Praised for its 'wide-ranging' expertise in the rail industry, Addleshaw Goddard's Manchester based practice acts for a diverse array of clients, notably including the Department for Transport, Merseysidetravel, and the West Midlands Combined Authority. Paul Hirst co-heads the practice from Leeds, and is known for his longstanding specialism in transport infrastructure projects, often advising clients on rolling stock procurements and operating concessions. Sara Gilmore is noted for her deep knowledge of bus franchising and regulatory issues, and  Michael Rainey, who leads the firm’s public procurement group, is well-versed in matters concerning transport procurement, including rail franchising and passenger service contracts. Ursula Gould has a wealth of knowledge in the negotiation of agreements and the drafting of contracts relating to transport projects, including and tram operation agreements and new railway station projects.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The team has wide-ranging expertise in all areas of the rail industry, which is evident in their ability to look further than the legal intricacies and form a commercially sound view which balances competing interests.'
  • 'Ursula Gould is trusted by clients to find resolutions and her no-nonsense approach to drafting is a breath of fresh air.'
  • 'A diverse team willing to collaborate/challenge and investigate to get the best results for me as their customer.'

Key clients

  • Prologis Group Companies
  • VTG Rail UK Limited
  • London Luton Airport Limited
  • Eversholt Rail
  • Department for Transport
  • High Speed Two Limited
  • Greater London Authority
  • West Midlands Combined Authority
  • Hitachi Rail Limited
  • MerseyTravel
  • Manchester Airport Group
  • HS1 Limited
  • Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority
  • Freightliner Heavy Haul Limited
  • SMBC
  • DB Cargo
  • Transport for Greater Manchester
  • The Road Haulage Association
  • Associated British Ports Limited
  • Merseyrail
  • Agility Trains
  • Edinburgh Airport
  • South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
  • ScotRail

Lawyers

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.

Paul Hirst, Sara Gilmore, Michael Rainey

Other key lawyers

Ursula Gould