Addleshaw Goddard‘s Manchester practice has a strong reputation for its ability to advise its noteworthy, industry-spanning clients across the remit of environmental work, in both contentious and non-contentious contexts. The team ably assists on matters ranging from the environmental risks and complexities involved in large-scale M&A transactions, to real estate sustainability, land and ESG issues. The firm’s global environment and sustainability lead Michelle Headrige co-heads the offering alongside Emily Williams, who is noted as being ’simply one of the best’ and specialises in planning and infrastructure in particular. Stuart Wardlaw is a name to note for his experience in strategic and operational compliance law.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The team are forward-thinking, modern and client-friendly. They understand the balance between having legal expertise and making it accessible for clients. It is clear that they are up-to-date with legal developments and very client-focused.’
‘Emily Williams stands out head and shoulders for not only her considerable experience in planning, inquiry and judicial review work, but also for the seamless manner in which she helps get a case off the ground and ensures the essential issues are addressed and deadlines never missed. She is quite simply a brilliant team member and leader in the field.’
‘The experience and knowledge of Emily Williams in planning litigation and related matters is second-to-none. She is client-focused, commercially aware and has an ability to navigate challenging situations efficiently without drama or fuss. She is also a great team player and a delight to work with.’
‘I am a very big fan of Emily Williams, who is one of the most flamboyantly able solicitors outside of the capital.’
‘Emily Williams is simply one of the best. She appears to handle large and complex litigation with ease, and knows the process inside out. She is quick to respond to client and barrister queries, and great company when stuck on a long case.’
‘Michelle Headrige and Julie Goulbourne provide pragmatic and effective advice particularly regarding nuclear-related environmental matters. The team is particularly strong in litigation defence work and has helped to reduce the severity of threatened enforcement actions by environmental regulators and reach negotiated solutions.’
‘Michelle Headrige and Julie Goulbourne at Addleshaw Goddard are excellent.’

Key clients

Affinity Water
Southern Water
Water Resources South East
Anglian Water Group
South East Water Limited
Threadneedle Investments
Diageo Plc
British Land
BP Oil UK Limited
National Grid Group
Venator
Peel NRE
South Tees Development Corporation/Tees Valley Combined Authority
West Midlands Combined Authority
Realty Income Corporation
Liberty Charge Limited
Miller Developments
Next PLC
Cole Waterhouse
Pochin Goodman (Northern Gateway) Limited
Romal Capital
Trinity (CW) Limited
Watkin Jones PLC

Work highlights

Advising Peel NRE on environmental liabilities relating to its acquisition, phased demolition and proposed 10-15 year redevelopment of the iconic Fiddlers Ferry Power Station from SSE.
Acting for the developer Horizon Cremation Limited resisting an application to challenge in the High Court the decision of the local planning authority to grant planning permission to Horizon for development.
Advising Romal Capital (C02) Limited on its planning appeal in respect of the non-determination of a planning application for mixed-use residential-led waterfront scheme at Liverpool Waters, the £5bn regeneration plan pioneered by The Peel Group.