Capsticks has welcomed two new Partners into its commercial litigation team in Leeds – a significant expansion of the firm’s disputes capability.

Lynsey Oakdene and Ryan Geldart join the firm this week, bringing individual sets of experience across complex commercial disputes, procurement law, judicial review and contractual matters.

Lynsey is an expert in commercial disputes, including PFI and PPP-related disputes, judicial review and procurement law issues. She advises clients on complex contentious matters where commercial, public law and procurement considerations often overlap.

Ryan advises on a broad range of commercial disputes, including procurement challenges, warranty and indemnity claims, judicial review challenges, complex contractual disputes, negotiations and alternative dispute resolution. He also has experience advising on Provider Selection Regime procurements and has contributed to industry initiatives relating to procurement disputes and recent legislative developments.

The appointments further strengthen Capsticks' ability to support clients across all its sectors on complex and high-stakes commercial disputes. Lynsey and Ryan have advised a broad range of organisations, from NHS bodies and integrated care boards to central government departments and private sector organisations operating in regulated markets. Their combined experience covers procurement, public law, infrastructure, healthcare and major service transformation projects, helping clients to deliver strategic objectives in increasingly regulated operating environments.

Capsticks also continues to recruit at junior levels in this area as demand grows for specialist support on high-value and strategically important disputes.

Mary Mundy, Partner at Capsticks, said: 

Lynsey and Ryan are excellent additions to our commercial litigation team, and I am delighted to welcome them to Capsticks. Their expertise will hugely develop the support we can offer to clients facing complex disputes, particularly where commercial issues sit alongside public law, procurement and regulatory considerations. 

Rachael Heenan, Senior Partner at Capsticks, said:

Our Leeds office continues to play an important role in the firm’s growth, and these appointments are an exciting step as we continue to invest in our regional teams and specialist expertise. Lynsey and Ryan both bring a practical, sector-focused approach that reflects the way we work with clients – I look forward to seeing the impact they will make.

Capsticks aims to be the firm of choice for organisations who work to make a difference. Our purpose is to be the legal advisers that clients want by their side, providing innovative and practical solutions tailored to our sectors’ unique challenges. Our lawyers work together as one team with the same values: putting people first, doing the right thing and always forward thinking.