DWF, the global provider of integrated legal and business services, has welcomed Alistair Paul as a new partner in its UK Planning and Compulsory Purchase team in London, adding valuable expertise across all aspects of planning with a particular focus on the energy and infrastructure sectors.
Alistair joins DWF from the London planning team at Herbert Smith Freehills where he acted on some of the most high-profile energy and infrastructure projects in recent years including in the nuclear and aviation sectors.
He joins partners John Webster (London) and Andrew Batterton (Leeds) as part of a growing national practice with a focus on development and infrastructure planning. This follows the recent senior appointment of Legal Director Catherine Knight (London) who joined the team in July, adding further depth and expertise in the delivery of regeneration and infrastructure projects. A further senior hire will also be joining the team in Leeds in the New Year.
The combined strength of these hires highlights DWF’s commitment to expanding its planning and compulsory purchase practice, aligning with the firm's strategy to grow its global real estate team and full-service energy and infrastructure offering, which now boasts over 120 lawyers.
Commenting on his appointment, Alistair said: “I am thrilled to be joining DWF at such an exciting time. What has struck me is how the firm manages to foster a culture that is both entrepreneurial and supportive, which is the perfect environment for me to continue my professional development. It is a pivotal time for the real estate and energy sectors as the government looks to unlock developments and accelerate the country’s energy transition. Against this context, I am pleased to be playing a part in DWF’s continuing growth plans at a time when there are bold ambitions to pursue an already impressive growth trajectory.”
Andrew Batterton, Head of the UK Planning and Compulsory Purchase team and Leeds Office Managing Partner, added: “I am delighted that Alistair has decided to join us, bringing with him a wealth of experience that will really add to the existing quality that we have been building for the last few years as part of both our development and infrastructure planning offering. He joins at a great time to benefit from the wider significant investment that has been made, and he will play an important role as part of the continued growth of our energy practice. With other significant hires also on the way, we’re very excited about the future for the team.”
John Webster, partner in the UK Planning and Compulsory Purchase team, said, “I am delighted to have Alistair join us in London, who is an excellent lawyer bringing extensive expertise and skills to our team. Alongside the recruitment of Catherine Knight, they both not only strengthen our planning and compulsory purchase team in the Capital; but show our ambition in continuing to develop DWF’s Regeneration, Development and Infrastructure offering nationally. With Alistair and Catherine also being based in London and other recent notable hires into our London Real Estate team, we have significantly added to our City development practice and I look forward to working with them on our growth plans.”
