Hall Of Fame

Firms To Watch: Insolvency and corporate recovery

Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP handles a myriad of insolvency issues for trustees in bankruptcy, distressed companies and directors. The team is led by Richard Ludlow, who divides his time between Sevenoaks and Kent, and has broad experience in representing liquidators.

Insolvency and corporate recovery in South East

Boyes Turner

The ‘technically excellent‘ Reading-based team of  ‘first-class lawyers‘ at Boyes Turner is proficient in advising on a diverse range of matters, including the defence of winding up petitions, connected administrations and the realisation of company assets. Practice head Phil Smith assists insolvency practitioners, shareholders and creditors, dispensing ‘solid and diligent‘ advice on company administrations and fixed charge receiverships. The ‘very knowledgeableOliver Fitzpatrick is particularly adept at handling antecedent transactions and recovery litigation, often acting for administrators and trustees in bankruptcy.

Practice head(s):

Phil Smith


Other key lawyers:

Oliver Fitzpatrick; Donna Goddard; Darryn Harris


Testimonials

‘Boyes Turner are a regional practice with first-class lawyers and are able to assist their insolvency clients with a proactive no nonsense approach. They are technically excellent and have a fantastic debt collection department.’

‘Phil Smith has an elephantine memory and loads of experience. Excellent in complex insolvency matters.’

‘Donna Goddard really is first class.’

‘A focused and truly specialist insolvency team, with complimentary skills across the two partners and supporting team.’

‘Oliver Fitzpatrick is a personable and practically minded solicitor who provides clear and concise advice. A key and highly trusted adviser. Oliver is very knowledgeable and suggests practical solutions to problems. He pays attention to detail and is proactive in dealing with matters arising. I am always confident that he will get on with the job at hand.’

‘Boyes Turner provide excellent support, confidently handling possession and sale applications, plus extensive litigation. They are commercially aware and sensitive to the needs to ensure a recovery for insolvent estates. The team are easy to work with, and technically astute.’

‘Phil Smith is a true gentleman and a great insolvency solicitor. Easy to talk to, Phil grasps the intricacies of a case quickly and delivers solid, diligent advice, with no fluff or ambiguity.’

‘I find them very knowledgeable across all aspects of insolvency work adopting a practical approach in stressful situations. They offer flexibility and understanding.’

Work highlights


  • Acting for TruSolv Business Recovery, the joint administrators of DJS (UK) Limited, a fintech company which provided short term, high-cost loans.
  • Acting for BDO LLP, the joint liquidators of Azinor Catalyst Limited (company which held a portfolio of UK continental shelf assets) on the sale of various rights held pursuant to North Sea oil extraction licences.
  • Acting for Evelyn Partners, the joint trustees in bankruptcy of an individual who has fled the jurisdiction and moved overseas to Dubai. Extensive asset tracing exercises have been required to determine the location of assets in numerous jurisdictions within Europe and the Middle East.

BDB Pitmans

Exhibiting ‘in-depth technical expertise‘, the predominantly Reading-based team at BDB Pitmans advises a diverse client base spanning the charities, manufacturing and care sectors on asset tracing and recovery issues, in addition to formal insolvencies. In London, Alexander Wood heads up the practice, assisting a varied client base of investors, debtors and lenders across the energy regulation and retail sectors with Insolvency Act claims and investigations. Stacey Jones handles a myriad of both contentious and non-contentious mandates, including CDDA proceedings, bankruptcies, and confiscation and restraint proceedings, often acting as a ‘most trusted adviser‘ to invoice discounters and insolvency practitioners.

Practice head(s):

Alexander Wood


Other key lawyers:

Stacey Jones; David Williams


Testimonials

‘A friendly and approachable team with in-depth technical expertise. I’m always happy to introduce the team to my clients as I know they will receive collaborative, quality and professional advice.’

‘Stacey Jones is technically very strong and she really excels with complex situations and with difficult stakeholders. I greatly appreciated the time that Stacey gave to one of the most difficult cases and how she was accessible and readily up to speed. This, as well as her collaborative style and ability to cut to the chase, makes her an attribute to any engagement and a most trusted adviser.’

‘The firm has a wide range of specialisms, so the insolvency and corporate recovery team are able to draw on those resources in delivering their services, where necessary.’

‘David Williams is highly responsive and very easy to work with. He is reliable, efficient, has a commercial approach, and is able to get to the nub of a case quickly.’

Key clients

Interpath


PricewaterhouseCoopers


Evelyn Partners


FRP Advisory


Rollings Butt


Katerra, Inc. Ch. 11 Plan/Scheme Administrator


Azets Holdings Limited


Secure Trust Bank Plc.


Alvarez and Marsal


Carter Backer Winter


Work highlights


  • Advised Plan Administrator of Katerra, Inc. on the English aspects of $440m claim for a transaction at an undervalue.
  • Advising administrators on trading of and realisation of assets from a cross-border FCA-regulated company, including redress for mis-sold loans across book of £20m

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

The team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP offers advice on the full range of insolvency mandates, including insolvent and distressed sales, company voluntary arrangements, and the rescission of winding up orders. In Guildford, Roger Elford leads the team alongside James Hyne; Elford regularly acts for overseas governments and foreign banks in restructuring matters and external administrations, while Hyne focuses on contentious recoveries, often advising liquidators and administrators. Hannah Edwards has extensive expertise in antecedent transaction claims, and often advises companies and their directors on recovery options.

Practice head(s):

Roger Elford; James Hyne


Other key lawyers:

Peter Worrall; Hannah Edwards


Testimonials

‘Highly commercial and very user friendly team. A combination that produces great results.’

‘James Hyne continues to be able to dance through all aspects of the insolvency world whilst retaining hard core principles…and a degree of charm!’

‘Peter Worrall is pragmatic, approachable, and client focused. He will provide you with the options in a clear and concise way, and give you straight forward advice. I would not hesitate to recommend Peter and look forward to working with him again soon.’

Key clients

Credit Suisse (UK) Limited


AlixPartners Services UK LLP


Teneo


Begbies Traynor Corporate Recovery


FRP Advisory Limited


RSM Restructuring Advisory


Central Bank of Bahrain


Grant Thornton UK Limited


Moore Kingston Smith LLP


KRE Corporate Recovery


Alvarez & Marsal


James Cowper Kreston


MBI Coakley Restructuring and Insolvency


Kroll Advisory Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advising the administrators of Haircare Limited on their appointment as administrators and the pre-pack administration sale of the company’s assets and business of a hair salon (formerly trading as Vidal Sassoon).
  • Advising Grant Thornton UK LLP and FRP Advisory on the potential liquidation of the Greensill group. The firm advises on investigations, including information gathering using the joint liquidators’ compulsive powers and potential recovery actions.
  • Advising RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP on the winding up of five collective investment schemes arising out of the Lehman Brothers insolvency, with claims exceeding $1bn.

Cripps

In Tunbridge Wells, Cripps houses a ‘highly technical‘ team, which regularly assists clients with pre-insolvency matters in addition to pre-sale restructurings, solvent schemes of arrangements, and voluntary arrangements of companies. The practice advises a diverse client roster, which includes waste management, fintech, and manufacturing companies. Praised for her ‘attention to detail‘, Joanna Ford leads the team, often acting in claims of misfeasance and wrongful trading against directors, in addition to assisting companies in financial difficulty. With ‘considerable experience and knowledge‘, John Kirkwood focuses on the corporate elements of the insolvency process, and has a great deal of knowledge surrounding the selling and acquisition of insolvent businesses, while senior associate Hannah Proctor primarily focuses on contentious insolvency matters, often appearing before the High Court. In early 2024, the firm acquired Horsham-based firm PDT Solicitors, which added the expertise of William Angas, Dawn Shadwell, Ian Lindley and Craig Burton.

Practice head(s):

Joanna Ford


Other key lawyers:

John Kirkwood; Hannah Proctor; Katie Haylock; William Angas; Dawn Shadwell; Ian Lindley; Ben Ashworth; Craig Burton


Testimonials

‘Cripps have a very connected team. They pull in experts across the practice as needed and are very clear where their specialisms stop.’

‘Joanna Ford understands the challenges of stakeholder management. Her advice was clear and concise. Joanna’s attention to detail saves time and keeps things moving. I would have no hesitation in recommending or using Cripps again.’

‘The team provide exceptional client service and are highly responsive. They are highly technical but able to explain complex concepts in an understandable and practical way.’

‘Joanna Ford and John Kirkwood play an integral part in achieving successful outcomes.’

‘Joanna Ford and John Kirkwood put considerable time and effort in to get very complex transactions over the line. Their considerable experience and knowledge is vital to ensure all the hurdles to completing sales are overcome in a very short time. As well as the work itself, it was a pleasure working them, they were very driven, friendly and accessible.’

‘Katie Haylock is fantastic. Extremely personable and knowledgeable, super responsive and diligent, a pleasure to work with and just all round positive character.’

‘Personal, efficient practice which works well together. Would recommend particularly for large, complex commercial projects.’

Key clients

Crowe U.K. LLP


Cadogan Estates Limited


Greenbox Recycling (Kent) Limited


FRP Advisory Trading Limited


Quantuma LLP


BDO LLP


Davidson Roberts Holdings Limited


Moore Kingston Smith & Partners LLP


Hillborough Properties Limited


Evelyn Partners LLP


Work highlights


  • Advised on the administration and subsequent business and asset sale of fintech company Oval Money Ltd, together with its Spanish subsidiary.
  • 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 Chromalloy Gas Turbine LLC on a complex international reorganisation as a precursor to the sales of Trac Mexico Limited to Walbar Engine Components (US) and Trac Group Limited to RCapital (UK).

Gateley Legal

Working out of Reading, the ‘very pragmatic and solution-driven‘ team at Gateley Legal often advises banks, construction companies and distressed investors on portfolio sales and administrations. The ‘brilliantly well-rounded‘ and ‘outstandingNicola Kirk has a great deal of experience in acting in turnaround, restructuring, and dispute resolution matters; and Ken Titchen frequently assists insolvency practitioners and directors with both solvent and insolvent restructurings. Jenny Grange left the team to an in-house role in July 2022.

Practice head(s):

Nicola Kirk


Other key lawyers:

Ken Titchen


Testimonials

‘Gateley are a very pragmatic and solutions driven firm, which is often critical when working under pressure to unlock issues and achieve successful outcomes. In relation to procedural and transactional matters they are excellent, but it is really when you need something extra that they shine.’

‘Nicola Kirk is an outstanding lawyer with a fantastic balance of technical knowledge and commercial acumen. What makes her and her team stand out is that she is focused on understanding the issues, but also gets the pressures of the restructuring world and considerations of an Insolvency Practitioner. She provides robust solutions and is exceptionally good at cutting through the noise. Nicola is brilliantly well-rounded, and overall Nicola is exceptional and is a very trusted and reliable adviser.’

‘Great people with technical competence combined with commercial awareness.’

‘Nicola Kirk is exceptional at client management and taking the overview of the case.’

Key clients

BDO LLP


Grant Thornton UK LLP


Quantuma Advisory Limited


Azets Holdings Limited


RSM Restructuring Advisory


Interpath Advisory Limited


Leonard Curtis Limited


Ernst & Young LLP


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


Cable Capital Partners


FRP Advisory


PKF Geoffrey Martin & Co Limited


HSBC UK Bank Plc


Metro Bank Plc


Lloyds Banking Group


Secure Trust Bank Plc


Teneo Financial Advisory Limited


Alvarez & Marsal


Kreston Reeves LLP


Herron Fisher


KRE Corporate Recovery


James Cowper Kreston


Mazars


Work highlights


  • Acting for a firm of insolvency practitioners, and advising the administrators on making an application to extend the period of the administration of the company, defending applications made by creditors, investigating the conduct of the former directors, advisers and any third parties in the lead up to the administration of the company pursuant to s234-236 Insolvency Act 1986 with a view to bringing Insolvency Act claims against various parties for the benefit of the creditors of the administration, issuing various winding up petitions against creditors that owe monies to the company leading to successful recoveries being made into the administration.

Isadore Goldman

Insolvency boutique Isadore Goldman is a ‘tour de force‘, housing a ‘technically excellent‘ team, which often acts for insolvency practitioners and businesses experiencing financial difficulty, and focuses on representing directors facing claims brought by insolvency practitioners. The ‘excellentNick Oliver heads up the Portsmouth-based group and, as a ‘serious and heavyweight litigator‘, handles both corporate and personal insolvency disputes and fraud-related matters. Stephen Ryde-Weller has broad expertise spanning the sale and purchase of distressed businesses, and business reorganisations.

Practice head(s):

Nick Oliver


Other key lawyers:

David Oliver; Stephen Ryde-Weller; Magdalena Wegrzyn


Testimonials

‘Nick Oliver is bright, approachable and knows the law. A safe pair of hands. He is a serious and heavyweight litigator, and good judge of tactics and technical points. Nick is exceptional, very bright, great insolvency knowledge, very commercial with excellent industry connections.’

‘Isadore Goldman has the best depth and breadth of industry and legal knowledge. They are an absolute tour de force of a regional firm. All members of the team are able to deal with complex and high-value cases competently and efficiently. There is no snobbery or hierarchy: from paralegal to partner, everyone knows the detail of the facts and the law.’

‘Nick Oliver is a stalwart of the industry, with excellent client service and comprehensive legal expertise.’

‘Magdalena Wegrzyn is a rising star, taking on work beyond her PQE level with aplomb.’

‘Nick Oliver is an excellent solicitor and effectively manages client concerns. He is a safe pair of hands and wholly dependable. In dealing with difficult matters he is first class at finding effective solutions and managing stakeholders. I highlight rate Nick and his technical ability in his field.’

‘Nick Oliver and his team are technically excellent. They are hard working, approachable and work well with clients, often in the most difficult situations.’

‘Nick Oliver is outstanding. He gets to the heart of the issue swiftly, is responsive and has excellent client skills. I would happily recommend him.’

Key clients

Azets


Begbies Traynor


BDO


Grant Thornton


Griffins


Investec Asset Finance PLC


Hereford Capital


Mazars


Merchant Finance London Limited t/a mycashline


McTear, Williams & Wood


Leonard Curtis Portland


Purnells


Quantuma


RSM


Spotcap


Work highlights


  • Advised a bank on exposure to a large manufacturing business in financial distress, including an assessment of the bank’s position, and the rescue and restructuring plan proposed by the company and the bank’s options.
  • Acted for a group of investors in the failed £250m Infinity development project in Liverpool to successfully oppose an application by administrators to sell the development site under Paragraph 71 of Schedule B1 of the Insolvency Act 1986.

Lester Aldridge LLP

Lester Aldridge LLP houses an ‘extremely knowledgeable‘ team in Southampton, which frequently assists creditors affected by the insolvency of another, and insolvency practitioners on procedural court applications and group simplification projects. Practice head Rebecca Walker has varied experience in solvent restructurings and the returning of assets to shareholders via voluntary liquidations, in addition to distressed restructuring issues. The ‘vastly knowledgeableNick Keitley is particularly adept at acting for clients in the charity, marine and hospitality sectors in turnarounds, while Matthew Barrow acts as the firm’s managing partner and also advises on the disposal of properties by office holders of insolvent estates, and the enforcement of security through administration and receiver appointments.

Practice head(s):

Rebecca Walker


Other key lawyers:

Nick Keitley; Matthew Barrow


Testimonials

‘Lester Aldridge tailor and blend their team to fit the legal challenges and circumstances of their clients.’

‘Nick Keitley is a pre-eminent lawyer.’

‘A quality firm and insolvency team. Pre-eminent in the area. Widely knowledgeable across all sectors.’

‘Nick Keitley is vastly knowledgeable and approachable. I thoroughly enjoy working with him due to his detailed knowledge and no nonsense approach.’

‘Extremely knowledgeable team that provides commercial and practicable solutions based on the law. Helpful and constructive advice.’

‘Nick Keitley is an extremely knowledgeable and seasoned practitioner who clearly thinks things through and provides well-argued practical advice in a timely manner.’

Key clients

Azets


BDO LLP


Begbies Traynor


BTG Advisory


Evelyn Partners LLP


FRP Advisory Trading Limited


Interpath Advisory


James Cowper Kreston


JWS Business Recovery


Knight Frank


Leonard Curtis Business Solutions Group


Mazars


Menzies LLP


Moorfields Advisory Limited


Quantuma Advisory Trading Limited


RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP


Santander Bank plc


Work highlights


  • Advised the liquidators of a technology publishing company in relation to its solvent liquidation, distribution of $10m cash to shareholders and how to address various claims against the company.
  • Advised the administrators of Johnsons Shoes Company on the solvent exit of the company from administration.
  • Advised the administrators of Passenger Lift Services Limited on the pre-pack sale of its business and assets.

Moore Barlow

Displaying a ‘wealth of experience‘, Heather Dobson and Rebecca Chaplin co-head the ‘very practical and knowledgeable‘ Southampton-based practice at Moore Barlow. Dobson handles both corporate and personal insolvencies for insolvency practitioners, individuals, lenders and trade creditors, while also advising companies on solvent liquidations. Chaplin regularly assists company directors with the pursuit of antecedent transactions, asset recoveries and administration applications. Having joined the team from Paris Smith LLP in December 2022, associate Christopher Parsons has a great deal of expertise in acting in bankruptcy and insolvency disputes.

Practice head(s):

Heather Dobson; Rebecca Chaplin


Other key lawyers:

Christopher Parsons


Testimonials

‘The knowledge and experience of the team and their down to earth attitude.’

‘Heather Dobson is full of practical advice and strength.’

‘Chris Parsons is highly responsive and client focused. He turns work around quickly and takes feedback fully on board.’

‘Very cohesive team, superbly led, very practical and knowledgeable and a pleasure to deal with.’

‘Heather Dobson and Rebecca Chaplin know their subject inside out and have a wealth of experience. They understand issues before you have even finished explaining them.’

Key clients

Antony Batty & Co


Azets


Bailey Ahmad


Begbies Traynor


CMB Partners


Cooper Young


Edge Recovery


Evelyn Partners


FRP Advisory


Hudson Weir


Interpath Advisory


James Cowper Kreston


Kewans


Kirks


Leonard Curtis


Mazars


McTear Williams & Wood


Menzies


Moore Kingston Smith


Moorfields Advisory


PKF GM


PWC


Quantuma


RSM Restructuring Advisory


SKSi


Stevens & Bolton LLP

In Guildford, Stevens & Bolton LLP‘s ‘technically proficient and commercially aware‘ team handles a number of cross-border insolvencies, member’s voluntary liquidations and personal insolvencies for clients in the retail and hospitality sectors. The ‘excellentTim Carter heads up the practice alongside David Steinberg; Carter takes an ‘effective and creative‘ approach when advising on the sale of distressed businesses, corporate and personal insolvencies, and insolvency disputes, while Steinberg primarily focuses on the restructuring of insurance companies and distressed regulated financial institutions. Matthew Padian advises a number of insolvency practitioners and lenders on pre-pack transactions, and Lucy Trott is the key name at senior associate level.

Practice head(s):

Tim Carter; David Steinberg


Other key lawyers:

Lucy Trott; Helen Martin; Matthew Padian


Testimonials

‘S & B are a solid and effective firm. They are prompt, courteous and well-resourced.’

‘Tim Carter can be totally relied upon to respond in an effective and creative manner. He is never fazed and when things get difficult, he is like a dog with a bone. He never gives up and always gives 100%.’

‘The team are both technically proficient and commercially aware. They provide clear, unambiguous advice and a clear way forward. They are robust in their litigation and have provided innovative solutions to recent problems, which yields favourable results. Definitely a firm that punches above its weight!’

‘Tim Carter is a joy to work with, he always provides a rounded opinion on the matter at hand. He is methodical in getting to grips with the problem and diligent in considering the various options available. He is technically up to speed and strong on seizing the commercial reality.’

‘A good mix of technical skills, commercial approach, and client service.’

‘Tim Carter is personable, experienced, knowledgeable and commercial.’

‘Very responsive. The firm has all bases covered and in-house sector experts brought in to advise effectively in specialist areas.’

‘Tim Carter is excellent with clear, good value advice and strong negotiation skills. Helen Martin also stands out with quality delivery.’

Key clients

Lyte, Inc


Metropolitan Gaming Limited


BDO – acting as liquidators of Collateral UK Limited (in liquidation)


CX Reinsurance Company Limited (in administration)


Bank of Ireland / Roadbridge UK Limited


Chester Properties Third Investment Partnership (in administration)


Bonmarche (in liquidation)


Triyoga (UK) Ltd (in administration)


Software Power Tools Limited (in liquidation) – liquidators from Quantuma Advisory Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advised Metropolitan Gaming on its acquisition (through a pre-pack administration sale) of the business and assets of The Park Lane Casino along with the execution of a new lease agreement with Hilton Hotels Group, in whose premises The Park Lane Casino is located.
  • Advising EY (as joint administrators of CX Reinsurance Company Limited) on the implantation of Companies Act schemes of arrangement with the company’s direct insurance and reinsurance creditors, which will provide for an actuarially-based valuation of those creditors’ claims. The schemes will also provide a mechanism for distributing US-situs trust funds to the beneficiaries of those trusts.
  • Acted for the liquidators of Software Power Tools Ltd in pursuing various claims under the Insolvency Act 1986 and Companies Act 2006 against the US parent and directors of the company.

Birketts LLP

The ‘very versatile and knowledgeable‘ practice at Birketts LLP is predominantly based in Chelmsford, exhibiting broad expertise in antecedent transactions and administrations within the shipping and construction sectors. Laurence Weeks co-leads the team alongside director Matthew Weston. In Cambridge, Weeks has longstanding expertise in insolvency disputes, while the ‘intelligent and genial‘ Weston has broad knowledge spanning trust claims within insolvencies, void disposition claims, and the annulment of bankruptcy orders. Associate William Arran is ‘very competent‘ in assisting trustees in bankruptcy and individuals facing claims from insolvency practitioners with the defence and settlement of claims.

Practice head(s):

Laurence Weeks; Matthew Weston


Other key lawyers:

William Arran


Testimonials

‘The team provided comprehensive advice in complex cross-border insolvency litigation. The team was responsive and reliable.’

‘Will Arran shows a remarkable aptitude for combining thorough analysis of documents from foreign jurisdictions with a high level of legal knowledge and awareness of client’s objectives. Will is a very competent and commercially aware lawyer whose advice was clear and practical.’

‘Excellent approach to business restructuring and a very wide knowledge of insolvency and related legislation. Commercially minded.’

‘Matthew Weston is an intelligent and genial solicitor who is a pleasure to work with. Matthew’s often laid back style belies a keen understanding of contentious litigation and he is an impressive opponent for his peers within the restructuring industry.’

‘The firm is very versatile, knowledgeable and covers a variety of areas. The team are all very friendly, helpful and work with speed and impressive accuracy.’

‘Matthew Weston is a very impressive individual with great character. Every piece of work I pass his way is dealt with quickly, efficiently, transparently and to an extremely high standard. He is naturally inquisitive and a perfectionist. He has a genuine interest in his work and finding solutions to the different situations that can arise.’

Blake Morgan LLP

Blake Morgan LLP houses a ‘really excellent‘ team of ‘top-quality lawyers‘, which advises a diverse range of stakeholders, consisting of landlords, distressed company directors and banks. Katie James leads the team from Reading, utilising her ‘first-rate knowledge and experience‘, and is particularly adept in advising on the administration of distressed care homes. In Southampton, Dan Geddes often acts for insolvency practitioners in claims against debtors and company directors. Andrew Murphy has now moved to Manolete Partners Plc.

Practice head(s):

Katie James


Other key lawyers:

Dan Geddes; Chris Potts; Katie Warner


Testimonials

‘Blake Morgan have a lot of top quality lawyers with great emphasis on commercially sensible outcomes. They are calm, experienced and know the law. Very reassuring.’

‘All their insolvency lawyers are really excellent.’

‘They are a specialist team with an excellent working knowledge of insolvency law. They do meticulous preparation for any hearing.’

‘The diversity, breadth of knowledge, attention to detail, overall experience and dedication to outstanding client care and outcomes makes the insolvency offering at Blake Morgan’s Reading office second to none.

‘Their approach and mindset are a breath of fresh air when dealing with contentious insolvency matters; making them without doubt our go-to firm. This team truly adopts the attitude that we’re all in it together, and follow through on that time and time again.’

‘Katie Warner is an outstanding lawyer and has both insight and experience beyond her years. Sharp minded, robust and 100% focused on the task in hand; she makes an impressive mark on every case she touches.’

‘Excellent and responsive team with very good restructuring, recovery, insolvency experience and knowledge. Ongoing development within the team is routine and impressive.’

‘Katie James has first-rate knowledge and experience. Good commerciality to advice given. She is flexible and responsive. Katie provides serious advice, and her considerable experience is evident in the analysis of issues and the solutions that she offers.’

Key clients

Metro Bank Plc


Quantuma Advisory Limited


Begbies Traynor


Fraser Real Estate


Opus Restructuring & Insolvency


Rollings Butt LLP


Leonard Curtis Business Solutions Group


Fraser Real Estate


Azets


Global Corporate Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Rollings Butt LLP, as the liquidators of STA Travel Limited, STA Travel International Limited and STA Travel Management Limited, in relation to customer refunds, the appropriate treatment of guarantee claims made by airlines, disclaimer of leasehold interests, employee issues, a sale of a subsidiary company, a sale of social media accounts and recovery of book debts.
  • Advising on the appointment of administrators of Snug Shack Limited and concluding a pre-packaged sale of the company’s business and certain assets to a national furniture retailer.

Irwin Mitchell

The ‘thoroughly meticulous‘ group at Irwin Mitchell displays ‘excellent strength in depth‘ when assisting asset-based lenders and clearing banks with investigations, actions brought by liquidators, and risk management issues. Andrew Walker leads the Gatwick-based practice with his broad experience in advising turnaround professionals and private equity funds.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Walker


Testimonials

‘Practical and hands on team with access to a wide range of expertise.’

‘Andrew Walker and his team have a wide base of insolvency expertise.’

‘Extremely professional high end firm.’

‘Thoroughly meticulous workforce.’

‘Strong team providing pragmatic, good value advice. Excellent strength in depth.’

Key clients

Interpath


PKF Smith Cooper


Azets


Coutts Finance Co


Cynergy Bank Ltd (Bank of Cyprus)


HSBC UK Bank PLC


Lloyds Bank PLC


National Westminster Bank PLC


RSM


Begbies Traynor


Mazars


FRP


BDO


Kreston Reeves


Menzies


Quantuma


Grant Thornton


Close Brothers Invoice Finance


Evelyn Partners


Work highlights


  • Advised on the use of the restructuring plan process to secure the future of an SME business in distress, in relation to short-term holiday lettings and property management business Houst Limited.
  • Advised Mazars on title and alleged validity of security interests and the impact that they may have on the sale of the respective properties.
  • Advised the directors of a Leeds Brewery on their duties in respect of creditors.

Paris Smith LLP

The ‘technically gifted‘ team at Paris Smith LLP serves a diverse range of clients, including SMEs, not for profits, and finance corporates. Mike Pavitt heads up the Southampton-based team with ‘formidable breadth of knowledge and understanding‘, often assisting insolvency practitioner accountants, creditors and companies with disputes and transactions. Claire Long joined the team from Lester Aldridge LLP in August 2022, contributing her broad expertise in the purchase and sale of distressed property, particularly regarding retail administrations.

Practice head(s):

Mike Pavitt


Other key lawyers:

Lucy Andrews; Clare Long


Testimonials

‘Mike Pavitt leads a strong team. They are friendly, dependable and keep abreast of all the latest developments in the law and practice in this area.’

‘Mike Pavitt is a gentle giant whose kind nature belies his strength of character. With his formidable breadth of knowledge and understanding, he tailors his approach to the circumstances of each case, to get the right results.’

‘A very commercially sound and technically gifted team who provide excellent service.’

‘Lucy Andrews is a delight to work with.’

‘Mike Pavitt is widely regarded as a leading figure in the insolvency industry, with excellent technical knowledge, commercial and efficient application of that knowledge, and brilliant client care.’

Key clients

Azets Holdings Limited


Bailey Ahmad Business Recovery


Beacon LIP Limited


Begbies Traynor Group PLC


CMB Partners UK Limited


Evelyn Partners


FRP Advisory Trading Limited


Hampshire Trust Bank


Interbay Funding Limited


Interpath Limited


James Cowper LLP


Manolete Partners PLC


Portland Business & Financial Solutions Limited/Leonard Curtis


Quantuma Advisory Limited/K3 Restructuring


Quba


RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP


SKSi Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Manolete Partners PLC on claims from insolvency officeholders, ranging from recovery of misapplied Bounce Back Loans, to Overdrawn Directors’ Loan Accounts and misfeasance.
  • Acted for Leonard Curtis in the appointment of administrators by qualifying floating charge holder, defence of winding-up petitions.
  • Advised West Hill Capital as a security trustee and creditor on its rights and realisation strategy prior to and after various companies’ administrations to maximise returns for bondholders, and on the validity of administration appointment documents and on some occasions, in respect of the administrators proposals and prospective pre-pack sale by administrators.

Birkett Long LLP

The ‘excellentKevin Sullivan heads up the Colchester-based practice at Birkett Long LLP, which aside from fielding ‘experts in the field‘, often represents directors who are facing disqualification. Sullivan is ‘incredibly knowledgeable and has excellent attention to detail‘ when advising on contentious insolvency matters, and acts for insolvency practitioners, debtors, and bankrupt clients on both corporate and personal insolvency issues.

Practice head(s):

Kevin Sullivan


Testimonials

‘The team at Birkett Long are experts in their field. They are able to work closely and expeditiously with other teams in the firm to provide detailed solutions to complex insolvency situations.’

‘Kevin Sullivan is an excellent lawyer. Kevin is incredibly knowledgeable and has excellent attention to detail. Kevin is very approachable when reaching a commercial arrangement so that all stakeholders’ expectations are met. He is also very relaxed in his approach, which makes it a pleasure to work with him.’

‘Excellent knowledge and understanding of Insolvency Act claims and the contentious litigation that often accompanies them. Very commercially minded and easy to work with.’

Key clients

FRP Advisory Trading Ltd


Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP


Larking Gowen LLP


Moore Kingston Smith & Partners LLP


Carter Backer Winter LLP


AD Business Recovery Ltd (formerly LB Insolvency Solutions Ltd)


Bretts Business Recovery Ltd


Insolve Plus Ltd


PBC Business Recovery & Insolvency Ltd


DKF Insolvency Ltd


Work highlights


  • Acted for the joint liquidators from Moore Kingston Smith & Partners LLP/FRP Advisory Trading Limited on obtaining a judgment against the director for c.£500,000 in relation to misfeasance claims following significant payments made out of the company leading up to and after presentation of the winding up petition.
  • Acted for the joint liquidators from Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP of a company in relation to potential claims against the directors worth up to £725,000 arising out of historical arrangements made in connection with overdrawn loan accounts.
  • Acted for a bankrupt client in proceedings brought against them and two family members by the trustee in bankruptcy in relation to the bankrupt’s alleged interests in a number of properties.

Brachers

In Maidstone, the team of ‘genuine specialists‘ at Brachers assists clients with the realisation of assets for insolvent estates and asset tracing issues. Practice head Michael Oatham has a great deal of experience in dispensing advice on asset recovery and corporate insolvencies, while Graham Wallis has broad knowledge spanning debt recovery work and consumer collections.

Practice head(s):

Michael Oatham


Other key lawyers:

Graham Wallis; Lacie Kerner; Paul Abdey


Testimonials

‘The insolvency team at Brachers consists of genuine specialists. They have a very good understanding of the legal considerations as well as how to go about achieving good results for their clients. They adopt a commercial and pragmatic approach to litigation whilst defending their client’s interests robustly throughout. They are also a very pleasant group of people to work with.’

‘A very commercially sound and technically gifted team who provides excellent service.’

‘The team are excellent at paring the case back to its core elements, and getting the right result with minimum fuss.’

‘Lacie Kerner is a real pleasure to work with. Her extensive experience means she can tease out what matters and focus on the key points from the outset. She can build a coherent case theory almost in real-time, and has a real sense for the personalities involved in a case, as well as the legal complexities.’

‘I particularly enjoy working with Paul Abdey. He is an astute lawyer and always has a good handle on all aspects of the case.’

‘Paul Abdey is a pleasure to work with. He is eminently commercial in his approach, and keeps his clients’ interests front and centre.’

Key clients

Mazars LLP


KPMG


Grant Thornton


Baker Tilly


BDO


Bretts Business Recovery


CCW Recovery Solutions


MHA MacIntyre Hudson


Kreston Reeves


Azets (previously Wilkins Kennedy)


DMH Stallard LLP

The ‘exceptional‘ practice at DMH Stallard LLP assists a variety of stakeholders, including private individuals and banks on both contentious and non-contentious insolvency issues. Dividing his time between Crawley and Brighton, Frank Bouette leads the team with his varied expertise in acting for administrators, liquidators and lenders on purchases and sales of distressed assets, and winding up procedures. Working out of both Crawley and Guildford, Oliver Jackson frequently advises private individuals and company directors on insolvency disputes, including claims brought by liquidators and the removal of trustees in bankruptcy.

Practice head(s):

Frank Bouette


Other key lawyers:

Oliver Jackson; Michael Lynch; Matt Akers


Testimonials

‘DMH Stallard attracts great people and has put together an exceptional insolvency practice. The individuals in the team have a huge amount of industry knowledge, know their onions, and are all extremely user friendly and efficient.’

‘Michael Lynch is the complete package. He is delightful to work with, very clever and strategically first class.’

‘Great negotiating skills.’

‘A small team but a strong one.’

‘Matt Akers has a blue-chip pedigree and a wealth of practical experience. He is a hands-on litigator with a pragmatic and sensible approach to problem solving.’

‘Michael Lynch is a creative thinker who really knows the law inside out.’

‘Great technical know how but also very strategic and commercial.’

‘Michael Lynch and Matt Akers are outstanding. Absolutely on top of the law, but also very commercial and lovely to work with. Highly recommend.’

Key clients

FRP Advisory


Begbies Traynor


Quantuma


Kreston Reeves


Firestones


NatWest Group


WSM Marks Bloom


Greenfield Recovery


Carter Clark


Shaw Gibbs


Work highlights


  • Acting for a trustee in bankruptcy in relation to the repossession of a bankrupt’s home.

Freeths LLP

Known for its expertise in the drinks and hospitality sector, the team at Freeths LLP dispenses ‘first-class‘ advice to insolvency practitioners, and insolvent pubs and restaurants. Simon Hobbs and Caroline Watson jointly lead the practice from Milton Keynes and Oxford respectively. Hobbs ‘never misses the important details‘ when acting for liquidators and administrators in matters concerning the recovery of assets from suppliers, customers, and directors of insolvent companies; while Watson leads the Oxford practice, maintaining a dispute resolution-focused practice. In Milton Keynes, Adam Boyd has ample expertise in assisting tenant restaurant operators with insolvency related property disputes.

Practice head(s):

Simon Hobbs; Caroline Watson


Other key lawyers:

Adam Boyd; Tom Holden


Testimonials

‘First-class legal advice, a firm which understands its clients and fosters an exceptional working relationship.’

‘Simon Hobbs never misses the important details. Develops excellent relationships with clients to fully understand their needs.’

‘Tom Holden is an incredibly hardworking lawyer who fights hard to push for the best outcome for the client.’

Key clients

FRP Advisory Group Plc


Quantuma Advisory Limited


Mazars LLP


Opus Restructuring LLP


Azets Holdings Limited t/a Azets UK


Fortis Advisory Limited


BRI (UK) Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for the Joint Liquidators in defending a claim against EHW (the Part 20 Defendant) for a contribution and indemnity made by the Defendant/Part 20 Claimant in the Business and Property Courts in Liverpool Technology and Construction Court (QBD).

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Predominantly based in Oxford, the ‘exceptional‘ team at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP advises a diverse range of clients, including those in the property, technology and private client sectors. Practice head Clare Arthurs works out of both the Cambridge and London offices, while the ‘brilliantRebecca Andrews-Walker assists clients within the education, retail, and sports sectors with contentious bankruptcies and corporate insolvency disputes. In Reading, John Chater frequently acts for receivers and insolvency practitioners on corporate restructuring issues. Associate Matthew Letts is a ‘walking encyclopaedia‘ when it comes to turnarounds and solvent liquidations.

Practice head(s):

Clare Arthurs


Other key lawyers:

Rebecca Andrews-Walker; John Chater; Matthew Letts


Testimonials

‘Rebecca Andrews-Walker is approachable and engaged, and Matthew Letts is a walking encyclopaedia who is in the detail of every case.’

‘They have been exceptional throughout with communication. The team are absolutely brilliant in recovering debts. All credit to this team.’

‘I would like to personally thank Rebecca Andrews-Walker and Matthew Letts who have been brilliant with helping us navigate through crises. Their advice has been amazing and they work tirelessly to make sure our company is on the right path.’

‘The team are passionate about their clients and work collaboratively to seek resolutions. They have the technical expertise and apply a pragmatic approach which makes them a real pleasure to work with.’

‘Rebecca Andrews-Walker lives and breathes the law and thrives on a challenge to use her skill and knowledge of her subject, whilst seeking to explore commercial solutions. As a client you feel she has your absolute best interests at the forefront of her mind and approaches each case with passion and energy.’

‘Approachable, knowledgeable, and fun to work with.’

Blandy & Blandy LLP

Blandy & Blandy LLP‘s team in Reading handles a range of insolvency issues, including receivership, administration and company voluntary arrangements. David Murray leads the team and is ‘extremely knowledgeable‘ when advising insolvency practitioners and company directors on turnaround and business reconstruction matters.

Practice head(s):

David Murray


Testimonials

‘The team has a strong sense of client care.’

‘David Murray is second to none. He is extremely knowledgeable, pragmatic, responsive, and offers great value.’

Key clients

BDO LLP


Quantuma LLP


KRE Corporate Recovery LLP


University of Oxford (Estates Team)


Blaser Mills Law

Blaser Mills Law‘s practice exhibits a ‘very good depth of talent‘ when dispensing advice on bankruptcy petitions, administrations, and winding up petitions. The group acts for a varied client base of insolvency practitioners, administrators, and creditors. ‘Excellent and client-focused commercial lawyerJackie Ray heads up the High Wycombe-based team with her expertise in advising on corporate bankruptcies and insolvency claims across the off-trade, agricultural, and food sectors. Associate and licensed insolvency practitioner Edward Bible is ‘excellent in his knowledge‘ of both corporate and personal insolvency matters, often acting for creditors, directors, and bankrupts.

Practice head(s):

Jackie Ray


Other key lawyers:

Nina Toor; Edward Bible


Testimonials

‘Very knowledgeable about insolvency, giving practical advice.’

‘The firm has excellent strength in terms of service provision and delivery. It has very good depth of talent at all levels of qualification.’

‘Jackie Ray is an excellent and client-focused commercial lawyer. Nina Toor is a very good junior lawyer, who is well attuned to clients’ needs.’

Key clients

Quantuma


McCambridge Duffy LLP


Even Keel Solutions Ltd


Pythagoras Capital Ltd


Brebners


Maxwell Davies


Evelyn Partners


Menzies


Moore Kingston Smith


Clifton Ingram LLP Solicitors

Clifton Ingram LLP Solicitors‘ team of practitioners dispenses advice on both corporate and personal insolvency matters, often in relation to debt recovery. The team regularly acts for trustees in bankruptcy, debtors and spouses of debtors, and directors of companies. Barry Niven works out of Wokingham, and leads the team with his extensive experience in acting for insolvency practitioners in asset retrieval matters, corporate restructurings, and the defence of winding up petitions.

Practice head(s):

Barry Niven


Other key lawyers:

Robert Cherry


Debenhams Ottaway

Debenhams Ottaway offers clients ‘excellent service‘ when assisting clients with actions concerning distressed creditors and the defence of directors, in addition to office holder claims and general restructuring work. Juliet Schalker co-heads the St Albans practice alongside Alexander Neale. Schalker is an ‘excellent lawyer‘ who utilises her experience in commercial disputes to advise on a variety of insolvency disputes, while the ‘outstanding‘ Neale handles a variety of contentious and non-contentious insolvency matters, including recovery actions under antecedent transactions, and general restructuring options.

Practice head(s):

Juliet Schalker; Alexander Neale


Other key lawyers:

Robyn Adams


Testimonials

‘Alexander Neale is extremely capable, bright, great to deal with, and very pragmatic when working collaboratively with his opposing solicitor to achieve realistic outcomes for his clients.’

‘Debenhams Ottaway offers an excellent service across the firm.’

‘Alex Neale is an outstanding lawyer who gives clear legal and commercial advice at all times and is a joy to work with. Alex excels at mediation and in addition to his formidable legal skills is all over the numbers in forensic detail. He is an excellent litigator, who understands the nuances of presenting the best case while navigating a commercial conclusion for all stakeholders.’

‘Juliet Schalker and Alex Neale are an excellent and well-balanced team. They understand the pressures of our industry and are willing to commit to a matter for the long haul.’

‘Alex Neale is a top-class solicitor. He is clever, diligent and always goes the extra mile for clients. He is also a pleasure to deal with and handles the cut and thrust of litigation with maturity and a cool head.’

‘Robyn Adams is smart, hardworking and a great lawyer.’

‘Juliet Schalker is a fantastic leader and an excellent lawyer and negotiator.’

Key clients

Manolete Partners Plc


Work highlights


  • Acted for Manolete Partners, an insolvency litigation financing company, in an insolvency case against the defendant as sole director of Palms Palace Limited.

Downs Solicitors LLP

The ‘competent‘ team at Downs Solicitors LLP handles a myriad of insolvency matters for insolvency practitioners and creditors. In the Dorking office, practice head and ‘very experienced litigatorChris Millar has longstanding expertise in both corporate and personal insolvencies, frequently assisting clients with asset recovery issues. The ‘excellentMartin Steer is based in Godalming, and has a great deal of experience in handling contentious matters, often relating to personal bankruptcy.

Practice head(s):

Chris Millar


Other key lawyers:

Martin Steer; Julian Harvey


Testimonials

‘Downs have a large number of specialists, so you can be confident that the person you are dealing with is very experienced.’

‘Chris Millar is a very experienced litigator who goes out of his way to avoid litigation where possible. Extremely practical and a great communicator.’

‘A small competent team who provide a very personal service.’

‘They provide a very high quality professional service. The partners have great experience in all areas of law. I always find their advice not just technically correct but pragmatic too.’

‘Chris Millar thinks outside the box, and comes up with pragmatic solutions to problems. He is highly experienced in all areas of corporate and personal insolvency. He has been responsible for building a very strong team.’

‘Downs punch well above their weight. They combine many of the best bits of a regional firm with those a boutique City firm.’

‘Martin Steer is excellent. Robust, commercial, brilliant with clients and strong on both the substantive and procedural law. Despite these strengths, he is not a backseat driver; he knows when to delegate and is always sensible in the way he treats advice. Just a great lawyer to have on your team.’

‘Chris Millar is a very experienced lawyer whose knowledge of the substantive law is in a different league to many of his rivals. His good humour and relaxed manner works wonders in managing client expectations.’

Field Seymour Parkes LLP

Field Seymour Parkes LLP‘s Reading-based group advises a diverse client roster on the full spectrum of insolvency issues, including administrations and asset purchases. Ian Wood-Smith heads up the practice with his longstanding experience in acting for funders, insolvency practitioners and directors on restructuring procedures and corporate insolvencies. Jeremy Parkes has a great deal of knowledge on security validity work, while Bill Dixon frequently handles fraud and asset tracing mandates.

Practice head(s):

Ian Wood-Smith


Other key lawyers:

Jeremy Parkes; Bill Dixon


Key clients

James Cowper LLP


Independent Builders Merchant Group (IBMG)


IBB Law

IBB Law‘s team is praised by clients for 'thinking outside of the box‘ when dispensing advice to liquidators and companies in financial distress on turnarounds, investigations and general restructurings. The ‘outstandingSonia Jordan leads the group alongside Sarah Jackson. Jordan divides her time between the Reading and Uxbridge offices, often acting in administrations, forensic asset recovery actions, and restructuring matters. Based in Reading, Jackson has notable contentious expertise, and is ‘fantastic‘ when handling a variety of insolvency disputes.

Practice head(s):

Sonia Jordan; Sarah Jackson


Testimonials

‘Good, level headed insolvency advice.’

‘I love working with Sonia Jordan as no matter what a bankrupt throws at us, she sees through their fluff and distills the issue to give us a workable outcome. Our current case causes numerous headaches but she manages to find a way through.’

‘The team think outside of the box and are very commercial. They are ferocious when needed, but have the ability to see the reality of situations.’

‘Sarah Jackson is fantastic. She is ferocious when required, but commercial. She fights her client’s corner hard, but is courteous to her fellow professionals.’

‘Sarah Jackson is a stand-out partner. She has a rare talent of being an incisive lawyer with an eye for the detail, yet strong commercial acumen. Sarah is a strong player in the restructuring and insolvency sector with excellent knowledge and an impressive client list.’

‘Sonia Jordan is a stand-out partner in the restructuring and insolvency arena who combines a strong track record with great client care.’

‘Sonia Jordan is a delight to work work with, she has extensive specialist knowledge and excellent commercial instincts but the thing that really sets her apart is the degree of charm she employs when dealing with people.’

‘Sonia Jordan is an outstanding practitioner, well-versed in all areas of insolvency and restructuring. She is comfortable with both transactional and contentious work, which is rare in this field. She is a force to be reckoned with.’

Key clients

Interpath Advisory (formerly KPMG)


Quantuma Advisory


Moore Kingston Smith


KRE Corporate Recovery


UHY Hacker Young


Buchler Phillips


Carter Backer Winter


Herron Fisher Insolvency and Business Recovery


Opus Business Advisory Group


Arkle Partners


SE-Solicitors

SE-Solicitors houses a ‘strong‘ team of practitioners, which regularly acts for insolvency practitioners, debtors and creditors in liquidations and voluntary arrangements. ‘Talented‘ senior associate Petra Van Dijk leads the team in Banbury with her expertise in handling a variety of contentious insolvency matters, including the defence of bankruptcy and winding up petitions, and the annulment of bankruptcy orders.

Practice head(s):

Petra Van Dijk


Testimonials

‘Petra Van Dijk is a talented insolvency lawyer with a great manner, and is very protective of her clients.’

‘Spratt Endicott is a strong regional firm with technical capabilities. It has particular skill in commercial property and commercial recovery work, both of which feed through to insolvency.’

‘Petra Van Dijk has a strong technical skill in insolvency and a good reputation with IPs. Insolvency practitioners have particular commercial imperatives which Petra understands.’

‘Petra Van Dijk is a very thorough and capable solicitor, an asset to the team and a well-versed insolvency lawyer.’

Tees Law

Led by ‘outstanding lawyerDavid Perry, the Chelmsford-based practice at Tees Law advises liquidators on matters concerning pre-packaged sales and administrations. Perry is ‘vastly knowledgeable’ in acting for insolvency practitioners and directors who are facing disqualification.

Practice head(s):

David Perry


Testimonials

‘Great insolvency team.’

‘David Perry is an outstanding lawyer. He is commercial and approachable.’

‘Excellent practice that delivers work to a standard expected in the City.’

‘Always available and approachable. Excellent level of knowledge.’

‘David Perry is of star quality. Vastly knowledgeable and commercial, and always unflappable.’