Leading Individuals

Transport in Yorkshire And The Humber

Addleshaw Goddard

The Leeds office of Addleshaw Goddard operates as the global hub for the broader firm’s transport practice, with a strong presence across private and public sector work in the rail, bus, port, airport, and electric vehicle spaces. Paul Hirst leads the team, encapsulating the practice’s wider sector expertise in his work on major projects with both high-profile public and private sector clients, with expertise in infrastructure, concessions, franchises, and stock procurement. Anna Heaton is noted for her specialism in the overlap between real estate and transport, namely transport hub-led regeneration projects. Bill Gilliam is recommended for his disputes focus within this area.

Practice head(s):

Paul Hirst


Other key lawyers:

Anna Heaton; Bill Gilliam


Testimonials

The Addleshaw Goddard team’s key point of differentiation is their in-depth knowledge of the rail industry.  This deep industry knowledge enables them to couch their advice in a manner that recognises the nuances of a complex sector.’

Paul Hirst demonstrates market-leading understanding of the industry.  He is able to assimilate complex relationships and shape advice that is pragmatic and effective.

They work as a team, bringing together a strong depth of expertise and insight.  They have a style which is open and friendly, with a willingness to challenge and be challenged.  They help you think through the wider aspects.’

‘Paul Hirst is always willing to help and support. He listens and provides that “x-factor” guidance and thought. He has an amazing ability to bring together the complex and helps you to simplify what is needed.  A total understanding of the multi-stakeholder environment.’

‘Anna Heaton is an active listener, who applies her knowledge in a balanced, pragmatic and commercial way and provides that sounding board of challenge and advice.’

‘The AG team quite simply has more experience in developing bus franchising assessments than any other legal firm, and it is this arena that I have mostly engaged with them. This allows them to support their clients with deep knowledge and insight, while being prepared to listen and learn from others.’

In-depth knowledge of UK transportation. Collaboration and flexibility in approach.’

Key clients

Prologis Group Companies


VTG Rail UK Limited


London Luton Airport Limited


ScotRail Trains


Rail Operations Group Limited


Department for Transport


High Speed Two Limited


Volkswagen AG


Transport for London


West Yorkshire Combined Authority


West Midlands Combined Authority


Hitachi Rail Limited


MerseyTravel


Manchester Airport Group


HS1 Limited


Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority


Freightliner Heavy Haul Limited


SMBC


DB Cargo


Sealink Travel Group


Transport for Greater Manchester


Work highlights


  • Advised the Department for Transport on the development and roll out of the new National Rail Contract (replacing franchise agreements).
  • Advising Qatar Railways on its multi-billion pound programme to deliver a new railway line between Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Advising Merseytravel on the development of its bus franchising assessment for the Liverpool City Region.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper provides a broad service, both in terms of the industries in which it works and the clients that it serves; acting across the rail, bus, aviation, taxi, and road spaces, the team advises government bodies, corporate teams, and technology start-ups, with a particular strength in international mandates. Practice co-head Robert Smith is based in Leeds, and also oversees the international road and rail team for which he undertakes a range of major private and public sector mandates. Fellow co-head Petra Billing works in property litigation and dispute resolution, and consequently handles property, planning, and litigation mandates for high-profile transport projects. Ben Peecock is noted for his construction and procurement expertise.

Practice head(s):

Robert Smith; Petra Billing


Other key lawyers:

Ben Peecock


Testimonials

Transport is a niche area. The issues that crop up can be complex and you want to be in a safe pair of hands, which is what the DLA team provide.  You definitely want them on your side!  They balance the technical with the practical with exceptional skill.

Robert Smith is a joy to work with. He listens, understands the problem, and spots the issues, including the issues you haven’t even thought of yet!  He then works with you to arrive at a workable way forward.  He’s at the very top of his game. As an in-house lawyer, Robert is one of the only external lawyers I trust to speak to my in-house client and a key external stakeholder without me being there.’

Key clients

Department for Transport


Liverpool City Region Combined Authority


Transport for Greater Manchester


Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive


National Highways


HS2 Limited


Volkerrail Limited


British Airways plc


Hitachi Rail Europe


National Air Traffic Services


Transport for Wales


Northern Rail


Voi


Gett


Urban Transport Group


South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority


Transport North East


Abellio Transport Holdings Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising on the MetroFlow project, a novel transfer of a heavy rail line into an operational metro system.
  • Advising TfGM and GMCA on the implementation of a bus franchising scheme in Greater Manchester.
  • Advising on the Lower Thames Crossing.

Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP

Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP operates out of Hull with a focus on shipping and fisheries work. Dominic Ward leads the practice, with a specialism in dry shipping and cargo, and a track record in complex multiparty charter disputes. Andrew Oliver is active in relation to marine fisheries and regulatory work, and coordinates with the wider firm’s banking practice in relation to a number of vessel finance mandates. Associate Sarah Pether is also of note for her work on behalf of claimants and defendants in relation to personal injury claims and fatalities related to shipping activities.

Practice head(s):

Dominic Ward


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Oliver; Sarah Pether


Testimonials

There is a dedicated specialist for each discipline. Their response is immediate and their help is invaluable. Having a marine law specialist outside of London is unique and the service and support supplied is excellent.’

Dominic Ward is a marine law specialist with global knowledge and experience which is invaluable to our company.  He is always quick to respond and provides an excellent service.’

‘Their advice has always been sound and cost aware.’

Andrew Jackson Solicitors are seen by my industry as leaders in their field. They have the relevant experience to pull on and are highly driven to achieve your requirements.’

Dominic Ward is quick to access the issue or approach needed to succeed.’

Key clients

Associated British Ports


SMS Towage Limited


Blue Water Shipping


Maritime and Coastguard Agency


vac-Q-tec Limited


Woods River Cruises Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised SMS Towage on the acquisition of several new tugs from a Turkish shipyard, including advising on financing provided by Lombard Finance.
  • Advised Hull City Council on contracts for the refurbishment of two historic vessels which are key features of the £30m Hull: Yorkshire Maritime City regeneration project.

Wrigleys Solicitors LLP

Based in Leeds, Wrigleys Solicitors LLP employs its non-contentious property specialism to act specifically for clients in the rail and bus sectors, specialising in mandates at the intersection of property and transport, such as the refurbishment of railway stations, leases of retailers in railway stations, or property used for operations by companies in this space. Practice head Elizabeth Wilson has extensive experience in the rail industry, and works alongside Rachel Meredith, head of the firm’s property department, to advise on a number of major projects in the sector. Richard Marson also specialises in this space, while Paul Nash brings a focus on buses.

Practice head(s):

Elizabeth Wilson


Other key lawyers:

Rachel Meredith; Richard Marson; Paul Nash; Caroline Wilson


Testimonials

What Wrigleys have done in the transport sector is nothing short of impressive. For a relatively new firm operating in niche sectors, they have an impressive client list – the fact that Wrigleys have been able to secure and retain so many of these clients for so long is testament to their team and the service they provide.’

I have worked with the Wrigleys transport team for over 10 years now on a variety of projects. Elizabeth Wilson and Richard Marson are an absolute pleasure to deal with and there is always a sense of relief when you hear they have been instructed on a transaction with you. I enjoy working with them more than any other firm because not only are they exceptionally knowledgeable in the sector, they are also very friendly and collaborative.’

The team I deal with is superbly professional. They know or get to know the subject intimately and very quickly. I have been impressed with their proactive attitude to billing and fixed fees.’

Richard Marson is very professional and personable. I have worked with him for a number of years and he is always polite, helpful and incredibly good at what he does. He has never steered me wrong. Where I have misinterpreted a contract or piece of legislation, he has courteously and considerately corrected me but never in a patronising manner.’

Wrigleys are always on hand to offer industry-related assistance and to find a workable solution for all scenarios.’

The team at Wrigleys, led by Elizabeth Wilson, are without doubt the most proactive that I work with in the transport sector. Not only are response times consistently excellent, but the advice I receive is clear, concise and commercial. Wrigleys take the time to understand my objectives on instruction.’

The support from Caroline Wilson and Richard Marson in particular has been fantastic and working with them is a real partnership.

Elizabeth Wilson is an outstanding leader of the team. She is very ably supported by Richard Marson who has thorough understanding of the complex rail sector. I would also specifically wish to highlight the work of Caroline Wilson who has supported my team through an unusual period of industry uncertainty by providing thoughtful and commercial solutions to complicated issues.’

DWF

DWF acts for national haulage and logistics companies in relation to their transport compliance issues, and also provides a strong insurance offering with a focus on transport-related claims. Clients in the transport space are able to rely on the wider firm’s crisis resources, including the crisis response service for insurers and the ‘logistics in a box’ service for new market entrants. David Chant heads up the practice, with experience across advisory and advocacy relating to health and safety.

Practice head(s):

David Chant


Key clients

NFUM


DLG


Chubb


Saints Transport Limited


Lescost Transport


Work highlights


  • Successfully defended Saints Transport against charges under the Health & Safety at Work Act following a serious accident involving one of its drivers.
  • Represented Mary Watson after she knocked down and killed a man at a pedestrian crossing, with her being acquitted of causing death by careless driving.
  • Acting for Lescost Transport in a Health and Safety Executive prosecution for a breach of section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Hagen Wolf

Hagen Wolf brings its property litigation specialism to the transport sector, advising a number of major operators on their contentious real estate mandates. Founding partner Matt Pugh and Richard Robinson co-head the practice, undertaking a range of complex disputes for major players in the transport market; the latter is also noted for his specialisation in dilapidation cases. Associate Philip Copely acts for rail operators and bus companies in relation to lease renewals and break notices, as well as other disputes.

Practice head(s):

Matt Pugh; Richard Robinson


Other key lawyers:

Philip Copely


Key clients

Abellio Group


Northern Trains


West Midland Trains


Stagecoach Plc


East Midlands Railway


LNER


Network Rail


Greater Anglia Railways


Work highlights


  • Assisted Stagecoach with recovering possession of an industrial site being occupied by a large traveller encampment.
  • Advising Stagecoach on a potential claim against a water utility company regarding a flood at a bus depot which caused extensive uninsured damage.