Ashfords LLP’s team is recognised for its breadth of expertise across areas such as planning, real estate, procurement, employment, construction, regeneration and dispute resolution. The firm is trusted by national and local government clients to advise on complex regeneration and outsourcing projects, infrastructure, commercial property, statutory challenges and employment matters. Robin De Wreede advises on large-scale regeneration and development schemes for local authorities, bringing deep insight from both public and private sector experience. David Richardson specialises in planning, compulsory purchase and public law, advising on significant residential and mixed-use developments, statutory challenges and infrastructure strategy. Lucy Woods leads the procurement team, supporting local authorities with complex structuring advice, subsidy control and procurement across sectors including housing, energy, broadband and regeneration, and is a trusted adviser on nationally significant projects. Ruth Yates advises on major regeneration and marine-related projects, offering detailed guidance on procurement law and subsidy control, and is recognised for her growing expertise in ports and coastal development.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Ashfords LLP has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the legal and commercial challenges facing local government. Their local government practice stands out for its responsiveness, clarity of advice and ability to integrate seamlessly with in-house teams. What makes the team particularly effective is their ability to balance technical legal rigour with a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach that supports delivery on complex infrastructure and public sector programmes. Compared to other firms, Ashfords offers a more integrated and client-focused experience. They are not just legal advisors but trusted partners who understand the pressures and priorities of local government.’
Key clients
- London Borough of Hounslow
- London Borough of Harrow
- London Borough of Merton
- London Borough of Sutton
- London Borough of Kingston upon Thames
- London Borough of Bromley
- Hillingdon Council
- Oxfordshire County Council
- South Oxfordshire District Council
- Southampton Council
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council
- Environment Agency
Work highlights
Acting for Populo Living, which is the London Borough of Newham’s housing delivery subsidiary, on over £1.2bn of projects which will cumulatively deliver 2500+ homes.
Acting for Hillingdon Council on the high-value acquisition of a former office building which had recently been converted into 114 residential flats.
Acting for the London Borough of Brent on the variation to the s106 agreement pertaining to events at Wembley National Stadium, in addition to over £500m worth of s106 agreements for the re-development of two colleges in Neasden and Wembley.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Ruth Yates
Practice head
Robin de Wreede; David Richardson
Other key lawyers
Lucy Woods; Ruth Yates