Rachel Murray-Smith > Sharpe Pritchard LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Assisting many local authorities, including a significant number of London Boroughs, Sharpe Pritchard LLP’s offering for local government clients spans the full range of services, advising on both contentious and non-contentious issues, including planning, construction, and infrastructure, education, administrative and public law, as well as procurement, corporate and ICT. The firm is well-known for its advice in the environmental and renewable energy space. The department is jointly headed by Peter Collins, Rachel Murray-Smith and Rob Hann. Key members of the team include litigation specialist Mari Roberts, parliamentary agent Emyr Thomas, planning expert Bernadette Hillman, who is well supported by senior associate Emily Knowles, and Steve Gummer, a key partner for infrastructure, regulated and net zero projects.

Specialising in contentious construction in the public sector, the ‘exceptionally bright’ team at Sharpe Pritchard LLP is well equipped to handle contractor disputes and adjudications. Justin Mendelle, Rachel Murray-Smith, and David Owens jointly steer the team, advising local and international government clients on major infrastructure projects. The team also counts private sector PFI disputes and energy sector work among its areas of focus. Melanie Blake is another key contact in the team, assisting with delay, design, and payment disputes on large projects.

Specialising in servicing clients in the public sector, the construction team at Sharpe Pritchard LLP regularly provides ‘an excellent service with expert knowledge’ on regeneration and new homes delivery programmes. The team is also highly capable of advising governmental institutions on commercial strategy, drafting, and procurement matters. Justin Mendelle jointly leads the team with ‘widely respected’ Rachel Murray-Smith advising on NEC and JCT contracts, counsel housing developments, and contractor procurement. Helen Batter assists with contract and document drafting, while Laura Campbell specialises in mandates in the education sector.