Walker Morris LLP's 'clear understanding of local government and its complexities' allows the highly regarded team to 'go beyond the provision of clear legal and procedural advice and encompass wider support'. Under the joint leadership of Ben Sheppard, who handles PPP and PFI mandates, and real estate and regeneration project expert Chris Woodthorpe, the practice's client roster spans local authorities, central government departments, NHS bodies, registered providers and contractors. The group also leverages the knowledge of competition specialist Sarah Ward, construction expert Carly Thorpe and consultant David Kilduff.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘WM have a clear understanding of LG and its complexities and have been able to apply our requirements when dealing with complex negotiations and contracts. The Team involved in the project were excellent at deciphering the key issues for the Local Authority and explaining the implications clearly - picking up extra requests for work which would better aid understanding and confidence.’
‘David Kilduff and Adam Bertram were keen to ensure that, as the client, I had all the support required to seek decisions from cabinet on complex issues and contractual arrangements with 3rd party organisations.’
‘The Local Government team at Walker Morris have been excellent to work with. We needed specialised knowledge for the sectors we work in and this team have been able to provide exactly that.'
- 'WM has been very collaborative and proactive if the input from a different team within WM is needed. There is a seamless organisation of calls and inputs from these teams, still coordinated by the Local Government team so that as a client we are still only dealing with the one primary team on a project.'
‘Within this team we work mainly with 2 individuals who have stood out - Ben Sheppard (Partner) and Adam Bertram (Associate). Adam and Ben have excellent communication skills. This is helpful when trying to get projects completed or understanding when a comprehensive response will be completed. They are both very good at communicating thoughts and insights effectively and in a way which is understandable for a non-lawyer.'
‘The level of expertise and attention to detail is excellent. What is really impressive however is the real understanding of the client's needs and requirements and the advice and support provided to achieve appropriate outcomes. Customer care is paramount and one feels that one's matter is in safe hands and that the Team is fully engaged and committed. This goes beyond the provision of clear legal and procedural advice and encompasses wider support for the project.’
‘David Kilduff led the external adviser team and played a key role in delivering the project. All the lawyers involved were excellent but David's commitment, expertise, support for the client's officers and members, problem solving and suggestions at critical stages played a large part in ensuring delivery. One cannot praise highly enough how much David's impressive knowledge and calm demeanour instilled confidence during a complex and often challenging project.’
Key clients
- Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
- Kier Property Developments Limited
- Hambleton District Council
- Kier Construction Limited
- Harrogate Borough Council
- Cumbria County Council
- MVV Environment
- Associated Waste Management
- Eveleigh LINK Academy Trust
- Barnsley Premier Leisure
Work highlights
- Acting for Hambleton District Council in connection with the establishment, funding and contractual structuring of a joint venture LLP to manage a crematorium.
- Acting for Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council in connection with an innovative project for the development of a town centre digital innovation campus built around two digital media centres.
- Acting for Hambleton District Council in respect of a threatened judicial review of the Home Office’s proposal to open an asylum accommodation centre at RAF Linton.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Ben Sheppard, Chris Woodthorpe