Involved in numerous large regeneration and infrastructure projects, Burges Salmon LLP fields a strong local government practice, praised for its ‘remarkable depth of collective experience and knowledge’. Gary Soloman leads the practice and advises on planning issues, regeneration projects and highway proposals. Particularly knowledgeable on procurement matters, John Houlden acts for a range of local authority and central government clients. Matthew Ramus is regularly sought out for advice on education and children’s services restructuring programmes, while Emma Andrews focuses on energy projects and regulatory advice. Paula McGeady, Sarah Sutherland and Jen Ashwell are other key names.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent and knowledgeable team, clear and pragmatic advice and quick responses. ’
‘John Houlden - sharp and clear advice, quick to respond and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Remarkable depth of collective experience and knowledge.’
‘Gary Soloman has great depth of experience and knowledge in local government law, as well as possessing superb judgement. Daniel Whittle has a phenomenal work rate and immense attention to detail.’
‘Burgess Salmon understands its client in terms of needs and interests. The team is professional and highly capable.’
‘The Council has worked with Gary Solomon and the support and professionalism has been outstanding. Gary understands our needs and is able to manage expectations. He is always approachable and able to identify a team of experts that can meet our requirements.’
‘My experience of working with Burges Salmon is their desire to find an outcome not focus on a process. They are clever, thoughtful but also pragmatic to client need. They are responsive and team players, always focused on delivery while keeping a strategic view.’
‘Matt Ramus is a first-rate lawyer and a great business partner. He 'gets it' and he leads his teams to focus on the problem at hand and the solution to be developed. Smart and personable, Matt is a great mixture of confidante and challenger.’
Key clients
- Bristol City Council
- Birmingham City Council
- Gloucestershire County Council
- Greater London Authority and Transport for London
- Isle of Anglesey County Council
- North Somerset Council
- Torbay Council
- South Hams District Council
- Environment Agency
- Worthing Borough Council
Work highlights
- Advised North Somerset Council on the complex planning application for the proposed Banwell Bypass and acted at the public inquiry in 2023 for the associated compulsory purchase order (CPO) and sides road order.
- Advised Bristol City Council on its ‘City Leap’ initiative including the procurement and contracting strategy for the implementation of the initiative, the procurement phase, establishing the joint venture through a bespoke set of contractual documentation and finalising all contracts for completion and launch.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Gary Soloman