Hunt & Coombs LLP > Peterborough, England > Firm Profile

Hunt & Coombs LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Crime, fraud and licensing > General crime and fraud Tier 1

Hunt & Coombs LLP in Peterborough is 'an excellent regional firm that is very well run and client-committed'. Complex crime and mental health specialist Andrew Cave leads the practice along with associate Kashif Khan, who frequently handles cases of youth crime, often working with the Youth Offending Service to divert young individuals away from the criminal justice system. Cave is'goes out of his way for his clients, and the whole team has a very good manner and nothing is too much for them'. Senior associate Richard Boucher manages the firm’s Mental Health Contract.

Private client > Family Tier 2

The family practice at Hunt & Coombs LLP is ‘empathetic and good at listening to clients, and it puts the client at the heart of the issue'. Partner Hannah Byatt in St Neots took over leadership of the practice from Farhana Butt in Peterborough in 2023, though Butt remains an active fee earner. In Peterborough, consultants Denis White (who is ‘a legend in the field') and Edward Owen (who is ‘the calm port in a storm') remain closely involved in family law matters. The firm has 13 specialist family lawyers and frequently handles cases with multimillion-pound assets.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: elsewhere in East Anglia Tier 2

At Hunt & Coombs LLP, Oundle-based Sally Power who frequently acts for high-net-worth individuals, landowners, farmers, and business owners, now leads the practice, having taken over from Peterborough-based Henry Anstey at the start of 2023. The ‘very knowledgeable’ Anstey remains a key partner in the practice. Paddy Appleton, who also works from the Oundle office, has vast experience in all areas of private client law and Huntingdon-based Sallyann Short is known for her ‘professional manner and caring nature’.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: elsewhere in East Anglia Tier 3

Hunt & Coombs LLP in Peterborough is described as ‘a long-standing firm in the area, with great local knowledge'. The corporate and commercial team 'provide an efficient service'. Former practice head Anna Spriggs departed in April 2023 to the Northampton office of Howes Percival LLP; April 2023-promoted partner Olivia Chalmers now leads the practice. The team is adept in acting for a diverse client base of sole traders, start-ups, regional SMEs and leading national brands, among them Anglia Home Furnishings Limited.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: elsewhere in East Anglia Tier 3

Hunt & Coombs LLP in Peterborough has a diverse litigation practice that encompasses a broad-range of work, namely the contentious trusts and probate matters handled by practice head Helen Townsend. In regards to commercial litigation, senior associate Rebecca Beynon-Phillips who joined the team from Rosling King's London office in February 2023, brings valuable experience. Senior associate Norman Hunter-Goulder has extensive advocacy experience in both commercial and civil litigation contexts. Former head of commercial who worked closely with the litigation team, Anna Spriggs, departed to Howes Percival LLP in April 2023.

Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 3

Hunt & Coombs LLP's practice handles property, corporate and private client matters relating to the agricultural sector, and is noted as providing ‘prompt clear and excellent advice'. Peterborough-based April 2022-promoted partner Olivia Chalmers leads the practice. Former lead partner Anna Spriggs moved to Howes Percival LLP's Northampton office in April 2023. Associate James Steward handles real estate matters and is based in Oundle, whilst senior partner Paddy Appleton advises rural clients on wills, trusts and probate matters. Private client partner Sallyann Short in Huntingdon frequently assists agricultural family estates.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 3

Hunt & Coombs LLP in Peterborough is known for ‘excellent and prompt service delivery‘, as well as ‘expertise in private lettings which is not generally available in many provincial practices‘. Practice co-head Helen Townsend handles property disputes, working closely with co-head and civil litigation specialist Naina Tilney. Townsend and Tilney are 'extremely dedicated and will go above and beyond for their clients', often acting in disputes concerning the breach of leases, dilapidation claims, and constructions.

Real estate > Commercial property: elsewhere in East Anglia Tier 4

Working out of Peterborough, the team at Hunt & Coombs LLP frequently advises businesses, charities and individuals on property transactions. Former practice head Anna Spriggs has since departed the practice to join Howes Percival LLP, and is succeeded by Olivia Chalmers  who now leads the practice. Clients praise Chalmers for her ‘expertise and attention to detail', which are 'second to none'. Senior associate David Marsh joined the team from Chattertons in February 2023, bringing extensive experience in the acquisition and sale of development land. Associate James Steward in Oundle also plays a key role in the practice.