Addleshaw Goddard’s Manchester team forms an integral part of the firm’s extensive national practice, offering a ‘strong level of service’ to local government bodies on energy, transport, public infrastructure, residential and entertainment development projects, with a focus on major transactions. The practice is jointly led by Andrew Pettinger, who is well versed in infrastructure, outsourcing and commercial transactions, and Michael O’Connor, who has extensive experience on projects in the healthcare and social services spaces, as well as on complex regeneration schemes. Further members of the practice include Sara Gilmore, who splits her time between Leeds and Manchester and handles a range of transport and regeneration projects, Stephanie Townley, who oversees remediation and the management of expiring PPP and PFI contracts and Rob Thompson, who focuses on the energy and infrastructure sectors. Bradley Martin left the practice in May 2024 to join Browne Jacobson LLP.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team are excellent. They are available when needed, work at pace and have supported us well with complex, specialist negotiations across Government, the wider public sector and the private sector.’
‘Always very professional, and continue to provide a strong level of service with the availability of very high quality associates in all aspects. Good knowledge of the industry sector and recognition of potential challenges.’
‘Rajdip Kaur and Sarah Pownceby have both been excellent in their continued help and support. Their level of commercial and legal acumen in dealing with the various issues and offering of advice has been exemplary. A timely and thorough response is always provided, with care taken to recognise other priorities should they arise.’
'I have worked with Addleshaw Goddard representatives for a number of years. They have always acted promptly and effectively when dealing with very complex matters on railway station projects.'
'The team were responsive and cognisant of political, tactical and practical issues as well as pure legal expertise.'
'Andrew Pettinger - responsive; knew when to take the lead and when to leave it to the client in meetings; drew in and marshalled a team to support the council; pragmatic.'
Key clients
- South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
- Trafford Borough Council
- Transport for London (Legal Framework Panel)
- Kingston-Upon-Hull City Council
- Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council
- West Midlands Combined Authority
- Leeds City Council
- London Luton Airport Limited
- Far East Consortium
- South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
Work highlights
Advising Wigan Borough Council on its procurement of a hospitality provider to deliver services at a cultural and leisure destination to benefit the local area.
Advising Far East Consortium in relation to a major city-centre urban regeneration scheme involving the development of the former Greater Manchester Police headquarters. We advised on strategy, procurement, joint venture structure and land issues and drafted the partnership, funding, property and development documents.
Advising West Midlands Combined Authority and South Yorkshire Mayoral Corporation on the development of their bus franchising assessments.
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.
Practice head
Andrew Pettinger; Michael O’Connor
Other key lawyers
Sara Gilmore; Stephanie Townley; Rob Thompson; Sarah Pownceby; Rajdip Kaur