Addleshaw Goddard > Manchester, England > Firm Profile
Addleshaw Goddard Offices

1 ST PETER'S SQUARE
MANCHESTER
M2 3DE
England
Addleshaw Goddard > The Legal 500 Rankings
Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Manchester Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard offers a 'broad range of business expertise' for major M&A and private equity deals, alongside a noted structured real estate capability, led by Shelley McGivern . 'Technically astute' practice head Paul Medlicott advises a range of national private equity houses on large-scale buyouts, investments, and portfolio company issues, with Andrew Green also a strong contributor to the firm's private equity offering. Roger Hart specialises in PLC advice, working with listed companies on equity raisings, takeovers, and other capital markets considerations, alongside Richard Lee. Duncan Wilson maintains an active M&A practice, while George Danczak was promoted to partner in mid-2021 in recognition of his work on complex corporate transactions.
Practice head(s):
Paul Medlicott
Other key lawyers:
Roger Hart; Andrew Green; George Danczak; Richard Lee; Shelley McGivern; Duncan Wilson; Nadine Waters
Testimonials
‘Paul Medlicott – probably the leading light in the north west corporate legal community, bar none.’
‘Very broad range of business law experience, technical collaborations, large procurement and supply contract development, competition law. ’
‘The commercial team is clearly the leading team in the Northwest – demonstrating unrivalled expertise, and a breadth of knowledge across key sectors. Their work for FTSE 100 organisations gives them exposure to the highest levels of work. The corporate team is exceptionally experienced and talented, handling a large proportion of the key north west deals. Excellent links within the PE and finance communities. ’
‘Nadine Waters – a firm favourite with her clients, she has great experience and a rare, no nonsense approach to running a transaction. An extremely safe pair of hands.’
‘George Danczak – one to definitely watch, extremely experienced for his PQE, there are few things that George can’t handle with real professionalism. ’
‘Addleshaw Goddard provides a complete service. The link up between the in-house teams is seamless and provides easy access to a broad range of knowledge. The corporate team that we work with have a great interface with the real estate, tax and procurement teams and hence advice is always given having taken a much more rounded view that we have experienced with other legal practices.’
‘Shelley McGivern is an exceptional partner to work with. Her in depth legal knowledge and experience, combined with her commercial awareness, responsiveness and ability to come up with innovative solutions makes her an invaluable partner to work alongside.’
‘They are very proactive and responsive and pleasant to deal with.’
Key clients
JD Sports
Allied London
BT
Dixons Carphone
Boohoo
Manchester Airport Group
Spectris
PZ Cussons
Moneysupermarket
Work highlights
- Advised Zeus Capital and Jefferies as joint bookrunners on Boohoo’s secondary placing which raised equity proceeds of £197.7m.
- Advised BT on the disposal of Tikmit Limited.
- Advising PZ Cussons Plc on the sale of its Nigerian dairy business, Nutricima, to FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria.
Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard advises on complex, high-value tax issues for national and international corporate clients, private equity sponsors, and investment funds, with strong capabilities across property SPV structuring, international joint ventures, and tax transparency work. Practice head Justine Delroy leads the tax team nationally, and is a specialist in private equity transactions, as well as regularly advising on stamp duty and VAT matters in the property sector. Michael Hunter has a strong record in tax matters for property SPVs, particularly complex cross-border issues, alongside advising on tax aspects of M&A. Managing associate Catherine Concannon handles a wide range of commercial tax issues, particularly those relating to transactions and structuring.
Practice head(s):
Justine Delroy
Other key lawyers:
Michael Hunter; Catherine Cocannon; Chris Fox
Testimonials
‘What makes Addleshaw Goddard unique is the blend of expertise and thinking outside the box. I find the people I work with from AG are very experienced with exceptional skills and knowledge to solve any tax issues.’
‘My specialism is VAT; I have worked with both Michael Hunter and Chris Fox and was impressed with both. Michael Hunter in particular has been extremely helpful; with impressive depth of tax knowledge.’
‘This Team is great at explaining the complex world of Corporate Tax into easily digestible/understandable terms, usually with the assistance of diagrams. Their advice notes are invaluable not only at understanding the issues at the time but also referring back to them at a later date.’
‘We have largely worked with Michael Hunter and he has proved both very approachable and knowledgeable.’
Key clients
Phoenix Equity Partners
Aviva Investors
Inflexion
Federated Hermes
Elysian Capital
Aberdeen Standard Investments
Livingbridge
Muse
Diageo
Bruntwood
Work highlights
- Advised Alinda Capital Partners on its acquisition of Glide.
- Advising Federated Hermes on the forward-funded development of a number of build-to-rent developments with a combined value of over £400m.
- Advising Ted Baker on the disposal of its head office building to the British Airways Pension Fund.
Dispute resolution > Banking litigation Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard's finance disputes team provides a 'first-class service' to its roster of banking and financial services clients and has particular expertise in pursuing claims and asset recoveries in foreign jurisdictions. The group counts issues relating to asset finance, asset-based lending, secured lending and regulated lending products among its specialisms and is increasingly developing expertise in the digital finance sector and matters involving digital assets. The 'exceptional' Harold Brako specialises in banking, asset-based lending and receivables financing disputes and leads the group, which includes legal director Helen Collinge and managing associate Ashlee Simms.
Practice head(s):
Harold Brako
Other key lawyers:
Helen Collinge; Ashlee Simms; Patricia Elder; Jack McConville
Testimonials
‘Very commercial and insightful advice given to tight deadlines.’
‘What I find most impressive about the practice is the way the team works tirelessly to achieve the best and most commercial outcome for clients.’
‘First class service. Excellent knowledge base, commercial awareness, down to earth, easy to do business with.’
‘The team is well organised and cohesive, with appropriate allocation of work across the various levels of qualification and experience. The team has a commitment to the delivery of high standard work clearly inspired by the effective leadership of Harold Brako.’
‘Harold Brako has a commercial, solution-led approach to complex litigation.’
‘Harold Brako and Patricia Elder are recommended: vastly experienced team, fun, friendly, provide excellent counsel and explanations of legal issues.’
‘Harold Brako – an exceptional lawyer with a wealth of experience. His ability and willingness to put the client first is vital when you need someone to react quickly.’
‘Jack McConville – a young, talented and diligent lawyer who is committed to providing exceptional service to clients. I have no doubt that Jack has a long and successful career ahead of him.’
Key clients
HSBC Bank plc
Paragon Bank plc
Aldermore Invoice Finance
Seneca Trade Partners Limited
Aldermore Bank
Santander UK plc
Amicus Asset Finance Limited
Ultimate Finance Limited
Bibby Financial Services Limited
Praetura Asset Finance Limited
Genser Energy Ghana Limited
Conister Bank Limited
Röwer & Rüb GmbH
Svenska Handelsbanken AB
Dell Bank Interntional d.a.c trading as Dell Financial Services
Ultimate Bridging Finance Limited
G C Capital Limited
Goldcrest Finance Limited
Elevar Finance SPV Photon LLC
Handelsbanken plc
Reward Finance Group
Work highlights
- Advising Genser Energy Ghana Limited and Genser Energy Africa Inc in its defence and counterclaims stemming from a supply and purchase agreement in relation to a contract to supply propane gas valued at $17.6m. The agreement was backed by a security bond from Genser itself secured by a third party guarantor totalling $25m.
- Advising GC Property 3 Limited (a subsidiary of Goldcrest Finance Ltd) on issues of frustration, contractual interpretation, breach of contract and termination and rescission relating to a £5.7m agreement for the sale and purchase of four hotel businesses which were exchanged in March 2020 immediately prior to the onset of the Covid-19 crisis in the UK.
- Acting for Bibby Invoice Discounting Limited and its customer We Recruit SW in a dispute with Thompson Facilities and Management Services Limited and Thompson Power Tool for non-payment of invoices relating to the supply of agency workers.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Manchester Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard's Manchester-based team has 'the bandwidth to deal with the big-ticket litigation whilst having the human touch that inspires confidence'. The group counts competition litigation as a growth area, for which national practice head Mark Molyneux and legal director Samantha Haigh are names to note; it is currently acting for the Road Haulage Association in the high-profile truck litigation follow on damages claim before the CAT. Procurement disputes are among the team's other specialisms, for which legal director Clare Dwyer and managing associate Paul Rowley are noted, while Susan Garrett (who has particular experience in disputes concerning offshore jurisdictions including Mauritius and Jersey) excels in IT disputes and leads the firm's e-disputes practice. The group also has a growing business protection group led by Nicholas Ashcroft, who works alongside the firm's employment team to advise on the prevention of unlawful competition, enforcement of restrictive covenants and protection of employer's confidential information. The disputes practice has notable cross-border experience which includes a specialist Africa Business Group and international arbitration expertise.
Practice head(s):
Mark Molyneux
Other key lawyers:
Susan Garrett; Nicholas Ashcroft; Samantha Haigh; Clare Dwyer; Paul Rowley; James Currie
Testimonials
‘A great team of lawyers. They are technically brilliant and collaborate seamlessly in providing a fantastic service to clients. They have the bandwidth to deal with the big ticket litigation whilst having the human touch that inspires confidence.’
‘Mark Molyneux (partner) – Has a great strategical mind and leads the team superbly. Highly respected.‘
‘Samantha Haigh (legal director) – takes ownership of matters and delivers solutions.’
‘James Currie (associate) – very proactive and produces high-quality work.’
‘Clare Dwyer is a first-class lawyer, has very good judgment and is absolutely unflappable. She gives her clients excellent service and practical commercial solutions to their problems. Her instructions are always a pleasure to receive and she is great to work with. I recommend her very highly.‘
‘Paul Rowley is a Managing Associate and a sold performer in the AG Manchester team, hard working and tenacious.’
‘Mark Molyneux: Has tremendous experience and very good at reading the other parties (and their counsel) in the litigation. Samantha Haigh: Great litigator and extremely pleasant to work with.’
Key clients
The Road Haulage Association Limited
NKT Group
PZ Cussons
The Co-operative Group
Manchester Airport Group
Office Depot Group
Solvay Group
Bestway
Diageo
Wolseley
Work highlights
- Defended six companies in the NKT group in three claims seeking follow-on damages in connection with the European Commission cartel decision relating to the supply of high and extra high voltage power cables.
- Acting for CIS General Insurance Limited (CISGIL) in a claim against IBM in the Technology and Construction Court (QBD) relating to IBM’s alleged wilful default and wrongful purported termination of its IT implementation and 10 year managed services contract for a new end to end IT operating platform for CISGIL.
- Acted for Geobear Infrastructure Ltd, a company specialising in ground engineering, in a claim against a former employee of the company for breach of restrictive covenants after the former employee resigned to work for a competitor.
Employment > Health and safety Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard‘s health and safety practice advises on some of the highest-profile matters in this market, including acting for core participants in public inquiries. The team is also frequently instructed to provide assistance to employers following fatal workplace accidents. Other areas of focus include fire safety, where the practice offers proactive and reactive advice, as well as complex coronavirus-related matters. Practice head Erin Shoesmith leads the team, which also includes associate Priscilla Addo-Quaye, ‘a star in the making’.Practice head(s):
Erin Shoesmith
Other key lawyers:
Priscilla Addo-Quaye; Abi Nicholson
Testimonials
‘AG are in the top tier of firms for H&S work. Great team work and very standards of legal advice and client service ’
‘I have always found the team at AG very helpful and have a great understanding of health and safety in the ‘real world’. Their careful assessment of Expert Witnesses before appointment has meant our clients have had very knowledgeable and practical allies as part of the defence team.’
‘Erin Shoesmith has an extraordinarily incisive mind. She is analytical and perceptive and wastes no time in expressing her conclusions in a clear and accessible way; yet she maintains an extremely friendly manner and a very good sense of humour; there is a complete absence of pomposity and self-importance often found in her competitors. An outstanding performer heading up an excellent team.
‘Priscilla Addo-Quaye has been faultless as liaison between the 3 counsel team, the AG Team and the Manchester Arena Inquiry Legal Team. She has organised our lives, taking care of diaries, deadlines, even summarising the content of lengthy emails to save us time. Her legal work is equally impressive and she is outstandingly good with clients. Highly recommended, and a rising star. The whole team has worked to an extremely high standard over the past 12 months.’
‘The AG team are an outstanding team. They are individually highly conscientious, diligent, efficient, razor sharp thinkers who just have that first class ability to get the job done quickly and, to an exacting standard. I am thoroughly impressed with each and every member of the team whose insights and contributions to the preparation of a case is of immense value. In addition, they are also an absolute pleasure to work with.’
‘The Addleshaw Goddard health and safety team in Manchester are outstanding. I have worked with them for a number of years and am continually impressed by the quality of staff at all levels. They are dedicated, knowledgable and a pleasure to work with. They are within the highest category of teams in the North West of not the entire UK.’
‘Erin Shoesmith is a remarkable lawyer. She knows the law backwards, is utterly dedicated to her clients and a pleasure to work with. Priscilla Addo-Quaye is also first class, very hard-working and a star in the making.’
‘Abi Nicholson is a hard worker who will do great things.’
Key clients
Skanska Construction UK Limited
M Group/ Morrison Utility Services Limited
Scottish Futures Trust
Eddie Stobart Limited
AAH Pharmaceuticals Limited
Manchester Metropolitan University
Victrex Plc
Travelodge Hotels Ltd
Boohoo Group (including boohoo.com, PrettyLittleThing, Nasty Gal, MissPap, boohoo MAN)
KPMG LLP –Blair Nimmo, Tony Friary and Geoffrey Jacobs as liquidators of Doonin Plant Limited (the “Company”)
British American Tobacco UK Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for Core Participants in three of the most high profile public inquiries in recent history, the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry, the Manchester Arena Bombing Inquiry and the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry.
Finance > Banking and finance Tier 1
Praised for its ‘expert knowledge of the market’, the team at Addleshaw Goddard stands out for its array of in-depth specialisms; it acts nationally and internationally for high-profile lenders and borrowers. Practice head Martin O’Shea draws on over two decades of experience in the local market and Andrew Maskill leads the asset finance group, while Simon Prendergast advises on high-profile asset-based lending transactions. Richard Oman, who focuses on corporate lending and leveraged acquisition finance work, is another key name in the team, as is experienced associate Ben Edwards and Katie Ridehalgh, who specialises in real estate finance mandates. Legal director Sarah Jay joined the team from Pinsent Masons LLP in early 2021.
Practice head(s):
Martin O’Shea
Other key lawyers:
Richard Oman; Andrew Maskill; Simon Prendergast; Katie Ridehalgh; Ben Edwards; Jessica Burgess; Sarah Jay
Testimonials
‘Addleshaws have market leading expertise in the small / mid-ticket asset finance market. Andrew Maskill is the best in-house lawyer in private practice! Experienced, with commercial risk appreciation and technically solid.’
‘Andrew Maskill is always available and provides market leading experience and service on transactional matters.’
‘Their in depth knowledge and understanding of the client requirements is a real strength. There is a broad offering of expertise which means Addleshaws can act as a one stop shop for legal advice.’
‘Really proactive, driven team who are very capable at handling complex matters.’
‘Ben Edwards – exceptional client service and technical knowledge. Jessica Burgess – strong associate, commercial and responsive.’
‘Team led by Simon Prendergast is incredibly knowledgeable, collaborative, commercial and experienced. I have worked with Simon for many years in the asset based lending market and find him and his team a huge support.’
‘The AG team has expert knowledge of the market, the technical legal knowledge that is expected of a large law firm and will always be able to put a large team on a deal, if needed.’
‘Martin O’Shea – extremely experienced; always very receptive to calls / queries even when not billing for the advice. Katie Ridehalgh – very specific technical expertise and my go-to person in the industry for advice which I can fully rely on.’
Key clients
Tosca Debt Capital LLP
JD Sport Fashion plc
MoneySuperMarket.com Group plc
The HSBC group of companies (including HSBC UK Bank plc, HSBC Equipment Finance (UK) Limited and HSBC Invoice Finance (UK) Limited
Santander UK plc
Co-operative Group Limited
Spirax-Sarco Engineering plc
McBride plc
Appreciate Group PLC
PZ Cussons plc
Work highlights
- Advised Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) on the provision of a loan facility of £34m to Liverpool Airport to provide stability for the Airport during the Covid-19 recovery period.
- Acted for Spirax-Sarco Engineering plc on its new debt facilities totalling in aggregate approximately £500m during lockdown.
- Advised Barclays and Santander in connection with revolving facilities to plan.com.
Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 1
Described as the ‘go-to team to get deals done under time pressure and in complex situations’, the practice at Addleshaw Goddard stands out for its in-depth expertise and handles a wide array of high-profile complex restructuring and insolvency matters. The team’s specialisms span distressed real estate work, distressed acquisitions and litigation related to restructuring and insolvency issues, an area in which legal director Jean Boldero plays a key role. Ged Barnes, who is a leading name in the insolvency space, heads up the practice and Tim Taylor, who has particular experience in advising on non-contentious corporate insolvencies, is a name to watch.
Practice head(s):
Ged Barnes
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Jean Boldero – excellent knowledge and experience; good industry/sector knowledge; understands client needs and demands; gives sensible, practical advice.’
‘Probably the best corporate restructuring team in the UK.’
‘The Addleshaw team gives first class technical legal advice as you’d expect, but with recognition of commercial dynamics and a strength in depth that differentiates them in the market. They are the go-to team to get deals done under time pressure and in complex situations, and they bring practical solutions to be able to transact in pressurised environments.’
‘Speed of delivery and turnaround of documents, combined with great commercial acumen. The best restructuring team in NW by some distance.’
‘Team has specialist capability spanning transactional, contentious and real estate insolvency which sets them apart from the competition. High quality advice always received. A commercial approach and real value for money delivered. Extremely collaborative team.’
‘Responsiveness, commerciality and technical ability sets them apart from the competition.’
Key clients
HSBC UK Bank plc
All of the Big 4 Accountants
Grant Thornton UK LLP
FRP Advisory LLP
Endless LLP
The HLD Group
Avison Young
Viscount of the Royal Court of Jersey
Duff & Phelps Limited
Alvarez & Marsal
JD Sports Fashion plc
Work highlights
- Advising the Viscount of the Royal Court of Jersey in her capacity as administrator of the en désastre (bankruptcy) estates of Orb a.r.l. and a doctor in relation to matters of English Law, including the recognition of her appointments by the High Court, the exercise of her investigatory powers, and the conduct of complicated and high value (£400m+) proprietary claims in proceedings in the High Court involving the Serious Fraud Office and 45 other interested parties.
- Advising Deloitte LLP as administrators of the Cartwright Group, a North-West based manufacturer, hirer, servicer and broker of finance for trailers.
- Advised JD Sports Fashion plc on its acquisition of the business and assets of Go Outdoors.
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard provides comprehensive advice to high net-worth and ultra high net-worth individuals and families on trusts, wills, lasting powers of attorney and estates. The team draws on the wider firm's corporate expertise to provide full-service assistance, including handling the restructuring and sale of assets. Practice head Yorke Eaton is adept at complex tax and succession planning, such as advising clients who own overseas assets. Many of Eaton's clients have long-term relationships with the practice.
Practice head(s):
Yorke Eaton
Other key lawyers:
Laura Woffinden; Pervinder Kaur
Testimonials
‘I have known the team for in excess of ten years and have always been grateful for their conduct and professionalism when dealing with my clients.’
‘They have seamlessly added new staff members during lockdown without it adversely impacting on the quality of the service they have provided. Their willingness to engage, educate and advise on all matters relevant to my clients during lock down has been much appreciated.’
‘The stand-out partner is Yorke Eaton. Laura Woffinden is another exceptional colleague.’
‘The Addleshaw Goddard private client team are quietly going about their business developing a strong team of Associates and Managing Associates under the guidance of Yorke Eaton. The strength in depth of the team is really starting to separate them from the rest of the market. For UHNW Families and successful entrepreneurs they remain the go to firm, especially as they sit within the corporate division, where their appreciation of combining corporate and personal tax issues becomes more and more refined. Their collaborative approach with other professional advisors is extremely strong. This should re-assure any client that they will receive the best of all the combined disciplines they may engage to advise them.’
‘Yorke Eaton – unquestionably the North West’s private client lawyer of choice. His insight into complex inter-generational succession planning sets him apart from others seen in the market. The genuine breadth of his knowledge from advising on high value corporate transactions and the personal tax planning associated with them to multi-generational landed estates and trust arrangements as well as an increasing specialisation in funeral plan schemes mean clients are reassured of a broad and highly experienced view on how to solve and deal with their legal requirements. He is also happy to challenge clients (albeit politely) on their plans and requests which ensures they are not just getting a yes man all the time. ’
‘The Addleshaw private client practice is a very well know team across the North of England and beyond, with a fantastic client base of business leaders, entrepreneurs, landed estates and wealthy families. Their reputation in the market place spans, from my personal experience, over 25 years – which is a credit to the firm and the team.’
‘Yorke Eaton and Pervinder Kaur are very well known in the private client space – they both are very effective in terms of dealing with very complex issues, but can adapt their style very effectively for clients, so that the matters are understood. They have a depth of experience and they can help clients understand the decisions they are making, with client stories and examples, which is invaluable for clients. They have built a strong team around them which is equally capable and technically strong.’
Public sector > Health Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard offers extensive coverage of the health sector, with its work spanning the public sector and health infrastructure, life sciences, social and long-term care, and private healthcare. The practice stands out for its private equity healthcare practice, and for its involvement with innovative medical technologies. Team head Michael O’Connor has a strong track record handling commercial transactions involving the NHS, including public-private deals and matters involving wholly owned subsidiaries. Stephanie Townley is the lead for public sector and health infrastructure work, while Louise Dobson is the main contact for advice on matters relating to independent sector health.
Practice head(s):
Michael O’Connor; Stephanie Townley; Louise Dobson
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Pettinger; Shelley McGivern
Testimonials
‘Excellent practical advice provided in a timely manner.’
‘Mike O’Connor has an exceptional knowledge of our sector – healthcare procurement and capital development – and always gives expert but genuinely practical and sound commercial advice. Just a pleasure to work with.’
‘Excellent sector depth and trusting relationships at very senior levels. Happy to make introductions in order to make projects ultimately more successful.’
‘Stephanie Townley is excellent, tirelessly focused and extremely responsive.’
Key clients
GlaxoSmithKline
Genedrive Plc
GEN inCode UK Limited
Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Mid Essex NHS Trust & Basildon & Thurrock University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (now Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust)
Yourgene Health plc
Shawbrook Bank Ltd
Coutts & Co
Step Springfield Village Limited
Maco Pharma S.A.S
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
Infrared Capital Partners Limited and HCP Limited
Celesio (including Lloyds Pharmacy Group)
Assura Medical
Bupa Care Homes Mercia Healthcare
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough (NHS) Foundation Trust
Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen NHS University Hospital Trust
NHS Improvement
Northumbria Healthcare Foundation Trust
Derby Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
NHS Business Services Authority
Serco Limited
Citybranch Limited and Citybranch Healthcare Limited
Liverpool and Sefton Health Partnerships Limited
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Clinigen Group Plc
North Tees and Hartlepool Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
GB Partnerships
Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Fulcrum
Work highlights
- Acted for Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Mid Essex NHS Trust & Basildon & Thurrock University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (now Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust) in navigating the first three way merger of NHS Trusts within the NHS.
- Provided Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust with strategic and legal advice regarding the potential for it to take back in-house the provisions of certain services to the Retained Estates under the PFI at Wythenshawe Hospital by bidding in the market testing process.
- Worked with Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust on a review of its subsidiary arrangements, with a view to establishing commercial subsidiary entities for the Trust in the UK and the GCC (Dubai and Abu Dhabi) to house its private patient activities.
Public sector > Local government Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard's local government work spans areas such as energy, transport, public infrastructure and public services. The firm is a go-to for major outsourcing and partnership transactions, and it also has a strong reputation defending local government entities against high-value procurement claims. Andrew Pettinger, who handles outsourcing and other commercial transactions, jointly leads the team with Michael O’Connor.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Pettinger; Michael O’Connor
Other key lawyers:
Richard Goodfellow; Ian Smith; Sara Gilmore
Testimonials
‘Excellent practical advice provided in a timely manner.’
‘Michael O’Connor has exceptional knowledge of our sector – healthcare procurement and capital development – and always gives expert but genuinely practical and sound commercial advice. Just a pleasure to work with.’
‘Excellent sector depth and trusting relationships at very senior levels. Happy to make introductions in order to make projects ultimately more successful.‘
Key clients
West Midlands Combined Authority
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Manchester City Council
Cheshire East Council/Connecting Cheshire
Cumbria County Council
Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council
Burnley Borough Council
Cheshire West & Chester Council
York City Council
Luton Borough Council
Reading Borough Council
Derby City Council
Somerset County Council
Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council
City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
Salford City Council
City of Stoke Council
Connexin Limited
Warrington Borough Council
Kirklees Council
Greater London Authority / Transport for London
Merseytravel/Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
Work highlights
- Advised the West Yorkshire Combined Authority on all elements of legal advice relating to its station’s development programme.
- Advised London Luton Airport on its airport expansion programme.
- Advised the Greater London Authority on a procurement for the retrofit of existing public housing with net zero carbon solutions.
Real estate > Commercial property: Manchester Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard’s ‘exceptionally talented and well-resourced real estate team’ retains a very strong position in the Manchester market, handling projects that will have a major impact on the region and matters at the cutting edge of real estate trends. Peter Kershaw leads the practice – he is regarded as ‘exceptional in terms of content, values and communication’. During 2020 Anita Weightman and Tony Weightman retired and Stephen Kinsey joined Bruntwood as director of legal services, but the practice – which is praised for its ‘noticeable focus on customer service‘ – continues to boast a deep bench of experienced lawyers, including Lucy Butterworth, Patrick Duffy, Vicky Niescier, Catherine Fearnhead and ‘unflappable‘ legal director Emma Tonge.Practice head(s):
Peter Kershaw
Other key lawyers:
Patrick Duffy; Catherine Fearnhead; Lucy Butterworth; Vicky Niescier; Michael Corbett; Emma Tonge; Dan Sweeney
Testimonials
‘An exceptionally talented and well-resourced real estate team in the north west. They have an excellent number of female partners across the team showing great representation. Overall, the team is known as the go-to firm for top quality work and complex transactions.’
‘The team is unique in terms of its investment in creating a long-term relationship with us, as its client, to enable it to offer us comprehensive legal advice within the context of our commercial realities. The team is proactive in terms of solving our problems in advance of us having to ask. They truly feel like an extension of our internal team.’
‘The team is organised, responsive, knowledgeable and diligent. It has a spread of fee earners allowing deals to be resourced appropriately. ’
‘Emma Tonge is unflappable, with superb attention to detail. Emma understands our business and how we operate and knows how to deliver advice within that context. ’
‘The practice has works with the company on several deals now and the partnership us becoming strong. There is a noticeable focus on customer service, notably with the intranet site and dedicated client handbook. In addition, the supplementary CPD sessions are also greatly received by all team members. ’
‘Individuals at the practice are approachable, possesses good knowledge and are always on hand to assist. They have a good knowledge of the key risks the company faces and actively strives to highlight and address these through the contract. ’
Key clients
Aberdeen Standard Life Funds
Access to Music
AIMS Investments
Allied London
Armstrong Works Limited
British Land
Bruntwood Group of Companies
Canal & River Trust
Cole Waterhouse /Priestley Family
Co-operative Group of Companies
De la Rue Plc
Deloitte & Touch LLP
DP World London Gateway Group of Companies
Enitial Limited & Meritas Scientific Holdings Limited
Federated Hermes
First Investments – REM Group of Companies
Gladman Developments
Greater Manchester Pension Fund
Hallam Land
Hollins Strategic Land
Hurstwood Properties
Ifor Williams Trailers / IWT Holdings Limited
Liberty Charge Limited
London Cyrenians Housing Limited
MGH Card LLP
Manacor (Jersey) Ltd & Manacor Nominees (Jersey) Ltd (KWAP)
Mapeley Group of Companies
Maple Grove Developments
Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Limited
Miller Group of Companies
Morning Foods
Muse Developments
National Grid Group of Companies
National Tyre Service Group
Nationwide Building Society
Network Rail
Northern Trust Group of Companies
OCS Group of Companies
Peel Group of Companies
Pinebridge Estates Limited
Preston City Council
Prologis Group of Companies
Public Sector Plc Group of Companies
Redsun Group of Companies
Regener8 Power Limited
SGN Group of Companies
SSE Group of Companies
Salford City Council
Santander
Scunthorpe Properties Limited and Crossway Park Limited
Swansway Garages
Telereal Trillium
Thomas Jones & Sons (Liverpool) Limited
UK Biobank
UK PRS Fund
Vision Express
Vue Entertainment
Watkin Jones PLC
Workspace Group PLC
Zerum Consulting
Work highlights
- Advised on the acquisition by the (AIMS) Holding Company, of Beech Holdings and Manchester Apartments Limited’s property development, management and letting businesses.
- Advising Peel Land and Property on the letting of land to the German-based Therme group for the development of the Therme Health and Wellbeing Resort at Trafford City, Manchester.
- Acting for Trinity (CW) Limited in the acquisition of parcels of land in Digbeth, Birmingham from multiple landowners creating a 5.1 acre development plot for a new cultural, commercial and residential neighbourhood built around a new public park and network of accessible yards and squares.
Real estate > Construction Tier 1
The strength of its team and breadth of its expertise continue to set the practice at Addleshaw Goddard apart. Nancy McGuire is national head of non-contentious construction; her strengths include advising on procurement strategies and supporting clients with development and funding agreements. Jonathan Tattersall, who leads the construction energy and infrastructure disputes team, is particularly experienced in cross-jurisdictional matters and energy projects. Other key lawyers include Paul O’Kane, who covers contentious and non-contentious construction matters, and managing associate and litigator Philip Withey, who has acted for a number of national and international companies and organisations.Practice head(s):
Nancy McGuire
Other key lawyers:
Paul O’Kane; Jonathan Tattersall; Paul Barge; Philip Withey; Andrew Greaves
Key clients
Hermes/MEPC
Bruntwood
West Midland Combined Authority
Moda Living
Allied London
Tritax Symmetry group companies (separate group company for each development)
Alumno Group
Vita Group
DunnCox (Jamaican law firm acting for Mexican client)
MB Bermondsey (Guernsey) Limited
UK Parliament
Falkland Islands Government (FIG)
Liverpool John Moores University
Select Property Group
BT
Far East Consortium
Manchester Metropolitan University
Manhattan Loft Corporation
Work highlights
- Acting for Hermes in connection with the Wellington Place development in Leeds, including advising on all aspects of the construction legal documentation for buildings 4, 11 and 12.
- Advising on an array of Bruntwood projects across the Alderley Park site, including various laboratory redevelopments, the development of office accommodation and a new multi storey car park.
- Advised Allied London on the £1bn development of a six-hectare plot within central Manchester for Allied London.
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 1
The Addleshaw Goddard team, which is described as ‘a powerhouse in the property litigation sector’, acts for a broad client base comprising of large institutional investors, household name tenants and financial institutions. One of the names to note at the firm is Charles Jagger, who has particular experience of advising corporate occupiers on matters such as dilapidations claims and high-value break notices, among other issues. Chris Perrin is experienced in representing clients in proceedings at the High Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. Legal director Andy Feehan covers a wide array of real estate cases, such as those concerning rent reviews, high-value dilapidations, complex repossessions and service charges. Managing associate Patricia Love is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Julie Middlemass (Leeds)
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Patricia Love is outstanding in terms of professionalism, subject matter knowledge and problem solving. Patricia is proactive, and has a way of putting things on track such that everyone involved gets on board with the way forward.’
‘Patricia Love stands out – she has a brilliant legal mind.’
‘I have worked with Chris and his team for a number of years. They listen, consistently provide reliable, pragmatic, commercially viable advice, enabling me to speed up my decision making process. They are available when I want and provide a good turnaround.’
‘Chris Perrin is a trusted adviser to me and my team.’
‘My experience of the AG Manchester team is that they have first class quality work, rivalling anything I have seen in a top London practice. They carry out that work to a very high standard.’
‘I have worked a great deal with Chris Perrin. I see Chris as one of the future key players in property litigation. He has superb work and great understanding of the subject both on a legal and practical level.’
‘A powerhouse in the property litigation sector.’
‘The team has strength in depth. They are all friendly and knowledgeable. Also very responsive.’
Key clients
Aberdeen Standard Life
Bruntwood Group of Companies
CarVal Investors
Co-operative Group
Europa Capital
Mapeley Estates
Marks and Spencer
Midos Group/Davlea Estates
Network Rail
Property Alliance Group
Santander
Vue Cinemas
Work highlights
- Acting for Angelgate Manchester Buyers Limited (AMBL) and its beneficiaries (approximately 320 individuals predominantly based in the Far East) were successful in the High Court in obtaining a declaration that the funds obtained from the sale of a failed residential development site in Manchester belonged to the investors and not the creditors of the developer as a whole.
- Advising 150+ individual property investors on a group action professional negligence action arising from a failure to advise that the property investment could constitute an unlawful collective investment scheme and therefore be voidable pursuant to FSMA.
- Successfully concluding longstanding High Court litigation for Standard Life against a high street supermarket operator concerning the conditional sale of a1 development site in Durham. The parties were in dispute over whether the proposed buyer had fulfilled certain pre-conditions which would have triggered a sale of the property.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard offers a full service in intellectual property encompassing contentious and non-contentious matters such as brand enforcement, disputes, portfolio management, and the transfer of IP rights in major corporate transactions. Sector strengths include retail, financial services, and the public sector. Practice head Paul Bentham specialises in transactional IP and portfolio management for a number of household name clients, while James Whittaker advises on acquisition, exploitation, and protection of IP rights within the retail and consumer sectors. Director Rebecca Moore advises on non-contentious intellectual property matters including advertising campaigns.
Practice head(s):
Paul Bentham
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
The Co-operative Group Limited
PZ Cussons plc
Moneysupermarket
Harrods
Samworth Brothers Group
Associated British Foods plc
Travelodge Hotels
Lakeland Limited
William Hill
BooHoo Group Plc
Work highlights
- Advising Acti Group on the management of their trade mark and design portfolios.
- Advised Extreme Networks on contentious trade mark enforcement issues.
- Advised Co-Op Group on a fifteen-year naming rights agreement for a new 23,500 seater entertainment venue.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard advises on high-value, business critical IT procurement agreements, outsourcing, and digital transformation projects, working with major financial services, retail, and transport sector clients nationally and internationally. The firm also handles public sector procurement and telecoms infrastructure developments. James Whittaker leads the team, and is a specialist on tech outsourcing, with a particular focus on SAP and Oracle software, while Paul Bentham has a strong record on major systems implementations and cloud systems work. Phil McGough handles global licensing arrangements and IT infrastructure agreements, and director Nadine Waters plays a leading role in complex IT and outsourcing projects.
Practice head(s):
James Whittaker
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
The Co-operative Group Limited
Reckitt Benckiser plc
Smart DCC Limited (t/a Smart DCC)
Bruntwood Group of companies
PZ Cussons plc
McDonald’s Restaurants Limited
ASDA Stores Limited
Matalan
Diageo Group Plc
United Utilities
Work highlights
- Representing CIS General Insurance Limited in its claim against IBM in the Technology and Construction Court (QBD) relating to IBM’s alleged wilful default and wrongful purported termination of its IT implementation and 10 year managed services contract for a new IT operating platform for CISGIL.
- Advised on the procurement for a replacement Application Management Support provider for the central SAP implementation for a FTSE250 Company.
- Advising a FTSE 100 company on various matters relating to its strategic global information, digital and technology estate, including the reshaping of its current IT-contracting landscape.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard has a strong focus on advertising and marketing, with a portfolio of major brands and FTSE-listed clients, acting on a continuous basis for many high-profile companies. The firm has expanded its work within digital advertising, including issues such as content verification and click-through metrics. The team is led by James Whittaker, who advises clients on a broad range of advertising and marketing issues, including large-scale digital marketing campaigns. Director Rebecca Moore has expertise in media buying and creative services agreements, agreements with influencers, and media compliance matters.
Practice head(s):
James Whittaker
Other key lawyers:
Rebecca Moore; Jonathan Davies; Hayley Anderson
Testimonials
‘Addleshaw Goddard’s team are highly professional, efficient and have a solid understanding of our business, further enhanced by tactical secondments. The standard of client service, solid and pragmatic commercially focussed advice is exceptional. The team have often stepped in to support us at short notice, in complex matters and still delivering the high quality output. ’
‘Super helpful & always respond to enquiries with thorough feedback and advice.’
‘Both Jonathan Davies and Hayley Anderson have been great at providing feedback and advice in situations when we need a particularly tight turnaround. ’
‘The team have provided exceptional support on marketing and advertising matters, showing a great understanding of our business and offering commercial, risk-based advice. ’
‘Rebecca Moore has an outstanding ability to distil matters effectively and provide commercially savvy advice.’
‘Hayley Anderson is a trusted advisor on all marketing matters, with exceptional knowledge of the marketing rules and regulations.‘
Key clients
The Co-operative Group
Diageo plc
PZ Cussons plc
United Utilities
Whalar Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Co-op Group on a £100m naming rights deal for new 23,500 seater entertainment venue in Manchester.
- Advised Whalar Limited (social media influencer agency) on template agreements for arrangements with brands and influencers, plus a number of actual deals with clients.
Corporate and commercial > Commercial contracts Tier 1
Drawing on its network of offices throughout the UK, Addleshaw Goddard's dedicated commercial contracts team focuses on highly complex contractual mandates, acting for high-profile clients ranging from start-ups to FTSE 100 companies. The group has notable expertise in the retail, financial services, industrial and digital sectors; key clients include HSBC, Asda Stores and Boohoo Group. Michael Lowry heads up the national practice from Leeds and focuses on technology and outsourcing contracts. Other noteworthy individuals include Manchester-based Jonathan Davey, who is a key contact for retail and consumer clients; Fiona Ghosh in London, who acts for financial services and fintech clients; and James Whittaker in Manchester, who leads the national technology and outsourcing practice. Robert Garwood was promoted to the partnership in mid-2020, David Berry re-joined the firm in mid-2021 from Stephenson Harwood, and managing associate Andrew Carter acts for clients in the transport and financial services sectors.
Practice head(s):
Michael Lowry
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Davey; Fiona Ghosh; James Whittaker; Andrew Smith; Paul Bentham; Robert Garwood; David Berry; Andrew Carter; Phil McGough; Nadine Waters
Testimonials
‘Great understanding of how the company operates, very hands on and proactive. Great collaboration between their team which shows in the service they provide. Training sessions have been provided by the team to our internal stakeholders which have been very successful.’
‘Jonathan Davies has a great understanding of how our company operates which has been cascaded down to his team of associates. He is always very helpful, friendly and proactive.’
‘A very service-oriented team- I work with many large firms and this law firm is one with a human touch and with a keen sense of business. They don’t have that “we are great and we know it” air that many large law firms have.’
‘Andrew Carter- super quick mind and able to grasp and oversee very large transactions. Fiona Ghosh- fantastic in managing all her lawyers and delivering a coordinated package.’
‘The team are exceptionally strong – they are clear leaders in the Northwest for their breadth of experience, quality of client base and progressive approach. They have a leading edge interest in the application of AI to legal services provision, which sets them apart, and have exposure to some of the UK’s biggest commercial contract transactions, via their panel appointments.’
‘James Whittaker – extremely experienced, a strong blend of expertise and practicality. A safe pair of hands for the most complex of deals. Phil McGough – a real rising star, he is dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for his clients, and is a leader in the application of AI to legal services in this sector. Nadine Waters – a client favourite, for her breadth of knowledge and her “non nonsense”, plain speaking style in negotiations.’
‘Andrew Carter is absolutely fearless.’
Key clients
Bruntwood Group of companies
Boohoo Group Limited
Macopharma
Department for Transport
Battersea Power Station
Volkswagen AG
FNZ (UK) Limited
Celtic Football Club
HSBC
Asda Stores Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Volkswagen AG on its global joint venture with Ford Motor Company.
- Advising Asda Stores on the sale of a majority stake in the supermarket group by Walmart Inc to a consortium of the Issa brothers and TDR Capital.
- Advising the Department for Transport (DfT) on the latest model of rail contracts.
Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – small-mid cap Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard's client roster includes a significant number of FTSE AIM 50 and FTSE AIM 100 companies, as well as 12 of the top 13 UK mid-cap stockbrokers, and other financial advisers and brokers. Led by Nick Pearey, the national team is strong in AIM and Main Market matters, with it being prominent in high-profile IPOs, secondary fundraisings and public M&A. In one highlight, Giles Distin and legal director Jeremy Cruse acted for Liberum Capital on the £120m AIM IPO of SourceBio International Plc, which was one of the few AIM IPOs to take place in 2020. Simon Wood and Roger Hart are also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Nick Pearey
Other key lawyers:
Giles Distin; Simon Wood; Roger Hart; Louise Pritchard; Adam Hastings; Jeremy Cruse
Testimonials
‘An exceptionally knowledgeable team, dedicated to client service, unquestionably sharp, punching above their weight.’
‘Specific partners – Simon Wood (my go-to lawyer on public M&A) and Giles Distin (highly experienced on ECM/M&A matters) – experienced lawyers that are always available to help, with a personable bedside manner.’
‘Giles Distin provides a partner-led service and is readily available providing a balanced view.‘
‘The Addleshaw Goddard team have been very strong and provided us with excellent support over the past 12 months. They are clearly very experienced.’
‘Giles Distin has provided us with first class support and has demonstrated his skill and experience in the public markets. He also has a strong relationship with the regulator and is able to provide clarity in complex issues.’
Key clients
Accrol Group Holdings plc
Alpha Financial Markets Consulting plc
Boohoo Group PLC
Brickability Group plc
BT Group plc
Carclo plc
Cenkos Securities
Chesnara plc
Churchill China PLC
ClearStar Inc
Dixons Carphone plc
finnCap
Frontier IP Group plc
genedrive plc
IMImobile PLC
Investec Bank
JD Sports Fashion plc
Jefferies
Kestrel Partners LLP
Liberum Capital
Longevity Acquisition Corp
McBride plc
Moneysupermarket.com Group PLC
NAHL Group plc
Nplus1 Singer
On The Beach plc
Peel Hunt
Ramsdens Holdings PLC
Shore Capital & Corporate
SPARK Advisory Partners
Speedy Hire plc
Sumo Group Plc
Team17 Group plc
The City Pub Group PLC
The Pebble Group plc
Victrex PLC
Yourgene Health plc
Zeus Capital
Work highlights
- Advising IMImobile plc on its £543m recommended offer from Cisco Systems, Inc.
- Advising Liberum Capital Limited in its capacity as nominated adviser and sole bookrunner on the £120m IPO on AIM of SourceBio International PLC.
- Advising Zeus Capital and Jefferies, as joint bookrunners to Boohoo Group plc, in relation to Boohoo’s secondary placing which raised proceeds of £197.7m.
Corporate and commercial > M&A: lower mid-market deals, £50m-£500m Tier 1
Drawing on resources from across its network of domestic and international offices, Addleshaw Goddard boasts a substantial M&A offering in the mid-market arena. The team is especially noted for its public takeover capabilities, where Nick Pearey regularly advises both targets and acquirers, most recently for major players in betting and hospitality. London M&A head Chris Taylor also leads the Africa group, working with various retailers and consumer goods producers throughout the continent on cross-border acquisitions and divestments. Simon Wood is noted for his broad public M&A practice, while Turkey desk head Elvan Hussein concentrates on high-growth tech enterprises. Yunus Seedat is corporate and commercial divisional managing partner.
Practice head(s):
Yunus Seedat; Chris Taylor
Other key lawyers:
Nick Pearey; Ben Koehne; Charles Penney; Graham Cross; Andrew Rosling; Hugh Lauritsen; Simon Wood; Elvan Hussein
Testimonials
‘They really think into and understand the business rationale of transactions, and translate the business interests accordingly into contracts and agreements.’
‘Very well organized and super responsive.’
‘Chris Taylor: outstanding negotiation performance, able to develop solutions for a problem “on the fly”.’
Key clients
Arbuthnot Latham & Co., Limited
CDC Group plc
Entain
HarperCollins Publishers Limited
IMImobile plc
Lloyds Banking Group plc
Metro Bank
Miller Insurance Services LLP
Shawbrook Bank Limited
Simplyhealth Group Limited
Sy4 Security Limited
Ted Baker
Work highlights
- Advised Entain plc on a takeover approach from their US joint venture partner, MGM Resorts International.
- Advising on the sale of Metro Bank’s prime secured residential mortgage portfolio to NatWest.
- Advising CDC Group plc on a biopharmaceutical investment created for the purpose of acquiring pan-African pharmaceuticals businesses, as well as to establish a manufacturing and innovation centre in India.
Corporate and commercial > Partnership Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard operates at the top of the partnership leagues, acting for global law firms and Big Four accountancy firms on the full span of mandates. Practice head William Wastie applies his 'considerable experience and gravitas' to contentious instructions, particularly in regards to regulatory investigations and misconduct claims within LLPs. Largely handled by top-rated practitioner Aster Crawshaw, regular transactional work includes LLP acquisitions and all-equity mergers involving extensive SRA regulatory scrutiny. The group is highly regarded for its work in the financial services sector, with Jonathan Cheney advising fund managers and private equity partnerships on structuring and governance issues. Chris Hallinan is a key managing associate whose expertise encompasses regulatory and bespoke litigation funding advice. In addition, an extensive pool of in-house tax knowledge is frequently applied to instructions.
Practice head(s):
William Wastie
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They are able to quickly demonstrate the knowledge of the matters they have advised upon and how this experience is applicable to the situation being discussed. It is a leading team due to the long-term commitment to this practice area and ability to grow their own talent from within Addleshaw Goddard.‘
‘William Wastie’s considerable experience and gravitas helps clients grasp challenges quickly.‘
‘Jonathan Cheney has a really good manner and is a pleasure to work with. He quickly gains clients’ confidence in difficult situations.‘
‘Aster Crawshaw has a good understanding of cross-border matters and the culture of international firms.‘
‘Chris Hallinan is a rising star and one for the future. Personable and quickly gains clients’ trust and respect.‘
‘A great depth of knowledge of the professional practices market with sharp insight on the issues of the day.‘
‘Aster Crawshaw offers excellent knowledge and advice of course, but is also a real gentleman. I really like his style.‘
‘A very strong, professional, pragmatic, responsive, experienced, skilled firm that continually demonstrates its sector expertise in advising professional practices and LLPs.‘
Key clients
Marks & Clerk LLP
Miller Insurance Services LLP
Work highlights
- Advised Marks & Clerk on complex issues concerning the restructuring of its European operations in the context of Brexit and the setting up of an operating branch of the UK LLP in Luxembourg and the obtaining of necessary licences and approvals.
- Advising Miller Insurance Services and the individual members on the sale of the business to joint bidders Cinven (a global private equity firm) and GIC (Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund).
Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions - mid-market deals (up to £250m) Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard's 'incredibly commercial' private equity team offers clients broad expertise across a range of sectors and transaction types. The practice is capable of providing a full service on transactions, with the London-based PE team acting alongside the firm's offices in Manchester, Leeds and Edinburgh to handle the tax and financing aspects of deals. Mike Hinchliffe and Yunus Seedat jointly lead the team; both have decades of experience in this area and work closely with a range of buyout houses.
Practice head(s):
Mike Hinchliffe; Yunus Seedat
Other key lawyers:
Marc Field; Nathan Pearce; Graham Cross; Gemma Phillips
Testimonials
‘Incredibly commercial, smart, very personable and pragmatic in working through solutions. I’ve met multiple members of the team and all have a consistency of being decent human beings.’
‘Marc Field is smart, commercial, and driven. You don’t need a corporate finance adviser with Marc as your lawyer; he can play both roles. Honest and very diligent in his work, we haven’t had mistakes under Marc’s care as we have had with many other law firms.’
‘Responsive and hard-working.’
Key clients
Accel KKR
CBPE
ECI Partners
Equistone
H2 Equity Partners
Inflexion
LDC
Livingbridge
Phoenix Equity Partners
Synova Capital
Work highlights
- Advised Citation Group on its sale to KKR.
- Advised Inflexion on sale of its stake in Lane Clark Peacock.
- Acted for H2 in its MBO of Dales Engineering.
Finance > Asset based lending Tier 1
Led from London by 'recognised industry leader' Mike Davison and enhanced by real strength-in-depth across its regional offices (including Manchester, Leeds and Edinburgh), Addleshaw Goddard provides 'great industry and product knowledge' to a lender-focused client base. Benefiting from an 'in-depth knowledge of the market', Davison himself is perhaps the most versatile practitioner in the team and as well as his financing expertise is also regularly sought out by funders to advise on bringing new products to market, as well as on their strategic corporate transactions in the space (including his advice to E Capital Corporation on its entry into the UK market through its acquisition of Advantedge Commercial Finance). Very well acquainted with Loan Market Association (LMA) documentation, Manchester-based partner Simon Prendergast is particularly effective advising UK clearing banks on their asset based lending (ABL)/receivables financings and has also been at the forefront of the development of receivables and ABL products in relation to the UK unitranche market. Appreciated for her 'attention-to-detail and business acumen', Manchester-based associate Lauren Priest-Stephens is well regarded by bank and and non-bank lender clients.
Practice head(s):
Mike Davison
Other key lawyers:
Simon Prendergast; Harold Brako; Andrew Fordham; Euan Cluness; Lauren Priest-Stephens; Simon Warburton; Peter Smartt
Testimonials
‘Great level of responsiveness coupled with great industry and product knowledge.’
‘Mike Davison is a recognised industry leader and specialist in the ABL sector. He provides constructive, commercial and concise commentary and is willing to go the extra mile to get a deal done.’
‘The approachable and practical Mike Davison has an in-depth knowledge of the ABL market.’
‘Euan Cluness is an ABL expert and has strong commercial understanding.‘
‘Harold Brako is first class at handling ABL litigation.’
‘Lauren Priest-Stephens displays attention to detail, business acumen and accessibility.’
Key clients
Advance Global Capital
PNC Bank and PNC Business Credit
Bank of London & the Middle East
HSBC Bank PLC & HSBC Invoice Finance Limited
BNP Paribas London Branch & BJNP Paribas Commercial Finance Ltd
Close Brothers Group Plc & Close Brothers Invoice Finance Ltd
Bank Leumi & Leumi ABL Limited
Breal Zeta Commercial Finance
FGI Finance LLC
Omniveta DK Holdings ApS (and Group Companies)
Advance Global Capital
PNC Bank and PNC Business Credit
Bank of London & the Middle East
Work highlights
- Advised FGI Worldwide LLC on the provision of receivables financing facilities to the ScanSource Group across England and Belgium with supporting security in Luxembourg and the US.
- Advised Breal Zeta on the provision of £90m revolving receivables financing and inventory finance facilities, including the partial refinance of Endless LLP, a full refinance of the existing financiers and syndication of the new facilities with Leumi ABL Ltd.
- Advised ECapital Corporation on their acquisition of Advantedge Commercial Finance, their first expansion outside North America.
Industry focus > Retail and consumer Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard's retail and consumer team gains its reputation from high-end strategic work but is also adept at handling the full suite of business-as-usual issues. The team, which is jointly headed by M&A specialist Andrew Rosling and contentious expert Mark Molyneux, acts for a wide-ranging portfolio of clients from across the retail and consumer spectrum, from FTSE 100 businesses to medium-sized enterprises, spanning high-street retailers, fast-moving consumer goods companies and household brands. With the London office working closely with the firm’s Leeds and Manchester hubs, the department has shone in high-value corporate transactions, real estate deals and complex contentious work. Stationed in Leeds, James Tatro routinely advises food and drink manufacturers and brand owners on strategic investments, acquisitions and disposals, while in London, Rona Bar-Isaac is well-versed in competition law as it applies to retailers.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Rosling; Mark Molyneux
Other key lawyers:
James Tatro; Rona Bar-Isacc
Testimonials
‘Their client base within fast-moving consumer goods and retail sectors is strong, and this means the knowledge within the teams of sector-specific issues is very good, and they bring this to life well in their work. They also share info well so the teams feel well prepared on sector-specific matters, even if not a part of the retail & consumer practice. Their sector-specific update notes are helpful and they run in-house legal seminars for people within the sector which are a great way to share experiences and learn from other similar businesses.’
‘Andrew Rosling is particularly strong in this area, with genuine, deep and differentiated knowledge of the sector.’
Key clients
Boohoo (including boohoo.com, PrettyLittleThing, Nasty Gal, MissPap, boohoo MAN)
Diageo
Entain
Kraft Heinz
PZ Cussons
Samworth Group
Symington’s
The Co-operative Group
Whalar
Work highlights
- Advising Ted Baker on the sale of its headquarters, the Ugly Brown Building in Kings Cross, NW1, to British Airways Pension Trustees for £78.75m.
- Advised Carphone Warehouse, which is suing Telefonica (O2), claiming the mobile network operator caused it to suffer a £26m loss of profits/liquidated damages by breaching O2’s obligations in relation to Carphone Warehouse’s marketing of O2 products.
- Advising Kraft Heinz, one of the largest food and beverage businesses in the world, on a range of matters, including issues relating to the management of their business through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Real estate > Social housing: finance Tier 1
'Leading firm' Addleshaw Goddard is widely-hailed for its finance work, which includes debt capital markets transactions and property security work. It acts for a wide variety of funders and investors in the social housing arena. Lee Shankland has been leading the advice to Barclays on the transition of a large volume of loans away from LIBOR; he is considered to be 'very much the go-to person in this sector'. Steve Mackie is one of 'the stand out partners on the finance side' who regularly leads on significant debt transactions. Jennie Chilton heads up the social housing finance property security team and acts exclusively for funders and trustees. Beth Collett, Geoffrey McGinley and Tom McHugh have expertise in secured bonds, debt restructurings and SONIA loan agreements, among others. Refinancing specialist Helen Hunter made partner in 2021.
Practice head(s):
Lee Shankland
Other key lawyers:
Steve Mackie; Jennie Chilton; Beth Collett; Geoffrey McGinley; Helen Hunter; Tom McHugh; Natalie Montezuma
Testimonials
‘Probably the leading firm to act for lenders in the social housing sector, really good engagement with us and often seen acting on a “global” basis for multi-funded transactions – excellent project management on these complex deals.’
‘Lee Shankland runs an amazing team of individuals. He is very knowledgeable, helpful and approachable, and is very much the go-to person in this sector. Geoff McGinley and Natalie Montezuma are a joy to work with. They know their stuff and make legal work fun! I can’t praise the individuals highly enough; fantastic individuals make up this fantastic team.’
‘They are sector leaders and their work and advice is invaluable. They are very engaging and add real value to the relationship.’
‘The part of the firm I work with is led by an extremely capable partner, Jennie Chilton – technically very strong and so very engaging.’
‘Lee Shankland and Steve Mackie are the stand out partners on the finance side. Their willingness and ability to deliver complex deals effectively makes the firm a practice of choice in the sector. Geoff McGinley is reliable and a solid managing associate.’
‘Beth Collett’s knowledge of social housing bonds is second to none, as is the service she delivers. She always gives sensible, practical advice which balances the needs of all parties. If she is on a deal, we know we’re in safe hands.’
Work highlights
- Advised all lenders on the 2020 refinance of circa £540m of loan facilities to GreenSquare Group Limited and Westlea Housing Association Limited through a mix of new facility agreements and amendments of existing funding agreements.
- Advised each of AIB Group (UK) p.l.c., The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Yorkshire Building Society, Pension Insurance Corporation plc and Standard Life Assurance Limited in connection with new facilities and private placements to Your Housing Limited worth £370m in aggregate.
- Advised Yorkshire BS on the refinance/restatement of existing loan facilities to North Star Housing Group. The refinancing was part of a wider group restructure, with Darlington Housing Association Limited, North Star Housing Group Limited and Teesdale Housing Association Limited transferring their engagements into Endeavour Housing Association Limited (which then changed its name to North Star Housing Group).
Transport > Rail Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard is known for being ‘right at the top of their field‘, advising on franchising, rolling stock, and projects and infrastructure work. Frequently advising on urban rail hubs and advising central government on significant rail projects, the team is co-lead by Paul Hirst, who focuses on complex work related to HS2, operating concessions, and franchises, and co-lead Anna Heaton, who is a key contact for land development surrounding transport hubs.Recently promoted partner Sara Gilmore has advised the Department for Transport on partnership franchises, while Michael Rainey was also promoted to partner in May 2020.Practice head(s):
Paul Hirst; Anna Heaton
Other key lawyers:
Sara Gilmore; Michael Rainey; Bill Gilliam; David Young
Testimonials
‘AG’s London transport team is excellent and can punch its weight with any of the other London teams. Their strength lies in excellent, tight knit teamwork, great communication within their team, and relentlessly working to get the right results for their clients.’
‘A very experienced team of lawyers who have a unique knowledge of the railway industry as a whole. The team is large and all specialisms are catered for. They are extremely collaborative and innovative, setting up a cross-industry forum for knowledge sharing. They understand extremely well the contractual and regulatory frameworks within the industry from both a practical and legal stance.’
‘Bill Gilliam has first class judgement, provides great leadership to his teams, deploys his knowledge of the law and the commercial needs of his client to great tactical effect and is a pleasure to work with. His client handling skills are excellent and he is utterly unflappable whatever the case might throw at him.’
‘They have a great team, with huge experience of public procurement litigation and have been in a number of high profile rail cases in the last year.’
‘They have a strong team led by Bill Gilliam. Their depth of experience, legal expertise and tactical abilities means that they are right at the top of their field.’
‘Bill Gilliam is highly experienced, tactically astute, extremely easy to deal with and always calm under pressure.’
Key clients
Department for Transport
VTG Rail UK Limited
Eversholt Rail
West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Rail Operations Group Limited
West Midlands Combined Authority
High Speed Two (HS2) Limited
Hitachi Rail Limited
Porterbrook
Prologis Group Companies
Greater London Authority / Transport for London
MerseyTravel
HS1 Limited
Transport for Greater Manchester
DB Cargo
Freightliner Heavy Haul Limited
CAF
SMBC
Netinera Deutschland GmbH
Work highlights
- Advised the Department for Transport on the various agreements to bail out the train operating companies and are lead advisor on the new National Rail Contract and design of the replacement Passenger Services Contracts which will supersede the rail franchising model in the biggest industry change since privatisation.
- Acted for HS2 in relation to a successful defence to a major challenge to its procurement of a Construction Partner for the design and delivery of Old Oak Common Station, a transport super-hub and one of the biggest brownfield regeneration projects in Europe.
- Advised in connection with the flagship order, by Rail Operations Group, of up to 30 x Class 93 tri-mode, high speed freight Locomotives, manufactured by Stadler Rail Valencia.
Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 1
The large restructuring team at Addleshaw Goddard is based across Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow, giving it a wide national coverage. It acts for international and domestic banking organisations, investment banks, funds, insolvency practitioners, sponsors and corporate borrowers. Jamie McIntosh heads up the practice and is recommended for insolvency and corporate restructuring matters. Tim Cooper handles contentious insolvency work and Addi Spiers is experienced in distressed real estate matters. Managing associate Kirsten Fleming deals with global investigations and recovery issues.
Practice head(s):
Jamie McIntosh
Other key lawyers:
Tim Cooper; Addi Spiers; Emma Widdowson; Kirsten Fleming
Testimonials
‘They are a large well know presence in the market and uphold this reputation’.
‘Emma Widdowson is a trusted contact we are able to call upon for our projects’.
‘First-class service from a very knowledgeable team’.
‘Proactive in managing cases and driving forward towards results’.
‘Our key client partner is Addi Spiers who I have found to be extremely positive in managing cases through to conclusion’.
‘Tim Cooper is proactive, provides excellent service and always goes the extra mile’.
‘They are a highly skilled and dedicated team who can be relied upon to provide sound advice in a timely and precise manner’.
‘The people I deal with are personable, reliable and manage time costs well’.
Key clients
Lloyds Banking Group
The Royal Bank Of Scotland / Natwest
Santander Bank
Clydesdale Bank PLC / Virgin Money
HSBC
Barclays Bank plc
KPMG LLP
OakNorth Bank plc
Cable Capital Partners Limited
Scottish Enterprise
Work highlights
- Advised Deloitte as the proposed administrators on the administration of Bifab.
- Acted on behalf of FRP Advisory LLP as liquidators of Land Regeneration & Development Limited.
- Acted for Cable Capital Partners, which acquired the shares in Dubois Ltd, t/a Amaray UK, and Cable’s subsidiary, GQS Finance Ltd in refinancing Dubois’ indebtedness to FGI Worldwide LLC in the region of £2m and provision of further working capital.
Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard‘s ‘excellent‘ corporate practice group houses a multidisciplinary team of experts who routinely handle big-ticket corporate transactions and private equity deals. Overseen by Garry Elliott, the team comprises Mark Hallam, who has sector strength in the financial services industry, and James Tatro, who focuses on retail and consumer goods clients. Star practitioner Yunus Seedat is rated highly by peers, and handles an assortment of domestic and international M&A and private equity matters for clients including NorthEdge. On the corporate finance side, Richard Hunt is the key contact. The team also advises on IPO’s and fundraisings; Adam Hastings has over two decades of experience in this area.Practice head(s):
Garry Elliott
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘AG’s Leeds corporate and commercial team is excellent and can punch its weight with any of the big London teams. Their strength lies in excellent, tight knit teamwork, great communication within their team and the teams at large, a very good working relationship with counsel and the client and a tenacious approach to getting the right results for their clients.’
‘Excellent and very highly skilled team. A good combination of top end technical knowledge with genuine commercial litigation experience.’
‘Well led, good depth of experience and common sense, very commercially orientated, certainly knows the local market very well and are very well connected but with a good national reach especially in private equity, and they do what they say they will do when they say they will do it.’
‘Yunus Seedat is outstanding. Wise, perceptive, intuitive, smart, speaks when he has something to say but boy, is it worth listening to. Unflappable.’
‘Garry Elliott – used to be up and coming but now well established. Has real presence and presence of mind. A good commercial adviser, very practical.’
Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard's competition team has a strong track record in representing a range of corporates and multinational clients before the CMA and EU Commission. Overseeing the Leeds team is experienced director Elizabeth Turner, who specialises in cross-border merger control matters, investigations, and other non-contentious work. The group is able to leverage the firm's wider national teams across Manchester, Edinburgh and London to advise clients in Yorkshire and the North East. Representative matters include advising Brenntag UK on merger issues pertaining to an acquisition.
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Hallriver Holdings Limited (Innserve)
Skanska Construction UK Limited
Dunhills (Pontefract) plc (Haribo)
Brenntag UK
Work highlights
- Advising Skanska on the sale of its Infrastructure Services Business.
- Advising Innserve on its acquisition by Heineken UK and Carlsberg Marstons.
- Advising Haribo on competition law and GSCOP compliance.
Dispute resolution > Banking litigation Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard's 'slick, efficient and extremely knowledgeable' Leeds-based banking litigation team provides 'Magic Circle London service at regional prices', according to one client. Its experience includes asset finance and asset-based lending disputes, mis-selling litigation and cross-border recovery claims . The group also handles a range of fraud-related disputes, including frauds arising from bounce-back loan schemes (BBLs) and coronavirus BBLs. Sally Emerton has a breadth of expertise and heads up the firm's finance litigation group across the North. Ben Lowans is particularly experienced in fraud-related litigation, while recently promoted legal director Jonathan Mills specialises in asset-based finance recoveries. Samantha Hollingworth (who is 'a star with an incredible eye for detail') and Jennifer Hedley are managing associates to note. Matthew Dibb moved to Jersey-based WALKERS while Steve Walpole joined TLT's Manchester team.
Practice head(s):
Sally Emerton
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Mills; Samantha Hollingworth; Jennifer Hedley; Charlotte Dack; Ben Lowans
Testimonials
‘Excellent responsiveness and magic circle London service at regional prices.’
‘Ben Lowans – knowledge of merchantable quality issues and practical applications and options was very insightful and by consequence made the client’s understanding of where to take next steps much easier to understand in terms of potential issues and how to navigate to minimise wherever possible. Knows his stuff.’
‘Samantha Hollingworth is a star with an incredible eye for detail.’
‘We have been working with AG’s dispute resolution team for four years and we have found them to be very user friendly and responsive. They work extremely collaboratively with our in house legal team providing the appropriate level of engagement at all times to ensure that our work progresses swiftly and at an acceptable cost level. They have also provided us with secondment support as required and have worked with us to improve significantly the efficiency of the transfer of cases through technological solutions. They are very much our go to firm.’
‘Ben Lowans provides excellent advice which is legally strong but also has a practical focus that understands the needs of our business. He and his team consistently seek to engage with us to ensure that learning from earlier cases is built on for future use.’
‘AG have a slick, efficient and extremely knowledgeable practice. Instructions are dealt with swiftly and any advice is well-measured and practical. I have every confidence in AG when I instruct the firm in a matter.’
‘Apart from the expected in-depth knowledge the team responds without any undue delay and delivers 100%. Concerns are always being taken seriously and pros and cons openly discussed.’
‘Very switched on team with excellent knowledge of the banking industry.’
Key clients
BNP Paribas Group
Aldermore Bank PLC
Nationwide Building Society
Close Brothers Group PLC including Close Asset Finance, Close Leasing and Close Invoice Finance
Santander UK Plc including Santander Asset Finance
Hewlett Packard International Bank
Shawbrook Bank
Yorkshire Building Society
West Bromwich Building Society
Skipton Building Society
Liebherr GB Limited
Virgin Money Group
Asset Alliance Leasing
Societe Generale Equipment Finance Ltd
Deutsche Leasing (UK) Limited
Aurora Leasing Limited
PEAC Finance
Interbay Asset Finance Ltd
Novitas Loans Ltd
Arnold Clarke Automobiles Ltd
JCB Finance Ltd
NatWest Group
Co-Operative Bank Plc
Work highlights
- Representing a number of Building Societies in relation to potential claims regarding the fairness of clauses contained in mortgage agreements which permit lenders to unilaterally vary the standard variable rate of interest applicable to mortgage loans.
- Acted for Aldermore Bank in a dispute arising from a fraud concerning goods which did not exist in which the bank is bringing claims against the broker, supplier, customer and guarantor.
- Successfully defended NatWest in a claim brought by a former customer who, having lost at Trial, issued a new claim alleging that NatWest had obtained Judgment based on fraudulent manipulation of documents.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard acts for an impressive roster of public and private sector clients in commercial and corporate disputes. It counts the transport, health retail and energy industries among its sector specialisms; for the latter Simon Kamstra, who is also experienced in advising aviation and manufacturing sector clients, is a name to note. The group is also particularly strong for procurement disputes, for which commercial disputes head head Bill Gilliam and recently promoted partner Louise Dobson are recommended. Clients of the Leeds-based team also benefit from the firm's integrated approach across its national network; financial services sector specialist Sally Emerton acts as head of litigation for the North, while Kamstra leads the firm's national international arbitration practice. 'Experienced' legal director Gareth Jones is noted for commercial contract litigation, contentious supply chain work and corporate disputes.
Practice head(s):
Simon Kamstra; Bill Gilliam; Sally Emerton
Other key lawyers:
Louise Dobson; Gareth Jones; Amanda Templeton
Testimonials
‘First rate lawyers who work very hard indeed to achieve success for their clients.‘
‘Bill Gilliam is engaged in his cases and a highly original legal thinker. Louise Dobson always goes the extra mile for her clients.’
‘A very expert team on public procurement matters, who are a pleasure to work with.‘
‘Top litigators in the corporate and commercial field. Instructed by major UK companies for their effective teams.’
‘The team headed by Simon Kamstra is very hands-on, creative in their finding of solutions and extremely approachable. A joy to work with.‘
‘Gareth Jones is an experienced litigator and has been instrumental in helping us through some complex litigation with some fairly difficult clients and has had to deal with adversarial situations.‘
‘Simon Kamstra – partner; a delight to work with, totally on top of the case, and always prepared to go the extra mile for the client.’
‘Bill Gilliam – Bill is a very calm and approachable individual and always seems to be able to offer pragmatic advice off the top of his head even on the most complex of matters. Bill has a way of taking the stress out of a problem and coming up with practical solutions. Amanda Templeton – Amanda is extremely hardworking and is always happy to go the extra mile. I have worked with Amanda a great deal over the past 12 months and she has provided consistently sound advice and will always look at things from a commercial perspective as opposed to just focusing on the legal angle.’
Key clients
Department for Transport
High Speed Two (HS2) Limited
Equitix EEEF Biomass 2 Limited
McKesson UK
R Raphael & Sons Ltd
ASDA
PGS Exploration Limited
Waterland Private Equity
Bibby Distribution Limited
Magna Steyr Austria
Work highlights
- Successfully defended the Department for Transport in the rail franchising litigation 2019 (RF19) proceedings – which comprised one of the largest and most complex public procurement claims litigated to date in the UK – involving claims by multiple bidders across the three franchises with each of the disqualified bidders seeking damages in excess of £100m.
- Representing Equitix in a breach of warranty claim relating to the multi-million pound investment by Equitix into a company specialising in renewable energy and investment in a biomass energy plant.
- Acted for High Speed Two (HS2) in a major procurement challenge to its award of a £1.3bn contract for a construction partner for the design and delivery of Old Oak Common (OOC) Station, a transport super-hub and one of the biggest brownfield regeneration projects in Europe.
Employment > Employment: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 1
At Addleshaw Goddard, the employment practice has an excellent track record in acting for domestic and international corporates on high-value restructuring matters, senior exits, and business immigration work. Jointly overseen by Rebecca Kitson and Shakeel Dad, who is 'pragmatic and sharp' according to clients, the group has extensive expertise advising on whistleblowing claims, and appearing before the Employment Tribunal in litigation. At the associate level, Chris-Bailey Gibbs, who joined from Weightmans, is a core part of the team as are Gerri Elliott and Laura Pilkington, who routinely handle TUPE transfers.
Practice head(s):
Rebecca Kitson; Shakeel Dad
Other key lawyers:
Chris-Bailey Gibbs; Laura Pilkington; Gerri Elliott; Leigh Jackson
Testimonials
‘I found them to be very professional and pragmatic. Their approach is personable.’
‘I would like to give a special mention to Rebecca Kitson and Leigh Jackson. Again, Rebecca being a partner in the team and Leigh being an associate, their standards of correspondence and professionalism were indistinguishable and both took a sensible and personable approach which was very much welcome. Ultimately, by working together with us, the matter was able to be resolved in all parties best interests.’
‘Good quality firm, which is also very approachable with some excellent solicitors working there.’
‘Shakeel Dad is always a pleasure to deal with. Pragmatic and sharp.’
‘Very good and able team, very pragmatic and commercial advice, very responsive and clear advice.’
‘Gerri Elliott – senior associate is excellent , as is Shakeel Dad.’
‘I work mainly with Shakeel Dad. What makes Shakeel different to other competitors is his ability to understand our commercial world and to give counsel that is clear, pragmatic and sensible no matter how challenging the situation. I value Shakeel’s forthrightness in giving his legal advice but also his personal values in our working relationship. Shakeel cares about the business that AG have with my company but he also cares about my welfare and takes time to provide perspective when things have been tough from time to time.’
Key clients
Asda
Primark
Kraft Heinz
Symington’s
Network Rail
Miller Homes
Vocalink (Mastercard)
British Airways
Travelodge
Haribo
Safestyle PLC
William Hill
Work highlights
- Advised British Airways on its well publicised pandemic related restructuring exercise which involved more than 10,000 employees.
- Advised the SimplyHealth Group on the TUPE implications arising out of the high profile sale of its Animal Healthcare business (AHCL) to Premier Vet Group PLC.
- Advised Primark on the management of its 70,000 strong work-force through the Covid-19 pandemic, including in respect of the Government’s furlough scheme.
Employment > Pensions Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard’s pensions practice group is ‘excellent’ and is widely considered the region's key name for a full-service pensions offering. The team is jointly managed by a trio of experts including national head of the practice Rachel Rawnsley, Jade Murray and Rachel Uttley, who advises corporate clients and trustees on M&A activity. On the litigation side, Susan Garrett in Manchester is the key name, handling a significance amount of high-value claims, fraud matters and other disputes. The team also has a specialist bulk annuity team, which handles buy-out transactions and advises on buy-in policies. Legal director Jonathan Stewart is the contact for advisory work pertaining to trustees.
Practice head(s):
Rachel Rawnsley, Jade Murray; Rachel Uttley; Susan Garrett
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Stewart; Andrew Steer
Testimonials
‘The Addleshaw pension team is simply super professional. The partner we are working with is great, but everybody else is also super-efficient and organised; people get back to you very quickly; whoever you are dealing with instils confidence; everyone is very personable; billing is always prompt and transparent; and it is a pleasure working with them. A real top quality team!!’
‘Rachel Uttley is simply outstanding. Rachel sees the big picture very clearly but is also the complete master of all the detail, she is highly commercial but also pragmatic. Rachel is one of those lawyers who adds serious value and consistently pushes matters forwards – a real can do type of lawyer. Rachel is excellent at explaining complex issues, helping clients make sound decisions, and she always hits agreed timelines. Rachel is very good on an interpersonal level and easy to work with. A phenomenal lawyer and exactly the lawyer you want on your side!’
‘The pension team has done a fantastic job in a complex transaction. Very diligent and combine an attention to detail with an ability to bring out the key points. They are tough and happy to hold their ground when necessary.’
‘Jade Murray and Rachel Uttley have great pension experience and complement each other. They always make themselves available. They have worked constructively with partners from leading London lawyers advising the other side but also stood firm when necessary. They explain the issues clearly facilitating any necessary decision making. They are well supported by Andrew Steer, managing associate. He is quietly efficient and can be relied on to make sure everything is done and covered.’
‘Highly professional, with very strong access to topic specialists and excellent teamwork.’
‘Rachel Rawnsley identifies the wider perspective and applies this to give solid and practical advice.’
‘Excellent team. Very knowledgeable about our pension scheme.’
Key clients
Trustee of the Asda Group Pension Scheme (DB scheme) and the Trustee of the Asda Pension Plan (DC scheme)
Trustee of the Kellogg (UK) Pension Fund
Britvic plc
Trustees of the National Express Pension Plan
The Trustees of the Mercer Master Trust
Trustees of the University of Sheffield Pension Scheme
Trustees of the Ibstock Pension Scheme
Saga Plc
British Land Group of Companies Pension Scheme
Skanska Group of Companies
Michelin Group Public Limited Company
WPP plc
Trustees of the Cambridge University Press Pension Scheme
Trustees of the Tioxide Pension Fund
Trustees of the University of Leeds
Work highlights
- Advising Britvic on its ongoing court case to establish the correct meaning of its pension scheme rules.
- Advising the Trustees of the Ibstock Pension Scheme on the £340m pensioner buy-in with Just Retirement Group.
- Advising the Trustee of the Kellogg’s Pension Fund on advisory work and contractual review on complex, time sensitive projects.
Finance > Banking and finance Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard continues to dominate the regional market and it has increased its headcount by adding James Washington and Catherine Raftery from Squire Patton Boggs and Walker Morris LLP respectively. The sizeable team has extensive expertise in leveraged and acquisition finance, as well as real estate finance. In addition, it has developed a strong presence acting for funders in finance transactions in the social housing sector. Corporate banking partner Andrew Fordham, who 'always offers comprehensive and realistic advice', has over 15 years of experience acting for UK and overseas sponsors, borrowers and lenders. Nick Barlow is an authority on social, sustainable and green finance. Managing associates Thomas Ward, Geoff McGinley and Tom McHugh are also of note.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Fordham
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excellent availability and service focus, pragmatic approach, straightforward communication.’
‘The most notable thing about AG’s Leeds team is that it isn’t just highly skilled but also has got a huge amount of breadth and depth. They’ve got way more depth than any of their peers outside London. Plus the thing that they do better is consistency, regardless of who is working on the transaction.’
‘Everyone at Addleshaw Goddard is very authentic and approachable and genuinely nice people to deal with regardless of seniority. This is refreshing in an industry where this cannot be said about many. They truly believe in developing relationships with clients as opposed to just seeking further billing opportunities and again this is refreshing.’
‘Nick Barlow – senior partner but always very approachable and available to provide informal advice and counsel on any matters pre/post deal. Provides considered and pragmatic advice and seeks solutions and importantly speaks clear English- always essential for non legal experts! Nick has tremendous sector knowledge and always delivers a good outcome for clients.’
‘Straightforward and down to earth, offering realistic advice and good value for money. Regular contact throughout the deal process ensuring all issues addressed promptly.’
‘Andrew Fordham (partner)- Genuine desire to get the deal done on time and on budget. Always responds to questions and issues promptly. Always offers comprehensive and realistic advice.’
Key clients
HSBC UK Bank plc
Aviva Investors
Santander UK PLC
William Jackson Food Group Limited
Daniel Thwaites PLC
Harvey Nash Group Limited
Glide Holdings Limited
Work highlights
- Advised William Jackson Food Group on its refinancing with Barclays Bank PLC, being a significant transaction for the Group and its new chief financial officer, Monica Turner.
- Advised Harvey Nash Group on its financing of the acquisition of technology recruitment business Latitude 36 Inc in the US, being part of the Group’s strategic growth in North America, making the combined business one of the 50 largest IT staffing companies in the US.
- Acting for NatWest Bank as the lenders on Renew Holdings plc’s acquisition of Agger Limited and Carnell Support Services Limited.
Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 1
Andy Bates leads the 'very experienced team' at Addleshaw Goddard, which is recognised for its strong distressed real estate practice, and for its sizeable portfolio of high street banks, national corporates, insolvency practitioners and accountancy firms such as BDO, KPMG and Deloitte. Bates' practice encompasses a mix of non-contentious bank and corporate adviser work. Managing associate Jonathan Jackson and director Emma Sadler make up the other key figures. Graham Briggs left the practice.
Practice head(s):
Andy Bates
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Andy Bates is readily available and will always provide a “commercial” perspective alongside the strict legal position. Well supported by senior associate Jonathan Jackson who, again, is accessible and knowledgeable.’
Key clients
Clydesdale Bank t/a Virgin Money
HSBC Bank
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
KPMG LLP
Deloitte LLP
Shawbrook Bank
Ernst & Young LLP
Grant Thornton UK LLP
BDO LLP
Begbies Traynor
Work highlights
- Advised BDO as administrators of Dave Whelan Sports in relation to the sale of the leisure clubs and retail portfolio of DWS to Sports Direct (part of the Frasers Group).
- Advised PwC as administrators of Xercise4Less (a trading style of Wright Leisure Limited) in relation to the pre-pack sale of the business and assets of X4L to JD Gyms. The sale was agreed during the first national lockdown, whilst gyms were closed, with a completion trigger being the re-opening of gyms in England.
- Advised Grant Thornton as administrators of the waste recycler, Universal Recycling in relation to the pre-pack sale of the business and assets to Remet.
Insurance > Professional negligence: claimant Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard has an 'exceptionally talented and innovative' team in Leeds which handles a range of professional negligence matters - Leeds litigation head Sally Emerton is the lead partner; she specialises in financial services matters. Other key names include Ben Lowans, who acts for lenders in real estate finance disputes against solicitors, and construction litigator Joe Wilkinson. The team is able to draw on the wider firm's well-established bank litigation capabilities, and also acts for a wide range of commercial clients, led by Bill Gilliam.
Practice head(s):
Sally Emerton
Other key lawyers:
Ben Lowans; Joe Wilkinson; Bill Gilliam; Matt Dibb
Testimonials
‘The team is exceptionally talented and innovative. They knew their clients incredibly well and know how to get results. They are the standout practice in Yorkshire and the whole North East.’
Work highlights
- Acting for Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management Limited in their multiparty TCC claim against Lendlease Construction (Europe) Limited Contractor) and Lendlease Construction Holdings (Europe) Limited (under a Parent Company Guarantee) in relation to a new build hospital in Cramlington which has multiple high value defects.
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 1
The 'extremely capable and commercially astute' private capital team at Addleshaw Goddard is led by charities specialist Pervinder Kaur. Handling complex matters for owner-managed businesses, the practice advises clients in relation to succession, planning opportunities and tax issues. Increasingly active in the international sphere, the practice has recently advised individuals from Hong Kong, Oman and Dubai on offshore trusts, UK residence and domicile issues. Additional areas of expertise include family governance and property structures. Yorke Eaton, Charlotte Smart and Laura Woffinden are additional names to note.
Practice head(s):
Pervinder Kaur
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Pervinder Kaur has a sound knowledge of the legal issues involved and knows when to delegate.’
‘The team is extremely capable and commercially astute. It has particular expertise in advising entrepreneurial clients and excels at it.’
‘Yorke Eaton is a stand-out partner. He is pragmatic, sensible and commercial. He really gets to grips with what a client wants; his client care skills are second to none‘.
‘Pervinder Kaur continues to run a tight ship. She is hugely intellectual and can solve the knottiest of problems‘.
‘Our experience of the team at Addleshaw Goddard is always positive. Each team member is knowledgeable and engaging and works effectively to address our clients’ needs. They are good at collaborating with third parties/other professional advisers. Their costs are always in line with agreed expectations – which is not true of all in their field.’
‘Yorke Eaton is the consummate professional, thoughtful, insightful and knowledgeable. He is happy to call in relevant experts or team members as appropriate. Clients are in very capable hands. Other team members including Pervinder Kaur, Laura Woffinden and Charlotte Smart have proven equally capable and effective at addressing all manner of legal challenges in an engaging manner commensurate with their experience and seniority. ’
Projects, energy and natural resources (including PFI) > Infrastructure and energy Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard's multidisciplinary practice group is a leader across the power and renewables space, and regularly secures a number of national and international mandates. Key partners include Richard Goodfellow, who leads the team and advises on a range of high-value energy and utilities matters for large domestic corporates; Paul Dight, who heads up the firm's low carbon and electric vehicle group and specialises in infrastructure regulation work, and John Emerton, who handles litigation across the oil and gas sector. David Shaw has notable expertise in the transactional construction work, and James Reynolds oversees the firm's nuclear practice. Also in the group is Sara Gilmore, who was elevated to the partnership and focuses on regulated sectors. Associate Alex Clayton is also of note.
Practice head(s):
Richard Goodfellow; Paul Dight; John Emerton
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The AG team are practical and good at “seeing the wood for the trees”. Their work is consistently to a high standard, and they have helped us navigate delicate legal issues on multiple projects. They have a range of skills and experience, from ex Magic circle partners to agricultural tenancy experts which means that a team of appropriate breadth can be assembled for most of our engagements.’
‘Richard Goodfellow is an experienced and well-respected team head. As well as his legal work, he has a broad range of client relationships which gives him a wide ranging view on the sector and its developments.’
‘The team was competent with sufficient depth to include subject matter experts of specific aspects of the project such as regulated procurement.’
‘Overall the team is competent. The team listened to our requirements and challenged where appropriate.’
‘In this case the team supported us in the complete unwind of our UK agency portfolio. The team structure incorporated various fields of expertise creating a robust working environment. The dedication and cooperation within the team resulted in an optimal working template usable for all projects. The needed small tweaks per project were picked up quickly allowing us to focus on the relational side of the unwind. All in all, the team was instrumental for the thorough approach we envisaged.’
‘Paul Dight, Partner – Paul was very much hands on during the whole process. Despite his vast experience in this field he remained open for suggestions from both his colleagues and the client. He managed the process very well and saw it through to the end. Paul effectively always available for questions and discussions creating a smooth process.’
‘The team’s willingness to consider and put in place ‘non-standard’ pricing models to accommodate the fluid nature of the work, and to transition between team members when they get swapped out for good reason without creating upheaval in the project.’
‘Lead Partner, Richard Goodfellow’s hands-on, but not unduly heavy in every aspect of the project, and his willingness to openly discuss social issues arising in wider society not necessarily related to the chargeable work.’
Key clients
Volkswagen AG
SSE Generation Limited and SSE Electricity Limited
Onsite Energy Projects Limited
Aviva Investors
Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS)
Red Rock Power a wholly owned subsidiary of SDIC Power, a Chinese SOE
Siemens
Gravis Capital
ERG
Octopus Energy
Engie
Diamond Transmission Corporation Limited
Peel Group
Greencoat Capital
Consortium of banks, including Societe Generale, SMBC, MUFG Bank and Mizuho Bank
Scotia Gas Networks plc (SGN)
Horizon Infrastructure Limited
Urenco
Aberdeen Standard
National Nuclear Laboratory
United Utilities
Southern Water Services
Anglian Water
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
Foresight Group Holdings Limited
ASDA
ABF
Channel Four
BT
UK Parliament
Work highlights
- Advised Volkswagen AG on its agreement to supply Ford with VW’s modular electric vehicle toolkit (MEB).
- Advised SSE Generation Limited (SSE) in respect to the sale of its 50% stake in its Slough Multifuel Project to Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP).
- Advising Network Rail in relation to the first phase of its decarbonisation programme for non-traction energy.
Real estate > Commercial property: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard's team is 'very responsive, reasonably priced and provides the right advice at the right level'. It is a recognised regional leader in build-to-rent, senior living and student accommodation. It is also heavily involved in infrastructure and cultural developments and landmark regeneration schemes; in one key mandate, Ian Smith advised Kirklees Council on acquiring the site for the new National Rugby League Museum as part of the £250m Huddersfield regeneration project. Bruce Lightbody focuses on matters related to the retail industry, while Lucy Sturrock leads on hospitality and leisure sector mandates. Andrew Williamson is recommended for sales and purchases of investment properties and large-scale portfolios.
Practice head(s):
Bruce Lightbody; Lucy Sturrock
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team are skilled real estate lawyers but are also highly commercial in their approach, which has enabled us to manage and navigate complex or difficult transactions efficiently. The team are able to apply strong practical and commercial logic to legal situations and work well with our property advisors which helps us form a rounded view on matters.’
‘Ian Smith has been relentless in his drive to close out a significant disposal for us this year. I was impressed with how Ian was able to step out of the traditional external legal advisor role, and advise me and others in the team on other aspects of the transaction. Quite simply, the deal would not have happened without his dedication and perseverance.’
‘AG have an excellent commercial property team. They have advised us on a wide variety of property issues, from leases, licences to occupy and advice on bespoke issues. They are very responsive, reasonably priced and provide the right advice at the right level.’
‘Addleshaw Goddard has great diversity in its team that bring a wide range of experiences and approaches to solving legal issues, and this also closely aligns with our organisation’s objectives.’
‘The individuals I have worked with at Addleshaw Goddard are reassuringly very focused on protecting our organisation’s interests, whilst at the same time they are pragmatic and determined to find win-win solutions to legal issues.’
Key clients
Aviva Investors
Muse Developments Limited
Travelodge Hotels Limited
Eastern and Oriental plc
Columbia Threadneedle Investments
Asda Stores Limited
Ribston Industrial Fund
Argo Real Estate
DB Cargo UK Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Asda on the real estate aspects of the sale by Walmart of its majority stake in Asda to a consortium comprising the Issa brothers and TDR Capital.
- Acting for CPPI Bridgewater Place Limited Partnership (managed by Marrick Capital) on the £84.5m sale of Leeds’ tallest building, Bridgewater Place, one of the first assets intended to be acquired for seeding into the new IPSX stock exchange for properties
- Acting for Richardson and Ask Real Estate on the £57m forward funding to L&G of the 245 unit Build to Rent scheme, being Phase 1 at Tower Works, Holbeck, Leeds.
Real estate > Construction Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard's sizeable group is best known for its involvement in nationally significant energy and infrastructure projects, such as advising United Utilities on its £1bn HARP (North West Drinking Water) project. Utilities specialist David Shaw is an authority on DPC (Ofwat's new regulatory funding model) and is particularly active in water projects. The 'very impressive' James Reynolds, who leads on redevelopment schemes, is currently advising on the framework agreement and public procurement of refurbishment of the Palace of Westminster. Joe Wilkinson, John Emerton and director Ally MacKenzie focus on disputes, while Matthew Collingwood-Cooper is adept at infrastructure disputes involving NEC framework agreements.
Practice head(s):
David Shaw; James Reynolds; John Emerton; Joe Wilkinson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is the outstanding construction practice in Yorkshire and the North East. They understand their clients’ needs and goals and guide them through the most difficult situations.’
‘John Emerton is the eminence gris of the construction sector.’
‘The counsel we receive from this practice is second to none. Their knowledge and expertise of the construction industry and legal landscape is impressive. The are extremely responsive. They are a valued business partner.’
‘Their knowledge is the best in the industry for construction-related matters. They are extremely responsive and collaborative. I have a huge amount of trust in James Reynolds and the other individuals I work with within the practice.’
‘James Reynolds is very impressive: he tailors his advice to the client, and it’s clearly informed by a deep knowledge of the industry and the law.’
‘Matthew Collingwood-Cooper (legal director) was our main point of contact and orchestrated our combined response to the challenge we faced.’
Key clients
Anglian Water
ASDA
Channel Four
BT
United Utilities
UK Parliament
National Grid
SSE
Manchester Airport
Stansted Airport
Edinburgh Airport
London Luton Airport Limited
MUSE
British Land
Peel
Henry Boot
Travelodge
The Co-operative Group plc
Muller
HS1
York University
Lancaster University
Leeds Beckett University
University of Brighton
Marrico Asset Management
Aviva Investors
Mitsubishi Hitachi
Aberdeen Standard
Amey Rail
Calderdale Council
MMR Group
West Yorkshire + Transport Fund
Broadgate Estates
Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospital NHS Trust
Michelin
Redrow Homes
Engie
Lend Lease
National Nuclear Laboratory
Waterside Places
Stadium Group
Siemens
Infinis Energy
William Hare
Urenco
Scotia Gas Networks
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
R. N. Wooler
KCOM
Tritax Symmetry
NatWest
Work highlights
- Advising SGN on its Energy Futures / Hydrogen programme – the genuine future of energy. The deal includes a complete suite of precedents, plus their world-first H100 hydrogen demonstrator project.
- Advising BT on its fit-out contract with ISG for its new 18 storey, 320,000 sq ft flagship at One Braham, London.
- Acting for Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management Limited in their multiparty TCC claim against Lendlease Construction (Contractor) and Lendlease Construction Holdings (under a Parent Company Guarantee) in relation to a new build hospital in Cramlington which has multiple high value defects (including structural, M&E and fire related).
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard's 'highly experienced' team is led by Julie Middlemass, who has 'great ability to cut through the legalities of a matter and get to the heart of the issue'. The practice handles the full gamut of property litigation, and is particularly strong in matters concerning the rapid eviction of trespassers. Middlemass is increasingly active in tenant insolvencies and distressed property matters. Also recommended is director Elizabeth Cape, who 'cares deeply about getting the right commercial solution'.
Practice head(s):
Julie Middlemass
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team are personable and very easy to work with. They are always keen to pick up new instructions, including urgent instructions and to provide training sessions/intelligence on any new areas of law etc. keeping us up-to-date on important issues.’
‘Julie Middlemass is a pleasure to work with. Julie is extremely knowledgeable and very good at what she does. Julie has a great ability to cut through the legalities of a matter and get to the heart of the issue, while always giving excellent advice on potential commercial outcomes, which is very important to us.’
‘Elizabeth Cape, senior associate – Elizabeth is extremely thorough in everything that she does and we can always be assured that all points have been covered with expert advice.’
‘Excellent value for money. High quality real estate litigation advice at a reasonable cost.’
‘Julie Middlemass offers pragmatic advice of the highest quality.’
‘I deal with a wholly female team of litigators, which is a refreshing change for me. They are always on hand to give advice and understand the commercial points behind the action too.’
‘I appreciate their friendly approach. Also the speed in which they respond, even during Covid enforced lockdowns where they may be working remotely. They also come to site for some meetings, which is above and beyond what other property teams have done for me in the past.’
Key clients
Aberdeen Standard Investments
Asda Stores Limited
Associated British Foods
Aviva Investors
British Land
Columbia Threadneedle
Federated Hermes
HPUT Trustee No.1 Limited and HPUT Trustee No.2 Limited
National Grid
Primark Stores Limited
Travelodge Hotels Limited
Sonder Europe Limited
Urenco Group
Work highlights
- Continuing to act for a variety of clients in connection with various high profile CVAs. These include: New Look, Pizza Express, Pizza Hut, Poundstretcher, Moss Bros, Jigsaw, Select, Wasabi, Yo Sushi and All Saints, among others.
- Acted for an institutional landlord in relation to its ownership of a long leasehold interest of a large multi-let property in central London.
- Acting for a claimant, Promontoria (Oak) Ltd, in a possession claim.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard works with an impressive list of technology clients, both nationally and internationally. The firm's UK commercial and technology teams are overseen by Michael Lowry - they handle an assortment of high-profile projects and contentious work for household name brands such as Asda. The core group comprises Simon Lofthouse who advises on large-scale procurement and outsourcing matters; Bill Gilliam, who handles heavyweight litigation, and long-serving consultant Ian Sampson, who remains an active member of the team. The group is skilled in advising on licensing arrangements and commercial contracts for CRM platforms and geospatial technologies. Other standouts in the team include experienced associates James Mort, Charlotte Marshall and Priscilla Hetherton; all who play key roles in the firm's work on complex and cross-border transactions and outsourcing projects.
Practice head(s):
Michael Lowry
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Good specialised knowledge and industry insight.’
‘They give pragmatic advice and offer practical solutions.’
Key clients
The Tenet Group
Skipton Building Society
GeoSLAM Limited
Belmont Green Finance Limited
Venator Materials Plc
High Speed 1
HSBC
Asda Stores Limited
J.D. Williams & Company Limited / N Brown Group Plc
Leeds Beckett University
Work highlights
- Advised The London Clinic on the first generation outsourcing to Arkphire of IT services including data centre, end user support, software management and network services.
- Advising Asda on its agreement for mobile network communication services with Vodafone in relation to the Asda Mobile offering.
- Advising Skipton Building Society on its compliance project in respect of EBA Guidelines for outsourcing arrangements.
Yorkshire and the Humber > Transport Tier 1
Addleshaw Goddard's 'excellent' national transport team is housed in Leeds and has expertise across the domestic and international rail and road sectors, advising an impressive roster of clients. Jointly overseen by Paul Hirst and Anna Heaton, the group remains a go-to for contentious and non-contentious matters relating to rail and transport projects and transit schemes. The group's litigation expertise is spearheaded by Bill Gilliam, who advises on high-profile transportation projects; he is supported by associate Ryan Geldart. Other core team members include Sara Gilmore, who was recently promoted to the partnership, and Michael Rainey, who leads the public procurement team. The department is also highlighted for its increased focus on airport-related work across development projects and investments.
Practice head(s):
Paul Hirst; Anna Heaton
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They work together as a team – Very open and knowledgeable – They bring together a wider view of the transportation sector and how it sits with other industry sectors such as energy.’
‘Paul Hirst – Very open, knowledgeable and engaging- very patient in helping you think through / navigate complex scenarios. Never fails to come back to you no matter how busy he is. Paul is a great leader.’
‘Anna Heaton – Very knowledgeable and easy to work with. Brings a wealth of understanding to any conversation. ’
‘AG’s Leeds transport team is excellent and can punch its weight with any of the big London teams. Their strength lies in excellent, tight knit teamwork, great communication within their team and the teams at large, a very good working relationship with counsel and the client and relentlessly working to get the right results for their clients.’
‘Bill Gilliam is the best solicitor that I have ever worked with. He has first class judgement, provides great leadership to his teams, deploys his knowledge of the law and the commercial needs of his client to great tactical effect and is a pleasure to work with.’
‘Ryan Geldart is a managing associate with a very bright future. I have watched him progress from a junior associate and he is extremely bright. He has rapidly become a bright star in the AG team. He has excellent litigation judgement and drafting skills and is always very calm and considered, whatever the challenges of high octane expedited public procurement litigation.’
‘The team at AG have excellent knowledge of the whole industry and its complexities. They have broad experience across a wide variety of matters which I think makes them unique in this sector. They have some excellent individuals.’
Key clients
Prologis Group Companies
VTG Rail UK Limited
London Luton Airport Limited
Eversholt Rail
Rail Operations Group Limited (“ROG”)
Department for Transport
High Speed Two (HS2) Limited
Volkswagen AG
Greater London Authority / 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
CAF
SMBC
DB Cargo
Sealink Travel Group
Transport for Greater Manchester
The Road Haulage Association (RHA)
Associated British Ports Limited
Work highlights
- Advised the Department for Transport on the various agreements to bail out the train operating companies, and lead adviser on the new National Rail Contract.
- Advising the Mayoral Combined Authority on its bus franchising assessment.
- Advising West Yorkshire Combined Authority on its new stations programme.
Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 2
Addleshaw Goddard handles complex and high value competition enforcement, merger control, and competition litigation, working closely with its national teams on major cases, including high-profile CMA investigations in the retail, pharmaceutical, and funeral services sectors. The team includes Mark Molyneux, who is regularly involved in competition litigation, including several follow-on damages cases, and managing associate Mark Crane, who advises and represents clients across a range of competition and regulatory matters. Managing associate David Milne advises on phase 1 and in-depth phase 2 merger enquiries. Rona Bar-Isaac also divides her time between London and Manchester, and is a highly regarded competition practitioner.
Practice head(s):
Bruce Kilpatrick; Mark Molyneux
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
YPO (formerly Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation)
The Co-operative Group Limited
Brenntag UK
Bruntwood
City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
Asda
Manchester Energy Partnership Limited
Saga PLC Bennetts Motorcycling Services Limited
Work highlights
- Advised YPO on the CMA’s Phase 2 merger investigation into its acquisition of Findel Education.
- Advised Co-op on a wide range of competition law matters across its Food, Funerals and Consumer Services businesses.
- Advised Bruntwood Group on the on the state aid/ subsidy control and merger control aspects of projects including the development of a £210m life sciences campus in Birmingham.
Employment Tier 2
Following a period of turnover in the team, Addleshaw Goddard's employment practice is now led by the experienced Michael Burns, who joined in September 2020 from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP. Under Burns, the Manchester office collaborates with the the firm's offices in Leeds and London to represent employers in tribunal claims, assist on restructurings and redundancies, and provide employment support for corporate transactions. Legal directors Kate McGough and Victoria Davies are other key contacts in the team, specialising in transaction-related employment matters and litigation respectively.
Practice head(s):
Michael Burns
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Real depth of experience of handling complex, director level employment matters. Excellent on the detail but also able to provide ‘big picture’ message to senior stakeholders. Always accessible and very user friendly. ’
‘Victoria Davies stood out as being able to blend detailed case knowledge with sensitive stakeholder engagement. I always felt 100% comfortable putting her in front of senior leaders in the business; she handles her brief with exceptional professionalism.’
‘Michael Burns is an excellent technical lawyer, highly experienced in the field who can always be relied upon to provide sound, commercial advice. Andrew Moore is an experienced and robust advocate.’
‘The team at AG are very keen to learn more about our business and how we operate. They like to understand the bigger picture and advise accordingly. We are currently working very closely with them on a number of innovations to enable us to work even more efficiently and they are committed to supporting on this. ’
‘Excellent availability, reliable and solid operational support to counsels, so they can focus on advisory. ’
‘Highly professional, sound, reliable and a joy to work with.’
‘The employment team at Addleshaw Goddard provides very practical and commercial employment law advice which is easy to understand and follow for both in-house legal practitioners and HR professionals alike.’
‘Michael Burns is a commercial, transparent and no nonsense advocate that is always available to discuss any employment matter arising. He has exceptional industry knowledge and takes the time to also understand the mechanics of the company in which I work. I trust Michael completely to give me sound, honest and timely advice. Michael has great communication skills and a willingness to listen that gives the client the confidence and reassurance that their case matters. Michael works alongside an excellent associate Andrew Moore. The two make a highly competent team that are skilled in all employment matters.’
Key clients
Co-operative Group Limited
British Airways plc
BP plc
Michelin Tyre Plc
Primark Stores Limited
Merseytravel
THG Holdings plc
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
J Murphy & Sons Limited
Turtle Wax Limited
Lancashire County Cricket Club
William Hare Group Limited
Morris Homes Limited
City Facilities Management Holdings (UK) Ltd
William Hill Organization Limited
Sharps Bedrooms Limited
Work highlights
- Successfully defending Co-op in the Court of Appeal in a high profile senior executive equal pay claim which has been running for over four years.
- Merseytravel is carrying out an appraisal of alternative bus delivery options for the Liverpool City Region to improve the delivery of bus services in the region and the team is working on the employment aspects of this matter, advising on the TUPE implications of different options
- Acting for Joint Administrators (BDO) on the sale of D.W. Sports to the Frasers group (formally Sports Direct) advising on all employment and TUPE related matters in respect of a workforce where many employees had been furloughed under the Coronavirus Job Support Scheme.
Insurance > Professional negligence Tier 2
Disputes head Mark Molyneux leads the team at Addleshaw Goddard, which is particularly well-known for professional negligence work across the banking, construction and general commercial litigation sectors. The practice acts for UK clearing banks, international banks, and other financial services providers, and has experience acting for lender clients in negligence and fraud claims against solicitors and surveyors. Recent instructions have involved claims arising from defective cladding and fire safety legislation compliance. Victoria Pool is noted for her expertise in the insurance dynamics of professional negligence claims.
Practice head(s):
Mark Molyneux
Other key lawyers:
Nick Ashcroft; Susan Garrett; Richard Wise; Victoria Pool
Testimonials
‘Hardworking and focused on obtaining the best outcome for their clients.’
‘Practical commercially focused advice, strong capable team.’
‘Richard Wise: cool, calm and collected, totally unrufflable and able to give focused advice to get to the heart of the matter
‘Victoria Pool: very capable, covers all the bases, you know she has thought of everything.’
‘All members of the team were fully familiar with our case at all times. Despite their relatively large size they offer a friendly, easy to use and understand legal service that one may expect from a much smaller practice. They make us, the client, feel special and important and really care about getting the right results for us. Whilst friendly they are also incredibly efficient, knowledgeable and determined to succeed .’
‘Mark Molyneux is a brilliant tactician and an outstanding legal expert. He ensures full participation from all of his team who clearly hold him in extremely high esteem.’
Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 2
Addleshaw Goddard's contentious trusts and probate team draws on the firm's experience in litigation and private capital matters to advise a client base of beneficiaries, trustees, and executors. As well as acting for individuals, the team advises institutional beneficiaries, such as charities, in disputed will cases. Yorke Eaton is the key figure in Manchester, with experience in handling complex trust issues. Eaton works closely with the firm's Leeds office, led by Pervinder Kaur.
Practice head(s):
Pervinder Kaur
Other key lawyers:
Projects, energy and natural resources > Energy, project finance and PFI Tier 2
Addleshaw Goddard advises public and private sector project proponents, financial institutions, and equity investors, on large-scale project financings, acting on a national and international basis on major infrastructure projects in transport, healthcare, education, and energy. The team is led by Michael O’Connor, an experienced expert in public-private transactions, including procurement and project finance loans. Also leading the team, Andrew Pettinger specialises in PFI and local government work, and newly-promoted partner Sara Gilmore, who leads on major energy projects. Director Rob Thompson has notable expertise in waste developments and international projects.
Practice head(s):
Michael O’Connor; Andrew Pettinger; Sara Gilmore
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Gresham House Investment Management (Guernsey) Ltd
Liberty Charge Limited
Green Investment Group
Manchester Metropolitan University
Muse Developments Limited
National Grid plc
National Grid Electricity Transmission plc
National Grid Gas plc
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited
Opus Energy
Scotia Gas Networks (SGN)
SGN Place Limited
Southern Water Services Limited
SSE Enterprises
SSE plc (Retail)
SSE plc (Seagreen)
Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS)
West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Anglian Water
Cheshire East Council
Cheshire West and Chester Council
Department for Transport
Greater London Authority
HCP
Health & Safety Executive
High Speeds Two (HS2) Limited
Kingston-upon-Hull City Council
Imagile Group Ltd
Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Leeds City Council
Luton Borough Council
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
MUFG Bank Ltd
Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation
Trust
The Council of the City of Salford
Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council
Transport for London
United Utilities plc
University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust
Wakefield City Council
West Midlands Combined Authority
Work highlights
- Advised the Universities Superannuation Scheme on its bid for a shareholding in an offshore wind farm.
- Advising Bradford Council on the procurement of the design, construction and operation of a compressed gas fuel centre.
- Advising United Utilities on its £1bn Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Project.
Real estate > Planning and environment Tier 2
Michelle Headrige helms Addleshaw Goddard's diverse environment and sustainability practice, which stands out for its strengths in the water sector and in advising corporate clients on environmental liabilities in M&A transactions. The team also increasingly offers sustainability advice. Legal director Joanne Holbrook contributes experience in energy and utilities work. Emily Williams leads the 'hugely experienced' planning practice, with particular expertise in planning litigation, and acts for a wide variety of clients including developers and infrastructure providers. The Manchester team secured a major boost in summer 2021 with the hire of Stuart Wardlaw from Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP, where he led the regulatory and environment practice from Newcastle.
Practice head(s):
Emily Williams; Michelle Headrige
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team have shown great flexibility in reacting to all situations. They have an excellent cross-subject knowledge base with the necessary detail where required.’
‘The team in Manchester is hugely experienced in dealing with controversial and adversarial planning work. It is a well-oiled and efficient machine.’
‘Great ability to position themselves to represent the client’s best interests, with a wide appreciation and understanding of industry best practice and emerging cases.’
‘Michelle Headrige has a wide knowledge of environmental legislation. She has also over the years developed a detailed understanding of our business and the way it operates, and responds with this in mind.’
‘Emily Williams is a hugely experienced lawyer with a national reputation for dealing with planning litigation. She’s a team player with an eye for the fine detail and a calming influence when the pressure is on.’
‘Joanne Holbrook has an amazing ability to absorb volumes of information and identify the key issues and advise accordingly. She is focused on achieving the best outcomes for her clients, and determined to overcome challenges and obstacles. Great to work with.’
Key clients
Southern Water Services Limited
Water Resources South East
Anglian Water Group
South East Water Limited
Threadneedle Investments
Aberdeen Standard
British Land
BP Oil UK Limited
Samworth Bros.
National Grid
Diageo PLC
SSE PLC
Gladman Developments Limited
University of Chester
Nationwide Building Society
Admiral Taverns Limited
Dandara Limited
Miller Developments Limited
Pochin Goodman (Northern Gateway) Limited
Hollins Strategic Land
Rosconn Strategic Land
ColeWaterhouse /Priestley Family
Oakmere Homes Limited
The Strategic Land Group
MGH Card
Morning Foods
Gladstone Road Exeter Limited
Bruntwood Group of Companies
Telereal Trillium
Satnam Developments
Sherlock Street Birmingham
Watkin Jones Group
Work highlights
- Advising Omega Warrington Limited (Miller Developments Limited) on the call-in by the Secretary of State of a hybrid application for over 2m sq ft of industrial and warehousing development in the green belt on the border of St Helens and Warrington, including the negotiation of a section 106 agreement and appearance at an inquiry.
- Acting for Hollins Strategic Land in respect of a challenge under section 288 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to the decision of an inspector relating to proposals for 81 dwellings on land in Bedfordshire.
- Collaborated with HR Wallingford, Adams Hendry, DecisionLab and PJM Economics on the UKWIR’s “Deriving a Best Value Water Resources Management Plan” research project.
North West > Transport Tier 2
Addleshaw Goddard offers strong coverage across all areas of transport. It is a major name in relation to rail franchising/concessions; in 2020, highlights included advising the Department of Transport on the roll-out of the emergency measures franchise arrangements for the West Midlands, Chiltern and West Coast Partnership franchises, as well as the replacement emergency recovery measures agreements for those franchises. Also notable is that the firm is seen as a first port of call in station development programmes. Elsewhere, outside of the rail industry, the firm is increasingly active in urban transit schemes that relate to the bus market, and the firm has a growing airports practice. In addition, it is increasingly prominent in the electric vehicles sector. The freight and logistics sector is also seen as another key area of growth. Michael Rainey, Sara Gilmore and legal director Ursula Gould are among the names to note at the firm.
Practice head(s):
Sara Gilmore; Michael Rainey
Other key lawyers:
Ursula Gould; Clare Dwyer; Philip Dupres
Testimonials
‘Working with Addleshaws often feels like having an extension of our in-house legal team. Their understanding of the issues and ability to work collaboratively both with the in-house lawyers as well as the wider client teams means that the advice is seamless and their presence is invaluable.’
‘It is the detailed and comprehensive understanding of both the sector and the specific challenges which makes Addleshaws a stand-out team.’
‘Clare is a first class lawyer, has very good judgment and is absolutely unflappable. She gives her clients excellent service and practical commercial solutions to their problems.’
‘Michael Rainey is a very clever, analytical and creative non contentious partner.’
‘The firm has consistently provided high quality and timely legal advice where in-house legal expertise and capacity has been limited in a specialist area of law.’
Key clients
Prologis Group Companies
VTG Rail UK Limited
London Luton Airport Limited
Eversholt Rail
Rail Operations Group Limited (“ROG”)
Department for Transport
High Speed Two (HS2) Limited
Volkswagen AG
Greater London Authority / Transport for London
West Yorkshire Combined Authority
West Midlands Combined Authority
MerseyTravel
Manchester Airport Group
HS1 Limited
Transport for Greater Manchester
Road Haulage Association
Sealink Travel Group
Associated British Ports
DB Cargo
Freightliner Heavy Haul Limited
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority
CAF
SMBC
Work highlights
- Advised the Department for Transport on the various agreements to bail out the train operating companies and are lead advisor on the new National Rail Contract.
- Advising the West Midlands Combined Authority on its bus franchising assessment.
- Advising the West Midlands Combined Authority on its new stations development.
Dispute resolution > Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 2
Addleshaw Goddard‘s ‘exceptional‘ finance litigation team offers ‘tremendous knowledge of the financial markets coupled with an extremely efficient approach to dispute resolution‘. Finance disputes head Richard Clayton specialises in representing banks and asset managers in a range of disputes, while ‘shrewd litigator‘ James Herring‘s broad experience includes acting for fintech companies and payment institutions. Other names to note include legal director Sivan Daniels (who handles finance, fintech and financial crime-related litigation) and managing director Alex Unger, who has experience in a range of high-value banking litigation. The group works closely with its regulatory and financial crime teams and is well-adept as advising on cross-border issues.Practice head(s):
Richard Clayton
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Tremendous knowledge of the financial markets coupled with an extremely efficient approach to dispute resolution, makes this an exceptional team. The team is able to identify and narrow the key issues of any dispute rapidly and effectively, which ensures that costs are managed well whilst obtaining a successful outcome for clients. Great flexibility in approach and always ready to “go the extra mile” for their client.‘
‘Richard Clayton: extremely approachable and very knowledgeable about banking disputes. He is a great leader of large teams and achieves great results for his clients. He provides tremendous support to counsel in cases raising difficult points to resolve. Legal director Sivan Daniels: a stand out managing associate and star of the firm. He is a great intellect and has an incisive eye for detail. He handles difficult problems with aplomb.’
‘Michael Barnett has an assured approach to banking litigation with years of experience. Managing associate Alex Unger is an impressive associate with a can do attitude.‘
‘An excellent team to work with; they are great at client management, and are very astute at foreseeing potential problems and dealing with them before they arise.’
‘James Herring – great grasp of the detail, very careful and shrewd litigator; commercially minded. Sivan Daniels – sure to be a partner before too long; an excellent manner with clients and a good grasp of the overall direction of a case.‘
‘There is a real sense of partnership between the client, the firm, and counsel which means that each case is handled seamlessly from beginning to end. In terms of industry knowledge, the team is unrivalled as the associates all spend secondments with the core clients.‘
‘Sivan Daniels – destined for great things. Among the absolute best associates I work with: extremely clever, hard working, and unfailingly polite and appreciative. James Herring – sets the tone for the positive team dynamics explained above. Very good at efficiently delegating.‘
‘Good sector experience and expertise: specialists. Diverse client base.’
Key clients
Unitel S.A.
The Royal Bank of Scotland Plc
Financial Services Compensation Scheme
Lloyds Banking Group
National Westminster Bank Plc
Santander
CDC Plc
Situs Asset Management Ltd and Situs International Ltd
Ahli United Bank (UK) Plc
Work highlights
- Successfully defended The Royal Bank of Scotland Plc in the Court of Appeal of a highly publicised £100m claim brought by Oliver Morley, a wealthy property developer, who brought allegations in relation to the activities of RBS’ Global Restructuring Group, which has been the subject of substantial legal, regulatory and press scrutiny in recent years.
- Acting for Unitel in its £300m claims for repayment of funds and enforcement of security and/or damages followings a series of events of default against a Dutch company owned by Isabel dos Santos (whose business empire and fortune were exposed by the so-called ‘Luanda Leaks’).
- Defending for NatWest in a claim in excess of £4.9m brought by a former customer and property developer, Euro Property Construction (EPC). EPC alleges that the bank acted in breach of an implied term of the mortgage deed when calling in its loans in 2007, which brought about the failure of the company.
Employment > Employers Tier 2
Under the leadership of Michael Leftley, the employment and immigration group at Addleshaw Goddard handles the full gamut of employment work, covering both contentious and non-contentious angles. In particular, it places a premium on resolving issues of strategic or reputational importance, including complex litigation, boardroom issues, investigations, global mobility, transactional support, and compliance. Within the group, which operates at a national level through its network of regional offices, Richard Yeomans, recognised as ‘a complete all-round star’, excels in senior executive appointments and terminations, whereas 'stand-out individual' Sarah Harrop’s practice centres on business immigration issues and large-scale reorganisations and redundancy programmes. Key clients span the financial services, retail and consumer, and transport sectors.
Practice head(s):
Michael Leftley
Other key lawyers:
Richard Yeomans; Sarah Harrop; Alasdair Simpson
Testimonials
‘Richard Yeomans is a complete all-round star – his performance has been flawless throughout. Excellent advice and the best client care in the market.’
‘Addleshaw Goddard LLP have maintained their consistent excellent service throughout the pandemic.’
‘I mostly work with Sarah Harrop and Isobel Pickard. They are both knowledgeable and experienced and I have a lot of confidence in their advice.’
‘The team are very personable, commercial and diligent.’
‘Sarah Harrup is a stand-out individual for her exceptional client care, high emotional intelligence and strategic thinking.’
Key clients
British Airways plc
Primark
FreeNow/Kapten (the taxi booking apps)
Urenco (the nuclear fuels business)
PZ Cussons
River & Mercantile Group plc
The Commonwealth Games Federation
BlackBerry
British Land
William Hill
Global (media business)
Royal Mail Group
Co-op
M&C Saatchi
Moore Stephens LLP (now MSR Partners LLP)
Schindler Limited
Work highlights
- Defending Co-op in in a senior executive equal pay claim, which has been running for over four years.
- Advising Primark on all employment law/HR aspects of their response to the pandemic.
- Advising Entain Plc (formerly GVC Plc) on senior executive matters.
Employment > Health and safety Tier 2
David Young leads the London arm of Addleshaw Goddard ‘s health and safety team, which has welcomed the strategic hire Sufia Saqib from Hogan Lovells International LLP . In addition to enhancing the reach of the practice with the new hire, practice head Erin Shoesmith has developed a new public inquiries team, following instructions for the three most significant public inquiries in recent memory – Grenfell Tower, Manchester Arena, and Scottish Hospitals Inquiries. The newly-established team currently advises stakeholders, core members, and individuals in high risk developments, and public inquiries, post incident. Key specialisms of the firm are fire and building, hygiene, food, and product safety – the latter two strengthened by Saqib’s expertise.Practice head(s):
Erin Shoesmith
Other key lawyers:
David Young; Anne Struckmeier; Sufia Saqib
Key clients
Skanska Construction UK Limited
M Group/ Morrison Utility Services Limited
Scottish Futures Trust
Eddie Stobart Limited
AAH Pharmaceuticals Limited
Manchester Metropolitan University
Victrex Plc
Travelodge Hotels Ltd
Boohoo Group (including boohoo.com, PrettyLittleThing, Nasty Gal, MissPap, boohoo MAN)
KPMG LLP – Blair Nimmo, Tony Friary and Geoffrey Jacobs as liquidators of Doonin Plant Limited
British American Tobacco UK Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for Core Participants in the following high profile public inquiries the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry and the Manchester Arena Bombing Inquiry
- Assisted a care institution in Scotland to provide written evidence to the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry and the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry.
Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure Tier 2
Addleshaw Goddard's strong real estate and construction practices underpin its ability to handle large and complex transactions in the hotel and leisure space. The group advises on the full cycle of work from construction, to ownership, operation, to sales of a hotel or leisure asset, working across the full range of the hotel sector, from budget to luxury and boutique hotels. Restructuring, refinancing and administration of hotels and dining groups are significant areas of growth for the team, which has a well-regarded hotel finance market, acting for institutional lender clients as well as a growing number of hotel developers and investors. Luke Baines and Lucy Sturrock jointly head the team with Zoe Maurer, who is the key contact for hotel finance.
Practice head(s):
Luke Baines; Zoe Maurer; Lucy Sturrock
Testimonials
‘Know the industry well, proactive in making contact, responsive and commercial advice.’
‘Service is very personable with key contacts maintained across all levels and different teams. There is also an appreciation of the level of commercialism that is required to meet the clients’ needs.’
‘Luke Baines has fantastic client management – checks in regularly and proactively raises matters or developments that could be of relevance to us.’
‘Lucy Sturrock, as partner, has continuously maintained an excellent service with an excellent work ethic to achieve the client’s requirement.’
‘Zoe Maurer really impressed with a knowledgeable can-do attitude to get a complicated deal over the line.’
Key clients
Aareal Bank AG (Lenders – Hotel Specialist Team)
Aberdeen Standard Investments (Standard Life Assurance Limited)
AIB Group (UK) plc (Lenders – Hotel Specialist Team)
Aprirose (Investors in hotels)
Apsen Hotels Ltd
Battersea Power Station Development Company
BDO
Be At One Limited
Clydesdale (Lenders – Hotel Specialist Team)
Coutts (Lenders – Hotel Specialist Team)
Criterion Capital (hotel owners)
Eastern and Oriental Plc (owner and developer)
Ennismore (owner of Hoxton Hotels and Gleneagles)
FTI Consulting LLP (as Administrators of Prezzo Limited)
Greene King (pub and restaurant operators)
Handelsbanken plc
KTB Asset Management
Manhattan Lofts
NatWest Group
OakNorth Bank plc
Puma Investments
PWC
SACO Real Estate Group (aparthotels)
Santander (Lenders – Hotel Specialist Team)
Shearings Hotels Ltd (hotel operators)
Sonder Europe Limited
Staycity (aparthotel operators)
Travelodge Hotels Ltd (hotel operators)
TH UK & Ireland Limited
Work highlights
- Advised long-standing client Travelodge on their property portfolio and supporting the business through the numerous challenges arising from the pandemic.
- Acted for Clydesdale on development financing of the first branded Virgin Hotel in Europe.
- Acted for Ennismore (owners of Hoxton and Gleneagles) on its portfolio of hotels and private members clubs across the UK and Europe.
Insurance > Product liability: defendant Tier 2
Addleshaw Goddard has considerable strength in the life sciences field, encompassing claims regarding medical devices, vaccines and pharmaceutical products. Other instructions originate from the consumer and retail sectors, as well as from the technology, manufacturing and industrials areas. The team includes civil and criminal lawyers, and covers the full spectrum of relevant matters. Legal director Mark Chesher is well versed in product litigation cases, and managing associate Cécile Burgess is another prominent adviser to manufacturers.
Other key lawyers:
Mark Chesher; Richard Wise; Cécile Burgess; Stuart Wardlaw
Testimonials
‘The team were incredibly pleasant to deal with and gave clear, pragmatic advice.’
‘The AG product liability defence team stands out for the depth of its experience and quality of its clients. It has particular strength in the life sciences sector in general, with exceptional strength in the pharmaceutical sector. The team also provides regulatory and business-to-business disputes advice to an impressive range of clients, with the food and beverages sector also a source of strength.’
‘Uniquely, AG’s broad practice, spanning from the regulatory and advisory space to defence work, aligned with the their spread across a number of sectors (life sciences, retail/consumer, manufacturing and tech), means they have real strength and depth in the market. It all fits seamlessly alongside their wider disputes department within the firm.’
‘Mark Chesher is firmly established in this space and recognised as a technical lawyer, and Cécile Burgess is getting noticed in this area.’
‘The team has a great reputation in relation to defendant product liability work and has acted on some of the most high-profile recent mandates in this area.’
‘Cécile Burgess is a rising star in this area in my view – she is exceptionally bright and dedicated to her clients’ interests, with deep experience in product liability litigation and product safety work, including recalls.’
‘AG fields an extremely strong product liability team, which draws upon experience in a series of high-profile cases, including group actions, which have been at the forefront of the development of the law, and practice in this field. They have the kind of experience that few firms can lay claim to.’
Key clients
GlaxoSmithKline
Britvic plc
KEMET Electronics Corporation
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Dixons Carphone plc
PZ Cussons
Diageo
Sainsbury’s / Sainsbury’s Bank
Volkswagen AG
Associated British Foods
Caversham Finance Limited T/A BrightHouse
British American Tobacco UK Limited
Work highlights
- Sucessfully acting for GlaxoSmithKline in relation to its defence of over 100 claims brought under a group litigation order.
- Advised Volkswagen relation to the product liability and safety aspects of its strategic alliance with Ford.
- Advised Britvic on all safety issues relating to its drink products, including a recall of one of its leading brands.
Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure Tier 2
Known for infrastructure work in the UK, Addleshaw Goddard offers a national team of more than 50 PFI/PPP lawyers split between London, Leeds, Manchester and Edinburgh. This is combined with expertise within the firm in banking and finance, procurement, construction, real estate, litigation, corporate and competition. The practice advises private and public sector clients, as well as lenders and borrowers in the sector. Healthcare PFI/PPP is a key strength for the group, but it is also active in transport and utilities matters, as well as information and communication technology infrastructure projects. Leeds-based Richard Goodfellow leads a team that includes experienced infrastructure and PFI/PPP projects specialists Matthew Newing and Michael O’Connor.
Practice head(s):
Richard Goodfellow
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Newing; Steve Mackie; Helen Hunter; Oliver Caruthers; Michael O’Connor
Testimonials
‘Well resourced, hardworking team with good market experience’.
‘Steve Mackie and Helen Hunter are excellent partners who are always available to discuss topics and matters of import outside of deals and offer really valuable market input in to the Social Housing and PF sector. They have provided us with comprehensive legal advice over the years as well as being key supporters of our business generally by providing trading and a good sounding board for advice’.
‘Oliver Caruthers and team have demonstrated an excellent ability to take on Investment Bank grade project finance work’.
‘Mike O’Conner is a go to individual in this field and has great sector knowledge. He knows exactly the right individuals to get the job done while being pleasant to deal with and easy to contact.’
Key clients
Department for Transport
Central Manchester NHS Trust
Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University NHS Foundation Trust
Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust
Semperian
InfraRed Capital Partners
Equitix
Bilfinger Berger Global Infrastructure
GB Partnerships Limited
Fulcrum Infrastructure Group
Imagile Group Limited
Kajima Partnerships Limited
Sir Robert McAlpine Capital Ventures Ltd
Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
SMBC
Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale
Luton Airport Limited
MUFG Bank
Mizuho Bank
Southern Water Services Limited
Merseytravel
Gloucester Healthcare Partnership Limited
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Work highlights
- Advising London Luton Airport Limited on its airport expansion programme, including the development of a mass transport system, improvements to terminal buildings and strategies to develop a second terminal and local road improvements.
- Continue to advise Step Springfield Village Limited in its role as development partner to South West London and St George’s NHS Trust on the redevelopment of the Springfield University hospital site to provide a new hospital, new housing, a new care home, a district heating network and open parkland.
- Advising Scotia Gas Networks on the project (the first of its kind) to supply green hydrogen to hundreds of homes in Fife, as a pilot project to test the feasibility of hydrogen networks. This is an important project as part of the UK’s drive towards carbon net zero
Projects, energy and natural resources > Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) Tier 2
Addleshaw Goddard’s full-service power practice is ‘highly experienced and motivated’ according to clients, and handles the full range of renewable energy projects, being particularly noted for its strength in offshore and onshore wind matters. Overseen by national head Richard Goodfellow in Leeds, key contacts in the London team include Rory Connor who leading the firm’s team advising SN Power and Norfund on the project financing of the restructuring of the parent group companies of Fountain Hydro Power Corporation, and Oliver Carruthers. The group has expertise across the transactional space, with M&A partner Angus Rollo another key member of the team. The practice has recently been strengthened by the arrivals of Suzanne Moir from DWF, who has expertise in major infrastructure procurements, and Martin Stewart-Smith from Bracewell (UK) LLP.Practice head(s):
Richard Goodfellow
Other key lawyers:
Angus Rollo; Oliver Carruthers; Suzanne Moir; Rory Connor; Martin Stewart-Smith; Matthew Williams
Testimonials
‘They integrate into the client’s team and have a culture of working together to get the job done. I have been impressed by the breadth of knowledge on show from the partners on the technical and financial elements of project delivery. Fully engaged team. When you have AG as your legal advisers you know that the individuals you are working with are highly experience and motivated. They go all out to deliver especially against tight programmes.’
‘Suzanne Moir is an outstanding partner with such an impressive range of knowledge across energy, waste and infrastructure development, she brings this cross-sectoral knowledge into the projects with great effect.’
‘Rory Connor is pleasant, consistent and present when needed.’
Key clients
SSE
National Grid
BP
Drax
Norfund
Gravis Capital
Greencoat Capital
SN Power
Aviva Investors
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Red Rock Power
Octopus Energy
ENGIE
Diamond Transmission Partners
Urenco
Peel Holdings
Waste Serv Malta Limited
Work highlights
- Advising SSE on the sale of its 50% stake in its Slough Multifuel Project to Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, and advising SSE on the sell down by CIP of its interest in Beatrice offshore wind farm.
- Advising Greencoat Capital’s bio-energy team on the acquisition and development of a 200,000 sq metre renewable energy horticulture project located in Cambridgeshire.
- Advised Norwegian hydropower developer, SN Power, and Norfund on the project financing aspects of the restructuring of the shareholding structure for the 58 MW Bajo Frio hydropower station in Panama, which arose out of the acquisition of SN Power from Norfund by Scatec Solar.
Projects, energy and natural resources > Water Tier 2
Addleshaw Goddard's recent work has related to Ofwat's increased focus on alternative funding models for financing new water infrastructure. Its team has notable expertise in Direct Procurement of Customers (DPC), which is a new project finance model. Elsewhere, the group is sought after for assistance with a myriad of complex environmental, procurement and corporate issues. Joanne Holbrook advises on environmental compliance, major infrastructure projects and regulatory investigations. David Shaw is the national head of the group, which includes competition and regulatory expert Rona Bar-Isaac, as well as managing associate Mark Crane. Andrew Walker leads the group in Scotland.
Practice head(s):
David Shaw; Rona Bar-Isaac; Andrew Walker
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team provided new approaches to the project which we have not used before. The ideas they generated were excellent. Working with the team was a pleasure which led to a very successful project.’
‘Jo Holbrook is enthusiastic and pragmatic. She teases out the key issues and challenges in a very constructive way.’
‘The willingness to be flexible to accommodate the client’s requirements for flexibility, both as to costs and team make-up, especially with an innovative, first of its kind project that required constant redefining even as the project progressed.’
’A couple of standout senior solicitors in the project team willing and able to roll up their sleeves and bring historical knowledge and expertise to play.’
Key clients
United Utilities
Southern Water
Anglian Water
Castle Water
South East Water
Yorkshire Water
Water Resources South East
Work highlights
- Advising United Utilities on its £1 billion Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Project (HARP), comprising c100km of tunnelling spanning Cumbria, Lancashire and Greater Manchester, and delivering the resilient infrastructure needed to deliver drinking water to 2.5 million people. This one of only two live DPC projects in the marketplace, being procured via Ofwat’s new funding model Direct Procurement for Customers.
- Advising Southern Water on the funding of the new reservoir at Havant Thicket.
- Advising Water Resources South East Group (a collaboration of Southern Water, South East Water, Portsmouth Water, Sutton and East Surrey Water PLC, Affinity and the Environment Agency) in their collaboration, development and legal assurance of a regional water resource management plan for 2024.
Public sector > Healthcare Tier 2
The 'always practical and focused' international healthcare team at Addleshaw Goddard has a wide range of expertise in the healthcare sector, including advising on PFI secondary market transactions, managing healthcare portfolios, and the negotiation of PPE contracts. Practice leader Michael O’Connor deals primarily in commercial transactions involving the NHS. Matthew Newing advises on major PFI/PPP projects, while David Hartley focuses on the PPP secondary market. Andrew Pettinger deals with major healthcare-related joint ventures. The firm has been building up the practice, adding three new partners in 2020; Rachel Orton from Squire Patton Boggs; Nathalie Moreno from Lewis Silkin LLP ; and Suzanne Moir from DWF.
Practice head(s):
Michael O’Connor
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Always very supportive and work as part of the Trust team, very good in their ability to simplify complex legal terminology into tailored advice.‘
‘Great genuinely expert advice that is always practical and focused.’
‘Mike O’Connor has a huge depth of knowledge and experience and a great skill of being able to focus in a very practical way. He is also always fun to work with.‘
Key clients
GlaxoSmithKline
Genedrive Plc
GEN inCode UK Limited
Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Mid Essex NHS Trust & Basildon & Thurrock University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (now Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust)
Yourgene Health plc
Shawbrook Bank Ltd
Coutts & Co
Step Springfield Village Limited
Maco Pharma S.A.S
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
Infrared Capital Partners Limited and HCP Limited
Celesio (including Lloyds Pharmacy Group)
Assura Medical
Bupa Care Homes Mercia Healthcare
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough (NHS) Foundation Trust
Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen NHS University Hospital Trust
NHS Improvement
Northumbria Healthcare Foundation Trust
Derby Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
NHS Business Services Authority
Serco Limited
Citybranch Limited and Citybranch Healthcare Limited
Liverpool and Sefton Health Partnerships Limited
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Clinigen Grou
Work highlights
- Acted for Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Mid Essex NHS Trust and Basildon & Thurrock University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (now Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust) in navigating the three-way merger of NHS Trusts within the NHS. This included liaison from NHSI and managing of the complex governance arrangements.
- Acted for the development partner to South West London and St George’s NHS Trust on the Springfield University Hospital project to deliver a new mental health hospital, over 800 new homes, open parkland, 54-bed care home, retail units, enhanced infrastructure and a bespoke district heating network.
- Worked with Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust on a review of its subsidiary arrangements, with a view to establishing commercial subsidiary entities for the Trust in the UK and the GCC (Dubai and Abu Dhabi) to house its private patient activities.
Real estate > Commercial property: development Tier 2
At Addleshaw Goddard, London office head Leona Ahmed is the key contact for inbound investment matters - she 'exemplifies exceptional client service' and works in tangent with her colleagues in Europe, Asia and the Middle East to support a significant number of overseas investors. The commercial property practice is headed by Adrian Collins who, in addition to finance and infrastructure projects, is also particularly well-versed in the development space where the team is currently active on a number of London’s most prominent regeneration schemes. In terms of asset expertise, the group is a major player in the fields of affordable housing, retail and education and has been increasingly active in the life sciences and build-to-rent sectors of late; at the more junior end of the partnership spectrum, Rachel Orton also provides the team with distinguished expertise in the senior living and healthcare sectors.
Practice head(s):
Adrian Collins
Other key lawyers:
Leona Ahmed; Peter Hardy; Christopher Cartwright; William Boss; Andrew Martin
Testimonials
‘Very strong problem solvers. Very experienced in our key real estate sectors. Advice is commercially led. They consider themselves key partners in our business, understand our wider drivers for our business and want to help our business grow.’
‘William Boss and Andrew Martin are recommended.’
‘Rachel Orton gives excellent advice that is both pragmatic and strategic. She is responsive and keeps the process moving, identifying and unclogging potential delays in a proactive manner.’
‘Leona Ahmed is very responsive and committed and always looks out for her clients’ best interest. She exemplifies exceptional client service. She is very professional in her dealings with different investors from different backgrounds. She’s approachable and very knowledgeable.’
‘A pragmatic and client-focused team.’
‘The team is always there to address any issues, and have been proactive in suggesting different ideas on how to tackle any problem.’
‘The team is very knowledgeable and helpful in this area. We, as clients, felt very comfortable with the transaction based on the advice we have received.’
Key clients
British Land
Dandara
Aberdeen Standard Investments
Battersea Power Station
WeWork
Canary Wharf Group
Aviva Investors
Federated Hermes
Guys and St Thomas’ Trust
KAMCO
Argent
Workspace PLC
Marks and Spencer Group PLC
Bank Leumi (UK) PLC
Balfour Beatty Investments
Civitas Social Housing PLC
Work highlights
- Advised Pension Insurance Corporation on its first deal in the build-to-rent sector – the New Victoria development in the heart of Manchester, which was purchased from Network Rail.
- Advised Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust on the development of the ‘Triangle’ site, a project which is part of a major regeneration plan to transform the St Thomas’ estate opposite the Houses of Parliament.
- Advised Royal London on its first entry into the retirement living market; a joint venture between Royal London and luxury retirement living operator the Audley Group.
Real estate > Construction: contentious Tier 2
'Technically excellent' and 'tactically savvy', Addleshaw Goddard is known for its work on high-value infrastructure and energy project disputes, with a particular emphasis on international arbitration. It is also well regarded for its strength in PFI/PPP-related matters, advising on a number of hospital construction disputes both domestically and abroad. Its clients include top-flight contractors and developers. The experienced Jonathan Tattersall leads the team, with particular expertise in acting for health sector clients. Gerlando Butera acts in international arbitration cases concerning large infrastructure projects, leveraging his experience in Singapore and Hong Kong. Julia Court is also recommended for her work in the transport and commercial real estate sectors.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Tattersall
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Jonathan Tattersall offers very good client relationships but is also a strong lawyer and, despite seniority, invariably across the detail.’
‘Strong, tight teams. Partners on top of the detail as much as the associates.’
‘This is a well led and well structured team with the right mix of skills and levels of qualification being deployed according to the demands of the matter. Technically excellent, approachable, flexible and tactically savvy.’
‘The practice has strength in depth and is able to meet and exceed expectations in relation to a wide range of disputes. The construction team is well resourced at every level which enables the right team to be assembled for the matter in hand. Teamwork is excellent. Early in the pandemic and in a period of about six weeks the practice put in place the infrastructure needed for a heavy international arbitration to be run fully remotely at the same time as preparing for the hearing.’
‘Jonathan Tattersall leads the team impeccably. He is calm under pressure and always keeps the client’s objectives and how to achieve them in mind. He is an excellent communicator.’
‘Gerlando Butera has expertise in international arbitration and a keen eye for detail.’
Key clients
Kajima Europe Limited
Bam Nuttall Limited
Suez Recycling and Recovery Surrey Limited
Newcastle NHS Hospitals Trust
Work highlights
- Acting for an international contractor, which is a global leader in construction and development projects, in relation to a healthcare PFI dispute valued in excess of £38 million.
- Acting for an Italian contractor with extensive experience in global infrastructure projects in relation to a dispute valued at approximately $136 million regarding refurbishment of a motorway in Eastern Europe.
- Advising a global contractor with a turnover of several billion on the ongoing complex and high-value dispute relating to a transport project in the East of England.
Real estate > Construction: non-contentious Tier 2
Addleshaw Goddard's non-contentious construction practice advises on high-risk projects across a number of asset classes, including healthcare, logistics, hospitality and student living. Within that, it has a particular strength in advising student accommodation providers, led by practice head Andy McVeigh. His practice also focuses on residential development and he often leads cross-disciplinary teams in demanding transactions. Also recommended are Luke Baines and Julia Court. Baines co-chairs the firm's overall hotels practice, with additional experience of advising on international mining infrastructure development. Court, meanwhile, acts on behalf of domestic developers on a variety of issues, including rail transport. The practice was strengthened by the arrival of Alex Hirom, who has expertise in major infrastructure projects, from Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP in February 2021.
Practice head(s):
Andy McVeigh
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Commercial, responsive advice.’
‘The construction team at Addleshaw Goddard have consistently delivered excellent support to us for a number of years now. They know our business and the people well, and feel like an extension of the in-house legal team. The knowledge the team have developed of our business means they are able to provide pragmatic and commercially focused legal advice and go beyond simply advising on the law.’
‘Very responsive, tailored advice, always looking for the best outcome for us in contracts. All-round great company.’
‘Luke Baines is clearly an expert in this area and provides valuable insight on larger transactions.’
Key clients
Kidbrooke Partnerships LLP
Battersea Power Station Development Company
Superscheme Limited (an SPV of Watkin Jones & Son Limited)
Ennismore
Scape
Mount Anvil
Beltane
ABF/Primark
Middlecap
That Group
Aggregate Industries
Work highlights
- Advising a joint venture of Notting Hill Genesis and Transport for London on the multi-phase redevelopment of the Kidbrooke Station Square site in London.
- Advising Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPS) across the whole business, including real estate, corporate and finance matters, and on construction issues relating to the UK’s largest redevelopment project at the Battersea Power Station.
- Advised Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC) on establishing its BTR platform on its investment through equity and debt in a £185m scheme next to Victoria Station in Central Manchester.
Real estate > Property finance Tier 2
The 'well-resourced, experienced and commercial' real estate finance team at Addleshaw Goddard handles work for both lenders and borrowers in the private rental, student accommodation, hotel, logistics and office sectors. The team is also involved in green real estate finance. Steve Mackie leads the team, with extensive experience in real estate-backed finance and social housing finance work. Paul Salsbury is a member of the firm’s cross-border real estate group, and as a result is also skilled in international real estate finance. The 'excellent' Zoe Maurer has expertise in the hotel, leisure and retail industries, leading the firm’s hotel finance practice. Zak Ikponmwosa is skilled at handling work involving multiple debt issues and cross-border matters.
Practice head(s):
Steve Mackie
Other key lawyers:
Paul Salsbury; Zoe Maurer; Zak Ikponmwosa; Sarah Egbu; Neil McGibbon
Testimonials
‘Great support from a well-resourced, experienced and commercial team. Quick responses and excellent advice in fast-moving situations is key to us as a team and we get that from AG.’
‘The team is exceptional in the service they provide. The insights and the different relationships that we were introduced to were evidence of how good the team was. The feedback and the advice we have received was of the utmost professionalism and had the client’s best interests in mind.’
‘The team are very inclusive and very hands-on from partner to associate levels. The level of engagement occurs across the seniority bands. The team has a varied and deep knowledge of real estate (encompassing the finance and property aspects), having acted for borrowers and lenders in bilateral, syndicated and corporate capacities. This experience spans the development and acquisition/investment finance side. As a result of their depth of knowledge, negotiations on legal documents and structuring are made more efficient and collaborative since they are familiar with the perspective of both lender and borrower. Overall, communication and case management are great.’
‘Sarah Egbu is very easy to deal with. With a strong team behind her she is available when required to assist with matters. Sarah has been incredibly helpful over the years in concluding some challenging deals. I really like the commercial approach that Sarah applies to the challenges being faced.’
‘Neil McGibbon is incredibly knowledgeable and commercial when dealing with matters. I enjoy working with Neil as when issues arise we work through them in a logical manner, considering all the risks before deciding on an appropriate course of action.’
‘Paul Salsbury remains technical, pragmatic, realistic and commercial in his approach. He is market-facing and mindful of the key issues facing lenders and borrowers alike.’
‘Zoe Maurer provided excellent client service. She couples a keen eye for detail with a sound commercial interpretation to inform pragmatic positions being taken on commercial sticking points. Zoe is very responsive, supporting us throughout to ensure that critical deadlines were hit.’
‘Zoe Maurer is an excellent partner, highly experienced and leads transactions very well. A calm head with steel when it is required.’
Key clients
Aareal Bank AG
AIB Group UK plc
AgFe
Al Rayan
Aviva
Bank of Ireland
Bank of London & The Middle East plc
Bayerische Landesbank
British Arab Commercial Bank
C C Land
Canada Life Investments
Cheung Kei Group
CIMB
Clydesdale Bank plc
Coutts & Co
Criterion Capital
Deutsche Hypothekenbank
Emirates NBD Bank, London Branch
Europa Capital Debt Investment
First Abu Dhabi Bank
Fortwell Capital
Gaw Capital Group
GR Properties
Hamburg Commercial Bank
Handelsbanken plc
HB Reavis
Hengli Group
Hillview Real Estate
ICICI
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited
Investec Bank plc
KAMCO Investment Company K.S.C.P.
Kasamar Holdings
KTB Asset Management
Landesbank Hessen-Thuringen GZ
Lembaga Tabung Haji
McLaren Property
MiddleCap Real Estate
Mount Anvil
Nationwide Building Society
Nord/LB, H
Work highlights
- Advised the lenders, RBC Europe Limited and another major financial institution, in relation to Sterling Overnight Index Average (SONIA)-linked facilities to Supermarket Income REIT totalling £150m, comprising an £80m revolving credit facility and a £70m uncommitted accordion option.
- Acted for Clydesdale Bank on the development financing of the Virgin Hotel, Edinburgh, the first Virgin-branded hotel in the UK and across Europe.
- Advised Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC) on the acquisition, development and financing of PIC’s first-ever built-to-rent scheme, a 450,000 square foot residential development next to Victoria Station, Manchester.
Risk advisory > Corporate governance Tier 2
Addleshaw Goddard recently expanded its corporate governance offering, picking up several new mandates relating to ESG considerations alongside its strong annual reporting capabilities. The team is now led by Jaya Gupta, who arrived from Allen & Overy LLP in early 2021, replacing the departing Will Chalk, who joined Ashurst. Gupta brings extensive experience in the governance elements of cross-border transactions, alongside sensitive issues including shareholder activism work, executive departures, and regulatory compliance issues. Ben Koehne is another key member of the team, and specialises in work with building societies and other financial services clients. Managing associate Richard Preston is exclusively focused on governance work, and is a long-term adviser to a number of FTSE 100 and 250 companies.
Practice head(s):
Jaya Gupta; Ben Koehne
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Knowledge of narrative reporting requirements is a particular strength. A tried and tested source of advice in relation to corporate governance and disclosures in annual reports. Briefings are clearly set out and communicated.’
‘Richard Preston is extremely thorough with tremendous attention to detail. He has extensive knowledge of the requirements on narrative reporting and corporate governance disclosures in annual reports. I have not come across any other lawyer with this level of expertise in this area.’
‘A very good blend of large corporate skills and knowledge with a more personal service and relationships. The practice has real edge and offer really innovative and pragmatic legal advice on a range of corporate areas.’
‘We have worked with Ben Koehne for the last 8 years since he joined Addleshaw Goddard. We see him as our in house Counsel. He is pragmatic, responsive and provides great reassurance to our Board that we are well represented legally.’
‘There is an excellent depth of knowledge in the team, and a breadth of experience across the wider firm which can be drawn on. Partners clearly take an active interest in, and look for opportunities to develop junior members of their teams. The people come across as highly motivated and have an ability to turn matters and advice notes around very quickly.’
‘Ben Koehne, Partner, Corporate: Ben is a pragmatic and solution focused individual who demonstrates excellent collaboration skills to find the best outcome for his clients. He is incredibly personable and a real pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
Entain plc
Carclo
International Personal Finance
Rio Tinto
JD Sports plc
British Land
Morgan Advanced Materials
Rathbone Brothers
Ted Baker
Indivior
PZ Cussons
Gamesys plc
William Hill
Work highlights
- Advised William Hill on the ongoing operation of its executive and all employee share plans in the UK and overseas.
- Advised the Building Societies Association on a review and update of the BSA’s Model Rules (the model constitution for building societies, that the vast majority of the UK’s 43 building societies largely follow), to modernise certain aspects of the Model Rules.
- Advised Entain on very significant changes to its board with a new Chairman appointed, two changes to the CEO, the appointment of a new executive director as its Governance Director and multiple NED departures and appointments.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Fintech Tier 2
Addleshaw Goddard is well-placed to provide a full service to clients in the fintech arena, with it fielding first-rate financial regulatory, private equity, commercial contracts, payments and technology practices. It also handles litigation for financial firms and has recently seen an uptick in fintech instructions from its Asia offices. Fiona Ghosh, who leads the fintech practice, focuses on payment solutions and specialises in the intersection of technology and regulated markets. William James is recommended for paytech, outsourcing and technology platforms.
Practice head(s):
Fiona Ghosh
Other key lawyers:
William James; Amanda Hulme
Testimonials
‘Excellent service, asked all the right questions and produced a top-quality commercially sound product.’
‘Superb and trusted advice.’
‘Will be calling on their services again soon.’
‘Extremely knowledgeable and always available to help provide advice.’
‘They went over and above to ensure the deal was appropriately structured and my business was suitably protected.’
‘Would definitely work with them again and have already recommended their services to several other businesses.’
Key clients
HSBC UK Bank plc
The British Land Company PLC
Tumelo Limited
Fairscore Ltd (trading as Updraft)
Metro Bank plc
Knoma Ltd
Microsoft
Experian
Free2
Flywire
Bink (Loyalty Angels)
Card Processing Advisory Service Limited (CPRAS)
Work highlights
- Advising HSBC Commercial Banking on the development and launch of HSBC Kinetic.
- Advising FinTech Fairscore Ltd (operating as Updraft) with its debt and equity funding provided by Quilam Capital.
- Assisting Flywire with a number of regulatory compliance and implementation requirements and continue to support them on regulatory matters.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management Tier 2
Addleshaw Goddard provides a comprehensive reputation and information protection service to its international client base, including household name companies in the retail and consumer, travel and leisure space. The team also acts for high net-worth owner-managers and family offices, advising across an array of issues including data protection and privacy claims, misuse of information, freedom of information requests and 'right to be forgotten' claims. Practice head David Engel is a 'doyen of the reputation management field' and is supported by a wider team which includes associate Neil O’Sullivan who regularly advises on the removal of content from online platforms. Abigail Healey and Daniel Bishop left the firm in February and April 2021 respectively, with Bishop joining Osborne Clarke LLP.
Practice head(s):
David Engel
Other key lawyers:
Neil O’Sullivan
Testimonials
‘David Engel is extremely knowledgeable about how to manage sensitive situations to ensure that legal options are fully understood, whilst also carefully considering the impact they may have on the overall PR management.’
‘One of the very few firms that is able to offer a bespoke, high-quality reputation management service for claimants within a large, well-resourced city firm. As a result, they can handle cases of any scale and complexity with ease.’
‘David Engel is a doyen of the reputation management field, who is able to offer clients superb legal and tactical insight.’
‘They know the media landscape and the players very well, making you feel as though they are guiding you through what is, for them, familiar territory.’
‘We receive excellent service from the AG team in this field. The nature of related events requires a timely, effective response which we routinely receive; this, along with genuinely impactful international reach, adds up to great customer service and confidence that we have exceptional support in this area of our operation.’
Key clients
British Airways
GVC/Ladbrokes
Jet2.com
MoneySupermarket
Prenetics
Ted Baker
Wowcher Limited
Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Edinburgh and Glasgow Tier 2
Addleshaw Goddard’s Scots corporate team handles M&A, private equity deals and equity capital markets matters for clients across a wide range of industries, including technology, healthcare and life sciences, real estate and energy. Practice head David Kirchin handles both corporate and banking work, and counts leading UK banks and private equity investors among his client base. Andrew Ley is particularly active in the retail and food and drink sectors, and is adept at handling fundraisings, acquisitions and joint ventures.
Practice head(s):
David Kirchin
Other key lawyers:
Anna Brown; Andrew Ley; David Horne; Murray Jack; Andrew Walker; David Anderson; Laura Falls
Testimonials
‘First-class knowledge and experience in corporate sales, especially in the renewables sector’.
‘Laura Falls provides attention to detail and an understanding of very complex subject matters’.
‘Each member of Addleshaw Goddard with whom we worked had a very joined-up view of our needs at each stage of the engagement’.
‘Strong team of partners and supporting solicitors’.
‘David Anderson continues to go above and beyond in every engagement I have with him’.
‘David Anderson is supported by a quality team who are able to work quickly and under pressure without dropping quality’.
‘At all times, they made themselves available for explanations and the discussion of options for moving forward and they took care to ensure that decisions were always taken from a position of client understanding’.
Key clients
activpayroll Limited
BGF
H2 Equity Partners
Principal shareholders (Sellers) of Symphonic Software Limited
City Pub Group Plc
Foresight Group LLP and Maven Capital Partners LLP
James Donaldson Group
Currie European Transport Limited
genedrive plc
SIG Trading Limited
BGF
NIC Enterprises Limited
DestiNA Genomics Limited
The Buffalo Farm Limited
Work highlights
- Advised the principal shareholders of Symphonic Software Limited on the sale of the Company by Ping Identity UK Limited.
- Advised activpayroll on the substantial growth investment into it by Tenzing Private Equity.
- Advised H2 in the acquisition of Dales Engineering Limited.
Finance > Banking and finance Tier 2
Addleshaw Goddard acts as lead counsel on major Scottish financings, and also handles the Scots law aspects of large international deals. Its broad expertise includes project finance, real estate development financing and asset-based lending mandates. Practice head Alan Shanks has considerable experience in acquisition and project finance work in the energy sector. Euan Cluness handles corporate lending issues, and Gaenor Cassell is recommended for borrower work for corporates and private equity funds, and cross-border securitisations. Catriona Smith is a key name in Aberdeen; she specialises in on- and offshore renewables financing work.
Practice head(s):
Alan Shanks
Other key lawyers:
Euan Cluness; Tom Speirs; Catriona Smith; Gaenor Cassell
Testimonials
‘The team have a depth of expertise in Scottish and English Law’.
‘We have found them to be knowledgeable, helpful and proactive, across various transactions’.
‘They are commercially minded but ensure that the bank is fully protected’.
‘Tom Speirs is our principal contact and he has ensured that we keep in touch and meet to develop the relationship, as well as staying actively involved during the times we have legal matters underway’.
‘The team at AG in Scotland are hugely collaborative when approaching both individual deals and the wider relationship with our bank locally’.
‘Euan Cluness has demonstrated consistently a depth of market knowledge and the ability to understand and negotiate issues through the lens of either borrower or lender’.
‘We appreciate the way that Euan Cluness cuts through a lot of the “legalese” and the interactions with borrower counsel to allow us to focus on the key risks associated with our positions’.
Key clients
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
Venn Partners LLP
PNC Business Credit `
HSBC UK Bank plc
Shawbrook Bank PLC
Barclays Bank PLC
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
KanAm Grund
Clydesdale Bank plc
Lloyds Banking Group
Work highlights
- Advised PNC on the refinancing of Simpsons Malt Limited.
- Advised Deutsche Bank on the £300m refinancing of Drax.
- Advised the Commonwealth Bank of Australia on the £85m refinancing of a windfarm portfolio.
Projects, energy and natural resources > Energy (excluding oil and gas) Tier 2
Addleshaw Goddard has historically been strong in the buying, selling and financing of onshore wind farms, and it has recently seen an uptick in work relating to hydroelectric schemes. With strong support from the real estate and planning teams, the energy and renewables group has also recently been involved in a number of battery storage projects. Alan Shanks, who heads up the team, focuses on financing in the clean energy sector. In June 2020, Suzanne Moir joined from DWF together with her team. Alison Horner retired.
Practice head(s):
Alan Shanks
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Baillie; Murray Jack; Suzanne Moir
Key clients
Red Rock Power
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
SSE
Deutsche Bank
Trojan Energy
ERG
SGN
Hydro Ludens
Green Power
Foresight
Work highlights
- Acting for Deutsche Bank as Scots counsel for the original lenders on a refinancing of Drax existing RCF with a £300m revolving credit facility which includes an embedded ESG component.
- Advised BGF and Bluewater Energy in connection with a refinancing of existing facilities and intercreditor arrangements relating to their existing loan note investment in the ROVOP Group.
- Advised the Commonwealth Bank of Australia as arranger, incoming lender and hedge counterparty in relation to the provision of finance to refinance a portfolio of UK onshore wind farms owned by GCP Infrastructure Investments Limited.
Real estate > Commercial property: Edinburgh and Glasgow Tier 2
The real estate team at Addleshaw Goddard is active across a broad range of sectors, including energy and hospitality, as well as a more recent focus on digital infrastructure. It is well versed in handling the restructuring and reorganisation of UK portfolios, and is no stranger to cross-border work. Miles Ede heads the practice and has considerable experience in the digital infrastructure sector - he is the key client partner for BT. Alison Newton is a name to note for leasing and land development deals, and also handles regeneration work.
Practice head(s):
Miles Ede
Other key lawyers:
Alison Newton; Neil Addis; Alastair Cowan; Kirsty Nicholson; Carrie Armstrong
Testimonials
‘A dedicated and committed service that should make others sit up and notice’.
‘Alison Newton is the lawyer you need in heated discussions; she take complex problems and adds an air of experience, simplicity and ease to resolve them swiftly’.
‘Access and availability are paramount concerns for any client: and both are provided in abundance’.
‘There is a personal approach here that I have found lacking elsewhere and a real commitment to commerciality’.
‘The AG real estate team are an extension of our operating capability internally and that is something that we rely on absolutely’.
‘Collaboration and the handing over the matter between fee earners was stellar’.
‘The team understands what we are trying to achieve and are focused on delivering this for us’.
‘Communication is strong and they have the clarity of thought that we value’.
Key clients
Scottish Enterprise
KanAm Grund
Aviva Investors
Asda Stores Limited
British Telecommunications plc
Legal and General
SSE plc
Travelodge
Watkin Jones plc
Ediston Real Estate
Work highlights
- Advised Watkin Jones on two student accommodation developments in Westfield & Gorgie Road Edinburgh.
- Advised KanAm on the purchase of 4 North St Andrew St Edinburgh.
- Advised the administrators of Kast Retail Limited t/a Quiz Clothing on a job saving strategy.
Real estate > Social housing Tier 2
Clients regularly instruct Addleshaw Goddard's team led by Heather Pearson to advise on matters associated with new-build developments such as site acquisitions and property finance.
Practice head(s):
Heather Pearson
Other key lawyers:
Tom Speirs
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 2
Noted for its ability to ‘leverage the breadth of expertise in the firm in order to provide a holistic recommendation’, Addleshaw Goddard is increasingly active in digital transformation projects. Fintech expert David Anderson leads the group, which has considerable experience in data protection issues, as well as IT and BPAAS outsourcings, commercial contracts and tech-related litigation. Anderson also handles the IT and technology aspects of corporate investments and divestments, while Helena Brown's practice largely centres on data protection issues emanating from IT projects and contracts.
Practice head(s):
David Anderson
Other key lawyers:
Helena Brown; Ross McKenzie
Testimonials
‘In-depth market knowledge. Very responsive. Very practical.’
‘Helena Brown is easy to deal with and has knowledge across a number of industries.’
‘Helena and the team at Addleshaw Goddard offer us an invaluable data protection partnership and on-going support to ad hoc privacy issues.’
‘Diverse team with depth and experience in the Scottish market able to respond and react to any requirement or timeframe.’
‘Practical hands on understanding of technology and apply that to deals to focus on the right issues in getting a deal done.’
‘Use of and offers to use technology to drive efficiencies and improve processes ’
‘Dave Anderson understands key issues and acts commercially. Hugely responsive – he is available at any time and is willing to go the extra mile.’
Key clients
FNZ (UK) Ltd
Vision Express
Par Equity
Boohoo Group plc
Mintra Training Portal
Symphonic Software Limited
Tumelo Limited
Salunda Limited
XDesign
CBS Business Consulting Ltd
OBR – Open Banking Reporting
Obashi Technologies Limited
Work highlights
- Advised FNZ on the negotiation of new master services agreements between FNZ and (i) a significant existing customer; and (ii) a new customer for the provision of investment transaction and administration services through its technology platform.
- Advising Boohoo Group on a range of data and IT-related issues.
- Advised Tumelo on all aspects of its ESG technology proposition as it integrates its software with investment and pension providers to help win new clients and increase assets under management by engaging underlying investors with transparency and influence over shareholder voting.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 2
The sports practice at Addleshaw Goddard encompasses the full range of contentious and non-contentious sports-related issues. Simon Catto, who heads up the group, routinely acts for football players and high-profile clubs in a variety of disputes, with additional strength in complex issues relating to contracts and regulatory matters. Helena Brown is particularly skilled in sponsorship, data protection and consumer compliance matters. In recent team news, Tony McGlennan departed in September 2020 to take up a role at Stranraer Sheriff Court.
Practice head(s):
Simon Catto
Other key lawyers:
Helena Brown; Erin Grieve
Key clients
Celtic Football Club
The Scottish Football Association
St Mirren Football Club
Motherwell Football Club
Kilmarnock Football Club
Ice Hockey UK
The Rugby Partnership
Edinburgh United
Work highlights
- Acting on behalf of St Mirren FC in relation to an SPFL Notice of Complaint, issued in respect of alleged breaches of the SPFL regulations governing Covid-19 protocols.
- Advising Ice Hockey UK on a dispute concerning the application of the international rules regarding transfer fees applicable to a professional ice hockey player transferring from Canada to the UK.
- Advising The Rugby Partnership Limited on signing and retaining players on contracts of employment.
Scotland > Transport Tier 2
Addleshaw Goddard boosted its infrastructure offering in August 2020 with the arrival of a team from DWF including Suzanne Moir, whose focus lies on advising public sector clients on major infrastructure procurements. Sarah Baillie provides airports with planning and road law advice and handles transport matters arising from housing and commercial developments. The firm’s main strength, however, remains its shipping offering led by Ed Watt, who advises banks, port authorities, shipowners and operators alongside oilfield services companies on ship registration, international and domestic transactional, corporate and ship finance including associated disputes.Practice head(s):
Ed Watt; Sarah Baillie
Other key lawyers:
Suzanne Moir; Carrie Armstrong
Testimonials
‘The team at AG support us fully and is available 24/7 to support our business.’
‘Ed Watt is very professional and makes himself available for both planned and unplanned commissions in this fast moving business environment.’
‘AG team’s key strength is its prompt response and ability to resolve complicated matters in a most efficient way.’
‘Ed Watt is a true professional with lots of experience in maritime-related legal affairs. He gave valuable advice on a number of occasions when our company needed a professional legal assistance with respect to the construction and implementation of English maritime laws.’
Key clients
Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd
Highland and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL)
Aldi Stores Limited
Dundee Airport Limited
INEOS FPS Limited
Forth Ports Limited
Lombard North Central Plc
Strawson Holdings Limited
London Offshore Consultants (LOC)
Briggs Marine Contractors Limited
Caspian Marine Services Limited
Irish Mainport Holdings Unlimited Company
Kincardine Offshore Windfarm Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) on the purchase of two £97m LNG ferries.
- Advising Highland and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) on roads law, operational infrastructure and car parking estate.
- Representing Irish Mainport Holdings, an Irish seismic support operator, in a group and fleet reorganisation.
Employment > Health and safety Tier 2
Addleshaw Goddard‘s full service practice is highlighted for its ‘excellent technical skill’ and handles high-profile instructions across inquests, public inquiries, and investigations. Practice head Erin Shoesmith splits her time between Manchester, Leeds and London and is the key name in the group, singled out for her expertise in criminal regulatory work. Adrian Mansbridge handles health and safety defence matters, and the team also counts fire, product and food safety issues among its core expertise. Associate India Haresign is the name for health and safety breaches. The group leverages teams across Manchester, London and Scotland to handle large regional mandates.Practice head(s):
Erin Shoesmith
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘It is the leadership of Erin Shoesmith which pulls this team into a strikingly strong and committed whole. Everyone in the team gives tremendous attention to all aspects of the issues on the table, as a result of which solutions are rapidly identified and implemented. If the AG team is looking after you, then you feel looked after.’
‘Erin Shoesmith has a deserved reputation as being in the very top drawer. Her dedication to her clients shines through. There is nobody better.’
‘Erin Shoesmith is a great lawyer, leader and very commercial.’
‘Great team, strength in depth, great clients, interesting work.’
‘India Haresign is a very good junior associate.‘
‘They are good all rounders with excellent technical skills and a good sense of perspective and judgement.’
‘Adrian Mansbridge is a first rate lawyer who combines technical know-how with a practical approach and excellent judgement.’
Key clients
Skanska Construction UK Limited
Morrison Utility Services Limited
Scottish Futures Trust
Eddie Stobart Limited
AAH Pharmaceuticals Limited
Manchester Metropolitan University
Victrex Plc
Travelodge Hotels Ltd
Boohoo Group
KPMG LLP
British American Tobacco Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for core participants in three of the most high-profile public inquiries in recent history, the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry, the Manchester Arena Bombing Inquiry and the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry.
- Acting on behalf of three bereaved families in the Manchester Arena Bombing Public Inquiry.
- Advising stakeholders in high-risk residential developments in connection with fire safety issues, including those posed in the wake of the Grenfell tragedy, the Hackitt review and the forthcoming Building and Fire Safety Bills.
Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 2
The 'outstanding' Pervinder Kaur leads the team at Addleshaw Goddard. Drawing on the wider firm's expertise in areas such as real estate, litigation, pensions and insolvency, the team has a strong track record advising clients who also operate as businesses and employers. In addition, the department has a history of advising on Charity Commission investigations and regularly supports banking interests with significant transactions (particularly those regarding lending and the taking of security over land and assets). Notably, the firm also assists institutional trust corporations with the charitable aspects of their portfolio. Trusts specialist Yorke Eaton is another key contact.
Practice head(s):
Pervinder Kaur
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very strong, large private client and charity team led by Pervinder Kaur who is recognised as an outstanding trusts, tax planning and charity lawyer.’
Key clients
Bedingfield’s Trust
Leeds Beckett University
Work highlights
- Acted for the trustees of Bedingfield’s Trust for almost 20 years, supporting the trustees in the administration of the charity and to provide advice as and when required.
- Reappointed to the panel of Leeds Beckett University, providing advice in connection with all aspects of charity law in conjunction with the wider client team which is drawn from specialists across the firm.
Public sector > Health Tier 2
Addleshaw Goddard's health practice is co-led by Bill Gilliam and Louise Dobson, who specialises in disputes and projects in the private healthcare domain. The firms fields a strong group of corporate lawyers experienced in PFI secondary market transactions and managing the healthcare portfolios of infrastructure funds and healthcare investors. Commercial disputes, procurement challenges, and more recently, COVID-related contractual projects are drivers of work.
Practice head(s):
Bill Gilliam; Louise Dobson
Testimonials
‘Louise Dobson always goes the extra mile for her clients.’
‘Bill Gilliam is the best solicitor that I have ever been instructed by. He has first class judgment, provides great leadership to his teams, deploys his knowledge of the law and the commercial needs of his client to great tactical effect and is a pleasure to work with.’
‘Louise Dobson is a relatively new partner but a ferocious litigator who goes the extra mile for her clients. She is very focussed on her clients’ commercial needs and is astute in using the law to achieve their required results, whilst remaining sensitive to the optics and relationships in the health sector.’
‘Strength in depth from partner level down to associate level. Bill Gilliam is a true expert and Louise Dobson is great at client handling and managing large teams. Their team’s knowledge base is very strong with an in depth understanding of the particular challenges in this sector. User friendly, personable and commercial.’
Key clients
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management Limited
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (Trust)
McKesson UK (including AAH Pharmaceuticals and Lloyds Pharmacy)
Yourgene Health plc
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and York Teaching Hospital Facilities Management LLP
Work highlights
- Acting for Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management Limited in their multiparty TCC claim in relation to a new build hospital in Cramlington which has multiple high value defects (including structural, M&E and fire related).
- Acting for the SPV Project Companies in relation to the re-procurement of hard facilities maintenance services across 35 LIFT Projects, financed by five different funders under project finance terms.
- Acting for AAH Pharmaceuticals and Barclay Pharmaceuticals In a commercial court claim and counterclaim by Jhoots Healthcare Limited and Pasab Limited relating to a contract for the supply of generic drugs.
Public sector > Local government Tier 2
Addleshaw Goddard's lawyers advise local government on transactions for the delivery of significant public infrastructure and services, and partnerships with the private sector. Real estate partners Ian Smith and Anna Heaton are regularly involved in outsourcings, housing transactions, transportation projects, and also advise local government pension fund administrators on investments.
Practice head(s):
Anna Heaton; Ian Smith
Key clients
West Midlands Combined Authority
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Manchester City Council
Cheshire East Council/Connecting Cheshire
Cumbria County Council
Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council
Burnley Borough Council
Cheshire West & Chester Council
York City Council
Luton Borough Council
Reading Borough Council
Derby City Council
Somerset County Council
Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council
City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
Salford City Council
City of Stoke Council
Connexin Limited
Warrington Borough Council
Kirklees Council
Greater London Authority / Transport for London
Merseytravel/Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
Work highlights
- Advising the West Yorkshire Combined Authority on all legal elements relating to its station’s development programme.
- Advising London Luton Airport on its airport expansion programme.
- Advised Kirklees Council on the acquisition of the famous George Hotel for the new home of the National Rugby League Museum.
Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 3
Addleshaw Goddard's charities team advises clients on matters including governance, investments and commercial agreements. Pervinder Kaur in Leeds and Yorke Eaton in Manchester are the key contacts in the team. Eaton, a private client specialist, frequently acts for family charitable trusts and also handles estates left to charities, including those with complex and contentious elements. Managing associate Laura Woffinden works across the Manchester and Leeds offices and is another name to note.
Practice head(s):
Yorke Eaton
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team were very knowledgable about their field and helped us reach a good solution.’
‘Laura Woffinden provided us with excellent knowledge in her field.’
Corporate and commercial > Financial services: contentious Tier 3
Sitting within the global investigations department under the leadership of Nichola Peters, the team at Addleshaw Goddard is praised by a client for its 'pragmatism, deep understanding of its clients and the issues they face, coupled with depth of expertise make the firm a joy to deal with'. Regulatory investigations are a large part of the group's work, spanning criminal and regulatory-initiated work, in addition to remediations, past-business reviews and redress exercises. David Pygott is the key contact at the firm, having established a strong reputation for FCA investigations, including in relation to disciplinary matters and cases involving alleged market abuse. Sarah Thomas, who became a partner in May 2020, has a broad practice that includes whistleblowing investigations and governance and culture issues. Joining the firm from Stephenson Harwood in February 2020, managing associate Richard McGarry has experience representing individuals in insider dealing and market abuse investigations.
Practice head(s):
Nichola Peters; David Pygott
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘David Pygott is both extraordinarily knowledgeable about financial services regulation and extremely hard-working. He has been instrumental in taking the Addleshaw Goddard team from strength to strength since his arrival and has been involved in some ground-breaking work.’
‘Always proactive, the team at AG are pragmatic, focussing on the bigger picture relevant to their clients, while having a fantastic handle on the detail.’
‘Pragmatism, deep understanding of their clients and the issues they face, coupled with depth of expertise make them a joy to deal with.‘
‘There is an excellent depth of knowledge in the team, and a breadth of experience across the wider firm which can be drawn on. Partners clearly take an active interest in, and look for opportunities to develop junior members of their teams. The people come across as highly motivated and have an ability to turn matters and advice notes around very quickly.’
‘David Pygott has a very obvious enthusiasm for dispute resolution law, and is able to combine this with exceptional intelligence, creativity and a wealth of experience in the area to solve complex problems.’
Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 3
The team at Addleshaw Goddard is most noted for its specialisms in consumer finance, retail banking and payments, although the practice includes experts across the financial regulatory space. Heading the department is consumer finance and payments lawyer Amanda Hulme, who has recently been active advising clients and lobbying on Covid-related issues, as well as open banking issues. Rosanna Bryant is a consumer finance expert whose practice encompasses the regulation of current accounts, savings and mortgages. Ben Koehne, who leads the firm's building societies and mutuals practice, is noted for his recent participation in large-scale strategic regulatory projects relating to the banking industry. From the Edinburgh office, dual-Scottish and English qualified Lorna Finlayson focuses on commercial wealth management work.
Practice head(s):
Amanda Hulme
Other key lawyers:
Rosanna Bryant; Ben Koehne; Clare Hughes; Lorna Finlayson; Steven Francis
Testimonials
The AG team act for a number of financial services clients and therefore have a huge amount of industry insight. As a law firm this is a quality we really value.’
‘I have worked with Steven Francis extensively and consider him to be one of the best lawyers in the City and an asset to Addleshaw Goddard.’
‘The individuals in the team are technically excellent, but also personable and easy to work with. They are the ‘go-to’ experts in consumer finance and wouldn’t ever consider any other team to advise me.’
‘They are very active in the sector meaning that their advice is insightful and well balanced. Able to quickly get into the heart of a matter and provide top-class service and expertise. The best there is.’
‘Steven Francis – brilliant advice, calm, measured and willing to go the extra mile.’
Key clients
Investec Bank plc
FBN Bank
Metro Bank
Heleba Bank
Cynergy Bank
Bank Leumi
PPRO Financial
UK Finance
British Arab Commercial Bank
Hitachi Personal Finance
JCB Finance
Experian
ALD
Capital on Tap
Shawbrook
Work highlights
- Providing cutting edge legal advice to lenders navigating the Coronavirus crisis at it hit, providing advice on implementing forbearance measures, as well as structuring BBLS facilities and lobbying for legislative changes.
- Advised a number of firms implement arrangements to deal with Brexit, from bank accounts and mortgages to derivatives and investment management arrangements.
- With the regulator’s focus on resolution planning for firms, provided significant advice on resolution, wind-down plans and regulatory capital issues.
Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 3
Addleshaw Goddard specialises in cross-border fraud cases, particularly business fraud, where the firm utilises its expertise in white-collar crime. The practice has experience in financial services sector matter, notably AML and push payments fraud. In terms of innovation, the firm also provides clients with Everlaw’s advanced cloud-based document analysis, investigation and review software.Other key lawyers:
Nick Ashcroft; Alex Hogarth; Polly Sprenger; Mark Molyneux
Testimonials
‘The Addleshaw experience was both welcoming and engaging, from the reception staff through to the partners. Professionalism is evident throughout the practice and they accommodated the individual needs of their client, without fuss or objection.’
‘The overall feeling was that of being in a safe set of hands who know very well their business and strategy.’
‘The Addleshaw team were highly attentive throughout, on hand and readily available to guide and explain various legal processes and procedures to their client and representatives.’
‘A stand out character was Alex Hogarth. A highly motivated and engaging person, always empathetic and reassuring. No task or request was outside of this professional’s reach or personal responsibility. An individual example of excellence for the practice!’
‘AG has an excellent civil fraud team. They are responsive and a pleasure to work with. They have a good commercial view of the case as well as a good legal grip on the case’.
‘Mark Molyneux is one of the finest litigators around – a real smart cookie, who understands what his client wants and how to get it’.
‘Key strengths are the criminal/civil cross over to help clients pursue the right strategy, and resourcing – they have a big team from which they can pull the right people when necessary’.
‘Polly Sprenger has really valuable experience of criminal/civil cross-over on fraud work, so whilst I work for her on the civil side she is always mindful of a joined up strategy, for example a private prosecution, where applicable. She is incredibly hard working and dedicated. She is responsive and turns around drafting impressively fast’.
Key clients
Unitel S.A.
Pendragon (Master) Fund Limited
Multiple UK Banks
Hassenfeld family
Elaine Millar, Viscount of the Royal Court of Jersey
Bystronic Glass AG
Global chemical and ingredients distributor
Langston Group Corporation and Samir-Georges Hammam
Investigation and corporate intelligence agencies
Portuguese clothing manufacturer
Work highlights
- Acting for Unitel S.A., Angola’s largest telecommunications company in a GBP 300 million claim alleging fraud by Isabel dos Santos arising out of “Luanda Leaks” materials.
- Acting for Hassenfeld family, the family behind Hasbro Toys in a private prosecution against investment managers who defrauded USD 2 million of family funds.
- Advising multiple UK banks managing exposure to high-value Authorised Push Payment frauds and unauthorised fraud payments from “account take-over”, “impersonation” or rogue director frauds.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 3
With ‘impressive partners and highly motivated associates‘, Addleshaw Goddard acts for both claimants and defendants in complex litigation. Mark Molyneux leads the national disputes practice following the departure of London head Louisa Caswell to Dentons in November 2021. Recently promoted partner Lauren Hamilton is a key contact for technology disputes, and the ‘very commercially astute‘ Maria Frangeskides (who joined from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP in early 2021) is popular among investment fund clients.Practice head(s):
Mark Molyneux
Other key lawyers:
Lauren Hamilton; Maria Frangeskides; Richard Wise; Jon Tweedale; Natasha Winter; Alex Unger
Testimonials
‘Maria Frangeskides is very bright, very commercially astute, excellent at client handling, and very skilled at putting a first-rate team together and running it.’
‘Lauren Hamilton is a rising star who rolls her sleeves up and gets stuck into the detail. Alex Unger is one to watch.’
‘Lauren Hamilton – very good to work with, well organised and insightful.’
‘Richard Wise really cares about getting things right. Committed to providing the clients with a great service. Natasha Winter is very diligent and user-friendly. ‘
‘Jon Tweedale is exceptional to work with. His approachability, insight and ability to see the key issues is invaluable.’
‘Top flight team with impressive partners and highly motivated associates.’
‘Whilst not regarded as being a magic circle firm, I regard AG’s commercial litigation department as equally good, if not better than, any of the recognised magic circle firms – and a fair bit cheaper for clients.’
‘Strong in depth, not just at a senior level, and easy to work with. Good use of technology in trial – integrating transcripts, disclosure and pleadings in a very simple and intuitive way.’
Key clients
BP
INEOS FPS Limited
GSK
The Co-op / CIS General Insurance Limited
Dixons Carphone
Britvic
Bestway Retail Limited (part of the Bestway Wholesale group)
Lopesan Touristik S.A.
Unitel S.A.
Diageo
Work highlights
- Acted for CIS General Insurance in its successful multi million claim against IBM in relation to IBM’s unlawful termination and repudiation of an IT implementation and 10 year managed services contract for a new end to end IT operating platform. The case involved complex IT evidence on the management of the transformation, with the judge finding IBM repudiated the contract and responsible for all critical delays to the IT project and for failures to report.
- Acted for INEOS FPS defending claims brought by Apache North Sea relating to a request by Apache to increase shipments through the Forties Pipeline System in the North Sea (which is operated by INEOS FPS and is the pipeline system through which the overwhelming majority of oil extracted from the North Sea is transported). INEOS conditioned the provision of consent on an increase to the tariff payable, which was challenged by Apache.
- Acting for Carphone Warehouse (part of FTSE listed Dixons Carphone) which is suing Telefonica (O2), claiming the mobile network operator caused it to suffer a £26m loss of profits/liquidated damages by breaching O2’s obligations in relation to Carphone Warehouse’s marketing of O2 products.
Employment > Employee share schemes Tier 3
Addleshaw Goddard covers the spectrum of remuneration work, including corporate governance and disclosure obligations and is the port of call for major UK employers such as Sainsbury's, William Hill and Ted Baker. Other strongpoints of the practice include advising on tax efficient arrangements and dealing with globally mobile employees. Jonathan Fletcher-Rogers leads the team and has advised on EMI, SAYE, SIP and CSOP schemes. Leeds-based Martin Griffiths is another key name.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Fletcher-Rogers
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excellent and pro active service.’
‘The team are accessible and responsive and provide pragmatic commercial advice Jonathan Fletcher Rogers has provided clear and pragmatic advice which has helped resolve issues for us in as simple and efficient way possible.’
‘Jonathan Fletcher Rogers was responsive and highly pragmatic throughout our engagement. He demonstrated a deep understanding of the regulations and best practice considerations.’
Work highlights
- Advised IMImobile plc on the share options aspects of its £543m takeover by Cisco.
- Advised William Hill on the global extension of its employee share plans, and the international share plans aspects of its acquisition by Caesers Entertainment
- Advised Rathbone Brothers on a new executive share plan which was approved by shareholders at its 2021 AGM.
Employment > Pensions: dispute resolution Tier 3
Praised as ‘pragmatic and professional’, Catherine McAllister leads Addleshaw Goddard‘s London pensions practice. With experience acting for corporations, trustee boards, representative beneficiaries and pensions professionals, the team has expertise in scheme investments via Judith Donnelly, as well as public sector pensions advice. The dispute resolution practice is headed by Susan Garrett, who together with Jade Murray, co-led advising Britvic on setting up an interim funding structure for the defined benefit scheme pending its appeal to the Court of Appeal. Highly experienced Rachel Rawnsley is head of the the firm’s national pensions practice.
Practice head(s):
Susan Garrett, head of pension disputes;
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Valued blend of expertise, experience, conviction and approachability.’
Key clients
Britvic plc
Work highlights
- Advising Britvic on its ongoing court case to establish the correct meaning of its pension scheme rules.
Employment > Pensions (non-contentious) Tier 3
Praised as 'pragmatic and professional', Catherine McAllister leads Addleshaw Goddard's London pensions practice. With experience acting for corporations, trustee boards, representative beneficiaries and pensions professionals, the team has expertise in scheme investments via Judith Donnelly, as well as public sector pensions advice. The dispute resolution practice is headed by Susan Garrett, who co-led advising Britvic plc with Jade Murray, on successfully setting up an interim funding structure for the defined benefit scheme pending its appeal to the Court of Appeal. Highly experienced Rachel Rawnsley is head of the the firm's national pensions practice.
Practice head(s):
Catherine McAllister, head of London pensions; Susan Garrett, head of pension disputes; Rachel Rawnsley, head of pensions nationally;
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Offer a valued blend of expertise, experience, conviction and approachability.’
‘Catherine McAllister is very diligent, calm, clear, pragmatic and professional’
Key clients
Celesio (Admenta Lloyds Pharmacy)
Samworth Brothers
ICON Plc
Chemtura
Trustee of the Citrus Pension Plan
Trustee of the three CGI pension schemes
Trustee of the Credit Agricole CIB Legacy Pension Scheme
Global Radio Services Limited
Trustee of the Gulf International Bank (UK) Limited Pension Scheme
Trustees of the Delbanco Meyer & Company Limited Retirement Benefits Scheme
Trustees of the Holland & Holland Pension Scheme
HS1 Limited
Columbia Threadneedle Investments
Steinhoff UK Holdings Limited
Trustees of the Unisys Public Sector Pension Scheme
Trustees of the P&O Ferries 2008 Division Pension Scheme
Wolseley (now Ferguson)
Freightliner
Newcastle Theatre Trust
Local Government Pension Scheme legal framework
Work highlights
- Advising University of Leeds Pension and Assurance Scheme Trustees in relation to secondary market purchases.
- Advising Dalriada in its capacity as incoming trustee of the Interface Europe Pension Scheme on the legal aspects of transferring the assets of the pension scheme from the outgoing trustee.
Finance > Securitisation Tier 3
Addleshaw Goddard has developed a broad structured finance practice during the last 18 months with the hire of experienced partners with long track records in both public and private securitisations. Practice head Rachel Kelly, who joined from McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP in 2020, is 'first-class, with a deep knowledge of her subject matter'. Her group works extensively with UK banks on securitisation transactions, among them Barclays Bank and HSBC. Legal director Kerry Pettigrew, who moved with Kelly, works closely with her on key mandates, including advising Sainsbury's Bank plc as originator, seller, servicer and liquidity reserve provider on its first public Simple Transparent and Standardised (STS) securitisation. They work closely with capital markets partner Beth Collett, who brings 12 years' experience in social housing finance.
Practice head(s):
Rachel Kelly
Other key lawyers:
Kerry Pettigrew; Beth Collett; Carl Posern
Testimonials
‘The team, led by Rachel Kelly, is one of the most experienced I know in the area of securitisation. Not only does this provide a high level of technical reassurance, it helps with the practical application of completing deals.’
‘For me, the standout is their level of practical application which, for clients new to this form of finance gives them a great deal of confidence to proceed.’
‘Rachel Kelly is first-class, with a deep knowledge of her subject matter.’
‘Very experienced and eager to help. Very nice people to work with.’
‘Rachel Kelly is one of the most experienced securitisation lawyers in the industry. Rachel is also such a pleasant person to deal with and is always on top of her game.’
Key clients
Sainsbury’s Bank plc
Metro Bank plc
Barclays Bank PLC
HSBC Bank plc
NatWest Markets plc
Prudential Trustee Company Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Sainsbury’s Bank plc on their first public Simple Transparent and Standardised (STS) Consumer Loan Securitisation, Drury Lane Funding 2020-1 PLC, a £725m securitisation of around 80,000 consumer loans.
- Advised Metro Bank on funding and investment strategies, including through the use of securitisation techniques, following the Bank’s acquisition of Ratesetter in 2020.
- Advised Barclays Bank PLC, HSBC Bank plc and NatWest Markets plc as joint bookrunners and Prudential Trustee Company Limited as bond trustee and security trustee in respect of the issue by Hyde Housing Association Limited of its £400m 1.75% Secured Bonds due 2055.
Finance > Trade finance Tier 3
Addleshaw Goddard has a strong track record in mid-market trade finance transactions, as well as in a variety of working capital products on the lending side. Alongside traditional trade finance structures, it also handles supply chain finance, receivables financing, off-balance sheet facilities and structured finance deals. The practice principally acts for clearing banks, overseas banks, funds and specialist sector providers, though it also advises significant borrower clients on key strategic transactions. Practice head Mike Davison leads the practice and has ‘first-class knowledge of trade finance documentation and delivers an excellent service‘. Managing associate Lauren Priest-Stephens also plays a key role in the practice.Practice head(s):
Mike Davison
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Mike Davison has a first-class knowledge of trade finance documentation and is well connected and regarded to allow him to deliver an excellent service.’
Key clients
Advance Global Capital
Bank Leumi
ABN Amro Commercial Finance
PNC Business Credit
Bank of London and the Middle East
HSBC Invoice Finance
BNP Paribas Commercial Finance
Close Brothers
Leumi ABl Limited
FimBank Plc
Wyelands Bank
Shnhan Bank
Insurance > Insurance litigation: for policyholders Tier 3
Addleshaw Goddard is praised for its ‘experience in the London insurance market with respect to policyholder representations’. The team handles matters involving business interruption claims, as well as political risk insurance and credit insurance. Practice head Richard Wise has particular expertise in claims related to Bermuda forms and other cross-border insurance disputes.
Practice head(s):
Richard Wise
Other key lawyers:
Victoria Pool; Natasha Winter; Laura Payne
Testimonials
‘Addleshaw Goddard has extensive experience in the London insurance market with respect to policyholder representations and are up to date on all the relevant rules, case holdings and players in this field.’
‘Richard Wise is very attentive to details and does an excellent job of communicating issues to the client. His entire team is very personable and easy to work with.’
‘Richard Wise – excellent partner, very committed and focused. Natasha Winter and Laura Payne bring focus and clarity to complex material.’
‘Good industry knowledge, very practical and pragmatic advice commercially pitched very well. Able to fight the insurer-led lawyers toe-to-toe and come out on top.’
‘Richard Wise – calm, collected, very knowledgable and able to strategise.’
Key clients
Weyerhaeuser Company
FBN Bank (UK) Limited
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
White Oak Acquisition Limited
Hazel Middle East FZE
Work highlights
- Acting in a £19m claim in the Commercial Court concerning coverage under a buy-side W&I insurance policy.
- Acting for Hazel in a £5.75m dispute in the DIFC concerning coverage under a credit insurance policy.
Investment fund formation and management > Fund finance Tier 3
Addleshaw Goddard advises banks, institutional lenders and fund managers on an array of cross-border financing transactions in Europe and the United States. Its team's experience includes sustainability-linked financings, sub-participations and distributions. The group is supported by the firm's wider international banking and finance practice, and was bolstered in mid-2021 by the arrival of specialist fund finance practitioner Jeremy Cross from Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP. Finance head Steve Mackie and fund finance-focused partner Angus Gill co-head the team, which advises lenders and borrowers on NAV, capital call and GP financings. Zoe Connor, who is also an active member of the team, primarily advises banks.
Practice head(s):
Steve Mackie; Angus Gill
Other key lawyers:
Jeremy Cross; Zoe Connor; Ben Rayner
Testimonials
‘Zoe Connor is a very experienced partner, with excellent client relationship. Her team is great at coordinating deals with local counsel. Feedback and instructions are accurate and timely.‘
‘Zoe Connor is a very skilled lawyer, with a strong commercial and pragmatic approach with strong leadership skills. The team is easy to work with, very responsive and always available when instructions or guidelines are needed. Particular mention is given to Ben Rayner for his responsiveness, dedication and hard work.‘
‘We have worked with Zoe Connor and her team on a number of fund finance transactions and very much enjoy working with them. They are focused, very commercial, and manage transactions and local counsel very well in their role as lead counsel. They have great market knowledge and negotiate well for their clients without over-lawyering.‘
‘Friendly, focused and sharp. The AG team has handled multiple transactions for us simultaneously and has always delivered excellent work on time and on budget.‘
‘The AG team are very cohesive. At partner level, Zoe and Angus have been very engaged in our recent transactions and have been quick to apply their significant knowledge and expertise to resolve issues in a timely manner and keep our deals on track.‘
Key clients
Amber MEEF 2 LLP
Santander UK
Work highlights
- Advised North American and Japanese banks on a €300m capital call financing to a European private equity fund, with French and Luxembourg fund vehicles.
- Advised a global alternative investment fund manager on seven fund financings, including a complex cross-border $150m facility arranged by a French bank.
- Advised UK and international banks on more than €600m of fund financings to sustainable and clean energy funds.
Investment fund formation and management > Real estate funds Tier 3
Addleshaw Goddard is equally highly regarded by fund managers (including established and start-up managers) and institutional investors, for whom it handles the formation of real estate investment vehicles and downstream investments. Its team has expertise in portfolio and development investment funds, alongside social housing and impact funds. Practice head Lee Sheldon is knowledgeable about real estate funds, private equity real estate and indirect real estate investments. Jonathan Powling undertakes LP-side work and he also has an active GP practice. Jan Gruter, who was recently promoted to partner, has strong regulatory expertise.
Practice head(s):
Lee Sheldon
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is very helpful and knowledgable in the process. They exactly what is required and how long it should take. They plan the process every step of the way and manage our expectation and the different stakeholders very well.‘
‘Jan Gruter is very smart and knowledgeable. Even more importantly, he can communicate complex points in a very user-friendly way.‘
‘Lee Sheldon – pragmatic, user friendly, takes a long term view of client relationships.‘
Key clients
Northtree Investment Management Limited
Aberdeen Standard Investments
The National LGPS Framework
Aviva Investors
Federated Hermes
Kamco Invest
Par Equity
EcoTree (Paintitgreen S/A)
Pension Insurance Corporation
Warrington Borough Council
Work highlights
- Advising a number of fund managers that are developing new ESG investment strategies in the real estate and infrastructure sectors and are working on associated fund launches.
- Advised a large institutional asset manager on the launch of two fund of funds, raising over £600m for investment into underlying real assets funds.
- Advising Kamco Invest on its establishment of two Shari’ah compliant investment funds and related management arrangements with M7 Real Estate in connection with their UK regional office investment strategy.
Public sector > Administrative and public law Tier 3
Addleshaw Goddard's team, based primarily in Leeds, represents private and public sector clients in connection with contentious and non-contentious matters in the field of public law, with a particular focus on the transport, infrastructure and energy sectors. Its public inquiries practice is particularly prominent, evidenced by the team's ongoing involvement in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and the Manchester Arena Bombing Inquiry. Simon Kamstra represents clients from various heavily regulated sectors in judicial reviews, international disputes and arbitration proceedings, while Bill Gilliam has a strong track record in acting for clients in major procurement challenges and outsourcing disputes. Louise Dobson, who became a partner in May 2020, stands out for her regulatory and contentious work in the health and pharmaceuticals sectors.
Practice head(s):
Simon Kamstra; Bill Gilliam
Other key lawyers:
Louise Dobson; Ryan Geldart
Testimonials
‘Bill Gillam (the lead partner) is highly experienced, tactically astute, extremely easy to deal with and always calm under pressure.’
‘AG’s administrative and public law practice is excellent, one of the best in the country teams. Their strength lies in excellent, tight knit teamwork, great communication within their team and the teams at large, a very good working relationship with Counsel and the client and a tenacious approach to getting the right results for their clients.’
‘Bill Gilliam is the best solicitor that I have ever worked with. He has first class judgment, provides great leadership to his teams, deploys his knowledge of the law and the commercial needs of his client to great tactical effect and is a pleasure to work with. ‘
‘Louise Dobson is a relatively new partner but a ferocious litigator who goes the extra mile for her clients. She is very focused on her clients’ commercial needs and is astute in using the law to achieve their required results.’
‘The Addleshaw Goddard team are simply at the top of their game. All of the individuals I deal with know the law backwards but are also very skilled and adept at knowing how to apply it practically and to best effect.’
‘Bill Gilliam, Ryan Geldart and Louise Dobson are all superb. They are very easy to deal with, they pre-digest the material, are a useful source of checking and challenge, have constructive and original ideas and are very good at managing the interface with the clients.’
Key clients
Department for Transport
High Speed Two (HS2) Limited
Scottish and Southern Energy plc
Totally Wicked Limited (Pillbox 38 UK Limited)
Build-a-Bear Workshop Inc (and its UK subsidiaries)
United Utilities plc
University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust.
Microgeneration Certification Standards Board
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
McKesson UK / LloydsPharmacy
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited
Highlands and Islands Airport Limited
Scottish Future Trust
Work highlights
- Successfully defended the Department for Transport/Secretary of State in the Rail Franchising Litigation 2019 proceedings, which comprised one of the largest and most complex public procurement claims litigated to date in the UK, involving claims by multiple bidders across the three franchises with each of the disqualified bidders seeking damages in excess of £100m.
- Acted for HS2 Limited in its successful defence of a major challenge to its £1.3bn procurement of a construction partner for the design and delivery of Old Oak Common Station, a transport super-hub and one of the biggest brownfield regeneration projects in Europe.
- Acted for the NHS FTs in a claim in the High Court to recover 80% of the business rates paid to defendant local authorities for hospital properties.
Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 3
At Addleshaw Goddard, London office head Leona Ahmed is the key contact for inbound investment matters - she 'exemplifies exceptional client service' and works in tangent with her colleagues in Europe, Asia and the Middle East to support a significant number of overseas investors. The commercial property practice is headed by Adrian Collins who, in addition to finance and infrastructure projects, is also particularly well-versed in the development space where the team is currently active on a number of London’s most prominent regeneration schemes. In terms of asset expertise, the group is a major player in the fields of affordable housing, retail and education and has been increasingly active in the life sciences and build-to-rent sectors of late. Rachel Orton, who joined the firm in 2020 from Squire Patton Boggs, also provides distinguished expertise in the senior living and healthcare sectors.
Practice head(s):
Adrian Collins
Other key lawyers:
Leona Ahmed; William Boss; Michael Scott; Rachel Orton; Christopher Cartwright
Testimonials
‘Very strong problem solvers. Very experienced in our key real estate sectors. Advice is commercially led. They consider themselves key partners in our business, understand our wider drivers for our business and want to help our business grow.’
‘William Boss and Andrew Martin are recommended.’
‘Rachel Orton gives excellent advice that is both pragmatic and strategic. She is responsive and keeps the process moving, identifying and unclogging potential delays in a proactive manner.’
‘Leona Ahmed is very responsive and committed and always looks out for her clients’ best interest. She exemplifies exceptional client service. She is very professional in her dealings with different investors from different backgrounds. She’s approachable and very knowledgeable.’
‘A pragmatic and client-focused team.’
‘The team is always there to address any issues, and have been proactive in suggesting different ideas on how to tackle any problem.’
‘The team is very knowledgeable and helpful in this area. We, as clients, felt very comfortable with the transaction based on the advice we have received.’
Key clients
British Land
Dandara
Aberdeen Standard Investments
Battersea Power Station
WeWork
Canary Wharf Group
Aviva Investors
Federated Hermes
Guys and St Thomas’ Trust
KAMCO
Argent
Workspace PLC
Marks and Spencer Group PLC
Bank Leumi (UK) PLC
Balfour Beatty Investments
Civitas Social Housing PLC
Work highlights
- Advised boutique lender Leumi UK on its relocation from its home of more than 20 years, Stratford Place, W1, to a Grade A office space at Angel Court, in the heart of the City of London. Leumi UK, which is part of Leumi Group (Israel’s largest banking group).
- Advised UCB on the acquisition of a new life sciences campus in Windlesham, Surrey.
Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 3
At Addleshaw Goddard, London office head Leona Ahmed is the key contact for inbound investment matters - she 'exemplifies exceptional client service' and works in tangent with her colleagues in Europe, Asia and the Middle East to support a significant number of overseas investors. The commercial property practice is headed by Adrian Collins who, in addition to finance and infrastructure projects, is also particularly well-versed in the development space where the team is currently active on a number of London’s most prominent regeneration schemes. In terms of asset expertise, the group is a major player in the fields of affordable housing, retail and education and has been increasingly active in the life sciences and build-to-rent sectors of late; at the more junior end of the partnership spectrum, Rachel Orton also provides the team with distinguished expertise in the senior living and healthcare sectors.
Practice head(s):
Adrian Collins
Other key lawyers:
Leona Ahmed; Peter Hardy; William Boss; Michael Scott
Testimonials
‘Very strong problem solvers. Very experienced in our key real estate sectors. Advice is commercially led. They consider themselves key partners in our business, understand our wider drivers for our business and want to help our business grow.’
‘William Boss and Andrew Martin are recommended.’
‘Rachel Orton gives excellent advice that is both pragmatic and strategic. She is responsive and keeps the process moving, identifying and unclogging potential delays in a proactive manner.’
‘Leona Ahmed is very responsive and committed and always looks out for her clients’ best interest. She exemplifies exceptional client service. She is very professional in her dealings with different investors from different backgrounds. She’s approachable and very knowledgeable.’
‘A pragmatic and client-focused team.’
‘The team is always there to address any issues, and have been proactive in suggesting different ideas on how to tackle any problem.’
‘The team is very knowledgeable and helpful in this area. We, as clients, felt very comfortable with the transaction based on the advice we have received.’
Key clients
British Land
Dandara
Aberdeen Standard Investments
Battersea Power Station
WeWork
Canary Wharf Group
Aviva Investors
Federated Hermes
Guys and St Thomas’ Trust
KAMCO
Argent
Workspace PLC
Marks and Spencer Group PLC
Bank Leumi (UK) PLC
Balfour Beatty Investments
Civitas Social Housing PLC
Work highlights
- Advised new client KAMCO, which is based in Kuwait, on the acquisition of three office buildings in three separate transactions across primary regional UK cities (Greater London, out-of-town Glasgow and Bristol.
- Advised New York-listed investment manager Federated Hermes on three new build-to-rent developments in Leeds, Lewisham and Brighton.
- Advised Columbia Threadneedle Investments on two acquisitions for their new “Select III” fund, which involves the purchase of a number of retail parks across the UK.
Real estate > Planning Tier 3
The planning group at Addleshaw Goddard works as a national team across the UK, handling major development and infrastructure projects, with a strong track record advising on urban regeneration, build to rent and co-living schemes. Led by Marnix Elsenaar, the team has seen continued growth in its infrastructure work advising promoters of DCOs, Transport and Works Act Orders and CPOs. Gary Sector advises on all aspects of town and country planning, with experience of both advisory and contentious work. Managing associate Sarah Hodge specialises in planning and infrastructure consenting.
Practice head(s):
Marnix Elsenaar
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They are technical lawyers and approachable. They are willing to learn about my company.’
‘A team that has all the strengths and capabilities that you would expect of a leading firm. In particular, they provide an efficient and reliable service in all respects – from sound legal advice to good administrative arrangements.’
‘Gary Sector and Marnix Elsenaar – both very conscientious, very thorough and very effective. A delight to work with as well.’
Key clients
Hub Group
Dandara
Aviva
Muse Developments Limited (and their JV with the Canal and River Trust; Waterside Places
London Luton Airport Limited
Pocket Living
Middlecap
University of Greenwich
Pension Insurance Company
SGN
Work highlights
- Advising Hub on the compulsory purchase order for the development of a residential-led scheme in Maidenhead Town Centre.
- Acting for SGN on a number of mandates to secure protective provisions and commercial side agreements related to DCO and CPO promotions.
- Advising Dandara on the planning for Build to Rent sites in Bristol, Birmingham, High Wycombe and locations across Kent.
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 3
Addleshaw Goddard has recently been particularly active handling vacant possession strategies and various matters pertaining to developments across London, such as option agreements, health and safety issues and rights to light, as well as tenant CVAs. The last-mentioned segment is an area of particular expertise for team head and solicitor advocate Frances Richardson, who is also known for her specialism in rent reviews; this expertise translates into regular instructions from landlords and tenants alike. Other landlord and tenant work includes lease agreements and terminations which are often led by legal director Gregory Simms, who is also regularly called upon in development and insolvency-related disputes and has particular rights to light expertise.
Practice head(s):
Frances Richardson
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Blower; Gregory Simms
Testimonials
‘I was most impressed by the team’s ability to assimilate complex issues and to provide immediate and rationed advice.‘
‘Frances Richardson is confident, assured and definitive in her judgement. She inspired confidence in what was a significant chapter of our business.‘
‘A highly regarded team with an excellent reputation in real estate litigation. Great oversight of the law and the real estate industry enables them to give quality strategic and commercial advice. I was impressed with their attention to detail and hardworking, client-focused approach.‘
‘Frances Richardson is a rising star with her finger on the pulse of the market. Clever and effective.‘
‘They are a large firm who are capable of dealing with large deals, both in terms of resourcing and expertise.’
‘Greg Simms thinks about and offers solutions and always turns work around in a timely fashion.‘
‘Frances Richardson is a top-class property litigator. Her friendly manner (she has a very good sense of humour) belies truly excellent technical knowledge and a steely determination. She is very tuned into the commercial consequences for her clients.‘
‘Very through and correct advice. They understand our business model and process so are ideally suited.‘
Key clients
Aberdeen Standard Investments
Hammerson
Travelodge Hotels Limited
Battersea Power Station Development Company
UCB
British Land
Schroders
Cooley UK LLP
Peoples Republic of China
HB Reavis
Aviva
Work highlights
- Acted for HB Reavis in obtaining vacant possession of Elizabeth House from approximately 100 tenants in order to allow its 1.3m sq ft development to proceed.
- Acting for Aberdeen Standard Investments in its claim against its landlord, Transport for Greater Manchester, relating to to substantial water ingress affecting the client’s property at Deansgate Locks, Manchester.
- Advising a private equity house on a high-value dispute with its joint venture partner.
Risk advisory > Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates) Tier 3
Addleshaw Goddard advises on a wide range of criminal and regulatory offences; it places an emphasis on assisting smaller as well as global listed companies with matters including allegations of money laundering, bribery and fraud. Practice head Nichola Peters regularly leads cross-departmental teams on complex SFO and HMRC investigations, though the group is equally well-versed in internal investigations resulting from whistleblower reports, most recently in sectors such as media and manufacturing. Clients seek controls and compliance advice from Michelle de Kluyver, who is ‘a brilliant and poised tactician’. The practice bolstered its existing ability to handle both civil and criminal matters with the hire of Polly Sprenger from Katten in May 2020; Sprenger is noted for her niche expertise in the private investigations space, among other areas.Practice head(s):
Nichola Peters
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Strong group of female partners who are technically excellent, experienced, pragmatic and well-grounded.’
‘Very impressive ability to review very document-heavy and complex work streams and produce insightful analysis that can then be used to inform litigation tactics. They are also very adept as a team in identifying potential risk factors in the litigation early and then preemptively adapting their approach accordingly, as opposed to just reacting after the event.’
‘Nichola Peters handles challenging matters with great skill and integrity.’
‘Michelle de Kluyver is a brilliant and poised tactician.’
‘I have been working with Polly Sprenger and her team. Key strengths are the criminal/civil crossover to help clients pursue the right strategy, and resourcing – they have a big team from which they can pull the right people when necessary.’
‘Polly Sprenger’s leadership of engagements and her focus on her clients’ requirements is exceptional. Her approach to solving complex problems is always innovative and she adopts an investigative mindset to great effect.’
‘Nichola Peters is extremely impressive, straight-talking and down to earth, with a broad range of experience but particularly strong advising corporates and boards on corporate crime risk.’
‘Michelle de Kluvyer is very measured and thoughtful, getting a robust strategy in place and guiding a corporate and its executives to resolution.’
Key clients
Richard Howson, former CEO of Carillion Plc
Guralp Systems Ltd
Manchester Arena Inquiry
Israeli media company
Global chemical and ingredients distributor
Global manufacturing company
Investigation and corporate intelligence agencies
Portuguese clothing manufacturer
Work highlights
- Advised Richard Howson on disqualification proceedings instigated by the Secretary of State against eight directors and former directors of Carillion.
- Advised Güralp Systems Limited regarding an SFO and US DoJ investigation into payments made to a South Korean public official researcher.
- Acting for the Hassenfeld family behind the US company Hasbro Toys in relation to a private prosecution of a multi-million dollar fraud.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 3
Addleshaw Goddard’s IP practice continually attracts enviable clients in the retail, fashion and consumer sectors, which turn to the firm for high-stakes contentious matters. In an impressive example, practice head Emma Armitage defended Primark in High Court trade mark infringement proceedings filed by Vans, with managing associate Rachel Cook providing assistance. TMT is also a focus sector, with Damon Rosamond-Lanzetta, Leeds-based Georgina Powling and Fiona Ghosh advising on collaboration agreements, R&D and software licensing. David Engel leads on domain name disputes.
Practice head(s):
Emma Armitage
Other key lawyers:
Rachel Cook; Damon Rosamond-Lanzetta; Georgina Powling; Fiona Ghosh; David Engel; Lucinda Pike
Testimonials
Addleshaws are very engaged, proactive and also cost-effective.’
‘I highly appreciate that the associates keep the project running, and involve the partners where needed. Unlike other firms I recognise the associates are on eye level – meaning they don’t hide behind the partners. This makes daily business easy.
‘Lucinda Pike is indeed the ‘spider in the web’ – always informed, and pushing all sides to keep the project on track. Always on the spot.’
Key clients
Primark
Asda
British Airways
Canon Europe
SSE Energy Supply Limited
MoneySuperMarket
Volkswagen
National Grid
Battersea Power Station
Associated British Foods
Work highlights
- Acting for Primark in defending High Court proceedings brought by Vans for trade mark infringement in respect of Primark’s sale of a skate-style shoe.
- Advised Volkswagen over the last in relation to its major global alliance with Ford to harness collective technology, resources and innovation capabilities and provide complementary market positions.
- Advising T Cards in relation to a complex contractual and IP dispute regarding the ownership of business-critical software.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 3
Addleshaw Goddard regularly supports clients with financial services transactions and complex regulatory matters arising during the course of major product launches and outsourcing projects. In addition, the firm has a strong contentious practice, representing companies in litigation regarding IT supply contracts, software licensing and data protection matters. Damon Rosamond-Lanzetta, who leads the team, has considerable expertise in IT and outsourcing transactions across the financial services, transport and retail industries. Fiona Ghosh deserves recognition for her comprehensive work in the fintech sector, with a particular focus on digital payments. Nathalie Moreno, who specialises in IT and data protection, joined the firm from Lewis Silkin LLP in April 2020.
Practice head(s):
Damon Rosamond-Lanzetta
Other key lawyers:
Fiona Ghosh; Nathalie Moreno; David Berry
Testimonials
‘We found Addleshaw Goddard LLP to be professional and efficient. The changeover from one law firm to this one was smooth. Our contact with their personnel, whether administrative or legal, has been courteous, conscientious and helpful.’
‘Nathalie Moreno has provided us with valuable advice in navigating this changing legal context, particularly in terms of proprietary data protection issues.’
‘Well connected with counsel and the strength in the team means they can be flexible in terms of resourcing, especially on cases which don’t merit extensive senior involvement.’
Key clients
Volkswagen AG
HSBC UK Bank plc
The British Land Company PLC
SSE Energy Supply Limited
CIS General Insurance Limited
Sy4security Limited
Loyalty Angels Ltd (“Bink”)
Work highlights
- Advising HSBC Commercial Banking on the development and launch of HSBC Kinetic, a new business banking service with a smart app designed to help businesses manage their finances easier.
- Acting for CISGIL (from pre action to final hearing) in its successful claim against IBM in the Technology and Construction Court (QBD) in which IBM were held to have unlawfully terminated and repudiated the IT implementation and 10 year managed services contract for a new end to end IT operating platform, as well as responsible for all critical delays to the project.
- Advising Volkswagen AG on its global joint venture with Ford Motor Company.
Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: elsewhere in Scotland Tier 3
Addleshaw Goddard is particularly experienced in the oil and gas, and energy transition sectors, and has noted experience in cross-border M&A. The team is co-headed by David McEwing and Ross McKenzie, who handle corporate and commercial matters, respectively. McEwing has over 25 years’ experience in the oil and gas industry. McKenzie is recommended for IT and data protection matters.
Practice head(s):
David McEwing; Ross McKenzie
Key clients
Waldorf Acquisition Co. Ltd
Titan Torque Services
Stacey Oil Services Limited
Trojan Energy
J&F Subsea
BP International
SGN
Boohoo Group
Vision Express
Dana Petroleum
Mintra Training Group
Voluntary Services Aberdeen
Tymor Marine
OPEX
MCL Medics
Prodrill Recruitment Limited
Ineos FPS
Work highlights
- Assisted Trojan Energy Limited on investments by OLEV, Equity Gap, Alba Equity, SIS Ventures, Impact Firm Nominees Ltd, Grampian Alba Limited and Scottish Enterprise.
- Advising Boohoo Group plc on data protection and related IT-matters.
- Advised Mintra Training Portal on supply chain management, and audit and data protection compliance.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation Tier 3
Acting for both companies and individuals, Addleshaw Goddard receives regular instructions arising from contractual, insolvency and fraud claims with particular expertise in shareholder disputes and breach of warranty claims. This offering is not least a reflection of the expertise of practice head and solicitor advocate Simon Catto, who routinely handles breach of contract and warranty claims alongside insolvency-related disputes.
Practice head(s):
Simon Catto
Other key lawyers:
Joan Devine; Alan Sinclair; Lynsey Walker
Testimonials
‘Alan Sinclair is a terrific litigation lawyer. He is pragmatic, cost aware, realistic as to prospects and has just the right amount of empathy when needed.’
‘Alan Sinclair is one of the smartest, yet down-to-earth lawyers I have met. He is measured and modest but is the litigator who you want to be fighting your corner. Too often litigators take an unnecessarily aggressive approach but Alan doesn’t need to because his style encompasses academic excellence, strategic acumen and commercial sensitivity to resolve disputes as smoothly as possible. He has shown integrity and understanding in delicate circumstances which supported the solicitor/ client relationship in a complex litigation. He is an asset to the team.’
‘We find the team incredibly concise and efficient. We are always provided with what we feel are frank and open responses with clarity of opinion on the matters at hand. This results in us not always being told what we hoped we would hear but certainly in us obtaining great quality advice on the legal matters at hand. Responses are always extremely quickly received and very often this can be out with normal hours which is particularly important to us.’
‘Simon Catto has learned to understand our culture and operates exactly in the manner that suits us.’
‘Joan Devine brings a calm and rational presence to the proceedings. Adept and experienced.’
‘They truly worked in tandem – allocating work between them to ensure the matter was always being conducted at an appropriate level in terms of required expertise and billing.’
‘They have been excellent, truly collegiate and collaborative, and a joy to work with.‘
Key clients
National Grid plc
Muller UK & Ireland LLP
SGN plc
BT plc
FNZ (UK) Limited
Asda Stores Limited
Aldi Stores Limited
Cerberus
Eastern Motor Company Limited
Greene King Brewing & Retailing Ltd
Work highlights
- Acted for Eastern Motor Company Limited in a dispute concerning completion accounts following its acquisition of Grassick Garage Company. The dispute centred around the allocation of manufacturer bonuses which was crucial in assessing the net asset value of the company.
- Acted for a former partner in a partnership dispute following the remaining partners seeking to expel the client from the partnership.
- Advising Speedy Asset Services Limited and Prospects Training International Limited on a dispute that arose following the competition of a share purchase agreement.
Dispute resolution > Debt recovery Tier 3
Addleshaw Goddard's debt recovery practice is part of its wider finance litigation offering, which translates into particular expertise at this intersection and, subsequently, to regular instructions from financial institutions, while public and property sector players alongside utilities and SMEs also instruct the team. Simon Catto, whose commercial litigation expertise includes insolvency-related matters, heads the practice.
Practice head(s):
Simon Catto
Other key lawyers:
Joan Devine; Alan Sinclair; Lynsey Walker
Testimonials
‘The individuals that I communicate with at Addleshaw Goddard are exceptional. They are not only experts within the legal industry generally, but also experts in the niche areas of law which we deal with on a regular basis.’
‘The team is open, honest and trustworthy. They are hard-working and determined to obtain the best result possible for us. In doing so, the team provides us with sound advice, always steering us in the direction which is best for the business, and achieves what we set out to achieve.‘
‘The team always understands and appreciates the objective we have when dealing with matters of dispute, and are sure to bear that objective in mind throughout communications with any third party.’
‘We have used Addleshaw Goddard for a number of years and the advice and service that we receive from them is always top class. They are very easy to deal with.’
‘Addleshaw Goddard is a very professional firm to deal with. They are transparent and always communicate with clients. This is a huge contrast to other firms we have dealt with in the past. The staff are fantastic to deal with.’
‘The team’s strength is its knowledge of the subjects that it deals with and that they treat each debt individually rather than as a route to earning fees.’
Key clients
Promontoria (Henrico) Limited
Clydesdale Bank plc / Virgin Money plc
Castle Water Limited
Natwest/Royal Bank of Scotland plc
Park Property Management
Duff & Phelps
Paragon Housing Association
Close Invoice Finance Limited
Armada Asset Finance
Aberdeen City Council
Assetz SME Capital Limited
RBS Invoice Finance Limited
Ayrshire Housing
Siemens Financial Services Limited
Scottish Woodlands Limited
Western Commercials
Grampian Housing Association Ltd
Promontoria (Chestnut) Limited
Link Housing Group
FRP Advisory LLP
Aldermore Bank plc
Linstone Housing Association Ltd
Carden Place
Link Factoring
Miller Property Management
Abertay Housing Association
Scottish Police Credit Union
Tail O’The Bank Credit Union
Kelvinside Academy
Craigholme School
Ethigen Pharmaceutical
Work highlights
- Receives regular instructions from Armada Asset Finance in relation to recovering shortfalls left outstanding on asset finance agreements, following redemption of security, and also in relation to recoveries under personal guarantees.
- Acted for Cerberus (Promontoria (Chestnut) Limited) in a claim for payment under banking facilities granted by Clydesdale Bank Plc.
Real estate > Construction Tier 3
Addleshaw Goddard's construction portfolio includes funding and procurement advice, which, alongside various Scottish projects, routinely concerns UK-wide projects with a focus on commercial, residential (including student accommodations) and office developments. Work pertaining to energy and infrastructure projects has recently been mostly in the contentious space. Team head Anne Struckmeier is the key contact for construction disputes; she took on the lead following Alison Horner's move to Shepherd and Wedderburn in October 2020. Clients include developers, contractors and UK funds.
Practice head(s):
Anne Struckmeier
Other key lawyers:
Suzanne Moir; Sarah Baillie; Alan Shanks
Testimonials
‘This is a solid commercial practice with highly driven solicitors and some of the best brains in the business.’
‘Ease of communication, detailed understanding of our sector, highly flexible and nothing is a problem.’
‘I have used this team for a number of years across a number of in-house employers and have always found them to be very responsive and responsible at picking up a new matter and getting it dealt with efficiently. The team is technically excellent and always seeks to understand and meet the client’s legal and commercial objectives.’
‘I find Anne Struckmeier very accessible and her advice is generally pragmatic and aligned to the client’s commercial objectives. Recent work with Anne in relation to COVID issues demonstrated that Anne is well up to speed with the ever changing legal landscape in Scotland and was able to apply this knowledge to a very practical set of advices to the internal client that were in readily usable format. Anne is a pleasure to deal with and the rare combination of very knowledgeable and also very personable.’
‘The team is very proactive in alerting to me things that may interest me or affect the business such as legislation changes, articles etc. They involved themselves in our large projects making sure they fully understood what our projects were and providing initial advice together hints and tips on how they could assist the business. They provide complete clarity on their billing and invoicing, giving me monthly updates.’
‘Anne Struckmeier heads up the team and she can be relied upon to leave no stone unturned in order to deliver what I need. The firm understands our business, always seeks to meet our objectives and they sort out problems quickly and efficiently. They look for ways in which to add meaningful value to their service.’
Key clients
Bywater
RBS
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL)
SSE plc
Maven Capital Partners
BT plc
Staycity
Work highlights
- Continues to advise the Royal Bank of Scotland plc on the funding of the development of a key site at 266 George Street, 73-77 John Street and 1-3 Martha Street, Glasgow, known as the George Street Complex by Chris Stewart Group.
- Continues to act for Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited in the procurement of civils upgrade works relative to the introduction of a new roll-on roll-off hybrid dual-fuel ferry on the Outer Hebrides routes between Uig (Skye), Tarbert, and Lochmaddy.
- Advising SSE plc on the turbine supply agreements and civils contracts for two major onshore wind farms.
Real estate > Planning Tier 3
Addleshaw Goddard acts for public and private sector clients, who require assistance with planning and associated environmental matters arising from energy, retail, residential, leisure and infrastructure projects. Its scope spans both contentious and non-contentious issues with regular instructions involving planning agreements and applications alongside planning objections and enforcement actions. Its energy sector expertise also includes novel technologies such battery storage and hydrogen. Sarah Baillie heads the team and acts across a wide range of sectors.Practice head(s):
Sarah Baillie
Testimonials
‘Sarah Baillie is widely experienced in planning law and practice and in related areas such as compulsory purchase. She works effectively and efficiently in a team to produce the desired outcome. This is done in a relaxed manner which inspires client confidence.’
‘Friendly and approachable team with a sense of humour. Focused when required and organised. Patient and a collaborative approach to dealing with complicated issues. Helpful having a partner who is professionally qualified as a planner as well as a lawyer. ’
‘Sarah Baillie provides great leadership and challenges views when necessary.’
‘A great team and I trust their advice.’
Key clients
SSE plc
Aldi Stores Limited
Scotland Gas Networks plc
Alcemi Developments UK Group of Companies
Clackmannanshire Council
Murray Group
Robertson Property
Highland and Islands Airports
Dandara
Strawsons Holdings
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL)
Frank Smart & Sons
Scottish Enterprise (SE)
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)
South of Scotland Enterprise
StayCity Apartments
Dalmunzie Estate
Work highlights
- Advising SGN plc on energy consenting matters, CPOs and DCOs across the UK.
- Providing Aldi Stores Limited with full-service advice on all contentious and non-contentious planning matters, including drafting planning agreements, challenging a number of statutory notices, successful inquiries and appeals to the Scottish Ministers.
- Advising Strawson Holdings on the investment, development and promotion of a number of major sites across Scotland.
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 3
As an integral part of Addleshaw Goddard's national dispute resolution practice, the Scotland-based property litigation team is routinely involved in cross-border litigation covering residential, commercial and agricultural sector work for private individuals, property investment firms, commercial entities and public bodies. Its offering includes assistance with servitude rights, lease disputes, dilapidation claims and other landlord and tenant issues. The last-mentioned segment has recently included a number of Covid-19-related rent disputes and CVA instructions in the hotel and retail sectors, while retailers also routinely instruct the team to advise on neighbourly and development-related disputes, among others. Its agricultural expertise has recently translated into instructions on crofting rights and boundary disputes. Glasgow-based Joan Devine heads the team and is the main contact for insolvency-related work. Legal director and solicitor advocate Edward Gratwick is the main contact in Edinburgh.
Practice head(s):
Joan Devine
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team at Addleshaw Goddard always had my back, explaining my options and giving me cast-iron, personally tailored advice on how best to proceed. They were always ready with advice on exactly the right things to do in the legal process.’
‘Simon Catto and Edward Gratwick share the qualities of tenacity and sheer determination to succeed in protecting my interests. Edward Gratwick’s intellectual acuity and keen enthusiasm for the work shone through. Simon Catto stands out as a particularly brilliant lawyer, comfortable with the legal process at the highest level and consistently offering both legal and pragmatic advice to get me the very best result.’
‘Very approachable, good people and are willing to work collaboratively.’
‘Joan Devine is extremely attentive, she looks after us and sets out well-balanced advice to allow us to make informed decisions.’
‘Very good, commercial advice and a proactive approach to resolving disputes.’
‘Joan Devine has the ability to present technical advice in layman’s terms for non-legal clients. Upfront transparency on fees and an eye for the detail of an issue.’
‘Joan Devine has a long established and enviable reputation for persuasive representation with common sense.’
Key clients
National Grid plc
Highlands and Islands Airports Limited
Asda Stores Limited
SGN plc
British Telecommunications plc
Aldi Stores Limited
Lloyds Pharmacy Limited
Mapeley STEPS Limited
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited
Wireless Infrastructure Group Limited
Red Rock Power Limited/Afton Wind Farm Limited
Vento Ludens Limited
Work highlights
- Acted successfully for Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) in an Inner House appeal against a Land Court decision over whether crofting rights existed over any part of Stornoway Airport; the Court held that the crofting rights had been extinguished by a compulsory purchase during WW2.
- Acting for a private individual pursing a Court of Session action for declarator and interdict in relation to servitude right of access to a residential property in Aberdeen.
- Acted for the tenants of a retail development under a ground lease in a dispute over the question whether the landlord was entitled to a payment based on a surrender premium paid by a sub-tenant.
Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 3
At Addleshaw Goddard, the corporate tax practice is 'excellent at explaining complex tax laws', and is singled out for its 'commercial advice'. Based in Leeds, the cross-office team is led by Martin Griffiths, and works in tandem with the firm's corporate group to handle private equity transactions, real-estate related acquisitions, and disposals.
Practice head(s):
Martin Griffiths
Other key lawyers:
Richard Hunt
Testimonials
‘The team is very commercial in their advice and excellent at explaining complex tax laws in a clear and concise manner.’
‘As a fast-paced business we need quick answers to legal queries and the team at Addleshaw is very responsive to any query that we have.’
‘The team is very accessible and responds quickly to advise as and when required.’
‘Martin Griffiths has both the technical knowledge and also the ability to explain complex tax points to his clients in a clear and easily understandable way.’
‘The team is very commercial, always looking for pragmatic solutions alongside strong advice. They balance formality of professional services with an engaging and warm style, even under the pressure of intense negotiations. I found them exceptionally strong at balancing the focus on the key priorities but also having the detail to hand.’
‘Richard Hunt is an excellent lawyer – he is very experienced, commercially minded but still manages to be over every detail and his team are clearly very happy to work for him and will do what ever it takes to perform for him and his clients. He has with his colleagues built and inclusive, supportive and excellently team culture.’
‘Martin Griffith is a bright and technically strong tax lawyer – but also pragmatic to the needs of his clients – he is generous with his time to ensure he is best informed to give premium advice.’
‘The interactions with the person that was my point of contact for IR35 queries was always positive, timely and he was patient and tried to make things simple.’
Work highlights
- Advised Alinda Capital Partners (US PE fund) on its acquisition of Glide, an Inflexion backed business that provides broadband, network and utility services to customers.
- Acted for Diageo on the acquisition of Chase Distillery from William Chase.
- Advised the buyer, Elysian, on its acquisition of and investment into SCX Special Projects Holdings Limited.
Real estate > Planning Tier 3
In Addleshaw Goddard‘s Leeds office, managing associate Daniel Marston is the key contact; the overall planning and infrastructure consenting practice is led from London by Marnix Elsenaar. Recent work has included advising on the planning aspects of a number of major developments across Yorkshire, while Marston routinely works with the firm’s London lawyers on national mandates.Key clients
BP Oil UK Limited
British Sugar Plc
SGN Plc
Strawson Group
Newark and Sherwood District Council
London Luton Airport Limited
Muse Developments Limited
Sewell Construction Limited
Richardson and Ask Real Estate
Horncastle Group Plc
Siemens
Makins Limited
National Grid Ventures
Luton Borough Council
Aviva
Boklok Housing Limited
Calderdale Council
Hub Group
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
Asda Stores Limited
HSBC Bank Plc
Lloyds Bank Plc
Work highlights
- Advised Hull Eco Parks Ltd on securing planning permission for the £200m development of the Yorkshire Energy Park.
- Acting for Richardson and Ask Real Estate on the development of a circa £57m, 245-unit build to rent scheme in Holbeck, Leeds.
- Advising SGN on a number of mandates relating to DCO and CPO promotions. Recent instructions include advising SGN in relation to the AQUIND DCO, the London Resort DCO and the Lower Thames Crossing DCO.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 3
Addleshaw Goddard's IP practice group acts for a number of household brands on contentious and non-contentious work related to patents, trade marks and copyrights. Georgina Powling leads the team out of Leeds and handles transactional work, M&A activity, and has a thriving trade mark filing practice. Associate Tom Doyle advises on complex commercial arrangements. The department has a cross-office approach and works with the firm's teams in London and Manchester on regional mandates.
Practice head(s):
Georgina Powling
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
National Grid
Associated British Foods
British Airways
Asda Stores Ltd
Volkswagen
SSE Energy Supply Limited
C-Capture Limited
Diageo Great Britain Limited
Battersea Power Station
Work highlights
- Advised Volkswagen in relation to all intellectual property aspects of its major global alliance with Ford.
- Managed the trade mark portfolios of a number of household names, such as Harrods, PZ Cussons and Travelodge Hotels.
- Advised T Cards in relation to a complex IP dispute regarding the ownership of business critical software at the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court.
Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 4
Addleshaw Goddard advises clients across a range of sectors including the financial services, real estate and private equity industries. The practice is led by tax structuring expert Justine Delroy, who is based in the Manchester office. Peter Sayer focuses his practice on real estate tax mandates, including corporate real estate, development and fund work. Paul Concannon specialises in advising on corporate acquisitions, disposals and restructurings, as well as private equity investments and exits.
Practice head(s):
Justine Delroy
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Always helpful and pragmatic in dealings with us. Clear succinct email advice with helpful recommendations. A good understanding of our business and advice clearly tailored to our specific circumstances and need. Good awareness of changes in legislation and HMRC guidance/treatments.’
‘Paul Concannon is always helpful, explains clearly, highlighting potential issues and suggesting what we should do.’
Key clients
Metro Bank
Dandara
Inflexion Private Equity Partners
Singapore Press Holdings
Ted Baker
KAMCO
HUB
Pension Insurance Corporation
Shawbrook Bank
Mobeus VCT Funds
Work highlights
- Advised Metro Bank on the sale of a portfolio of residential mortgages to NatWest as part of Metro’s ongoing balance sheet optimisation strategy.
- Advised Dandara, one of the UK’s leading privately-owned housebuilders, on its disposal of more than 2000 residential units in Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester to the German investor ECE by means of a corporate exit.
- Assisted Inflexion Private Equity Partners with a minority investment in and acquisition of Phenna Group Holdings Limited.
Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 4
Addleshaw Goddard is well regarded by peers and clients for its work on complex antitrust issues, and assists with phase I and II merger clearances, CMA market investigations and subsidy control. The group, which also has a strong contentious offering, is led by 'phenomenal' Bruce Kilpatrick, who advises across the full range of competition issues. Rona Bar-Isaac is recommended for investigations work, having advised the Co-operative on the CMA's market investigation into the funeral sector.
Practice head(s):
Bruce Kilpatrick
Other key lawyers:
Rona Bar-Isaac; Al Mangan
Testimonials
‘Punch above their market position‘
‘Al Mangan is excellent. True technical expertise but can use it in a commercial context. Personable, which is essential for building an authentic relationship. He has become a trusted sounding board in very little time.‘
‘What immediately strikes with the AG team is that they are genuinely a team who enjoy working together. It is a clear testament to the personality of the partners of the EU & competition team.‘
‘Bruce Kilpatrick is a phenomenal competition lawyer. His advice is straight to the point and addresses the real-life commercial issues. A true pleasure to work with.‘
‘The AG team has strong technical ability as you would expect, but is then able to readily convert this into sound commercial advice that is easy to understand for both lawyers and non-lawyers.’
‘Al Mangan is a first class partner, managing his team to ensure that the right level of lawyer is working on a matter to provide fast and comprehensive but cost-effective advice.’
‘Bruce Kilpatrick is a gifted technical lawyer who has bags of personality. His understanding of econometric intricacies is superb.’
‘Technically brilliant – the team are both very professional and very personable. They are big enough to deal with the most complex and intensive issues and provide clear advice in a timely manner. They are fabulous to work with.‘
Key clients
YPO
The Co-operative Group Limited
Saga PLC Bennetts Motorcycling Services Limited
The Road Haulage Association
Harrogate Water Brands Limited
Samworth Brothers Ltd
NKT group of companies
Hallriver Holdings Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Road Haulage Association on proposed collective proceedings brought against truck manufacturers to recover damages resulting from a 14-year cartel.
- Advising CGL in the Competition and Markets Authority’s investigation into compliance with the Groceries Market Investigation.
- Represented YPO in the Competition and Markets Authority’s phase 2 merger investigation into its proposed £50m acquisition of competitor Findel Education.
Dispute resolution > Competition litigation Tier 4
Addleshaw Goddard demonstrates ‘depth of knowledge of both commercial litigation and competition law‘, advising on follow-on damages claims and regulatory appeals. The group operates on a cross-practice basis and includes competition lead Bruce Kilpatrick and Manchester-based litigation head Mark Molyneux. Recently-promoted partner Samantha Haigh, who is also based in Manchester, is experienced in abuse of dominance claims.Practice head(s):
Mark Molyneux; Bruce Kilpatrick
Other key lawyers:
Rona Bar-Isaac; Samantha Haigh; Paul Chaplin
Testimonials
‘Strong and competent team with a depth of knowledge of both commercial litigation and competition law, which is very powerful. New partner Samantha Haigh is a good addition to the team and will continue to insist on gender diversity in the team.’
‘I have worked with a number of partners and associates within Addleshaw Goddard’s competition litigation practice over the past year and find them all to be outstanding individuals.’
‘Mark Molyneux: shrewd and experienced, balanced and practical. Bruce Kilpatrick: subtle and knowledgeable competition law with an exceptional sense of the way the wind is blowing in a trial.‘
‘Technically brilliant – the team are both very professional and very personable. They are big enough to deal with the most complex and intensive issues and provide clear advice in a timely manner. They are fabulous to work with.’
‘The team are excellent to work with – smart, pragmatic, innovative and very friendly.’
‘Sam Haigh – partner – takes ownership of problems and devises solutions.’
Key clients
NKT group of companies
Office Depot Europe
The Road Haulage Association Limited
Co-operative Group Limited
Stats Perform
Work highlights
- Advising the The Road Haulage Association on a collective proceedings application before the CAT.
- Advised NKT Group on follow-on damages cases in connection with the European Commission cartel decision relating to the supply of power cables.
- Acted for Office Depot Europe in relation to two competition damages claims in the High Court against addressees of the European Commission cartel decision relating to the supply of Envelopes.
Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 4
Addleshaw Goddard‘s team is highly experienced in major international arbitrations involving energy, life sciences, insurance and construction clients. The international arbitration practice is co-led by Jon Tweedale, who is highly rated for international commercial disputes, and energy disputes specialist Simon Kamstra. Also highly regarded are insurance disputes leader Richard Wise; legal director Nathalie Allen, who focuses on commercial and investor-state arbitration; and experienced managing associates Ben Burnham and Canelle Goldstein. Commercial disputes expert Maria Frangeskides joined from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP in February 2021.Practice head(s):
Jon Tweedale; Simon Kamstra
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘First-class service and first-class lawyers.‘
‘Their exceptional cohort of partners is also given fantastic support by top associates and legal directors.‘
‘The Addleshaw Goddard team is small, but perfectly formed. It offers top-quality practitioners, who really hold their own among the best in the business. But it also offers small-firm attention to client service and a wonderfully collegiate working experience and atmosphere. You won’t find a more collaborative, down-to-earth, professional team.‘
‘I have no hesitation in endorsing the first-rate team I have worked with over the last ten years, and continue to work with.‘
‘This is a team that I would trust to handle the most complex of disputes, and get it right. The quality of disputes they handle is way beyond their profile in the London arbitration market.‘
‘Jon Tweedale is a first-class lawyer and instinctively knows what points will play well with a tribunal.‘
‘Maria Frangeskides is energetic and good at getting the results her clients want.‘
‘Legal director Nathalie Allen is extremely knowledgeable about arbitration and super smart.‘
Key clients
BP
Weyerhaeuser Company
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Network Rail
Patel Engineering
Study World Education
Eastern and Southern African Trade Development Bank
Work highlights
- Representing an Indian infrastructure and construction company in substantial arbitration claims against the Republic of Mozambique, which concerned a project for the development of a port and associated railway.
Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans Tier 4
Led out of London by Steve Mackie and also able to draw upon a very cohesive and experienced offering from its regional offices, the 'well resourced' team at Addleshaw Goddard provides a 'very commercial service' to clearing banks on mid-market bilateral, club and syndicated mandates. Under the guidance of the 'constructive and commercial' Mike Davison, the firm is also able to provide corporate lending expertise utilising the increasingly popular ABL product.
Practice head(s):
Steve Mackie
Other key lawyers:
Mike Davison; Sarah Stokes
Testimonials
‘Their market knowledge is excellent and they are very commercial’.
‘Proactive engagement, the team goes the extra mile to support and structure loans rather than simply executing them.’
‘The firm is well resourced and brings an appropriately experienced team to any transaction.’
‘Mike Davison is constructive and commercial.’
‘Sarah Stokes stands out as an exemplary individual relative to other firms we work with. She is professional, always goes the extra mile and brings good advice/recommendations to address potential challenges. A pleasure to work with.’
Finance > Debt capital markets Tier 4
Addleshaw Goddard handles both public and private placed bond issuance as part of a broad practice that is active in debt capital markets, structured finance and securitisation. On bond issuance, it acts for managers such as HSBC and issuers such as Sainsbury's Bank. A key focus is social housing finance, though it handles a much broader array of corporate issuance and liability management. Lead partner Beth Collett has 'exceptional knowledge of her specialism and provides very clear and cogent explanations'. Rachel Kelly, who joined from McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP in 2020, focuses on both structured finance and bond issuance. Managing associate Daniel Foong is also recommended for standalone bond issues, MTN programmes and privately placed notes.
Practice head(s):
Beth Collett
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Beth Collett has exceptional knowledge of her specialism. Very clear and cogent explanations and arguments. She is a problem-solver.’
‘Very good on details and able to work to (often tight) deadlines with strong industry knowhow.’
‘Beth Collett and Daniel Foong have been consistently good in documenting our issues and managing our programme updates and they represent a key counterparty in our trades.’
Key clients
ASI
Aviva Life & Pensions UK Limited
BAE
Banco Santander S.A.
Barclays Bank PLC
Barings
BNP Paribas
HSBC Bank plc
Law Debenture
LGIM
Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets plc
M&G
Macquarie
MUFG
National Australia Bank
NatWest Markets Plc
Sainsbury’s Bank
Prudential Trustee Company Limited
Rothesay Life Plc
Work highlights
- Acted for Sainsbury’s Bank as originator of its inaugural £725,000,000 consumer loan securitisation.
- Advised Barclays Bank PLC, HSBC Bank plc and NatWest Markets plc as joint bookrunners and Prudential Trustee Company Limited as bond trustee and security trustee in respect of the issue by Hyde Housing Association Limited of its £400,000,000 1.75% Secured Bonds due 2055.
- Advised NatWest Markets plc as Solicitation Agent in respect of a consent solicitation by LiveWest Capital plc to substitute the issuer and amend the terms of its in respect of its £100,000,000 5.5058% (Step Up) Secured Bonds due 2048.
Finance > Derivatives and structured products Tier 4
'Aside from their level of knowledge, both practical and technical, the team is very user-friendly', says a client of Addleshaw Goddard. The firm has built up its structured finance capability to cover secured bonds, structured products and derivatives, portfolio sales and purchases and public and private securitisations covering all asset classes. Rachel Kelly, who joined from McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP in 2020 along with legal director Kerry Pettigrew, focuses predominantly on securitisation and CLOs, but also handles a range of structured products. Legal director Carl Baker, who joined from Simmons & Simmons, frequently acts for buy-side, sell-side and financial market infrastructure clients on regulatory and transactional matters. Baker is 'an excellent lawyer in the field of OTC Derivatives, very sharp and experienced in negotiating Master Agreements'.
Practice head(s):
Rachel Kelly
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is particularly strong in the areas of securitisation, and structured finance in general. Also, the wider practice is well versed in property which provides good support to the debt team.’
‘Aside from their level of knowledge, both practical and technical, the team is very user-friendly, which makes is much easier with clients who are new to more structured forms of finance.’
‘Carl Baker is an excellent lawyer in the field of OTC Derivatives. Very sharp and experienced in negotiating Master Agreements (ISDA, GMSLA, GMRA) and drafting complex confirmations. When working with him, his long experience as an in-house lawyer shows. He is very thorough and has in-depth knowledge of derivatives products and regulatory developments. He has quick response times and is very pleasant to work with. I can highly recommend him.’
‘Rachel Kelly is an exceptionally good solicitor. She has the mental agility to grasp challenging subject matter. She is extremely personable and a pleasure to deal with.’
‘I have known Carl Baker for many years. He is an excellent lawyer specialising in the derivatives and structured products areas and providing outstanding advice on the legal documents taking into account operational set ups and market practice as well as showing supreme level of the cross-border regulatory expertise. His advice is very practice-oriented and client-focused. To be highlighted is further his availability and timely advice. His ability to give sound legal advice under pressure is admirable.’
‘A super team of industry-savvy lawyers, who know what they are doing, and are pleasant to work with.’
‘Rachel Kelly is knowledgeable and experienced.’
Key clients
Sainsbury’s Bank plc
Metro Bank PLC
Barclays Bank PLC
HSBC Bank plc
NatWest Markets plc
Prudential Trustee Company Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Sainsbury’s on its £725m first public Simple Transparent and Standardised (STS) Securitisation, Drury Lane, a consumer loan securitisation, which was also Sainsbury’s Bank’s first ABS transaction.
- Advising a consortium of banks as joint book runners and Prudential Trustee Company Limited as bond trustee and security trustee in respect of a bond issuance by Hyde Housing Association Limited.
- Advising Metro Bank on funding and investment strategies, following the Bank’s acquisition of Ratesetter in 2020.
Projects, energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 4
Addleshaw Goddard's team covers the entire value chain for a broad cross-section of stakeholders operating in the oil and gas industry. Its non-contentious work includes the financing, development, acquisition and sale of oil and gas assets. In addition, the group advises on regulatory issues and disputes. The core UK team is complemented by practitioners located elsewhere across the global network, making it a strong choice for cross-border work. David McEwing in Aberdeen has a strong pedigree handling acquisitions of oilfield interests and other corporate transactions. Richard Goodfellow is the main contact in Leeds, while Martin Stewart-Smith and Angus Rollo are names to note in London. Key additions to the team included Alex Hirom, who recently joined from Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP. Paul Jones was recruited from Dragon Oil in 2020.
Practice head(s):
Richard Goodfellow; Angus Rollo; Martin Stewart-Smith
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Expertise, diversity and detailed billing. Wide experience in the energy sector and long professional relationship with Mr Martin Stewart-Smith (Partner) in dealing with legal matters of our company.’
‘Commercially minded and extremely user-friendly. They take time to understand what what is important.’
‘Angus Rollo is an exceptional partner. Responsive, with exceptional command of the detail and a real force in negotiations.’
Key clients
bp
National Grid
Engie
Scotia Gas Networks (SGN)
Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) / Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC)
Waldorf Energy Group
Dana Petroleum
Ineos FPS
UGI International / Avanti Gas
Sonatrach
Dragon Oil
Ceylon Petroleum
Trafigura
Work highlights
- Acted for Waldorf Production UK Limited on all aspects of their acquisition of Cairn Energy’s stakes in the Catcher and Kraken fields in the North Sea for £330m.
- Acted for NNPC Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) on the English law aspects of the $3.42bn development and financing of OML 11, one of the largest producing oil & gas assets in Nigeria.
- Advised Scotia Gas Networks plc on creating the bid application to Ofgem for the world first H100 Project.
Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 4
The ‘proactive, responsive and practical’ Addleshaw Goddard advises international blue-chip clients on data protection, privacy and cybersecurity matters. The team, which is headed up by Helena Brown, was recently bolstered by the arrival of Nathalie Moreno from Lewis Silkin LLP in March 2020. The practice handles both contentious and non-contentious work, domestically and internationally.
Practice head(s):
Helena Brown
Other key lawyers:
Nathalie Moreno; Ross McKenzie
Testimonials
‘Nathalie Moreno goes that extra mile to make sure she is aware of what her client’s need’.
‘Great team strength, expertise in all of the relevant areas and great ability to translate the law in to pragmatic commercially driven advice’.
‘Helena Brown has the ability to balance legal requirements and business needs and the ability to become a valued business partner to in-house counsel’.
‘Trusted and reliable’.
‘Ross McKenzie is fantastic – always enthusiastic and pragmatic in his advice’.
‘Their knowledge base is huge – a wide range of experts’.
‘Ross McKenzie is legally very knowledgeable but also has a good knowledge of business operations’.
‘Absolutely excellent and utterly reliable’.
Key clients
Boohoo
Global Generali Assistance
NFU Mutual
Ernst & Young
Vision Express
Diageo
Ted Baker
Homeserve
British Land
Bestway Group
Work highlights
- Advised a consortium of banks on data protection compliance, data sharing and data hosting arrangements in a ground breaking, high-profile project to establish the Business Banking Resolution Service.
- Advised BooHoo on a range of strategically important data protection matters relating to customer data and digital strategy, including management of changes following purchase of Oasis and Warehouse.
- Advising Generali Global Assistance Inc on a large-scale audit and compliance project across 90 jurisdictions relating to the rollout of identity theft monitoring solutions for Mastercard.
Transport > Aviation Tier 4
Addleshaw Goddard advises major airlines, UK and international airports, airport infrastructure contractors on the full spectrum of aviation law, from transactional and regulatory guidance to matters regarding sustainable airport projects. Paul Hirst and David Shaw jointly lead the team from Leeds, working in project finance and construction and environment matters, respectively. In September 2020, Rebecca Garner departed for Stephenson Harwood.
Practice head(s):
Paul Hirst; David Shaw
Key clients
Highland and Island Airports Limited
London Luton Airport Limited
International Airlines Group
Manchester Airport Group
Dundee Airport Limited
Work highlights
- Provided general planning, roads and environmental law advice to Highland and Islands Airport Limited across its operational assets.
- Advised and supported London Luton Airport Limited, the owners of London Luton Airport, on challenges which have arisen as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting complexities under its concession agreement with London Luton Airport Operations Limited for the management, operation and development of the airport.
- Advised London Luton Airport Limited, the owners of London Luton Airport, on their airport expansion programme.
Employment Tier 4
Embedded in the firm's UK-wide offering, Addleshaw Goddard is well placed to handle cross-border mandates spanning business restructurings and reorganisations, HR, industrial relations and litigation. Providing TUPE advice and defending clients in employment tribunal proceedings constitute particular areas of strength with the latter typically involving various discrimination and unfair dismissal claims. Solicitor advocate and team head David Hughes is a key contact for employment tribunal advocacy, while also handling non-contentious matters.
Practice head(s):
David Hughes
Other key lawyers:
Robert Phillips; Kelly Brown
Testimonials
‘Robert Philips has been a breath of fresh air; he took on a high-profile tribunal when our previous provider failed to notify us of the exchange of statements deadline. Robert worked through the huge file and provided guidance which overall delivered a positive outcome. Robert is extremely knowledgeable and simplifies advice for those of us non-legalistic types.’
‘Lateral thinking and ability to quickly grasp a situation. Articulating risks but allowing client to determine path ahead.’
‘Works as part of the wider team, explains thinking to develop client knowledge.’
Key clients
FNZ Group
KURA (CS) Ltd
Bilfinger Salamis (UK) Limited
RockRose
Highlands & Islands Airports Ltd
Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd
Avanti Gas
Texo Group
Vysus Group
GBST Ltd
Asda
Work highlights
- Advised a national supermarket on a dispute with a trade union regarding alleged breaches of a national recognition agreement. The union balloted members for industrial action contrary to the terms of the NRA. The team advised on the ballot process and prospects of injunction to stop industrial action.
- Acted for Crew Employment Services Camelot in an unfair dismissal claim in London Central, and in a related appeal to the EAT and Court of Appeal on the question of territorial jurisdiction.
- Advised a contractor in the oil and gas sector on a large-scale restructuring exercise involving the furloughing of several hundred offshore employees and a large-scale redundancy programme, conducted against significant union hostility.
Finance > Acquisition finance Tier 5
'Commercial and detailed in its approach', Addleshaw Goddard remains a popular choice for lenders (both clearing banks and debt funds) and borrowers on mid-market acquisition finance mandates. Team head Alex Dumphy is 'great to work with and does a fantastic job' across myriad structures, including syndicated, unitranche, TLB and super senior/first out. Strong regional offices, particularly in Manchester and Leeds, also provide an added degree of cost effectiveness in relation to lower margin-based work.
Practice head(s):
Alex Dumphy
Other key lawyers:
Peter Crichton; Cerys Poolis
Testimonials
‘Commercial and competitive on fees.’
‘The depth of the team ensures quick delivery.’
‘The team is commercial and detailed in its approach.’
‘Alex Dumphy is great to work with and does a fantastic job.’
Key clients
Bluebay (now renamed Arcmont)
CVC
Cordet Capital
Alcentra
Inflexion Private Equity Partners
ECI Capital Partners
Dunport Capital
Telemos Capital
Barings Advisors
Work highlights
- Advised Baring Asset Management on the debt financing to facilitate ECI Capital Partners’ acquisition of CSL Dualcom.
- Advised Alcentra on the debt financing to facilitate Synova’s acquisition of the Fairstone Insurance Group.
- Advised Cordet Capital on the financing of Investcorp’s acquisition of Itomic Limited.
Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 5
Led from London by Paul Fleming and aided by a strong national presence overseen by Manchester-based Ged Barnes , Addleshaw Goddard's 'pragmatic and open-minded' team is a popular choice among IPs and clearing banks in relation to domestic mid-market restructuring and insolvency matters. The practice has also been capturing more cross-border funds mandates, leveraging the firm's international network. This aspect of the practice was enhanced by the August 2020 arrival of Karl Clowry , who has the 'stakeholder management skills to work on the tough cases with multiple competing agendas'.
Practice head(s):
Ged Barnes (national head); Paul Fleming (London head)
Other key lawyers:
Fraser Ritson; Karl Clowry; Anna Hodgson; Adam McCarron
Testimonials
‘They are able to combine experience with a pragmatic and creative way of working that is very helpful in solving problems that many clients have not previously confronted. This makes them a first choice for complex restructuring cases that require more than an off-the-shelf approach in order to be successful.’
‘The team has continually been pragmatic and open-minded to innovations in collaboration and innovation.’
‘Karl Clowry always provides clear and concise advice for even the most complex of problems.’
‘Karl Clowry has the depth of experience as well as the stakeholder management skills to work on the tough cases with multiple competing agendas.’
Key clients
Ad Hoc Committee PUFG
FTI Consulting LLP (as Administrators of Prezzo Limited)
Travelodge
BDO LLP (as administrators of Parsons Peebles Group)
Grant Thornton (as English Administrators of Valad European Diversified Fund 11,14 and 19)
FRP Advisory (as Administrators of Trenchard Aviation Group)
Deloitte (as Administrators of Supercuts and Regis UK)
PWC (as Administrators of Lehman Brothers)
Trustee in Bankruptcy of Sean Dunne
Syndicate of lenders (HSBC & RBS)
Work highlights
- Advising the Ad Hoc Committee of Bondholders on Peking University Founder’s Group in relation to $1.7bn of offshore bonds, and the related insolvency proceedings in BVI, Hong Kong and PRC.
- Advising the Administrators of Prezzo Limited.
- Acting for the board of Travelodge providing advice in relation their CVA (as opposed to preparation of the CVA) whist co-ordinating with our real estate and hotels team who acted in relation to over 550 hotels.
Finance > Transport finance and leasing Tier 5
Testimonials
‘The team provides focused and realistic advice.’
Key clients
EVERSHOLT RAIL GROUP
CAF
HITACHI RAIL
SMBC LEASING
RAIL OPERATIONS GROUP
VTG RAIL UK
Work highlights
- Advising Eversholt Rail Group in connection with the transitioning of all of its relevant rolling stock arrangements through the different phases of the DfT’s Emergency Measures Agreements and Emergency Recovery Measures Agreements, introduced in response to the collapse in demand following the outbreak of the pandemic.
- Advising on the flagship order by Rail Operations Group of up to 30 x Class 93 tri-mode, high speed freight locomotives from Stadler Rail Valencia.
- Advising Eversholt Rail Group on the re-leasing of four major rolling stock fleets into the directly awarded extension to each of the Southeastern and Greater Western passenger rail franchises.
Yorkshire and the Humber > Corporate and commercial > EU and competition
Addleshaw Goddard's competition team has a strong track record in representing a range of corporates and multinational clients before the CMA and EU Commission. Overseeing the Leeds team is experienced director Elizabeth Turner, who specialises in cross-border merger control matters, investigations, and other non-contentious work. The group is able to leverage the firm's wider national teams across Manchester, Edinburgh and London to advise clients in Yorkshire and the North East. Representative matters include advising Brenntag UK on merger issues pertaining to an acquisition.
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Hallriver Holdings Limited (Innserve)
Skanska Construction UK Limited
Dunhills (Pontefract) plc (Haribo)
Brenntag UK
Work highlights
- Advising Skanska on the sale of its Infrastructure Services Business.
- Advising Innserve on its acquisition by Heineken UK and Carlsberg Marstons.
- Advising Haribo on competition law and GSCOP compliance.
Yorkshire and the Humber > Employment > Pensions
Addleshaw Goddard’s pensions practice group is ‘excellent’ and is widely considered the region's key name for a full-service pensions offering. The team is jointly managed by a trio of experts including national head of the practice Rachel Rawnsley, Jade Murray and Rachel Uttley, who advises corporate clients and trustees on M&A activity. On the litigation side, Susan Garrett in Manchester is the key name, handling a significance amount of high-value claims, fraud matters and other disputes. The team also has a specialist bulk annuity team, which handles buy-out transactions and advises on buy-in policies. Legal director Jonathan Stewart is the contact for advisory work pertaining to trustees.
Practice head(s):
Rachel Rawnsley, Jade Murray; Rachel Uttley; Susan Garrett
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Stewart; Andrew Steer
Testimonials
‘The Addleshaw pension team is simply super professional. The partner we are working with is great, but everybody else is also super-efficient and organised; people get back to you very quickly; whoever you are dealing with instils confidence; everyone is very personable; billing is always prompt and transparent; and it is a pleasure working with them. A real top quality team!!’
‘Rachel Uttley is simply outstanding. Rachel sees the big picture very clearly but is also the complete master of all the detail, she is highly commercial but also pragmatic. Rachel is one of those lawyers who adds serious value and consistently pushes matters forwards – a real can do type of lawyer. Rachel is excellent at explaining complex issues, helping clients make sound decisions, and she always hits agreed timelines. Rachel is very good on an interpersonal level and easy to work with. A phenomenal lawyer and exactly the lawyer you want on your side!’
‘The pension team has done a fantastic job in a complex transaction. Very diligent and combine an attention to detail with an ability to bring out the key points. They are tough and happy to hold their ground when necessary.’
‘Jade Murray and Rachel Uttley have great pension experience and complement each other. They always make themselves available. They have worked constructively with partners from leading London lawyers advising the other side but also stood firm when necessary. They explain the issues clearly facilitating any necessary decision making. They are well supported by Andrew Steer, managing associate. He is quietly efficient and can be relied on to make sure everything is done and covered.’
‘Highly professional, with very strong access to topic specialists and excellent teamwork.’
‘Rachel Rawnsley identifies the wider perspective and applies this to give solid and practical advice.’
‘Excellent team. Very knowledgeable about our pension scheme.’
Key clients
Trustee of the Asda Group Pension Scheme (DB scheme) and the Trustee of the Asda Pension Plan (DC scheme)
Trustee of the Kellogg (UK) Pension Fund
Britvic plc
Trustees of the National Express Pension Plan
The Trustees of the Mercer Master Trust
Trustees of the University of Sheffield Pension Scheme
Trustees of the Ibstock Pension Scheme
Saga Plc
British Land Group of Companies Pension Scheme
Skanska Group of Companies
Michelin Group Public Limited Company
WPP plc
Trustees of the Cambridge University Press Pension Scheme
Trustees of the Tioxide Pension Fund
Trustees of the University of Leeds
Work highlights
- Advising Britvic on its ongoing court case to establish the correct meaning of its pension scheme rules.
- Advising the Trustees of the Ibstock Pension Scheme on the £340m pensioner buy-in with Just Retirement Group.
- Advising the Trustee of the Kellogg’s Pension Fund on advisory work and contractual review on complex, time sensitive projects.
Yorkshire and the Humber > Employment > Health and safety
Addleshaw Goddard‘s full service practice is highlighted for its ‘excellent technical skill’ and handles high-profile instructions across inquests, public inquiries, and investigations. Practice head Erin Shoesmith splits her time between Manchester, Leeds and London and is the key name in the group, singled out for her expertise in criminal regulatory work. Adrian Mansbridge handles health and safety defence matters, and the team also counts fire, product and food safety issues among its core expertise. Associate India Haresign is the name for health and safety breaches. The group leverages teams across Manchester, London and Scotland to handle large regional mandates.Practice head(s):
Erin Shoesmith
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘It is the leadership of Erin Shoesmith which pulls this team into a strikingly strong and committed whole. Everyone in the team gives tremendous attention to all aspects of the issues on the table, as a result of which solutions are rapidly identified and implemented. If the AG team is looking after you, then you feel looked after.’
‘Erin Shoesmith has a deserved reputation as being in the very top drawer. Her dedication to her clients shines through. There is nobody better.’
‘Erin Shoesmith is a great lawyer, leader and very commercial.’
‘Great team, strength in depth, great clients, interesting work.’
‘India Haresign is a very good junior associate.‘
‘They are good all rounders with excellent technical skills and a good sense of perspective and judgement.’
‘Adrian Mansbridge is a first rate lawyer who combines technical know-how with a practical approach and excellent judgement.’
Key clients
Skanska Construction UK Limited
Morrison Utility Services Limited
Scottish Futures Trust
Eddie Stobart Limited
AAH Pharmaceuticals Limited
Manchester Metropolitan University
Victrex Plc
Travelodge Hotels Ltd
Boohoo Group
KPMG LLP
British American Tobacco Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for core participants in three of the most high-profile public inquiries in recent history, the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry, the Manchester Arena Bombing Inquiry and the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry.
- Acting on behalf of three bereaved families in the Manchester Arena Bombing Public Inquiry.
- Advising stakeholders in high-risk residential developments in connection with fire safety issues, including those posed in the wake of the Grenfell tragedy, the Hackitt review and the forthcoming Building and Fire Safety Bills.
Yorkshire and the Humber > Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate
The 'extremely capable and commercially astute' private capital team at Addleshaw Goddard is led by charities specialist Pervinder Kaur. Handling complex matters for owner-managed businesses, the practice advises clients in relation to succession, planning opportunities and tax issues. Increasingly active in the international sphere, the practice has recently advised individuals from Hong Kong, Oman and Dubai on offshore trusts, UK residence and domicile issues. Additional areas of expertise include family governance and property structures. Yorke Eaton, Charlotte Smart and Laura Woffinden are additional names to note.
Practice head(s):
Pervinder Kaur
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Pervinder Kaur has a sound knowledge of the legal issues involved and knows when to delegate.’
‘The team is extremely capable and commercially astute. It has particular expertise in advising entrepreneurial clients and excels at it.’
‘Yorke Eaton is a stand-out partner. He is pragmatic, sensible and commercial. He really gets to grips with what a client wants; his client care skills are second to none‘.
‘Pervinder Kaur continues to run a tight ship. She is hugely intellectual and can solve the knottiest of problems‘.
‘Our experience of the team at Addleshaw Goddard is always positive. Each team member is knowledgeable and engaging and works effectively to address our clients’ needs. They are good at collaborating with third parties/other professional advisers. Their costs are always in line with agreed expectations – which is not true of all in their field.’
‘Yorke Eaton is the consummate professional, thoughtful, insightful and knowledgeable. He is happy to call in relevant experts or team members as appropriate. Clients are in very capable hands. Other team members including Pervinder Kaur, Laura Woffinden and Charlotte Smart have proven equally capable and effective at addressing all manner of legal challenges in an engaging manner commensurate with their experience and seniority. ’
Yorkshire and the Humber > Private client > Charities and not-for-profit
The 'outstanding' Pervinder Kaur leads the team at Addleshaw Goddard. Drawing on the wider firm's expertise in areas such as real estate, litigation, pensions and insolvency, the team has a strong track record advising clients who also operate as businesses and employers. In addition, the department has a history of advising on Charity Commission investigations and regularly supports banking interests with significant transactions (particularly those regarding lending and the taking of security over land and assets). Notably, the firm also assists institutional trust corporations with the charitable aspects of their portfolio. Trusts specialist Yorke Eaton is another key contact.
Practice head(s):
Pervinder Kaur
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very strong, large private client and charity team led by Pervinder Kaur who is recognised as an outstanding trusts, tax planning and charity lawyer.’
Key clients
Bedingfield’s Trust
Leeds Beckett University
Work highlights
- Acted for the trustees of Bedingfield’s Trust for almost 20 years, supporting the trustees in the administration of the charity and to provide advice as and when required.
- Reappointed to the panel of Leeds Beckett University, providing advice in connection with all aspects of charity law in conjunction with the wider client team which is drawn from specialists across the firm.
Yorkshire and the Humber > Transport
Addleshaw Goddard's 'excellent' national transport team is housed in Leeds and has expertise across the domestic and international rail and road sectors, advising an impressive roster of clients. Jointly overseen by Paul Hirst and Anna Heaton, the group remains a go-to for contentious and non-contentious matters relating to rail and transport projects and transit schemes. The group's litigation expertise is spearheaded by Bill Gilliam, who advises on high-profile transportation projects; he is supported by associate Ryan Geldart. Other core team members include Sara Gilmore, who was recently promoted to the partnership, and Michael Rainey, who leads the public procurement team. The department is also highlighted for its increased focus on airport-related work across development projects and investments.
Practice head(s):
Paul Hirst; Anna Heaton
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They work together as a team – Very open and knowledgeable – They bring together a wider view of the transportation sector and how it sits with other industry sectors such as energy.’
‘Paul Hirst – Very open, knowledgeable and engaging- very patient in helping you think through / navigate complex scenarios. Never fails to come back to you no matter how busy he is. Paul is a great leader.’
‘Anna Heaton – Very knowledgeable and easy to work with. Brings a wealth of understanding to any conversation. ’
‘AG’s Leeds transport team is excellent and can punch its weight with any of the big London teams. Their strength lies in excellent, tight knit teamwork, great communication within their team and the teams at large, a very good working relationship with counsel and the client and relentlessly working to get the right results for their clients.’
‘Bill Gilliam is the best solicitor that I have ever worked with. He has first class judgement, provides great leadership to his teams, deploys his knowledge of the law and the commercial needs of his client to great tactical effect and is a pleasure to work with.’
‘Ryan Geldart is a managing associate with a very bright future. I have watched him progress from a junior associate and he is extremely bright. He has rapidly become a bright star in the AG team. He has excellent litigation judgement and drafting skills and is always very calm and considered, whatever the challenges of high octane expedited public procurement litigation.’
‘The team at AG have excellent knowledge of the whole industry and its complexities. They have broad experience across a wide variety of matters which I think makes them unique in this sector. They have some excellent individuals.’
Key clients
Prologis Group Companies
VTG Rail UK Limited
London Luton Airport Limited
Eversholt Rail
Rail Operations Group Limited (“ROG”)
Department for Transport
High Speed Two (HS2) Limited
Volkswagen AG
Greater London Authority / 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
CAF
SMBC
DB Cargo
Sealink Travel Group
Transport for Greater Manchester
The Road Haulage Association (RHA)
Associated British Ports Limited
Work highlights
- Advised the Department for Transport on the various agreements to bail out the train operating companies, and lead adviser on the new National Rail Contract.
- Advising the Mayoral Combined Authority on its bus franchising assessment.
- Advising West Yorkshire Combined Authority on its new stations programme.
Addleshaw Goddard > Firm Profile
Addleshaw Goddard is known for strong client relationships, built on successful delivery across national and international markets. A real meeting of minds.
The firm: Addleshaw Goddard is a premium international business law firm offering an exceptional breadth of services. The firm’s approach combines a deep understanding of clients’ businesses, markets and sectors, with high-calibre expertise, straight-talking advice and a collaborative team culture. By delivering what clients want, wherever they need it, from high-value strategic advice, to the everyday, Addleshaw Goddard prides itself on a service that is high-quality, focused, relevant and consistently excellent.
Addleshaw Goddard is more than just a firm of exceptional lawyers. It is also a leader in client investment and understanding. It is proud to act for its clients, whatever the scale of their requirements. The firm is highly regarded for various product and service innovations delivered by experts in the fields of consulting, strategy, process improvement, technology, project management and resourcing.
Addleshaw Goddard attracts talented, like-minded individuals who love what they do, are committed to clients’ success, and strive to build valued partnerships through their collective energy and expertise.
The firm is proud of its culture too. A culture that means Addleshaw Goddard is good to work with and for, and where everyone expects the best of each other. In the UK it has offices in London, Leeds and Manchester, and from 1 June 2017, in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen following its merger with HBJ Gateley. The firm also has a presence in Dubai, Oman, Qatar, Singapore and Hong Kong, together with a strategic alliance in Tokyo with Hashidate Law Office. Additionally, where the firm doesn’t have offices, it works with firms well known to it, to deliver an international capability whenever and wherever required.
The firm’s client portfolio is testament to its strength and range of expertise, including financial institutions, public sector bodies, successful businesses and private individuals. It is a leading advisor to FTSE 100 companies, and a market leader across its chosen sectors: digital, financial services, energy and utilities, health, industrials, retail and consumer, real estate and transport.
Types of work undertaken: Addleshaw Goddard is a leader across a broad range of specialisms including business support and restructuring, commercial services, competition and regulation, corporate, crime, dispute resolution, employment and incentives, finance, financial regulation, infrastructure, projects and energy, IP, pensions, private capital, professional practices, public sector and local government, real estate and tax.
Commercial services: the firm deals with IP/patents/trade marks, sport, IT, procurement, new media and e-commerce, outsourcing, media, competition and trade regulation, data protection and procurement.
Employment and incentives: the firm has a national and international reputation for dealing with aspects of employment relationships, with specific expertise in handling complex, business-critical matters.
Corporate: it focuses on the upper to mid-market sector in: M&A, Stock Exchange flotations, corporate finance, public to privates, joint ventures, management buy-outs, private equity, corporate restructuring, tax, partnerships, insurance, corporate, regulatory and venture capital.
Dispute resolution: the firm deals with finance, real estate/construction, product liability, commercial litigation, arbitration/mediation/ADR, media, pensions, insurance/reinsurance, IT/outsourcing, defamation and corporate crime.
Finance and projects: the firm deals with building societies, general bank lending, project finance, property finance, corporate restructurings, acquisition finance, asset finance (including aviation), securitisation and structured finance, PFI, insolvency and corporate recovery, financial regulation, public sector and local government, infrastructure, projects and energy.
Real estate: in addition to mainstream property advice, the real estate team deals with property litigation, tax, property joint ventures, construction, planning and environment.
Private capital: lawyers are trusted advisers to clients including corporates, high-net-worth individuals and charities, on personal financial planning, trusts, contentious trusts and tax.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Senior partner | Charles Penney | ||
Managing partner | John Joyce | ||
Corporate and commercial | Yunus Seedat | ||
Finance | Amanda Gray | ||
Litigation | Mark Molyneux | ||
Real estate | Adrian Collins |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Ged Barnes | Partner dealing with all aspects of insolvency and restructuring, turnaround and insolvency… | View Profile |
![]() | Paul Bentham | Partner specialising in intellectual property and technology; particular expertise in information technology… | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Harold Brako | Harold is a partner in Addleshaw Goddard’s Litigation Division. Harold specialises in… | View Profile |
![]() | Maxine Davies | Experienced partner in a broad range of investment banking and retail disputes… | View Profile |
![]() | Justine Delroy | Justine heads up Addleshaw Goddard’s commercial tax team. On the business/corporate side,… | View Profile |
![]() | Yorke Eaton | Yorke is a partner in the private capital team. Yorke specialises in… | View Profile |
![]() | Catherine Fearnhead | Catherine advises regulated businesses, developers and investors on the disposal, development, pre-letting… | View Profile |
![]() | Susan Garrett | Partner with extensive experience of a wide variety of high-profile and large-value… | View Profile |
![]() | Andrew Green | Partner, corporate division based in Manchester. Andrew specialises in M&A (both public… | View Profile |
![]() | Roger Hart | Specialises in a wide range of corporate finance advice and M&A transactions,… | View Profile |
![]() | Michael Hunter | Partner specialising in corporate and property tax, advising on tax aspects of… | View Profile |
![]() | Charles Jagger | Partner specialising in all forms of property litigation including dilapidations, lease renewals,… | View Profile |
![]() | Peter Kershaw | Peter leads the Manchester real estate team and has a wealth of… | View Profile |
![]() | Stephen Kinsey | Non-contentious real estate. Specialising in investment and development/regeneration of commercial property. Main… | View Profile |
![]() | Richard Lee | Partner specialising in advising public and significant private companies and well known… | View Profile |
![]() | Andrew Maskill | Partner specialising in asset finance, project finance, trade finance and structured finance.… | View Profile |
![]() | Phil McGough | Partner. | View Profile |
![]() | Nancy McGuire | Partner and national head of Construction, Engineering and Environmental. Construction specialist with… | View Profile |
![]() | Paul Medlicott | Partner in corporate team focusing on general corporate, M&A and private equity.… | View Profile |
![]() | Mark Molyneux | Mark is a partner specialising in commercial litigation. Mark provides advice to… | View Profile |
![]() | Vicky Niescier | Vicky is a partner in the Real Estate department who has experience acting… | View Profile |
![]() | Michael O"Connor | Partner specialising in public/private finance, structured finance, PFI and PPP (head of… | View Profile |
![]() | Richard Oman | Richard is a partner in the banking and finance team. He acts… | View Profile |
![]() | Martin O’Shea | Martin advises on a range of financing, including leveraged, property and corporate… | View Profile |
![]() | Andrew Pettinger | Specialises in commercial and corporate work of all types involving the public… | View Profile |
![]() | Simon Prendergast | Simon is a partner in the finance and projects division, specialising in… | View Profile |
![]() | Graeme Warburton | Partner; experienced in all aspects of corporate transactions involving SMEs and owner-managed… | View Profile |
![]() | James Whittaker | Partner specialising in outsourcing, technology and sports/media work; in outsourcing he specialises… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 240 Number of other UK fee-earners : 860Student (The Lex 100 )
The Lex 100 Verdict
For Addleshaw Goddard trainees, ‘the culture of the firm really stood out at interview – it seemed pragmatic and down-to-earth’. A ‘progressive outlook and a reputation for being forward-thinking’ also attracted recruits to the firm in droves. With offices across the UK, AG is the ‘perfect mixture of a City and regional firm, whilst still offering some opportunities to work abroad and undertake top client secondments’. The happy medium of ‘high-quality work and deep involvement in matters with a good work/life balance’ goes some way in explaining the firm’s eight Lex 100 Winner medals. On a less positive note, trainees would like to see an improvement in the facilities in the Scottish offices and ‘greater transparency around how the seat allocation algorithm works’. Understandably, working remotely has taken its toll on AG recruits, with some lamenting the loss of ‘learning by osmosis’, the ‘diminished opportunities for face-to-face client contact’ and the limited social interaction with their teams. ‘Completing deals at home’ and ‘long nights, especially when having been sat in the same room all day’ were considered worst moments. Nevertheless, remote working also has its positives: ‘I think this has moved the firm away from the slightly old-fashioned idea that we have to be present in an office’. Trainees were quick to compliment the ‘approachability of all senior fee earners’ who show a ‘willingness to lead by example and take time to give sufficient feedback’. One such example is ‘a partner ringing me out of the blue to tell me I was doing a good job and to keep my head up’. For a firm with a ‘heavy emphasis on a people-centred culture’ and a ‘real team spirit’, research Addleshaw Goddard.Legal Briefings
Landmark law to permit up to 100% foreign ownership in onshore UAE
The government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to introduce measures, including key legislative changes, intended to further diversify the UAE’s economy away from its historic dependence on oil revenues. One key focus has been upon the introduction of measures that increase the UAE’s attractiveness as a destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). In …Springboard injunctions to take off in the DIFC courts?
With the continued influx of businesses and service providers into Dubai, competition between financial and professional services firms has never been higher. Those seeking an instant ‘beachhead’ in the jurisdiction by recruiting existing teams and professionals with inflated sign-on bonuses may find themselves instead on the end of a very costly springboard injunction. Such forms …
- Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Manchester
- Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax
- Dispute resolution > Banking litigation
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Manchester
- Employment > Health and safety
- Finance > Banking and finance
- Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery
- Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate
- Public sector > Health
- Public sector > Local government
- Real estate > Commercial property: Manchester
- Real estate > Construction
- Real estate > Property litigation
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment
- Corporate and commercial > Commercial contracts
- Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – small-mid cap
- Corporate and commercial > M&A: lower mid-market deals, £50m-£500m
- Corporate and commercial > Partnership
- Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions - mid-market deals (up to £250m)
- Finance > Asset based lending
- Industry focus > Retail and consumer
- Real estate > Social housing: finance
- Transport > Rail
- Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery
- Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire
- Corporate and commercial > EU and competition
- Dispute resolution > Banking litigation
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire
- Employment > Employment: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire
- Employment > Pensions
- Finance > Banking and finance
- Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery
- Insurance > Professional negligence: claimant
- Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate
- Projects, energy and natural resources (including PFI) > Infrastructure and energy
- Real estate > Commercial property: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire
- Real estate > Construction
- Real estate > Property litigation
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms
- Transport
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Corporate and commercial > EU and competition
- Employment
- Insurance > Professional negligence
- Private client > Contentious trusts and probate
- Projects, energy and natural resources > Energy, project finance and PFI
- Real estate > Planning and environment
- Transport
- Dispute resolution > Banking litigation: investment and retail
- Employment > Employers
- Employment > Health and safety
- Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure
- Insurance > Product liability: defendant
- Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure
- Projects, energy and natural resources > Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables)
- Projects, energy and natural resources > Water
- Public sector > Healthcare
- Real estate > Commercial property: development
- Real estate > Construction: contentious
- Real estate > Construction: non-contentious
- Real estate > Property finance
- Risk advisory > Corporate governance
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Fintech
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management
- Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Edinburgh and Glasgow
- Finance > Banking and finance
- Projects, energy and natural resources > Energy (excluding oil and gas)
- Real estate > Commercial property: Edinburgh and Glasgow
- Real estate > Social housing
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport
- Transport
- Employment > Health and safety
- Private client > Charities and not-for-profit
- Public sector > Health
- Public sector > Local government
Firm Rankings
- Private client > Charities and not-for-profit
- Corporate and commercial > Financial services: contentious
- Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory
- Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium
- Employment > Employee share schemes
- Employment > Pensions: dispute resolution
- Employment > Pensions (non-contentious)
- Finance > Securitisation
- Finance > Trade finance
- Insurance > Insurance litigation: for policyholders
- Investment fund formation and management > Fund finance
- Investment fund formation and management > Real estate funds
- Public sector > Administrative and public law
- Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers
- Real estate > Commercial property: investment
- Real estate > Planning
- Real estate > Property litigation
- Risk advisory > Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates)
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms
- Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: elsewhere in Scotland
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation
- Dispute resolution > Debt recovery
- Real estate > Construction
- Real estate > Planning
- Real estate > Property litigation
- Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax
- Real estate > Planning
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property
- Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax
- Corporate and commercial > EU and competition
- Dispute resolution > Competition litigation
- Dispute resolution > International arbitration
- Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans
- Finance > Debt capital markets
- Finance > Derivatives and structured products
- Projects, energy and natural resources > Oil and gas
- Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity
- Transport > Aviation
- Employment
- Finance > Acquisition finance
- Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency
- Finance > Transport finance and leasing
- Yorkshire and the Humber > Corporate and commercial > EU and competition
- Yorkshire and the Humber > Employment > Pensions
- Yorkshire and the Humber > Employment > Health and safety
- Yorkshire and the Humber > Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate
- Yorkshire and the Humber > Private client > Charities and not-for-profit
- Yorkshire and the Humber > Transport