United Kingdom > West Midlands > Dispute resolution
Commercial litigation: Birmingham
Commercial litigation: Birmingham
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The ‘excellent’ team at DLA Piper UK LLP includes Neil Bowker, who is a ‘sensible litigator and a team player’, and Nick Bamford, who has a ‘good eye for detail’. Key specialisms include domestic and international arbitration, procurement process challenges, pensions litigation and defamation/media work. Major clients include household names such as Kraft, Kodak and Cadbury. The team successfully defended Compass Group against a claim relating to an alleged agreement for introductory fees in the Middle East.
Eversheds LLP’s offering was enhanced by the addition of Mark Surguy (a ‘dogged litigator with a quality brain’) from Pinsent Masons LLP. Other recommended partners include the ‘very organised and efficient’ Diane Bennett and Chris Busby, who is noted for his risk management advice to financial institutions. Highlights included advising Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Public Trust on the public inquiry regarding Mid Staffordshire Hospital. Other clients include the Department for Transport and Hampson Industries. The team is complimented for its ability to ‘quickly understand industry-specific issues’.
Hill Hofstetter LLP is regularly involved in complex international litigation and arbitration, and has a number of standout individuals, notably the ‘absolutely top-drawer’ Stephen Barker, who is especially recommended for arbitration; the ‘very bright’ Jonathan Hofstetter; and the ‘very experienced’ Jim Sharkey (who is highly rated for offshore litigation). It successfully represented the German arm of a global medical equipment supplier in a €7m dispute arising from the termination of a commercial agreement with a Turkish distribution company. New partner Richard Waugh is ‘extremely thorough’.
Pinsent Masons LLP acts for clients such as Britannia Building Society, Telent and Mitie. Greg Lowson, an accredited mediator, is highly regarded, as is the ‘calm and practical’ Jonathan Fortnam, who is also a qualified solicitor advocate. Jim Richards led the team in acting for Müller, the yogurt manufacturer, in a major contractual dispute with robotics company RTS over the automation of its production lines at Market Drayton. The group includes an in-house forensic accounting team.
Wragge & Co LLP has a ‘first-class team at all levels’, and reports a growing volume of instructions in international litigation and arbitration. It advised Russian property developer Synergy in relation to its $90m investment in AIM-listed company RGI International, while other clients include BA and National Grid. Andrew Manning Cox is ‘very measured and statesman like’; Eddie Breen is singled out for his abilities on ‘difficult matters’. Sian Llewellyn retired, and Richard Ellison joined Shoosmiths. Peter Flint joined the firm in London as head of international arbitration.
Cobbetts LLP’s team includes ‘sharp and detailed thinker’ Andrew Leach and the ‘very bright’ Richard Whittingham. In one standout matter, the team acted for a Russian oligarch in the defence of a personal guarantee claim (worth $50m) in proceedings before the London Court of International Arbitration, involving the co-ordination of litigation in Cyprus and Russia.
At Gateley, the ‘very sensible’ Stephen Goodrham and his team ‘fight very hard, but fairly’ for clients. The practice has recently been instructed by several large corporates in cases involving breaches of restrictive covenants and confidentiality. A highlight was acting for Exception Group, in relation to an alleged senior-level conspiracy to take a large part of the business and set up with a competitor.
Martineau has a diverse practice and provides a ‘very professional and timely service’. It is advising YouTravel.com in a claim brought by an Irish company in the Bankruptcy Court of Florida. Other clients include npower, the British Hallmarking Council, and over 30 higher and further education institutions nationwide. The ‘very accessible’ Andrew Adams heads the team, and David Gwyther provides ‘robust advice when necessary’.
Mills & Reeve LLP is acting for a global oil company in the recovery of £2.3m from a Swiss private equity surety company. Recent client gains include Karndean International, Helvetia Wealth (Liechtenstein) and SCA Recycling, adding to an already impressive list of clients that features Toyota Tsusho and the Law Society. Practice head Steve Allen ‘goes that extra yard for clients’.
Shoosmiths’ Alex Bishop receives many plaudits from clients and is ‘dedicated to achieving the best results’. It advised Roadchef in a claim for breach of a long-term facilities management contract, and also acts for Calor Gas and Debenhams Retail. Richard Ellison (formerly of Wragge & Co LLP) and Mel Chell (formerly of Gateley) are recommended for finance litigation.
Squire Sanders Hammonds ‘goes that extra mile’ for clients. The practice has flourished with a number of key banking panel appointments, and has recently acted on some significant cross-border disputes. Its impressive roster of clients includes Aldi Stores and AXA UK. Simon Garbett is ‘flexible and approachable’, and ‘very helpful’ associate Amanda Beaton receives many accolades from clients.
Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP acted for a manufacturing company in a dispute about a distribution agreement, led by the ‘very knowledgeable’ Nick Carter. Another highlight was advising a council client in the defence of a contractor’s claim for wrongful termination. The team also secured an appointment to represent the claimant in a multimillion-pound property dispute.
Buller Jeffries has an excellent reputation in product liability and fire claims work. Key individuals include the ‘highly astute’ Roger Coates and the ‘unflappable’ Derek Adamson. Instructions come from a wide range of insurance clients (such as Zurich and Gallagher Bassett) and from large corporates.
Irwin Mitchell LLP ‘provides a highly professional service’ and has been advising on a diverse range of cases from shareholder disputes to professional negligence matters. The ‘very switched-on’ Mark Elder is recommended along with associate Greg Saunders, who ‘gets to the heart of the matter quickly and efficiently’.
Shakespeares advises on the full gamut of disputes, from franchising cases to product liability claims, with Mark Beesley heading the three-partner practice. Tim Lawrence is ‘very proactive and accessible’, and Sundeep Ladwa is ‘very sensitive to clients’ specific requirements’. Clients include SVA and Birmingham City University.
The Wilkes Partnership acts for SIG Trading and its subsidiaries, and Saint-Gobain Building Distribution and its UK subsidiaries (including Jewson). Nigel Wood heads the team, which is currently advising on a significant breach of contract and defective products claim.
Bevan Brittan LLP successfully acted for Sandwell MBC in a legal challenge relating to the government’s failure to properly consult on a decision to withdraw funding for certain school building projects. Adam Kendall is the key contact.
Blakemores’ key contact is Eddie Flanagan. The team advises on a broad spectrum of disputes, and has particular experience in automotive and asset finance litigation.
Challinors Solicitors is on the Treasury Solicitors’ panel providing litigation support and investigation services, and is increasingly active in fraud disputes. Peter Lowe heads a ‘reliable’ team.
Clarke Willmott LLP advised Ben Collins (The Stig) in his dispute with the BBC concerning the publication of his memoirs. Other clients include CSJ Planning Consultants and DTZ Debenhams Tie Leung. Owen Williams leads the team. Tom Read is now at Higgs & Sons.
Dass Solicitors is regularly involved in cases with an international element, and is currently advising in a civil fraud case in the UK and the Far East. Associate Cassandra Bates is the primary contact.
Freeth Cartwright LLP advises on a broad range of cases including shareholder disputes and defective goods claims. Raymond Joyce is the primary contact.
At Harvey Ingram LLP, current work for practice head Barry Jervis includes an ongoing dispute between shareholders of a well-known company.
Sydney Mitchell has been advising on a wide range of disputes from potential shareholder disputes to probate claims. The highly rated Dean Parnell and Kamal Majevadia jointly lead the team.
Weightmans LLP advises on matters ranging from small claims on fixed fees to multi-party actions in the Chancery Division. The team enjoyed particular success in attracting more public sector clients. Associate Peter Brewer is a key contact at the Birmingham office.
Commercial litigation: Elsewhere in the West Midlands
Commercial litigation: Elsewhere in the West Midlands
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- Beswicks Solicitors LLP Stoke on Trent
- Harrison Clark LLP Worcester
- Higgs & Sons Brierley Hill
- KJD Freeth LLP Stoke on Trent
- Knights solicitors llp Newcastle under Lyme
- Wright Hassall LLP Leamington Spa
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- FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Wolverhampton, Bridgnorth, Telford
- George Green LLP Cradley Heath
- Hawkins Hatton LLP Dudley
- Lanyon Bowdler Telford, Shrewsbury
- mfg Solicitors LLP Halesowen
- ORJ Solicitors LLP Stafford
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- Alsters Kelley LLP Leamington Spa, Coventry
- Ansons LLP Cannock, Lichfield
- Band Hatton LLP Coventry
- Martin Kaye LLP Solicitors Telford
- Thursfields Kidderminster
Beswicks Solicitors LLP provides a ‘very professional and excellent service’, and is experienced in complex disputes, recently advising on multimillion-pound cases involving a worldwide product recall; a catastrophic fire to a warehouse complex; and a dispute between a Premier League football club and its former manager. Its impressive roster of clients includes Twyford Bathrooms and Waterworld UK Holdings. Head of department Graham Neyt and Stephen Taylor attract high praise from clients, and are ‘commercial’.
Harrison Clark LLP is complimented for its ‘pragmatic approach to issues’. It advises on a wide range of commercial issues, including breach of warranty and covenant claims arising out of asset and share sales agreements, and shareholder and partnership disputes. Richard Morgan (a deputy district judge) and Andrew Cave are ‘very commercially minded’. The team recently has been involved in claims ranging in value from £50,000 to over £10m.
Higgs & Sons now has four partners following the addition of the ‘very knowledgeable’ Tom Read from Clarke Willmott LLP. Head of department Julia Lowe is highly rated by clients, and ‘always keeps a cool head’. The ‘efficient’ Nyree Applegarth is acting for Martin Vickers in a claim for a declaration that a legal charge was a sham and should be set aside. The team is ‘on the up’.
Stephen Hadley at KJD Freeth LLP continues to advise a power station on the potential risk of coal mining subsidence. Tim Calloway has been dealing with an unusual claim for equitable estoppel by a former girlfriend against a high-net-worth individual. The team has added a major international logistics company to its roster of clients, joining The Crown Estate and JCB Group.
Jeff Tombs at Knights solicitors llp continues to represent a major minerals provider in a multimillion-pound application to the Lands Tribunal for compensation, while Andrew Davidson continues to represent a national building company defending an action for specific performance to complete a real estate contract. Clients include Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Dualit.
The ‘very client-focused’ Sarah Perry heads a five-partner practice at Wright Hassall LLP, which acts for names such as Tumble Tots (UK), British Showjumping and Futures Housing Group. The team’s current workload includes three cases in the Court of Appeal, and ongoing international arbitrations in Hong Kong and Geneva.
FBC Manby Bowdler LLP acts for Carillion and Marston’s among others, with Guy Birkett heading a team of 17 dedicated litigators. Recent matters include advising a company accused of anti-competitive practices, and acting in a partnership dispute in which fraud was alleged.
George Green LLP has the ‘very capable’ Neil Williams, with James Coles also recommended. The team handles the full gamut of disputes and has considerable experience in obtaining emergency injunctions and handling search orders. It recently acted for the defendant in a £7m unfair prejudice case.
Hawkins Hatton LLP’s head of department, Harminder Sandhu, is ‘knowledgeable, exact and reliable’. The team’s experience includes cases involving breaches of directors’ duties and serious white-collar fraud.
Brian Evans at Lanyon Bowdler advised a football club in a dispute involving allegations of poor workmanship and breach of a £500,000 contract for the provision of an artificial grass pitch. The firm is one of two panel firms appointed by the NFU to advise its members in the West Midlands under the NFU’s Legal Assistance Scheme.
At mfg Solicitors LLP, Tom Esler heads a team that has recently received instructions on breach of warranty, directors’ disqualification, and shareholder disputes.
Patrick Tedstone heads the team at ORJ Solicitors LLP. Current work includes a shareholder dispute, a warranty claim and a dispute relating to trusts.
Alsters Kelley LLP’s team works closely with the firm’s commercial and private client departments. Associate John Simister is the primary contact.
Ansons LLP continues to advise Marston’s on various landlord and tenant matters. Associate Martin de Ridder is a key contact, with experience in commercial property, IP and construction disputes.
Band Hatton LLP’s team is led by Jonathan Wilby. It handles a varied caseload for the firm’s commercial property, charities and education clients.
Martin Kaye LLP Solicitors’ Graham Davies advises on diverse matters, including product liability claims and partnership disputes.
Thursfields’ Mark Pittaway has the ability ‘to make you feel that he is completely on your side’. He is experienced in alternative dispute resolution.
Debt recovery
Debt recovery
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- Coltman Warner Cranston LLP Coventry
- Knights solicitors llp Newcastle under Lyme
- Martineau Birmingham
- Wragge & Co LLP Birmingham
- Wright Hassall LLP Leamington Spa
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- KJD Freeth LLP Stoke on Trent
- Shakespeares Birmingham
- Shoosmiths Birmingham
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- Band Hatton LLP Coventry
- Beswicks Solicitors LLP Stoke on Trent
- Brindley Twist Tafft & James Coventry
- Clarke Willmott LLP Birmingham
- FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Wolverhampton
- Harrison Clark LLP Worcester
- Higgs & Sons Brierly Hill
- Lanyon Bowdler Shrewsbury, Telford
- Sydney Mitchell Birmingham
- The Wilkes Partnership Birmingham
Coltman Warner Cranston LLP delivers a ‘good service with commercial insight’. It counts many household names as clients, including receiving a steady flow of instructions from one of the UK’s leading High Street retailers, one of the country’s largest franchise retailers and the UK’s largest electrical wholesaler. Larry Coltman is recommended.
Andrew Davidson’s team at Knights solicitors llp reports a growing volume of instructions involving overseas debts. Clients include Keele University, K3 Business Technologies Group, and Slater Harrison & Co.
Martineau has been particularly active in the energy and education sectors, and acted for British Energy in the recovery of a portfolio of industrial and commercial debts. Practice head Andrew Adams ‘gets results’, and senior associate Debbie Beet is appreciated for her ‘professional yet warm manner’.
Wragge & Co LLP’s Greg Standing leads a team that predominantly acts for finance sector clients, with work ranging from mortgage repossessions to asset finance recoveries. It has expertise in the recovery of Consumer Credit Act regulated lending, and undertakes a significant amount of motor finance recovery work. Key clients include Amber Homeloans and Bradford & Bingley/Mortgage Express.
Wright Hassall LLP has launched a portfolio management and collection team, with Gill Payne a key contact. It has a significant number of secured lending and vehicle finance clients, and advises on the full range of debt recovery options from volume collections to complex litigation.
Martin Cook is the main contact at KJD Freeth LLP. The team undertakes a significant amount of business-to-business trade debt recovery work, and counts a number of financial institutions as clients. It also has considerable experience in the healthcare sector.
Shakespeares recently added Metsec and RSK Group to its client base, joining RBS Invoice Finance and Clearprime, and has been increasingly active in statutory demands and winding up petitions. Associate Jason Morris is the primary contact.
Joanne Davis leads a ‘very strong team’ at Shoosmiths, and is ‘very thorough and organised’. Key areas of expertise include advising regulated and non-regulated lenders in the credit, motor finance and leasing industry on consumer credit compliance and dispute resolution.