Freeths LLP has developed a wide planning and environment practice and offers clients advocacy services covering planning appeals, High Court challenges, and judicial review. With dual qualifications as a solicitor and barrister, Alison Ogley sits at the helm of the practice and chiefly focuses on civil environmental cases. Emma Conwell adds knowledge on the transactional aspects of planning to the team. At the same time, qualified barrister Sam Kharabanda Groom is engaged in advisory and representative work in the contentious planning space. Rebecca Delaney assists the team on both contentious and non-contentious work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Alison Ogley - extremely down-to-earth, no-nonsense advice. Cuts through all of the background noise to provide succinct, timely advice.
- Extremely knowledgeable legal advisers, very responsive. Strong awareness of client needs and commercial considerations.
- Alison Ogley - team leader and brilliant.
- Emma Conwell is excellent; she is efficient and hardworking while being incredibly personable and professional. She knows how to diffuse tension and deliver difficult news well. Emma always makes herself available to ask questions or talk through an issue. Alison Ogley is also a standout member of the team; her knowledge is incredible, and she provides excellent advice. She is diligent, professional, and an asset to the team.
- The team is dynamic and very personable. They worked diligently and efficiently, always ensuring clients are up to date and have all the facts when delivering advice.
- Alison Ogley's approach to advice is pertinent and pragmatic, offering exactly what a client needs to make swift and commercial decisions. Knowledge, including case law, is excellent, and she provides calm guidance no matter how challenging the problem.
- The planning team in Freeth's Leeds office offers an exceptionally client-focused service. They are always willing to listen and offer a valuable perspective on legal issues, providing practical advice on how to resolve complex problems.
- Alison Ogley is a rare find - down to earth, focused on the outcome and not the game while also being friendly and providing clear advice. While her colleague, Sam Kharabanda Groom made the whole process painless - he has a steely calm and friendly nature that puts you at ease.
- The Freeth's planning and environmental legal team worked seamlessly to provide timely and trustworthy client service. They understood the challenges of our sector and the need to explain nuanced planning law arguments to those who do not have an in-depth understanding. Importantly, they were instrumental in helping to bring a key stakeholder on board and achieve a positive outcome for all.
- Alison Ogley and Mark Bassett are extremely easy to work with.
Key clients
- Commercial Development Properties and Fitzwilliam Trust Corporation
Work highlights
Advised and represented Commercial Development Properties at Public Inquiry for a complex Section 78 planning appeal.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Alison Ogley
Other key lawyers
Emma Conwell; Sam Kharabanda Groom; Rebecca Delaney