Christopher Graham > Weightmans > Newcastle upon Tyne, England > Lawyer Profile

Based in Newcastle, Weightmans’ property litigation team is known for its sector-focused expertise, advising clients in the energy, utilities, construction, education, licensing and leisure sectors. Steered by employment law specialist Christopher Graham, and supported by legal director Jill Dalkin, the team takes on various disputes concerning accrual of significant arrears leading to the disconnection of supply to commercial premises, as well as breach of covenants involving building works. Dalkin is also an expert on trespass, adverse possession, rights of access, dilapidations and injunctive relief. Mark Reeves, a member of the commercial litigation team, works on high-value franchise disputes and is frequently sought out by energy and utilities sector clients for advice on dilapidations, breach of lease covenants, business lease renewals and forfeiture issues.

Noted for having a ‘strong and capable’ employment team, Weightmans assists both employers and former employees with unlawful termination of employment contracts. The Newcastle-based team also takes on unfair dismissal and unlawful discrimination cases. Regional office head and lead partner in the employment team Christopher Graham advises clients on TUPE transfer requirements and represents clients in employment tribunal claims. Likewise, legal director Kerry Waters is a key support and specialises in taking on employment matters of commercial and contractual disputes concerning employee confidential information and the enforcement of post-termination restrictive covenants.

Weightmans’s IT team has a long track record of working with tech companies on their formation, funding, commercialisation and ultimately successful exit. The group is frequently called upon to advise on complex tech and IT disputes, particularly on distressed IT implementation projects. Paul Wigham heads up the team which regularly acts for venture capitalists and accelerator programmes focused on technology businesses. Duncan Reid specialises in corporate transactions, including acquisitions and disposals, as well as private equity transactions. Recently, the group has seen an uptick in cyber security related advice. Marc Allison and Christopher Graham are also noted.

Christopher Graham, head of Weightmans’ regional office in Newcastle, leads high court actions concerning the prevention of database misuse, the recovery of diverted funds and investigations into serious fraud compliance as well as freezing orders. Experienced commercial litigator Anthony Rance is a go-to name for disputes involving professional negligence, issues pertaining to IT projects, the misuse of confidential information and cyber incidents. Legal director Jill Dalkin is a specialist in assisting a diverse range of clients with high value real estate litigation. Principal associate Mark Reeves is a key support in professional negligence, franchise and misuse of information disputes.