The Legal 500

Within Corporate and commercial: Elsewhere in the West Midlands, FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is a first tier firm,

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has a ‘commercial and personable team’ led by the ‘very sensible’ James Sage, and recently acquired DH Legal, the Wolverhampton-based specialist corporate practice. The core strength of the team lies in advising SME/owner-managed businesses. Kam Johal, who ‘solves problems as they arise’, acted for a national opticians practice in the acquisition of several optician businesses throughout the UK. The team is also acting for a number of insolvency practitioners on the sale of businesses in administration/liquidation. The ‘very helpful’ Gavin Southall is recommended.

Within Crime, FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is a third tier firm,

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has experience in fraud cases, HSE proceedings, and cases involving breaches of environmental regulations. Associate David Campbell recently represented a client facing allegations of deliberately undervaluing gold.

Within Licensing Licensing

Within Commercial litigation: Elsewhere in the West Midlands, FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is a second tier firm,

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP acts for Carillion and Marston’s among others, with Guy Birkett heading a team of 17 dedicated litigators. Recent matters include advising a company accused of anti-competitive practices, and acting in a partnership dispute in which fraud was alleged.

Within Debt recovery Debt recovery

Within Insolvency and corporate recovery , tier 5

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP’s work highlights included obtaining a s127 validation order on 36 hours’ notice to preserve the business of a multimillion-pound mobile communications company. Brian Aikman is recommended.

Within Employment, tier 5

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP advised a construction client on the employment issues regarding a restructuring, and acted on a number of complex discrimination claims. Tracy Worthington and Alasdair Hobbs are the key contacts.

Within Personal injury: claimant, FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is a third tier firm,

Industry experts recommend FBC Manby Bowdler LLP as being ‘particularly thorough and experienced in higher-value claims’. Susan Todhunter offers a ‘high level of professionalism, astuteness and considerable ability, while being approachable and compassionate’. The team is noted for its expertise in brain injury cases.

Within Agriculture and estates, FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is a second tier firm,

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP recently advised on the option agreement for the £11m sale of a farm in the Home Counties, and represented the successful appellant in the case of Murrell v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and Broadlands District Council. Steven Corfield ‘grasps situations quickly’.

Within Charities, tier 4

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP acts for Vivat Trust and St Leonard’s Church, and advised The Edge Arts Charity on the formation of the charity. Stuart Rea is the key contact.

Within Family: Elsewhere in the West Midlands, FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is a second tier firm,

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has notable expertise in ancillary relief and Children Act matters. Anne Thomson gives ‘sound, informed advice’, while Philip Cowell ‘develops creative strategies’. Clients have ‘absolute confidence in every member of the team’.

Within Personal tax, trusts and probate, FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is a third tier firm,

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP’s Ian Fallon and Andrew Vernon ‘have wide knowledge and experience’, and ‘a high level of professional integrity’. Fallon is ‘very sensitive in his dealings with elderly clients’.

Within Commercial property: Elsewhere in the West Midlands, FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is a second tier firm,

The ‘very helpful and professional’ Kevin Styles heads the team at FBC Manby Bowdler LLP, which has considerable expertise in agriculture and the retail sector (advising Halfords and Claire’s Accessories UK among others). The group is also advising the Diocese of Lichfield in relation to its portfolio of properties across the region. The firm has a strong housing team led by David Lucas.

Within Construction Construction

Within Planning, FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is a second tier firm,

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP predominantly acts for landowners and developers, and in 2010 handled matters including Village Green applications and judicial reviews. Practice head Niall Blackie is ‘very thorough and personable’.

Within Property litigation Property litigation

Within Social housing Social housing

Within Intellectual property Intellectual property