DLA Piper

With a focus on transport, regeneration, housing, and waste, DLA Piper is equipped to advise on a wide array of related issues including procurement, real estate, planning and litigation. The team is sought out by local authorities, devolved bodies and an expanding roster of private sector clients collaborating with the public sector. Practice head Robert Smith is a known name for his transport expertise, particularly in heavy rail, light rail, bus and strategic matters. Ntsakisi Baloyi Rigby excels in transport regulatory work for major rail and bus projects.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The team have taken the time to carefully understand the unique governance arrangements in place in the North East of England, so they can be experts to advise us on the interdependencies between our distinct region and the transport issues it faces.’
‘Robert Smith and Ntsakisi Baloyi Rigby stand out because they’ve taken the time to become personal experts in our area. They are friendly, work as part of the team and create a great dynamic when collaborating with stakeholders in the region. They also are authoritative in their subject areas and are respected across a number of disciplines across our region.’

Key clients

Transport for Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive (Nexus)
Transport North East
Transport for Wales
Welsh Government
Urban Transport Group
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
Nottingham City Council
West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Work highlights

Advising Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM) and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) on all aspects of bus franchising to reform the provision of bus services across Greater Manchester.
Advising WYCA on its proposed bus franchising scheme, which would reform the delivery of bus service across West Yorkshire in line with its Bus Service Improvement Plan and wider transport plan.
Advising South Yorkshire transport authorities (SYPTA, SYITA, SYPTE and SYMCA) on the Sheffield Supertram system on an ongoing basis.