England - Yorkshire And The Humber
AG Service Company Limited
The Leeds office of Addleshaw Goddard operates as the global hub for the broader firm’s transport practice, with a strong presence across private and public sector work in the rail, bus, port, airport, and electric vehicle spaces. Paul Hirst leads the team, encapsulating the practice’s wider sector expertise in his work on major projects with both high-profile public and private sector clients, with expertise in infrastructure, concessions, franchises, and stock procurement. Anna Heaton is noted for her specialism in the overlap between real estate and transport, namely transport hub-led regeneration projects. Bill Gilliam is recommended for his disputes focus within this area.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The Addleshaw Goddard team's key point of differentiation is their in-depth knowledge of the rail industry. This deep industry knowledge enables them to couch their advice in a manner that recognises the nuances of a complex sector.'
- 'Paul Hirst demonstrates market-leading understanding of the industry. He is able to assimilate complex relationships and shape advice that is pragmatic and effective.'
- 'They work as a team, bringing together a strong depth of expertise and insight. They have a style which is open and friendly, with a willingness to challenge and be challenged. They help you think through the wider aspects.'
- 'Paul Hirst is always willing to help and support. He listens and provides that "x-factor" guidance and thought. He has an amazing ability to bring together the complex and helps you to simplify what is needed. A total understanding of the multi-stakeholder environment.'
- 'Anna Heaton is an active listener, who applies her knowledge in a balanced, pragmatic and commercial way and provides that sounding board of challenge and advice.'
- 'The AG team quite simply has more experience in developing bus franchising assessments than any other legal firm, and it is this arena that I have mostly engaged with them. This allows them to support their clients with deep knowledge and insight, while being prepared to listen and learn from others.'
- 'In-depth knowledge of UK transportation. Collaboration and flexibility in approach.'
Key clients
- Prologis Group Companies
- VTG Rail UK Limited
- London Luton Airport Limited
- ScotRail Trains
- Rail Operations Group Limited
- Department for Transport
- High Speed Two Limited
- Volkswagen AG
- Transport for London
- West Yorkshire Combined Authority
- West Midlands Combined Authority
- Hitachi Rail Limited
- MerseyTravel
- Manchester Airport Group
- HS1 Limited
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority
- Freightliner Heavy Haul Limited
- SMBC
- DB Cargo
- Sealink Travel Group
- Transport for Greater Manchester
Work highlights
- Advised the Department for Transport on the development and roll out of the new National Rail Contract (replacing franchise agreements).
- Advising Qatar Railways on its multi-billion pound programme to deliver a new railway line between Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Advising Merseytravel on the development of its bus franchising assessment for the Liverpool City Region.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Paul Hirst