DWF maintains a strong position in the market for its transport regulatory and compliance work, operating across a range of mandates including operator licence hearings and public inquiries, motor criminal defence, and health and safety investigations, alongside its widely recognised motor insurance and fraud defence capability. The team is sought out by multinational logistics and haulage operators, major insurers, public bodies and corporates. Jointly steering the group is Vikki Woodfine, an expert in road transport regulatory and safety law, frequently advising major fleet operators on operator licensing, compliance and public inquiries, and defending companies and directors in serious incident investigations. Alongside Woodfine is co-head Joanne Witheford, who has deep experience in road transport regulatory compliance and crisis management. Neena Sharma is a key contact for motor criminal defence and regulatory investigations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The team at DWF is led by the inimitable Vikki Woodfine, who remains right at the top of the transport industry. DWF's industry experience, as well as its particular links to operators with business in Northern Ireland, make it a unique offering.
- Vikki Woodfine, as lead partner, spearheads an impressive team. She is ably assisted by Andrew (Andy) Barton, who has a background working with regulators, so he understands what issues are of most importance. They are then supported by Will Pickering, who is an exceptionally dedicated junior lawyer for whom nothing is too much trouble.
- Neena Sharma - one of the best regulatory lawyers in the northwest. Outstanding legal knowledge, client care, and judgment making. Simon Belfield - calmness personified.
- The team is excellent in their sector and has built a great understanding of our business and our needs.
- Superb team in dealing with serious road traffic incidents, including criminal prosecutions that arise from them. Particular expertise in cases involving homicide and highly technical evidence.
- The hardworking Neena Sharma is a star and is well regarded as an expert in this field. Heather Smith is an important and committed support to the lead solicitors and is one of the most efficient solicitors I have worked with.
Key clients
- Severn Trent plc
- Booker Group
- Maritime & Coastguard Agency
- Wincanton plc
- MM Freight Ltd
- Dream Trans EOOD
- Hiscox
- BT PLC
- Allianz
- NFU Mutual
- LV
Work highlights
Advising some of the UK’s largest transport operators on the regulatory compliance of transport operations and representing them through hearings before the Traffic commissioner.
Providing transport crisis response services to many household name operators and insurers.
Prosecuting on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and advising on various matters of policy.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Vikki Woodfine; Joanne Witheford
Other key lawyers
Neena Sharma