The Legal 500

This leading south coast practice serves business clients of all sizes. Company and commercial law, including a wide range of corporate transactions and commercial property deals, are notable strengths and the firm also has particular expertise in education law, employment and construction litigation. Specialist commercial tax is a strength and private client services, including related tax advice, are also provided.

The firm: Steele Raymond LLP was founded in 1979 as a niche practice to serve the legal needs of all types of commercial client. Since then it has grown rapidly to become one of the most successful commercial law firms on the south coast.

The firm now has an extensive and varied portfolio of UK clients, including private and public companies, partnerships, housing associations, educational bodies, charities, insolvency practitioners and insurance companies. Examples which are prominent on the client list are Sunseeker International (Boats) Limited, National Grid and Bournemouth & Poole College. The practice also acts for a number of clients based in Europe, the US and the Far East.

Steele Raymond LLP has both the capacity and expertise to respond effectively to clients’ needs, as well as the skills to communicate its advice clearly. The firm adopts a commercial and proactive approach to solving problems. As part of its commitment to providing a high-quality service, the firm holds ISO9001:2008 accreditation.

In the past year, the firm has continued to handle a significant number of quality transactions. It has also acquired another solicitors practice at the south coast as part of its growth strategy.

The firm is willing to undertake agency work in civil and employment matters.

Types of work undertaken: Company and commercial expertise covering a wide range of matters, including major acquisitions, venture capital, management buyouts and buyins, mergers and demergers. Expertise is offered in company formation and partnership (including LLPs), receivership and insolvency, commercial leases and contracts, EU regulations and compliance, intellectual property, and planning and environmental law. Commercial property sales and purchases are a notable strength, and major greenfield developments and large scale construction projects are handled.

All types of commercial litigation and dispute resolution are dealt with, including arbitrations, mediations, construction litigation and debt recovery; also commercial contracts and distribution and agency agreements. Employment law is a speciality, both contentious and non-contentious. One member is a CEDR-accredited mediator.

The firm’s expertise in education law is recognised by the Law Society, which has made a number of education law client referrals to Steele Raymond LLP. Private client work includes tax and estate planning, trust advice, and Inheritance Act claims, as well as wills and probate. Personal injury cases are also dealt with.

Breakdown of work %
Company/commercial 33
Commercial litigation/litigation 32
Commercial property 25
Private client 10

Number of partners 10
Number of other fee-earners 15