Hall Of Fame

Firms To Watch: Commercial litigation: Liverpool

Founded in 2017, commercial law firm CG Professional recently bolstered its Liverpool office with the hire of Michelle Connor from Weightmans; she is the latest in a series of recent recruits for the firm.
Mann Roberts Solicitors Limited is a boutique firm, headed by David Mann, which provides litigation services across several industries including construction, healthcare and technology.

Commercial litigation: Liverpool in North West

Brabners LLP

The disputes team at Brabners LLP works with large commercial clients on contentious matters covering insolvency, debt recovery, medical negligence and contentious probate. The practice also acts for clients in high-value international arbitrations and High Court defamation matters including the infamous “Wagatha Christie” trial. The team is headed by Paul Lunt who focuses on media, sports, shareholder and professional negligence disputes. Jennifer Lockhart specialises in insolvency matters, misfeasance and breach of duty claims with support from Graeme McParland. Helen Otty works on high-value international arbitrations while Matthew Moy advises on commercial contract disputes.

Practice head(s):

Paul Lunt


Other key lawyers:

Jennifer Lockhart; Graeme McParland; Helen Otty; Matthew Moy


Testimonials

‘Practical realistic advice which helps client make judgements on the approach to litigation and the adoption of strategic advice to mitigate the cost and time taken to achieve a successful outcome.’

‘Paul Lunt, whilst latterly more well known for his representing Coleen Rooney in the Wagatha Christie case and for acting for England cricketers in disciplinary or criminal matters, has a deep and longstanding experience in minority shareholder litigation, in which his judgement and expertise are highly valued.’

‘There is a great deal of focus on mitigating the risk to the client and not simply racking up fees for the sake of it.’

Key clients

Coleen Rooney


Wayne Rooney


Michael Vaughan


Pharmaceuticals Direct Limited


TJ Morris Limited (t/a Home Bargain)


Dr Riccardo Frati


Lynn Cannell and LCA Jobs Limited


UK Meds Direct Limited


Ben and Deborah Stokes


Work highlights


  • Defended Coleen Rooney in libel proceedings issued against her by Rebekah Vardy.
  • Instructed by the interested party in these judicial review proceedings that relate to the awarding of two contracts, worth £102.6 million and £29.8 million respectively.
  • Instructed by cricketer Ben Stokes and his mother in connection with their invasion of privacy claim against News Group Newspapers Limited.

DWF

DWF covers a wide variety of sectors with particular expertise in the retail, food and drink, telecommunications and financial services. The firm has multiple areas of disputes expertise including professional negligence, judicial review, competition, contentious probate, arbitration and injunctions. Andrew Whalley is known for his work in the field of telecoms regulation and co-heads the practice with Matthew Stoll  who focuses on professional negligence and property-related disputes. Chris King is well-versed in warranty claims while Lyndsay Crowder-Barton works on cross-border contractual disputes.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Whalley; Matt Stoll


Other key lawyers:

Chris King; Lyndsay Crowder-Barton


Testimonials

‘Depth of knowledge of the operation of businesses they advise and represent, and the consequent positive effect on the firm’s navigation of the practicalities of litigation.’

‘Chris King is a results-oriented lawyer, and great at identifying and pressing on the weak points of the opposition’s case.’

Key clients

Virgin Media O2


Crown Pains Limited


giffgaff Limited


BT Group plc / EE


DAS Legal Expenses Insurance Company Limited


Lloyds Bank Plc


Liverpool Airport Limited


ACC Liverpool Group Ltd


Allianz Insurance


Teneo Plc


Palm Recycling Limited


Stateside Foods Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted on behalf of a national bank in respect of a portfolio of overvaluation claims regarding historic property valuations.
  • Acted on behalf of a food manufacturer in respect of a wide spread contamination issues impacting several customers and related third parties.
  • Acted on behalf of Oak National Academy (Interest Party) in the high profile judicial review proceedings of national importance to education sector.

Hill Dickinson LLP

The commercial litigation team at Hill Dickinson LLP is experienced in a range of areas including shareholder and partnership disputes, professional negligence, breach of contract claims and commercial fraud. The practice is also well-versed in data protection breach claims, freezing injunctions and competition law matters. Fiona Parry handles high-value contentious trusts and probate disputes in addition to negligence claims. She co-heads the team with Christopher Tyrrell who specialises in healthcare disputes across the property and retail sectors. Paul Walsh has expertise in respect of claims arising on termination of contracts. Nina Ferris works on corporate disputes including tax claims with support from Karen Hope.

Practice head(s):

Fiona Parry; Christopher Tyrrell


Other key lawyers:

Paul Walsh; Nina FerrisKaren Hope


Testimonials

‘Fiona Parry is very experienced and level-headed with high value shareholder disputes.’

‘Adept at dealing with multi-faceted litigation – identifying various means and routes to achieving the client’s goals and then executing them.’

‘Fiona Parry stands out as being both a dab hand at guiding clients through litigation and, where necessary, a fearless pursuer of her client’s interests in the heat of a dispute. She is particularly skilled at addressing tricky situations which may arise when there have been missteps prior to her and her firm getting involved.’

Key clients

Extrude Hone GmbH


Terra Solutions Limited


Charan Naidoo


Condair Limited


Mast Group Limited


Ksure


Dr Jude Mahadanaarachchi


Global Reach Partners Limited


Paul Bell


Work highlights


  • Acted for Extrude Hone GmbH in relation to a dispute with Dyson Manufacturing Sdn Bhd in Malaysia concerning the alleged termination of an agreement between the parties.

Provenio Litigation

Provenio Litigation handles a range of commercial disputes relating to shareholders, private equity investors, misfeasance and property investment schemes. The practice is headed by Mark Goodwin who has a strong track record of advising on IT and outsourcing disputes, professional negligence claims, disputes under commercial contracts and M&A transactions. Hannah Catterall represents clients across several sectors including sports, hospitality, manufacturing, property development and aviation. Emma Charnock, who made partner in November 2022, is experienced in investment disputes and professional negligence claims.

Practice head(s):

Mark Goodwin


Other key lawyers:

Hannah Catterall; Emma Charnock


Testimonials

‘Mark Goodwin, Emma Charnock and Hannah Catterall are all excellent.’

‘Mark Goodwin is the key founder of the firm and is rock solid as a litigator. Emma Charnock also stands out.’

‘An exceptional, client-focused litigation boutique that is the stand out operator in the North West but with a national presence too. The team is partner led so clients benefit from senior involvement throughout a case. The practice is modern and forward thinking.’

Work highlights


  • Acted for an investor in the defence of a £160 million commercial court claim in relation to the sale of a portfolio of hotels in central London.
  • Acting for the founders and significant shareholders in the business in a dispute with a private equity investor.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper UK LLP is known for its expertise in corporate matters, regularly acting for private equity and corporate clients on major shareholder disputes. The team is often involved in contentious proceedings in relation to schemes of arrangements and capital reductions. Andrew Smith co-leads the practice with Christina Sharma who has a diverse client base consisting of pension funds, banks, local governments and football clubs.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Smith; Christina Sharma


Other key lawyers:

Danielle Carter; Harriet Michael


Testimonials

‘Hugely approachable and sensible lawyers.’

‘Christina Sharma is brilliant at client management; realistic with sound judgment. You know exactly where you stand.’

‘DLA Liverpool is a first class outfit. Everything they do is to a high degree of professionalism. They are a pleasure to work with.’

‘Christina Sharma is a charming and persuasive lawyer who fights fiercely for her clients’ interests.’

‘Christina Sharma is brilliant at client management; realistic, sound judgment; you know exactly where you stand. Harriet Michael is very sound.’

‘Christine Sharma is a City-standard litigator with great commercial nous, energy and sophisticated client skills. She holds her own against the biggest law firms in the world. In the matter I worked with her on recently, she was very well supported by Harriet Michael.’

‘Harriet Michael is a highly efficient and organised solicitor, who is a pleasure to work with.’

Key clients

OBN Private Jet Limited & Mr Nasser


The Reply Group


The Liverpool Football & Athletic Grounds Limited (LFC)


ScottishPower Energy Retail Limited


Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited (USS)


Yan Liu, Jie Shen, Easi Global Limited & Chongqing Meikelaifuyireer Technology Co. Ltd (EASI Defendants).


Shareholders and directors of Sportpesa Global Holdings Limited


Duracell UK Ltd


IHG Hotels Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for the EASI Defendants in the highly publicised English Proceedings brought by HungryPanda following the sale of EASI’s fast food business in Australia to HungryPanda.
  • Acted for OBN Private Jet Limited and Mr Naser in the High Court in proceedings valued at USD 30 million in relation to the purchase and financing of a private jet.
  • Acted for a number of shareholders and the directors of Sportpesa Global Holdings Limited (SGHL) in a highly publicised dispute which has led to a consolidated Part 7 claim and Part 8 unfair prejudice petition.

Weightmans LLP

Weightmans LLP has a well-established commercial litigation team which acts for a broad mix of clients ranging from large corporates, local authorities, education institutions, owner managed and SME businesses. The team specialises in commercial contract disputes and trade mark infringement matters, amongst other areas. Sarah Conroy heads the team with experience in governance and constitutional issues. Andrew Roberts regularly acts for manufacturers in relation to contentious matters. Michelle Connor left for CG Professional in May 2023.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Conroy


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Roberts


Testimonials

‘Weightmans LLP have a very customer centric approach. They work cooperatively and constructively with other firms. Their strategic approach is most refreshing and provides an added edge when compared to other firms.’

‘The Weightmans team operates with utmost commitment and they are very approachable. Andrew Roberts has been able to quickly gain understanding of our requirements and his ability to understand our business has proven invaluable in our working relationship.’

‘The commercial dispute team at Weightmans is reliable and efficient.’

‘Professional and hard working team who went above and beyond on a demanding case.’

‘Really excellent team, particularly acting for public sector clients in large scale litigation.’

Key clients

Fenland District Council


Imagen Therapeutics Limited


Polaris Medical Services Limited


Sovini Construction Limited /Sovini Commercial Limited


Landmarc Support Services Limited


Northside Truck & Van Limited


Anglesey County Council


S Norton & Co Limited


Bertazzoni S.p.A


Ventcroft Limited


Empower Housing Association Limited


Gentoo Group Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for Northside Truck and Van Limited throughout their successful defence of High Court proceedings brought against them by Green GRP Logistics Limited.

DTM Legal LLP

DTM Legal LLP's team includes experts in resolving disputes involving contracts, finance, intellectual property, construction, restrictive covenants and breach of duty claims. Practice head Jim Morris has particular experience in contentious construction cases while Kate Roberts works on finance litigation and insolvency. Richard Harris  focuses on intellectual property and shareholder disagreements.

Practice head(s):

Jim Morris


Other key lawyers:

Kate Roberts; Richard Harris


Testimonials

‘DTM offer a commercial litigation team that is the match of any other team in the region and beyond. Their approach is founded on the unrivalled experience of their founding partners and a business outlook to managing and obtaining their clients objectives in litigation.’

‘The team is very capable in dealing with a wide range of commercial disputes. Each member of the team is a safe pair of hands and responsive. The team offers excellent value for money.’

‘Kate Roberts is outstanding. She is razor sharp in all of her fields of expertise and is a brilliant strategist. She is very commercial in her approach to legal disputes and is extremely responsive.’

Key clients

The Atmore Group


Funding Circle Group


Rotex Europe Limited


Foundation For Art and Creative Technology t/a FACT


Elements (Europe) Limited


Begbies Traynor


Edge Recovery


Clancy Consulting Limited


Zodeq Limited


Pen-Y-Bryn EMI Ltd


Global Baggage Solutions


Carpenter Build Ltd


Swishfund Limited


Sterling Services


Consultant Clinic Aesthetics Limited


Grant Thornton


CCI Credit Management Ltd


Ellison Europe Limited


Willan Group Ltd


MSoft eSolutions Ltd


Vectorex Construction Limited


Luxlite Ltd


Legat Owen


I Data Com Limited


Esterform Packaging Limited


Blackrock Medical Recruitment Limited


Thomas Storey Fabrications Limited


Simon Phipps


Net World Sports Limited


Marine Specialised Technology Limited


Nightfly Limited


Azzurro Associates Limited


Formwork Direct International Limited


The Liberal Democratic Party


Mercia Asset Management PLC


Leonard Curtis


Woolton Hall Limited


Lillycross Homes Limited


Matthew & Rebecca Rowen


Harrogate Consultants Limited


Greenbank Drive Surgery


NTF Financial Solutions Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for the Liberal Democratic Party in relation to an extremely urgent injunction application by a former member seeking to be re-admitted to stand in upcoming elections.
  • Acted for Simon Phipps in relation to High Court proceedings issued involving a complex shareholder dispute.

Excello Law

The lawyers at Excello Law are often instructed in disputes relating to shareholders, insolvency, sports and contracts. Dominic McGinn acts for a mix of companies, individuals, property developers and fashion wholesalers. Sarah Nolan specialises in general commercial litigation with issues including director disqualifications and injunctive relief.

Practice head(s):

Dominic McGinn; Sarah Nolan


Testimonials

‘Work collaboratively as a team with different areas of expertise and bring in appropriate specialist advice, e.g. from counsel, surveyors, planning experts etc. Very customer and result focused.’

‘All very knowledgeable, very friendly and approachable and with good people skills and customer relationships.’

‘The individuals are self-motivated and attentive to the clients, and I’ve noticed work being passed between persons more suitable, so despite their decentralised model, they work well as a team.’

‘Sarah Nolan stands out as exceptional. She is excellent at putting her clients at ease, and she understands very well the division of labour between solicitor and barrister. She is unusually effective to work with.’

‘Sarah Nolan was committed to achieving the best outcome and took the time to give attention to the detail required whilst retaining a view of the bigger picture. Her advice was central to securing the outcome.’

‘Streamlined service.’

Key clients

World Sports Advisers S.L


Apollo Care (Franchising) Limited


Lineroom


Parkin S Booth Ltd


Atlas Business Group of Companies Limited


China Information Corporation (UK) Limited


Multi Connex Network Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for 6 minority shareholders (including the founder and ex CEO) in unfair prejudice proceedings brought against private equity investors/shareholders in a multi-million-pound technology company.
  • Acted for a distributor on the defence of a £2 million pounds claim by a manufacturer and a cross claim for damages for four million pounds.
  • Acted for the coaching staff of an ex-premier league club in a claim for damages of £1.8 million against the club.

Napthens LLP

Napthens LLP handles a range of disputes from contract and construction litigation to professional negligence and shareholder disputes. The practice is headed by James Stephenson who has particular expertise in disputes relating to the sale of goods, supply of services and insolvency proceedings. He also handles insolvency matters, both bankruptcy and winding-up proceedings.

Practice head(s):

James Stephenson


Other key lawyers:

Anna Abell


Testimonials

‘I have always found the advice, communication and general service provided by Napthens to be second to none. I am always confident that I am always given the best advice to allow me to reach a satisfactory outcome.’

‘I have worked with James Stephenson who was impressive with his mastery of the details in a very complex engineering dispute.’

‘Napthens LLP proved themselves to be very reliable, efficient and effective company. I recognise Napthens to be very strong in providing variety of services and excellent industry awareness.’

Key clients

Cristex Limited


Michael Davies & Associates Limited t/a Staci


Borwick Developments Limited


Heritage GB Plc


KW Designed Solutions Limited


Logik Developments Limited


Reward Finance Limited


Steiner Hops Limited


Livesey Contracting & Maintenance Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised a limited company involved in large scale property developments projects in relation to an alleged breach of contract claim valued at £9million.
  • Advised two private individuals in relation to an appeal following an application by a French bank to register a French Notarial Deed in England as a judgment in the King’s Bench Division of the High Court of Justice.
  • Advised a limited company in relation to a procurement challenge in respect of a tender process and subsequent contract valued at £20million.