The Legal 500 > Addleshaw Goddard > Leeds, ENGLAND

Yorkshire and the Humber

Transport

Transport - ranked: tier 1

Addleshaw Goddard

The transport practice at Addleshaw Goddard has broad expertise spanning franchising, acquisitions and sales of rolling stock, freight and haulage arrangements, infrastructure projects and instructions relating to urban transit. The group has a particularly strong reputation for its work in the rail sector and also regularly handles instructions relating to bus services, logistics, port and airport infrastructure and electric vehicles. Paul Hirst, who focuses on the rail sector, jointly heads up the practice alongside real estate specialist Anna Heaton. Legal director Sara Gilmore, who has broad transport expertise, is also a key name to note.

Practice head(s):Paul Hirst; Anna Heaton

Other key lawyers:Sara Gilmore

Testimonials

'The transport team at Addleshaw Goddard offers practical and up-to-date advice provided by a group of calm and measured lawyers'.

'Addleshaw Goddard's transport team has an easy and professional approach and maintains a focus on timely inputs, holding to the scope of the brief, and promptly identifies issues and risks that arise'.

'Paul Hirst is a hardworking, thorough legal expert who is easy to communicate with, and presents ideas with reasoned arguments of the advantages and disadvantages'.

'Paul Hirst is prompt in response to communication and exhibits trustworthiness, which can be relied on.'

Key Clients

Department for Transport

Hitachi Rail Europe Limited

Merseytravel

Freightliner

Ove Arup & Partners Limited

The Road Haulage Association (RHA)

London Luton Airport Limited

Edinburgh Airport

Amey Rail

VTG Rail UK Ltd

West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA)

Stansted Airport

Work highlights

Instructed by the Department for Transport to advise on a new rail franchise, the West Coast Partnership, which will combine the current InterCity West Coast services with the development and introduction of High Speed 2 services.
Advised Ove Arup & Partners on the possible funding and delivery structures for a potential Northern Powerhouse Rail station at Bradford.
Assisted Hitachi Rail Europe with its bid to Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive for the Metro Futures fleet replacement programme.
Advising Merseytravel on its bus services options appraisal and on the formulation of a business case to improve the delivery of bus services in the Liverpool City Region, using the powers available to it as a combined authority with the Metro Mayor under the Bus Services Act 2017.
Acted for Freightliner on the company's entry into a long-term, bulk rail-haulage contract with Mendip Rail, a joint venture between two of the UK’s largest aggregate and cement producers, Hanson Aggregates and Aggregate Industries.

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Yorkshire and the Humber: Corporate and commercial

Corporate and commercial: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire

Corporate and commercial: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire - ranked: tier 1

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard's corporate finance team has an impressive breadth of experience handling high-profile M&A transactions, particularly in the private equity, financial services, retail and consumer sectors. The Leeds-based practice, headed up by Garry Elliott, was recently bolstered by the promotion of James Tatro to the partnership and lateral hire of Richard Hunt from Squire Patton Boggs; Hunt is well-regarded for his experience advising corporates in the chemicals and industrials sectors, and assisting individual entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals in Yorkshire and the North East.

Practice head(s):Garry Elliott

Other key lawyers:Neil Woolhouse; Peter Wood; Richard Hunt; Mark Hallam; James Tatro

Testimonials

'James Tatro is very good.'

'Richard Hunt is a very effective lawyer'

Key Clients

General All Purpose Plastics Limited

NorthEdge

LDC

Livingbridge

Riverside Private Equity

WSP Group

Elysian Capital LLP

Daniel Thwaites plc

Stadium Group

Pyroguard UK

Müller group of companies

William Jackson Food Group

Sainsbury's

AFI Uplift

Fastflow Group

M.K.M. Building Supplies

Pirtek

Mangar Health

Skanska UK plc

International Personal Finance plc

YFM Private Equity

Zenith Vehicle Leasing

Brenntag UK

NGH Holdings

Broker Network

Portakabin

Diageo

Ted Baker

Shearings Leisure Group

Tieto Oyj

SGG Group

Raphael & sons plc

Skipton Building Society

Punter Southall plc

Utex Industries UK Limited

Carclo plc

Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc

Work highlights

Advised the management team of Pirtek on its sale and tertiary management buy-out by US private equity house PNC Riverarch Capital.
Advised on the management buy-out of Deep Sea Electronics, which was backed by Caledonia.
Assisted Lloyds Development Capital with its acquisition of shares in NBS from RIBA and the related shareholder arrangements.
Acted for William Jackson Food Group on the sale of Aunt Bessie's to Nomad Foods.
Advised Sainsbury's on its high-profile acquisition of the Nectar reward scheme and related entities from Aimia.

Next Generation Partners

James Tatro - Addleshaw Goddard

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Corporate tax

Corporate tax - ranked: tier 3

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard's tax and structuring team advises on a range of corporate tax issues with particular expertise in the private equity, real estate, energy and asset finance sectors. Group leader Justine Delroy splits her time between Manchester and Leeds and specialises in advising on the structure of private equity transactions. The team also includes Martin Griffiths, who recently joined the Leeds office from Charles Russell Speechlys LLP; he has a breadth of tax expertise encompassing the private equity sector and property and funds structuring work.

Practice head(s):Justine Delroy

Other key lawyers:Martin Griffiths

Key Clients

Co-Operative Group

J Murphy & Sons

Aberdeen Standard Investments

WBHO Construction

Aviva

PZ Cussons

Bruntwood

Car Finance 247

National Grid

North West including ECI

Inflexion

Livingbridge

LDC

Literary Capital

Phoenix Equity Partners

Work highlights

Acted for the selling shareholders on the sale of Deep Sea Electronics to a purchaser, which is majority-owned by Caledonia Investments.
Provided William Jackson Food Group with structuring and tax advice on the strategic re-positioning of the group, including the acquisitions of Richard Wellock & Sons and The Fresh Olive Company.
Advised Pirtek's management team on the disposal of shares in the company and equity stake in the buyout vehicle, which is backed by US private equity house PNC Riverarch Capital.
Advising Aberdeen Standard Investments on a number of transactions in the real estate sector involving alternative asset classes.
Advised Rcaf E-Learning Holding (a Riverside portfolio company) on its acquisition of Atlas Knowledge.

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EU and competition

EU and competition - ranked: tier 1

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard's team advises clients both regionally and nationally, with the Leeds office developing a particular niche in state aid work. The team, which is led by 'exceptional strategist' Mark Molyneux -who splits his time between Manchester and Leeds - advises clients including building societies, NHS foundation trusts and other regional corporates. Legal director Elizabeth Turner, who joined from gunnercooke LLP in mid-2018, works with businesses in the financial services, retail, telecoms and technology sectors and has represented clients before the CMA and the EU Commission.

Practice head(s):Mark Molyneux

Other key lawyers:Elizabeth Turner

Testimonials

'A very practical, commercial and responsive firm which is incredibly knowledgeable in its areas of expertise.'

'Collaborative approach; outcome-focused; no egos; all about the team and the outcome for the client.'

'Mark Molyneux is extremely practical; an exceptional strategist - always two steps ahead of the game.'

Key Clients

Office Depot Europe

Yorkshire Building Society

Leeds Building Society

Skipton Building Society

Lucozade

Work highlights

Instructed by Office Depot Europe, the claimant in two English High Court actions for follow on and stand-alone damages against addressees of a decision of the European Commission in relation to the Envelopes Cartel.
Advising the claiment, RHA, in collective proceedings to be brought before the Competition Appeal Tribunal worth £1b
Provided state aid advice to Stockton Borough Council on the structure of its district heating scheme.
Advising Bradford Council on the state aid structuring requirements for its city centre regeneration scheme.
Advising the claimant RHA on the largest and most significant UK competition claim to date, with collective proceedings to be brought before the Competition Appeal Tribunal. The claims are follow-on damages claims on behalf of businesses affected by the EU Truck Cartel.

Next Generation Partners

Elizabeth Turner - Addleshaw Goddard

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Yorkshire and the Humber: Dispute resolution

Banking litigation

Banking litigation - ranked: tier 1

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard's banking litigation team acts for a range of major UK banks and 'consistently delivers high-quality legal advice and litigation services in a cost-effective manner.' Practice head Sally Emerton is 'very experienced but willing to get her hands dirty' and has 'good strategic instincts'; she focuses on representing major retail and commercial banks, while Ben Lowans has a particular specialism in asset finance matters including marine and aviation finance, and fraud-based litigation. The group also fields several talented managing associates including the 'intellectually able and extremely hardworking' Steve Walpole, 'up-and-coming star' Samantha Hollingworth, Jennifer Hedley, who is noted for her alternative dispute resolution expertise; and Matthew Dibb, who handles a range of strategic disputes. Ian Hastings retired.

Practice head(s):Sally Emerton

Other key lawyers:Ben Lowans; Steve Walpole; Jennifer Hedley; Samantha Hollingworth; Matthew Dibb

Testimonials

'Addleshaw Goddard has the ability to explain complex legal situations to non-legally trained people and boasts in-depth knowledge of the sector.'

'Addleshaw Goddard has exceptional experience in retail banking litigation; the practice takes control of cases at an early stage and knows how to navigate them to a successful outcome for the client.'

'Addleshaw Goddard's banking litigation group is well-resourced, which allows it to engage in more detail and deploy that knowledge at an early stage. It is as good as any London team.'

'Addleshaw Goddard is pragmatic and user friendly, has good attention to detail, and is a go-to supplier for trickier matters.'

'Addleshaw Goddard has the ability to quickly react when required to allow it to secure assets, covering all aspects of the situation and providing excellent advice in very difficult circumstances.'

'Sally Emerton provides business-focused advice on the issue in hand, and is sensitive to costs and outcomes.'

'Managing associate Steve Walpole is very hardworking, personable and pleasant, and always on top of the law. He explores solutions creatively, and always keeps his focus on the practical needs and aims of the client.'

'Managing associate Samantha Hollingworth is proactive, her correspondence is perfectly pitched and she is adept at finding the evidence that will lead to the speedy resolution of a case.'

'Managing associate Matthew Dibb is easy to work with and popular with clients.'

Key Clients

HSBC Bank Plc

Shawbrook Bank

Yorkshire Building Society

West Bromwich Building Society

Aldermore Bank PLC

Nationwide Building Society

Close Bank Plc

Santander UK Plc

Alphabet Leasing

Hewlett Packard International Bank

Work highlights

Defended Barclays Bank in a £17m claim brought by a former corporate customer.
Represented Deutsche Leasing in a dispute relating to the breach of two finance leases by Zaskin College and the breach of a personal guarantee.

Leading individuals

Sally Emerton - Addleshaw Goddard

Rising stars

Steve Walpole - Addleshaw Goddard

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Commercial litigation: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire

Commercial litigation: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire - ranked: tier 1

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard has 'a proactive and commercial view' and handles a range of commercial disputes as well as 'assisting clients with planning to minimise the risk of needing to invoke dispute resolution'. The team has the ability to operate internationally and acts for a range of local, national and global clients, with particular experience in the energy, IT, industrials, transport and health sectors. The team is jointly led by Simon Kamstra, Bill Gilliam and Sally Emerton; Kamstra acts in international disputes and arbitrations with a focus on the energy, aviation, manufacturing sectors alongside expertise in judicial reviews and public law; Gilliam has expertise in procurement challenges, IT projects, M&A claims, supply and outsourcing disputes, and Emerton is a finance disputes specialist. Louise Dobson is another key name, particularly for her knowledge of the health and pharmaceuticals, local government and retail sectors.

Practice head(s):Simon Kamstra; Bill Gilliam; Sally Emerton

Other key lawyers:Louise Dobson

Testimonials

'Addleshaw Goddard's strong commercial litigation team is not only legally astute but able to provide practical and commercial advice.'

'Addleshaw Goddard provides excellent strategic advice and supports the client's long-term strategic planning.'

'Simon Kamstra is a knowledgeable and commercially astute solicitor.'

'Bill Gilliam is a very good practitioner.'

'Ryan Geldert is an excellent associate, quick to respond and has a good grasp of the law and the commercial realities.'

'Associate Marie Broadhead gives excellent advice in a timely manner, helps to plan client's long-term strategies, gives pragmatic advice an,d at the same time, comprehensively covers the technical detail so as to minimise risk.'

Key Clients

Diageo plc

SSE plc

McKesson UK (including Lloyds Pharmacy Limited and AAH Pharmaceuticals)

Crown Commercial Services

NHS Commercial Solutions Framework

Work highlights

Advising a major engineering business on streamlining and enhancing its internal processes for pursuing and defending claims arising in its supply chain.
Acted for SSE as an intervenor in judicial review proceedings brought by various embedded generator claimants challenging an Ofgem decision.
Acted for Raphaels in a claim brought by Zebra Finance under a credit broking and outsourced services agreement.

Leading individuals

Bill Gilliam - Addleshaw Goddard

Simon Kamstra - Addleshaw Goddard

Rising stars

Louise Dobson - Addleshaw Goddard

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Yorkshire and the Humber: Finance

Banking and finance

Banking and finance - ranked: tier 1

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard's predominantly lender-focused department sits on the panels for all UK clearing banks and is recognised for its expertise in corporate banking, real estate finance, leveraged finance and unitranche work, as well as social housing financings. Clients praise the team, which is led by David Handy, for 'knowing the sector inside out'. The firm added the 'really practical' Andrew Fordham from Squire Patton Boggs in 2018, and also fields social housing finance expert Lee Shankland, managing associate Geoffrey McGinley, and real estate finance specialist Jenny Cromack, who is a consultant.

Practice head(s):David Handy

Other key lawyers:Lee Shankland, Andrew Fordham, Jenny Cromack, Nick Barlow

Testimonials

'The practice knows the sector inside out and clients trust it to be ahead of the game as the legal and banking environments evolve'.

'The ability of the social housing finance team to support the completion of multiple transactions in a timely and efficient manner is very impressive'.

'The group provides appropriate support and advice and has a clear track record in successfully supporting the entire sector'.

'Nick Barlow is prompt, attentive and attuned to what banking clients in the region want and expect'.

Key Clients

Barclays Bank

HSBC Bank

Lloyds Banking Group

The Royal Bank of Scotland Group

AIB Group UK

Santander UK

Work highlights

Advised Aviva Investors on facilities to MedicX Group.
Advised HSBC UK Bank on the provision of debt facilities for the buyout of Platinum Stair Lifts by its management and North Edge Capital.
Assisting HSBC UK Bank with £65m facilities for Renew Holdings to finance its acquisition of QTS Group.
Acting for Ribston UK Industrial Property on an investment facility from Barclays Bank.
Advised Barclays Bank, Lloyds Banking Group, RBS and Santander UK on the restructuring of existing loan facilities to Devon and Cornwall Treasury and Knightstone Housing Association through restated facility agreements, totalling £525m.

Leading individuals

David Handy - Addleshaw Goddard

Next Generation Partners

Andrew Fordham - Addleshaw Goddard

Rising stars

Geoffrey McGinley - Addleshaw Goddard

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Insolvency and corporate recovery

Insolvency and corporate recovery - ranked: tier 2

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard sits on the panels of a raft of major banks, while the firm also receives a high number of instructions from insolvency practitioners. The team has notable expertise in the legal and energy sectors, dealing with insolvent law firms and failing energy suppliers. Group co-head Andy Bates focuses on non-contentious bank work while fellow co-head Graham Briggs primarily handles transactional and advisory work alongside some contentious experience. Managing associate Emma Sadler excels in larger corporate transactions including accelerated M&As and administration sales, while Andrew Fordham, who joined in 2018 from Squire Patton Boggs, is a key contact for corporate banking, leveraged finance work and real estate finance.

Practice head(s):Andy Bates; Graham Briggs

Other key lawyers:Andrew Fordham; Emma Sadler

Testimonials

'Addleshaw Goddard is the go-to firm when clients have a serious issue they need assistance with. The team is very capable legally with strong commercial nous'.

'The group is extremely efficient, flexible and competitive'.

'Graham Briggs has a personable and 'non-legal' manner about him. His first instinct is to provide a commercial view, which is supported and underpinned by the legal opinion. In essence he is able to wear a bank hat rather than a lawyer hat'.

'Emma Sadler is a first port of call as she is extremely reliable and delivers every time'.

Key Clients

Deloitte

FRP Advisory

PwC

Leonard Curtis

KPMG

Yorkshire Bank

HSBC Bank

Endless

Bestway Retail

Perwyn

Work highlights

Acting for Bestway Retail on its acquisition of the Conviviality Retail business (Bargain Booze, Wine Rack, Select Convenience and WS Retail) from administrator by way of a pre-pack acquisition.
Advised the board of Herbert T. Forrest on their directors' duties given the company's financial distress, an application for a validation order following the presentation of a winding up petition, and the sale of the energy and refurbishment part of the business to Engie Regeneration by way of a pre-pack sale.
Assisted Leonard Curtis with the pre-pack administration sale of EAD Solicitors to Simpson Millar.
Advising FRP Advisory as administrator of Viking Trailers on the sale of the business, which involved licensing Viking's premises to the purchaser.
Acting for HLD Group on the acquisition of Speciality Coatings from FRP Advisory as administrators via a pre-pack acquisition.

Leading individuals

Graham Briggs - Addleshaw Goddard

Rising stars

Emma Sadler - Addleshaw Goddard

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Yorkshire and the Humber: Human resources

Employment: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire

Employment: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire - ranked: tier 1

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard has a long-established reputation in Leeds, acting for household names on a broad range of contentious and non-contentious work. Employment litigator Sally Hulston leads the 'very pragmatic and sensible' team, which has more than doubled in size since 2017-18, expanding its remit to include new offerings such as business immigration advice. Gerri Elliott is also recognised for her work on complex issues relating to insolvency, trade union or equal pay issues.

Practice head(s):Sally Hulston

Other key lawyers:Gerri Elliot

Testimonials

'They are like the milk tray man... anytime, anywhere! On every occasion I've need support I've not had to wait and have always found the advice to be very pragmatic, sensible and appropriate to our needs.'

'I've worked with Sally Hulston, Andy Graham and Ben Dawson and have been really happy on each occasion. All really understand our business and strategic aims really well and can therefore offer suitably tailored advice in an expedient fashion. I really value the fact that all have been really helpful in my working through my decision making and risk analysis and that ultimately I trust their advice to reflect the needs of our relatively small but growing business. In this context therefore i think they offer value for money.'

'Sally Hulston has been helpful and approachable and has provided an excellent service for us.'

Key Clients

Tyne & Wear Metro (t/a Nexus)

Scotia Gas Networks

Dixons Carphone

Arup

Poundstretcher

Primark Stores

Vocalink (part of Mastercard)

Froneri ice-cream (part of Nestlé)

Howarth Timber

Innserve

Work highlights

Advised on a claim by a group of workers at the Tyne & Wear Metro who claimed back pay following a union agreement over pay.
As sole employment law adviser, the firm handled a number of high value and complex employment matters including a large project in conjunction with the unions to refresh employee policies and changes to terms and conditions, as well as assisting with various TUPE outsourcing arrangements.
Providing strategic advice on issues such as salary sacrifice and the national minimum wage, as well as handling employment tribunal litigation.
Providing advice on disciplinary matters and national minimum wage compliance and handling an internal investigation related to whistleblowing detriment.
Advising on employment tribunal litigation work.

Next Generation Partners

Sally Hulston - Addleshaw Goddard

Rising stars

Gerri Elliot - Addleshaw Goddard

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Pensions

Pensions - ranked: tier 1

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard's pensions group advises on a broad variety of pensions matters ranging from pension products to pensions liberation and fraud, independent trustee work and pension buyin and buyout work; its client roster encompasses a combination of blue-chip corporates, regional businesses and trustee boards. The group is jointly led by national practice head Rachel Rawnsley, who has particular expertise in the utilities, energy, universities and building society sectors; Jade Murray, who advises on self-invested personal pensions and small self-administered schemes; and Rachel Uttley, who is a name to note for pension buyin and buyout transactions.

Practice head(s):Rachel Rawsnley; Jade Murray; Rachel Uttley

Testimonials

'Addleshaw Goddard's pensions practice provides advice that is consistently clear, pragmatic, of a high quality and provided promptly.'

'Addleshaw Goddard's pensions team has extensive experience across a range of clients, which contributes to the quality of advice.'

'The pensions team at Addleshaw Goddard is excellent at quickly getting to grips with a matter, developing a plan, and then most importantly, delivering in a highly professional manner.'

'Rachel Rawnsley provides advice tailored to clients' businesses.'

'Jade Murray has a national reputation for pensions work, she is very practical and commercial and very good on the technical elements.'

Key Clients

University of Sheffield trustees

Trustee of the Asda Group Pension Scheme and the Trustee of the Asda Pension Plan

Saga PLC

Michelin UK

Skanska Construction UK

Britvic plc

National Express pension trustees

WPP

Ibstock Brick pension trustees

De Beers Group

Work highlights

Instructed by the trustees of the Asda Group Pension Scheme and the trustees of the Asda Pension Plan on issues relating to Asda's £2.5bn final salary scheme, which included advising on the impact of the proposed sale of Asda by Walmart to J Sainsbury.
Acted for the Trustee of the National Express Group Pension Plan on resolving a range of complex issues enabling a buy-in of all the scheme's liabilities with Rothesay Life.
Advised Skanska UK and Innovia UK on the closure of their pension schemes, avoiding serious business disruption or member objection.
Advised William Jackson Food Group on the £210m sale of Aunt Bessie's to Nomad Foods Europe.
Advised WPP on the move from buy-in to buy-out of five of its DB schemes.

Leading individuals

Jade Murray - Addleshaw Goddard

Rachel Rawsnley - Addleshaw Goddard

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Yorkshire and the Humber: Insurance

Professional negligence: claimant

Professional negligence: claimant - ranked: tier 1

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard's strong Leeds office carries out work on a regional, national and international level. Construction-related litigation is an area of particular focus, particularly in the aftermath of the Grenfell tragedy – although unlike some of its competitors, the practice does not focus on one particular practice area. The team, which is led by head of litigation north Sally Emerton, works in tandem with the wider firm's commercial litigation bench to pursue professional negligence claims for commercial clients across many business sectors, including an impressive roster of banks and building societies.

Practice head(s):Sally Emerton

Other key lawyers:Joe Wilkinson; Bill Gilliam

Work highlights

Advised the freeholder in relation to a claim for breach of contract / in negligence against the architect in relation to the impact on the microclimate around a new building, which led to in increased wind speeds.
Successfully represented a manufacturing business in relation to a complicated tri-party action involving numerous cross claims concerning the procurement, design, installation and commissioning of a combined heat and power unit.
Successfully advised a banking client on a complex claim against commercial property surveyors in a claim arising out of a series of defective valuations of commercial property.
Acting in a high value professional negligence claim against a well-known valuation firm arising out of their valuation of a multimillion-pound collateral security.
Claim against a top-tier commercial real estate and investment services firm which over-valued two student halls of residence as part of a £10m commercial real estate transaction.

Leading individuals

Sally Emerton - Addleshaw Goddard

Rising stars

Lee O'Sullivan - Addleshaw Goddard

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Yorkshire and the Humber: Private client

Charities and not-for-profit

Charities and not-for-profit - ranked: tier 2

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard's multi-disciplinary private capital department is led out of the firm's Leeds base by Pervinder Kaur. Alongside traditional charity law advice, the team has a dual focus - charities with commercial arrangements, and commercial entities entering into arrangements with charities. The team operates hand-in-hand with the wider firm, drawing on Addleshaws' considerable national and international reach. The practice's work includes advising on investigations and inquiries, such as those conducted by the Charity Commission. Kaur works alongside Yorke Eaton and legal director Charlotte Smart, who also has a focus on educational organisations.

Practice head(s):Pervinder Kaur

Other key lawyers:Yorke Eaton; Charlotte Smart

Testimonials

'The team is attentive, responsive and the individuals that I have been associated with are hugely supportive in both practical terms and in understanding the pressures of my sector and work environment.'

'The team is sociable, engaged in culture and interested in the client - giving them a rounded picture.'

Key Clients

National Coal Mining Museum

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Bedingfield's Trust

NFU Charitable Trust

Work highlights

The firm has acted for the trustees of Bedingfield's Trust for almost 20 years.
Continuing to provide ad hoc advice to the NFU Charitable Trust, with advice including looking at the use of the charity's logo and name, and various sponsorship matters.

Rising stars

Charlotte Smart - Addleshaw Goddard

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Personal tax, trusts and probate

Personal tax, trusts and probate - ranked: tier 2

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard is recognised for its 'very powerful' offering to high net worth individuals, trust companies and an increasing number of international clients, to which it provides 'pragmatic' advice in different areas. The team is described as 'very strong' and as having 'breadth of expertise', especially in the use of trusts in a commercial context, and aimed at consumer protection issues. The department is led by Pervinder Kaur and sits within the firm's corporate division – enabling clients to benefit from the expertise of lawyers in different departments, such as banking, litigation and employment. Main areas of activity are residence, domicile and tax issues, family governance and property structures.

Practice head(s):Pervinder Kaur

Other key lawyers:Yorke Eaton; Charlotte Smart

Testimonials

The staff are problem solvers and help clients effectively.

'Yorke Eaton is pragmatic and a problem solver, helping clients effectively. He is extremely well connected and advises some of the most significant business owners, families and trusts.'

'Joe Cobb is a great member of the team - he works well with clients and is able to flex his style to be effective with client personalities.'

'The breadth of experience within the team is very strong, which makes the overall offering very powerful. They have a quality client base, which they build from in terms of experience and knowledge.'

Key Clients

NFU Mutual

Zedra Trust Company (UK) Limited

Work highlights

Advised NFU Mutual on its internal policies for dealing with bereavement, vulnerable customers and powers of attorney.
Advice to trustees on will trusts valued at c.£280m which include a significant holding in a UK Plc.
Acting as the trustees of family settlements worth over £45m.
Acting as advisers to the trustees of family settlements holding assets worth over £160m, regularly advising on the duties of the trustees, indemnity issues, capital tax planning, residency issues, trust administration and distributions from the trusts.
Creation of trusts to protect assets and maximise business property relief of a substantial holding of private company shares, advising on asset structuring and inheritance mitigation including substantial investment into woodland and commercial forestry.

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Yorkshire and the Humber: Projects, energy and natural resources (including PFI)

Energy

Energy - ranked: tier 1

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard's practice counts 'Big Six' energy companies and high-profile corporates as key clients, which it advises on all issues across power, nuclear, renewables, oil and gas, water and energy litigation. Richard Goodfellow, Paul Dight and John Emerton jointly lead the team; Goodfellow specialises in downstream energy work, Dight handles energy infrastructure and regulation matters, and Emerton is an energy sector litigator. James Reynolds leads the nuclear team, David Shaw focuses on utilities work while managing associate Alex Clayton has experience in smart metering projects.

Practice head(s):Richard Goodfellow; Paul Dight; John Emerton

Other key lawyers:James Reynolds; David Shaw; Alex Clayton

Key Clients

Macquarie Principal Finance (MPF) (part of the Macquarie Group)

Britvic plc

SSE plc

National Grid Electricity Transmission plc

Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited

Foresight Metering Limited

Low Carbon Contracts Company

Muse Developments Limited

Scotia Gas Networks (SGN)

Peel Energy

West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Drax Power

Octopus Energy

EPNC

Leeds City Council

United Utilities

URENCO

TfGM

Work highlights

Advising Foresight Metering Limited on all aspects of its smart metering meter asset provider business including refinancing work and procurement processes.
Assisting National Grid Electricity Transmission with its entry into an asset maintenance contract for the Sellindge convertor station, the British terminal station of two direct connections between the continental European and British electricity grids.
Advising Muse Developments on its Hale Wharf development in Tottenham Hale including its district heating network.
Acting for Macquarie Principal Finance, part of the Macquarie Group, on its agreement with Amazon to fund, develop and operate rooftop solar panels on Amazon's fulfilment centres across the UK.
Advised West Yorkshire Combined Authority on the procurement for the supply, installation and operation of an electric vehicle charge point network in the West Yorkshire region.

Leading individuals

Richard Goodfellow - Addleshaw Goddard

Rising stars

Alex Clayton - Addleshaw Goddard

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Infrastructure

Infrastructure - ranked: tier 2

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard has a notable reputation in the PFI secondary market, with the infrastructure team benefiting from the strength of the firm's national energy and transport departments, which are both led out of Leeds. The group handles matters across the renewables, utilities, rail, airport, electric vehicle and ports sectors. Richard Goodfellow heads up the national infrastructure, projects and energy group and is experienced in PPP matters, Paul Dight has expertise in projects and regulatory mandates, and Paul Hirst handles transport work, particularly in the rail sector.

Practice head(s):Richard Goodfellow

Other key lawyers:Paul Dight; Paul Hirst

Key Clients

Keolis UK

Amey Rail

Department for Transport

London Luton Airport Limited

Hitachi Rail Europe Limited

Societe Generale

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

Scotia Gas Networks

National Grid Electricity Transmission Plc

Network Rail

Semperian

InfraRed Capital Partners

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)

Low Carbon Contracts Company

Peel Media

Transport for Greater Manchester

West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Muse Developments

Stockton Borough Council

National Grid

Work highlights

Advising the Department for Transport on a multi-year mandate on a new rail franchise, which will combine the current InterCity West Coast services with the development and introduction of High Speed 2 services.
Assisted Scotia Gas Networks with the £250m Gas to the West project, including the construction of a transmission network, which will deliver gas to homes in the West of Northern Ireland.
Acting for Hitachi Rail Europe on its bid to Tyne & Wear Passenger Transport Executive for the Metrofutures fleet replacement programme.
Advising London Luton Airport Limited on its plans to expand the airport including improvement works to the existing terminal and the development of a new second terminal.
Acting for Transport for Greater Manchester on the procurement to extend, improve and operate the electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Greater Manchester.

Leading individuals

Richard Goodfellow - Addleshaw Goddard

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Yorkshire and the Humber: Public sector

Health

Health - ranked: tier 2

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard's department is split into four separate teams; public sector and health infrastructure, social and long-term care, life sciences and private healthcare. Alongside its public and private healthcare clients, the department also handles PFI secondary market transactions, infrastructure portfolios and care home work. Bill Gilliam leads the Leeds health sector group and focuses on contentious issues, Peter Wood handles corporate matters, Simon Lofthouse heads up the private healthcare provider group and legal director Louise Dobson litigates matters in the health and pharmaceutical sectors.

Practice head(s):Bill Gilliam

Other key lawyers:Peter Wood; Simon Lofthouse; Louise Dobson

Testimonials

'Addleshaw Goddard fields a great team, which is dynamic, knowledgeable and very client friendly'.

'The team combines an excellent understanding of the NHS public sector with commercial legal knowledge. It has strong ethics and values the culture of the client to ensure the case is presented to the client's best advantage'.

'Bill Gilliam is a stand-out solicitor - a fantastic technical lawyer but also commercial and practical'.

'Louise Dobson really knows her stuff'.

Key Clients

McKesson UK (including Lloyds Pharmacy Group and AAH Pharmaceuticals)

Mangar Health

BUPA

GlaxoSmithKline

NHS Business Services Authority

Stockport NHS Foundation Trust

University Hospitals of Derby and Burton Foundation Trust

Assura Medical

Bupa Care Homes Mercia Healthcare

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough (NHS) Foundation Trust

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen NHS University Hospital Trust

NHS Improvement

Northumbria Healthcare Foundation Trust

Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Serco Limited

The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust

Citybranch Limited and Citybranch Healthcare Limited

Liverpool and Sefton Health Partnerships Limited

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Clinigen Group Plc

Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

North Tees and Hartlepool Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Work highlights

Advised Serco on a complex outsourcing health transaction involving a contract for the supply of soft facilities management services to the NHS.
Acted for Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust in the termination of an existing property management services agreement with a joint venture company and the subsequent dismantling of the joint venture.
Assisted Derby Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with navigating the transactions guidance and engagement with BHSI to deliver a restructure of NHS services in the Derby region to the the University Hospital of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust.
Advised YFM Private Equity and others on the sale of inflatable lifting and bathing device manufacturer Mangar Health to Groupe Winncare.
Assisting a provider in the health sector with the exit of its contractual arrangements with an IT solutions and software provider.

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Local government

Local government - ranked: tier 1

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard's local government practice handles major transactions, projects, competition work, infrastructure matters, procurement, real estate issues and litigation for local authorities across the country. Group leader Andrew Pettinger is experienced in outsourcing transactions and Richard Goodfellow leads the infrastructure, projects and energy team.

Practice head(s):Andrew Pettinger

Other key lawyers:Richard Goodfellow

Key Clients

West Midlands Combined Authority

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Manchester City Council

Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council

Cheshire East Council/Connecting Cheshire

Cumbria County Council

Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council

Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council

Burnley Borough Council

Cheshire West & Chester Council

York City Council

Leeds City Council

Luton Borough Council

Reading Borough Council

Hull City Council

Derby City Council

Somerset County Council

Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council

Bradford City Council

Salford City Council

Wakefield County Council

Stoke City Council

Connexin Limited

Warrington Borough Council

Work highlights

Acted for Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council as mezzanine lender and equity investor in a joint venture with Urban & Civic as developer on the development of three residential blocks.
Advising London Luton Airport Limited on the £200m development of a mass passenger transit system between Luton Airport Parkway railway station and the airport terminal.
Assisted Leeds City Council with an advanced district heating scheme.
Advising Wakefield City Council on a variation to its street lighting PFI agreement.
Assisting West Midlands Combined Authority with the property aspects of a £340m expansion to the Midland metro tram system.

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Yorkshire and the Humber: Real estate

Commercial property: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire

Commercial property: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire - ranked: tier 1

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard has a broad commercial property practice, led by the 'pragmatic, smart and deal-focused' Bruce Lightbody. The firm acts for some of the UK's largest institutional investors as well as some of the country's largest real estate investment trusts. The 'highly professional' Lucy Sturrock is another notable name, working on high-profile transactions and co-leading the firm's national hotel and leisure sector group. Ian Smith, who acts for a number of the firm's major clients, is also recommended.

Practice head(s):Bruce Lightbody

Other key lawyers:Lucy Sturrock; Ian Smith

Testimonials

'The individuals we work with demonstrate a caring attitude; specifically Bruce Lightbody and David Shaw'

'Lucy Sturrock provided us with invaluable advice on a major hotel transaction. She has led the transaction for us in a highly professional manner, always maintaining a positive approach and providing the coordination and leadership required to best progress matters'

'The team consistently demonstrates very strong commercial thinking, combined with unrivalled levels of experience on transactions. This allows Addleshaw to provide advice which is strong, relevant and enables clear decision making at critical points'

'Knowledgeable and helpful, good with advice at the start of projects, proficient and timely.'

'Bruce Lightbody is one of the leading lawyers in the region'.

Key Clients

Aberdeen Standard Investments

Lancaster University

Muse Developments

Travelodge Hotels Limited

Heeton Holdings Limited

Columbia Threadneedle Investments

U+I and CTP

Ribston Industrial Fund

Siemens PLC

Bizspace

Work highlights

Advised Columbia Threadneedle Investments on the £42m acquisition of Network North Portfolios.
Advised Lancaster University on the £41m development of the Health Innovation Campus as well as a new whole-life care and research establishment.
Advised Muse Developments Limited on £40m pre-let of warehouse developments in Leeds to Premier Farnell.
Advised Travelodge Hotels Limited on the construction of new hotel in Middlesex Street, London.
Advised Heeton Holdings Limited on the acquisition of three hotels, including one in Glasgow and one in Edinburgh.

Leading individuals

Bruce Lightbody - Addleshaw Goddard

Lucy Sturrock - Addleshaw Goddard

Next Generation Partners

Ian Smith - Addleshaw Goddard

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Construction

Construction - ranked: tier 1

Addleshaw Goddard

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.

Leading individuals

David Shaw - Addleshaw Goddard

James Reynolds - Addleshaw Goddard

Rising stars

Ally MacKenzie - Addleshaw Goddard

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Planning

Planning - ranked: tier 3

Addleshaw Goddard

Following the departure of former team head Glenn Sharpe to York City Council, the key Leeds-based contacts for Addleshaw Goddard's planning group include legal director Julia Dixon, who joined from Squire Patton Boggs in late 2018, and associate Daniel Marston. The national group is highly regarded for its expertise in housing and mixed-use developments, rail and energy projects, and retail projects.

Other key lawyers:Julia Dixon; Daniel Marston

Key Clients

Strawsons

Newark & Sherwood District Council

Sewell Construction

BP Oil UK Limited

Aviva

SSE

Muse Developments plc

Work highlights

Acting for SSE on securing the development for a new gas-fired power station and the associated infrastructure.
Advising Sewell Construction Limited on the proposed development of the Yorkshire Energy Park.
Assisting Strawson Holdings Limited with its planning applications for an employment-led mixed-use development adjacent to the M6.
Advising Knightwood Trust Farms Limited on the promotion of a planning application for a strategic housing development.
Drafting and negotiating multiple section 106 agreements for Newark & Sherwood Council relating to an urban extension.

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Property litigation

Property litigation - ranked: tier 1

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard handles the full spectrum of contentious property work for a client base spanning blue chip tenants, investors, developers and infrastructure providers with notable expertise advising on the contentious aspects of the management of shopping centres, litigation arising from company voluntary arrangements in the retail sector and trespasser evictions. Leeds-based Julie Middlemass heads up the national team, working with managing associates Elizabeth Cape and Chris McGrath, who handles landlord and tenant matters, and associate Louise Minshull, who focuses on mixed-use development mandates.

Practice head(s):Julie Middlemass

Other key lawyers:Elizabeth Cape; Chris McGrath; Louise Minshull

Testimonials

'Addleshaw Goddard is very strong nationally and in Yorkshire and fields an excellent team'.

'Julie Middlemass is clearly one of the go-to names in the country for property disputes'.

'Elizabeth Cape is truly incredibly and stands out among the crowd'.

Key Clients

Aberdeen Standard Investments

Associated British Foods/Primark Stores Limited

Aviva Investors

Bizspace

British Land

Columbia Threadneedle

Hermes

National Grid

Siemens plc

Travelodge Hotels Limited

Work highlights

Acting for a range of institutional landlords affected by company voluntary arrangements including Carpetright, New Look, House of Fraser, Mothercare and Prezzo.
Assisting a property company with its strategy to prevent encroachments impinging on a potential development.
Acting for Promontoria (Henrico) Limited in a possession claim relating to residential buy-to-let properties.
Acting for a joint venture between a developer and landowner in securing a possession order and a High Court writ over a large development site, which is susceptible to entrance by travellers.
Advising a property company on a vacant possession strategy to enable the future development of a shopping centre.

Leading individuals

Julie Middlemass - Addleshaw Goddard

Rising stars

Elizabeth Cape - Addleshaw Goddard

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Yorkshire and the Humber: TMT (technology, media and telecoms)

IT and telecoms

IT and telecoms - ranked: tier 1

Addleshaw Goddard

The 'friendly yet professional' IT practice at Addleshaw Goddard is known predominantly for its expertise in high-value IT projects and technology outsourcing deals. The group is instructed by large national private sector corporates and is particularly active in the industrial, retail, health, and financial services sectors. Practice head Michael Lowry focuses on IT procurements, outsourcing projects, data centres, large-scale enterprise licensing work, cloud issues and SaaS arrangements. Other key names to note include Bill Gilliam for IT disputes, Simon Lofthouse, who counts the private health and industrial sectors among his specialisms, and consultant Ian Sampson.

Practice head(s):Michael Lowry

Other key lawyers:Bill Gilliam; Simon Lofthouse; Ian Sampson

Testimonials

'Addleshaw Goddard's IT and telecoms department is dedicated, knowledgable and flexible.'

'The highly capable IT team at Addleshaw Goddard has a good cross-sector knowledge, a personable and engaging team and a well-respected practice.'

'Addleshaw Goddard is professional, responsive and intelligent throughout its work.'

'Addleshaw Goddard's IT and telecoms team takes the time to explain items to its clients using plain English and never makes clients feel stupid for asking questions.'

'Michael Lowry knows IT and outsourcing like the back of his hand.'

'Simon Lofthouse is a very technical lawyer.'

'Associate Priscilla Hetherton is bright, hardworking, responsive and knowledgeable. She has a sense of humour and a view of what is practical and what is not.'

Key Clients

The Marsden Building Society

Travelodge

Gatenby Sanderson

Work highlights

Advised The Marsden Building Society on a multi-vendor IT transformation project, which involved outsourcing its IT infrastructure and systems to three providers for its key managed IT and network services.
Assisted Travelodge with the outsourcing of its network services to Virgin Media Business.
Acted for Gatenby Sanderson on a master subscription agreement and consultancy services agreement for a new CRM system for its end-to-end recruitment process management.
Instructed by Travelodge on the renegotiation of its licence for the use of Oracle's CRM platform.

Leading individuals

Michael Lowry - Addleshaw Goddard

Next Generation Partners

Simon Lofthouse - Addleshaw Goddard

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Intellectual property

Intellectual property - ranked: tier 2

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard's team is highlighted for its strength in advising its impressive client roster of household names on the full range of non-contentious matters. It is frequently instructed by a range of national and international blue-chip companies in corporate transactions with complex IP elements. Practice head Georgina Powling is well-regarded for her expertise in advising on M&A and finance transactions, as well as commercial agreements and research and development agreements. The group benefits from the ability to leverage the firm's commercial disputes team in contentious matters.

Practice head(s):Georgina Powling

Testimonials

'Georgina Powling is a very good non-contentious lawyer, she really knows her stuff.'

'Georgina Powling helps client to take on the "big boys" to protect their IP.'

Key Clients

Sainsbury's

Battersea Power Station

British Airways

Diageo

Ted Baker

LDC (Managers) Limited

National Grid Electricity Ventures Plc

C-Capture Limited

Moore Stephens LLP

Work highlights

Advised Sainsbury's Supermarkets on the IP aspects of its acquisition of the Nectar card loyalty scheme from Aimia.
Acted for National Grid on the complex intellectual property terms in a consortium agreement with Nissan, E.ON, Northern Powergrid, UK Power Networks, Imperial College and the University of Newcastle.
Assisted Diageo with the drafting and negotiation of a trade mark licence and beer manufacturing agreement between Diageo and Heineken in Ghana.
Advised LDC on the IP aspects of its investment into RIBA Enterprises, the commercial arm of the Royal Institute of Architects, including investigating the target's proprietary software and the acquisition and use of its technical content.
Assisted Ted Baker with its acquisition of the entire issued share capital of No Ordinary Shoes and No Ordinary Shoes USA from Pentland Group.

Leading individuals

Georgina Powling - Addleshaw Goddard

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Further information on Addleshaw Goddard

Please choose from this list to view details of what we say about Addleshaw Goddard in other jurisdictions.

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London

Offices in London EC1Y and London EC3M

North West

Offices in Manchester

Oman

Offices in Muscat

Qatar

Offices in Doha

Foreign firms

Scotland

Offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen

Yorkshire and the Humber

Offices in Leeds

Top-tier Firm rankings

Firm Rankings

Yorkshire and the Humber

Transport

Testimonials

Key Clients

Work highlights

Yorkshire and the Humber: Corporate and commercial

Corporate and commercial: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire

Testimonials

Key Clients

Work highlights

Corporate tax

Key Clients

Work highlights

EU and competition

Testimonials

Key Clients

Work highlights

Yorkshire and the Humber: Dispute resolution

Banking litigation

Testimonials

Key Clients

Work highlights

Commercial litigation: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire

Testimonials

Key Clients

Work highlights

Yorkshire and the Humber: Finance

Banking and finance

Testimonials

Key Clients

Work highlights

Insolvency and corporate recovery

Testimonials

Key Clients

Work highlights

Yorkshire and the Humber: Human resources

Employment: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire

Testimonials

Key Clients

Work highlights

Pensions

Testimonials

Key Clients

Work highlights

Yorkshire and the Humber: Insurance

Professional negligence: claimant

Work highlights

Yorkshire and the Humber: Private client

Charities and not-for-profit

Testimonials

Key Clients

Work highlights

Personal tax, trusts and probate

Testimonials

Key Clients

Work highlights

Yorkshire and the Humber: Projects, energy and natural resources (including PFI)

Energy

Key Clients

Work highlights

Infrastructure

Key Clients

Work highlights

Yorkshire and the Humber: Public sector

Health

Testimonials

Key Clients

Work highlights

Local government

Key Clients

Work highlights

Yorkshire and the Humber: Real estate

Commercial property: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire

Testimonials

Key Clients

Work highlights

Construction

Testimonials