Roseanne Serrelli
Sharpe Pritchard LLP
Sharpe Pritchard LLP
Client SatisfactionAssisting 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.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A strength of the team is that they are exceptionally collaborative and have pulled in specialist lawyers to work on our project as and when needed.’
‘Catherine Newman has the ability to explain technical legal terms and concepts in a way that is clear, concise and informative for a layperson. She has also been able to predict potential problems/issues early on to allow us to be prepared during complex legal negotiations involving several sets of lawyers. We have always felt exceptionally well represented during legal discussions.’
‘They are hard working and very good. The team is responsive, good with clients, and a pleasure to work with. They are commercially savvy, with a good mix of experience within the team which can be called on when needed.’
‘Emily Knowles is very approachable, knowledgeable and firm with opposing sides when the need arises. Emily sticks to agreed deadlines and works very hard to deliver agreed outcomes.’
‘Rachel Murray-Smith and Helen Batter have exhibited professionalism throughout the project. Their expert advice and knowledge relating to the procurement particularly NEC contracts has been amazing.’
‘Sharpes are professional, readily available when we need them, they know our business well and can anticipate actions and ensure that we have the appropriate advice to form our legal strategies.’
‘Justin Mendelle, Rachel Murray-Smith, Laura Campbell, Harnaek Rahania, Helen Batter are all excellent in their roles and have supported us with prompt, available advice on contract matters and disputes. It is always a pleasure to engage with them and they always go the extra mile to ensure that we have the best advice.’
‘Sharpe Pritchard consistently delivers projects that they are engaged to do successfully. They have a commendable understanding of how local government works and are dedicated to maintaining this.’
Key clients
- West of England Combined Authority
- Suffolk County Council
- London Borough of Merton
- Waverley Borough Council
- Guilford
- Cumberland Council
- Brentwood Borough Council
- Gloucestershire County Council
- Staffordshire County Council
- London Borough of Southwark
- Milton Keynes Council
- Wakefield Council
- Bolsover District Council
- London Borough Tower Hamlets
- Cambridgeshire County Council
- London Borough of Enfield
- Royal Borough of Chelsea and Kensington
- London Borough of Wandsworth
- Royal Borough of Greenwich
Work highlights
- Acted for several local authorities before the Supreme Court in the most significant case relating to “persons unknown” injunctions, with widespread ramifications on all types of injunction proceedings, including against protesters.
- Assisted the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) in relation to its participation in a major regeneration scheme in the centre of Bristol, which is one of the largest city centre regeneration schemes in Europe.
- Advised Suffolk Council on three Development Consent Orders (DCOs), each of which concerns a nationally significant infrastructure project.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Peter Collins, Rachel Murray-Smith, Rob Hann