The Legal 500

Within Commercial litigation, tier 6

Thomas Eggar LLP is ‘good at relationship building’. The practice acted in a multimillion-pound dispute arising from a purchase of assets. Victoria Brackett ‘understands clients ’ businesses’, and Robert Kenyon also attracts praise.

Within Employment, tier 8

Thomas Eggar LLP ‘puts employment law and best practice into real terms’.

Within Insurance and reinsurance litigation, tier 6

Victoria Brackett heads Thomas Eggar LLP’s four-partner insurance practice, which represents clients such as Abbey Legal Protection and Cavell.

Within Professional negligence Professional negligence

Within Contentious trusts and probate, tier 4

The ‘extremely competent and sensible’ Paula James heads the London contentious trusts practice of Thomas Eggar LLP.

Within Personal tax, trusts and probate, tier 5

Nicola Plant heads the London private client team at Thomas Eggar LLP, which can draw on the firm’s expertise across the south of England.

Within Education: institutions, tier 4

Catherine Wilson’s team at Thomas Eggar LLP in 2010 advised on the merger of Lambeth and Southwark colleges, and advises clients such as Southgate College and the University of Kent on governance and employment matters. The group acquired a number of new clients following the arrival of new partner Matthew Kelly from Eversheds LLP.

Within Commercial property, tier 5

Thomas Eggar LLP handles property management for clients such as AXA Sun Life, and represents major retailers including Asda Stores and Maplin Electronics. Roger Hickman has ‘a proper understanding of the need for commercial sensibility when dealing with retailers’, and Balbit Thandi’s ‘ability to pre-empt problems is excellent’.

Within Property litigation, tier 4

Thomas Eggar LLP provides ‘service with the personal touch and charges very reasonable fees’. In 2010, the team was busy advising on leases and break clauses. Richard Brown heads the practice, and Jacqui Joyce is recommended for mediation.

Within Sport, tier 6

Thomas Eggar LLP advises commercial organisations and sports professionals, and also acts for a number of high-profile sporting academies.

Within Aviation, tier 5

The niche practice at Thomas Eggar LLP advises on the acquisition of corporate jets; acts for a number of African airlines; and assists with new airline start-ups. The group acts for airlines such as Arik Air and Fly 540- Sociedade De Aviacao Civil, and investment groups such as Lonhro Group, as well as major spare part suppliers such as AJ Walters and Storm Aviation. Oliver Mayes and Garry Ramsden are the key contacts.

Within Rail, tier 6

Thomas Eggar LLP is noted for its rail-related property work, for clients such as Docklands Light Railway, the DfT and BRB (Residuary). Consultant Guy Clements is recommended.