Gary Soloman > Burges Salmon LLP > Bristol, England > Lawyer Profile

Burges Salmon LLP fields a local government practice that is praised for its ‘excellent procurement and state aid advice’. The Bristol team, led by Gary Soloman, counts local authority pension schemes, net-zero, and outsourcing amongst its areas of competence. Commercial projects partner and head of education sector Matthew Ramus is regularly sought after for his expertise in statutory interventions. Another key contact is procurement and projects expert John Houlden whose recent work includes regeneration projects and carbon neutrality. Director Paula McGeady‘s strengths lie in planning, highways, and CPOs.

Demonstrating ‘a high level of legal understanding and competency’ paired with ‘real depth and experience in planning’, Burges Salmon LLP has a strong track record advising on nationally significant infrastructure projects and accompanies projects throughout their whole lifecycle, from pre-planning to post-construction. Energy, particularly regarding nuclear and alternative energy, constitutes one of the key sectors for the practice alongside know-how in areas such as infrastructure and compulsory purchase orders (CPOs). The ‘meticulous’ Gary Soloman leads the Bristol team and sports extensive expertise in regeneration projects, large-scale developments, as well as highway projects. Elizabeth Dunn and Julian Boswell are both regularly involved in complex infrastructure projects, while senior associate Laura Fuller‘s advisory portfolio includes highway agreements as well as habitat and appropriate assessments. Having retired from partnership in May 2021, Patrick Robinson remains a part of the team in a full-time consultancy role.

Burges Salmon LLP‘s local government team provides full service advice to local government but is particularly adept at advising on energy related matters. The firm has a net-zero services team working for local governments, underscored by a strong renewable energy practice. Beyond net zero, the team also handles innovative matters like the outsourcing of children’s services and modern transport systems. Team leader Gary Soloman is an expert in handling the planning and compulsory purchase aspects of regeneration projects, as well as being an experienced planning inquiry advocate. Bristol-based John Houlden consistently advises on complex local authority matters.

Burges Salmon LLP has an impressive track record of work in the major public sector projects space for notable clients including central government departments, transport and healthcare providers, and environmental authorities. Gary Soloman and John Houlden jointly head up the practice; the former leads on planning and compulsory purchase matters, while the latter focuses on procurement issues.

Located in Bristol, Burges Salmon LLP‘s planning practice serves a variety of clients including local councils, energy companies, and national bodies. The practice encompasses planning and consenting for NSIPs in transport and waste, with an emphasis on alternative energy projects, which Elizabeth Dunn and Julian Boswall have deep experience in. Practice head Gary Soloman‘s expertise is in the planning, compulsory purchase, and compensation aspects of regeneration projects, highway proposals, and large-scale developments. Patrick Robinson has retired from the partnership but remains at the firm as a consultant.