The Legal 500

Within Corporate and commercial: Norwich, Howes Percival LLP is a second tier firm,

‘Practical and cost effective’, Howes Percival LLP ‘impresses with its level of service, good business acumen and commercial pragmatism’. Clients include Ford Retail. Robert Colman’s ‘commercial awareness, admirable legal knowledge and sense of urgency ensure the best possible outcomes’.

Within Commercial litigation: Norwich, Howes Percival LLP is a first tier firm,

Howes Percival LLP’s clients include a government department and large corporates such as Ford Retail Ltd. The team includes experienced managing partner Andrew Barnes and Alison Kirby.

Within Banking and finance, Howes Percival LLP is a third tier firm,

Howes Percival LLP is noted for its ‘excellent communication and added value’, thanks to the ‘accessible, efficient’ Tessa Haskey and ‘positive, commercial’ Robert Colman. Panel appointments include Bank of Scotland and Svenska Handelsbanken.

Within Insolvency and corporate recovery, Howes Percival LLP is a first tier firm,

Howes Percival LLP ‘has long appeared to be the most able of East Anglian firms’, and attracts work from London and nationwide. Morris Peacock (‘competent, knowledgeable, encourages good teamwork’) and Julian Hayes advised the liquidator of Our Price Entertainment, and the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Within Employment, Howes Percival LLP is a second tier firm,

Howes Percival LLP’s team is led by Harriet McInnes, working with partners across the firm’s expanding office network. Outstanding in complex tribunals, she advises SMEs and large corporates.

Within Regional review Regional heavyweights

Within Agriculture and estates, Howes Percival LLP is a second tier firm,

At Howes Percival LLP, Jeremy Heal is ‘a leader in his field regionally, if not nationally’, and combines with property experts Tessa Haskey and Philip Hunter, and Robert Colman, who is notable for his experience in farm reorganisations. Deals included an £8m farm purchase.

Within Charities, Howes Percival LLP is a second tier firm,

Charity trustee and administration expert Jeremy Heal at Howes Percival LLP excels in restructuring and governance matters. Richard Lovett assists Paul Bassham Charitable Trust with accountancy and legal issues.

Within Personal tax, trusts and probate: Norwich, Howes Percival LLP is a second tier firm,

Howes Percival LLP’s well-regarded Jeremy Heal and Richard Lovett are highly sought after for IHT and estate planning matters. They recently handled the administration of a £3m estate.

Within Commercial property: Cambridge,

At Eversheds LLP, Dominic Morris stands out for his development and regeneration work, and Zoe Cooke has notable expertise in affordable housing. The firm counts Taylor Wimpey and many London borough councils as clients. Tracey Hughes and Alice Liddle moved to Howes Percival LLP in Norwich.

Within Commercial property: Norwich, Howes Percival LLP is a second tier firm,

‘Concise, on time and within budget’, Philip Hunter’s team at Howes Percival LLP has brought in Tracey Hughes and Alice Liddle from Eversheds LLP. It recently handled sales, leases and development agreements for Ford dealerships across the UK.

Within Environment, Howes Percival LLP is a third tier firm,

Howes Percival LLP’s Philip Hunter, who has a master’s degree in environmental law, defends clients against Environment Agency prosecutions.

Within Planning, Howes Percival LLP is a second tier firm,

Eversheds LLP is noted for its ‘quick response times and good grasp of commercial aspects’, on matters including compulsory purchase projects. Associates Peter Seaborn and James Smith advise clients such as Grosvenor Developments. Trevor Ivory left for Howes Percival LLP.

Within Social housing,

At Eversheds LLP, Richard New and Zoe Cooke (noted for her ‘excellent organisational skills’) advise clients such as Family Mosaic Housing. Tracey Hughes left for Howes Percival LLP.