The Legal 500

Within Corporate and commercial: Nottingham and Derby, tier 4

Actons’ ‘depth of knowledge is second to none. The quality of advice is excellent, appropriate, entirely sound, concise, honest and reliable’. The ‘switched-on’ Simon Dakin regularly acts for the London branch of a Spanish finance house in relation to the financing of acquisitions, and in 2010 advised a US technology company on the £50m financing of a UK joint venture. He is ‘very approachable, and has good attention to detail’. Peter Flowerday ‘excels in his consummate professionalism, thoroughness, depth of knowledge, accuracy, clarity and comprehensive advice’.

Within Commercial litigation: Nottingham and Derby, tier 4

Clients of the ‘top-class’ team at Actons range from a Swiss bonds company to residential landlords and brothers in a partnership dispute. Chris Murratt is ‘in a class of his own’ and ‘thinks outside the box’. Caroline Bowler handles equine cases.

Within Debt recovery , Actons is a third tier firm,

Actons is noted for its personalised service, and attracted work from a Beijing client for B2B recovery in addition to existing instructions from private schools, accountants and insolvency practitioners.

Within Insolvency and corporate recovery, Actons is a first tier firm,

Actons’ advice to insolvency practitioners ‘reflects the vast experience amassed by the team’, with its ‘strong commercial acumen overlaying robust technical analysis of complex issues’. Practice head Nicky Calthrop-Owen and consultant Richard Leman ‘epitomise’ the team’s strong skill set and level of service, and Chris Murratt is noted for his ‘experience, knowledge and people-management skills’.

Within Employment, tier 4

A highlight for Actons was providing multiple compromise agreement advice to NHS employees nationally. Claire Bell typically acts for public, private and third sector commercial clients and senior employees.

Within Personal injury and clinical negligence: claimant, Actons is a third tier firm,

Actons is active across a variety of areas including employer’s and public liability, and has a developing niche in beauty treatment injuries.

Within Family, Actons is a third tier firm,

Senior practitioner Michael Spencer at Actons operates at the higher end of ancillary relief claims, as well as children matters, and has a growing practice advising on pre-nuptial agreements.

Within Personal tax, trusts and probate, Actons is a third tier firm,

Actons’ team, headed by Mandy Kelly, assists wealthy and elderly clients with estate, pension and tax planning.

Within Commercial property: Nottingham and Derby, Actons is a third tier firm,

Actons is noted for its responsiveness to the needs of its clients, which range from individuals to SMEs and banks. The practice includes mortgage transactions, acquisitions, relocations and leases. Susan Lawson and Amanda Gordon are appreciated for their ‘first-rate service’.