The ‘highly knowledgable‘ practice at Tees Law is led by Letty Glaister in Royston who is renowned for her expertise in rural succession planning. David Miller splits his time between the firm’s offices and is experienced in energy projects, while Ian Johnston in Chelmsford works in conjunction with the firm’s property team on land and farm sales.
‘A highly knowledgeable and approachable team who are professional in every sense but retain a personal touch.’
‘They have kept me informed at all stages of the work they have done for me and have exceeded my expectations is many cases.’
‘We have found Tees law to be a reliable practice fully understanding our needs as farmers in a specialised area. Their knowledge of the sector is vital, and they ensure they are fully aware of current legislation and working to advise accordingly.’
‘They ensure that some staff attend specialist sector events to help them keep on top of changing agricultural practice. Any advice is therefore given with complete confidence.’
‘Personalised service, prompt and commercially aware. The legal advice is well referenced to specific outcome & not simply generic.’
‘The Tees Law team have developed a great understanding of matters affecting agricultural businesses and estates.’
‘Kay Piper is an excellent communicator and a tenacious, problem-solving conveyancing solicitor.’
‘The knowledge of Kay Piper is so valuable. The confidence given by her understanding of our sector is invaluable whether in land purchase or other estate issues.’
Key clients
Lightsource BP
Work highlights
Advised a farming client with various requirements in relation to farm purchases, land promotion agreements, employment issues and trust matters.
Advised a client on succession planning to structure their estates in order to minimise their Inheritance Tax exposure.
Advised a global market leader in the development, acquisition and long-term management of large-scale solar projects and smart energy solutions.
Offering ‘fantastic personal service and attention to detail‘, the team at Tees Law assists high-net-worth individuals with lifetime tax planning and the administration of estates. Nicola Havers and the ‘exceptional‘ Sarah Walker jointly lead the practice in Bishop’s Stortford. Havers primarily handles the creation and management of trusts, often acting as a trustee, while Walker focuses on inheritance tax and estate planning, with a strong focus on Anglo-French wills and estates involving assets located in France. Letitia Glaister leads the Royston group; she is praised by clients for her ‘pragmatic approach and can do attitude‘ and acts for numerous farming clients in succession matters.
‘Fantastic personal service and attention to detail. Their client focus is exceptional, as is their subject knowledge.’
‘Tees stands out for their service. Tees is the firm I feel I can trust to get things right.’
‘Sarah Walker is exceptional in helping us with wills in France and UK. She listens brilliantly, responds appropriately, and gave clear and simple principles to work to.’
‘Letitia Glaister stands out as very responsive and helpful. Her pragmatic approach and can do attitude are welcomed by clients.’
‘Lauren Glynne has been straightforward kind and considerate. Helen Craughwell is very efficient, helpful, and kind. Both have taken a great burden from us at a difficult time and been very supportive. We cannot recommend them enough.’
‘Tees Law gives you confidence that they will get the job done efficiently and well. Tees has a full range of legal and financial specialists to assist with your requirements and they are straightforward to deal with.’
Work highlights
Advising on two individuals wills, review, and re-draft their lasting powers of attorney, review a lifetime settlement which holds potential development land, arrange to update the appointment of trustees, and introduce an additional class of beneficiaries as potential beneficiaries of the settlement.
Advising trustees on the management of The Allan & Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust (valued at £32m) with respect to both governance and the grant making process.
With offices in Chelmsford, Brentwood and Saffron Walden, Tees Law‘s private client practice ‘has an outstanding reputation for quality’, and is equipped to handle an array of private client matters, including succession and tax planning, estate administration, and will preparation. The team is led by Ian Johnston, who is a key contact for wealthy individuals seeking advice on their business succession; Johnston also has strong connections to the farming community. Luck Luck Ooi and the ‘extremely knowledgeable’Sarah White, who joined from Thompson Smith and Puxon in April 2022, are also recommended.
‘A practice that covers all areas. They are personable, efficient and contactable.’
‘We deal with Luck Luck Oi on a professional basis. We have nothing but positive feedback for Luck and his team. They have exceptional knowledge in the area, but also respond quickly to all queries.’
‘Tees have an outstanding reputation for quality in this. Tees have a formidable team, and there is a high degree of collaboration among the players, who are comfortable in moving between offices to deliver best service to their clients.’
‘Ian Johnston has provided wise counsel and a firm hand to prevent us committing any false steps.’
‘Sarah White is extremely knowledgeable in her area.’
‘The team at Tees are consummately professional, and yet provide a service which feels warm, friendly and personal. All considerations are covered and delivered in an understandable yet thorough manner.’
‘Ian Johnston is a fine example of the ability of the firm to deliver the human approach to what can be very serious discussions.’
Work highlights
Instructed by the executor of a complex estate involving international pension trustees and properties, business and gifts, with total assets in the region of £100m.
Advising a client on succession planning and tax issues following his sale of substantial farmland for development and potential future land sales.
Advising a client on the structure of their estates to best arrange matters from an inheritance tax position for succession planning to their child, with assets worth in the region of £25m.
With offices in Brentwood, Saffron Walden and Chelmsford, Tees Law’s commercial property department is led by Aaron Cane, and praised by clients for its ‘exceptional support’. Caine is reputed for his knowledge of property development, development finance, and complex transactional work. The ‘very knowledgeable’Jane Winfield heads up the Brentwood team, and is recommended for landlord and tenant work, and commercial transactions including investment finance issues. Daniel Fairs’ practice includes handling commercial conveyancing work, property finance matters and transactions, while Lucy Beck handles asset site acquisitions and disposals, strategic land developments and secured lending matters.
‘Knowledgeable, reliable, very straightforward to do business with.’
‘Jane Winfield is very knowledgeable, and highly professional. She has been an absolute asset in negotiating a new commercial lease.’
‘Tees are an outstanding law firm.’
‘Jane Winfield played a massive part in the progress of the sale, bringing together other members of her team to deal with sensitive and delicate areas of the sale. Absolutely outstanding solicitors.’
‘The team are great to work with. They all put each case in such high regard. All members of the team are professional and hold your best interest as a client highly.’
‘Daniel Fairs is the best solicitor I have come across in my 40 years in business.’
‘They provide a professional service, are very prompt and keep us updated. We would highly recommend Tees Law.’
‘The support we received from the Commercial Property team was exceptional.’
Key clients
R.V.L. Properties Limited
William Thompson Homes Limited
Magri Developments Limited
Snowbird Property Limited
Fairacres Group Limited
Chappell Estates Limited
Earl Estates Limited
Work highlights
Acting for Fairacres Group Limited across its portfolio, including a prominent industrial estate in Chelmsford and, in particular, the extensive and lengthy work in connection with the sale of a boutique hotel in Newmarket.
Acting for Snowbird Property Limited in connection with its significant industrial estate property portfolio including acting on various new leases, licence for alterations, lease renewals and tenancies at will.
Acting for Florey Properties Limited in connection with the sale of an industrial estate subject to commercial leases and with adjoining residential flats, preparing an extensive and detailed data room and planning, title, property and search enquiries.
Tees Law has ‘a very enthusiastic and committed team taking on difficult cases with significant success‘. Highly skilled in both clinical negligence and personal injury cases, the firm has a strong track record in securing high-value settlements. Practice head Janine Collier, who is ‘thoughtful, extremely knowledgeable and will always represent her clients' bests interests to the fullest‘, recently secured more than £5m plus a high-value annual payment from the NHS for a patient who developed tuberculosis meningitis. The ‘confident and competent‘ Tim Deeming is praised for his ‘amazing kindness and empathy‘. Consultant Vicki Seabrook has a stellar reputation for clinical negligence, and associate Sarah Stocker also plays a key role in the practice.
‘Excellently led and managed team with very high standards of case investigation and preparation.’
‘Janine Collier is hugely able and extremely hard-working – a perfect leader of the team as well as a fantastic litigator.’
‘Tim Deeming is deserving of mention: extremely responsive and capable litigator.’
‘Tim Deeming is beyond outstanding. I’ve never dealt with a professional who goes miles beyond the call of duty to be there for me, like he has done. He has explained what is going on at every stage with enormous sensitivity and kindness.’
‘Janine Collier has been brilliant throughout our whole process, and I have felt extremely supported and able to trust that she has my son’s best interests in mind with everything she does.’
‘From the get go the Tees Law team proved to be listening, caring and sympathetic, through which they were able to understand my needs and tailor their service accordingly. They made very good use of online collaboration tools, which enabled the whole experience to be conducted remotely, negating the encumbrance of long distance travel.’
‘Sophie Stuart, who handled the case from beginning to end, was very personable and took time to explain the process, potential risks and pitfalls. This gave me a great sense of relief and comfort as the case progressed.’
‘I’ve really only dealt with Tim Deeming. He’s amazing at the technology. He is confident and competent with it. However, it’s his interpersonal skills that are outstanding. Amazing kindness and empathy. Always at the end of the phone to deal with my concerns and anxieties, examining to me all that has been happening. He’s incredibly capable as well.’
Work highlights
Achieved an eight-figure settlement for a child who suffered TB meningitis and an acquired brain injury as a result of a failure in the contact tracing system.
Achieved a seven-figure settlement for a lady who suffered chronic pain following a hernia mesh repair.
Achieved a seven-figure settlement for a gentleman who suffered a delay in monitoring renal function resulting in the need for transplantation on at least two occasions over his lifetime.
At Tees Law in Cambridge, ‘the contentious probate team thoroughly impresses with its careful and measured approach to probate litigation'. It is noted that they ‘really grasp cases with clarity, a keen insight and tactical and strategic awareness, as well as a healthy dose of professional realism'. Senior associate and practice head Sara Stabler is ‘remarkably thorough and careful, but also very pragmatic and down-to-earth'. She recently handled a proprietary estoppel claim worth £4m, brought by the daughter of the deceased, which was challenged by a residuary beneficiary.
‘Sara Stabler is a remarkably thorough and careful solicitor, but also very pragmatic and down to earth.’
‘The contentious probate team has thoroughly impressed me with their careful and measured approach to probate litigation – they really grasp cases with clarity, a keen insight and tactical / strategic awareness, as well as a healthy dose of professional realism.’
Work highlights
Advising on a proprietary estoppel claim, worth £4m by the daughter of deceased challenged by a residuary beneficiary.
Advising on interrelated claims within a family dispute surrounding an estate worth more than £4 million which deal with complicated cultural issues.
Advising on the outstanding administration of a farming estate due to a long-standing dispute; the deceased died in the 1980s and a complicating factor is that the parties and executors have died.
Praised by clients for being ‘highly competent within the field‘, Tees Law’s corporate and commercial team advises on an array of corporate and commercial matters. Lucy Folley leads the team in Brentwood and Cambridge, and offers ‘excellent service and knowledge‘, with her practice spanning M&A, sales, financial restructurings and re-organisations across a wide range of industries. Baljeet Kaur, described as ‘a pleasure to work with’, assists Folley, and is well versed in drafting a range of commercial contracts. Claire Powell joined from Thompson Smith and Puxon in September 2023.
‘This department within Tees is quick to respond, diligent in chasing matters in a timely fashion when required without intervention and highly competent within their field.’
‘Great customer care, thinking of all aspects of a transaction and taking ownership of many of the smaller tasks. That means the client doesn’t have to worry about them.’
‘Extremely efficient and helpful.’
‘Baljeet Kaur was a pleasure to work with. She explained the situation in a clear and concise manner, making a very stressful situation easier to handle.’
‘Corporate law partner Lucy Folley has made a great effort to understand our business and has consequently been well equipped to guide us as clients through what we would perceive as complex transactions. The relationship has been built up and strengthened over several years.’
‘Very attentive – always available to help.’
‘Lucy Folley is outstanding. She is extremely knowledgeable and diligent.’
‘The team was attentive to our needs, knowledgeable in many areas that affected a business partner buyout, where complications required a multi legal departmental approach. All worked well in delivering a successful result.’
Key clients
Ashberry Healthcare Limited
Brentwood School
Beresford Group Limited
Fairacres Group
International Paralympic Committee
Grove & Dean Limited
National Westminster Bank plc
Turners (Soham) Limited
Xpediator Plc
GTES Holdings Limited
Price Bailey LLP
Cognisoft Limited
Voxtur Group Ltd
Savage Haulage Limited
Three Grey Monkeys
Sandal PLC
WashTec (UK) Limited
Containerlift Services Limited
Work highlights
Advising the owners of Savage Haulage Limited on the sale of shares to Ice Co Storage & Logistics Holdings Ltd.
Advising Turners (Soham) Limited on its acquisition of MKT Logistics Limited.
Advising Beresford Group Limited on its acquisition of Whybrow & Dodds Limited.
The ‘very helpful and supportive‘ team at Tees Law handles a wide variety of disputes for individuals and construction companies. Darren Perks leads the practice alongside senior associate Polly Kerr from Bishop’s Stortford and Royston respectively. Perks is a property dispute specialist who acts for major portfolio owners, while Kerr acts for a variety of clients in cases against local authorities. Bishop’s Stortford’s Caroline Metcalf is ‘extremely diligent and sensible‘, having longstanding expertise in agricultural partnership disputes.
Tees Law‘s commercial litigation team is part of the firm’s wider dispute resolution and litigation department, enabling it to offer an all-round service to its clients. The team is led by David Perry in Chelmsford and operates across all of the firm’s six offices. Perry is known for his expertise in high-value insolvency and company disputes, while junior lawyer Ana James-Pittau is well versed in contractual disputes, civil fraud claims, intellectual property disputes and supply of goods and services matters.
‘David Perry is very experienced, knowledgeable and wise.’
‘Attentiveness and professionalism.’
‘I have found the practice to be very responsive. They are knowledgeable and have a wide base of specialisms covered. Would thoroughly recommend.’
‘David Perry has been amazing. He is extremely knowledgeable in many areas, proactive and pragmatic.’
‘David Perry shows star quality. Unflappable and highly commercial.’
Work highlights
Acted for a national food production company in unfair prejudice proceedings worth £6m.
Advising on a complex ownership structure dispute worth £5m.
Advising on a multi-jurisdictional dispute, whereby the client held a second charge over development land overseas. The company had been struck off the register in England in an effort to defeat the charge.
Tees Law houses a team which has ‘knowledge and expertise that is second to none‘; predominantly based in Bishop’s Stortford, the practice serves a number of owner-managed businesses in the professional services and logistics sectors. Praised for his ‘great attention to detail‘, Robert Whitaker leads the team, dividing his time between Bishop’s Stortford and Chelmsford, and has a great deal of expertise in advising on agricultural worker issues, TUPE processes and data protection matters. The ‘very hardworking‘ Katherine Jameson has notable expertise in restrictive covenants, often assisting executives and senior managers with settlement terms and exit strategies.
‘Rob Whitaker is very supportive. He is a professional and effective adviser and is always happy to assist if at all possible.’
‘Client-focused and proactive team with excellent tacticians, who know which points to press.’
‘Robert Whitaker has great attention to detail and an ability to see to the heart of a case. Great tactics.’
‘Katherine Jameson provides excellent client care and is very hardworking. Realistic and sensible advice when appropriate, but also more than capable of fighting her client’s corner.’
‘They provide a personal service and knowledge, understanding, empathy, and are experts in their field.’
‘I cannot speak more highly of the Tees Employment team. We have a great relationship with them, they are professional, down to earth and personable. Their knowledge and expertise is second to none.’
‘They provide excellent expert advice and make you feel like their best client.’
Tees Law’s employment department in Bishop’s Stortford and Chelmsford has a particularly strong presence in the logistics and transport sector, with its work in the aviation industry a standout feature of the team. Practice head Robert Whitaker‘s recognised capabilities include advising on data protection, TUPE and agricultural work and the employment elements of restructuring. The ‘excellent and determined’ Katherine Jameson is equipped to handle the full array of employment matters, and is especially recommended for restrictive covenants issues, exit strategies, and settlement terms.
‘Personal service. Feels like a boutique firm, with brilliant personal service to clients.’
‘Rob Whitaker is a brilliant partner, dedicated to getting the best possible result for his clients.’
‘Katherine Jameson – excellent and determined. Very hard-working.’
‘Knowledge of law and procedures is top class.’
‘Personality, empathy, knowledge and experience.’
Key clients
English Heritage
Containerlift Services Limited
Kidney Cancer UK
Work highlights
Challenging a national association’s decision to provisionally suspend an examiner’s certification following alleged reporting of disputed irregularities.
Advising an employer on an Employment Tribunal claim for unfair dismissal and alleged whistleblowing.
Advised a client in relation to the breach of two agreements, an equity agreement and a contract of employment, raising claims for breach of contract and estoppel with a potential value in excess of £3m.
Tees Law has a longstanding reputation for clinical negligence claimant work. Cambridge-based Janine Collier is the overall department head and specialises in cases involving cerebral palsy, adult brain injuries, sepsis and ophthalmology. Gwyneth Munjoma advises on all aspects of clinical negligence.
‘From the initial contact with this firm all of the team have acted professionally in both not only a legal situation but being compassionate, fully understanding the gravity and personal trauma this negligence claim brought to all my family.’
‘It is a real pleasure to work with this firm. Communication is prompt and clear, files are available well ahead of the required time, they follow up on every matter, and if I have any additional requests in respect of my responsibilities they are very helpful.’
‘My legal team have all been excellent. My solicitor in particular has been excellent in various areas. He has always responded very promptly to emails and phone calls, and has kept me updated with progress. He is very approachable and I feel I can ask him questions at any time. I feel I can trust his opinion and am confident in his ability to take decisions.’
‘Communication with the client is always very good. The specialists are clearly experts in their fields.’
‘This practice has a history of high competency and good experience of dealing with clinical negligence claims. Clients can therefore feel reassured that any decisions made are in their best interests. I trust this practice to give me the best advice based on previous knowledge and experience built up over time.’
‘This is an excellent team led by Janine Collier. A clever, resourceful, highly committed team.’
‘Janine Collier is a stand-out. She would be coveted by all top firms. An excellent leader, an excellent litigator.’
Work highlights
Achieved an eight-figure settlement for a child who suffered TB meningitis and an acquired brain injury as a result of a failure in the contact tracing system.
Successfully concluded claim against a private surgeon who refused to admit liability for substandard mastectomy surgery and substandard follow-up care, and only entered into settlement negotiations shortly before trial following joint experts’ meetings in which the experts for the Claimant demonstrated the strength of the claim.
Representing the Claimant in this claim concerning negligent failings which resulted in a 10 year delay in diagnosis and treatment of an adrenal growth, and has proactively secured early comprehensive admissions of liability.
Tees Law predominantly handles cycling accidents and road traffic accidents on the personal injury side. Natalie Pibworth and Janine Collier head up the wider clinical negligence department. Gwyneth Munjoma is a key name in the South East for catastrophic personal injury claims.
The team at Tees Law offers a ‘first-class service‘ when advising clients on financial remedy cases. Sally Powell heads up the Bishop’s Stortford-based practice. Powell has deep knowledge surrounding financial proceedings involving farms, often acting for farming families. Associate Helen Midgley is ‘in a league of her own‘ when assisting clients with the division of assets following relationship breakdowns, while associate Katie Stewart is an ‘exceptional talent‘, and handles Children Act applications and cases involving social services. The ‘very hardworking‘ James Scarborough joined the team group from Stowe Family Law LLP in October 2022, and has vast expertise in cohabitation disputes.
‘Tees as a firm have been very supportive and sensitive to my case. Their legal qualities and their personal qualities have made my very stressful situation much calmer to deal with. They are professional in every sense of the word and I am extremely grateful for their services.’
‘Katie Stewart has been incredibly sensitive and supportive during my court proceedings. Nothing is ever too much and I honestly believe that without her, I would not be where I am today. She approaches my situation with integrity and care. Katie is the epitome of professionalism and is an absolute credit to the firm.’
‘Katie Stewart is a star. Clients feel well-supported and that they are being robustly represented but will also trust her judgment on tricky issues. She is a joy to work with.’
‘Tees Law offers a first-class service. The firm has breadth in knowledge and experience in family, and offers a very comprehensive service to their clients. The team is excellent at all levels. The team are excellent. They are efficient and work collaboratively. They provide excellent client care, a one-stop shop for all of their clients.’
‘Katie Stewart is a stand out lawyer at Tees Law. I do not have the superlatives to describe how wonderful and refreshing it has been to have Katie involved. Katie is professional, and courteous. Katie Stewart is an exceptional talent and a true asset to her clients and to Tees Law.’
‘James Scarborough is bright, extremely personable, and very hardworking. He instils a huge amount of confidence in his clients and is a great strategic thinker.’
‘Sally Powell is a very pragmatic and effective head of the family team, solving problems, dealing with difficult issues and gets the job done.’
‘Helen Midgley is a recently trained mediator, this added string to her bow fits her way of working very well. She is an excellent solicitor, with a keen eye for detail, her preparation is meticulous and she seeks an amicable solution wherever possible. Helen is in a league of her own.’
Tees Law’s Essex family team works from the firm's offices in Chelmsford, Brentwood and Saffron Walden, and is praised by clients for being ‘efficient, informative, and very empathetic’. The department is led by Chelmsford-based Joshua Coombe, who excels in high-value financial claims, and Sally Powell in Bishop’s Stortford. Caroline Andrews leads the team in Brentwood, and has niche expertise in fertility and surrogacy law, as well as preconception agreements.
Practice head(s):
Joshua Coombe; Caroline Andrews; Sally Powell
Testimonials
‘They have been incredible. They are very responsive and provide clear, practical advice.’
‘Caroline Andrews has made what seemed impossible, possible. She explained every step of my divorce in understandable terms and ensured I received an amazing outcome.’
‘The family law department is particularly strong at working with third parties to ensure a good outcome for their clients.’
‘A good team of talented and experienced family lawyers led by Joshua Coombe. Approachable, knowledgeable and considerate lawyers, who offer pragmatic advice.’
‘The practice is amazing and extremely approachable, although being large, this has not inhibited the client service I have received.’
‘The team are efficient, informative, and very empathetic, which stood out for me at a difficult time. I felt in very safe hands, which gave me confidence.’
‘The individuals that I have dealt with have been empathetic to my situation but also dealt with me giving all the information that I needed in a clear and concise way that I could easily understand. Joshua Coombes in particular was very clear, informative and supportive throughout the process.’
‘They care and are always one step ahead in proceedings to ensure things progress as quickly as possible.’
Work highlights
Advising a client on an application for a parental order where the parties were outside the scope of the Human Fertilisation Authority Act 2008. Successfully arguing where the legislation can be ‘read down’ in line with case law.
Advising a client on divorce proceedings involving a substantial commercial property portfolio and personal wealth worth over £9m.
Advising a client in issuing financial order proceedings valued at £6m.
The litigation practice at Tees Law is described as being ‘exceptionally efficient and very personable'. Senior associate Sara Stabler leads the practice in Cambridge, where associate Emily Jones plays an increasingly prominent role. Stabler’s approach is ‘unwaveringly client-focused but tempered with a sense of reality and good humour', whilst Jones is ‘always on-the-ball and striving to achieve the best possible outcome'. The team recently advised on a shareholder dispute worth £1m in value.
‘The commercial litigation team at Tees Cambridge are always excellent to work with. They’re exceptionally efficient and a very personable bunch.’
‘Emily Jones is always highly professional and personable. She is always on-the-ball and striving to achieve the best possible outcome for her clients.’
‘A first class firm with many talented individuals. Their client focus, commerciality and friendliness has been outstanding.’
‘Sara Stabler is the kind of litigator you want on your side. She has a particular specialism in contested probate matters and, as all lawyers know, these cases are some of the most difficult to resolve. Sara’s approach is unwaveringly client-focused but tempered with a sense of reality and good humour. Her legal acumen is outstanding and I always immensely enjoy working with her.’
Work highlights
Advising a client on a multi-discipline issue, multi-party claim, including a shareholder dispute worth £1 million.
Advising a client on a Trust of land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TLATA) property dispute and related company dispute worth in excess of £1.2.
Advising a client on a debt claim, requiring sensitivity around family relations, the solvency of the creditor’s business and issues under supervision of the Office of the Public Guardian.
Tees Law‘s Cambridge-based team is noted as giving ‘well thought through advice and support’. Senior associate Alex Waples who handles property matters, and senior partner Catherine Mowat, who focuses on the administration of complex rural estates and succession planning, lead the Cambridge agriculture and estates practice. Key partner James Dowson handles agricultural property transactions, including high-value sales and purchases of land, and strategic land deals.
‘Tees are very good on the traditional rural landowner side. They are particularly good at development agreements and ensuring that landowners get the full value out of development opportunities.’
‘James Dowson cares passionately about getting the right result for clients and has a real understanding as to how private clients think and function. He also takes an inter-generational view with their clients which is very important.’
‘Alexander Waples is highly recommended by us for his professionalism, approach, knowledge and technical aptitude – a safe pair of hands.’
‘Considerable knowledge on agricultural inheritance tax matters.’
‘Responsive individuals that are good at collaborative working.’
‘A broad-range of skills available for all rural issues with good response times and pragmatic advice. Costs are competitive. They have a particular specialism in renewables, development options, conveyancing and disputes.’
‘The team is very efficient at getting the job done, and happy to use the technology available when appropriate.’
‘Alex Waples has always been very approachable and willing to pursue all angles to get answers and move the project forward.’
Key clients
Lightsource BP
Work highlights
Acting for Lightsource BP on the funding and operation of a range of solar installations on sites across the UK.
Advising on a complex underlease of £120m gross development value, low carbon 30-acre glasshouse with energy centre and reservoirs.
Providing strategic estate planning and property advice to a farming family, worth in excess of £35m, including consideration of trusts and partnerships, preparation of new Wills and PoAs, and renewals of leases and securities.
Tees Law‘s practice is noted for its ‘friendly, people-oriented approach to client relations’. The firm has a large private client practice in which ‘efficient, professional and compassionate‘ practice head and senior partner Catherine Mowat is highly regarded. Associates to note are the ‘humble and efficient’Chris Claxton-Shirley, and STEP member Heather Fuff, who ‘gives very clear, relevant and concise advice in an engaged and friendly manner‘. The firm’s diverse client base includes high-net-worth individuals, members of the House of Lords, academics, business owners, farmers and landowners.
‘We have dealt with Catherine Mowat for all our family matters and she has proved to be personable and helpful in all matters. Her knowledge has been extensive. Any associates that we have dealt with have also been pleasant and helpful.’
‘Sophie Shirley is very efficient and helpful.’
‘Christopher Claxton-Shirley and Sharon Chan have both been excellent.’
‘A friendly, people-oriented approach to client relations and concise document drafting. They are able to communicate legal terms in layman’s language and are excellent at teasing out pros and cons of various alternatives.’
‘Catherine Mowat is efficient, professional and compassionate.’
‘Tees have been our family’s solicitors for over 25 years. Always setting an exemplary standard, Tees are a well-established, friendly and professional firm that deals with you in a personal manner. You feel confident in their ability to provide sound advice to suit your specific circumstances. I would have no hesitation in recommending Tees.’
‘Angela Sewell has provided an excellent service. Professional yet friendly, she remembered specific details about us whilst advising us of our options and associated costs.’
‘Heather Fuff is very knowledgeable, gives very clear, relevant and concise advice, in an engaged and friendly manner.’
Work highlights
Acting as executors and trustees in the administration of a married couple’s estate with an active farming estate worth in excess of £4m and failed lifetime gifts of £1m.
Advising on a Court of Protection application to establish a PI trust for a minor who sustained lifechanging injuries due to negligence with compensation due in the region of £7m.
Providing strategic estate planning advice for a farming family worth in excess of £35m, including consideration of trusts, partnership and other interests.
Recently bolstered by Amelia Ayers‘ qualification, Tees Law has recently been engaged in challenges to the validity of wills, as well as claims for reasonable provision from an estate. The team is led by the ‘highly efficient and meticulous’Caroline Metcalf who works out of Bishop’s Stortford and is a member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists.
Practice head(s):
Caroline Metcalf
Testimonials
‘Caroline Metcalf is highly efficient and meticulous in her approach to work; she always provides sound advice and communicates promptly.’
‘Caroline Metcalf takes a calm and pragmatic approach; she is proactive and very effective.’
‘Everyone I have met at Tees has been very courteous and helpful.’
‘Experienced staff with colleague involvement if required.’
‘Excellent response times regarding queries and questions.’
Work highlights
Advised the wife of the deceased on a claim for reasonable financial provision from the deceased’s estate.
Advised the daughter of a mother who lacked capacity in a dispute involving an application to the Court of Protection regarding the residence of the mother.
Advised a beneficiary for a claim of unjust enrichment and breach of contract against Executor who withheld IHT from the distribution.
Tees Law houses a ‘highly knowledgeable and approachable‘ team, which handles a myriad of issues for development and investment companies, including site infrastructure agreements and residential portfolio acquisitions and disposals. Kay Piper leads the Bishop’s Stortford-based group, and is ‘second to none‘ in handling option agreements, rights of first refusal, and option agreements. Associate Samantha Worth is ‘highly skilled and experienced‘ advising on a variety of matters, including landlord and tenant issues, site set up and finance work, and infrastructure agreements. Senior associate Suzanne Bradbury joined the team in October 2022 from Birkett Long LLP, contributing her knowledge of conditional, part and overage contracts.
‘A highly knowledgeable and approachable team who are professional in every sense but retain a personal touch. Tees Law have provided me with excellent advice on numerous transactions over a period of over many years. I deal with solicitors every day as part of my business. Tees are by far the most efficient and knowledgeable.’
‘Kay Piper has the ability to combine technical expertise with clear, pragmatic advice, helping a non-lawyer to navigate the legal options. She has an eye on the negotiating dynamic. Kay is second to none. Her efficiency is noticeable and we have always valued her advice.’
‘Samantha Worth is highly skilled and experienced, and has always explained the implications and how to overcome issues. We have 100% confidence in her and would be happy for her to take on other transactions. I would not hesitate to recommend Samantha to others.’
‘Piers Wood’s and David Miller’s knowledge, expert advice, and professionalism gives their customers 100% satisfaction on all legal aspects and I would classify their excellent service as perfect.’
‘The team at Tees Law consistently performs strongly, and is always better informed than our counter parties legal counsel. They are very practical, quick to respond, and take the initiative to get the job done. Over and above other law firms, Tees Law set themselves apart by being very commercially-minded, alongside their deep property-related knowledge.’
‘Samantha Worth’s knowledge and communication skills were second to none, she gave very honest advice.’
‘Samantha Worth has good client management and engagement during a project, always contactable. Provides a high level of service and due diligence.’
‘A large and effective team with a specific team dealing with rural property issues. The team has a wide range of experience, with particular expertise in renewable projects.’
Tees Law has an increasingly broad practice thanks to head of corporate and commercial Lucy Folley, who works from both the Cambridge and Brentwood offices. ‘Tenacious negotiator‘ Alastair Cotton brings extensive in-house experience to bear on commercial matters as well as on M&A deals, joint ventures, MBOs, and private equity transactions and restructurings.
‘The team is accessible and willing to go the extra mile.’
‘They work quickly and collaboratively.’
Key clients
Mo-Sys Engineering Limited
Turners (Soham) Limited
Lord-Lieutenant for Cambridgeshire
Cambridge Community Foundation
Cuttsy + Cuttsy Limited
Island Pacific
Three Grey Monkeys
International Paralympic Committee
WashTec (UK) Limited
Andy Ramage (and associated businesses)
Athletic Club Limited
Savage Haulage Limited
Sandal PLC
Containerlift Services Limited
Safer Places
Breathe Cars E.V.
Wharton Business Consulting
Work highlights
Advising Mo-Sys Engineering in relation to a multimillion pound regeneration scheme and its lease of the former Plumsted Power Station in London.
Advising Three Grey Monkeys on all its technology and customer contracts, as well as on its relationships with sub-contractors and freelance staff, nationally and internationally.
Advising Safer Places on a £17m 3-year contract award from Hertfordshire County Council relating to the provision of a countywide service for high-risk victims of domestic abuse.
The family law practice at Tees Law in Cambridge is ‘very approachable, and always willing to help and offer great advice‘. Practice head Clare Pilsworth is ‘excellent at cutting through a lot of the noise to pick out what is relevant and important‘. Associate Anna Jones is ‘an excellent solicitor for children cases‘. The firm is praised for its work on mid-market matrimonial and children matters, though it frequently handles cases involving assets in excess of £1m.
‘They are very approachable and always willing to help and offer great advice.’
‘Claire Pilsworth is still helping with the odd anomaly that is being thrown up and nothing ever seams to much trouble.’
‘I have experience of the Family, Probate and Wills teams. I can honestly say that all those I have been dealing with have been incredibly professional and knowledgeable, and most importantly have taken the time to listen. I have had dealings with the Family team for over a year, and I have been totally reassured that they have the skills and capabilities to support a very complex situation. They work closely with barristers who also have specialist skills to support. Where there has been a requirement for other skill sets, I have been very quickly contacted by relevant people.’
‘Meetings have been held by telephone or on virtual meeting systems, and this has always worked smoothly. The difference I have found between this law firm and the many others I have worked with in the past, both personally and professionally is that they conduct all business from a start point of kindness and understanding, which has been fantastic when dealing with difficult and emotive topics.’
‘I have developed a really good, open and honest relationship with Clare Pilsworth, and find her to be so kind, as well as able to give me advice and guidance in a professional and understanding manner. I feel so lucky to have Clare on my side, and totally believe she ‘has my back’. I trust her implicitly and would highly recommend her to anyone facing a difficult family matter.’
‘In my experience the team are friendly, approachable and whilst professional they are also caring and supportive too. The billing and other communication is easily understandable and very open.’
‘My Solicitor is Anna Jones. Anna has always been easy to contact, available for a call or visit whenever required. Anna’s advice is thorough and clearly explained, so I have always felt very prepared. I do appreciate Anna’s kind and sincere manner.’
‘Very supportive and accessible team of professionals that have been able to advise and represent me over the last 2 years or so. Their approach is deliberately relaxed but no less informative to ensure I am comfortable and understand things as and when they arise. There is always somebody available as a support whenever I have had to speak with Tees and I would have no hesitancy in recommending them in the future.’
Tees Law is ‘thoroughly professional outfit in all aspects‘, and in 2022 the firm handled numerous strategic promotion and hybrid agreements, not only in the Eastern region, but also further afield. The practice is led from Saffron Walden, Senior associate Alex Waples ‘has a keen eye for detail‘ and is notable for acquisitions and disposals of agricultural land, as well as renewable energy developments. Associate Piers Woods is praised for development agreements, site acquisitions and financing, infrastructure project work and utility easements.
‘I would best describe Tees practise and operation as a thoroughly professional outfit in all aspects.’
‘Piers Woods’ knowledge, expert advice and professionalism gives his clients 100% satisfaction that their advice given would classify the service obtained from them both as excellent.’
‘The practice covers a wide range of legal disciplines, which means they can cover most of the requirements of a business or private client. We have dealt with partners and their teams in the areas of coveyancing (residential and commercial), commercial law and litigation and have found the individuals helpful and collaborative and, generally, responsive.’
‘Tees Law have been one of the go to firms for commercial property transactions over the last few years, given their local knowledge and expertise in the field. The ability to have regular contact and updates with those working on the deal, allows us to progress matters in an orderly fashion and achieve the ultimate goals of our mutual clients. It is also important to us that those working on the files understand how we work in addition to standards that we expect, which have always been met.’
‘Alex Waples is a pleasure to work with. He has a keen eye for detail and explains matters in a comprehensive manner for all parties involved. Importantly, Alex takes a commercial view and holistic approach which allows for a smooth transaction. We really value the ability to speak directly with Alex in order to gauge a feel and also understand certain scenarios which is very much welcome.’
‘I have used Tees for various contractual works and commercial property management/advise. I’ve always had a very good service and outcome with the work we have done together.’
‘99% of my contact is with Alex Waples. He is always very quick to respond, very knowledgable, very professional and very approachable.’
‘The team are proactive, commercial, quick to respond and personable whilst getting to the crux of any matter succintly and offering great advice.’
Key clients
Lightsource BP
Work highlights
Acting for Lightsource BP on the funding and operation of a range of solar installations on sites across the UK.
Tees Law in Cambridge has a niche IP practice focused on the sport, media, education, and cultural sectors. ‘I was very impressed with his knowledge and he was very clear and thorough at explaining how trade marks work‘, says a client of senior associate and practice head Alastair Cotton, whose previous experience at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) gives him extensive experience in IP matters. He remains an adviser to the IPC on managing the Paralympic brand and combating ambush marketing.
Practice head(s):
Alastair Cotton
Testimonials
‘I used this practice for a commercial property lease – and mentioned I would be interested in trademarking my business – the solicitor I dealt with recommended someone to me who dealt with IP and they contacted me directly – I was very impressed with how well the two departments liaised the information with each other.’
‘ I was very impressed with Alastair Cotton’s knowledge, he was very clear and thorough at explaining how the trade mark worked and the different categories to register. He was very polite and friendly and always answered my questions in a timely fashion. The whole process was made very easy by him, and he’s been very helpful in the follow up too.’
‘Alastair and Beth are extremely knowledgeable.’
Key clients
International Paralympic Committee
Cambridgeshire Royal Portrait Art Fund / Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire / Cambridgeshire Community Foundation
Real Like You (pop band)
George Collier Media Limited
Athletic Club (t/a Ultra Flex Gyms)
National Council for the Training of Journalists
Granite5
Cuttsy+Cuttsy
Wharton Business Consulting
Work highlights
Advising the International Paralympic Committee in relation to a number of intellectual property issues, including an image rights claim and a trade mark and copyright claim. The firm also advised the IPC on its brand protection strategy for the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games and assisted in executing that strategy.
Advised the Cambridgeshire Royal Portrait Fund (held by the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation), a consortium led by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire on the commissioning of the first official joint portrait of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The firm advised on the IP rights arising from the commissioning of and loan arrangements for the portrait which now hangs (on loan) in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge.
Advised The Athletic Club on the expansion of its business and the achievement of its aim to open more gyms and fitness centres across the UK. The firm assisted the client with identifying the key risks, how best to manage those, and the right model for fulfilling its expansion plans through protecting and exploitation of its IP rights.
Led by ‘outstanding lawyer‘ David Perry, the Chelmsford-based practice at Tees Law advises liquidators on matters concerning pre-packaged sales and administrations. Perry is ‘vastly knowledgeable’ in acting for insolvency practitioners and directors who are facing disqualification.
Practice head(s):
David Perry
Testimonials
‘Great insolvency team.’
‘David Perry is an outstanding lawyer. He is commercial and approachable.’
‘Excellent practice that delivers work to a standard expected in the City.’
‘Always available and approachable. Excellent level of knowledge.’
‘David Perry is of star quality. Vastly knowledgeable and commercial, and always unflappable.’
Special educational needs matters are at the core of Tees Law‘s Royston-based education law team, which is also experienced in advising schools on discrimination disputes and safeguarding issues. The department is led by Polly Kerr, who is well regarded for her experience in working with vulnerable clients, and covers the full spectrum of SEND related matters, including assessments, school placements, and Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP).
‘They are incredibly experienced in working with families on appeals to the SEND tribunal, and Polly Kerr is quite simply, outstanding.’
‘They stand head and shoulders above the rest because they take the time to get to know their clients. Polly Kerr embodies all the qualities that makes the team unique. She puts the client at ease with her friendly nature and razor-sharp legal knowledge.’
‘Polly Kerr is a rockstar. Quite aside from her incredibly personable approach to the law and her clients, she’s fundamentally decent, kind, intelligent and passionate.’
‘Polly Kerr is a standout individual with a high level of skill and experience in education matters, particularly in cases with an SEN focus.’
‘Polly Kerr is extremely personable, empathetic and has superior knowledge in the SEN education sector.’
‘Tees Law offers a multi-disciplinary approach to issues. Their strength lies in their ability to put their clients at ease. Their expertise with vulnerable clients is notable.’
‘The wealth and depth of subject knowledge across the firm is excellent. Any legal issue at all can be dealt with through Tees Law.’
‘Polly Kerr is excellent. Her work enabled us to reach an agreement outside of the tribunal process which saved leadership time and money.’
Work highlights
Successfully defended parents who had been prosecuted by the local authority for failure to ensure attendance of an unwell child at school.
Advised a parent on a successful application for transport of their vulnerable child to and from school, and recovery of transport costs for the preceding five years, together with recovery of legal costs.
Successfully represented parents whose twins had been refused a place at parental preference special school, despite professionals repeatedly raising concerns regarding their safety in a mainstream setting.
Tees Law >
Firm Profile
Tees offers support to clients in all categories, from private individuals and independent businesses through to professional partnerships and national corporations and institutions.
The firm: Tees has a strong reputation for excellence and commitment to providing the highest levels of service to clients from across the region and nationwide. Our approachable lawyers offer an in-depth, responsive and cross-disciplinary service. Tees’ philosophy is to take time to get to know clients, their goals and circumstances, so the lawyers can achieve the best possible results for them.
Tees history: Tees has been part of the local community for over a century, supporting our clients from generation to generation. Historically, Tees growth has been driven by strategic mergers. Established in 1913, Tees has grown from a traditional family firm with a strong agricultural bias, into a dynamic full-service practice with six offices across East Anglia and the South East, employing more than 300 staff including our financial services team. In 2016 Tees merged with Limbach Banham Solicitors to create the Royston office. Merging with Irena Spence and Co Solicitors in Cambridge brought significant extra depth to Tees residential team in the city. Wortley Byers, based in Brentwood, Essex, merged with Tees in 2019. Wortley Byers can trace its history back over 50 years to Stamp Wortley, a well-established law firm which merged in 1967 with another firm to become Wortley Byers.
Tees offices: Tees has six offices: Brentwood, Bishop’s Stortford, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Royston and Saffron Walden. Its ultra-modern 20,000sq ft offices in Bishop’s Stortford offer exemplary client facilities. Tees is close to Stansted Airport and the M11 and M25, with fast road and train connections to London, the Midlands, the South East and East Anglia.
Tees growth: With turnover of £26.5m last year, the firm is hoping to increase turnover to £29m in the next financial year. The strategy is to attract the best legal talent in the region and combine that talent with a £1.5m investment in IT that is already making working processes more efficient. This will allow lawyers to spend more time with their clients.
Tees recent awards and accolades:
Included on The Times Best Law Firm 2023 list
Highly commended in the Property Team of the Year category for the Cambridgeshire Law Society Legal Excellence Awards 2023
Finalist in the Technology Team of the Year category for the ‘British Legal Technology Awards 2022’
Highly commended in the Senior Lawyer of the Year category for the Cambridgeshire Law Society Legal Excellence Awards 2022
Highly commended in the Injury Litigation Team of the Year category for the Cambridgeshire Law Society Legal Excellence Awards 2022
Winner of the Excellence in Technology and Innovation Firm Award at the Cambridgeshire Law Society Excellence Awards 2021
Winner of the Residential Property Team of the Year Award at the Cambridgeshire Law Society Excellence Awards 2021
Tees were also Highly Commended for Injury Litigation Team of the Year, and Private Client Associate Chris Claxton-Shirley received a Highly Commended as a Rising Star.
Best Trainer – Medium Regional Firm 2019 at the LawCareers.NetTraining & Recruitment Awards recognising the hard work put into making Tees training scheme a success
Janine Collier, Executive Partner and Co-Head of the Cambridge office, Cambridge District Law Society’s ‘Woman Lawyer of the Year’ Award 2019
Ashton Hunt, Group Managing Director, Small-Medium Business IoD East Director of the Year Award 2019
Types of work undertaken Private client: the firm is renowned for its specialist private client team. The team advise on the preparation of wills, wealth protection and inheritance tax planning, the administration of complex estates, inheritance and trust services and on all elderly client matters. The firm provides the whole range of complementary private client services to individuals, with high-quality advice in family matters, litigation, property, conveyancing and regulatory areas.
Agriculture: the excellent reputation of the Tees agricultural team is reflected by the firm being one of just 16 legal practices on the national NFU panel. In 2018, Tees was successful in its bid to be re-appointed to the panel for the next three years. It advises in all aspects of agricultural law, including restructuring farm enterprises for inheritance tax and capital gains purposes. The firm continues to act for farming and land-owning clients in contracting the acquisition and sale of farmland for development. Additionally, our focus on renewable energy projects has seen us working with high-profile clients in the renewable energy sector, advising on solar, wind, wave, and biomass energy.
Commercial property: the reach of the Tees commercial property team goes far beyond its geographical locations of the South East and East Anglia, and it receives many instructions from London and across the UK, acting in transactions ranging from retail and development projects through to agricultural businesses. The team handles options, overage and subject to planning deals, and also acts for development funders. Its lawyers have extensive experience in all aspects of commercial conveyancing including portfolio work, acquisitions and sales, landlord and tenant matters, planning and licensing.
Family: the family department specialises in high-value and complex claims, including those involving foreign property and cross-border or cross-jurisdictional issues. Whilst the firm offers a constructive and conciliatory approach to family law through their mediation and collaborative practice, it is also highly effective in litigation when required. The family department is also highly regarded for its expertise in representing parents and grandparents in children’s proceedings.
Corporate and commercial: Tees’ corporate and commercial team acts for clients in corporate finance, mergers, acquisitions and disposals and structured shareholder agreements, company restructuring, data protection, intellectual property, partnership (including LLPs) and employment matters and advise on a wide variety of commercial arrangements in various business sectors including transport and logistics, agriculture, hotel and leisure, professional services, technology, pharmaceuticals and education.
Clinical negligence: the firm boasts one of the foremost groups of clinical negligence solicitors in the region, with a team of experts specialising in brain injury, cancer, psychiatric injury, obstetric and gynaecology cases.
Litigation: the firm’s strong litigation team specialises in tailored solutions for clients in all forms of litigation, arbitration and ADR with a reputation for its ability to handle complex matters involving multiple issues. The team deal with all types of dispute both for large corporate clients, smaller businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals, ranging from contractual disputes and shareholder agreements, through to negligence, insolvency and contentious property issues for landowners, landlords or tenants. The department is experienced in handling high-value as well as high-volume cases, fixed fee debt collection and recovery work through to group actions.
Financial services: In addition to our legal services listed above, Tees also has a complementary and integrated independent financial services team which offer financial planning advice including investments, retirement planning, family and business protection, estate planning and wealth preservation, long-term care and equity release, together with pre-paid funeral plans. They are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Number of UK partners : 23
Number of other UK fee-earners : 150
Client Testimonials
CLIENT: Welham
COMPANY/FIRM: Private Individual
TESTIMONIAL: “Sally kept me fully informed at every stage of the process and undoubtedly went ‘the extra mile’ to complete the matter on time. Overall, a very professional service for which I am extremely grateful” (Regarding Sally Powell in the Family department)
CLIENT: Georgina Field
COMPANY/FIRM: Private Individual
TESTIMONIAL: “On time with everything ready and procedures went through smoothly and efficiently, could not ask for anything more. Came out pleased and stress free.” (Regarding the Private Client department)
CLIENT: Crystal Balkwell
COMPANY/FIRM: Private Individual
TESTIMONIAL: “We have used Tees since last year they have been very professional and competent in all the work they have undertaken for us of selling a commercial property I would definitely use them again and thank them for all the hard work that was involved.” (Regarding Jane Winfield in the Commercial Property department)
CLIENT: Excitech
COMPANY/FIRM: Excitech
TESTIMONIAL: “Lucy is a standout professional; expert in her field, commercially aware, empathetic to business and individual pressures…and a pleasure to work with. She’s absolutely one of our team.” (Regarding Lucy Folley in the Corporate and Commercial department)
CLIENT: Susan Hickman
COMPANY/FIRM: Private Individual
TESTIMONIAL: “We consider ourselves fortunate to have been recommended to Tees by the solicitor we initially approached. We did not realise it until the case was well established that the level of professional care we were receiving was exceptional and that the experience of the individuals and the contacts they have to assist in a very complex case was the best available.” (Regarding Janine Collier in the Medical Negligence department)
CLIENT: Carey Baglioni
COMPANY/FIRM: Private Individual
TESTIMONIAL: “I cannot recommend Tees highly enough. Their professionalism, knowledge and superb advice was fantastic. If you want a legal matter dealt with efficiently definitely use Tees. We had a CCJ on our business, put on in error, this was preventing us from getting a mortgage. Tees had this sorted and removed within less than 5 weeks. We had constant updates and easy to contact. Thank you so much!” (Regarding the Litigation department)
CLIENT: Gilgris
COMPANY/FIRM: Gilgris
TESTIMONIAL: “Over the past 5 years, Aaron Cane assisted us on the sale of a development site in east London. Aaron and his team worked tirelessly to ensure that the sale got over the line and his advice and support has been greatly appreciated. I couldn’t have asked for a better solicitor.” (Regarding Aaron Cane in the Commercial Property department).
Diversity
Tees has always been committed to the principles of fairness for all and as such was an early signatory of the Law Society Diversity and Inclusion Charter. Tees is committed to eliminating discrimination and promoting inclusivity in its own policies, practices and procedures and in all areas in which it has influence. The firm aims to encourage, value and manage diversity and is committed to equality for its entire staff. The firm always seeks to attain a workforce which is representative of the communities from which it is drawn. These principles of equality, opportunity and non-discrimination also extend to the way the firm treats our clients, our business partners, visitors, suppliers and other third parties, such as contractors and recruitment agencies.
Reflecting the importance with which inclusivity is treated within the firm our actions are monitored by our HR team, Managing Director and our Senior Partner.
In recent times there has been a particular focus on recruitment procedures to ensure provide the very best opportunities for everyone regardless of race, age and sex (gender), disability, religion and belief, sexual orientation, care responsibilities and socio-economic background.
For over 100 years Tees has worked with local communities, and charitable and community activity remain a major part of the firm’s ethos to this day. A year ago the firm established a corporate social responsibility committee to plan and deliver its charitable activities.
Much of this charitable work involves engaging with charities who work in the same fields as the firm and who seek to tackle the same issues. Our Medical Negligence team work very closely with:
AvMA (Action against Medical Accidents), sharing a focus on seeking to reduce the number of problems faced by elderly and vulnerable patients.
Petals, the baby loss counselling charity
MASIC (Mothers with Anal Sphincter Injuries in birth), helping women who suffer disabling incontinence following childbirth.
In addition to the work Tees does in this area, the firm sponsor’s local community events and each office participates in a make a will week scheme for a local charity. By working with the community in events such as these, and with our commitments outlined above, Tees will continue to support inclusivity.
Diversity
Tees has always been committed to the principles of fairness for all and as such was an early signatory of the Law Society Diversity and Inclusion Charter. Tees is committed to eliminating discrimination and promoting inclusivity in its own policies, practices and procedures and in all areas in which it has influence. The firm aims to encourage, value and manage diversity and is committed to equality for its entire staff. The firm always seeks to attain a workforce which is representative of the communities from which it is drawn. These principles of equality, opportunity and non-discrimination also extend to the way the firm treats our clients, our business partners, visitors, suppliers and other third parties, such as contractors and recruitment agencies.
Reflecting the importance with which inclusivity is treated within the firm, our actions are monitored by our HR team, Group Managing Director and our Senior Partner.
For over 100 years Tees has worked with local communities, and charitable and community activity remain a major part of the firm’s ethos to this day. The firm’s corporate social responsibility committee work together to plan and deliver its charitable activities throughout the year.
Much of this charitable work involves engaging with charities who work in the same fields as the firm and who seek to tackle the same issues. Our Medical Negligence team work very closely with:
AvMA (Action against Medical Accidents), sharing a focus on seeking to reduce the number of problems faced by elderly and vulnerable patients.
Petals, the baby loss counselling charity
MASIC (Mothers with Anal Sphincter Injuries in birth), helping women who suffer disabling incontinence following childbirth.
CRADLE (Support for early pregnancy loss)
The business as a whole supports the work of Mind, with different events throughout the year. And offices have helped other local charities such as:
Support4Sight (Assisting people with sigh loss to maintain their independence and quality of life)
CamSight (Supporting local people of all ages with low vision and blindness)
In addition to the work Tees does in this area, the firm sponsor’s local community events and each office participates in a make a will week scheme for a local charity. By working with the community in events such as these, and with our commitments outlined above, Tees will continue to support inclusivity.
Diversity
At Tees, we are committed to ensuring an inclusive and equitable environment for all of our employees. We value people as individuals and strive to foster a culture of belonging for all. Our success is built upon a respectful work environment, equal opportunities in our hiring, promotion and development processes and cultivating diverse and strong relationships with our Employees, Clients and Suppliers.
Tees are signatory to the Law Society’s Diversity & Inclusion Charter where we have to submit our firm’s diversity data to the SRA every 2 years.
As at August 2022, 61% of Partners at Tees are women, including our Senior Partner and out of all the Partners, 17% work part-time. We feel that having such a balanced split works really well for us. Each Partner brings different strengths and qualities to the teams and contributes to driving the company forward. Out of all employees at Tees, 29% work part-time.
