Demonstrating varied sector expertise, ranging from commercial development to residential and leisure, the Gowling WLG team deploys a ‘practical approach’ whilst acting on behalf of multinational developers and institutional clients. The practice has a strong contentious offering, notably handling claims arising out of the Grenfell Tower tragedy concerning cladding, fire safety and building regulation compliance, alongside advising on inner-city regeneration schemes, and negotiating construction contracts. Based out of Birmingham, Michael O’Shea and Richard Green co-head the department, specialising in complex adjudication disputes and procurement strategy matters. Daniel Wood focuses on renewable generation initiatives, whilst Sarah Dyer is knowledgeable on building defect cases.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I have used this practice for many years by choice, they have a good understanding of the construction and engineering sector and are able and willing to respond to the commercial reality of matters rather than merely applying the law.’
‘Always make me and my colleagues feel like a valued client, always available to respond when needed.’
‘The practice has strength and depth, being agile and flexible with the ability to match the best person to our requirements. There is also good continuity of personnel meaning that relationships can be formed properly and more deeply.’
‘Their practical approach on top of the legal expertise (which is more of a given). Using understandable language and being open to discuss the options available to solve an issue on a practical level.’
‘In my experience of Gowling WLG they are an extremely well-integrated team who are fundamentally focused on the commercial benefit of the client. Most other law firms that we use carry out a good job but do not necessarily add value beyond doing a good, competent job. When we use Gowlings we know that we will get an added value service. As a result, we use them on anything which we view as complex or contentious.’
‘Sue Ryan is a prime example of the Gowling added value service. In her dealings for this business Sue has taken personal ownership of a contentious project and you really feel that Sue has our backs. She has a very broad knowledge base, is extremely intelligent and has a tenacious negotiating style.'
Key clients
- Trinity House
- The Organising Committee for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games ("the OC")
- Lincoln Property Company and MGT Investment Management
- Rockwell Properties Limited
- Surrey County Council
- Conygar Nottingham Limited
- National Highways
- Castlepoint LP
- Aver Property fund
- Universities Superannuation Scheme
- Triathlon Homes LLP
Work highlights
- Advising Triathlon Homes LLP in its successful application for a Remediation Contribution Order, being the first time that such an order has been granted by the Tribunal following a contested hearing.
- Advising National Highways on its £1.7bn upgrade of the notorious, traffic-clogged single carriageway section of the A303 between Amesbury and Berwick Down, near the Stonehenge World Heritage Site.
- Advised Moda Living, on its joint venture with Aviva Capital Partners, to build 1,000 build-to-rent homes (BTR) at a four-acre regeneration site in Digbeth, Birmingham with a gross development value of £400m.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Michael O'Shea, Richard Green