The construction practice at Ashfords LLP is noted for its ‘depth of expertise across the sector’, representing the full gamut of clients including local authorities and other developers, as well as investors and contractors. Some of the issues frequently advised on by the team include building and maintenance contracts, court disputes and adjudications, and regulatory compliance. Carl Thompson leads the department and is ’great in dealing with complex issues’ regarding infrastructure and renewable energy projects. Key contributors are Stephen Homer, an alternative dispute resolution specialist; Patrick Blake, recommended for building and safety act matters; Mark Manning, who has particular proficiency in the waste management sector; Laura Reeve, who focuses on non-contentious proceedings; and Lianne Edwards, who is experienced in construction disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The practice covers advice and support in all aspects of house building to a very high standard of knowledge and professionalism.
- The team is commercially astute, available, quick to understand the issues, and offers clear, concise advice. Excellent communication.
- We've found them to be very responsive, knowledgeable, and good value. They are really friendly to work with (even when having to meet challenging deadlines), super enthusiastic about construction law and solutions-focused. I feel as though they have a genuine investment in our organisation and want us to succeed. I put a lot of reliance and trust in them.
- Mark Manning - Very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about construction law and NEC. He is really good at explaining legal concepts and adjudication procedures to our business colleagues. He's reassuring when things have gone wrong and helps us find solutions. He is probably the most responsive partner that I work with out of the firms on our panel. I assume he has loads of work on his desk, but I always feel as though he makes us a priority and provides good supervision to colleagues in his team. I never feel as though my matters are passed on and dealt with without his oversight. Carl Thompson - Carl has helped us develop the contract for a new area of our business, and I feel that we have really benefited from his expertise in the solar/renewable energy industry. I'm really glad that we have had him on board to help us navigate this for the first time. He's been particularly helpful at helping us understand typical industry positions and what suppliers will and will not accept, which is essential when moving into a new area.
- They were fast to respond, gave a detailed fee proposal, and kept us up to date on budgets and fee levels. The team was professional and friendly and did a fantastic job. I would use them again without hesitation and would recommend them.
- I must give a very loud shout out to Laura Reeve and Emily Moorcroft. They were both very proactive and responsive to our needs and always did what they said they would do - on time and within budget. Very professional and approachable. They always made me feel comfortable and not silly for asking questions. I could not have asked for a better service. Thanks too to Marjorie Batten for her wise advice and assistance.
Key clients
- Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
- Council of the Isles of Scilly
- DP World London Gateway
- Wain Homes (South West) Limited
- Canterbury City Council
- Alpha Real Capital
- Evero Energy
- South West Water
- BDW Trading Limited
- Generate UK Holdings Limited
- Harvey Group plc
- Valeo Management Europe Limited
Work highlights
Advising Populo Living on the construction contracts and associated documentation for housing developments at Pier Road and Cyprus Road and on the Carpenter Housing Estate project.
Advising and negotiating the demobilisation and demolition contract relating to the Avonmouth Polymers Recycling Recovery Facility for Viridor, including template private sale and auction contracts for plant salvage from the facility.
Acting for the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in connection with the first phase of the Trust's significant upgrade and modernisation project at North Devon District Hospital.
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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Carl Thompson
Other key lawyers
Stephen Homer; Patrick Blake; Mark Manning; Laura Reeve; Lianne Edwards