Addleshaw Goddard stands out for its broad transport expertise, spanning rail, ports, airports and urban transit issues. The team focuses on public sector transport projects, advising on franchise transitions, regulatory matters and infrastructure developments. Paul Hirst co-leads on key instructions for Agility Trains and the Department for Transport, while Anna Heaton remains a central figure on regeneration and station redevelopment projects. Carla Hancock advises on procurement matters, with Jack Harris noted for his work on rolling stock and bus franchising matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I always get great support from this team. They are proactive, and they drive forward progress on often protracted issues.'
'The team at Addleshaw Goddard have expert knowledge and work very collaboratively with in-house lawyers, providing robust support and management systems. They are always a reliable and consistent resource of knowledge and advice and there are many skilled lawyers in their practice.'
'Individuals right across the partner team are on top of policy, understand wider implications and take broad lens to the advice they provide - not just legal but able to inject that business impact and insight.'
'The team at Addleshaw Goddard have an excellent understanding of how the various contracts interact for our business. They are extremely flexible in their approach and due to the complexity of the issues they reviewed this was very helpful and kept turnaround times to a minimum.'
'Anna Heaton is an exceptional lawyer with strong regeneration and public as well as private sector expertise.'
'Paul Hirst retains links in the region alongside his wider regional practice.'
'Excellent knowledge in the transport/bus sector, flexible and assured in its working relationship and delivery.'
'People - approachable, passionate about their sector and well connected.'
'The level of professionalism was second to none and we were often joined in meetings with multiple stakeholders present and Addleshaw Goddard were a great support in some very challenging conversations, often providing alternative approaches on the spot.'
Key clients
- Nexus (Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive)
- Clyde Metro
- Agility Trains
- Prologis Group Companies
- VTG Rail UK Limited
- London Luton Airport Limited
- ScotRail Trains
- Rail Operations Group Limited
- Department for Transport
- High Speed Two (HS2) Limited
- Volkswagen AG
- Greater London Authority / Transport for London
- West Yorkshire Combined Authority
- West Midlands Combined Authority
- Hitachi Rail Limited
- MerseyTravel
- Manchester Airport Group
- HS1 Limited
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority
- Freightliner Heavy Haul Limited
Work highlights
Advised Keolis Amey on its reappointment as operator for the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) system in London.
Advising Qatar Railways on its multibillion-pound programme to deliver a new railway line between Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is planned to link with Etihad Rail.
Advising Agility Trains, owner of the £2bn Azuma fleet of trains, on the Intercity Express Programme.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Paul Hirst, Anna Heaton
Other key lawyers
Carla Hancock; Jack Harris; Lucy Wood; Lee Sheldon