility Logistics
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics
Zurich Insurance
DSV
Work highlights
- Advised an Italian logistics service provider and its global insurer, RSA on a complex multi-party and multi-jurisdictional claim.
- Provided specialist advice to UK and international clients on customs clearance services and the implications of Brexit.
- Advised a logistics service provider and its insurer on a significant theft of spirits and the ensuring claims for cargo and excise duty.
Weightmans LLP
Weightmans LLP generates mandates from a wide range of stakeholders in the transport and logistics industry, including hauliers, freight forwarders, infrastructure owners, post and courier service providers and marine insurers. Its core areas of strength include regulatory work, commercial and competition matters, and mandates concerning marine and goods in transit. The group also houses a specialist road regulatory team, representing clients in courts, tribunals and inquiries. Practice head Phil James deals with all issues arising from the interaction between ship, port and cargo interests. Mike Burns undertakes a mix of dispute resolution and marine-related transactional work.
Practice head(s):
Phil James
Other key lawyers:
Mike Burns; Matt Williamson; David Lewis; Lili Oliver
Testimonials
‘Our contact with the practice has been in relation to very specialised transport-related matters, and the expertise that that they have been able to display and therefore the reassurance that this has provided has proved invaluable, including their full and ongoing support when required.’
Key clients
First Group (multiple operating companies)
National Express
Hoyer Group
Turners of Soham
Merseytravel
Alstom Transport UK
Peel Ports Group
Peel Airports Group
John West Foods
Greif Inc
Swissport GB Ltd
Zurich Insurance (Marine)
Bibby Marine Limited
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company
Hamburg Sud
Champion Tankers
Essar Oil UK
Beazley Group
Assuranceforeningen Skuld
Maersk Line
NMU Speciality (Munich RE)
AIG Insurance (Marine)
Work highlights
- Advised UK Trucks Claim Ltd UKTC (a special purpose vehicle) on issuing opt-out collective proceedings in April 2018 on behalf of owners and lessees of over 600,000 trucks who purchased or leased over-priced medium and heavyweight trucks as a result of a 14- year price-fixing cartel.
- Acted for Mersey Docks and Harbour Company Limited on the detention and sale of the Liva Greta, which had been effectively abandoned at Vittoria Dock, Birkenhead.
- Defended a national transport provider against employment tribunal claims presented by a vexatious litigant making unfounded threats to disclose matters to the press and complaints to the ICO.
Addleshaw Goddard
Addleshaw Goddard offers strong coverage across all areas of transport. It is a major name in relation to rail franchising/concessions; in 2020, highlights included advising the Department of Transport on the roll-out of the emergency measures franchise arrangements for the West Midlands, Chiltern and West Coast Partnership franchises, as well as the replacement emergency recovery measures agreements for those franchises. Also notable is that the firm is seen as a first port of call in station development programmes. Elsewhere, outside of the rail industry, the firm is increasingly active in urban transit schemes that relate to the bus market, and the firm has a growing airports practice. In addition, it is increasingly prominent in the electric vehicles sector. The freight and logistics sector is also seen as another key area of growth. Michael Rainey, Sara Gilmore and legal director Ursula Gould are among the names to note at the firm.
Practice head(s):
Sara Gilmore; Michael Rainey
Other key lawyers:
Ursula Gould; Clare Dwyer; Philip Dupres
Testimonials
‘Working with Addleshaws often feels like having an extension of our in-house legal team. Their understanding of the issues and ability to work collaboratively both with the in-house lawyers as well as the wider client teams means that the advice is seamless and their presence is invaluable.’
‘It is the detailed and comprehensive understanding of both the sector and the specific challenges which makes Addleshaws a stand-out team.’
‘Clare is a first class lawyer, has very good judgment and is absolutely unflappable. She gives her clients excellent service and practical commercial solutions to their problems.’
‘Michael Rainey is a very clever, analytical and creative non contentious partner.’
‘The firm has consistently provided high quality and timely legal advice where in-house legal expertise and capacity has been limited in a specialist area of law.’
Key clients
Prologis Group Companies
VTG Rail UK Limited
London Luton Airport Limited
Eversholt Rail
Rail Operations Group Limited (“ROG”)
Department for Transport
High Speed Two (HS2) Limited
Volkswagen AG
Greater London Authority / Transport for London
West Yorkshire Combined Authority
West Midlands Combined Authority
MerseyTravel
Manchester Airport Group
HS1 Limited
Transport for Greater Manchester
Road Haulage Association
Sealink Travel Group
Associated British Ports
DB Cargo
Freightliner Heavy Haul Limited
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority
CAF
SMBC
Work highlights
- Advised the Department for Transport on the various agreements to bail out the train operating companies and are lead advisor on the new National Rail Contract.
- Advising the West Midlands Combined Authority on its bus franchising assessment.
- Advising the West Midlands Combined Authority on its new stations development.
Backhouse Jones
Boutique firm Backhouse Jones, which specialises in road transport law, is particularly well-known in the market for regulatory work. It has a strong track record in public inquiries before the traffic commissioners of the UK, and has represented transport operators at all levels up to the European Courts of Justice. The firm also advises on compliance issues, as well as the development of regulatory schemes and policies. James Backhouse has represented clients in the road transport passenger and goods sectors in inquiries concerning bus reliability, maintenance compliance, financial standing and environmental issues. Mark Davies leads the team.
Practice head(s):
Mark Davies
Other key lawyers:
James Backhouse; Jonathon Backhouse
Testimonials
‘I have always found Backhouse Jones and their staff to be extremely knowledgeable and provide excellent service and advice.’
‘The team is responsive, pragmatic and good value for money. Their ability to communicate without heavy legalese or heavily caveated advice notes is greatly appreciated by our directors and senior leaders. A very impressive law firm which focuses on issues of utmost importance to its clients.’
‘Jonathon Backhouse is pragmatic and plain-speaking. His ability to distil complex legal issues into plain English and get to the heart of the issue for his clients is second to none. The level of experience and knowledge of the transport sector is unequalled.’
‘Mark Davies is a very impressive lawyer. His attention to detail, responsiveness and concise, insightful advice is greatly appreciated.’
Key clients
Mansel Davies & Son Limited
Diamond Bus
Clark Brothers (Tipper Hire) Ltd
Work highlights
- Represented Diamond Bus in bringing a Judicial Review over Manchester City Council’s use of Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders to close Deansgate in Manchester to vehicles, stating it would improve pedestrian ability to socially distance.
Clyde & Co
Clyde & Co LLP's transport practice, which is spread between the Manchester and Liverpool offices, has a particular focus on contentious matters. The scope of its work in this space includes personal injury cases, commercial claims, regulatory prosecutions, public inquiries, inquests, fraud cases and health and safety matters. The practice offers broad sector coverage, with expertise in the coach, rail, tram, air and haulage sectors. Ruth Graham leads the transport team.
Practice head(s):
Ruth Graham
Other key lawyers:
Simon Jones; Rachael Lumb; Joanne Francis
Testimonials
‘Outstanding team.’
Key clients
AJG
Allianz
Brakes
DX
Expert Logistics
Hoyer
Manchester Airport
Marsh
Mersey Rail
Metroline
Metrolink
National Express
Network Rail
Northern Rail
QBE
RATP
Sainsbury’s
Shearings
Protector Insurance
Transdev
Warburtons
Willis
Wolsley
XPO
Pinsent Masons LLP
Pinsent Masons LLP has an excellent reputation for advising on complex transport infrastructure projects relating to roads, rail, sea and air. The practice is notably active in international rail projects, urban transport infrastructure matters and transport-related construction claims. Graham Alty, who has extensive experience in innovative project structures, leads the team.
Practice head(s):
Graham Alty
Other key lawyers:
Mark Job; Anthony Bradley; Michael Hopkins
Testimonials
‘The team at Pinsent Masons worked with us in a very collaborative manner. They adopted a very pragmatic approach to resolving issues using their previous experience whilst also taking the time to understand our drivers and concerns. There were also able to bring in specialists to help resolve specific issues.’
‘The individuals we have worked with were always available to offer advice and help and considered issues from a commercial perspective as well as a legal one.’
Key clients
BAM Nuttall
Ferrovial Construction
Cayman Islands Government
Yapi Merkezi Insaat va Sanayi A.S.
Eiffage Genie Civil
Kier Infrastructure Overseas Limited
Vinci Construction Grands Projects
Balfour Beatty
Vinci Construction UK
Systra
The Manchester Airport Group
Transport Infrastructure Ireland
Work highlights
- Advised on a number of matters relating to the HS2 project, particularly on joint ventures.
- Selected as TII’s counsel on a ten year appointment to advise on the procurement of the Dublin MetroLink providing support in relation to the Railway Order planning process, drafting and negotiating the systems and civil engineering package contracts.
- Advised on a dispute in relation to a Mersey Gateway bridge project.
Aaron & Partners LLP
Aaron & Partners LLP handles a wide ambit of mandates for transport operators. Although the firm is particularly known for its regulatory work, it also advises on commercial matters. and assists with drafting and litigating warehousing contracts. In addition, it acts for clients on the acquisition, disposal and financing of transport businesses. David Harries heads up the regulatory sub-team, which provides strategic compliance advice and represents clients at public inquiries. Tim Culpin leads the practice.
Practice head(s):
Tim Culpin; David Harries
Testimonials
‘In my experience, there are not many true road transport specialists in the legal field. Aaron and Partners are one of the few with a very deep understanding of the issues from a legal and operator point of view.’
‘Tim Culpin is a lawyer who really understands the issues from both side of the coin. He understands the law and also understands the operator, how they work and to prevent reoccurrence. Tim’s unique contact sphere within the field of road transport means he can give the best advice and knows where to gain working knowledge from those on the ground.’
‘We found Tim to be very efficient, proactive and quick to respond. He was very knowledgeable in this field.’
Key clients
(Honorary legal advisor to) UK Warehousing Association
DELTA Merseyside Ltd
Dyne Solicitors Limited
Tattenhall-based Dyne Solicitors Limited, which specialises in road transport law, undertakes a mix of regulatory, defence and advisory work. It frequently handles operator licensing public inquiries, as well as contractual, commercial and trade association-related work. Jared Dunbar and John Dyne co-head the group.
Practice head(s):
Jared Dunbar; John Dyne