The Legal 500

Within M&A: smaller deals up to £50m, Fox Williams LLP is a second tier firm,

Fox Williams LLP is ‘well stocked with good lawyers’. The team, headed by Paul Osborne, acted on over 30 deals worth a total of £80m. Peter Faber, who joined from Jones Day, ‘engenders respect’, and Nick Sayers is also recommended.

Within Partnership, Fox Williams LLP is a first tier firm,

‘Justifiably regarded as one of a select number of top-flight partnership firms’, Fox Williams LLP has ‘an extremely good knowledge of the legal sector and a great depth of practical advice’. Headed by ‘pragmatic and effective negotiator’ Tina Williams, the team’s work in 2010 included advising on the first trial of an unfair prejudice petition brought in respect of a LLP. Gavin Foggo is a ‘highly efficient and popular litigator’, and rounding out the group is the ‘utterly charming’ Douglas Preece. Tax head Emma Bailey joined in March 2010 from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP.

Within Commercial litigation Commercial litigation

Within Employment, tier 4

Fox Williams LLP excels in complex and groundbreaking litigation on behalf of individuals and organisations, making new law relating to PILON notices in Raphael Geys v Société Générale, and to retention of confidential information in another high-profile action in 2010. The team is valued for its ‘encyclopaedic knowledge of the law, and ability to innovate and to give clear, understandable, and authoritative advice’. Practice head Jane Mann combines ‘a razor-sharp intellect and detailed knowledge of relevant case law with first-class negotiating skills and keen tactical awareness’.

Within Immigration, tier 4

At Fox Williams LLP, key contact Matthew Davies assists US and other clients, in the financial, professional services and technology sectors.

Within Overview,

One area which has continued to show a high level of activity is litigation, in both the High Court and the employment tribunals. The number of trials relating to team moves, restrictive covenants, bonus schemes, and all kinds of discrimination has increased, with employees striving to maintain scarce jobs, and employers taking action to stem the flood of claims. Firms such as Linklaters LLP; McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP; Herbert Smith LLP; Farrer & Co; Fox Williams LLP and Simmons & Simmons have been at the forefront for finance houses and executives, and have witnessed the development of a new thread of litigation – data breaches and privacy issues in defections to competitors. Discrimination in all its forms has also been in the spotlight, with notable cases being fought by Leigh Day & Co; Bindmans LLP; and Russell Jones & Walker.

Within Commercial property, tier 6

Fox Williams LLP advised Restaurants Etc (Soho) in relation to a concession in Selfridges, Oxford Street. Other clients include Westbrook Partners, Urban Space Holdings and FM Global, and retailers and restaurateurs. Simon Smith and Elizabeth Ruff are recommended.

Within Brand management, tier 4

At Fox Williams LLP, Stephen Sidkin gives ‘quick, good advice’, and practice head Simon Bennett has ‘in-depth knowledge’. The group undertakes trade mark portfolio work for SuperGroup PLC and its subsidiaries. Sian Barr is also recommended.

Within Franchising, Fox Williams LLP is a third tier firm,

Fox Williams LLP saw an increase in international franchising and shop licensing work. Clients recommend Stephen Sidkin for his ‘quick, good advice and in-depth knowledge’. He advised SuperGroup on worldwide franchise agreements for the Superdry and SuperdryStore brands.

Within Intellectual property, tier 5

At Fox Williams LLP, IP head Simon Bennett is ‘clear, concise, diligent and good value for money’. Together with the ‘quick, keen’ Stephen Sidkin, he undertakes trade mark licensing and other IP work for SuperGroup and the Superdry brand.