Commercial litigation: Kent, Surrey and Sussex in South East

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

Focusing on dispute resolution, litigation prevention and risk management, the Guildford team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP handles matters with multi-jurisdictional elements for corporate clients in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, with clients praising it as ‘a law firm of great calibre with excellent people’ who are ‘great, very friendly and a pleasure to work with’. The team specialises in corporate litigation, commercial matters, and product liability and supply chain disputes and is increasingly handling professional negligence claims. The team is led by Stephen Burns, who is ‘clever, with terrifically good judgment’ and is a specialist in Companies Act litigation, shareholder disputes and professional negligence issues; and ‘shrewd, experienced negotiator’ Jamie Cartwright, who has experience in technology, automotive, retail and product liability disputes. Rachel Warren is ‘excellent on financial services regulation and disciplinary matters’. The ‘highly commercial’ Gareth Mills is an expert in international arbitration and has substantial experience advising financial services and TMT clients. Head of the Guildford office Duncan Elson is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Burns; Jamie Cartwright


Other key lawyers:

Rachel Warren; Gareth Mills; Duncan Elson; Katie Bewick; Rory Partridge; Charlotte Healy


Testimonials

‘Stephen Burns and his team are exceptional litigators. They are well resourced, hardworking, and have the capability to draw on other specialists across the firm for specific matters.’

‘Stephen Burns is clever, with terrifically good judgment. He offers the right balance of aggression and common sense, and always pushes hard to meet the client’s commercial objectives. Katie Bewick is an excellent and hardworking associate, who is a joy to work with.’

‘The team is extremely practical. On each of the cases I’ve seen, they have found a creative solution to force an outcome in their client’s favour.’

‘Stephen Burns is very calm and collected. Charlotte Healy is detail driven and impressive. Jamie Cartwright combines a thorough grasp of the detail together with the ability to advise strategically and tactically. He’s also a shrewd, experienced negotiator.’

‘I work with CRS on cases with multi-jurisdictional and international elements. I find the team to be great to work with, able to work seamlessly across offices in different jurisdictions, and extremely experienced in advising clients on complex enforcement issues. The team are very user friendly, and punch well above their weight.’

‘Rachel Warren is excellent on financial services regulation and disciplinary matters. Gareth Mills is highly commercial and insightful in all interactions.’

‘The team has a very personable approach and takes time not only to provide excellent insight and service, but to do so in an approachable, reassuring, professional and amicable manner.’

‘The team at CRS is great, very friendly and a pleasure to work with. I have had many cases with them by now and I get excited each time I work with them, which shows how great it is. They are all very sensible as to demands and as to what arguments work and which do not. They are a law firm of great calibre with excellent people who know their stuff.’

Key clients

City & Guilds


Cargill


Jankel Armouring


Essity


ATC UK


Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited


Swiss Post


Pro Med Pharma Limited


Fiat Chrysler


Stonegate Pubs


Cripps

The ‘skilled and practical’ team at Cripps in Tunbridge Wells handles complex disputes for UK and international clients, companies and business individuals across several sectors including the advertising and media, technology, food and drink, and property industries. Recent work has involved litigation related to commercial contracts, insolvency and restructuring matters, professional negligence claims and post-transactional disputes. Heading up the team is Philip Youdan and the ‘fantastic, efficient, sensible and wise’ Ed Weeks, who is well-known for his expertise in shareholders’ disputes and directors’ duties issues. ‘Go-to lawyer’ Joanna Ford has a specialism in handling restructuring and insolvency matters as well as shareholder disputes concerning IT and technology contracts. Also of note is Tom Bourne, who has a particular interest in the food and drinks sector, with experience in commercial and post-transactional disputes. Hannah Proctor is well versed in misfeasance claims and breach of contract disputes, praised as a ‘successful litigator’. In early 2024, the firm acquired Horsham-based firm PDT Solicitors, which added the expertise of William Angas, Ben Ashworth and Justin McConville to the practice.

Practice head(s):

Ed Weeks; Philip Youdan


Other key lawyers:

Tom Bourne; Joanna Ford; Hannah Proctor; Gemma Pearmain; William Angas; Ben Ashworth; Justin McConville; Gail Morris; Tiffany Anderson


Testimonials

‘The Cripps commercial litigation team is skilled and practical. It achieves results without complication and efficiently. It is clearly the go-to team for medium/large commercial disputes in SE England outside London.’

‘Ed Weeks is fantastic, efficient, sensible and wise. Joanna Ford and Tom Bourne are also very good indeed.’

‘I am based in SE Asia, and I am often asked to recommend a law firm in the UK and without hesitation I recommend Cripps. I have recommended them multiple times recently.’

‘Joanna Ford is my go-to lawyer. I have worked with her for years and she always helps finds me the right person. Cripps are an excellent firm, and I would go nowhere else.’

‘Ed Weeks was outstanding in terms of understanding the commercial drivers of the dispute, responsiveness and acting pragmatically.’

‘Cripps is obviously well run and well organised. It delivers a City standard service at Tunbridge Wells prices. As a group they are pleasure to deal with and have been helpful in ways that went beyond their obligations. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to others.’

‘I have worked with Hannah Proctor who has all the skills required of the successful litigator: an ability to get the job done, an ability to make realistic assessments of the merits and to look for the quickest way to resolve the client’s problem. She is also personable and fun to work with.’

‘William Angas is very commercial with excellent insolvency knowledge and lots of experience in fraud and directors’ duty claims. Ben Ashworth is very good at getting to grips with detail.’

Key clients

Eurotunnel / The Channel Tunnel Group


FRP Advisory Trading Limited


Holiday Extras


The Wates Group


Close Brothers


Cadogan Estates Ltd


Fridays Ltd


Spink & Son Ltd


Noksel Çelik Boru Sanayi A.S


Panini Spa


Work highlights


  • Acted for a Turkish company, Noksel Çelik Boru Sanayi A.S, to achieve a multi-million pound judgment after an eight day reported commercial court trial.
  • Acted for Greenbox Recycling Limited, a waste management company, and one of its directors defending a misfeasance claim estimated to be worth millions of pounds in the High Court, including a subsequent appeal in the Court of Appeal.
  • Acted for a wealthy London family in defending a multi-million pound claim and injunctive proceedings issued by a non-domiciled family member alleging fraud and forgery relating to a company and a number of London properties.

Stevens & Bolton LLP

Stevens & Bolton LLP regularly advises on international corporate, shareholder and commercial contract disputes across growth areas including the life sciences, energy and fraud spaces. Led by commercial disputes expert Sarah Murray in Guildford, who regularly acts for retail, insurance and healthcare clients and also heads up the firm’s international group, the team has recently handled breach of contract and negligence claims and has a client roster featuring the likes of Allianz Insurance and Phillips. Michael Frisby provides risk management advice and handles litigation, international arbitration and adjudication work. Catherine Penny has substantial experience in contract and earn out disputes, while Andrew Quick specialises in disputes arising out of corporate transactions and franchising arrangements, as well as professional negligence claims.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Murray


Other key lawyers:

Michael Frisby; Catherine Penny; Andrew Quick; James Evison; Katie Philipson; Lorna Sleeve


Testimonials

‘Sarah Murray – a brilliant lawyer who is not afraid to get stuck in as part of the team.’

‘Catherine Penny – a joy to work with. Thorough and engaging.’

‘Katie Philipson – a hard-working associate with a brilliant eye for detail.’

‘Sarah Murray heads up the team.  She is very responsive and has excellent client handling skills.’

‘Catherine Penny: ability to understand and resolve complex issues always paying attention to details.’

‘Andrew Quick – Sage and experienced adviser, quick to identify the commercial and legal point of even the largest litigation.  Suitably firm and energetic with the opponent, when needed.’

‘James Evison – thoughtful and thorough team player.  Starting to emerge as a force.

‘Andrew Quick – a real force in this field.  Very commercial in his approach but very talented as a commercial lawyer.’

Key clients

Helios Oryx Limited


Allianz Insurance Limited


Global Display Solutions SpA


Phillips


Work highlights


  • Acting for Helios Oryx Limited in £80m proceedings issued in the commercial court connected with ongoing proceedings in Namibia for sums due under a facility agreement.
  • Acting for Allianz in a commercial court dispute worth £140m, with a former corporate partner in respect of customer redress for the sale of PPI and Product Protection insurance.
  • Advising Global Display Solutions SpA and its group companies in claims for damages against NCR Corporation (and its group companies) for deceit, breach of contract, unlawful conspiracy and other claims to the value of €37m.

DMH Stallard LLP

Acting in contractual, financial and shareholder disputes in the aviation, finance and manufacturing industries, concerning claims of breach of contract, corporate fraud and professional negligence, the team at DMH Stallard LLP in Surrey and Sussex displays ‘great attention to detail and the willingness to go the extra mile’. Leading the team is the Gatwick-based Simon Elcock, who offers expertise in the professional services, insurance and banking sectors. James Colvin advises on all areas of commercial and banking dispute resolution. Qualified as a barrister and solicitor, Jonathan Compton in Guildford often advises individuals and commercial organisations on competition, banking and regulatory disputes, while the ‘unflappableTim Ashdown is an IP and technology disputes expert. The team has expanded with the arrival of Nicola Billen from Knights plc in April 2022, who has experience in contractual, corporate and shareholder disputes, and Frank Bouette from Shakespeare Martineau LLP in February 2022.

Practice head(s):

Simon Elcock


Other key lawyers:

James Colvin; Jonathan Compton; Tim Ashdown; Nicola Billen; Robert Ganpatsingh; Clive Lee; Romy Cross; Frank Bouette; Beatrice Bass; Victoria Watt


Testimonials

‘Tim Ashdown’s team easily holds its own when litigating against larger London-based firms, primarily due to Tim’s own experience and ability to manage complex disputes. Unusually for a firm based in Brighton, the team is very familiar with High Court litigation, and the nuances which come with a claim in the Business and Property Courts.’

‘Tim Ashdown, partner of the Brighton team, is entirely unflappable, and able to rise above the day-to-day problems encountered during a case in order to steer a case towards either trial or settlement. Beatrice Bass is reliable and realistic. Beatrice is always on top of the relevant deadlines, the communication between the parties, and can identify what lies at the core of any problem. Victoria Watt is an up-and-coming junior associate, who has an incredible ability to learn and process new material.’

‘Great attention to detail and the willingness to go the extra mile allied with great commercial awareness.’

Key clients

A J Walter Aviation Limited


BDO LLP


CAE (UK) Plc


Greater Brighton Metropolitan College


Heidelberg Graphic Equipment Limited


National Westminster Bank Plc


RSM Restructuring & Advisory LLP


Leica UK Limited


Grohe Limited


Ocean Holidays Limited


Thomson Snell & Passmore

Operating out of Kent, the ‘commercially-minded’ and ‘excellent and friendly team’ at Thomson Snell & Passmore specialises in contract, trade and commodities disputes, insurance litigation, shareholder disputes, fraud matters and insolvency claims, particularly across the food and drink, transport and manufacturing industries. The trio of lawyers heading up the practice include Kamal Aggarwal, who has ‘extensive commercial litigation experience’ and handles high-value commercial disputes concerning UK and overseas clients; the ‘intelligent, strategic and very personable’ Douglas Skilton, who specialises in partnership, brand protection and IP disputes; and ‘experienced shipping and commercial litigator’ James Cradick, who manages ‘top flight’ litigation and arbitration in the commodities, trade and insurance sectors. ‘Rising star’ Rico Dexiades is another key lawyer.

Practice head(s):

Kamal Aggarwal; Douglas Skilton; James Cradick


Other key lawyers:

Rico Dexiades


Testimonials

‘Doug Skilton is a calm and very personable professional who delivers sensible and measured advice when required. He does, however, have a sharp and if necessary robust approach when dealing with the other side!’

‘An excellent and friendly team with a great depth of knowledge and expertise. They worked diligently and skilfully to secure the best result possible. They have an excellent understanding of their client’s position and very efficient responses to all communication.’

‘Kamal Aggarwal acted for me and he showed skill & understanding of my long & extremely complex case. Throughout the process he was completely professional, demonstrating his comprehensive knowledge of the law, capacity to work long and arduous hours and, very importantly for me, he demonstrated great empathy and understanding of my position. His communication skills, explanation of the process and guidance throughout could not have been better. I could not speak highly enough of him and would have no hesitation in recommending him.’

Key clients

Emperor Global Enterprises LLP & EGE Limited


Ward Security Limited


MidKent College


AXA XL (Paris)


Landmark Underwriting Ltd


Photonic Universe Limited


Home Gym Supply Limited


Skytrek Air Services


Essdocs Ventures Ltd


Napier Holdings Limited


Avante Care & Support Ltd


Fortus Construction Group


P Globe Limited


E Home Limited


The Incorporated Rochester Diocesan Board of Education and the Governing Body of the Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School


Birtley House (Kent) Limited


Volkspeed Engineering Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting on behalf of Barth Haas UK Ltd, suppliers of hops to the brewing industry, in a dispute with specialist brewing retailer.
  • Acting on behalf of Photonic Universe Limited, a renewable energy business specialising in the solar sector, regarding a dispute with a leading freight forwarding and warehouse provider in respect to storage, pick and pack, forwarding and delivery services.

TWM Solicitors LLP

TWM Solicitors LLP has a broad commercial disputes offering with ‘very experienced and careful litigators’ which have considerable experience in shareholder and business disputes, fraud and recovery matters, professional negligence claims and finance disputes. The practice is headed up by the Guildford-based David Hitchcock, who has significant experience in acting for businesses, SMEs and property developers in commercial and IP disputes, and Simon Brew who has handled High Court litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution work involving finance, negligence and contractual claims and whose ‘advice is always measured’. In Wimbledon, Eileen Barry is a specialist in shareholder and partnership, insolvency and commercial property disputes. Laurie Heizler, who joined the team in October 2022, offers contentious IP experience.

Practice head(s):

David Hitchcock; Simon Brew


Other key lawyers:

Eileen Barry; Laurie Heizler; Charlotte Dennington-Day


Testimonials

‘The partners are all approachable, consistent and available. They have a wide range of expertise, understand how much depth you want and are able to stick to the point!’

‘Simon Brew has been a huge support during an ongoing litigation case. His advice is always measured, and he takes the client’s view into account. He’s great to work with.’

‘The team have a real understanding and feel for their clients’ commercial needs.’

‘David Hitchcock is calm when under pressure and develops excellent relationships with his clients. Charlotte Dennington-Day has a real eye for detail.’

‘Really experienced litigation specialists, very commercial and user-friendly.’

‘Very experienced and careful litigators that are focused on client requirements.’

Key clients

Asertis Limited


Boddy Matthews Limited

The ‘professional’ team at Boddy Matthews Limited in Surrey offers a ‘wealth of knowledge’ and ‘differing areas of expertise and sound advice’. The team is increasingly advising on contractual commercial claims relating to breaches, tort commercial claims for high-net-worth individuals, aviation logistics claims and tax warranty disputes. The ‘exceptionally dedicated’ Kate Matthews is ‘reliable and efficient with excellent problem-solving abilities’ and offers significant experience acting for international and domestic clients.

Practice head(s):

Kate Matthews


Other key lawyers:

Louise Elliott


Testimonials

‘I am accustomed to black and white, unambiguous, ultimately no-nonsense responds in all aspects of life. BML was exactly this type of legal firm. They were methodical, pay attention to detail, are focused, clear, provide precise responses. The guidance, advice, the analysis of the true status quo, my options and the likely outcome were top class. The result justified fully my choice. BML is a team that functions like a Swiss clock mechanism.’

‘I dealt with Kate Matthews, the lawyer and expert in legal matters. The team did not drown into a sea of sophisticated technical terminology or technical arguments but instead succeeded in delivering first class documents which stood in court both on technical grounds and also in legal terms.’

‘Boddy Matthews have always been very professional, offering differing areas of expertise and sound advice. Kate Matthews has always been reliable and efficient with excellent problem solving abilities. She takes the time to understand the clients’ needs and requirements and works hard to find the necessary resolution.’

‘The team is run by two very hard working and dedicated legal professionals. They have a wealth of knowledge in commercial and employment law. Both partners are extremely approachable and go above and beyond the call of duty to help. Kate Matthews is exceptionally dedicated to obtaining the very best outcome for her clients. She consistently guided us through a very tricky litigation. Without her expertise we would likely have found ourselves without a business. We cannot overstate the positive impact of her outstanding legal assistance.’

‘We have worked exclusively with Kate Matthews. The case we are working on with her is a frustrating one yet she is always energetic and pragmatic. I think that durability is a key factor in cases like this when we (the clients) are alternating between tearing our hair out and bored with the whole nonsense. She is efficient and supportive and, we believe, a very good lawyer.’

‘Kate Matthews is approachable, pragmatic, and in my opinion Kate and her team are formidable in their approach to my litigation case, which is unusual and complex. Her response time to queries is exceptional.’

‘I believe Kate Matthews to be unique in her approach to litigation, not only is she exceptionally informed in that field but she always takes time to explain options, strategies, produce agendas and map out her plan of action.’

‘Boddy Matthews Solicitors have a unique legal model. They are small in terms of team but this works and they can offer a comprehensive and effective legal service. They are responsive to contact, pragmatic and effective. They offer London expertise locally. Large legal practices will struggle to offer this personalisation. Kate Matthews is outstanding. Kate is intelligent, perceptive and pragmatic. If you have Kate dealing with your litigation requirements, you will definitely be in good hands.’

Key clients

Leeway Services Limited


Electromechanical Ordtech IKE


FL Greenwood & Son


Johnsons Brokerage Limited


Leeway Woodwork


People Tree Fair Trade Group Limited


SHL Services Limited


BP &C Limited (Critchett)


Work highlights


  • Advising a client on breaches of contract by EBay and issues connected with National Westminster Bank Plc relating to online trading during the pandemic in a commercial court with a claim value of more than £3m.
  • Acting for the trustee of the Westbrooke Elliot Pension Fund in relation to a loan made to a property development company.
  • Acting for FL Greenwood & Son in respect of promissory estoppel claims and potential future Inheritance Act claims made by members of the family in respect of the farming business and assets of the farm, which have a value of more than £5m.

Brachers

Based in Maidstone, Brachers is well versed in debt recovery and insolvency litigation, acting for multi-national corporations, public sector organisations, private businesses and utility suppliers. The team also represents clients in the healthcare, transport, logistics and motor retail industries. Team leader Michael Oatham is an expert in commercial and chancery disputes, covering commercial contract, shareholder and debt recovery litigation.

Practice head(s):

Michael Oatham


Other key lawyers:

Graham Wallis; Lacie Kerner; Paul Abdey


Key clients

Schindler Ltd


Alan Firmin Ltd


Szerelmey Group


Netbox Digital Limited


Homeleigh Timber


Mazars


Hornby Hobbies Limited


Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)


AEI Compounds Limited


Irwin Mitchell

Advising household names, national and international companies and financial services institutions, the Gatwick-based commercial litigation team at Irwin Mitchell continues to be instructed in tax, insolvency, directors’ duties and shareholder-related disputes. Specialising in commercial contract, liability and professional negligence disputes is team head Katie Byrne, who often assists insurance companies and financial institutions. Recently promoted partner Thomas Barnard, who also leads the firm’s sports department, focuses on commercial disputes and risk advisory work in the sports, media and entertainment industries. Robert Parks offers experience in dealing with contractual, partnership and shareholder disputes, as well as knowledge of professional negligence issues, acting for private and corporate clients.

Practice head(s):

Katie Byrne; Thomas Barnard


Other key lawyers:

Robert Parks; Ted Powell


Key clients

Micheldever Tyre Services Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised 26 high-net-worth individuals, including high-profile city lawyers and investment bankers, in defending claims in excess of £7m concerning unpaid share capital allegedly owed by them.
  • Acted for a company in connection with a claim in the First-Tier Tax Tribunal for the repayment of more than £1m in overpaid customs duty.

Moore Barlow

The ‘highly respected litigation department’ at Moore Barlow has notable specialist knowledge of financial services, intellectual property and debt recovery litigation, as well as advising on litigation funding arrangements, particularly for SMEs. Practice heads include judicial review specialist David Foster in Guildford, who is a ‘brilliant litigator and an excellent strategist’, and Claire Haverfield in Southampton. Esther Millard leads on disputes for independent schools.

Practice head(s):

David Foster; Claire Haverfield


Other key lawyers:

Esther Millard; Rachel Hetherington; Daniel Baker


Testimonials

‘A highly respected litigation department that is well trusted across Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, Kent.’

‘David Foster is a brilliant litigator and an excellent strategist, with exceptionally good judgment. With his rounded experience as a mediator, there is rarely a case which David cannot resolve. Rachel Hetherington is a real rising star, a highly competent and diligent lawyer and is well respected by clients.’

‘I have worked with Claire Haverfield for over five and a half years. Claire offers an excellent service. She is super bright, commercially astute and prepared to litigate hard when required to obtain the best outcome for her clients.’

‘I have recommended Claire Haverfield to clients in the past and will continue to do so. She gives clients her full attention and is very hands-on with her cases. She is excellent at what she does, commercially astute and prepared to litigate hard when required. She is very well organised and her cases are well thought through and organised. A real pleasure to work with.’

Key clients

Business Mortgage Finance 5 PLC and Business Mortgage Finance 7 PLC


CNK Alliance Limited


Cobweb Solutions Limited


Work highlights


  • Represented two parents in a high-profile, contentious and sensitive challenge to an NHS Trust’s intention to cease life-sustaining treatment for their 12-year-old son, who had suffered brain damage.
  • Acted for a former trustee of Kids Company in a judicial review of a Charity Commission report’s findings against the trustee following a failed attempt by the Official Receiver to bring directors disqualification proceedings.
  • Acting for CNK Alliance Limited in a successful challenge to Belgian euthanasia laws, as incompatible with the right to life as enshrined in the ECHR, in circumstances where a lethal injection was given to someone who was physically healthy.

Coole Bevis LLP

The commercial litigation team at Coole Bevis LLP, operating out of Worthing and Hove, acts for SMEs, professional services companies and individuals in disputes concerning bankruptcy and insolvency, procurement litigation, directors’ and shareholders’ duties claims, and contract breaches. Team leader Kelly Mills acts for clients across the public and private sectors on commercial and contractual disputes relating to sale of goods and defamation claims. The ‘fantastic’ Nigel Targett has ‘excellent client care’ and handles employment, property and commercial disputes.

Practice head(s):

Kelly Mills


Other key lawyers:

Nigel Targett


Testimonials

‘The commercial team at Coole Bevis has a wide and varied knowledge of all commercial matters from the small debt recovery to large director disputes. The partners have significant expertise and are able to deal with cases without constant input. Clients are put in the best possible position to succeed.’

‘Nigel Targett is fantastic. He deals with a wide range of matters with excellent client care skills and an eye for detail. Nothing is too much for him and he is regularly praised from his hard work and excellent communication skills.’

Griffin Law

Dispute resolution boutique Griffin Law, which operates out of West Malling in Kent, fields ‘extremely knowledgeable and sophisticated litigators who focus on the best possible commercial outcomes’ with knowledge of partnership and shareholder disputes, trade mark and copyright infringement claims, and breaches of commercial contracts. The team is co-headed by the ‘unflappable’ Neil Kelley, who demonstrates ‘a real commitment to cases and clients’; Mark Edmonds, who is ‘commercially aware’ and offers a breadth of litigation experience spanning property, insolvency and debt recovery matters; and CMC registered mediator Andrew Macleod.

Practice head(s):

Neil Kelley; Mark Edmonds; Andrew Macleod


Other key lawyers:

Donal Blaney; James Day; Holly Jones


Testimonials

‘Griffin Law continues to offer a City of London level of boutique litigation service from Kent. It is staffed by extremely knowledgeable and sophisticated litigators who focus on the best possible commercial outcomes for their clients.’

‘The practice has an exceptional team ethic and a very positive approach in everything they do. I am always confident they will be honest about the prospect of success and completely open about costs versus benefits.’

‘Communication is key to us and they have never failed us.’

‘Donal Blaney, the firm’s founder, is hugely experienced, well-connected and utterly tenacious in support of his clients. Mark Edmonds is enormously commercially aware and extremely adept at identifying and achieving desirable commercial outcomes. Clients appreciate his candid and clear advice. Neil Kelley is unflappable, putting clients at ease and helping them find a way through even the most difficult and complex of situations.’

‘We can’t speak highly enough of both Mark Edmonds and James Day. Every step has been discussed with us to come to a decision with our claim. They take some stress out of the situation by being supportive and to some extent taking control of what is a very difficult time for us.’

‘The advice and expertise of the practitioners that I have dealt with are excellent. They also show real commitment. Neil Kelley has an in-depth knowledge of litigation and the law and demonstrates a real commitment to cases and clients.’

‘The personal touch that Griffin Law provide in dealing with legal matters stands out. They make themselves available on short notice to attend to internal and external meetings to provide support and guidance on the best route to proceed with, giving a fair judgement on the position during all legal matters.’

‘I have instructed Mark Edmonds on various large contentious matters. His no nonsense, straight talking attitude towards these matters has resulted in them all being resolved positively and cost effectively.’

Healys LLP

In Brighton, Healys regularly represent small to medium-sized commercial clients in litigation, particularly breach of contract, duties and finance-related disputes. Practice head and accredited CEDR mediator David Bailey ‘combines being clever with being very practical’, acting as a ‘shrewd operator with a lot of nous’, and offering significant experience in fraud, professional negligence and financial services litigation. Nicholas Taylor is also noted for his expertise in media law and public figure disputes.

Practice head(s):

David Bailey


Other key lawyers:

Nicholas Taylor


Testimonials

‘A very lean litigation team with a high level of partner involvement.’

‘David Bailey is unflappable. He is not fazed by any bullying tactics, and pushes through to achieve the best outcome for the clients.’

‘I think the unique thing about Healys is that the team is very tight knit and works extremely well together. This means that if one is away you can still feel confident that whoever is covering still knows the case well. This feature in addition to the diligence shown by all I have encountered at Healys makes them a stand out team and give them a definite edge over the larger London firms.’

‘David Bailey has great acumen and gets to the heart of cases quickly. He is also a very shrewd operator with a lot of nous. He and his team are outstanding to work with and give me great confidence in them.’

‘The team is agile and quick to respond. The team adapted to very challenging time zones to make the case work efficiently. We were working to tight arbitration timetables and the team responded very effectively and efficiently.’

‘David Bailey combines being clever with being very practical. The team he leads is quick to respond and more than held their own in arbitration and WP negotiations with top London law firms. He has the three qualities of being quick, clever and practical which is formidable and means that he provides a great service to clients.’

Key clients

Monmouthshire Building Society


Saltdean Lido


Work highlights


  • Acting for Monmouthshire Building Society in a range of disputes including mortgage possession claims, advising on the appointment of an LPA and fixed charge receiverships.
  • Successfully acted for Saltdean Lido (Community Interest Company) in relation to a claim against the pool contractor, building contractor and project manager for work of an unsatisfactory standard which has resulted in many defects. Successfully struck out the claimant’s Particulars of Claim in totality.

Judge & Priestley LLP

The commercial litigation team at Judge & Priestley LLP in Bromley acts for high-net-worth individuals and corporations in disputes relating to high-value contracts, the supply of gas and electricity, and consumer credit issues. Leading the credit solutions litigation team is Uday Patel, who often acts in utility supply disputes relating to fraudulent supply agreements, and insolvency matters.

Practice head(s):

Uday Patel


Other key lawyers:

Leonie-Robyn Murtagh


Key clients

London Borough of Southwark


Crown Commercial Service


Edge Recovery Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for the utility supplier, Regent Gas Limited, in a multi-million claim in the High Court for back-billed gas supply to a major dairy manufacturer.
  • Acting on behalf of a liquidator in taking action against a director of a company in liquidation and seeking contribution to the company accounts from the director under section 212 of the Insolvency Act.
  • Representing the London Borough of Lambeth in a Court of Appeal judicial review matter relating to the exercise of power in imposing a multi-million pound Community Infrastructure Levy on a property developer.

Morr & Co LLP

Morr & Co LLP fields a ‘very organised and helpful’ team that is ‘robust and commercial’ when handling contractual, partnership, professional negligence and tax disputes. Practice head Catherine Fisher, who also sits as Deputy District Judge on the South Eastern Circuit, is ‘excellent with clients’, which include corporates, entrepreneurs and insolvency practitioners. The ‘dedicated’ Sally Hutchings is a tax disputes specialist and has significant experience in judicial review proceedings, while Chris Darvill, who joined from Moore Barlow in November 2022, has commercial and IP dispute experience and is ‘very experienced and smooth in litigation’. Kristine Ng joined the team from DMH Stallard LLP in August 2022.

Practice head(s):

Catherine Fisher


Other key lawyers:

Sally Hutchings; Chris Darvill; Kristine Ng


Testimonials

‘The solicitors are knowledgeable, but more importantly are robust and commercial in their approach. They will not be pushed around by other teams, and will always work for the best outcome for their clients.’

‘Chris Darvill is very experienced and smooth in litigation. He knows the law and rules exceptionally well, and gets on top of matters quickly. Catherine Fisher is excellent in client management and engagement. She puts people at ease, and is excellent at explaining complex issues in a way that clients can understand.’

‘Very responsive with a good range of lawyers at varying levels of qualification, all of whom are highly professional.’

Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP

Operating out of the firm's Sussex and Kent offices, the team at Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP has expertise in commercial, restructuring, insolvency and construction disputes. The team’s client roster features SME businesses and professional services companies, particularly in the accountancy space. Heading up the team is commercial disputes and restructuring and insolvency expert Richard Ludlow. Dan Sherlock specialises in construction disputes, while Alistair Rustemeyer has built the firm’s contentious probate practice, acting for high-net-worth individuals.

Practice head(s):

Richard Ludlow


Other key lawyers:

Dan Sherlock; Alistair Rustemeyer; Katie Tizzard; Caroline Knowles-Ley