‘Legally astute and incisive’, Winckworth Sherwood LLP fields a team of expert legislative drafters and promoters, highly regarded for their work promoting legislation for strategically important infrastructure projects. Advising both government bodies and local authorities on the HS2 hybrid bill, as well as its implementation, the team is also a key player in the wider railways and harbours spaces, offering support to an array of banks and registered charities. Roll A Parliamentary Agent Paul Irving, whose mastery of parliamentary, planning, compulsory purchase, compensation and environmental law positions him well to support on infrastructure promotions, stands at the centre of the practice. Alex Dillistone's substantial experience in rail, port, and energy projects is complemented by a thorough understanding of DCOs, TWAOs, and hybrid bills. Jane Wakeham is ’always polite, thorough, and quick at providing advice’ on the broad spectrum of primary and secondary legislation. Emma Rodican-Jones is another key contact for major rail infrastructure projects, while Hazel Anderson remains in a consulting capacity with the firm following retirement in December 2023.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘When working with the team they seemed totally engaged in the process and understood the complex issues and context being dealt with.’
‘Jane Wakeham took a lead role in identifying issues and resolving situations, keeping our participation on track and of high quality.’
‘I was particularly impressed with the ownership they took of my situation both in terms of responsibility and workload.’
‘I have worked with Winckworth Sherwood on and off for over 20 years and have always found them to be consistent, thorough, with extensive knowledge on subject matter, efficient and trustworthy.’
‘Jane Wakeham is always polite, thorough, and quick at providing advice, guidance and response to queries.’
‘They do not shy away from advising on what needs to be said and readily have a way forward or next steps that would be of benefit to move the issue forward. A pleasure working with them.’
‘Legally astute and incisive, and yet they are still a really lovely friendly bunch of people – a breath of fresh air when dealing with the law.’
Key clients
- Secretary of State for Transport
- HS2 Ltd
- West Midlands Combined Authority
- Associated British Ports
- Port of London Authority
- Canal & River Trust
Work highlights
- Advised the Department of Transport and HS2 Ltd on the promotion of the Bill to construct and operate the proposed high speed railway between London and Birmingham.
- Advised the West Midlands Combined Authority on the implementation of the Midland Metro (Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Land Acquisition) Order 2020.
- Advised Associated British Ports, Britain’s largest port operator and the owner of more than 20 ports, on handling every kind of cargo on a variety of matters.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Paul Irving
Other key lawyers
Alex Dillistone; Jane Wakeham; Emma Rodican-Jones; Hazel Anderson; Samantha Woods