Weightmans—Steve Johns

National firm Weightmans has welcomed Steve Johns to its Leeds office as a partner in its planning and infrastructure team.

Steve joins the firm after more than 17 years at DLA Piper. He offers ample experience in advising on infrastructure projects, within sectors including rail transport, waste treatment and social infrastructure. His expertise covers Public Private Partnerships and Private Finance Initiatives, and in recent years his caseload has included the £600m replacement of Merseytravel’s fleet, and the Department for Transport’s Thamelink Rolling Stock Project.

Steve commented: ‘We are seeing a great momentum behind large-scale infrastructure projects designed to enhance the accessibility and connectivity of our towns and cities, support housing growth and reinvigorate the economy.  The devolution agenda brings with it great opportunities to put infrastructure development at the heart of growth strategies for the regions.

‘I am pleased to be joining the firm at such an exciting and progressive time for the industry.’

Weightmans’ head of planning and infrastructure Lee Gordon added: ‘Steve is a very well-connected and highly regarded lawyer, providing commercial advice with a true focus on client solutions. We are seeing an increase in demand from clients for advice on complex partnering arrangements between both the public and private sectors. Steve adds real depth and capability to our infrastructure and projects offering at an exciting time as we continue to advise clients on the delivery of major projects throughout the country—we are delighted to have him on board.’