National law firm Weightmans has appointed Steve Johns as partner in the firm’s Leeds office.

An infrastructure projects specialist, Steve joins Weightmans’ planning and infrastructure team from DLA Piper, bringing almost two decades of knowledge and expertise. He joins another recent recruit Bob Pritchard, as the firm’s planning and infrastructure projects offering continues to grow.

Steve has advised on a wealth of major infrastructure projects spanning a range of sectors, including rail transport, social infrastructure and waste treatment facilities. He has notable experience in public-private partnerships and private finance initiatives, regularly acting for bidding consortia, procuring authorities and funders on such schemes.

Projects he has acted on in recent years include a £260m refinancing of the Leeds Oncology PFI project, Merseytravel’s £600m Fleet Replacement Programme, and the DfT’s Thameslink Rolling Stock Project.

Steve said: '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.'

Lee Gordon, partner and head of planning and Infrastructure at Weightmans said: '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.’

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