Joanne Sear
Shoosmiths LLPThe team at Shoosmiths LLP is co-headed by Kirsten Hewson in Solent, and Charles Arrand in Milton Keynes. Their combined experience includes advising on nitrate neutrality requirements, highways and infrastructure matters, environmental offences, and mixed-use development schemes. Utilising the knowledge that she gained while working at the Environment Agency, Joanne Sears is ‘an excellent practitioner’ who specialises in regulatory and criminal matters; she is particularly recommended for pollution and nuisance investigations. Kayleigh Chapman is also noted for experience advising local authorities, developers, and landowners.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'The team at Shoosmiths is really well embedded in the environmental sphere. Joanne Sears in particular is an excellent practitioner who brings her knowledge as a former Environment Agency lawyer to bear on the cases she is involved. She is exceptional at steering a course through choppy waters.'
'The team is big enough and experienced enough to have dealt with almost any environmental issue which may emerge.'
‘Joanne Sear is excellent particularly when litigation is threatened or ongoing. Charles Arrand is a very experienced and steady lawyer particularly for big corporates who are faced with criminal proceedings.’
‘The team has been able to advise on a wide range of section 106 related issues, including the new BNG provisions. They have also helped with planning inquiries. The team has been excellent in terms of their professionalism and support.’
‘The responsiveness and professional support of Kayleigh Chapman has been excellent at all times. Her ability to articulate legal drafting for planning officers is really important.’
‘The team is pragmatic, detailed, and experienced.’
Key clients
- Travel Sector Property Limited
- Brenntag
- St Modwen Properties Limited
- Linnaeus Veterinary Limited
- Buckland Development Limited
- Grainger Plc
- HN Butler Famrs
- Roke Manor Limited
- Churchill Retirement Living Limited
- Lancaster City Council
- The Land Trust
- Wirral Growth Company
- Packaged Living Limited
- McCarthy & Stone Retirement Lifestyles Limited
- Frontier Developments Limited
- Enable Care Limited
- Sigma Capital Property Limited
- Hertsmere Borough Council
Work highlights
- Advising Buckland Development Limited on the implementation of Welborne Garden Village.
- Advising on a successful appeal against a civil penalty imposed under the F-Gas Regulations.
- Advising a commercial landlord and property developer on compliance with environmental regulations, resulting in the forfeiture of a tenant’s lease.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Kayleigh Chapman
Shoosmiths LLPLeading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Kirsten Hewson
Shoosmiths LLPPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Kirsten Hewson, Charles Arrand