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Commercial litigation: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40

Blake Lapthorn provides a ‘Rolls-Royce service’ and ‘unsurpassed advice’, and recently advised the Bank of Scotland in defending a High Court claim brought by a German printing presses manufacturer. ‘One of the best solicitors’, Jonathan Lloyd-Jones has an ‘extraordinary grasp of facts, and a remarkable analytical mind and knowledge of the law’.

Chris Potts ‘combines a quiet façade with a steely aggressive side’ and has a ‘tactical brain’, and Richard Humphreys ‘delivers the right blend of commercial and legal advice’. The arrival of consultant and construction expert David Miles from Glovers Solicitors LLP, and another senior solicitor from Osborne Clarke, has further boosted the team’s capabilities.

‘Up there with the best’, Clarkslegal LLP has a ‘highly client-focused approach’ coupled with ‘deep knowledge’. The practice ‘competes with all the major London firms’ on commercial and public sector disputes, and has particular expertise in environmental, commercial agency and product liability claims. The team features ‘brilliant negotiator’ and ‘excellent strategist’ Antony Morris; Chris Tayton, who is an ‘excellent adviser’; and ‘dogged and determined’ associate and ‘first-class litigator’ Stephen James.

Pitmans LLP handles disputes with ‘ease, professionalism’ and a ‘commercially realistic approach’, and is particularly rated for its mediation capabilities. The team has expertise in IT, property and finance disputes, and also advises on professional negligence cases, shareholder disputes and pensions cases. ‘One of the best litigators in the business’, the ‘multi-skilled’ Sue O’Brien is ‘realistic and consultative’. Tim Clark and the ‘extremely personable’ Suzanne Brooker are also recommended. Clients include Marshalls and AMT Coffee.

Shoosmiths handles large-scale commercial disputes, and recently advised engineering and environmental hydraulics supplier HR Wallingford in a £2.5m warranty claim. Stuart Little has experience in IT and corporate disputes, and Nick Fenner handles contentious matters relating to software, technology and privacy. Paul Eccles has expertise in insurance claims. New clients include British Gas Trading.

Boyes Turner impresses with its ‘excellent service’ and ‘fast responses’. Gary Parkinson leads the group, and in 2010 advised BDW Trading (Barratt Homes) in a dispute with a purchaser. The team is well known for its contentious construction expertise and property litigation work, for which the ‘highly commercial and practical’ John Starr is singled out. The firm gained a contentious IP practice in 2010 with the arrival of Sarah Hadland from Pitmans LLP, who counts Ty and Gant as clients. Former group head Mike Robinson is recommended.

Henmans LLP’s ‘professional team’ is ‘swift to act’, and has ‘City-level experience’ and specialist strength in areas such as professional negligence and indemnity, property, product liability, construction and defamation cases. The group recently acted in a breach of fiduciary duty case worth £1m. Joint practice heads Sarah Foster and Duncan Crine are recommended, as is Andrew Crocombe.

Providing ‘exceptional service’, Manches LLP’s ‘very efficient and competent’ team is ‘particularly thorough’: ‘expert litigator’ Julie Bond is ‘absolutely first class’ and has a ‘completely commercial attitude’; on the property side, John Morrison has a ‘high level of knowledge’ and gives the ‘best possible advice’; and Steven Maier is also rated for contentious IP and IT matters. Recent highlights include advising on a £1.5m professional negligence claim.

Morgan Cole’s ‘knowledgeable team’ provides ‘very good service’, and has experience in commercial agency, contractual and healthcare sector disputes. Practice head Stephanie Walls is ‘clearly an expert in her field’. The group advised Mair Property Services in a professional negligence claim, and other clients include The National Trust and NRS Media.

Osborne Clarke is rated for its ‘City-style service’, and is advising the Bank of Ireland in a multimillion-pound dispute. The team also advised new client Isotrak on an IT project dispute. Peter Sheppard is an ‘excellent commercial litigator with very strong strategic skills’, and associate Dawn Troman is ‘intelligent and enthusiastic’. New clients include Verint, Avanti Communications and Mphasis.

Blandy & Blandy LLP’s ‘prompt and knowledgeable’ team is noted for its ability to ‘explain complex matters simply’. Jacques Smith and Philip D’Arcy advise on contractual disputes, contentious probate, property, defamation and professional negligence claims.

Brethertons LLP provides ‘exemplary service’ and ‘prompt and comprehensive responses’, and handles property, professional negligence and personal injury cases. Shaun Jardine is ‘fully conversant in all issues’ and legal executive Sioban Calcott’s ‘considerable Leasehold Valuation Tribunal knowledge’ is highly rated.

Darbys Solicitors LLP took on specialist commercial debt recovery firm Graham Bridgman & Co in September 2010, further strengthening its commercial recovery and insolvency capability. The team also handles contentious probate, equine claims and land disputes. Nick Wright leads the group, and Graham Bridgman is praised for his ‘industry knowledge, accessibility and professionalism’.

The ‘proactive and creative’ team at Field Seymour Parkes delivers ‘exceptional standards of service’. The team advised Gold Group Properties in a £9m claim against Barratt Homes. Bill Dixon is ‘extremely clever and has a good understanding of the law’. The ‘solution-focused’ Joe Lott is ‘especially strong’, and Elizabeth Mehdevy is also recommended.

Thomas Eggar LLP advises on professional negligence, contractual, banking, company, defamation and IP disputes. The team acts for Rebound Electronics, Landscape Group and Fairbairn Private Bank, and is currently assisting an international bank in a multi-jurisdictional claim. The ‘very knowledgeable and helpful’ Andrew Jackson is singled out for his ‘pragmatic approach’.

Clifton Ingram LLP has a ‘skilled team’ led by Jonathan Davis.

Chris Felton at Gardner Leader LLP is very ‘switched on’.

Paul Northwood of Northwood Reid is ‘diligent, efficient, knowledgeable and good value’.

Associate Caroline Gibbs at Spratt Endicott is recommended.

Rowberry Morris has a ‘very knowledgeable’ team.

White & Black Legal LLP is ‘simply brilliant’; the ‘quietly tenacious’ Henry Mendus is ‘a pleasure to work with’.

Commercial litigation: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx

The ‘professional and thorough’ IBB (Iliffes Booth Bennett) handles a range of commercial cases, notably shareholder disputes and corporate fraud matters, and has expertise in the transport, healthcare and hotel sectors. The team was recently reappointed to handle all contentious work for Renault UK. Practice head Paul Kite is recommended.

Matthew Arnold & Baldwin LLP substantially expanded its dispute resolution department through a number of hires in 2010 and 2011. With a strong focus on banking and finance, the team is on over 30 banks’ litigation panels, and was appointed to the panels of RBS, Kensington Mortgages and Santander in 2010.

Commended for its ‘strong, robust advice’, SNR Denton’s team, led by Doug Masson, acts for numerous household names including Homebase, and also recently represented Argos in a contract claim in the Commercial Court. James Fairbairn and ‘excellent’ former head of department Andrew Myers are recommended. Corporate clients include Santander and Ernst & Young.

The ‘efficient and down-to-earth’ team at Shoosmiths represents major players in the automotive, manufacturing, IT, IP and retail sectors. National head of commercial litigation Alex Bishop has experience ranging from commercial contract and negligence claims to obtaining injunctions and handling complex fraud matters.

‘Outstanding without exception’, B P Collins LLP’s four-partner team represents clients across a number of sectors, including technology, healthcare and food. Practice head Matthew Brandis ‘takes the time to understand business requirements’, and the ‘professionally impeccable’ Craig Williams was promoted to partner in 2010.

‘Insightful, astute and professional’, EMW recently won new clients Travis Perkins, Reggae Reggae Sauce and RPA International. Mark Rondel leads the team and was instructed in numerous shareholder disputes during 2010. Mark Hessel is also recommended.

Kimbells LLP recruited new litigation practice head Simon Hobbs from IBB (Iliffes Booth Bennett), where he headed up the insolvency practice. Linda Mattingly also joined, as an associate from Shoosmiths. The team has a substantial leisure and brewery client base.

SA Law LLP handles contentious matters for clients across a number of sectors, including sport, retail and construction. Tracy Lacey-Smith (formerly of the firm’s employment department) was recently appointed to co-head the commercial litigation group alongside Robert Ryall.

Taylor Walton LLP’s litigation group is led by Andrew Knight, who has expertise in commercial contracts and shareholder disputes. Tracy Harris’ experience includes restrictive covenants, contract disputes and fraud claims.

The ‘exceptional’ Trevor Coward heads up the litigation team at Geoffrey Leaver, which handles numerous international disputes. Clients also ‘whole-heartedly recommend’ associate Mairead McErlean, for her ‘prompt, pragmatic and very effective’ advice.

Harvey Ingram Borneos’ commercial litigation team is headed by Alan Hamblett, who has over 30 years of experience, and acts for clients such as Diageo and Enterprise Inns. Vincent Foley is also recommended.

The litigation department at Sherrards Solicitors LLP is led by Paul Marmor, who delivers ‘very focused, sound advice’. Clients also recommend the ‘highly attentive’ Karen Dobson, and senior solicitor Barney Laurence, who is ‘a real talent for the future’.

Commercial litigation: Kent, Surrey and Sussex

Clyde & Co’s client base includes IATA and Total Gas & Power. Chris Burdett ‘gets a handle on commercial aspects of disputes very efficiently’, and primarily acts for large organisations. Also recommended is David Bennet, who has significant litigation experience, as well as particular expertise in cross-border arbitration. The firm is currently handling a high-profile IT case for Ericsson.

Charles Russell LLP provides ‘a level of service expected of top City litigation practices’, and fields a team that has ‘outstanding intellect, tactical acumen and commercial sense’. In 2010, it secured first instructions from ITN and ITV. Practice head Duncan Elson ‘commands immediate respect from clients and opponents alike’.

Peter Ashford heads the disputes team at Cripps Harries Hall LLP, which specialises in complex commercial litigation. The ‘pragmatic and no-nonsense’ Peter Garry handles partnership and LLP disputes, and Ed Weeks advises on shareholder disputes.

The ‘very approachable and helpful’ team at DMH Stallard LLP is led by Simon Elcock, who has a ‘commercial and pragmatic approach’. Key clients include The London Borough of Croydon. James Colvin is also recommended.

Stevens & Bolton LLP acts for both domestic and international clients, and provides advice that is ‘second to none’. Practice head Richard King specialises in shareholder and corporate disputes, particularly those with overseas dimensions. Michael Frisby has a ‘great ability to see beyond the immediate issues’. Clients include Kia Motors UK and G4S.

Thomas Eggar LLP’s ‘highly responsive and well-resourced’ commercial litigation group has a strong focus on cross-border disputes. Victoria Brackett ‘really looks after her clients’, and has extensive trial experience in the High Court and the Court of Appeal. Clients include SportsDirect and Clydesdale Bank.

asb law LLP has a growing contentious aviation practice, attracting new instructions from the likes of Air Partner and Aercap. Richard Mumford heads up the disputes group and is experienced in the areas of multi-jurisdictional fraud, bribery and corruption.

The ‘level-headed and consistent’ Stuart Evans recently took over as head of disputes at Rawlison Butler LLP; he has particular expertise in cross-border litigation, notably matters involving US law and jurisdiction. Highlights for 2010 included several contractual and IP disputes.

Thomson Snell & Passmore delivers a ‘high level of service and expertise’, and reports an increase in overseas instructions. Practice head Kamal Aggarwal and senior associate Julie Gabay are recommended.

Commercial litigation: Hampshire

The ‘extremely commercial and business-focused’ Blake Lapthorn was recently appointed to the panel of BAA and the Horticultural Development Board. The firm’s mediation service BL Resolve continues apace. Susie Dryden has ‘good commercial awareness’ and is a ‘pragmatic, tactical and thorough litigator’. Richard Portlock leads the team, and Stephen Murfitt has notable regulatory experience. Clients praise the team’s ‘skills and aptitude, equal to many City competitors’.

‘Practical and solution focused’, Bond Pearce LLP delivers ‘fantastic service’ and has notable energy and media sector expertise through Tom Beezer; he advises the likes of Virgin, E.ON, and Babcock International. The team advised Total E&P UK, Coopervision Manufacturing and Arcadia Group in 2010 and is recommended for its ‘outstanding retail industry knowledge’. Gavin Matthews is ‘very experienced’.

‘Excellent on all counts’, Lamport Bassitt provides ‘very good-quality’ and ‘sound’ advice. The insurance sector is a particular strength; in 2010 the team advised LV= in various claims. Practice head Rick Munro is an ‘excellent litigator’, and recently settled a multi-party dispute for a freightliner through mediation. Neil Stewart is ‘very professional’.

Shoosmiths’ team is led by the ‘excellent’ Jonathan Grigg, who has a depth of experience in advising on pensions disputes. In 2010 the group advised Lifeways Community Care regarding a £150,000 warranty claim.

Practice head Estelle Dimelor joined Clarke Willmott LLP from Spratt Endicott in January 2011. Senior associate Zoe Kirby has a ‘caring, effective and efficient approach’, and Paul Cox has expertise in contentious IP cases. The team provides a ‘good balance of legal and commercial advice’. Clients include Bandai and Sony.

The team of ‘intelligent and practical lawyers’ at Coffin Mew LLP is led by Owen Santry, and handles professional negligence and marine litigation. The ‘streetwise’ Christian Smith has corporate disputes expertise, and Portsmouth-based Tim Gleeson counts the Royal Navy Association as a client.

Led by Paul Whitaker, Moore Blatch LLP’s team grew substantially in 2010, with five solicitors joining the group. The team has notable experience in transport, marine, property and finance litigation, and also handles professional negligence and IP/IT disputes.

The ‘very good’ Clive Thomson at Paris Smith LLP and Peter Taylor are highly recommended. The group recently handled several claims in the public sector regarding liability cases and contractual disputes.

At Trethowans LLP, Richard Cook’s team acts for Jewson and Bacardi Martini, and was recently involved in two High Court trials. Colin Passam left for Dutton Gregory LLP in 2010.

Commercial litigation: Essex

The ‘first-class’, four-partner team at Birkett Long LLP recently acted on behalf of Flex Associates in a High Court shareholder dispute. Additional highlights included complex litigation on behalf of a consumer co-operative. Practice head Peter Allen is praised for his ‘excellent’ business acumen.

2010 highlights for the ‘excellent’ Chelmsford-based team at Birketts LLP included a multi-party professional negligence claim, a substantial warranty claim, and a High Court purchaser’s liability claim. Daden Hunt is ‘very thorough’ and provides ‘swift responses’. Matthew Atkins heads the practice from Ipswich.

The ‘first-class’ team at Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP recently advised an offshore financial adviser from Regency Asset Management in a claim which involved Russian, UK and Czech jurisdictional issues. Practice head James Burkett is ‘excellent’ and has ‘exceptional knowledge’.

The team at Palmers is headed by the ‘very experienced and perceptive’ Clive Tant. In 2010 the team negotiated a multimillion-pound settlement with a government department. It also has expertise in construction, partnership and shareholder disputes.

Wendy Beach’s ‘prompt and professional’ team at Wortley Byers has developed a particular specialism in partnership and shareholder disputes, and advised on cases worth in excess of £5m in 2010. The partners are ‘experts in their fields’.

Ellisons’ Graeme Wallington is an ‘outstanding lawyer with very strong judgement’. Clients include Colchester United FC and Supreme Pet Foods.

2010 saw Stephen Eccles’ team at Pinney Talfourd LLP act for a group of property investors, a national charity and a property developer.

Nigel Holdcroft heads the team at Tolhurst Fisher, which has expertise in professional negligence, landlord and tenant, and construction disputes.

Wortley Redmayne & Kershaw’s team has a ‘wealth of experience’. Work highlights included a £1m tenancy dispute. Practice head David Perry is recommended.

Debt recovery

Sadak Miah’s team at Blake Lapthorn advises on return of goods and debt cases for high-profile clients such as the ISS Group and Mercedes Benz. New clients include Toyota Financial Services, and Hitachi Capital Services.

Richard Gwynne’s sizeable team at Shoosmiths acts for national companies in a number of industries including recruitment and branded clothing, and also acts for a number of local authorities.

Spratt Endicott’s ‘excellent and experienced’ team provides recovery services to a number of high street banks, and clients in the retail and education sectors. Practice head Martin Hughes’ experience is ‘invaluable’.

The ‘brilliant’ Ally Tow leads the ‘extremely professional’ team at Boyes Turner. It counts private companies, including Kelly Services and Avnet Technology Solutions, and public sector organisations among its client base.

Shirley Moore’s dedicated team of 30 fee-earners at Brachers manage debt recovery matters for high-profile clients with a collective value in excess of £114m.

Shaun Jardine’s ‘exceptional’ team at Brethertons LLP handles both commercial and residential property management recovery matters for the likes of Coca-Cola. Jackie Ray is ‘a joy to work with’.

Simon Elcock’s team at DMH Stallard LLP has ‘impressive knowledge’ and acts for clients in a range of sectors. New clients include the Performing Rights Society.

Matthew Arnold & Baldwin LLP’s debt recovery clients include Barclays, Hitachi, KPMG and Kodak. Jackie Hanlon leads the team.

Pitmans LLP’s team is headed by Suzanne Brooker and has expertise in a range of sectors including accountancy, construction and retail. Donna Goddard has ‘excellent recovery rates’.

James Fairbairn’s team at SNR Denton continues to advise clients such as RBS and Routeco on unpaid invoices and individual cases typically valued up to £500,000.

Michael Frisby’s team at Stevens & Bolton LLP focuses on high-volume debt recovery work for clients such as Atradius, Personal Group and Guildford College.

Barlow Robbins LLP’s clients include the World Wildlife Fund. The team is headed up by David Foster and features the ‘excellent’ Robert Parks.

Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP’s team is headed by David Tye-Reeve; representative clients include RBS and London Claims.

Lesley Bacon’s team at Clifton Ingram LLP deals with the full range of debt recovery work.

colemans-ctts LLP has an ‘exceptional’ team, and practice head Tony Sutton provides ‘unrivalled specialist knowledge’.

The team at Cripps Harries Hall LLP has media and pharmaceuticals-sector expertise. Clients include Prudential Assurance.

2010 saw Field Seymour Parkes obtain large recoveries for both longstanding and new clients, and strengthen its ties with professional services clients.

Furley Page Solicitors’ clients include student accommodation provider Liberty Living and Moore Stephens.

Judge and Priestley LLP has many years’ experience in the area and a 25-strong team handling work for clients such as Investec and Connaught. Mark Oakley heads the department.

stevensdrake’s client list includes ING Lease and Mercedes Benz. Graham Penn’s team acted for Australian finance company Credit Corp Group in 2010.

Louise Boyle’s team at Trethowans LLP works with a number of NHS trusts, and has developed a niche in car park enforcement matters.

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