Ward Hadaway LLP > Newcastle upon Tyne, England > Firm Profile

‘The business has taken a lot of time to understand all of the requirements of the projects we undertake and the different parts of our business that could require assistance.’

‘It is the people and their commitment which make this law firm what it is. They approach pricing any job in a very pragmatic way and personalise the service to fit us as a client and the job we are working on. The whole team are extremely collaborative and act as an extension of our team.’

‘Tom Pollard has been outstanding for us. He has taken the time to understand our business and the sector we work in and tailor all support and advice accordingly. Tom is committed to delivering an extremely high quality of work in extremely tight timescales. Whenever you need to speak to him he will make himself available in a timely manner. Tom has a great ability to be a specialist in corporate Law whilst keeping a firm grip on commercial reality of the business and manages to tailor his advice accordingly.’

‘The key individuals we deal with at senior level are through James Nightingale. I find James hugely accessible and he provides professional advice alongside an approach which feels supportive and comfortable. In a challenging period for all industries, the firm has maintained good contact throughout where possible, which leaves them best placed as people who understand our business.’

‘The entire team at Ward Hadaway is dynamic, professional, helpful and solution-oriented. It is a pleasure to work with all of them, their level of engagement and their hands-on approach is very satisfying. They get deals done, provide solutions and care. A joy for every client.’

‘In particular, I would like to underline the partner and head of the corporate department Rob Thompson. I have limitless professional and personal esteem for him, but also for his entire team. It is very comforting to work with partners like Rob Thompson, who manage to keep control in all situations, who genuinely care and who combine professionalism with fast, solid and tangible results, always remaining extremely competitive. It is also personally a rewarding experience to work with Rob Thompson. For me, he is simply one of the best commercial / M&A lawyers in the United Kingdom.’

‘The team has all the technical and technological capabilities required in its sphere of work and as a client I have always felt fully supported on a technical and personal level.’

‘Rob Glassford I have always found to be a direct, straightforward and logical thinker who is an excellent source of advice. He is cool and clear minded. I believe the team is extremely capable in the highly pressurised arena of commercial litigation.’

‘Robert Glassford and Lucy Cleghorn have been very personable and professional at all times.’

‘Russell Ward – always willing to go the extra mile for his clients. Technically able but particularly adept at putting the client at ease and understanding their interests.

‘The commercial litigation team in Newcastle is extremely strong in every respect. They are excellent lawyers with a very practical and commercial outlook. They are very hardworking and always determined to achieve the best outcome for their clients. In so doing, they are imaginative, flexible and pragmatic. They are also charming people to work with. I cannot recommend them more highly’

‘Robert Glassford (partner) – very clever but also practical, always unflappable, good with clients, a first rate team leader who excels at framing both longer term strategy and short term tactics. Tim Toomey (partner) – very experienced, personable, very focused on the client’s interests, good at seeing the wood for the trees, a great sense of what is practicable. Russell Ward (partner) – very commercial, hardworking and an excellent communicator. Lucy Cleghorn (partner) – a very able lawyer who instils great confidence.’

‘Great technical knowledge while also commercially aware. Fantastic support for the counsel team and excellent client handling.’

‘Robert Glassford: an experienced and tactical litigator. Sound strategic approach backed up with robust legal analysis. Lucy Cleghorn: a robust litigator with a commercial approach to litigation.’

‘Supportive and proactive advice, always prepared to problem solve and discuss the best solution for us as clients, insurance backed advice gives real reassurance and enables us to make decisions effectively and with minimal impact on core purposes.’

‘I mostly work with Tom Shears and the advice given is always professional and reliable. Where the law may be ambiguous, Tom always provides helpful risk based options so that we can take informed decisions.  I’m particularly impressed by how well Ward Hadaway and Tom understand our business and culture – the relationship feels like an extension of our own organisation.’

‘Graham Vials is incredibly personable, skilled and willing to work with us to proactively problem solve, his understanding of the sector is exceptional. Gillian Burns is also a key contact, her advice is clear and direct whilst always looking to find the most effective solution.’

‘Gillian Chinhengo, is extremely professional and very approachable. Her advice is realistic and often innovative when trying to assist ourselves in addressing complex HR issues. She is quick to respond to queries and takes time to understand the issue and the outcome that the company is trying to achieve.’

‘Throughout the lockdown Ward Hadaway provided much needed support and guidance through webinars and their website on all matters furlough. This was invaluable during a hectic, stressful time for HR professionals.’

‘Roisin Patton has provided excellent employment advice and support on a variety of HR issues. The advice is given within context of our business needs with full support given throughout. I would recommend Roisin to other HR professionals without hesitation.’

‘One of the strongest employment teams in the north east. Excellent strength in depth and a well deserved stellar reputation.’

‘Paul Scope – very well regarded in the market. has the trust of his clients. Jamie Gamble – technically very adept. Graham Vials – a real fighter for his clients. ready to go the extra mile.’

‘Approachable, commercially focused, partner led and collaborative. The banking and finance team are a high quality team.’

‘Imogen Holland is a highly skilled banking lawyer with a broad knowledge of the market and a pragmatic approach. She provides excellent advice to progress matters to a conclusion efficiently often working to tight deadlines.’

‘A regional law firm with an embedded footprint across the North, the Ward Hadaway team are always extremely approachable and supportive with queries outside of work that they have been or expect to be formally engaged on.’

‘They provide a consistently strong performance when engaged that has seen them retain their position as one of my go-to firms for queries/support. Having a strong relationship of this nature is extremely valuable and where others have failed to meet expectations the same cannot be said for Ward Hadaway.’

‘Good strength and knowledge. Clear, direct and no nonsense approach.’

‘Jane Garvin – knowledgeable and exceptionally efficient. Strong technical skills. Steven Petrie – decisive, engaging and constructive.’

‘Excellent lawyers who are also very down to earth’

‘The most knowledgeable on public health of any group of practitioners’

‘Melanie Pears is, par excellence, the doyenne of PFI and related public health legal disputes.’

‘Clear and understandable advice always accessible Stuart Craig’

‘Detailed, diligent and coherent, the commercial property team at Ward Hadaway have an ability to distil information effectively and cut through the legal jargon. They adapt to work with the client and are quickly familiar with internal procedures and processes.’

‘Heather Markham – Heather provides consistently coherent advice and has a keen commercial perspective on all commercial property matters. Neil Smith – Neil is incredibly detailed and diligent in his approach and presents all options in a clear and understandable format.’

‘Ward Hadaway provide excellent advice.’

‘Nick Ghulkor is exceptional and without his assistance we would not be as successful in getting large strategic sites developed. He just gets on with it!’

‘Judy Baker is extremely professional yet approachable, quick to respond to queries and always provides clear, thorough advice.’

‘I mainly work with Judy Baker who has excellent in depth knowledge of data protection law and is also extremely organised and methodical in her approach to responding to queries and issues. Her advice is always very thorough and well thought through whilst also being easy to understand.’

‘Good value service and added extras including bespoke training provided. They offer particularly good value and keep costs proportionate to claim value.’

‘Tim Toomey- Tim is always very commercially attuned and deals with matters quickly and cost effectively’

‘For me this is 100% the people, the communication is second to none.’

‘We have worked with Ward Hadaway for a number of years. They are always approachable and offer impartial advice.’

‘I find that the team that support us are an extension of our organisation. Vicki Alexander is especially helpful.’

‘This is a brilliant and thorough team who know their way around contentious trusts and probate litigation fantastically well.’

‘Martin Woodford is a no-stone-unturned litigator who acts fiercely on behalf of his clients but is also commercially minded.’

‘Ashleigh Lavender is an extremely bright associate who is one to watch.’

‘The team are always approachable and available. Advice is given on an initial basis, with clear costs estimates for taking matters forward.’

‘I have worked with Gaynor Jackson for over 10 years and I trust her wholeheartedly. Gaynor is always quick to respond, and sensible in her advice, which is needed when feeding back to charities.’

‘The go to team for excellent technical ability and the experience needed to advise on more complex affairs.’

‘Andrew Facer in my opinion clearly one of the stand out lawyers in the North of England on tax and trust work.’

‘The people are approachable, responsive and offer sound balanced advice and guidance. Strong knowledge regarding the Education Sector and understanding of the complex terms and conditions.’

‘Graham Vials – depth of knowledge and experience is great, always available to us when we need him to be and responds swiftly.’

‘Very pro-active and problem solving, brilliant insurance backed advice which gives real reassurance and support.’

‘High calibre partners with detailed knowledge of the public sector, particularly higher education and health care. Their strength is being able to navigate the pitfalls of working with other public sector bodies as they have an understanding of their drivers and limitations.’

‘Working with Ward Hadaway is more of a collaborative experience, which sets them apart from their competitors. They are always willing to take ownership of issues and offer solutions, rather than pass the issue over to ‘discuss internally’. In Saji Bratch we have a Partner hugely experienced, readily accessible who provides clear and concise advice.’

‘The team at Ward Hadaway are very joined up in their approach meaning that there are no real conflicts in the advice or guidance they provide, they also ensure that any member of the team who will be dealing with a query from us is fully briefed on the issue and on my business to avoid me having to go over and over the issue.’

‘The main strength within the individuals at Ward Hadaway is the effort they have made to understand my business and our approach to contracts and risk management. This has allowed them to tailor their advice to the approach they know my business will take whilst ensuring that we are away of any areas of concern they may have.’

‘Helpful, efficient and excellent value for money.’

‘The team has excellent knowledge of the sector and the unique issues that we face in social housing. The experience offered by the team ensures a real understanding.’

‘John Murray’s experience in the sector is second to none.’

‘Flora Mewies is an exceptional immigration advisor, always at hand to give excellent advice at a moments notice, if she is unable to reply immediately then she will set expectations on timing of replies or ask one of her colleagues to assist.’

‘What I like about Ward Hadaway is their straightforward quality advice and approach. They are not a ‘stuffy’ firm and work with clients to build relationships and understand their business. They also have good sector knowledge without our industry.’

‘I have repeatedly instructed the Family Law team to represent the children I work with as a result of their excellent practice. The team consistently provides a good quality service including legal advice, advocacy and ensuring I have everything I need to fulfill my role. I have always found the team to be a joy to work with.’

‘Ward Hadaway LLP are unique due to the quality of service they have provided to me and the children I work with. In my experience they are highly proficient in family law and the standard of legal advice is excellent. The child’s welfare is always at the core of any work/legal advice provided.’

‘I find the staff members extremely motivated, enthusiastic, experienced, knowledgeable, and extremely focused and forensic in approach. The organisation of case work I feel is second to none.’

‘They are all very personable and down to earth, yet professional (as you’d expect) which is refreshing. The team keep me well informed of proceedings. They are attentive to my engagement and go to great lengths to ensure proceedings are on track and that I am fully informed at every step on progress. When decisions need to be made at key junctures, the team ensure that they take the time to explain in detail the possible options and likely outcomes or ramifications as a result. Can’t praise the ladies enough!’

‘The team bring the efficiency and resources of a large commercial firm into public law children work.’

‘Louise Cannell-Mirza is a diligent and capable solicitor who works tirelessly for her clients.’

‘A large firm; however, you feel that you are still dealing with a local practice that is very client-orientated.’

‘Andrew Evans has an excellent manner with his clients and can deal with clients of all types, both corporate and individuals.’

‘Extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. They give full disclosure of costs and will go that extra mile to help clients.’

‘Andrew Evans is extremely easy to deal with and has a lovely way with clients.’

‘Ward Hadaway are helpful and collaborative in many ways, from helping with drafting wills & trusts to the more complicated issues surrounding Inheritance Tax rules in the UK – nothing is too much trouble for them, irrespective of the size of the client; that’s something you don’t see in other regional firms.’

‘I work extensively with Andrew Evans who is a great sounding board for wills, trusts and other family wealth issues; he is very thorough. He quickly builds a good rapport with clients, who are often going through a difficult time; he’s a very good listener too, just who you need at such difficult times. I recommend him highly and know he will always do a good job.’

‘I have known Andrew Evans for many years, and he has a very personal approach with clients, which is well received. This, together with his knowledge and experience, means more often then not, the clients have received very good advice and service.’

‘Nathan Bilton provided us with clear and concise advice across a range of complex issues. Nathan helped us to make informed decisions.’

‘The Ward Hadaway team comprises specialist partners in a broad range of sector disciplines. Partners are supported by efficient , professional support teams. Client communication at all levels and via all media forms is exceptional. Impressive IT support, especially client collaborative hubs.’

‘Nichola Evans is hugely experienced in her relevant sector. Able to grasp and communicate complex issues. Her sure-footed and patient guidance through unfamiliar Court processes and proceedings inspires confidence. Complete professional.’

‘The team fields a number of strong performers and has the capability of picking up difficult cases at very short notice.’

‘Melissa Munday is able to do difficult work under considerable pressure. Nichola Evans can marshal a lot of material and gives good advice.’

‘Nichola Evans – very experienced and now a real heavy hitter. She is tactically and strategically very astute. Nichola handles clients brilliantly and is excellent under pressure. Fearless but realistic. Always negotiates an excellent deal.’

‘Responsive; open and transparent; no surprises – you get what was agreed at the price agreed.’

‘Nathan Bilton – extremely responsive, quickly understands the challenge from your perspective and delivers a solution. Nice guy too!’

‘Ward Hadaway provides an expert legal opinion but in a time where contact has clearly been challenging have made every effort to support and understand our business. The invaluable advice on ancillary work, means as an advisor they have developed a rounded view of the activities ongoing within our business, leaving them best placed to provide the advice we require.’

‘The key individuals we deal with at senior level is through James Nightingale. I find James hugely accessible and he provides professional advice alongside an approach which feels supportive and comfortable. In a challenging period for all industries, the firm has maintained a good contact throughout where possible, which leaves them best placed as people who understand our business.’

‘The partners and staff are focused on ensuring their clients receive great service. They always do what they say they will do and when they say it will be completed. I can’t compliment the team looking after us highly enough.’

‘High-profile commercial litigators.’

‘Ian McCombie – able, engaging and tireless.’

‘Strong suite of IP Lawyers, who have shown willingness to be flexible to our needs, as a medium-sized business.’

‘My main point of contact is Ian McCombie. I think he has very sound legal judgment and commercial nous. I think he gives clients confidence that he understands their cases fully and can hatch an intelligent strategy to see the case through to the end.’

‘Connor Simpson-Key has shown openness to our ideas and knowledge of how defendants are likely to respond, where this may not be what the firm are used to dealing with. There seems to be a fair amount of oversight and consideration from more than one individual at the firm, for significant decisions. We like this collaborative approach.’

‘The IP team at Ward Hadaway are very entrepreneurial and get behind businesses they believe in.’

‘Bill Goodwin is great at giving a balanced view, but then making a judgement call and actually directing us down a certain path. We appreciate his openness, professionalism, friendly manner and also his flexible working times, which are very helpful.’

‘Very knowledgeable and capable of deploying intellectual insight in a practical and efficient way.’

‘Bill Goodwin is excellent. A pleasure to work with and very helpful.’

‘Responsive; open and transparent; no surprises – you get what was agreed at the price agreed.’

‘Nathan Bilton – extremely responsive, quickly understands the challenge from your perspective and delivers a solution. Nice guy too!’

‘Ward Hadaway provides an expert legal opinion but in a time where contact has clearly been challenging have made every effort to support and understand our business. The invaluable advice on ancillary work, means as an advisor they have developed a rounded view of the activities ongoing within our business, leaving them best placed to provide the advice we require.’

‘The key individuals we deal with at senior level is through James Nightingale. I find James hugely accessible and he provides professional advice alongside an approach which feels supportive and comfortable. In a challenging period for all industries, the firm has maintained a good contact throughout where possible, which leaves them best placed as people who understand our business.’

‘The partners and staff are focused on ensuring their clients receive great service. They always do what they say they will do and when they say it will be completed. I can’t compliment the team looking after us highly enough.’

‘High-profile commercial litigators.’

‘Ian McCombie – able, engaging and tireless.’

‘Strong suite of IP Lawyers, who have shown willingness to be flexible to our needs, as a medium-sized business.’

‘My main point of contact is Ian McCombie. I think he has very sound legal judgment and commercial nous. I think he gives clients confidence that he understands their cases fully and can hatch an intelligent strategy to see the case through to the end.’

‘Connor Simpson-Key has shown openness to our ideas and knowledge of how defendants are likely to respond, where this may not be what the firm are used to dealing with. There seems to be a fair amount of oversight and consideration from more than one individual at the firm, for significant decisions. We like this collaborative approach.’