Clive McKenzie, Laing O'Rourke PLC

Nabarro is a key element of our business support. They handle all of Laing O’Rourke’s legal activities relating to Corporate, Commercial and Intellectual Property issues.

There is often a stringent timeframe for completion of our acquisition and development agreements, but Nabarros has the resources to close these deals on time. Their depth of experience enables us to use Nabarros as a one-stop shop. All the top law firms have impressive people. However, what matters at the end of the day is rapport. It doesn’t matter how good the people are if you don’t get along. Nabarros and Laing O’Rourke have a very close working relationship. Key individuals in both organisations frequently take time to meet which provides Nabarros with a real understanding of our business direction and corporate culture.

For example, when negotiating joint ventures on our behalf, Nabarros understands what our position will be on many issues without having to be told. Working with the same team over an extended period saves time and effort, and therefore cost.

Laing O’Rourke’s business is expanding. We have a new division called Laing Energy, the first private sector organisation to be granted an electricity distribution licence in the UK.

There is a great deal at stake concerning the agreements to be made with suppliers and customers in this new venture. Nabarros drafted the complete suite of documents although the process was new to us and a first in several respects for Nabarros. Such was our confidence in their ability to put the documents together that at no time did we feel the need to go outside for a second opinion. Nabarros has worked with Laing O’Rourke, from when the company was relatively small to the £2 billion turnover group it is today. Nabarros have been strengthening their teams over time, this means we’ve never hit the buffers in terms of workload.

What sets Nabarros apart is a willingness to delve beneath the surface of legalities and truly understand the commercial result required. They are prompt, personable, experienced and efficient.’