United Kingdom > North West > Dispute resolution
Banking litigation
Banking litigation
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- Addleshaw Goddard LLP Manchester
- DLA Piper UK LLP Manchester
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- Shoosmiths Manchester
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- DWF LLP Liverpool
- Squire Sanders Hammonds Manchester
An integral part of Addleshaw Goddard LLP’s national banking litigation offering, Michael Isaacs’ Manchester team has capability across a spectrum of matters including retail banking, and financial regulatory. The team is regularly involved in cases of industry-wide significance, such as the OFT bank charges cases. Panel appointments include Barclays, HSBC and GE.
DLA Piper UK LLP provides ‘very pragmatic advice’ to financial institutions across a range of complex litigation. Stewart Plant is ‘very approachable and clear in terms of strategy’, and recently successfully defended RBS against mass claims brought by claims management companies arising from the alleged defects in finance agreements regulated by the Consumer Credit Act.
Squarely focused on the ABL market, Shoosmiths works for most of the clearing banks and recently secured a panel appointment with invoice finance firm Bibby. The ‘excellent’ Harold Brako heads the team.
Headed by the ‘very good’ David Wood, DWF LLP’s four-partner team is well regarded for asset and asset-based litigation. The ‘very responsive and commercial’ Ritchie Irvine advises Fortis Lease UK and Carlyle Finance.
Headed by Anthony Taylor, Squire Sanders Hammonds’ ten-strong team is particularly adept at handling professional negligence matters for banks. ‘Innovative and resourceful’, it recently developed a bespoke online system for Lloyds relating to professional negligence claims handling.
Commercial litigation: Manchester
Commercial litigation: Manchester
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Addleshaw Goddard LLP continues to invest in a team instructed by local, national and international corporates across a raft of high-value commercial disputes, hiring several associates in the past 12 months. Recently appointed partner Mark Molyneux is a ‘good, steady litigation lawyer’ and recently led a cross-office team acting for a FTSE 100 company in a major commercial arbitration in Africa. ‘One of the best commercial litigators in the region’, John Gosling ‘always negotiates a tactical pathway through every case he handles’, and has been particularly busy handling large professional negligence claims for lenders. Department head Susan Garrett is also recommended, in particular for pensions disputes.
‘One of the best in Manchester’, DLA Piper UK LLP’s eight-partner team provides an ‘excellent level of service’ to an impressive client roster including Corus, Enterprise, Honda and Scottish Power. ‘Among the best commercial litigators outside London’, Andrew Harris is particularly accomplished in significant shareholder disputes and other corporate litigation. Office managing partner David Gray also has a wealth of experience, particularly in relation to ADR, and is currently representing a law firm as a defendant in a professional negligence case.
Lauded for its ‘commercially focused advice’, Eversheds LLP represents an impressive array of corporates across a broad spectrum of commercial litigation. Headed by the vastly experienced Michael Clavell-Bate, the team is praised for its ‘strength and depth’, and includes senior associate Kath Livingston. Clients include BAE Systems, Phones 4U, Shop Direct and Weatherseal.
Recently bolstered at associate level, Cobbetts LLP’s three-partner team provides ‘measured and appropriate advice’ to a mix of standalone and other clients. Team head Jon Hainey (‘sensible, calm and confident’) excels in complex corporate disputes, and is representing Powernet Telecom in an attempt to recover losses allegedly resulting from the negligence of a City stockbroker.
Enhanced by the recent recruitment of a number of former Halliwells lawyers, including the ‘steady and sensible’ Steve Morris, DWF LLP provides ‘well-balanced advice’. It has substantial firepower to direct at its growing caseload, and draws on the expertise of lawyers in other practice areas, including employment and professional indemnity. JJB Sports and United Utilities Water are new clients.
‘Seasoned litigators who are astute at making good commercial and tactical decisions’, Pannone LLP’s nine-partner team provides strength and depth across the full range of disputes including professional negligence and partnership disputes. It advised Wayne Rooney’s agent in a major breach of contract dispute brought by his former employer, and represented numerous claimants in professional negligence actions brought against financial advisers relating to investments made in the now insolvent Icelandic bank Kaupthing Singer & Friedlander. Team head Paul Jonson is a ‘good smart litigator’; Kit Sorrell is ‘experienced and canny’; and Dan Grindey is ‘detailed and careful’.
‘Excellent in all respects’, Brabners Chaffe Street LLP handles work across the piece including commercial fraud, contract and professional negligence disputes. Litigation involving the recruitment industry is a growing area of strength, with a team led by Jeff Lewis successfully recovering a six-figure sum for Frontline Recruitment in a dispute with Seabrook Crisps relating to unpaid fees.
Hitherto unrecognised in the region, Gateley inherited several partners following the demise of Halliwells. Headed by the ‘thorough’ Sarah Sabin, the team has been particularly active in professional negligence and partnership disputes. Clients include AIG Chartis, Lancashire CCC, Manchester City and the BMA.
At Hill Dickinson LLP, Geraldine Ryan is ‘able to manage a fast-moving case effectively’, and Julian Diaz-Rainey is also recommended. In 2010, the firm handled a number of high-profile matters including the successful defence of Wayne Rooney and his wife in an action brought by his former sports agency. Areas of strength include the defence of professional negligence matters.
The recent departure of Clare Taylor means that Pinsent Masons LLP no longer has a commercial litigation partner in Manchester. Senior associate Emma Flower is praised for her ‘great organisational skills, tremendous insight and first-class knowledge of the law’, and is currently representing a former management board in the defence of various allegations of breach of contract, confidence and fiduciary duties. Clients include Delphi Group, Cargill and Russell Hobbs.
At Squire Sanders Hammonds, the ‘highly analytical’ Lucci Dammone heads a three-partner team that handles significant commercial disputes regionally, nationally and, increasingly, as part of a cross-border offering. The ‘helpful and pragmatic’ Victoria Leigh provides particular expertise in pensions and financial services litigation. Shareholder and commercial fraud disputes have been the main drivers of the practice, whose client base has grown to include US Airways, NWF plc and Scottish Power.
Headed by Jan Levinson, the team at Beachcroft is noted for its ‘thorough approach’, and advises clients in the technology, financial services, sports, healthcare and local authority sectors, among others. Best known for its insurance litigation expertise, the team recently picked up a plethora of instructions from insurance broker Bollington.
Berg Legal’s senior partner Reuben Berg has an excellent name in the market, handling a range of commercial litigation including shareholder and partnership disputes.
At the ‘solid and reliable’ Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP, department head Mark Benson provides ‘sage advice’ to a broad range of clients, and is particularly accomplished in handling insurance coverage disputes. The ‘exceptionally helpful’ Angus Crawford is also recommended.
George Davies Solicitors LLP handles a range of commercial disputes, and is a popular choice with German clients, who instruct dual-qualified associate Sandra Morrison.
Best known for its insurance expertise, Irwin Mitchell LLP has rapidly developed a broader commercial litigation offering under John Lord, who joined the firm from Halliwells in July 2009. It is instructed across a broad swathe of cases including professional negligence and contract disputes. Clients include major corporates such as Heineken and InBev.
In addition to its traditional strength in handling insurance-related disputes, Kennedys handles broader commercial litigation such as partnership and shareholder disputes. Anne Kershaw is recommended.
At Kuit Steinart Levy LLP, team head Andrew Weinberg has a strong pedigree in professional negligence, product liability and contractual disputes.
Laytons’ Stuart Farr has an excellent record across a broad spectrum of commercial disputes, and has developed a particular specialism in product liability disputes.
Nexus Solicitors’ Chris Pugh heads a three-partner team increasingly active in professional negligence and commercial fraud mandates.
At Weightmans LLP, department head Charles Tomlinson is particularly accomplished in construction and property disputes. Clients appreciate the firm’s ‘strong and aggressive approach to litigation’.
Mark Jones is recommended at Goodman Harvey.
Andrew Farrell at JMW Solicitors LLP heads a two-partner team that acts for clients such as Richer Sounds, Premier Estates and Kinetic plc.
The ‘pragmatic’ Tony Winterburn is recommended at Stripes Solicitors.
Commercial litigation: Liverpool
Commercial litigation: Liverpool
Headed by the ‘commercially pragmatic and reactive’ Mark Goodwin, DLA Piper UK LLP’s ‘excellent’ two-partner team handles a varied mix of litigation including shareholder and M&A disputes, and professional negligence claims. Recent highlights include representing social landlord Community Gateway Association in a £39m professional negligence claim against advisers in relation to a transfer of the Preston City Council Housing stock; and successfully representing Lonrho plc in a multi-jurisdictional contractual dispute. Clients include Airwave Solutions, Liverpool FC, Wigan Athletic AFC, and Luba Freeport.
Responding to increased client demand, Brabners Chaffe Street LLP bolstered its offering with the recent recruitment of three assistants. The ‘very helpful and responsive’ Jacqui Lloyd is regularly involved in the most significant mandates handled by the team, such as its recent success for an engineering company seeking monies outstanding following services provided. Mark Manley is well regarded for mediation, while team head Paul Lunt has an excellent pedigree in shareholder disputes.
At DWF LLP, Graham Dagnall is experienced in complex corporate disputes and contentious aspects of corporate finance transactions.
Headed by Jonathan Berkson, Hill Dickinson LLP’s ‘commercial and user-friendly’ three-partner team was recently bolstered by the arrival of Colin Gibbons from Halliwells. Berkson recently successfully represented a client at first instance and on appeal in defending an attempt to void a requirement in a joint venture agreement stating that the arbitrator should be from a particular religious community.
Led by the ‘attentive’ Michael Green, Weightmans LLP’s team has the critical mass to handle a tremendous volume and variety of commercial disputes for regional, national and, increasingly, international corporates. National practice head Andrew Cox has an excellent reputation in financial services disputes, and recently represented a bank in an OFT investigation into its charging order policies.
At Morecrofts LLP, Anne Heseltine has particular expertise in contentious probate.
Commercial litigation: Elsewhere in the North West
Commercial litigation: Elsewhere in the North West
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- Aaron & Partners LLP Chester
- Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Preston
- Forbes Blackburn
- Gorvins Stockport
- Hill Dickinson LLP Chester
- KBL Bolton
- Neil Myerson LLP Altrincham
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- Hillyer Mckeown Chester
- Jolliffe & Co. Solicitors Chester
- Keoghs LLP Bolton
- Napthens LLP Preston
- Slater Heelis Sale
- Stephensons Solicitors LLP Wigan
Headed by John Devoy, Aaron & Partners LLP’s five-partner team acts for clients such as BAC Florida Bank, Sanderson plc and Southwest Highways, and provides ‘superb attention to detail’. Trefor Jones specialises in construction matters, and continues to receive numerous instructions from Welsh Water plc.
Headed by Stuart Irons, Brabners Chaffe Street LLP handles a range of commercial litigation and contentious probate matters.
At Forbes, Robin Stephens heads a team that handles a raft of commercial litigation as well as an increasing volume of claimant defamation cases.
At Gorvins, the ‘exceptional’ Michael Morris has ‘excellent knowledge of the Consumer Credit Act and litigation’.
Headed by acclaimed mediator Iain Campbell, Hill Dickinson LLP’s Chester team has specialist knowledge of Consumer Credit Act matters.
KBL has benefited from developing a number of strategic alliances with local accountants and surveyors. Led by Michael Slater, the team has recently handled a variety of shareholder disputes, as well as seeing a spike in passing off actions.
At Neil Myerson LLP, the ‘trustworthy and talented’ Tim Norman heads a team that recently successfully defended a client in a claim brought by the HMRC before the Supreme Court for over £3m.
Hillyer Mckeown provides an ‘excellent service’ across a broad array of commercial litigation.
‘Responsive and realistic’ team head Andrew Bartley is recommended at Jolliffe & Co. Solicitors.
‘Very down-to-earth’ department head Matthew Rogers at Keoghs LLP is noted for insurance-related matters.
Napthens LLP was bolstered by the recent arrival of Sean Gibbs from DWF LLP.
The team at Slater Heelis in Sale is ‘extremely professional and proactive’.
Andrew Leakey at Stephensons Solicitors LLP is recommended for Consumer Credit Act matters.
Debt recovery
Debt recovery
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- Bermans Liverpool, Manchester
- Hill Dickinson LLP Liverpool
- Irwin Mitchell LLP Manchester
- Pannone LLP Manchester
- Shoosmiths Manchester
- Weightmans LLP Liverpool
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- Aaron & Partners LLP Chester
- Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Liverpool
- colemans-ctts LLP Manchester
- Gorvins Stockport
- Greenhalghs Solicitors Skelmersdale
- Jolliffe & Co. Solicitors Chester
- Mason Hayes Manchester
- Thomas Higgins & Co Wallasey
Bermans offers a number of specialist and bespoke services in debt recovery and acts for clients in contentious and enforcement issues, as well as advising on insolvency proceedings. The team ‘provides a very good service’.
The addition of Halliwells’ debt recovery team has strengthened the group at Hill Dickinson LLP who also gained a number of new clients as a result, most notably United Utilities. Jonathan Berkson heads the team.
Irwin Mitchell LLP attracted major new clients HSBC and HSS Hire Group, as well as new panel appointments with Heineken and Bank of America. Head of recoveries Mark Higgins, based in Glasgow, ‘always impresses with his drive and willingness to work on diverse matters’.
Led by the experienced Karl Williams, the team at Pannone LLP is ‘undoubtedly of the highest calibre’. In 2010, it advised Manchester City Council in relation to council tax and business rates recovery work.
Shoosmiths won an impressive number of panel appointments in 2010, securing a substantial amount of recoveries work from banks and financial institutions. Darren Shaw leads the team.
Andrew Cox took over as practice head at Weightmans LLP following the departure of Jill Cox, and is noted for his ‘solid industry knowledge and effective commercial/business acumen’. The team added BCW Group and Clarity to an already varied client base, and took five matters to the Court of Appeal.
Aaron & Partners LLP won instructions to act on behalf of the BAC Florida Bank to recover mortgage shortfalls in investment properties purchased by UK citizens. Department head Kerry Davies is recommended.
Brabners Chaffe Street LLP, under Tony Foley, has been focusing on tailor-made debt collection services for the firm’s commercial clients. Clients include Deloitte and McArthur Group.
colemans-ctts LLP has developed a niche in acting for property managing agents in collecting service charge and ground rent arrears. Associate Simon Stopher is ‘always keen and on the ball’.
Mark Deverell heads the team at Gorvins, which has experience in acting for claimants and defendants in large and small-scale actions.
Ian Greenhalgh and Richard Kerr at Greenhalghs Solicitors have a ‘wealth of experience’ and ‘always give good advice’.
Andrew Bartley heads the team at Jolliffe & Co. Solicitors, which includes Peter Anderson, who sits as a Deputy District Judge. Both have a ‘straightforward, no-nonsense approach’.
Mason Hayes acts for some major players in the technology and telecoms sectors. Marcus Hayes is a ‘first-class litigator’.
Thomas Higgins & Co specialises in the recovery of business-to-business debts on an international scale.