Mr Luke Baines > Addleshaw Goddard > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Renowned for advising on large-scale, high-risk projects, Addleshaw Goddard supports both UK and international clients, providing strategic guidance on complex structuring solutions, risk management and various construction-related issues throughout the lifespan of projects. The firm’s sector expertise spans living spaces, major London mixed-use developments, industrial engineering, healthcare, and energy. Andrew McVeigh, who heads the team, is well-versed in all facets of residential development and student accommodation, as well as real estate matters, including offices, data centres, and hotels. Luke Baines co-chairs the firm’s hotels and leisure practice, demonstrating significant expertise in domestic and international construction and engineering projects, with a specialisation in complex EPC contracts. Alex Hirom, who focuses on non-contentious agreements for major construction and engineering projects, co-heads the power sub-sector practice. Julia Court brings extensive experience in the UK development sector, while Sam Cary specialises in residential development and process engineering projects.

The large, cross-disciplinary team at Addleshaw Goddard is equipped to advise its roster of large hotel operators, owners, developers and lenders on the full spectrum of hotel ownership and operation issues. The team is lauded for its expertise in hotel finance and its understanding of the budget hotel sector. Recent work has involved restructuring, refinancing and administrations in the hotels and casual dining spaces. The ‘responsive, friendly, approachable’ Luke Baines, a specialist in the hotels sector, co-leads the team, and is also a key member of the firm’s construction and engineering group. Co-heading the team with Baines is Lucy Sturrock, who divides her time between London and Leeds, is singled out for her ‘brilliant mind’, and specialises in advising hotel owners on structures, management agreements, development and acquisitions. Heading the real estate finance practice is Zoe Maurer, whose clients include hotel lending teams and financial sponsors. Neil McGibbon is another key name, offering experience in hotel financings, hotel management and non-disturbance agreements. Catherine Williams returned to the firm in February 2023 from Shoosmiths LLP, and now co-heads the firm’s living sector.