Mr Jules Harbage > Walker Morris LLP > Leeds, England > Lawyer Profile

Described as a unit that ‘understands education’, Walker Morris LLP is regularly tasked with assisting schools and colleges with work such as academy conversions and construction advice. The team is additionally seeing an increase in instructions from higher education clients, as showcased by its recent intervention in a mandate concerning a major student accommodation scheme at the University of Birmingham. Jules Harbage heads up the team and frequently assists clients from the education sector with the drafting and negotiating of building contracts. Alex Jones frequently brings his contentious and non-contentious construction expertise to bear on education matters.

The ‘first-rate’ construction and engineering team at Walker Morris LLP handles complex infrastructure and energy construction projects and is also competent at drafting and negotiating contracts for student accommodation projects, build-to-rent developments and modular facilities. On the non-contentious side, the team covers litigation and arbitration proceedings, including claims related to cladding and other defects. Tom Peel leads the team and frequently assists on contentious, high-value fire safety claims. Paul Hargreaves also regularly covers fire safety and warranty claims, Jules Harbage is a standout practitioner on cross-border infrastructure and energy construction projects, and Carly Thorpe is an expert in construction-related litigation and adjudications. Martin Scott left the firm in May 2023, while Alastair Robertson and Alex Jones were promoted to partner and director respectively in the same month.

Walker Morris LLP‘s infrastructure and energy practice is highly regarded for its expertise in mandates connected to waste, bio-resources and renewables. Additionally, the team is deeply involved in progressive energy work such as private wire networks and a range of initiatives related to net zero including sustainable finance and low-carbon projects. Ben Sheppard, described as a ‘very safe pair of hands on complex energy deals’ leads the practice alongside Tim Jackson-Smith, a specialist in transactional work in the energy and infrastructure space. Consultant Judith Pike brings a wealth of real estate expertise to the team, while Jules Harbage and Carly Thorpe are key contacts for projects that require construction and engineering expertise.