Trowers & Hamlins LLP > London, England > Firm Profile

Trowers & Hamlins LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Corporate and commercial > M&A: Smaller Deals, £10m-£100m Tier 1

The ‘strong’ corporate team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP focus primarily on private company M&A, with particular expertise across the healthcare, real estate and leisure sectors. The team earn further praise for its ability to provide this expertise with a ‘personal touch’. Practice head Tim Nye advises widely on private equity matters and is noted for his ability to find ‘creative solutions to often very complex problems and structures’. Alison Chivers, a health and social care M&A specialist, is a key port of call for private equity and family office investors. The ‘consistently reliable, communicative and knowledgeable’ Nick Harrisingh leads the firm’s corporate real estate team, and is routinely engaged by entrepreneurs and owner managers in the TMT sector on exits and fundraisings. The national team has been strengthened by the arrival of Manchester based Paul Ellaby who joined the firm from DAC Beachcroft LLP in April 2022. All other named lawyers are based in London.

Public sector > Local government Tier 1

Strong expertise in commercialisation, developments, governance, and income generation matters allows the ‘strong and hugely knowledgeable‘ team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP to maintain close relationships with an array of city, borough, and county councils across the UK. These clients instruct the team to handle a number of high-value housing projects and estate regenerations, and the practice is also capable of advising on investment decisions, procurement contracts, and commercial arrangements in connection with the maintenance of critical services. Led by social housing and regeneration expert Scott Dorling, the team’s strong presence in the housing space is reinforced by the expertise of Paul McDermott, who advises on funding and governance matters in connection with development projects, and consultant Helen Randall, a key contact for PPPs and joint ventures. Victoria Thornton is also recommended, particularly for her expertise handling commercial arrangements. In addition to these London-based lawyers, Birmingham-based Amardeep Gill is highly recommended for his work on complex and specialized leisure and green mobility projects.

Real estate > Social housing: finance Tier 1

Trowers & Hamlins LLP boasts a large team of finance lawyers, chaired by Adrian Carter, dedicated to the housing sector. The social housing finance practice advises on a wide range of loan facilities and other debt capital market arrangements. The team handles sector-significant transactions, including the Peabody and Catalyst merger, on which Eleanor James led. With an established reputation as a borrower firm, the team is broadening its lender-based practice and acts for key lenders, institutional and equity investors, and security trustees. Melanie Comer heads up the national real estate finance security team alongside Katie Dyer, who leads the London and Birmingham teams, advising for-profit registered providers on their property portfolios. The firm is a go-to for new entrants into the social housing finance sector, and the team has experience in the formation of for-profit registered providers. Green, social, and sustainable finance is another key focus area for the practice; the team acted on some of the first green private placements in the sector, led by Naomi Roper. The team’s national reach is solidified by Neil Waller, head of the Manchester-based finance practice, who specialises in housing finance and financing transactions for local authorities. Simon Valner was promoted to partner in July 2023.

Real estate > Social housing: local authorities and registered providers Tier 1

Trowers & Hamlins LLP's social housing team, led by Tonia Secker, continues to operate at the forefront of the market. Spearheaded by ‘sector-leading lawyer' Rob Beiley, the firm acted on a significant number of new entrant registrations in 2022, including local authorities returning to direct housing delivery and international clients investing into UK vehicles. The team advises a full range of sector participants and Sara Bailey has over 20 years’ experience advising private providers, local authorities, and central government developers. The practice has expanded its offering to cover growing areas within the sector, including carbon neutrality and building safety, which are particular areas of focus for Rebecca Rees. The team handles complex transactions, including housing infrastructure funding, private and public collaborations, and portfolio transactions, with Amy Shaw leading on joint ventures and Jeremy Hunt specialising in residential regeneration projects and mixed-use development schemes. Scott Dorling, head of the public sector group, has ‘vast experience with local authorities' and provides leading advice on housing policy, alongside Sharron Webster, who co-leads the social housing governance team.

Real estate > Social housing Tier 1

Regeneration and strategic land projects specialist Suzanne Benson heads up the Manchester arm of Trowers & Hamlins LLP‘s ‘extremely knowledgeable‘ affordable housing team, which assists investors in the housing market as well as housing associations. Richard St John Williams advises on governance matters and has particular charity law expertise. Melanie Comer is highly experienced in the area of housing finance transactions. Lynn James, who has a background in property litigation, is frequently called on to advise on leasehold management. Tom Wainwright, noted for his experience in housing group reorganisations, is also recommended. Janet Winrow retired in March 2023.

Real estate > Commercial property: Dorset, Devon and Cornwall Tier 1

Trowers & Hamlins LLP's varied offering encompasses inward investment as well as a wide range of commercial and residential investment and development work; the firm is particularly strong on complex urban regeneration projects involving multiple stakeholders from the private and public sector. Georgina Savill-James and Chris Rundle co-lead the Exeter real estate team; Savill-James, in particular, is noted for her expertise in residential property matters - including portfolio acquisition work.  Other central figures include Ben Neary, who has specific expertise in investment property disposal; Nicholas Burt, whose residential expertise includes high street funding mandates; and Gail White, who has a proven track record of acting for clients in the education sector.

Real estate > Social housing Tier 1

The ‘effective team’ at Trowers & Hamlins LLP advises regulatory bodies, traditional housing providers and new entrants to the sector on issues across the space, including issue arising from the rent cap, MMC developments, building safety claims and portfolio acquisitions and disposals. Leadership duties are divided between Georgina Savill-James, head of the South West affordable housing team, and Hannah Jackson, who heads up the real estate finance security team. Hilary Pitts, who joined from Stephens Scown LLP in November 2022, is well versed in site acquisitions. Fellow site acquisition specialist Jack Frier frequently acts for developers and RPs. Alex Frankland‘s practice reach notably extends to estate regeneration schemes, while Sarah Cross deepens the real estate finance capability at the Exeter practice.

Public sector > Local government Tier 1

Providing an ‘insightful, collaborative, pragmatic’ service, Trowers & Hamlins LLP is capable of handling commercial and property projects; some key areas of work for the firm include the refinancing of operational contracts, investment vehicles for local authorities and various advisory matters, alongside large-scale regeneration projects. The practice is jointly led by the ‘technically brilliant’ Amardeep Gill, who has expertise in advising on transactions and pathfinder projects, and Chris Plumley, whose practice includes property regeneration and development work in the public sector; he is also rated ‘very highly’ by clients. Associate Louis Sebastian adds value to the practice, with recent experience in handling matters in sectors such as digital technology, supply contracts and leisure.

Finance > Islamic finance Tier 2

Acting alone, as well as frequently forming part of multi-office teams with colleagues on the ground in key offices across the Middle East and South East Asia, Trowers & Hamlins LLP's London team provides 'high-quality advice' for stakeholders utilising a wide range of Shariah-compliant structures on both inbound and outbound investments. On the domestic front, Katharine Lewis regularly handles real estate work for inward investors, ensuring that their investment vehicles are Shariah compliant, as well as advising banks on Murabaha loans. Lewis is also currently involved, alongside lawyers from the firm's Oman, Bahrain and Malaysia offices, on the advice to Ahli United Bank on all aspects of its conversion from a conventional bank to an Islamic bank. Helen Fysh co-heads the 'highly professional and committed' London-based Islamic finance team alongside Lewis. Senior associate Jonathan Grosvenor is also recommended, particularly as it relates to Sukuk issuances and Islamic derivatives and repo work.

Real estate > Commercial property: development Tier 2

The ‘resourceful and practical’ team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP is geared to advise on the development of and investment into all of residential assets. The practice also leverages support from the firm’s Malaysian and Middle East offices to support foreign with inward investment. Tonia Secker oversees the practice and Patrick Morris handles forward funding and sales, secured lending and shopping centre purchases. Rebecca Wardle has experience in regeneration projects for public and private sector organisations, and Lizzie Pillinger has been involved in joint ventures in the later living arena. Andy Barnard is active in build to rent, regeneration and student housing projects, and Samir Nathwani is proficient in development arrangements, as well as landlord and tenant mandates.

Public sector > Local government Tier 2

Based in Manchester, the team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP provides the full range of support services including local authority powers and finance rules, procurement, state aid, data and competition law, town centre, housing and regeneration projects. The team is led by real estate specialist Suzanne Benson and now includes Victoria Robertson who joined from Weightmans LLP in April 2022 developing the commercial side of the practice. Building on his experience as an in-house counsel for a regional local authority, Darren Ashworth now leads on a number of major redevelopment projects.

Real estate > Construction Tier 2

Stephanie Canham and the experienced Katie Saunders, who heads the firm’s national team advising housing providers and local authorities on housing stock, co-lead the practice at Trowers & Hamlins LLP. The team is notably on the Places For People Group panel and advises on the full scope of related work. It offers the full-service to its clients, with expertise extending to construction-related insolvency, and regularly acts on significant multi-use regeneration projects. An expert in waste-related matters, Tom Holroyd is the team’s lead on contentious construction matters, and also has a niche specialism in cladding work.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Dorset, Devon and Cornwall Tier 2

The ‘highly engaged’ Exeter-based practice at Trowers & Hamlins LLP is well-placed to leverage the firm’s international footprint to act on a range of cross-border commercial and corporate disputes. Key areas of expertise include shareholder litigation, breach of contract cases and fraud claims, in addition to energy-related disputes, contentious construction mandates and IT issues. Charisse Crawford leads the practice and has a strong track record in private wealth disputes, while senior associates Alexander Sharples and Maria Dunn act for clients in the energy and social care sectors respectively. Katie Farmer, who focuses on insolvency litigation, joined the firm from Ashfords LLP in July 2022.

Employment > Employment: Dorset, Devon and Cornwall Tier 2

Trowers & Hamlins LLP receives instruction from a wide range of employer clients, with corporate businesses and charities making up a significant proportion of the key names. The team regularly advises on TUPE work and has witnessed continuous growth in employment litigation mandates. John Turnbull heads up the practice and is noted for his expertise in unfair dismissal claims and redundancy issues.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Birmingham Tier 2

The ‘extremely responsive and helpful’ team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP acts for clients in high-value, complex litigation, handling civil fraud and cyber-related issues, corporate and commercial disputes, group actions, and contentious trusts and probate-linked disputes. ‘Deep thinker’ Helen Briant leads the department, which is also home to ‘stand-out commercial litigation lawyer’ Jamie De Souza, who was promoted to the partnership in July 2022, ‘outstanding‘ Lucy James, Harriet Heber, and senior associate Elizabeth Mulley.

Real estate > Social housing Tier 2

Under the national leadership of Tonia Secker, Trowers & Hamlins LLP‘s Birmingham practice, headed by Digby Morgan, specialises in affordable housing development, including transactions, institutional investments, and joint ventures spanning the public and private sectors to procure social housing. The firm also services for-profit market entrants and registered providers. Yetunde Dania and Kate Davies are key names to note for their respective experience across affordable housing management and housing development. Former projects and construction practice head Mark Robinson retired from the practice. Natalie Owen left the practice in June 2023.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: mid-market Tier 3

'Every bit the equal of the market's largest and most well-known firms', Trowers & Hamlins LLP routinely acts in heavyweight commercial disputes, commercial claims involving public sector bodies, and Middle East-related work. The team has also experienced growth in contentious insolvency work, financial services sector-related commercial judicial reviews; and the commercial side to employment disputes. Lucy James is 'a Titan of the commercial litigation world'; Alex Burton focuses on complex, cross-border disputes; Navinder Grover typically acts in corporate disputes, frauds and insolvency-related matters; and Charlotte Clayson assists with high-value commercial and public law disputes. James Lancaster is an experienced managing associate.

Public sector > Education: schools Tier 3

The education team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP excels at handling governance and real estate work for its client base, which encompasses private schools, academies, charities, and local education authorities. The practice is particularly well-regarded for providing project and real estate advice to the Department for Education on the development of new schools across the country, and it also regularly assists with PFI projects and school constructions in the UK and abroad. Experienced commercial lawyer Amardeep Gill, who is based in Birmingham, co-leads the practice with London-based projects and procurement expert Assad Maqbool. The duo have also led the practice toward an increasingly diverse workload involving school mergers and sales, academy conversions, and corporate contract matters. The team is further bolstered by the expertise of Patrick Morris, a key contact for his advice on educational developments.

Public sector > Healthcare Tier 3

Tim Nye and Kyle Holling jointly head the practice at Trowers & Hamlins LLP. Predominantly dispensing advice on the redevelopment of hospitals, the team often assists commissioners and NHS trusts. Nye primarily handles matters concerning joint ventures and M&A, and regularly advises entities within acute care, mental health, and residential nursing, while Holling utilises his expertise in real estate to assist funders, operators, and commissioners with real estate transactions.

Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 3

The ‘resourceful and practical’ team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP is geared to advise on the development of and investment into all of residential assets. The practice also leverages support from the firm’s Malaysian and Middle East offices to support foreign with inward investment. Tonia Secker oversees the practice and Patrick Morris handles forward funding and sales, secured lending and shopping centre purchases. Rebecca Wardle has experience in regeneration projects for public and private sector organisations, and Lizzie Pillinger has been involved in joint ventures in the later living arena. Andy Barnard is active in build to rent, regeneration and student housing projects, and Samir Nathwani is proficient in development arrangements, as well as landlord and tenant mandates.

Real estate > Construction: non-contentious Tier 3

Trowers & Hamlins LLP caters to a diverse clientele across the private and public sectors, offering specialist expertise in regeneration, residential and commercial developments, procurement, energy, sustainability, and other areas. The department is spearheaded by Stephanie Canham, who primarily acts for private and commercial developers. Assad Maqbool contributes his unique specialisation in alliancing and collaborative forms of contract, while James Huckstep offers his expertise in procurement strategy and the drafting and negotiation of construction documents.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 3

The property litigation team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP advises on a wide array of disputes. The main areas of focus for the firm are development, commercial property institutional investment, residential leasehold management and enfranchisement. Nicholas Levy leads the practice, specialising in handling disputes relating to the acquisition, management and disposal of real estate. Paul Marco handles disputes concerning vacant possession strategies and service charge issues, whilst Douglas Rhodes leads the landlord and tenant practice. 'Standout individual' Rachel Kerr is another key name, acting on high-profile rights of light matters.

Transport > Travel Tier 3

Trowers & Hamlins LLP‘s Exeter-based personal injury travel team, noted as ‘helpful and honest’, is adept at handling cross-jurisdictional matters of significant value for claimants who have been injured abroad, which is Ian Brown‘s area of focus; its caseload varies from falls leading to minor injuries, to RTAs leading to complex head injuries. Additionally, it also ably advises defendants in litigation; Bronwen Courtenay-Stamp, who, per clients, ‘knows everything about the insurance industry’, leads the practice.

Dispute resolution > Debt recovery Tier 3

At Trowers & Hamlins LLP, the debt recovery group is embedded within the firm’s wider commercial litigation practice and advises both clients in the public sector and commercial creditors. Cross-border recovery and strategic advice form as much a part of the team’s strengths as property debt recovery and statutory demands. Katie Farmer joined the firm from Ashfords LLP in July 2022 and leads the practice together with senior associate Maria Dunn.

Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 3

Trowers & Hamlins LLP‘s ‘technically astute and commercially sensible‘ practice handles a range of transactional mandates, advisory work, contentious insolvency matters, and restructurings. Katie Farmer joined the practice from Ashfords LLP in July 2022; her recruitment is praised for adding ‘focus and expertise‘ to the South West team. Co-department heads Dan Butler and Navinder Grover are based in Manchester and London, respectively.

Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 3

At Trowers & Hamlins LLP, the cross-departmental offering spans property, dispute resolution, private wealth and corporate matters - regularly advising farmers, rural businesses, financial institutions and landowners. Nicola Janus-Harris, who heads the team, is noted for her expertise in dealing with unregistered land and advising and dealing with Farm Business Tenancies (FBTs), while Charisse Crawford's capabilities are concentrated in complex farming estate disputes. Charlotte Brasher is also recommended.

Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 3

Trowers & Hamlins LLP‘s Exeter-based team is noted for its focus on high-value private wealth disputes, often with a strong cross-border dimension. Practice head Charisse Crawford is a highly experienced partner who handles a host of contentious trust and estate matters. Maria Dunn‘s expertise includes Court of Protection proceedings, while commercial litigator Holly Bryan regularly advises clients in respect of claims under the Inheritance Act.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 3

Praised for their 'significant depth of experience and breadth of skills across the team', Trowers & Hamlins LLP advise a wide range of clients, including farmers, family-owned businesses, and international families with UK interests. The team is led by the London-based Jonathan Kropman, who is a key port of call for various high-net-worth individuals, both domestically and abroad. Other key figures include Charisse Crawford, noted for the depth of her capabilities in private wealth disputes.

Public sector > Local government Tier 3

Spanning local authority housing developments, local government reform, and shared service arrangements, the wide-ranging advisory work carried out by Trowers & Hamlins LLP‘s ‘expert team’ is frequently completed on a cross-office basis - the Exeter-based practice often calls on the expertise present in the London, Birmingham and Manchester offices. Lynne Rathbone, John Turnbull and Rory Stracey co-lead the unit, with Emma Barnfield and Gail White further contributing to the collective expertise on offer.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 3

Able to advise on the full sweep of both commercial and residential landlord and tenant issues, Trowers & Hamlins LLP is well equipped to act for a range of clients, most notably in the leisure and public sectors. The practice is headed up by the Exeter-based Emma Barnfield, whose broad expertise ranges from the Electronic Communications Code to development disputes. Jeni Hancock and Charlotte Brasher further strengthen the team; Brasher is a key contact for agricultural property disputes, in particular.

Real estate > Commercial property: Birmingham Tier 3

With particular strength in handling commercial and mixed-use development work, Trowers & Hamlins LLP is a strong choice for public sector clients handling large-scale development and regeneration work. Practice head Fiona Thomson advises both developers and occupiers on commercial development projects, particularly in the industrial and logistics spaces. Chris Plumley specialises in complex regeneration projects, primarily acting for public sector clients, while Simon Robinson‘s array of experience encompasses strategic land promotion, development, joint ventures and collaboration projects, among others. Senior associate Pete Bond‘s broad expertise includes handling various aspects of development transactions in the industrial and logistics fields. Digby Morgan is also recommended.

Real estate > Construction Tier 3

Trowers & Hamlins LLP has a multidisciplinary practice, with expertise across development, procurement, asset management, adjudication and fire safety, acting for public sector clients as well as contractors, developers and housing associations. The practice is led by Paul Scott, advising on the contentious side, and Katie Saunders, based in Manchester, concentrating on the firm’s non-contentious offering. Former practice head Mark Robinson has departed the firm.

Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure Tier 4

The ‘super responsive, professional, pragmatic’ practitioners at Trowers & Hamlins LLP are well placed to advise on a range of matters in the hospitality, leisure and tourism spheres. The firm is highly regarded for its experience in assisting HNWIs and family offices in the Middle and Far East with the acquisition of hotels in the UK. Ayda Habboush and Julien Allen, jointly head up the team; the former has significant experience in advising domestic and international hotel owners on sales, acquisitions and insolvencies, as well as hotel management and franchise agreements, while the latter is an expert in high-end leisure matters relating to restaurants and clubs.

Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 4

Headed up by Ian Davies, the team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP acts for major charitable funds. The main focus of the practice is on large and innovative charities that raise funds from contracts, or from charging the beneficiaries of services; it also acts for a significant number of housing charitable associations. Sharron Webster provides corporate advice, while Emma Burrows provides employment advice to charities. Helen Briant is another notable member of the practice, who works with a number of charity clients on fraud and other contentious matters.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure: Project finance and development Tier 4

A key point of differentiation for the infrastructure group at Trowers & Hamlins LLP is its impressive and deep portfolio of PFI / PPP work, with the firm working with a host of national and regional public sponsors and public sector commissioners. While the firm has an international reach – with mandates in the Middle East and Asia – the team's most significant instructions are  development, expansion and relocation projects in UK cities, such as Birmingham and London.  Paul McDermott has been a key driver of the firm's expanding work in life sciences, medical research and sports, with a particular interest in emerging technologies. Scott Dorling is active on leisure PPPs and other social infrastructure projects, while Amardeep Gill handles the group’s matters based in Birmingham. Assad Maqbool is noted for public sector education work, while Lucy Doran is actively involved in NHS work, as well as being engaged in a plethora of housing regeneration schemes.

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

Trowers & Hamlins LLP‘s practice is has a particular strength in energy work relating to real estate, frequently advising clients in this sector on large-scale implementation of low-carbon and green energy initiatives. Projects and construction specialist Chris Paul heads up the energy and sustainability offering. Associate Hannah Giebus, noted for her ability to provide ‘practical advice’, does so in relation to ongoing energy issues in the UK.

Public sector > Administrative and public law Tier 4

With recognisable strength in both contentious and non-contentious work, Trowers & Hamlins LLP is highly active in commercial judicial review and transparency issues, as well as advising on public sector powers and governance issues. Lucy James, who heads the firm’s national commercial litigation team, has expanded the contentious procurement offering, while public sector head Scott Dorling has vast expertise advising on vires, procurement and state aid issues for local authority projects.

Real estate > Construction: contentious Tier 4

Trowers & Hamlins LLP operates across the public and private sectors, offering services in areas such as building safety, commercial developments, and dispute avoidance and resolution. The practice, led by Tim Hillier, provides advice on dispute resolution and risk mitigation throughout the construction process. Anthony Yates brings his expertise in adjudication and alternative dispute resolution to the table, while Helen Stuart specialises in handling issues related to fire-safety defects and building safety.

Real estate > Planning Tier 4

Trowers & Hamlins LLP has a strong public and private sector focus, advising private developers, local authorities, and registered providers. Specialist planning and CPO lawyer Jacqueline Backhaus leads the team, with over 25 years’ experience advising both public and private sector clients. Rob Walker has a wealth of experience in complex regeneration schemes, a key focus area for the team. Another growth area for the group is ‘build-to-rent’ schemes and the department has specialist knowledge in other developing areas of the residential sector.

Transport > Aviation Tier 4

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Manchester Tier 4

Trowers & Hamlins LLP has a strong track record of supporting owner-managed businesses and family investment companies on transactional matters. The practice is particularly active in the manufacturing sector and is co-headed by corporate expert Paul Ellaby. Co-practice head Victoria Robertson has expertise in complex commercial contracts, as well as data privacy matters.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Manchester Tier 4

Trowers & Hamlins LLP‘s commercial litigation practice acts on high-value disputes, with the ability to act on the full range of commercial disputes and business protection matter. Expertise of the team also lies in data-breach claims, and public procurement disputes. ‘Thorough, articulate, and highly skilled litigator’ Steve Dunseath leads the team with Dan Butler.

Employment Tier 4

Trowers & Hamlins LLP's ascendant North West team continues to consolidate its strong position in the market, working with a portfolio of national and international companies on a high-volume of contentious and non-contentious employment matters. Danielle Ingham is widely active in the technology, leisure, manufacturing and retail sectors, handling complex tribunal cases involving unfair dismissal and race and disability discrimination claims, as well as advising on large restructuring projects requiring bulk settlement agreements and legislation and compliance guidance, often involving multiple jurisdictions. Laura Welchew provides trusted counsel to a wealth of charities, with notable expertise in senior executive dismissals, TUPE issues, and litigation. Vikki Cunliffe is a ‘stand-out individual’ in the practice, regularly supporting her regional and London colleagues on big-ticket mandates involving management changes, safeguarding issues, due diligence, and tribunal proceedings.

Finance > Banking and finance Tier 4

Trowers & Hamlins LLP‘s ‘highly reliable’ banking and finance practice is led at national level by London-based Adrian Carter, with housing finance specialist Neil Waller leading from the Manchester office. The group's client list is comprised of notable housing group and property development companies including Jigsaw Homes Group. Social housing finance experts Melanie Comer and Eleanor James stand out in the team.

Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 4

Trowers & Hamlins LLP‘s cross-departmental and ‘technically gifted’ offering is well-equipped to handle contentious, advisory and transactional work for its portfolio of clients. Specialist in commercial litigation Dan Butler established and leads the team from Manchester, and has a contentious focus, having advised on high-profile work such work, as well as notable expertise in asset recovery. There is a strong capability within the team to handle the advisory; turnaround specialist senior associate Seb Lang is adept in this area.

Real estate > Commercial property: Manchester Tier 4

The team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP ably handles significant property acquisition and sale matters of value frequently in the millions. Matthew Holbrook specialises in landlord and tenant work as well as asset management; Darren Ashworth who ‘goes the extra mile with client care’ is another name to note. Suzanne Benson heads up the Manchester offering with support from London-based national head of real estate Tonia Secker. The ‘effective and efficient’ Anna Metham and the ‘exceptionally good’ Joe Hawthorne are senior associates to watch amongst the offering.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 4

The ‘knowledgeable, efficient’ team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP has a strong reputation for its strength in handling commercial landlord and tenant matters. Lynn James, regarded as ‘absolutely superb’, leads the team from Manchester and has vast experience in leasehold management disputes and a notable specialism in social housing work. Sam Coward was promoted to partner in July 2022 and stands out for his developing expertise in building safety matters.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Dorset, Devon and Cornwall Tier 4

Trowers & Hamlins LLP assists clients from a number of sectors, including real estate, construction and technology, on a broad range of corporate and commercial concerns. Lynne Rathbone, whose practice covers delivery models, joint ventures and outsourcings, leads the practice jointly with Stuart Mathews, who has extensive experience in corporate transactions.

Insurance > Personal injury: claimant Tier 4

Injuries caused by accidents abroad, through road traffic accidents or at work are part of Trowers & Hamlins LLP's personal injury workload. Bronwen Courtenay-Stamp and Ian Brown, who regularly handles cycling injury claims as well as claims relating to leisure activities, jointly lead the practice.

Real estate > Construction Tier 4

Trowers & Hamlins LLP's typical workload includes strategic advice on regeneration projects, a host of work for public sector clients, and a growing focus on regional construction disputes. The team is co-chaired by Oliver Williams, who specialises in contentious matters such as defects in design and construction disputes. Fellow practice chair Claire Atkins, who joined the team from Paris Smith LLP in September 2022, is well versed in the drafting of construction contracts. Lydia Stuart-Banks is another name to note.

Real estate > Planning Tier 4

Trowers & Hamlins LLP is engaged by public bodies and registered providers for assistance with regard to major development schemes, frequently working closely alongside stakeholders from the private sector. Rory Stracey, who has led the practice since founding the Exeter team in 2018, boasts planning expertise which covers mixed-use developments, highways and compulsory purchase matters. Sophie Emerson is also noted for her highways and compulsory purchase acumen.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Birmingham Tier 4

Noted for their commercial expertise, the team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP works with a mix of public and private sector clients, particularly in the care, tech, energy, manufacturing, and financial services sectors. Practice co-chair Amardeep Gill is especially rated for his public sector acumen, working with a number of local government bodies on high-profile commercial projects. Fellow co-chair Matthew Harvey is an experienced corporate partner specialising in owner-managed businesses, while Moad Giebaly’s recent engagements include acquisitions in the veterinary and real estate sectors.

Employment Tier 4

Rebecca McGuirk is at the helm at Trowers & Hamlins LLP. McGuirk has a vast array of experience in advising major private sector clients as well as registered providers and care providers. Other key clients include charities and local authorities. She covers both contentious and non-contentious matters and has particular strength in advising on diverse matters such as trade union issues and strikes; restructures/ reorganisations as well as the ‘exiting’ of senior/ difficult employees.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 4

Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 5

Trowers & Hamlins LLP’s team is engaged by a roster of public, private and third sector clients, routinely acting on cyber fraud, compliance, risk management and investigation mandates. The team, which is home to formidable expertise in respect of freezing injunction applications, is led by Birmingham-based Helen Briant.

Employment > Pensions (non-contentious) Tier 5

Trowers & Hamlins LLP‘s pensions practice is described as being both ‘pragmatic’ and ‘excellent’ by clients. Martin McFall leads the team and is recommended for his experience advising local authorities and employers on public sector scheme-related matters. The practice as a whole also assists trustees and employers on issues such as scheme wind-ups, benefit restructurings, and corporate transactions. Senior associate Deborah Shumate is a name to note for experience with complex commercial pensions strategies.

Real estate > Property finance Tier 5

At Trowers & Hamlins LLP, Eddie O’Hanrahan has an impressive track record in development finance of commercial, residential and student accommodation and logistics properties. Banking partner Katharine Lewis excels at conventional and Sharia compliant real estate finance transactions. Along with Helen Fysh, Lewis specialises in inward investment into UK real estate. Adrian Carter is the managing partner, and head of banking and finance.

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

Spearheaded by Caroline Hayward, the team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP acts for a diverse roster of clients across the technology, retail and healthcare sectors. Hayward’s practice encompasses infringement, validity and enforcement matters, among others, while senior associate Alice Stripe focuses on UKIPO trade mark disputes and portfolio management. Joe Armstrong joined the practice in May 2022.

Employment > Employers Tier 6

The practice at Trowers & Hamlins LLP covers matters ranging from TUPE to restructuring and employee competition matters. The team is led by Emma Burrows, who handles board level disputes and governance issues, as well as pensions related employment matters. Nicola Ihnatowicz, experienced in tribunal litigation as well as non-contentious work including business transformation and HR policy implementation, is also key.

Private client > Contentious trusts and probate

South West > Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Dorset, Devon and Cornwall

The ‘highly engaged’ Exeter-based practice at Trowers & Hamlins LLP is well-placed to leverage the firm’s international footprint to act on a range of cross-border commercial and corporate disputes. Key areas of expertise include shareholder litigation, breach of contract cases and fraud claims, in addition to energy-related disputes, contentious construction mandates and IT issues. Charisse Crawford leads the practice and has a strong track record in private wealth disputes, while senior associates Alexander Sharples and Maria Dunn act for clients in the energy and social care sectors respectively. Katie Farmer, who focuses on insolvency litigation, joined the firm from Ashfords LLP in July 2022.

South West > Real estate > Commercial property: Dorset, Devon and Cornwall

Trowers & Hamlins LLP's varied offering encompasses inward investment as well as a wide range of commercial and residential investment and development work; the firm is particularly strong on complex urban regeneration projects involving multiple stakeholders from the private and public sector. Georgina Savill-James and Chris Rundle co-lead the Exeter real estate team; Savill-James, in particular, is noted for her expertise in residential property matters - including portfolio acquisition work.  Other central figures include Ben Neary, who has specific expertise in investment property disposal; Nicholas Burt, whose residential expertise includes high street funding mandates; and Gail White, who has a proven track record of acting for clients in the education sector.

Malaysia > Foreign firms

Noted for its expertise in Islamic finance mandates, Trowers & Hamlins LLP acts for domestic and international clients on a range of matters, including cross-border investments, M&A, private equity, and financing deals, with demonstrable experience in the real estate, hospitality, oil and gas, and energy and infrastructure arenas. Nick Edmondes is praised for his 'breadth of knowledge in Islamic financing', while Elias Moubarak advises on project financings and real estate financings, in addition to capital market issuances. Geoff Allen joined the firm in June 2022 and leads the corporate and commercial team. Other key contacts include Tom Reynolds and real estate expert Abdulhaq Mohammed. All named practitioners collectively lead the practice from the firm's office in Kuala Lumpur.

North West > Real estate > Construction

Stephanie Canham and the experienced Katie Saunders, who heads the firm’s national team advising housing providers and local authorities on housing stock, co-lead the practice at Trowers & Hamlins LLP. The team is notably on the Places For People Group panel and advises on the full scope of related work. It offers the full-service to its clients, with expertise extending to construction-related insolvency, and regularly acts on significant multi-use regeneration projects. An expert in waste-related matters, Tom Holroyd is the team’s lead on contentious construction matters, and also has a niche specialism in cladding work.

North West > Real estate > Commercial property: Manchester

The team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP ably handles significant property acquisition and sale matters of value frequently in the millions. Matthew Holbrook specialises in landlord and tenant work as well as asset management; Darren Ashworth who ‘goes the extra mile with client care’ is another name to note. Suzanne Benson heads up the Manchester offering with support from London-based national head of real estate Tonia Secker. The ‘effective and efficient’ Anna Metham and the ‘exceptionally good’ Joe Hawthorne are senior associates to watch amongst the offering.

United Arab Emirates > Dispute resolution: arbitration and international litigation

Trowers & Hamlins LLP excels in shareholder, contractual, banking and financing, and technology-related disputes, and the team includes a number of construction specialists who are well positioned to act on complex cases in this area. The 'exceptional' Matthew Showler is a 'first-rate litigator' who heads the practice, often acting on high-profile cases before the DIFC and is a go-to for fraud disputes as well as investigations and crisis situations. Cheryl Cairns handles complex infrastructure, real estate and construction issues and Alex Burton is a proficient mediator who is also a major supporting presence in high-level litigation. Senior associate Daniel Smith has provided support on disputes for multinational corporations and high-net worth individuals that are frequently cross-border in nature.

West Midlands > Real estate > Social housing

Under the national leadership of Tonia Secker, Trowers & Hamlins LLP‘s Birmingham practice, headed by Digby Morgan, specialises in affordable housing development, including transactions, institutional investments, and joint ventures spanning the public and private sectors to procure social housing. The firm also services for-profit market entrants and registered providers. Yetunde Dania and Kate Davies are key names to note for their respective experience across affordable housing management and housing development. Former projects and construction practice head Mark Robinson retired from the practice. Natalie Owen left the practice in June 2023.

South West > Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery

Trowers & Hamlins LLP‘s ‘technically astute and commercially sensible‘ practice handles a range of transactional mandates, advisory work, contentious insolvency matters, and restructurings. Katie Farmer joined the practice from Ashfords LLP in July 2022; her recruitment is praised for adding ‘focus and expertise‘ to the South West team. Co-department heads Dan Butler and Navinder Grover are based in Manchester and London, respectively.

South West > Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate

Praised for their 'significant depth of experience and breadth of skills across the team', Trowers & Hamlins LLP advise a wide range of clients, including farmers, family-owned businesses, and international families with UK interests. The team is led by the London-based Jonathan Kropman, who is a key port of call for various high-net-worth individuals, both domestically and abroad. Other key figures include Charisse Crawford, noted for the depth of her capabilities in private wealth disputes.

South West > Public sector > Local government

Spanning local authority housing developments, local government reform, and shared service arrangements, the wide-ranging advisory work carried out by Trowers & Hamlins LLP‘s ‘expert team’ is frequently completed on a cross-office basis - the Exeter-based practice often calls on the expertise present in the London, Birmingham and Manchester offices. Lynne Rathbone, John Turnbull and Rory Stracey co-lead the unit, with Emma Barnfield and Gail White further contributing to the collective expertise on offer.

North West > Employment > Employment

Trowers & Hamlins LLP's ascendant North West team continues to consolidate its strong position in the market, working with a portfolio of national and international companies on a high-volume of contentious and non-contentious employment matters. Danielle Ingham is widely active in the technology, leisure, manufacturing and retail sectors, handling complex tribunal cases involving unfair dismissal and race and disability discrimination claims, as well as advising on large restructuring projects requiring bulk settlement agreements and legislation and compliance guidance, often involving multiple jurisdictions. Laura Welchew provides trusted counsel to a wealth of charities, with notable expertise in senior executive dismissals, TUPE issues, and litigation. Vikki Cunliffe is a ‘stand-out individual’ in the practice, regularly supporting her regional and London colleagues on big-ticket mandates involving management changes, safeguarding issues, due diligence, and tribunal proceedings.

North West > Finance > Banking and finance

Trowers & Hamlins LLP‘s ‘highly reliable’ banking and finance practice is led at national level by London-based Adrian Carter, with housing finance specialist Neil Waller leading from the Manchester office. The group's client list is comprised of notable housing group and property development companies including Jigsaw Homes Group. Social housing finance experts Melanie Comer and Eleanor James stand out in the team.