About

Provided by Eversheds Sutherland

Eversheds Sutherland’s Parliamentary & Infrastructure Consenting team offers specialist legal and Parliamentary support on the implementation of major infrastructure projects. As the only City firm with a fully integrated Parliamentary and Planning team—including three enrolled Parliamentary Agents and two enrolled Parliamentary Clerks - the team handles complex legislative and consenting matters across the UK.

The team advises a diverse client base including government departments, transport authorities, energy companies, and port operators. Key clients include the Department for Transport, HS2 Ltd, Transport for London, Network Rail, National Grid, RWE, and major port operators such as ABP, Stena, PD Teesport and Blyth.

Recent highlights include acting as Government Agents for all three Hybrid Bills authorising HS2, acting for Network Rail on multiple Transport and Works Act Orders (TWAOs) to deliver the major Transpennie Route Upgrade, advising National Grid on consenting key reinforcement projects as part of the Great Grid Upgrade and advising on the promotion and implementation of Development Consent Orders (DCOs) for major rail upgrades, offshore wind farms, solar projects, and strategic energy infrastructure. The team also led on Harbour Orders for significant port expansions and ferry terminal developments.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Parliamentary & Public Affairs: Parliamentary Agency - UK-wide

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Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Eversheds Sutherland is a multidisciplinary practice with a strong focus on high-profile parliamentary agency work, including the promotion and opposition of hybrid bills. The department has extensive experience advising on high-value energy projects and maintains a dedicated focus on infrastructure, advising on bills surrounding significant rail projects and port and harbour issues.

Work Highlights

  • Eversheds Sutherland advised Teesport Harbour Revision Order on the promotion of its HRO application to extend the existing limits of the harbour. This would extent limits to include an additional area which will be covered by water and will form a berth for vessels using the new South Bank Quay.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

James O'Connor
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James O'Connor
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Band 1
James O'Connor routinely acts on a broad range of issues related to major projects within the transport sector and is particularly experienced in matters related to rail infrastructure. He is based in the London office of Eversheds Sutherland.

James always provides clear, concise advice with the opportunity to discuss complex cases.

James is very professional and a great communicator.

James is always available, he will always give you immediate and correct advice.

He is excellent.

Stephen Collings
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Stephen Collings
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Stephen Collings has great capabilities in acting on high-profile infrastructure projects. He often advises on and promotes significant hybrid bills.

Stephen is really personable, he has a great deal of experience and gives practical advice.

Ranked Lawyers at
Eversheds Sutherland

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

UK-wide

Parliamentary & Public Affairs: Parliamentary Agency

James O'Connor
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James O'Connor
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Band 1
Stephen Collings
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Stephen Collings
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Band 1

Members

Provided by Eversheds Sutherland

Darren White

James O'Connor

James O'Connor

Head of Department

Juliet Clark