Able to provide 'a one-stop-shop across all disciplines', and with an overarching knowledge of the nuances and intricacies of the Welsh public law framework, Geldards LLP remains a popular choice among local and central government bodies. Under the guidance of the 'exceptionally strong' Charles Felgate, the firm has been very visible in the planning sphere, regularly advising public sector clients on major Welsh transport/infrastructure projects, both from a contentious and non-contentious perspective. Notably, he recently secured an important victory for a Welsh national park, in what was one of the most consequential planning decisions to reach the higher courts over the last two decades. 'Outstanding' construction lawyer Tony Norris is 'brilliant to work with', regularly advising central government and local authorities on the contractual aspects of key infrastructure projects, as well as in any subsequent arbitrations. Commercial litigator Jonathan Griffiths excels at public procurement ligation, while employment lawyer Helen Snow, who oversees the multi-disciplinary public sector offering, is particularly skilled in relation to agricultural workers' terms and conditions in Wales. .
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Nobody services the Welsh public sector better - they have fingers in all the important pies. They really value Welsh work and see it as being of equal importance and prestige to work in England.'
- 'They are down-to-earth and clever, and always dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for their clients.'
- 'Able to provide a one-stop-shop across all disciplines.'
- 'The knowledgeable and responsive team never fails to provide expert advice and guidance. They are clear in next steps and proactive.'
- 'Charles Felgate is an exceptionally strong lawyer with decades of practical experience. He makes significant contributions to the legal strategy for a case, and does not just leave it to Counsel.'
- 'Helen Snow is outstanding. Her expertise, responsiveness and can-do attitude is helpful and very valuable.'
- 'The outstanding Tony Norris is brilliant to work with.'
Key clients
- The Welsh Ministers
- Senedd Commission
- Natural Resources Wales
- The Agricultural Advisory Panel for Wales
- Estyn (the Welsh equivalent of Ofstead)
- Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales
- Development Bank of Wales
- Vale of Glamorgan Council
- Caerphilly County Borough Council
- Carmarthenshire County Council
- Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority
- Snowdonia National Park Authority
- Bridgend County Borough Council
- Cardiff Council
- Torfaen County Borough Council
- Gwynedd Council
- Flintshire County Council
- Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council
- Brecon Beacons National Park Authority
- Neath Port Talbot Council
- Ceredigion County Council
- Pembrokeshire County Council
- City and County of Swansea Council
- Monmouthshire County Council
- Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
- Conwy County Borough Council
- Wrexham County Borough Council
- Denbighshire County Council
- Isle of Anglesey Council
- Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales
- NHS Wales
- Arts Council Wales
Work highlights
- Acting for the Welsh Ministers and the Counsel General for Wales on an application for injunctive relief against the Official Receiver and Special Managers of Baglan Operations Limited (In Liquidation) in respect of the proposed termination of the electricity supply at Baglan Energy Park.
- Acting for Cardiff Capital Region in relation to the multimillion-pound regeneration of the 489 acre site surrounding and including the decommissioned coal fired Aberthaw power station to create a centre of excellence for the production of green energy to power communities across the region.
- Acting for the Welsh Ministers and NHS Health Boards in Wales in pursuing a substantial competition law claim against Servier SAS and others in relation to the drug Perindopril.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Helen Snow