Counting major port authorities, sports clubs, and entities operating in the leisure, human capital, and transport sectors among its impressive roster of clients, Ward Hadaway LLP’s sizeable corporate and commercial offering spans the full range of matters, including M&A, financing, corporate restructuring, commercial contracts, and data protection issues. Robert Thompson heads the corporate department, while Damien Charlton leads the commercial team. Thompson advises public and private sector clients on disposals, mergers, and corporate structuring, while Charlton has notable experience handling outsourcing, joint ventures, and general commercial contracting. Tom Pollard advises public and private companies as well as private equity houses on disposals, investments, and reorganisations, while Clare French has notable experience acting for clients in the healthcare, leisure, and e-commerce industries. Steven Roper offers commercial, contract and corporate governance advice, and heads the transport and infrastructure subgroup. Colin Hewitt is a known for expertise in governance issues and corporate structures.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team has an in-depth knowledge of our business and plans led by Steven Roper every member of his team knows what is required.’
‘I have worked with the Ward Hadaway team on many occasions, predominantly from a Corporate (M&A) perspective, and I have always found their service delivery to be excellent. Their attention to detail is second to none, and their commerciality and ability to help decipher complex legal constructs, in a way that laypeople can understand, is fantastic.'
‘Tom Pollard is someone who I would not hesitate to recommend to others looking to go through transactions. I know from experience that he is highly knowledgeable within his field, and he will always work incredibly hard to get the best possible outcome for his clients.'
'Liam Stubbs is incredibly knowledgeable for someone with his level of experience, and is excellent at translating complex topics in a way that everyone can understand. Liam works exceptionally hard for his clients in delivering the best outcome he can.’
‘Exceptional, highly dynamic and cooperative team. High interpersonal skills, very friendly and outstandingly competent. Fast and precise responses at all times. A joy to work with!’
‘Tom Pollard and Liam Stubbs have been exceptional during recent projects. Both offer excellent commerciality whilst providing clear and thoughtful advice. Tom and Liam are a pleasure to work with - it is a great blend of the warm relationships of a regional firm, with the firepower of a national leader.’
‘Very commercial, pragmatic, and agile advice based on previous experience.’
‘Steven Roper - provides very commercial, pragmatic and agile advice.'
Key clients
- Northumbrian Water
- Port of Tyne Authority
- Ensus UK
- Durham County Cricket Club
- PD Ports (Part of the Brookfield Group)
- Newcastle International Airport
- Nova International (Trading as the Great Run Company)
- ScS Group PLC
- Growth Partner LLP
- Prefequity LLP
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.
Robert Thompson
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Tom Pollard
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Steven Roper
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Robert Thompson; Damien Charlton
Other key lawyers
Tom Pollard; Clare French; Steven Roper; Liam Stubbs