The Legal 500

United Kingdom > South West > Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Bristol

Editorial sections

Other

All countries

Burges Salmon LLP’s team is led by the ‘very strong’ Paul Haggett. Chris Jackson attracts high praise from clients, and has recently been representing Eurostar in relation to a third-party injunction seeking to prevent it from entering into a contract with Siemens. The team also defended new client Discovery Channel against a trade mark infringement claim. Peter Morris displays ‘excellent technical knowledge’ and a ‘keen ability to grasp details’.

Osborne Clarke’s ‘tenacious and efficient’ team, headed by Peter Clough, is ‘accommodating to clients ’ demanding ways of working’. The group acted for Cable & Wireless UK in a claim against European Technology Group for unpaid fees, and for THQ in a claim against French credit insurer COFACE. Clare Robinson displays ‘business acumen’, and Tim Boyce ‘identifies important issues and takes the case forward with incisiveness’.

Beachcroft has particular expertise in insurance defence work and saw significant growth in financial services litigation. An insurer recently instructed the group regarding two data disclosure incidents. David Pollitt heads the team, which includes the ‘very effectiveBen Daniels.

Bond Pearce LLP acted for Matrix-Securities and Capita Alternative Fund Services regarding breach of contract actions brought against surveyors, and for Pension Protection Fund on the recovery of unpaid pension protection levies. Stephen Lister’s advice is ‘always appropriate to needs’, and Anna Maxwell is ‘seriously impressive’.

TLT LLP is expert in banking and financial services litigation, and recently completed a disclosure project for a global financial institution. WHSmith instructed the team on a series of £1m-£2m trading disputes, and Imperial Tobacco and Bank of Ireland are also clients. Chris Owen leads on commercial disputes, and Jonathan Hoey on banking cases. The ‘outstanding’ Philip May attracts praise for his ability to see the bigger picture.

Bevan Brittan LLP consistently delivers ‘good-quality work’, with joint team heads Emily Heard and Ed Husband both recommended. Highlights included acting for a council in a claim for judicial review of the Secretary of State’s decision to stop funding BSF projects, and for Primecare regarding a challenge against Tees PCT.

Paul Chapman heads Clarke Willmott LLP’s team, which acted for claimants against Equitable Life Assurance Society, and for WCR Group regarding a damages claim. Alex Jakubowski is ‘not intimidated by the opponent’s tactics’, and Michael Clarke ‘instils confidence’. William Whiteley is now a judge.

Alastair Govier is a key figure in Thrings LLP’s team, which defended two Farepak directors against £40m claims by the liquidators, and also acted for CFH Total Document Management regarding a £3m commercial contract claim. The team regularly represents Thomson Directories.

Excellent on all fronts’, Veale Wasbrough Vizards’ Simon Heald has a ‘fantastic reputation’. The team has particular expertise in education litigation, and Britannia Building Society instructs the team in claims against solicitors and valuers. Nigel Puddicombe is an experienced mediator.

Ashfords LLP is establishing its practice in Bristol, where Rory Mac Neice ‘exudes the perfect level of authority and expertise’.

BevansAlex Bevan is recommended for financial services litigation.

Philip Siddons at Humphreys & Co. heads a team that displays ‘astonishing expertise’ and ‘clearly understands clients ’ requirements’. The group includes reinsurance litigator Peter Montgomery.

Press releases

The latest news direct from law firms. If you would like to submit press releases for your firm, send an email request to

Legal Developments in the UK

Legal Developments and updates from the leading lawyers in each jurisdiction. To contribute, send an email request to

Press Releases in the UK

The latest news direct from law firms. If you would like to submit press releases for your firm, send an email request to