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 London Borough of Wandsworth London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames London Borough of Brent London Borough of Haringey London Borough of Hackney Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Populo Living Limited Brick by Brick Croydon Limited The Royal Parks and TRP Trading Company Limited Ashford Borough Council Cornwall Council Exeter City Council Torbay Council Watford Borough Council Herefordshire Council North Yorkshire Council Devon County Council Council of the Isles of Scilly Herefordshire Council Mid Devon District Council Bristol City Council North Devon District Council West Devon Borough Council Maidstone Borough Council Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Bath and North East Somerset Council Hampshire County Council South Hams District Council Torridge District Council East Suffolk Council Swansea Council Kent County Council The Met Office Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall
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.
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