Mr Damien Charlton > Ward Hadaway LLP > Newcastle upon Tyne, England > Lawyer Profile

Counting major port authorities, sports clubs, and entities operating in the leisure, human capital, and transport sectors among its impressive roster of clients, Ward Hadaway LLP’s sizeable corporate and commercial offering spans the full range of matters, including M&A, financing, corporate restructuring, commercial contracts, and data protection issues. Robert Thompson heads the corporate department, while Damien Charlton leads the commercial team. Thompson advises public and private sector clients on disposals, mergers, and corporate structuring, while Charlton has notable experience handling outsourcing, joint ventures, and general commercial contracting. Tom Pollard advises public and private companies as well as private equity houses on disposals, investments, and reorganisations, while Clare French has notable experience acting for clients in the healthcare, leisure, and e-commerce industries. Steven Roper offers commercial, contract and corporate governance advice, and heads the transport and infrastructure subgroup. Colin Hewitt is a known for expertise in governance issues and corporate structures.

Based in Newcastle, Ward Hadaway LLP assists clients with outsourcings, privacy issues, AI work, technology agreements and IT disputes. The firm’s commercial department is led by Damien Charlton, who is adept in a range of company and commercial matters, particularly in the drafting and negotiation of contractual arrangements, including outsourcing contracts. The team is comprised of IT law specialist Judy Baker, who is also a data protection practitioner; Phil Tompkins, who is particularly experienced in IT and technology contracts; Tim Toomey, who covers IT disputes; and Matthew Cormack, who regularly advises technology businesses. Alex Shiel retired in March 2023.