The Legal 500

Within Financial services, tier 5

Fox Williams LLP’s regulatory practice is headed by new arrival Peter Wright, a former member of the FSA’s enforcement division’s legal group; he brings ‘a wealth of experience’. The team recently acted in a multi-party FSA enforcement investigation.

Within Flotations: small and mid-cap, tier 4

Noted for its ‘cohesive team approach’, Fox Williams LLP draws on the ‘good industry knowledge, patience and commitment to projects’ of Nick McCarthy, Richie Clark and James Channo. It advised Westhouse Securities on the AIM IPO of Fluromin.

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

Fox Williams LLP’s ‘professional, prompt and commercial’ team acts for a number of AIM and main market clients, including SuperGroup and Plexus Holdings. In 2011 it advised the former on its €40m acquisition of CNC Collections BVBA, its France and Benelux franchisee and distributor. Practice head Paul Osborne is a ‘skilful negotiator and draftsman’, and Nick Sayers ‘grasps issues quickly and provides considered, practical advice’.

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

The Fox Williams LLP team is ‘both technically and commercially first rate’, and is valued for its ‘exemplary’ service and ‘meticulous’ attention to detail. The legal services sector is an area of specialism, with clients including Fulbright & Jaworski International LLP and Clyde & Co LLP. Tina Williams is very highly rated, and ‘really gets under the skin of a business’. Gavin Foggo has ‘excellent client-handling skills’, and gives ‘practical, sensible advice’.

Within Commercial litigation Commercial litigation

Within Employment: employees/unions Leading individuals: Employment

Within Employment: employers and senior executives, Fox Williams LLP is a second tier firm,

Under the leadership of doyenne Jane Mann, Fox Williams LLP provides a ‘consistently superb service’, and is noted for its technical understanding and strategic input. Mark Watson ‘makes you feel in expert hands’, and Joanna Chatterton provides a ‘superlative client service’. The firm advises both corporates and individuals, and the recruitment of Peter Wright enhances its regulatory capability. Clients include BHP Billiton, Chelsea FC, and a number of international law firms.

Within Immigration, tier 4

Fox Williams LLP’s experience includes representing US clients on the interface between employment law and immigration compliance. Team head Matthew Davies handles sponsor licence applications and immigration audits.

Within Commercial property, tier 5

Fox Williams LLP’s ‘sound knowledge is backed up by an experienced, pragmatic approach’. Clients include Restaurants Etc (Soho) Ltd, Urban Space Holdings and FM Global. Elizabeth Ruff and Simon Smith are recommended.

Within Brand management, tier 4

Fox Williams LLP focuses on global trade mark portfolio management, and has a number of fashion and retail sector clients. Simon Bennett is ‘an IP specialist, who provides to-the-point advice’.

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

Fox Williams LLP advises fashion industry clients (such as SuperGroup) and independent schools (such as North London Collegiate School) on international retail and education franchise models. Commercial specialist Stephen Sidkin shows ‘attention to detail’, and gives ‘well-considered advice’.

Within Intellectual property, tier 5

Fox Williams LLP advises fashion, retail and technology sector clients on trade mark and design right matters, including disputes. Simon Bennett is ‘an IP specialist, and provides to-the-point advice’.