Firms To Watch: Construction

DWF has boosted its contentious offering with the arrival of director Naithan McBride from DLA Piper in June 2021, who is noted for his experience in acting for contractors and construction companies in disputes.

Firms in the Spotlight Construction

Barton Legal Limited

Barton Legal Limited logo

REAL ESTATE: CONSTRUCTION We are a specialist construction and engineering, and commercial property firm based in Leeds. We are recognised as experts in energy projects such as wind, solar, biomass and large complex construction and engineering projects

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Construction in Yorkshire And The Humber

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard ‘provides end-to-end support’ on the full spectrum of local and national mandates, from energy and infrastructure projects to engineering, regeneration and development work, as well as demonstrating a strong capability in contentious matters. Practice leader James Reynolds offers an ‘excellent level of service, dealing with complex matters’ concerning refurbishment and regeneration, while David Shaw specialises in utilities, energy and transport projects, and acts for notable clients including the National Grid and United Utilities. For construction disputes, Joe Wilkinson, ‘brilliant lawyer and strategistJohn Emerton, director Ally MacKenzie and Matthew Collingwood-Cooper are key contacts, while director Mark Broomfield advises on development projects.

Practice head(s):

James Reynolds

Other key lawyers:

David Shaw; Joe Wilkinson; John Emerton; Ally MacKenzie; Matthew Collingwood-Cooper; Mark Broomfield

Testimonials

‘The Addleshaw team is very pragmatic and user friendly. They try to solve problems and provide end-to-end support on a construction project. They can take a commercial view. They also provide very dedicated support.’

‘John Emerton is a brilliant lawyer and strategist.’

‘Ally Mackenzie provided exceptional support to us and should be noted for his dedication, pragmatism and can-do approach.’

‘James Reynolds provides an excellent level of service, dealing with complex matters which are of significant importance to our business.’

Key clients

ASDA

Channel Four

BT

Legal & General

United Utilities

Sheffield Forgemasters

UK Parliament

Kirklees Council

National Grid

Affinity Water

SSE

Manchester Airport

Caddick Group

Serco

Stansted Airport

Associated British Ports

Anglian Water

Robertson Construction

Trinova

London Luton Airport Limited

MUSE

British Land

Bradford Council

Peel

Henry Boot

Travelodge

The Co-operative Group plc

Muller

HS1

York University

Lancaster University

Leeds Beckett University

University of Brighton

Marrico Asset Management

Aviva Investors

Abrdn

Amey Rail

Calderdale Council

MMR Group

West Yorkshire + Transport Fund

Broadgate Estates

Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospital NHS Trust

Michelin

Engie

Lend Lease

National Nuclear Laboratory

Waterside Places

Stadium Group

Siemens

William Hare

Urenco

Scotia Gas Networks

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

R. N. Wooler

Tritax Symmetry

NatWest

Work highlights

  • Advising United Utilities and Anglian Water on the first two schemes to be designated under Ofwat’s new alternative funding model, Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC).
  • Advising British Telecommunications Plc on its Better Workplace Programme to consolidate more than 300 facilities into 30 modern future-fit buildings.
  • Acting for Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management Limited in their multiparty TCC claim against Lendlease Construction (Europe) Limited and Lendlease Construction Holdings (Europe) Limited in relation to a new build hospital in Cramlington.

Hawkswell Kilvington Limited

Specialist firm Hawkswell Kilvington Limited ‘offers an unparalleled service’ across the full range of contentious and non-contentious matters, and boasts an enviable client roster of leading companies in the construction space. Practice co-leader Daniel Silberstein, who is noted for his expertise in the energy sector, and Thomas Salter are key contacts for disputes involving project delays, liquidated damages, loss and expense, defective works and construction-related professional negligence claims. Rachel Heald leads the firm’s non-contentious practice and advises on drafting and negotiating building contracts, while ‘experienced litigatorGary Ashton and David Spires are both noted for their expertise in construction adjudications.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Silberstein; Rachel Heald

Other key lawyers:

Thomas Salter; Gary Ashton; David Spires

Testimonials

‘Hawkswell Kilvington are construction lawyers through-and-through. The team offers an unparalleled service across the full range of construction work, from contentions to non-contentious mandates, low-value adjudications to high-end litigation. They have an impressive roster of repeat clients.’

‘Thomas Salter provides clear and confident communication, combined with good advice and nothing is a problem for him. He has a reassuring manner.’

‘The quality of the advice and service they provide is excellent and their ability to deliver to tight timescales, where circumstances dictate, is achieved at all times.’

‘Dan Silberstein combines masterful tactical savvy with an ability and desire to remain on top of the detail of his cases. A first-rate lawyer who inspires confidence and trust in his clients.’

‘David Spires provides a calm guiding hand for even the most complex disputes.’

‘Niche construction firm with national firm quality lawyers in it.’

‘Gary Ashton is an experienced litigator and is technically excellent.’

‘Rachel Heald is a deal-focused and pragmatic lawyer, who gets on with clients well and understands the pressures of a deal and how to work collaboratively.’

Key clients

John Sisk and Son Limited

Shepherd Construction Limited

Briggs & Forrester Group

Willmott Dixon Construction Limited

Midgard Limited

VolkerStevin Limited

Accent Homes

Harron Homes Limited

Walter Thompson (Contractors) Limited

Caledonian Modular Limited

Tilbury Douglas Construction Limited

Work highlights

  • Acting for Midgard Ltd, part of JRL Group, in relation to their JCT Design and Build Contract with developer Far East Consortium (FEC) for the design and construction of a £470m mixed use development in London’s Docklands.
  • Acting for The London Oil Refining Co. Ltd (manufacturers of Astonish cleaning products) in relation to their move to a new 120,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Bradford.
  • Acting for John Sisk & Son Limited in multi-party proceedings brought against it in the Technology and Construction Court by WM Morrisons supermarkets, concerning alleged defects within a three species abattoir.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Praised for its ‘extensive experience in various forms of dispute resolution’, Pinsent Masons LLP’s construction team is not only well-placed to handle contentious mandates, but advises on the full lifecycle of energy, infrastructure and construction projects. ‘Diligent’ litigator Simon Plunkett jointly leads the practice alongside Stacey Collins, whose ‘commercial awareness and technical knowledge are unparalleled’ when advising on energy and infrastructure projects. Mark Harris has considerable experience in the procurement, delivery and operational aspects of infrastructure projects, as well as in resolving disputes, while John Williams is noted for his expertise in the rail, power, process plant and highways sectors. Global head of energy Melanie Grimmitt and senior associate Naomi Stafford are also key members of the team.

Practice head(s):

Simon Plunkett; Stacey Collins

Other key lawyers:

Mark Harris; John Williams; Melanie Grimmitt; Naomi Stafford

Testimonials

‘Pinsent Masons’ construction disputes team have extensive experience in various forms of dispute resolution (including court proceedings, adjudication and other forms of ADR), as well as excellent technical legal knowledge and commercial awareness, meaning that they are well equipped to provide high quality, pragmatic legal advice and case management. They strike the right balance between partner and associate involvement and have been able to work seamlessly with counsel where needed.’

‘Simon Plunkett is excellent.’

‘Stacey Collins is excellent. His commercial awareness and deep technical knowledge are unparalleled.’

Key clients

Statkraft

Drax Group PLC

E.ON UK

Flogas Britain Limited (part of DCC PLC)

EPH UK

RWE Renewables UK

Forterra PLC

NDA Group

Cumbria County Council

Orsted

VPI Immingham

Kier Group PLC

Amey Group

Balfour Beatty Group

Kier Infrastructure and Overseas

Galliford Try

Hanson Group

Royal Bam Group

Sembcorp

Samsung C&T

Renew Holdings

Walter Lily & Co

Petrofac

University of Huddersfield

Lowell Group

Viridor Energy Limited

Clarion Housing Group

R&F Properties UK

Mitie Group PLC

SPL Powerlines UK Limited

Whitbread Group Plc

Greencoat Capital LLP

Work highlights

  • Advising Viridor Energy Limited on the development of their major carbon capture project to be constructed at Viridor’s Energy Recovery Facilities in Runcorn.
  • Successful defended Drax Power Limited in Part 8 proceedings brought by Shepherd Construction Limited for the purposes of determining a question of interpretation arising under a £240m FIDIC-based contract.
  • Advising companies within the Clarion Housing Group (including Latimer Developments) on development schemes across the Yorkshire region, including: the redevelopment of the Cocoa Works in York into 279 high quality apartments, the new residential development of the 11 acre brownfield site at the Cocoa West site in York and the development of a residential mixed-used scheme at Kirkstall Road, Leeds.

Squire Patton Boggs

Squire Patton Boggs’ construction and engineering team has a strong track record in the energy and utilities space, advising on national and international mandates arising out of the renewables, combined power and water sectors. The practice also has demonstrable capability in advising public sector entities on infrastructure and regeneration projects. Team leader Zakir Mulla acts for property developers on student accommodation, primary care and forecourt development mandates, while James Duckworth specialises in the procurement of major development and infrastructure projects, and continues to grow his client portfolio in the Middle East. Key clients include Muse Developments Limited, Dubai Municipality and Leeds City Region Revolving Investment Fund LLP.

Practice head(s):

Zakir Mulla

Other key lawyers:

James Duckworth

Key clients

Muse Developments Limited

Leeds City Region Revolving Investment Fund LLP

Capital and Centric

FORE

Brookfield Group

Price Waterhouse Coopers Dubai

Dubai Municipality

Taqat Development Co

Federal Government of the UAE

DP World

EESL Energy Solutions LLC

Work highlights

  • Acted for Dubai Municipality on the procurement of a $1.3bn major energy from waste project.
  • Acting for DP World on the development of a port and warehousing facility at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
  • Acting for the Leeds City Region Revolving Investment Fund LLP in relation to the development of the low fold site in Leeds including the development of 150 energy efficient timber frame houses and 162 apartments.

Walker Morris LLP

Walker Morris LLP ‘has a first-class construction practice, which holds its own against any city-based or nationwide firm’. Paul Hargreaves is a ‘force of nature’ when advising leaseholder groups on claims arising out of defective premises, while practice leader Tom Peel and Daniel Lyon advise clients across the retail, office and student accommodation sectors on development work and contentious matters. Jules Harbage focuses on energy and infrastructure projects and Carly Thorpe ‘devises great strategies’ when pursuing and defending adjudication enforcement claims. Other key members of the team include ‘tactical geniusMartin Scott, directors Alastair Robertson and Hayley Hayes.

Practice head(s):

Tom Peel

Other key lawyers:

Paul Hargreaves; Daniel Lyon; Jules Harbage; Carly Thorpe; Martin Scott; Alastair Robertson; Hayley Hayes

Testimonials

Walker Morris has a first-class construction practice, which holds its own against any city-based or nationwide firm. It has excellent partners with a strong commercial, and practical grasp and real strength in depth in associates.’ 

‘Paul Hargreaves is a force of nature. A tireless work ethic, a keen sense of justice and his considerable acumen as a litigator make him a man you want on your side. Martin Scott is another fearsome partner. He combines huge experience, unrivalled tactical nous and a true commitment to the cause.’ 

‘The team at Walker Morris are affable, which makes clients feel comfortable. This approach is underpinned with excellent legal knowledge that is provided in a very grounded way. They align with our values.’ 

‘Carly Thorpe is our main contact. She is simply amazing. Very approachable and works in a collaborative manner. Carly devises great strategies and her ability to respond efficiently is to be applauded.’ 

‘Hayley Hayes and Tom Peel are first and foremost great people. They genuinely care about their profession, and are always on hand to offer advice or help. They are provide an invaluable service to our business and are my first port of call.’ 

‘Daniel Lyons provides an exceptional service, always considering the commercial and practical aspects in any legal advice provided. I would recommend Dan to any client needing a strong construction lawyer.’ 

‘Alastair Robertson was leading the construction team on behalf of Walker Morris. He was pragmatic and grasped the commercial challenges for the developer early on, made the transaction relatively smooth, co-ordination was particularly strong and the wider team were very supportive and reacted quickly to any issues or client requests.’ 

‘Jules Harbage is exceptionally good with clients and getting to grips with complicated technical issues.  He gives fantastic and pragmatic advice.’ 

Key clients

Zagora Management Limited and the Leaseholders of New Lawrence House

Moda Living

Outotec (USA) Inc

Glencar Construction Ltd

ENGIE Regeneration Limited

Interchange

Caddick Developments

Port of Tilbury London Limited

Scarborough Group International

Work highlights

  • Advised Zagora Management Limited and the leaseholders of New Lawrence House in a £15m claim for fire safety and cladding defects against their new home warranty.
  • Advised Moda Homes on construction documents for the design and construction of 824 homes with a deal value of £260m.
  • Acted for Outotec (USA) Inc, the Part 20 Defendant, in a litigation claim of circa $134m.

Barton Legal Limited

Boutique firm Barton Legal Limited specialises in contentious and non-contentious construction and engineering mandates, and counts developers, contractors, specialist subcontractors and colleges among its key roster of clients. Bill Barton ‘runs an efficient construction practice with an international reach’ and is noted for his experience drafting and negotiating contracts for projects, ranging from wind farms and renewables to office and industrial developments. Barton is also praised for his ‘knowledge of how to handle construction claims and adjudications’.

Practice head(s):

Bill Barton

Testimonials

‘Barton Legal provides a truly personal service due to its boutique size and the people are top quality.’

‘There is a level of personal service from Bill Barton and the team which is unrivalled in other regional and indeed national firms. When you give Bill a job to do, he is hands on and sees it through for the client. This instills great confidence. Bill also has an excellent team of young lawyers working with him and they are switched on. They are a small but niche firm and represent good value for money for SMEs who get a first-class service.’

‘Bill Barton runs an efficient construction practice with an international reach.’

‘The team is built around Bill Barton, who has comprehensive experience of contentious and non-contentious construction matters. Bill is a worthy litigator and handles matters himself which is refreshing. Despite his seniority, he maintains close involvement in all of his matters.’

‘Bill Barton has good knowledge how to handle construction claims and adjudications.’

‘The team is personable, professional and very practical in its approach. Technical knowledge and skills are sound and a highly professional service is delivered in an approachable and intelligible manner.’

‘The practice specialises in construction and property work, and the team are genuine specialists. I haven’t yet asked a question that they can’t answer.’

‘Bill Barton is a highly competent, but practical and personable partner. He earns trust quickly and his approach is always reliable and reassuring. Bill uses plain English, which creates great clarity, even when dealing with technical and complex issues. He is practical, always considering the wider picture and taking a pragmatic approach to any issues at hand.’

Key clients

WW Medical Facilities Limited

Multiwal UK Limited

Tesni Properties Limited

WCO Properties Ltd

Changing Climates Limited

Boardside Ltd

A. Bush (Engineering Services) Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advising WWM Medical Facilities Limited on all construction aspects of their fourth private hospital project worth £12m.
  • Successfully advising Changing Climates in an adjudication and subsequent enforcement proceedings.
  • Advising Tesni Properties on their claims against their former solicitors, whilst adjudicating on connected disputes and obtaining partial resolution via mediation.

CMS

CMS‘ Sheffield-based team shows ‘real strength in depth’ when handling high-end disputes arising out of PFI/PPP projects, notably in the healthcare sector, as demonstrated by its advice to Lendlease on a multi-faceted £140m dispute relating to Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital. Practice leader Fraser Askham is noted for his expertise in construction, energy and infrastructure contentious mandates, as well as for advising contractors, institutional investors and public sector bodies on transactions. Senior associate Jenny Whipps is another key member of the team, which was also joined by former Kennedys practice head Helen Johnson in early October 2022.

Practice head(s):

Fraser Askham

Other key lawyers:

Jenny Whipps; Helen Johnson

Testimonials

‘The team is fantastic. There is real strength in depth.’

‘Fraser Askham is a great team leader and extremely popular with clients.’

‘This is a strong team, which has strength in depth to enable them to provide a responsive and flexible service, to ensure that matters are dealt with to meet the customer’s expectations.’

Key clients

Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Limited

University of Sheffield

International Hotel Properties

Amey LG

Amey Community

Crown Commercial Services (Wider Public Sector)

Galliford Try

NG Bailey Group

Lendlease Construction

Wates Group

BUG AluTechnic

Education and Skills Funding Agency (The Department for Education)

STRABAG

Multiplex

The MEH Alliance (a JV comprising Balfour Beatty, NG Bailey, Doosan Babcock, Cavendish Nuclear and Altrad SA)

Lendlease Construction (Europe) Limited and Lendlease Construction Holdings (Europe) Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Lendlease in relation to a c.£140m multi-party contract dispute concerning the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, including commencing Part 20 claims against members of the supply chain.
  • Advised BUG, an Austrian contractor, in three separate Technology and Construction Court disputes concerning the design, manufacture, supply and installation of materials to the Beetham Tower in Manchester.
  • Advising Lendlease on the c.£300m regeneration of the Alfred Waterhouse designed Victorian town hall for Manchester City Council.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP’s ‘confident, knowledgeable and proactive’ team in Leeds acts for national and international clients on transactions and contentious mandates arising out of the manufacturing, rail, property development, energy and infrastructure sectors. Sarah Maylor, who acts for infrastructure providers in construction and engineering disputes, jointly leads the practice alongside Jo Hatton-Jones, who advises on the procurement of construction projects in the utilities and energy sectors. Senior associate Joshua Curry provides ‘pragmatic advice’ to clients in construction disputes. Key clients of the practice include National Rail, the University of Sheffield and WM Morrison.

Practice head(s):

Jo Hatton-Jones; Sarah Maylor

Other key lawyers:

Joshua Curry; Joseph Hale

Testimonials

‘The team at Eversheds are confident, knowledgeable and proactive in the legal support they provide. They have advised on contracts across Europe and navigate the local nuances well.’

‘Joshua Curry provided excellent advice and support to us on a new property lease. Joshua was approachable and knowledgeable throughout, providing pragmatic advice and operating in a very client-centric way that not only put our interests first, but also gave us confidence in his actions and decision making.’

‘The team are very dedicated and responsive.’

‘I would recommend Jo Hatton-Jones and Sarah Maylor for their attention to detail and understanding of client requirements.’

‘Very fast acting and attentive to our work requests. Have strength in depth and strong all-round construction and contract-related knowledge.’

Key clients

Wales & West Utilities

Network Rail

Legal & General

WM Morrison

Tension Control Bolts Limited

University of Sheffield

University of Leeds

McCain Foods (GB) Ltd

Severn Trent Water

North East Property Partnership Limited (UK Land)

Greencore

Harworth Group PLC

LPC Living Limited

Dreamsapce Construction Limited

Southbank Colleges

Grace and Compassion Benedictines

Bevan Brittan LLP

Praised as a ‘an absolute machine in turning around high-stake work’, Bevan Brittan LLP‘s caseload includes PFI disputes and matters arising out of the housing, healthcare, higher education and energy and infrastructure sectors. Sarah Wilson heads the Leeds-based team and acts for consultants, contractors and subcontractors on both contentious and non-contentious mandates, while Judith Hopper ‘achieves fantastic results’ when advising clients in PFI disputes. Director Niamh Batterton, who joined from Addleshaw Goddard in July 2021, focuses on non-contentious construction matters.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Wilson

Other key lawyers:

Judith Hopper; Niamh Batterton; Maria Fert

Testimonials

‘Bevan Brittan are an absolute machine in turning around high-stake work under time pressure.’

‘Judith Hopper is an extremely hands-on partner, who gets fully involved with all her cases. Clients love her as she is highly organised and intelligent.’

‘The team has experience in construction matters for local governments and acts on many PFI/PPP projects, involving ongoing commercial issues together with disputes.

‘Sarah Wilson and her team were fantastic. I have worked with Sarah for over ten years. She is polite, professional and a great communicator.’

‘Niamh Batterton is professional, proactive, effective, pragmatic and commercially astute.’

‘The team are highly knowledgeable and personable. Clients are handled with care, the team understands political challenges that public sector clients work within. Always able to drive to the goal and strategise effectively to manoeuvre the other side.’

‘Judith Hopper is brilliant. She has exceptional judgement, achieves fantastic results and has great commercial acumen.’

‘A very supportive team, who are responsive and creative. They have an excellent commercial understanding that supports business and builds relationships. Billing is reasonable and they work hard to have a good working relationship with us.’

Key clients

Hall Construction Services Limited

Sancus Utilities Limited

University of York

East Village Management Limited

Innerspace Homes Limited

Together Housing Group

National Places

NHS Property Services

Channel 4

Hall Construction Services Limited

Southbay Civil Engineering Limited

Avonmouth Pharmaceutical Assets Limited

Work highlights

  • Advising the University of York on the procurement and construction aspects of the design development of a new Student Hub on campus.
  • Advising National Places on managing the construction aspects of national residential developments.
  • Advising Sancus Utilities Ltd on supply and manufacture framework agreements with Jones Food Company/Ocado, and advising on their steel supply agreements.

Freeths LLP

Freeths LLP’s construction and engineering team advises its roster of clients in disputes across the energy and utilities, water and technology sectors, as well as handling procurement matters, such as drafting and negotiating building contracts. Rachael Yates is 'committed to her clients' and has a track record of work on both procurement matters and construction disputes across a range of sectors.

Practice head(s):

Rachael Yates

Other key lawyers:

Marie Mulligan

Testimonials

‘At partner level, I have worked closely with Rachael Yates. She has extraordinary attention to detail and whilst managing multiple matters, knows so much about her clients’ businesses that she can turn herself to emerging issues in seconds. She is sharp, intelligent and committed to her clients.’

‘Marie Mulligan is extremely engaged and communicative. Marie has been supporting our business’s non-contentious requirements and has gained understanding of our business and needs. She is available to support us when required and is very helpful in taking up initiative and suggesting solutions where appropriate.’

Key clients

Engie Fabricom UK Limited

Wickes Building Services Limited

Aldi Stores Limited

Travelodge Hotels Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Wickes Building Services Limited in relation to construction projects.
  • Acting for Engie Fabricom UK Limited in a dispute with MW High Tech Projects UK Limited regarding the Energy Works Hull EfW project.
  • Acted for Aldi Stores Limited in relation to several transactions, whereby they were the tenant taking a lease of a property under construction.

Gosschalks

Gosschalks has demonstrable experience across the rail, utilities and renewable energy sectors, and advises its roster of clients on high-value disputes and non-contentious construction mandates. Practice leader Matthew Fletcher has ‘considerable knowledge’ in contentious utility wayleave matters and acts as a key contact for landowners. Other key members of the team include William Buckenham, whose caseload includes construction adjudications, and Abigail Milner, who focuses on non-contentious matters in the rail and energy sectors.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Fletcher

Other key lawyers:

William Buckenham; Abigail Milner

Testimonials

‘A very solid regional firm, who will battle to get the case dealt with properly.’

‘William Buckenham knows his practice inside out and will use that knowledge to good effect.’

‘Great client care as always and always take very collaborative approach.’

Key clients

KCOM Group

Vascroft Contractors Ltd

C Spencer Ltd

EI Group Plc

Kingspan Group Plc

Beaumont Morgan Developments Ltd

Arnold White Estates Ltd

C R Reynolds Ltd

Horncastle Group Plc

Geo Houlton & Sons Ltd

Work highlights

  • Acted for KCOM Group in securing over 400 wayleaves as part of their roll-out of fibre broadband technology to multi-occupied premises.
  • Acting for a specialist drilling company on an ongoing basis in a multi-jurisdiction, multi-million pound claim against a Cypriot company regarding the new Viking Link power supply between Britain and Denmark.
  • Advised and negotiated on the full suite of construction documentation for a client’s £10m warehouse extension.

Kennedys

Kennedys’ construction practice is well-placed to collaborate with the firm’s offices across the country to act for regional and national clients, including developers, contractors, consultants and funders. Senior associate Helen Birchall, who advises on the drafting and negotiation of construction contracts, is a key member of the team in Sheffield.

Other key lawyers:

Helen Birchall

Testimonials

‘Very prompt, supportive and clear in all their advice.’

‘Good breadth of experience across the team and cost-effective allocation of work to members of the team.’

‘Brilliant team – knowledgeable, helpful and great to work with.’

Key clients

Paul Hastings LLP

Airport City Limited Partnership

The Ambassador Theatre Group

William Hare Limited

Suez Water Technologies and Solutions

OakNorth Bank Plc

Henry Boot Construction Limited

Henry Boot Developments Limited

Sheffield United Football Club

Zumtobel Group

Bolton County Council

Schindler Limited

MDesign London Limited

Geraghty Taylor Architects

Allies & Morrison

MJP Architects

Niall McLaughlin Architects

Sheppard Piling

Mascot Management Limited

Cringle Corporation

Studio Partington Architects

Hutchison Kivotos Architects Limited

Reynolds Associates

Work highlights

  • Appointed on a retainer to act and advise the Airport City Limited Partnership (JV comprising Greater Manchester Pension Fund, Carillion, BCEGI and Manchester Airport Group) on a range of real estate, construction and development matters relating to the £1bn Airport City development.
  • Advising Ambassador Theatre Group on various developments throughout the UK, including multiple refurbishment projects at the Piccadilly Theatre and Edinburgh Playhouse and a pipeline of  developments being undertaken by ATG.

Shoosmiths LLP

Praised for its ‘deep industry knowledge and collaborative approach’, Shoosmiths LLP advises its roster of clients on student accommodation projects, as well as developments involving care homes and warehouse facilities. Practice leader Rick Atha specialises in non-contentious construction matters and acts for a range of clients, from developers, investors and funds to occupiers, manufacturing businesses and energy companies. Director Christine Burrows, who advises on the construction aspects of developments in the later living sector, is another key member of the Leeds-based team.

Practice head(s):

Rick Atha

Other key lawyers:

Christine Burrows

Testimonials

‘A construction practice with deep industry knowledge and  collaborative approach when engaging and negotiating with their counterparts, helps ensure a commercial and practical focus to transactions so that deals get done.’

‘Rick Atha is a highly experienced practitioner. Works collaboratively with others on transactions to achieve solutions for his clients and to get their deals done. Always available and user friendly.’

‘The team is very approachable and offers clear advice.’

‘Depth of knowledge on construction contracts and providing bespoke solutions to complex issues.’

Key clients

Extra MSA Group Limited

Gilltown Limited

Moorfield Group Limited

Cinnamon Care Capital

Packaged Living/Fiera Real Estate

Angela Swift Developments Limited

Tanglewood Care Services Limited

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Mount Group Limited

Park Lane Properties/Roomzzz

ASD Limited (t/a Kloeckner Metals)

Highwood Residential Limited

Ingka Centre Services AB Sweden (part of Ikea)

IKEA Limited

Empire Property Concepts Limited

Coutts & Co

Frasers Group (Sports Direct, Bensons for Beds, Flannels)

Lloyds Bank plc

The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited (t/a Natwest Limited)

Frasers Group (Sports Direct, Bensons for Beds, Flannels)

Lloyds Bank plc

The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited (t/a Natwest Limited)

London Luton Airport

LG Electronics Ltd.

Property Alliance Group

Geocubed Limited

Akoya (part of Brunswick Property Partners)

Prime (UK) Developments Limited

Shawbrook Bank Limited

Buccleuch Property (Washington) Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Packaged Living/Fiera Real Estate on the development and forward funding of a 350 unit BTR residential scheme in Manchester with retail/community space.
  • Advising Property Alliance Group on the construction of a hotel, grade A office space and a residential tower on Deansgate, Manchester.
  • Acting for Cinnamon Care Capital on the development, finance and re-development of care homes across the UK.

Clarion

Counting commercial developers, contractors and subcontractors, local authorities, health operators and housebuilders among its key list of clients, Clarion handles non-contentious construction mandates, such as advising on contractual arrangements relating to projects, as well as disputes. Phil Morrison leads the team and is praised for his ‘depth of experience in construction and PFI projects’.

Practice head(s):

Phil Morrison

Other key lawyers:

Siobhan Dexter; Rachel Webster

Testimonials

‘Friendly and accessible with good commercial knowledge of the industry.’

‘Phil Morrison has great depth of experience in construction and PFI projects.’

Schofield Sweeney

Schofield Sweeney frequently acts for claimants and defendants in construction disputes and has demonstrable experience in handling professional indemnity claims, adjudications, as well as non-contentious matters pertaining to procurement issues and preparing contract documents. Practice leader Andrew Hurst and consultant Richard Stockdale, who focuses on construction-related professional negligence cases, are key contacts in the team.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Hurst

Other key lawyers:

Richard Stockdale

Key clients

Hermes

YPP

Marrtree

Oakapple

Bramall Properties

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP’s construction and engineering team advises its roster of regional and national clients across the retail, renewable energy and manufacturing sectors on EPC contracting matters. Practice leader Vicky McCombe advises developers, local authorities, manufacturers and healthcare operators on the construction aspects of development projects, as well as on drafting and negotiating contracts.

Practice head(s):

Vicky McCombe

Other key lawyers:

Sarah Wales-Canning; Simon Wyatt

Key clients

Town Centre Securities plc

Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies

Wykeland Limited

Places for People

NHS Property Services

Provident Financial Plc

Opera North

Windel Capital Limited

Iona Capital

Hitachi Zosen AG

Sterling Pharma

Huntsman Polyurethanes

Liverpool Hope University

Leeds City Council

Solihull District Council

Cardiff City Council

Three Rivers District Council

Newcastle City Council

City of York Council

Doncaster Borough Council

Portsmouth Council

MOJ

LNER

Screwfix

Bradford Council

South Tees Development Corporation

SABIC Petrochemicals

Venator

Northumbrian Water Limited

Work highlights

  • Advising Doncaster Council on the construction of a cinema and five restaurants at Waterdale, Doncaster, as part of the redevelopment plans for the town centre.
  • Instructed by Bradford Metropolitan Council to conduct due diligence on a construction package, in relation to its purchase Kirkgate Shopping Centre.
  • Acting for Leeds-based Opera North on its Music Works project and advising on the procurement and construction and property documents.