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Firmly in the top tier, asb law LLP’s ‘creative and commercially aware’ group advises on asset recovery, liquidations, company voluntary arrangements (CVAs), and antecedent transactions litigation. It recently advised an aviation sector client in an administration case. The ‘exceptional’ Andy Taylor is a renowned ‘market leader’.

Following a transitional period, Blake Lapthorn has re-established a formidable practice, with knowledge that is ‘second to none’. It recently advised KPMG in a bankruptcy matter and BDO in an administration proceeding. Adrian Owen is ‘very commercial’, and Mike Pavitt gives ‘good, practical advice’. Asset-based lending specialist Chris Willison in London is ‘technically excellent’, and consultant Paul Rippon in Oxford is ‘hugely experienced’.

Led by the ‘exceptionally able’ Nick Keitley, Bond Pearce LLP has a formidable reputation in the area and acts for a host of insolvency practitioners. In 2010, it advised on the administration proceedings of Oil and Water, Pure Organics, Emote Games, Stylus Sports, Card Data Management and Dantron. Associate Susie Meikle ‘deals with issues head on’. Clients include Grant Thornton, PwC and Begbies Traynor.

Delivering ‘consistent first-class service’, Boyes Turner advises insolvency practitioners and banks, and has growing expertise in bank advisory work, asset tracing and fraud. Led by the ‘highly professional and commercially minded’ Phil Smith, the team advised the Asset Management Unit of the Bank of Ireland on the insolvency of Southern Care Home Group. Chris Branson is ‘excellent’, and associate Kathryn James is ‘solid and dependable’.

Clarke Willmott LLP impresses with its ‘insolvency knowledge and experience’ and ‘speedy responses’. Qualified insolvency practitioner Matthew Barker is a ‘sound strategist’, and advised RSM Tenon on the administration of a research and development business. Associate Maz Rahmati is a ‘powerful networker’. Clients include NatWest, Middleton Partners, Bibby Trade and Bibby Factors.

Matthew Arnold & Baldwin LLP’s Watford-based Mark Tempest and Bill Ramsey can call on the strength of the firm’s London team (and group head Carolyn Jones) to offer wide-ranging expertise. The team is experienced in insolvency matters, including liquidations, advice to asset-based lenders and LPA receiverships. Clients include Bank of Cyprus, King Sturge, Barclays Bank, KPMG and Tenon Recovery.

Providing a ‘premium service’ together with a ‘great blend of experience and value for money’, Coffin Mew LLP provides advice to insolvency practitioners. In 2010 it advised Portland on a partnership administration, and also advised on several pre-pack administrations. New clients include PwC, Grant Thornton and Mazars. Malcolm Niekirk is ‘technically strong’, and Tim Gleeson is recommended.

Pitmans LLP provides ‘prompt commercial responses’ which are ‘technically spot-on’. The large team is noted for advising asset-based lenders, and clients from the construction, property and automotive sectors. Insolvency practitioner Suzanne Brooker has ‘excellent communication skills’; and the ‘first-class’ Nicola Kirk has ‘industry knowledge that is second to none’ and ‘gets to the crux of the matter quickly’.

Experienced in international insolvencies and fraud-related issues, Martin Cross now leads the ‘helpful’ team at Thomas Eggar LLP, which continues to act for FRP Advisory in the administration of Cliffgroup. PwC, Baker Tilly and KPMG are all clients. Gary Player left in 2010 to set up his own firm, Players Solicitors.

Birkett Long LLP fields an ‘outstanding, proactive and dedicated’ insolvency team. Simon Loome is a ‘highly skilled and strategic litigator with an exemplary success rate’.

Birketts LLP’s team in Chelmsford can also call on the strength of partners in East Anglia to provide broad expertise. Rafael Ruiz leads the South East-based group and senior associate Matthew Weston is recommended. The team acts for Baker Tilly.

With ‘excellent technical expertise’, Charles Russell LLP was appointed to advise on the liquidation of Sixty UK, trading as fashion brand Miss Sixty, in 2010. The ‘robust and able’ team continues to advise on the administration of Awal Bank, and is rated for its experience in property-related insolvencies, where Peter Levaggi has ‘encyclopaedic knowledge’. Practice head James Hyne is ‘vigorous and highly commercial’.

Darbys Solicitors LLP’s ‘excellent insolvency litigation team’ advised on the administration of Track Seminars, and continues to represent an insolvency practitioner in the High Court regarding the administration of Northwich Victoria FC. With a ‘calm and methodical approach’, Elizabeth Taylor is a ‘solid player’ in the arena. The firm lost Howard Roberts to Leeds-based Schofield Sweeney in 2010. Associate Caroline Benfield is ‘very bright and promising’.

Delivering ‘pragmatic advice’, Lamport Bassitt advises insolvency practitioners and accountants. Rick Munro is noted for his ‘no-nonsense approach’, and is currently acting for the liquidator of a fashion retail company. Neil Stewart provides ‘inventive solutions that work’.

The ‘excellent’ Noel Ruddy at PDT Solicitors advises insolvency practitioners, and has notable experience in asset-based lending.

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