The Legal 500

Within Flotations: small and mid-cap, tier 4

Howard Kennedy’s team features the recommended Dov Katz and Keith Lassman. A highlight of 2010 was advising Hurlingham (now Manroy) on its admission to AIM and subsequent £6m fundraising. The team also acts for NOMADs, brokers and sponsors.

Within M&A: smaller deals up to £50m, Howard Kennedy is a second tier firm,

Howard Kennedy’s overall level of service is described as ‘excellent’, with its dedicated hotels and leisure practice attracting high praise. Led by Michael Harris and including the highly rated Eric Gummers, the team recently advised on the sale of St James Hotel & Club at a reported price of £1m per room.

Within Commercial litigation Commercial litigation

Within Personal injury: claimant, tier 5

Howard Kennedy has a fine reputation, largely due to ‘two remarkable individuals’, namely Elizabeth Smith and Ian Mulkis. Both are ‘talented and assiduous, such that this firm is a truly first-class outfit’.

Within Charities and not-for-profit , tier 6

Alan Banes from Howard Kennedy has particular expertise in governance matters, and consultant Iain Harris also has a strong reputation. Clients include The Mutiple Sclerosis Society and the Alexandra Palace Charitable Trust.

Within Personal tax, trusts and probate, tier 5

Cordelia Brand heads Howard Kennedy’s cross-departmental wealth protection practice, which handles onshore and offshore trust and tax matters for wealthy clients.

Within Commercial property, tier 4

Howard Kennedy’s team was boosted by the arrival of Paul Groobey, formerly head of the London office of Hammonds. The group advised Frogmore Real Estate Partners in relation to Foundation Park, Maidenhead. The hotels and leisure practice is growing and the residential practice acts for private individuals as well as corporates; Paul Springall is ‘an excellent conveyancing solicitor’.

Within Environment Leading individuals

Within Property finance, tier 4

Howard Kennedy is a ‘most straightforward firm’. Jason Lewis ‘runs a particularly good team’, which is valued for its ability to see the bigger picture and was augmented by Mark Phillips joining from DLA Piper UK LLP. The practice advised parts of Santander on over 20 loan advances ranging from £3m to £30m.

Within Property litigation, tier 4

At Howard Kennedy, Michele Freyne is the driving force behind a practice that is gaining market credibility, and acts for major West End developers and wealthy families. In 2010, the team advised several Galliard Group subsidiaries in various large disputes.

Within Media and entertainment, Howard Kennedy is a third tier firm,

The ‘excellent’ Brian Eagles heads Howard Kennedy’s team, which works across film and film financing, TV, music, theatre and publishing. The group acted alongside the firm’s corporate practice to advise BMG Rights Management on a major acquisition. Eagles also advises Old Vic Productions on licensing and production requirements. Other clients include the Peter Schaufuss Ballet Company and literary agents Alexandra Cann Associates. Keith Lassman is recommended.