The Legal 500

Within Corporate and commercial: Elsewhere in the North, BHP Law is a second tier firm,

At BHP Law, Gary Copeland recently drafted energy-related contracts for Scottish Power. Elaine McLaine joined the team from Archers Law LLP, and advised Evolution LLP on its acquisition of the North East business of Vantis plc. The five-solicitor team also has a niche franchising practice.

Within Commercial litigation: Elsewhere in the North, BHP Law is a third tier firm,

BHP Law’s team has seen the arrival of ecclesiastical specialist Philip Wills to its Durham office. Richard Baker continues to represent a wide range of commercial businesses and individuals in disputes.

Within Commercial litigation: Newcastle, tier 4

Graeme Ritzema leads the Newcastle-based team at BHP Law, which represented longstanding client Harbro Supplies in a series of multi-party contract disputes over the supply of marble-cutting machines. Property litigation is also a prominent feature of the team’s work.

Within Debt recovery, BHP Law is a first tier firm,

At BHP Law, John Lisgo and Tom Lisgo continue to advise large businesses on debt recovery matters. New client wins include Evolution Business Recovery Services and FRP Advisory.

Within Insolvency and corporate recovery , BHP Law is a third tier firm,

David Birks’ team at BHP Law represented RMT, as the Trustee in Bankruptcy, on applications for the possession and sale of property. Ursula Collie has left the legal profession.

Within Employment, tier 4

BHP Law’s client roster includes high-profile employers and senior individuals. Redundancy schemes, private and public TUPE transfers, and post-termination restrictions kept the team busy in 2010.

Within Personal injury: claimant, BHP Law is a third tier firm,

BHP Law’s practice head Paul Saxon acted on consumer protection cases involving blood products and fireworks, and high-value brain injury cases. Karen Pratt and Emma Gaudern are Court of Protection deputies.

Within Agriculture and estates , BHP Law is a third tier firm,

At BHP Law, Peter Blackett recently advised a longstanding client on the acquisition of a farm with two other landowners for £3m, and is retained by a large-scale developer of residential holiday caravan parks.

Within Family, BHP Law is a third tier firm,

BHP Law advisies high-net-worth private clients on divorce matters. Terry Hamer has experience in novel children-related cases, and Margot Moffitt provides national and international adoption advice.

Within Personal tax, trusts and probate, tier 4

BHP Law continues to advise clients on the administration of high-value estates, and has recently provided trust advice to parents with children with learning disabilities. Emma Gaudern recently joined Helen Biglin’s team from DWF LLP.

Within Commercial property: Elsewhere in the North, BHP Law is a first tier firm,

At BHP Law, Sonia Hunter continues to act for Bussey & Armstrong Projects on the West Park development, and is currently advising new client Nifco UK on various aspects of its proposed purpose-built factory facility.

Within Environment, BHP Law is a third tier firm,

BHP Law acts for various clients in the waste management sector.

Within Planning, BHP Law is a third tier firm,

Barney Corrigan’s team at BHP Law maintains a niche offering in waste management and disposal and minerals extraction, and successfully defended a judicial review of a local authority’s decision to refuse to register a lake as a town or village green.

Within Intellectual property, BHP Law is a third tier firm,

IP specialist Matthew Rippon at BHP Law assists clients on mainstream and more complex matters. Dual-qualified solicitor and barrister Deborah McGargle recently joined the team as a consultant from the legal department of PD Ports Ltd.

Within Sport, BHP Law is a first tier firm,

BHP Law’s Robin Winskell represented Newcastle United FC in several high-profile cases, and also advised Daniel Gosling on his application to leave Everton FC on a free transfer. The arrival of three additional consultants enhanced the team’s offering.