A key port of call for public sector entities for planning matters, Ashurst is well-equipped to advise clients on energy and transport infrastructure. ‘Supremely calm and assured’ practice co-head Trevor Goode is proficient in compulsory purchases and statutory challenges. Praised as ’one of the best in planning’, fellow co-head Claire Dutch is knowledgeable in environmental impact assessments, while Charlie Reid’s caseload encompasses energy transition issues. Other key members of the team include Ben Groves, who is experienced in judicial review challenges.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘They are highly knowledgeable, tactful, and able to pick up the brief and get up to speed without fuss. They are approachable and relaxed and firm and assertive where there is a need. They are a great all-round team with the right blend of experience.’
  • ‘With deep expertise, committed and talented lawyers, as well as a highly client-focused approach, the team is unique for the level of service and expertise that they are able to provide.’
  • ‘Ashurst's planning team always provides the most valuable legal advice, which helped us to make the correct commercial decisions. The most trusted planning partner is definitely Trevor Goode, who is the go-to person from Ashurst, and another reliable lawyer in the team is Charlie Reid.’
  • ‘Trevor Goode is supremely calm and assured. He always offers clear, measured and timely advice without complications or jargon.'
  • ‘Claire Dutch is a fantastic leader of the team, she provides excellent legal advice.'
  • ‘Claire Dutch is one of the best in planning.'
  • 'Claire Dutch is very much hands on, she is a good team player and gives sensible advice. She is respected by her fellow professionals.'
  • 'Ben Groves leaves no stone un-turned. He is a careful and considered thinker, and ensures that all angles of a problem are investigated when advising clients on the law, on strategy, and on the commercial impacts of client actions.’

Key clients

  • Lendlease
  • The Greater London Authority and Transport for London
  • British Land
  • Berkeley
  • Countryside Vistry
  • Greystar
  • Grosvenor
  • Almacantar
  • Powerfuel Portland Limited
  • Fitzpatrick Homes
  • Lodha Group
  • London Borough of Newham
  • Stoke Park Limited
  • Homes England
  • Westminster City Council
  • Greenland
  • OxWED LLP
  • Aviva Investors
  • Hill Group
  • Old Oak and Park Royal Developments Corporation (OPDC)
  • EcoWorld London
  • Hawksmoor Homes
  • The Union Jack Club
  • GCRE
  • Mitheridge

Work highlights

  • Advised Lendlease on its high-profile regeneration of High Road West, immediately adjacent to Tottenham Hotpurs Football Stadium.
  • Advising Newham Council on the £5bn Silvertown Quays regeneration which will deliver over 7,000 new homes and a new town centre in the Royal Docks in East London.
  • Advising Almacantar on the development of a key site in the City of London on the banks of the Thames – Puddle Dock.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Trevor Goode, Claire Dutch

Other key lawyers

Charlie Reid, Ben Groves