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The Legal 500 Hall of Fame Icon The Legal 500 Hall of Fame highlights individuals who have received constant praise by their clients for continued excellence. The Hall of Fame highlights, to clients, the law firm partners who are at the pinnacle of the profession. In the United Kingdon, the criteria for entry is to have been recognised by The Legal 500 as one of the elite leading lawyers for eight years. These partners are highlighted below and throughout the editorial.
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United Kingdom > Yorkshire and the Humber > Real estate > Construction > Law firm and leading lawyer rankings

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Index of tables

  1. Construction
  2. Leading individuals
  3. Next Generation Partners
  4. Rising stars

Leading individuals

  1. 1

Next Generation Partners

  1. 1

Rising stars

  1. 1

Addleshaw Goddard's construction practice handles high-profile local and national projects, covering engineering and infrastructure, regeneration and development, as well as complex construction litigation with key expertise in the energy, utilities and transport sectors. Non-contentious specialist James Reynolds heads up the Leeds real estate division while David Shaw specialises in utilities, energy and transport projects. Joe Wilkinson and legal director Ally MacKenzie focus on construction and engineering disputes, John Emerton handles energy and infrastructure-related disputes, and managing associate Niamh Batterton advises on development schemes.

Practice head(s):James Reynolds

Other key lawyers:David Shaw; Joe Wilkinson; John Emerton; Niamh Batterton; Ally MacKenzie

Testimonials

'Addleshaw Goddard has a good combination of legal knowledge and commercial awareness'.

'Clients are impressed with Addleshaw Goddard's detailed technical knowledge, rapid response times and clear and pragmatic professional advice'.

'The team is hardworking, always available and provides sound legal knowledge'.

'David Shaw provides intelligent legal solutions to business issues. He understands issues quickly and his response time is fantastic, on top of which he is a delightful, genuine professional'.

Key Clients

Edinburgh Airport

Amey Rail

Calderdale Council

West Yorkshire + Transport Fund

Broadgate Estates

KDC Demolition

York University

Mitsubishi Hitachi

Stansted Airport

Muller

British Land

SSE

National Grid

Travelodge

HS1

Standard Life

Sainsbury's

United Utilities

Manchester Airport

Peel

Lancaster University

Leeds Beckett University

University of Brighton

London Luton Airport Limited

The Co-operative Group plc

Redrow Homes

Aberdeen Asset Management

Engie

Lend Lease

National Nuclear Laboratory

Muse

Waterside Places

Stadium Group

UK Parliament

William Hare

Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospital NHS Trust

Henry Boot

Work highlights

  • Advising SSE on the demolition of Ferrybridge C, a coal-fired power station.
  • Acting for Edinburgh Airport on its £200m capital investment programme.
  • Advising Leeds Building Society on its redevelopment programme relating to its move to new Leeds premises.
  • Assisting Muse Developments/Waterside Places (a Muse JV vehicle) with the development of its manufacturing and distribution park at Logic Leeds.
  • Advising the UK Parliament on its works framework with Wates Construction for the refurbishment of Parliament's Northern Estate.

DLA Piper UK LLP's construction practice is regularly involved in high-profile local, national and international projects, leveraging the firm's wider global network. The team is also active in a broad range of sectors including the energy, infrastructure, real estate, regeneration, manufacturing and consumer goods industries; clients include plcs, banks, energy providers, developers and government agencies. Sheffield-based Ian Doig and David Moss in Leeds jointly lead the group and specialise in non-contentious and contentious matters respectively. Ben Peecock handles large-scale energy and infrastructure projects.

Practice head(s):Ian Doig; David Moss

Other key lawyers:Ben Peecock

Testimonials

'DLA Piper fields an excellent team of reliable and responsive lawyers'.

'DLA Piper has a strong capability to commercially assess construction dispute issues'.

'David Moss is a standout partner. He is well respected and his opinion carries weight'.

'The individuals are good communicators, both written and verbally, are efficient and have a balanced approach'.

Key Clients

BAE

Visa Europe

Henry Boot

Bouygues E&S UK Limited

Severfield (UK) Limited

Yorkshire Water Plc

Highways England

Roundhill Capital

Credit Suisse

Work highlights

  • Advising Clean Marine AS, with the firm's Norwegian office, on a manufacture, supply and supervision contract for the supply and installation of exhaust gas cleaning systems into cargo ships.
  • Assisting Ocean Network Express with the establishment of 51 new offices across Europe and Africa.
  • Acting for St Enoch Trustee Company Limited on the design and construction of a nine-screen cinema development including restaurant units at St Enoch Shopping Centre, Glasgow.
  • Assisting Visa Europe Limited with the construction contract for designing, building and commissioning an additional building at one of its data centre sites.
  • Advising Volgafert LLC as project sponsor on the EPC contract for the construction of a urea plant in Russia.

FIRMS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Barton Legal Limited

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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At Pinsent Masons LLP, litigator Simon Plunkett heads up the construction advisory and disputes group while Melanie Grimmitt leads the finance and projects practice. The group excels in the energy and infrastructure sectors at a national and international level and primarily acts on the supplier side of matters. Mark Harris is the key contact for energy sector infrastructure projects internationally, Stacey Collins handles transactional work, John Williams is experienced in the rail, power and highway sectors, while senior associate Naomi Stafford focuses on contentious issues.

Practice head(s):Simon Plunkett; Melanie Grimmitt

Other key lawyers:Mark Harris; Stacey Collins; John Williams; Naomi Stafford

Key Clients

Renew Holdings Plc

Drax Group Plc

EPH Group

Amey Group Plc

Kier Infrastructure and Overseas Ltd

Hanson Group

E ON A.G. Group

BH EnergyGap Group

Cyden Homes Limited

Balfour Beatty Group

Orsted Group

NDA Group

Johnson Matthey Plc

Laing O'Rourke Group

Yorkshire Ventures Group

University of Huddersfield

Royal Bam Group

Scottish Power Group

InterGen

Samsung C&T Corporation

China Triumph International Engineering Co Ltd

University of Leeds

Simons Group

Homes England Group

Saint Gobain

Lendlease Group

Black & Veatch Group

Roberston Group

Veolia Group

Kaplan Inc

University of Sheffield

Centrica Plc

SBM Group

Sembcorp Industries Ltd

Engie UK

Work highlights

  • Advising Drax Group on multiple projects including contracts related to its repower project and the construction contracts for two open-cycle gas turbine development projects.
  • Representing  Walter Lilly & Co. Ltd in High Court and Court of Appeal proceedings relating to the liability for delays relating to the redevelopment of a high-end residence in Kensington and Chelsea.
  • Advising EP UK Power Developments and Eggborough Power Limited on the procurement and consenting of two new-build combined-cycle gas turbines.
  • Assisting the University of Huddersfield with multiple construction projects including a new science building and refurbishment projects for several other university buildings.
  • Representing Koupler Limited in arbitration proceedings against the Hellenic Republic of Greece relating to a large-scale photovoltaic power project in Southern Greece.

Squire Patton Boggs focuses its expertise on three key areas; energy and utilities, development projects, and infrastructure, public sector and regeneration work. The team also benefits from the firm's global network and is regularly involved in international mandates. Group leader Zakir Mulla handles construction, engineering and infrastructure issues; James Duckworth focuses on development and infrastructure project procurement; and Matthew Mulqueen is an expert in renewable energy matters.

Practice head(s):Zakir Mulla

Other key lawyers:James Duckworth; Matthew Mulqueen

Key Clients

Muse Developments Limited

Leeds City Region Revolving Investment Fund LLP

Catalyst Capital

FORE

Price Waterhouse Coopers Dubai

Dubai Municipality

Developer of major mixed use development in GCC capital city

MHI Vestas Offshore Wind A/S

Frontier Investment Management

Africa Renewable Energy Limited

NKT Cables

Capital and Centric

Maro Developments

Brookfield Group

Work highlights

  • Advising a developer on the preparation of infrastructure procurement documentation for a mixed-use development in the Middle East.
  • Acting for a city authority of a GCC government on a major waste project.
  • Assisting MHI Vestas Offshore Wind with the supply and installation of wind turbines at the Moray East Offshore Wind Farm in Scotland.
  • Acting for Selenkei Investment Limited on the development financing of a solar photovoltaic project in Kenya.
  • Advising Chania Green Generation Company Limited on the development and financing of the Chania onshore wind farm in Kenya.

Walker Morris LLP's client base spans listed companies, local authorities, education providers, developers, contractors and consultants, which the team advises on contentious and non-contentious issues at a national and increasingly international level. Martin Scott leads the department and focuses on construction disputes, Tom Peel is active across the full spectrum of work, Jules Harbage handles energy projects, and senior associate Carly Thorpe is also a key name to note. Former director Joanne McNamara left in early 2018 for an in-house role at Home Group, but the team was subsequently boosted by the promotion of Paul Hargreaves and Dan Lyon to the partnership.

Practice head(s):Martin Scott

Other key lawyers:Tom Peel; Jules Harbage; Paul Hargreaves; Dan Lyon; Carly Thorpe

Testimonials

'The team at Walker Morris works extremely hard to protect the client's interests and makes great efforts to ensure their opinions on matters are considered while ensuring that the correctness of the legal advice isn't compromised'.

'Walker Morris fields a team of stellar individuals, which is laid back and a pleasure to work with. It instills confidence in clients, who tend to trust its judgment, and will fight any case as well as it can be fought, often coming up with creative ideas to get results'.

'The team demonstrates a real strength in depth, commitment to its clients and proactively progresses projects. It balances sound technical expertise with a pragmatic, commercial approach'.

'Martin Scott has excellent commercial instincts'.

'Tom Peel provides great support on a wide range of matters and has excellent sector knowledge, consistency and a strong client care ethos. He is highly commercially confident but approachable and realistic'.

'Jules Harbage stands out for his in-depth industry knowledge and strategic advice. He easily sees the big picture'.

'Paul Hargreaves never stops fighting and works exceptionally hard to find an angle that others would likely miss'.

'Carly Thorpe is always excellent for concise and accurate legal advice. She is very commercial and spot-on with her tactical advice. It is refreshing for a relatively junior person to be so commercially aware and confident in her decisions'.

Key Clients

Unite Group plc

Infinis PLC

Tolent Construction Limited

Starbucks

Rushbond Group

Drax Power Limited

Work highlights

  • Assisting YP Real Estate Limited with the construction elements of a residential development on the site of the former Yorkshire Post building.
  • Representing Unite Group Plc in a claim against Shepherd Construction for the losses arising from the recladding and related closure of a building.
  • Advising Crosslane Student Developments UK limited on the construction aspects of its joint venture with Harrison Street Real Estate with the purpose of developing four sites for student accommodation.
  • Assisting Homes England with the construction documents related to a £7m development for 37 residential homes and the related infrastructure.
  • Acting for Peel Property and Investments PLC on the £5m redevelopment of its Washington Retail Park.

The dedicated practice at CMS has notable expertise in the energy and infrastructure spaces and regularly acts for developers, investors, contractors and consultants. The team is continuing to build on opportunities presented by the firm's merger with Nabarro and Olswang in 2017, securing roles on an increasing number of international projects, while also handling PFI disputes and energy-from-waste litigation. Group leader Fraser Askham - 'a down-to-earth, proactive lawyer with a great bedside manner' - focuses on infrastructure work, and senior associate Jenny Whipps handles contentious matters.

Practice head(s):Fraser Askham

Other key lawyers:Jenny Whipps

Testimonials

'CMS' user-friendly and proactive team is the best in Sheffield and deserves high recognition for the work it does, giving rival firms in Leeds a run for their money'.

'CMS provides an exceptional service in terms of legal analysis, prompt and efficient working and managing a highly complex matter while at the same time doing everything possible to assist the client in reaching a sensible compromise'.

'Fraser Askham leads the team and is really pushing the practice on. He is a down-to-earth, proactive lawyer and has a great bedside manner with clients'.

Key Clients

University of Sheffield

Amey LG

London Borough of Tower Hamlets

International Hotel Properties

Crown Commercial Services (Wider Public Sector) [panel appointment]

Global Fire Systems

Galliford Try

NG Bailey Group

Lendlease

Wates Group

BUG AluTechnic

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council

Work highlights

  • Representing BUG AluTechnic in three separate Technology and Construction Court disputes relating to the design, manufacture, supply and installation of materials to a residential building in Manchester.
  • Acting for NG Bailey in a dispute brought by Elutions for alleged infringement of a number of agreements.
  • Representing Lendlease in a dispute against Balfour Beatty relating to allegations of significant defects arising from the design and construction of a PFI hospital.
  • Assisting the Education and Skills Funding Agency and the Department for Education with their regional framework agreements for the Priority School Building Programme 2.
  • Advising Marcus Worthington Group on the 125 Deansgate development in Manchester.

At DWF, Leeds-based Andrew Symms heads up the national practice, which leverages the firm's global network to advise on national and international mandates. The Leeds team has a strong energy focus and regularly acts for both purchaser and supplier side clients including contractors, developers, funders and public sector clients. Christian Hellmund focuses on renewable energy matters.

Practice head(s):Andrew Symms

Other key lawyers:Christian Hellmund

Key Clients

Scottish Power

United Utilities

Babcock International Group

Doosan Power Systems SA

Wrenbridge

Whitbread Group plc

Sanef SA/Emovis

Caddick/Maple Grove

Moorfield

Royal Bank of Scotland

Gildemeister

Q-Park

Yingli Namene

Sterling Capitol

Downing Capital

adidas

Work highlights

  • Advising Scottish Power Plc on a combined-cycle gas turbine project in Kent.
  • Handling Whitbread Plc's construction work including three forward funding deals.
  • Assisting Caddick and Maple Grove with the redevelopment of Headingley rugby stadium.
  • Acting for Doosan Power Systems in a dispute in France relating to the conversion of a coal-fired power station to biomass.
  • Assisting Moorfield Group with multiple student accommodation schemes nationally and the acquisition and forward funding of residential blocks.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP acts for national and international clients in the energy and infrastructure spaces on both contentious and non-contentious matters. The group is also growing its experience in specialist rail work and cross-jurisdictional oil and gas issues. Jo Hatton-Jones leads the practice and handles mandates in the energy, water, utilities, retail, property and education sectors. Senior associate Matthew Shotton focuses on contentious issues, and Simon Chamberlain and Gregory Buckley divide their time between Leeds and Manchester.

Practice head(s):Jo Hatton-Jones

Other key lawyers:Matthew Shotton

Key Clients

WM Morrison Plc

Wartsila

Next Plc

Legal & General

Severn Trent Water Limited

SNC-Lavalin

UK Land

University of Leeds

JD Williams & Company

Work highlights

  • Advising an airport on its procurement of major redevelopment works including new aircraft stands and a passenger terminal extension.
  • Assisting N Brown's subsidiary on an upgrade to its distribution and processing abilities at its warehouse.

Gordons LLP's construction team expands on the firm's retail expertise with supplementary knowledge of the engineering and renewables sectors, as well as experience in property development, process engineering projects and disputes. Richard Piper heads up the team and Anjon Mallik handles construction disputes.

Practice head(s):Richard Piper

Other key lawyers:Anjon Mallik

Key Clients

PDR Construction Ltd

BDB Design Build Ltd

Rawlings Consulting UK Ltd

Kinder Haven Ltd

BASF plc

Triangle Investments and Development Ltd

Hermes Parcelnet Ltd

Wren Kitchens Ltd

DG Utilities Ltd

Glen Dimplex Home Appliances Ltd

Eshton Developments Ltd

United Living Group Ltd

Work highlights

  • Successfully acting for Rawlings Consulting UK Ltd in adjudication proceedings against Maelor Foods for non-payment of an interim application.
  • Advising BASF plc on the procurement of a new chemical production facility.
  • Assisting Huddersfield Town Football Club with the redevelopment of its training facilities.

Boutique construction and engineering firm Hawkswell Kilvington Limited handles matters at a local, national and international level. The firm is headed up by co-founders Jonathan Hawkswell and David Kilvington; the latter also leads the firm's non-contentious department. Other key practitioners include Daniel Silberstein, who heads up the dispute resolution team and fellow litigator Thomas Salter.

Practice head(s):Jonathan Hawkswell; David Kilvington; Thomas Salter; Daniel Silberstein

Other key lawyers:Daniel Silberstein; Thomas Salter

Testimonials

'The team is first class with outstanding knowledge of the construction sector and an ability to provide excellent advice, which takes into account the legal and commercial position. It can communicate well with the client and understand the competing pressures it faces'.

'The firm has an ability to identify the key points among the smoke of an issue so the work is focused, direct, concise and efficient'.

'The group has a very straightforward way of providing its advice and demonstrates great experience of the sector and an understanding of its client's appetites for risk'.

Key Clients

John Sisk & Son Limited

Shepherd Construction Limited

J Murphy and Sons Limited

Bachy Soletanche Limited

Morgan Sindall Construction and Infrastructure Limited

Briggs & Forrester Group

Electricity North West Limited

Yorkshire Housing Limited

VolkerStevin Limited

Interserve Construction Limited

McMullen Facades Limited

Suez Recycling and Recovery Limited

Work highlights

  • Acting for Hallam Land Management Limited on infrastructure works to be carried out relating to a new housing development in Mansfield.
  • Assisting a gas distribution network operator with an update to its existing direct service provider framework agreement.
  • Advising Electricity North West Limited on contract negotiations with an international pharmaceutical company for the construction of a new substation.
  • Assisting Sutcliffe Construction Limited with the contract terms for an extension to a distribution centre for a major UK retailer.
  • Acting for KMRE Group (Riverside) Limited on a development in Nottingham.

Helen Johnson heads up the department at Kennedys, which has seen continued growth in its non-contentious offering -which advises both domestic and international developers and investors - alongside its traditional strength in construction disputes, which it regularly handles for contractor clients. Senior associate Helen Johnson is a key name for non-contentious work.

Practice head(s):Sarah Maylor

Other key lawyers:Helen Johnson

Testimonials

'Kennedys provides a first-class service, is hardworking, efficient, professional and always on the ball, and gives swift and accurate advice'.

'Helen Johnson is a pleasure to work with. She is very personable yet at the same time professional. She is very intelligent and competent, can think on her feet and provides on-the-spot advice. At the same time, she is thorough and always takes the time to make sure the client understands the legal jargon and its implications'.

'Helen Birchall is definitely one to watch. She is a dedicated lawyer who gives her clients 110%, no matter the time of day'.

Key Clients

Metrojet Limited

Paul Hastings LLP

Airport City Limited Partnership

Cruden Construction Limited

AIG

William Hare Limited

The Ambassador Theatre Group Limited (ATG)

Bolton County Council

LPC Living

Scarborough Group Limited

CHUBB

Owen Architects

Work highlights

  • Advising Airport City Limited Partnership on all construction issues relating to Airport City including the documentation for two offices and a car park and handling issues arising from the insolvency of Carillion.
  • Assisting Bolton County Council with the purchase of Crompton Place Shopping Centre as part of the council's regeneration project.
  • Acting for Metrojet Limited on the design and construction of a new aircraft hanger facility at Clark International Airport in the Philippines.
  • Assisting WASPS Holdings Ltd with the development of a new training ground for Wasps rugby team in Coventry.
  • Acting for three separate offshore development companies in a series of adjudications relating to the discolouration of joinery items at the properties and the scope of remedial works required.

Construction boutique Barton Legal Limited specialises in non-contentious matters for clients in the UK and overseas. The practice, which is led by Bill Barton, has notable experience in the renewable energy sector and regularly receives referrals from national law firms.

Practice head(s):Bill Barton

Testimonials

'Bill Barton is a clear leader in the sector and in the region'.

Key Clients

Lupton Fawcett

Bridge McFarland Solicitors

Wetheralds Painters and Building Services Ltd

NobelClad Europe GmbH & Co.KG

Babease Limited

ABM Precast Solutions Limited

A. Burrell and Sons Limited

JSL (Trevenson) Limited

Holbeach Hospital & East Elloe Hospital Trust

Work highlights

  • Instructed by Lupton Fawcett on behalf of its client Flamingo Land Resorts on various construction matters including an agreement for lease.
  • Instructed by Bridge McFarland Solicitors on behalf of its client WW Medical Facilities Limited on the construction of a new private hospital.
  • Representing Wetheralds Painters and Building Services Ltd in contract disputes.
  • Representing NobelClad Europe GmbH & Co.KG in a dispute with one of its English contractors.
  • Assisting Babease Limited with the construction and re-fit of a factory occupied by its subsidiary, Brecon Foods Limited.

With substantial expertise in contentious work and construction-related insurance claims, DAC Beachcroft LLP focuses on the engineering, design and build sectors and counts contractors, architects, engineers and insurers as clients. 'Class act' Andrew Marsh leads the team and also heads up the firm's national construction professionals group. Senior associate Laura Clayburn, whose 'technical knowledge is second to none', is another key name to note.

Practice head(s):Andrew Marsh

Other key lawyers:Laura Clayburn

Testimonials

'The team at DAC Beachcroft is knowledgeable and approachable in equal measure'.

'The practice is pragmatic and professional. It provides the right answer and the right advice which at times may not be what the client wants to hear. It knows the law and what makes a good case and encourages client engagement to ensure that the best possible position is tested'.

'DAC receives top marks for its preparation of position statements, mediation advocacy and generally looking after the client's interests'.

'Both Andrew March and Laura Clayburn are experts in their fields. Laura's technical knowledge is second to none. The speed with which she acquires a deep understanding of the underlying issues in a claim is truly impressive'.

'Andrew and Laura know their work and know the market. They are a fantastic team and work together to ensure that the best possible outcome is achieved. Their advice is clear, concise and to the point. Everything is done in an easy and friendly way but smacks of nothing but professionalism'.

'Andrew Marsh has a relaxed but firm style of advocacy, is receptive to ideas put forward to enable progress, and is altogether a class act'.

Work highlights

  • Defending a geotechnical engineering consultancy in a claim brought by a contractor arising from alleged defective foundations for a new industrial and commercial premises.
  • Acting for a developer in a claim against its contractor relating to extensive water damage to completed properties.
  • Representing a construction consultancy in extension of time claims, loss and expense claims.

Key sectors for Irwin Mitchell include commercial property, retirement living, student accommodation and education, with the practice handling both contentious and non-contentious mandates. Notable practitioners include consultant Mike Plews, who has experience in high-profile schemes, and associate Zoe Williams, who focuses on construction disputes relating to payment issues, defects, time extensions and professional negligence matters.

Other key lawyers:Mike Plews; Zoe Williams

Testimonials

'Irwin Mitchell really listens to the client's needs, and Mike Plews understands that clients don't have a limitless budget, so provides first-class advice within those constraints'.

Schofield Sweeney is noted for its experience in contentious construction and engineering disputes and professional indemnity claims, which it handles for a client roster spanning architects, contractors, developers, housebuilders and public sector clients. Practice leader Gary Ashton excels in construction adjudications while his colleague Richard Stockdale is an accredited mediator.

Practice head(s):Gary Ashton

Other key lawyers:Richard Stockdale

Testimonials

'With thorough knowledge of all aspects of construction, Schofield Sweeney is articulate and has a proactive approach. The depth of knowledge and experience within the practice is not widely available at other firms'.

'The construction team at Schofield Sweeney demonstrates great knowledge of both the relevant law and, importantly, the local market. Clients would have no hesitation in saying that the team compares extremely favourably to much larger firms'.

'Gary Ashton stands out for his ability to quickly formulate a strategy to solve complex problems. His thoroughness is outstanding'.

'Gary Ashton is always on hand, works tirelessly to meet short deadlines and handles matters personally'.

'Gary is a breath of fresh air, understanding the construction industry and being proactive in ways that are not often thought of. He also is very attentive and has a great wealth of knowledge'.

Key Clients

KNG Building Services Limited

Radcliffe Construction

Enock Foundations Limited

AJN Electrical Limited

Maple Sunscreening Limited

Cawdell Brickwork Limited

Amber Precast Limited

Ebor Concretes Limited

Ashfield Building Group

Group Management Electrical Services Limited

Stirling Capitol

Network Demolition Services LLP

Pitts Wilson Limited

Work highlights

  • Defending Enock Foundations Limited in a dispute against a contractor relating to remedial costs and damages to electricity cables following a failure to carry out site investigations.
  • Represented KNG Building Services Limited in a claim against Bio Global Industries Ltd arising out of the supply and installation of a biomass boiler.

Freeths LLP is noted for its contentious expertise, with a particular focus on the water, energy, utilities, engineering and technology sectors. The group has also recently handled a number of procurement processes. Joseph Hale and Rachael Yates jointly lead the department; Hale handles procurement work alongside his contentious expertise and Yates counts employers, contractors and subcontractors as clients.

Practice head(s):Rachael Yates; Joseph Hale

Testimonials

'Freeths' team of specialists gives thorough and sound advice. The small size of the team means clients have regular personal contact with partners, and everyone is willing to get stuck in to get things done. The team values personal relationships with clients and goes above and beyond to ensure that client expectations are met and provides a first-class service along the way'.

'Joseph Hale is an excellent contentious and non-contentious partner. He is very bright and knowledgeable on the law and gives sensible and clear advice. He is fun to work with and clients respect and trust him'.

Key Clients

Mott MacDonald Bentley

Vital Energi Utilities Limited

Tarmac

Amey Plc

Engie Fabricom

Delta Simons

Sarens (UK) Limited

Mayfair Developments and Properties Limited

GF Tomlinson and Sons Limited

Gyron Internet Limited

James Fisher Nuclear Limited

Kanfa Group

Work highlights

  • Advising Kanfa Group on its terms and conditions.
  • Defending Sarens (UK) Limited in a final account dispute relating to a subcontract with Cleveland Bridge UK Limited for works to install steel bridges.

With one of the largest teams in East Yorkshire, Gosschalks acts for local construction companies and also has substantial expertise in the renewable energy and rail infrastructure sectors. On the contentious side, the team primarily represents contractor clients, and mainly handles non-contentious issues for developer clients. Department head Matthew Fletcher specialises in contentious matters with a notable niche expertise in statutory wayleave issues, while newly promoted partner William Buckenham handles rail disputes.

Practice head(s):Matthew Fletcher

Other key lawyers:William Buckenham

Testimonials

'Gosschalks is very commercial with great knowledge and a focus on what the client needs to achieve'.

'The team at Gosschalks is exceptional. It gives one-to-one service which surpasses others. It consistently demonstrates a genuine expertise in construction law and, coupled with its professional and friendly attitude, it provides clear, sound and honest legal advice to the highest standard'.

'Lead partner Matthew Fletcher provides no-nonsense advice and William Buckenham offers friendly, helpful and professional advice'.

Key Clients

C Spencer Ltd

Hobson and Porter Ltd

Ei Group Plc

PDR Construction Ltd

Geo Houlton and Sons Ltd

Arnold White Estates Ltd

C R Reynolds Ltd

Horncastle Group Plc

East Yorkshire Aluminium and Glass

Kingspan Group Plc

Work highlights

  • Acting for C Spencer Ltd in a dispute relating to the interpretation of the dispute resolution provisions in a contract.
  • Representing a client in a professional negligence claim against a structural engineer.
  • Advising Ei Group Plc on the construction documentation for a UK-wide refurbishment project.
  • Representing C Spencer Limited in disputes relating to works at Lynemouth Power Station including a claim relating to the disposal of contaminated material.
  • Advising a specialist engineering services company on a £1.5m production facility installed in the Russian Federation.

Rollits LLP handles matters for local housing associations, including building contracts, framework agreements and professional appointments; industrial developments and issues in the education sector, particularly in Hull and the surrounding area. Practice head Caroline Hardcastle acts for employers, developers and contractors in the Technology and Construction Courts, and David Myers handles construction projects.

Practice head(s):Caroline Hardcastle

Other key lawyers:David Myers

Testimonials

'Rollits is user-friendly and very responsive. It also has a mix of general construction law and litigation, which covers most requirements clients could need'.

'David Myers is a team player and is prepared to engage'.

Key Clients

Reckitt Benckiser (Brands) Limited

Yorkshire Housing Limited

Pickering & Ferens Homes

The Abbeyfield Society

Work highlights

  • Assisting Reckitt Benckiser (Brands) Limited with the construction of the £100m redevelopment of its Hull site.

The newly formed construction team in Shoosmiths LLP's Leeds office excels in national matters including student accommodation work, motorway service area developments, hotel and care home issues and retail matters. Team leader Rick Atha specialises in non-contentious construction matters and is dual qualified as a chartered civil engineer. Senior associate Christine Burrows, who joined from DAC Beachcroft LLP, focuses on project work.

Practice head(s):Rick Atha

Other key lawyers:Christine Burrows

Testimonials

'Shoosmiths is fundamentally proactive in all aspects of a deal and provides a joined-up, well thought through due diligence process, which makes working with all parties enjoyable. The team is thorough, conscientious and diligent in all of its work and is always on hand to discuss challenges'.

'Rick Atha and Christine Burrows are always on hand and available at all times as well as very thorough and extremely helpful'.

Key Clients

Extra MSA Group Limited

Gilltown Limited

Moorfield Group

Cinnamon Care Capital

Allied London

Park Lane Properties

Travelodge

Palmer Capital

Footasylum Plc

Peugeot Motor Company Plc

Work highlights

  • Advising Extra MSA Group on the development of a new Skelton Lake motorway services area.
  • Assisting Gilltown Limited with the construction of two large student accommodation schemes in Bournemouth and Coventry.
  • Advising Moorfield Group as funder and forward purchaser on a 290-bed student accommodation project in Birmingham.
  • Advising Cinnamon Care Capital on the construction of multiple new care homes nationally.
  • Asissting Allied London with the development of the Astley & Byrom House in Manchester including an extension to the existing building.

Shulmans LLP's specialist construction team works closely with the firm's commercial property group and handles contractual issues, construction litigation and is increasingly active in other elements of the construction process. Department head Sarah Wilson joined from Watson Burton LLP and focuses on construction litigation.

Practice head(s):Sarah Wilson

Testimonials

'Shulmans fields a team of dedicated professionals who readily grasp the issues and get to the point'.

'The firm fields a strong and diverse team which is capable of dealing with all types of matters'.

'Shulmans is a practice which you really want to have on your side when dealing with litigation. It has a direct and reliable team, which always looks to provide robust advice even when it is not always the news the client is looking for'.

'Sarah Wilson is very approachable and prides herself on understanding her clients needs by fully examining every aspects. She is firm and manages cases extremely well and achieves the best possible outcome'.

'Sarah Wilson is very methodical and has a very calm demeanour that works well when dealing with conflict'.

Key Clients

Cairn Cross Civil Engineering Limited

Advinia Health Care

Barmston Developments

H20 Urban (No 2) LLP

Nilorn

Wilson Field

Governside Limited

Work highlights

  • Acting for a sub-contractor in a disruption claim via adjudication.
  • Advising Advinia Health Care on the construction elements of its care home projects.
  • Assisting Barmston Developments with the construction contracts related to a key commercial site in Sheffield.
  • Acting for H20 Urban (No 2) LLP on a project to develop a site into a new student accommodation building.
  • Assisting H20 Urban (No2) LLP with the redevelopment of a site into a major retail park.

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