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‘One of the best firms for commercial litigation’, Blake Lapthorn delivers ‘a class performance’ and ‘has no equal when it comes to handling fraud claims’. The team is led by Chris Potts, who ‘works tirelessly’ and acts for clients such as Hitachi, Mercedes Benz and Santander. Jonathan Lloyd-Jones is ‘a canny and wise litigator who gives extremely clear advice’.

The ‘very impressive’ Clarkslegal LLP is ‘a natural choice for litigation’ thanks to its team of ‘sophisticated lawyers’. Practice head Antony Morris is ‘a very strong litigator with a very pragmatic and commercial approach’, and Chris Tayton is ‘dependable in the engine room of a heavy case’. Clients include BMW, Autoglass and Carillion.

With a team including a number of former City litigators, Pitmans LLP has seen an increase in shareholder matters, guarantee claims and misrepresentation disputes. Practice chair Sue O’Brien handles complex commercial litigation, often with an international element, and is also an ADR-accredited mediator. Tim Clark is recommended for his experience in IT-related matters and company and shareholder disputes.

Shoosmiths’ client base includes IKEA, Calor Gas and Hewlett-Packard. The department is led by Stuart Little, who has expertise in the technology sector and corporate disputes, and includes Paul Eccles, a commercial insurance litigation specialist who acts almost exclusively for corporate claimants. In 2011, the firm represented Superior Seals in a dispute over the ownership of business-critical software.

Boyes Turner provides ‘commerciality and thoughtful advice that goes to the heart of the client’s business needs’. Property litigation expert Gary Parkinson leads the dispute resolution team, which includes Mike Robinson and associate Stephen Baker, who ‘impresses with how quickly he grasps issues at stake’.

Henmans LLP is ‘at the cutting edge of its chosen specialisms’; it is adept at handling disputes relating to corporate and commercial issues, and has niche expertise in product liability claims for motor manufacturers and contentious trusts and probate. Sarah Foster and Duncan Crine co-head the department.

Manches LLP’s client base includes Jimmy Choo and the Natural Environment Research Council. Recent team changes saw David Pritchard take over as department head from Julie Bond, and the promotion of Rachael Parman, who is ‘simply the best IP litigator in the marketplace’.

The ‘exceptional’ team at Morgan Cole is noted for its ‘high business acumen combined with practical guidance tailored to the client’s business’. Practice chair Stephanie Walls ‘consistently ensures the best final result’, and works closely with ‘professional and organised’ senior associate Stephen Schneider.

Osborne Clarke ‘invests in client relationships’ and delivers ‘a City service at lower rates’. Thames Valley department head Peter Sheppard is ‘an excellent commercial litigator and a go-to lawyer when a robust plan of action is required’. Clients include Bank of Ireland, Dell and LG.

Thomas Eggar LLP ‘runs a good ship’ from its Newbury office, where lawyers deliver ‘top-notch support and very user-friendly advice’. Work highlights included complex disputes involving multimillion-pound claims and some cross-jurisdictional issues. Andrew Jackson is ‘pragmatic and down to earth, but also technically adept and a doughty fighter when he needs to be’.

Blandy & Blandy LLP’s ‘very good team’ is well regarded for its expertise in commercial contracts, probate, property and professional negligence disputes. Jacques Smith is ‘always quick to reply, and has a good sense of commercial awareness’. Philip D’Arcy is also recommended.

Brethertons LLP is highlighted for its ‘reasoned advice’, and its level of service is ‘excellent in every respect’. Practice head Shaun Jardine is recommended, as is Sioban Calcott, who is ‘tireless in her approach to all cases’.

Darbys Solicitors LLP’s commercial litigation team ‘stands out for its consistently high level of service’. ‘Excellent’ team head Nick Wright is praised for his depth of knowledge, communication skills and commercial approach.

The ‘excellent’ Field Seymour Parkes LLP has a broad commercial litigation practice and particular expertise in international disputes for clients from Canada, the US, Belize, Japan and Liechtenstein. Bill Dixon is commended for his intellect, speed of thought and response times.

Clifton Ingram LLP focuses on the SME sector, with practice head Jonathan Davis noted for his track record in litigation.

Niche firm Emmerson Law was set up in 2011 by Simon Emmerson, who was formerly at Manches LLP and specialises in commercial litigation. His work is rated as ‘impeccable’.

Chris Felton’s team at Gardner Leader LLP represents individuals, SMEs, large corporations and financial institutions, and also handles cross-border work in Europe and the US.

The ‘flexible and proactive’ Northwood Reid primarily handles technology-sector litigation. Paul Northwood ‘explains legal issues very clearly, and provides practical and commercial suggestions’.

Rowberry Morris offers expertise in contentious probate, high-value breach of contract claims, and domestic commercial disputes.

At Spratt Endicott, Caroline Gibbs handles a range of commercial disputes, as well as contentious trust and probate matters. Paula Green was promoted to partner in 2011.

The team at White & Black Legal LLP ‘works tirelessly to hit deadlines, and provides good value for money’. Henry Mendus’ ‘commercial understanding makes matters much easier for the client’.

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