Originally the vision of founder Sharon McDermott – a commercially-astute lawyer with over 20 years’ telecoms and technology experience – Trenches has grown to be one of the most renowned legal firms in this fast-growth sector. 

Recognising the pace and complexity of the electronic communications industry – not least when it comes to code powers and wayleaves – we have filled an important gap in the market. We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (authorisation number 643404), but believe we’re nothing like your average legal practice. 

Our collegiate is made up of strategic professionals who have lived and breathed the world of fibre, connectivity and technological infrastructure, for most of their careers. We also work hard to recruit specialists local to clients’ projects as nobody will know the area quite like them. As a result, we speak the same language as our clients, know how and when to take and manage risks that support business growth, and provide proactive advice to aid legislative compliance every step of the way. Working with some of the UK’s largest telecoms operators, wholesalers and resellers – plus planners, construction companies and emerging brands throughout the channel – we deliver legal counsel, managed wayleave services, contracts negotiation and more. 

For example:

•	We help major carriers roll out efficient MDU implementation strategies, so they can connect as many properties as possible, first time round, thus protecting their design and build costs. 

•	We liaise with freeholders to allow network expansion on their land or within their properties, to prevent project delays or indefinite stalls.

•	We offer practical commercial advice in plain English and find pragmatic solutions that keep programmes moving – we have a keen eye on our clients’ business objectives, as well as adherence to the law.

Love or hate the term, we have the ability to become a ‘one-stop shop’ for the organisations we work with.

Trenches Law

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