Keystone Law > Bristol, England > Firm Profile

Keystone Law > The Legal 500 Rankings

Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 3

Office holders, companies, lenders and creditors put their faith in the ‘tenacious' Keystone Law to handle a broad range of contentious, advisory and transactional insolvency mandates. The ‘well-respected’ Stephen Young is the key contact in the South West, advising insolvency office holders and other stakeholders affected by insolvency forms the bedrock of his practice.

Real estate > Construction Tier 3

The ‘effective’ specialist construction knowledge at Keystone Law covers education, central and local government, and transport infrastructure. Martin Howe is singled out for his expertise in construction-related contracts. Louise Garcia ‘s contentious expertise extends to a niche focus on groundworks and tunnelling matters. Jon Close is well versed in renewable energy related projects. Tom Philips frequently advises on standard JCT, NEC and PPC contracts and Australia-qualified solicitor Andrew Thompson  advises across an array of commercial construction matters.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 3

The technology practice at Keystone Law supports startups and national corporations on the full range of matters pertaining to IT and telecoms, including contractual arrangements, software licensing issues, and dispute resolution. Jessica Bent, an ‘excellent partner with lots of experience’, is sought after by clients from the digital, creative, and technology sectors, while Charlie White is regularly engaged for his expertise in commercial and IP arrangements.

Employment Tier 3

Keystone Law's team is highly regarded for its provision of ‘unique insight' into clients' businesses in relation to employment. Key names in Cambridge are Kelly Sayers, who is ‘an absolute expert in this field', and experienced employment practitioner Tim Tyndall who are both known for their ‘excellent negotiating skills and exceptional levels of client service‘. Key partner Rachel Flynn also works from East Anglia and has an industry-leading specialism in the horseracing and equine world.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Gaming and betting Tier 3

Keystone Law has longstanding experience of assisting with a broad range of issues, including land-based gambling sites, host and software licensing matters for international operators and the use of cryptocurrencies as a form of payment for gambling platforms. The team has a proven track record of acting on licensing review applications, where the client’s licence is at risk of revocation. Richard Williams is well placed to advise skill game clients on how to avoid being regulated under the Gambling Act 2005. Financial services expert Rabya Anwar is equipped to handle jurisdictional expansion matters, while Niall McCann and Stephen Rodd are further key contacts.

Finance > Islamic finance Tier 3

Drawing upon ‘in-depth knowledge and experience in Islamic finance across a variety of structures’, Keystone Law is a popular choice among banks, funds and corporates, particularly in the context of inward investment into the UK. Central to the firm’s success in the field is ‘very approachable’ Fara Mohammad, whose deep and broad knowledge in the space leads to a myriad instructions, both on the transactional and regulatory front. Mohammad is also a thought leader, and has been at the cutting-edge of the rapidly maturing UK  Islamic finance ecosystem, including as it relates to fintech.

Insurance > Product liability: defendant Tier 3

The insurance team at Keystone Law has particular expertise in handling product liability matters arising from international trade. The firm is also well-versed in dealing with property damage claims arising from fire and escape of water. Antony Colman focuses on acting for insurers and manufacturers. Jason Kallis specialises in issues surrounding product recalls, repair actions and property damage, while Elaine Chan is an expert in commercial litigation.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Film & TV Tier 3

A number of hugely experienced media law practitioners now ply their trade at Keystone Law; film & TV experts include litigator Lawrence Abramson, whose recent work has included copyright claims, shareholder disputes and a range of other contentious matters in the media sphere.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Music Tier 3

The media and entertainment team at Keystone Law is home to a number of advisors adept in the music sector. Gerard Cukier advises high-profile individuals on music recording and performance agreements, licensing deals and sponsorship agreements, together with reputation management issues. Other recommended individuals include contractual expert Nick Weaser and commercial litigator Lawrence Abramson.

Transport > Travel Tier 3

Keystone Law‘s team is adept at advising on commercial and regulatory matters, including high-value cases relating to the aviation and charter sectors of transport. In aviation, which is James Healy-Pratt‘s area of specialism, the team advises on corporate and employment-related issues, as well as consumer litigation. Its charter-related work ranges from assisting in issues with cargo vehicles, to advising on claims against charter employers. Trevor Sears - a highly experienced consultant solicitor and specialist in dispute resolution, travel, aviation and insolvency - is a further key name to note.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 3

Keystone Law’s intellectual property offering includes handling both IP disputes and providing commercial IP advice, often with an international dimension. Will Sander is a UK and European chartered trade mark and design attorney with a broad practice ranging from protection and monitoring to exploitation of IP involving all IP rights from trade marks, patents, design, confidential information, copyright, to database rights.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 4

From small businesses to international corporations, Keystone Law offers assistance with dispute resolution and strategic advice on all IP rights, including trade marks, patents and designs. Jessica Bent is a go-to adviser for clients from the creative, digital, and technology sectors, while Charlie White is well versed in commercial and IP arrangements.

Corporate and commercial > M&A: Smaller Deals, £10m-£100m Tier 4

Noted for its depth of experience and commercial acumen, the corporate team at Keystone Law is regularly engaged by SMEs, entrepreneurs and larger corporates, with a notable focus on the TMT and healthcare sectors. The practice boasts an experienced bench of partners which include Nadim Zaman, Edward Dawes, Andrew Stilton and Geoffrey Davies. Dee Sian continues to undertake a broad range of M&A and venture capital transactions, while Stuart Mathews joined from McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP in spring 2023.

Corporate and commercial > Partnership Tier 4

Keystone Law offers ‘an accessible and personal service’ to professional practices and individual members including accountants. Peter Garry specialises in resolving disputes within partnerships, LLPs and private limited companies and also advises on transactions, company governance and drafts agreements. Another lawyer to note is Emma Clark who advises on contractual documentation especially in relation to new hires, post termination restrictions and exits, and offers expertise in employment law, specifically discrimination and whistleblowing laws. Employment and partnership lawyer Clive Howard regularly assists individuals in the legal and financial services sector with contentious exits and discrimination claims.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 4

Keystone Law offers a wide range of services within the fraud and financial crime industries and benefits from its strong coordination with banks and businesses. The team is well-versed in offering advice on matters across the spectrum, including corruption, SFO prosecutions, embezzlement, and disciplinary and regulatory issues. Louise Abbott delivers niche expertise in cryptocurrency fraud claims and the recovery of blockchain assets, while Matthew Hennessy-Gibbs draws from his 30 years’ experience to handle international commercial litigation and insolvency disputes. Chris Willison, a recent addition to the department, contributes to the firm’s success through his impressive track record in advising financial institutions on fraud cases.

Employment > Pensions (non-contentious) Tier 4

Keystone Law‘s pensions practice - which notably features the highly experienced Monica Ma - assists both trustees and employers in all types of pensions issues, with its recent work including advising on pensions aspects of corporate transactions. The team regularly collaborates with Isle of Man-based Ben Hughes, who is particularly adept at assisting on both domestic and international pensions issues, as well as with its colleagues in other departments such as financial services, corporate, and tax. It is complimented for its provision of an ‘extremely courteous and competent service’. 

Insurance > Insurance and reinsurance litigation Tier 4

Keystone Law is well-placed to handle all manner of contentious insurance and reinsurance matters - particularly across the marine, life sciences and aviation sectors - with coverage disputes being a particular strong point. The practice continued to grow in partner-level expertise with the addition of Ruth Hite from Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, who comes equipped with a strong UK and EU regulatory background. James Crabtree and Jason Kallis are among the key names to note, with other recommended individuals including James Healy-Pratt, Antony Colman and Elaine Chan.

Insurance > Personal injury: defendant Tier 4

Keystone Law‘s ‘customer-centric, solutions-based’ personal injury offering notably features both Cordelia Rushby and Steven Conway. The group is experienced in acting for not only insurers but also local authorities, self-insured organisations and income protection providers.

Private client > Art and cultural property Tier 4

With key names to note including Lisette Aguilar and Gregor Kleinknecht, the dedicated and ‘active’ team at Keystone Law is experienced in advising ultra-high-net-worth individuals, business collectors, estates, trustees, galleries and dealers on a broad range of issues. The skilled group has wide-ranging expertise spanning advising on general transactions, digital art and NFTs, and artists’ rights, authenticity and provenance disputes. It is also sought after for its advice on the recovery of looted antiquities, cultural property claims and World War II restitution issues. Noted for his expertise in IP and technology, Anthony Misquitta - a key port of call for many of the team's most high-profile clients - is also recommended for his work in this space.

Private client > Family Tier 4

The family department at Keystone Law ‘is hugely experienced and it has drawn well-known practitioners from magic circle firms and built an impressive team of brilliant and expert family specialists’. Among its leading lights are Susan Apthorp, Claire O’Flinn, and Carolyn Bottomley. The group often advises high-profile and celebrity clients, and through Richard Collins, it also offers niche expertise in cases involving addiction, bipolar depression, and behavioural difficulties. Notable new arrivals include Laura Brown, who joined the practice from Ketley Miller Joels Ltd in April 2023, and Grainne Fahy - 'a superb family lawyer' - who joined the group from Clyde & Co in June 2023.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) Tier 4

The team at Keystone Law is experienced in advising on all aspects of renewable and green energy projects. Richard Temple is recommended for his corporate and commercial capabilities across the renewable and conventional energy sectors, while Jon Close is another noteworthy member of the practice with experience handling construction-based renewable energy-related issues. Its work has cross-jurisdictional reach.

Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 4

With a strong reputation in the retail sector, Keystone Law advises clients in based in the UK and the Middle East on landlord and tenant matters. James Daglish is proficient in commercial property acquisitions and disposals, while Lisa Raymond’s practice encompasses mixed-use developments and subsequent lease structures. Guy Hitchin is entrusted by clients in the hospitality, leisure, and office sectors.

Transport > Aviation Tier 4

Keystone Law acts on instructions from airlines, airports, lessors and more, advising them on UK and EU competition and state aid rules in addition to IATA regulations, M&A, joint ventures and a range of other commercial agreements and financing arrangements. The firm also advises a number of start-up clients providing goods and services to the aviation sector. Key contacts include James Healy-Pratt, an insurance and accident specialist, and Owen Hanna, who represents the victims of air accidents and their families in personal injury claims. Alex Ferrari acts for airlines and other operators in insurance disputes.

Transport > Shipping Tier 4

At Keystone Law, a deep bench of practitioners provides the firm’s clients with a number of different specialisms, with work ranging from shipbuilding disputes to superyacht issues and commercial claims. Due to its office in the Isle of Man, the practice is also able to advise on issues arising out of security registration or flagging in the jurisdiction. The team includes yacht specialist Jonathan Hadley-Piggin, shipping litigators Fei Mao and Richard Johnson-Brown, and Anastasia Papadopoulou, who focuses on the marine technology sector.

Private client > Family Tier 4

Keystone Law‘s family practice is noted for its proficiency in cross-border matrimonial finance work, working with a number of clients possessing assets totaling multi-million and multi-billion values. Sarah Thompson is the ‘stand-out practitioner’ in the team, with a broad practice that is particularly concentrated on financial remedy proceedings involving agricultural assets and complex pension structures. Beyond financial work, Thompson is also routinely involved in Schedule 1 Children Act, as well as complicated family relocation disputes.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Licensing Tier 1

At Keystone Law, Gareth Hughes has over 20 years’ experience in the licensing field, where he continues to demonstrate his stellar reputation securing licences for clients in complex geographical areas, such as the Shoreditch Special Policy Area, Westminster Stress areas and the Camden Special Policy Area. Andrew Wong, who high-profile clients praise for being ‘exceptionally good in tough cases’, advises on a number of large-scale redevelopments, restaurants and bars, most recently on projects in central London. ‘Truly outstanding’ Marcus Lavell represents some of the leading nightclubs and bars in the West End, while Niall McCann is highly recommended for contentious matters. Craig Baylis joined the team as a consultant solicitor in October 2022.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: mid-market Tier 1

Litigating on behalf of both SMEs and global organisations, Keystone Law has a mouth-watering court success rate in the UK. Within the firm’s lawyer ranks, Alex Ferrari is ‘a top-notch litigator‘; James Healy-Pratt acts in relation to aviation accidents; Matthew Hennessy-Gibbs assists with commercial disputes, contentious insolvency-related claims, and fraud cases; Louise Abbott specialises in civil fraud, cryptocurrency and asset recovery work; and Elaine Chan is ‘a very senior, effective solicitor‘. Also key to the firm’s litigation credentials, Lara Robson represents both high-net-worth (HNW) individuals and companies in disputes; Patrick Elliott is a corporate recovery and insolvency expert; Gagan Ranu focuses on India and Middle East-related disputes; Patrick Pennal has a wide-ranging international litigation practice; and Dharmendra Nair specialises in shipping, commodities and commercial litigation. In 2022, Tracy Sell-Peters joined as partner from DWF, while former partners Matthew Reach and Robert Lawrie departed for Fox Williams LLP and Grosvenor Law, respectively.

Real estate > Residential property Tier 1

‘Keystone Law has a depth of like-minded quality lawyers who all work in complete harmony – the ‘team’ is very effective at delivering excellent advice and positive outcomes’. It boasts an excellent portfolio of high-net-worth clients. The group is skilled at advising on the full spectrum of residential property matters from sales and acquisitions to developments, financings, enfranchisement and disputes. Ian Cooke is vastly experienced in handling transactions relating to the prime and super-prime London residential property market. Sakhjit Randhawa frequently advises on high-value residential property acquisitions, sales and new development projects. In addition, Randhawa has a large following in the Middle East, South East Asia and America. Hugh Murphy is another key figure who acts for private clients, landed estates and institutional clients on all aspects of property law. Murphy continues to be instructed by a number of high-profile international and UK-based clients.

Employment > Senior executives Tier 2

Keystone Law is noted for its ‘deep experience‘, with particular strengths in cross-jurisdictional exit negotiation, whistleblowing cases, unlawful dismissal claims, and settlement agreements. Helen Sherborne acts on high-value and high-profile cases spanning the breadth of discrimination litigation, including claims relating to sex, age, and disability. Angharad Harris leads on corporate investigations and negotiates business departures, while Clive Howard advises on unfair dismissals, regularly appearing before the Employment Tribunal. Other key figures are Alistair French, whose broad caseload encompasses contentious and non-contentious work, and Jane Wheeler, who is a key contact for businesses and senior executives from a broad range of industries, including fitness, advertising and charity.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 2

The ‘sophisticated and very knowledgeable operation’ at Keystone Law involves ‘top-quality technical analysis’ and a ‘seamless’ experience. ‘Private client specialist’ and ‘superlative practitioner’ Robert Knight advises entrepreneurs, farmers, professionals and families with inherited wealth on the structuring and taxation of wills and trusts, as well as probate matters. The ‘outstanding’ and ‘technically strong’ Camilla Bishop, who is an expert in will drafting and regularly acts as a professional executor, handles all estate planning matters, focusing specifically on inheritance tax work.

Insurance > Professional negligence Tier 2

Keystone Law handles the full range of professional negligence claims, drawing upon the resources of the wider national firm to provide an offering across a range of industries and professions. Jonathan Watmough brings his valuable experience and insights from his time as a defendant lawyer for a number of the leading insurers to the claims pursued by businesses and individuals. He works alongside consultant solicitor Sharon Duncan, who has experience acting in claims against solicitors, valuers, surveyors, insurance brokers, and accountants.

Corporate and commercial > Venture capital Tier 5

Drawing upon an innovative mindset that in many ways mirrors the entrepreneurial nature of venture capital start-ups, the alternative business model utilised by Keystone Law ensures that clients receive a ‘highly pragmatic and commercial’ service throughout the funding continuum. The ‘fabulous’ Dee Sian  is ‘incredibly diligent’ and is particularly accomplished at advising funds on EIS and VCT investments, including within the technology, leisure and retail sectors. The ‘exceptional’ Charles Frank  has an investee focus to his practice, advising companies seeking funding, as well as on M&A processes with regard to an exit strategy.

Employment > Employers Tier 5

Keystone Law operates under a non-traditional structure which enables its lawyers to operate more independently and flexibly, and has in recent years built up a large and growing bench of partners. The firm has key strengths in defending claims arising from collective redundancy and acting on senior level investigations. Key names within the employment team include the highly experienced Angharad Harris and Nicholas Robertson, TUPE specialist Fraser Younson, maternity law expert Emma Clark and the senior level terminations focussed Rob Eldridge.

Employment > Immigration Tier 5

Keystone Law covers the full range of business immigration work, with the firm possessing the capacity to assist in the relocation of senior staff, handling HNW individuals, and supporting other law firms that lack their own dedicated immigration offering. The firm has a large team of immigration specialists to draw upon, with key figures being Tsige Berhanu, Sharmila Mehta, Jayanti Mitra-Valdes, Nicola Richards, Christine Chiew, and Dhruti Thakrar with a range of specialisms.

Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans Tier 5

The ‘unflappable and responsive’ team at Keystone Law has recently established a significant lender-side offering in the space following the arrival in May 2022 of the ‘calm and resourceful’ Isaac Felberbaum from Dentons. Recognised for his ability to 'make a deal happen even on complex financings involving difficult counterparties!’, Felberbaum has a wealth of experience advising on syndicated loans with sovereigns and financial institutions, including in Arica and Turkey. Robert Spedding, who also recently joined from  Dentons, further enhances the team’s offering in light of his experience advising on high-value syndicated loans (both secured and unsecured) in numerous jurisdictions.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 5

The private client team at Keystone Law covers both onshore and offshore work. Alex Boothman  is highly regarded. Barry Adamson focuses on high-net-worth individuals and their families and on how best to arrange their affairs to protect them for future generations. Luke Micallef Trigona advises on a wide range of issues from trusts, wills and lasting powers of attorney through to estate planning and trust structuring.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 5

Keystone Law‘s broad energy practice covers the full range of transactional oil & gas work but remains particularly strong at advising on regulatory issues. Richard Temple is notably experienced in both African and North Sea oil & gas deals. Other key figures include Fei Mao, who comes highly recommended by clients. Stuart Carter has left the firm

Real estate > Construction: contentious Tier 5

Keystone Law‘s team benefits from the firm’s network of offices and remote workers, offering clients comprehensive service.  Louise Elmes is noted for her particular expertise in construction related professional negligence matters. Recent additions to the team include Jon Olson-Welsh, who joined from Mayer Brown International LLP in May 2022, and Ed John, an April 2022 addition from Howard Kennedy LLP.

Real estate > Planning Tier 5

Keystone Law’s planning team provides a boutique service, covering a broad range of planning matters. The firm handles large projects for corporate clients, as well as Planning Court litigation, enforcement matters, and compulsory purchases. Ben Garbett and Yohanna Weber are noted for their expertise in permitted development rights and environmental law. Anna Fouracre joined the team from Osborne Clarke LLP in July 2023.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 5

Keystone Law is best known for acting for major hotels dealing with acquisitions, rent reviews and construction disputes. The team also acts for corporate occupiers dealing with rent reviews, lease renewals and dilapidations. Andrew Tugwell is particularly skilled in litigation surrounding valuation and surveying issues. 'Lighthouse in the storm' Ed John is experienced in dealing with developers in matters concerning building defects in the hotel and hospitality industries.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 5

Keystone Law handles a variety of high-end disputes, routinely involving regulatory elements and framework agreements, among others. Karen Fong is well-versed in trade mark-related matters, while other key contacts in the group include Rebecca Halford-Harrison, who has experience in chemistry-based industries, and Simon Chalkley.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management Tier 5

Keystone Law is instructed by a sizeable and varied client base to handle a range of issues relating to defamation, privacy and reputation management. Gerard Cukier has extensive experience managing high-profile clients’ affairs, as well as acting in defamation, intellectual property and libel cases. Nicola Thatcher is noted for her expertise at the pre-publication stage .

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: patents (contentious and non-contentious) Tier 6

Keystone Law is noted for its ability to handle complex disputes involving a full spectrum of issues. Simon Chalkley is noted for his expertise in managing transactions relating to the commercial exploitation of various IP rights. Rebecca Halford-Harrison bolsters the practice with her strengths in assisting chemistry-based industry clients. Lucy Harrold and Robert Pocknell are also recommended.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 6

Jamie Horner, Peter Millichip and Rachel Flynn are among the key names at Keystone Law for sport. Horner advises motor racing car teams on a range of disputes, including issues with former drivers, sanctions issues and commercial deals that fall through. With the arrival of Millichip from Coleridge Law in 2022, the firm has deepened its offering to clients in the cricket space. Flynn is a go-to name in equine sports, working on contractual and employment arrangements. Gerard Cukier is a key contact for clients seeking advice on overlapping sport and media reputation management matters.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Cambridge

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Elsewhere in East Midlands

Corporate and commercial > International business reorganisations

Insurance > Professional negligence

Private client > Charities and not-for-profit

Private client > Court of protection

Employment

Private client > Agriculture and estates

Private client > Family: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx

Employment > Employees/unions

Finance > Transport finance and leasing

Public sector > Healthcare

Real estate > Construction: non-contentious

Employment > Health and safety

Dispute resolution > Professional discipline

Insurance > Clinical negligence: defendant

Insurance > Insurance litigation: for policyholders

Private client > Agriculture and estates

West Midlands > Employment > Employment

North > TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property

Keystone Law’s intellectual property offering includes handling both IP disputes and providing commercial IP advice, often with an international dimension. Will Sander is a UK and European chartered trade mark and design attorney with a broad practice ranging from protection and monitoring to exploitation of IP involving all IP rights from trade marks, patents, design, confidential information, copyright, to database rights.