Blaser Mills Law > High Wycombe, England > Firm Profile

Blaser Mills Law
40 OXFORD ROAD
HIGH WYCOMBE, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
HP11 2EE
England

Employment > Employment: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 1

With ‘vast amounts of knowledge‘, the ‘exceptional‘ team at Blaser Mills Law assists companies across the insurance, higher education, and automotive sectors. Noel Deans leads the Marlow-based team, often advising senior executives and US-headquartered corporations with his ‘outstanding knowledge‘ of collective consultations, internal investigations, and board disputes. James Simpson frequently acts for employers on matters concerning data protection, employee benefits and executive dismissals. Senior associate Ben Lindsay joined the team from B P Collins LLP in February 2022, contributing his expertise in the resolution of workplace disputes and TUPE matters.

Practice head(s):

Noel Deans

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Excellent service from start to finish, very timely, very knowledgeable, feel very safe in their hands and that they have my best interests at heart.’

‘Ben Lindsay was always available to provide support, guidance and updates in a timely, professional and helpful manner. Took time with me to explain issues, expectations, and goals. Worked towards a tight deadline, whilst calm and keeping me informed along the way.’

‘Clear guidance and good understanding of the law.’

‘The team is exceptional. They demonstrate vast knowledge of UK and EU law. This is a well diverse team with many years experience between them. I have collaborated with the team on some very contentious matters where Noel Deans has been a calm and supportive resource when we have been in the eye of the storm from a litigious matter.’

‘Noel Deans is quietly confident, his knowledge of employment law has not gone unnoticed. He presents clear and unambiguous advice. Noel has outstanding knowledge, is calm, and understands the complexity of my case, providing me with a strategy that I endorse.’

‘The team has vast amounts of knowledge and is able to apply that practically within a commercial environment. They are able to set out the facts to us in law and practically how that can impact us.’

‘From the first call through to resolution, the team is outstanding. The expertise of the team is invaluable. I could not have found a better team to help me with a very large settlement negotiated and navigating me through some heavy restrictive covenant clauses in the agreement.’

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 1

The practice at Blaser Mills Law is ‘strong across the board‘ with expertise in acting for clients with disabilities in trust-related care home issues, and offshore trust matters. Practice head Jonathan Gallop works out of the Marlow office; praised by clients for his ‘calm, common sense‘ approach, he has ample expertise in advising clients on estate planning issues and lasting powers of attorney. In Amersham, Minesh Thakrar often assists with the drafting and preparation of wills, and the mitigation of inheritance tax, while senior associate Sara Rendell primarily advises on the administration of estates. High Wycombe’s Karen Woodison is particularly adept at handling Court of Protection issues and probate matters.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Gallop

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘I have had excellent service across a range of issues, including drafting wills, and probate. The team is strong across the board.’

‘Jonathan Gallop is very user friendly and responsive, with a calm, common sense approach.’

‘I find Blaser Mills very approachable.’

‘The wills and probate team offer an efficient and pragmatic approach.’

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 2

Exhibiting a ‘very good depth of talent‘ across the team, Blaser Mills Law handles a variety of contentious issues concerning the IT, manufacturing, and financial services sectors. Divided between High Wycombe and London, Jackie Ray leads the group alongside Nina Toor. Ray is ‘massively experienced‘ in handling a broad array of contract disputes and disputed claims for commercial clients in the off-trade and agricultural sectors. ‘Phenomenal‘ London-based senior associate Jade Salton-Brooks regularly appears before the High Court, having acted for the Labour Party, European investment banks, and Championship football clubs on contractual disputes and injunctions.

Practice head(s):

Jackie Ray; Nina Toor

Other key lawyers:

Jade Salton-Brooks; Jonathan Lilley

Testimonials

‘Blaser Mills have an effective commercial litigation team with extensive experience in high-level commercial litigation, they manage to provide an excellent service.’

‘There is a strong can-do attitude throughout the practice, they provide a full range of civil law services and are extremely proficient in all aspects.’

‘Jackie Ray is an excellent, client focused commercial lawyer. She is massively experienced in the sector, and really understands her clients’ drivers and commercial objectives.’

‘Nina Toor is a very good junior lawyer, who is well attuned to clients’ needs.’

‘Blaser Mills is excellent at delivering debt recovery solutions for clients, whether at volume or in one-off cases. They are adept at using a systems-based approach. The firm has excellent strength in terms of service provision and delivery. It has very good depth of talent at all levels of qualification.’

‘Jade Brooks is phenomenal. They are truly excellent. They deal with very high profile and complex High Court litigation for a range of clients and high value claims. Case preparation is exemplary.’

Key clients

Pythagoras Capital Ltd

McCambridge Duffy

C F Services

First Collect International Ltd

Bunzl UK Ltd

Stannah Lift Services Ltd

THX Ltd

Correcco Ltd

Kawasaki Motors Europe

Dispute resolution > Debt recovery Tier 2

Blaser Mills Law‘s commercial recoveries and insolvency team in High Wycombe is known for its specialist knowledge in the consumables, software and IT industries. The team is led by the ‘massively experienced’ Jackie Ray, who is also sought out by clients from the food, vintners, off-trade and agricultural sectors for expert advice on contested and uncontested claims, as well as international recoveries. Nina Toor, who is ‘a very good junior lawyer’, and Daria Stepien are also well versed in cross-border claims.

Practice head(s):

Jackie Ray

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The firm has excellent strength in terms of service provision and delivery. It has very good depth of talent at all levels of qualification.’

‘Jackie Ray is an excellent, client focused commercial lawyer. Nina Toor is a very good junior lawyer, who is well attuned to clients’ needs.’

‘They excel at providing debt recovery services, adopting a systems-based approach and having a wealth of experience in the sector.’

‘Jackie Ray is massively experienced in the sector, and really understands her clients’ drivers and commercial objectives.’

‘We have used this practice for many years, and have never had an issue or been disappointed with their service.’

‘They understand our business, and tailor their responses to suit our issues. They are always happy to speak to us and explain our options.’

Key clients

Pythagoras Capital Ltd

McCambridge Duffy

Bunzl UK Ltd

First Collect International Ltd

Stannah Lift Services Ltd

THX Ltd

Correco Ltd

Kawasaki Motors Europe

Private client > Family: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 2

The ‘first-rate‘ team at Blaser Mills Law exhibits ‘impressive collective intellect and expertise‘ when acting in intervenor cases, cases arising under the Children Act, and domestic abuse applications. Working out of the Marlow office, practice head Lucinda Holliday is an ‘excellent lawyer’ with longstanding expertise in the issues arising from divorces and separations, particularly in relation to finances and children, and is ‘incredibly professional, capable and empathetic‘ when advising clients on pre and post-nuptial agreements. In Amersham, the ‘wonderful‘ Naim Qureshi focuses on private law cases involving children, and high-net-worth matrimonial finance issues. Marlow-based associate Olivia Dann is ‘wise beyond her years and an excellent strategist‘ when handling contentious matters involving injunctions and nuptial agreements. Sarah Scriven has moved to Stowe Family Law LLP.

Practice head(s):

Lucinda Holliday

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘This is a cohesive team that work well together and provide an excellent service. They are a strong team, with an impressive collective intellect and expertise.’

‘Lucinda Holliday is an incredibly professional, capable and empathetic lawyer who is always expanding her knowledge in order to support her clients in the best possible way. I have recommended her services to many people and will continue to do so.’

‘On first contacting Blaser Mills to discuss my circumstances and ask for advice, Lucinda Holliday has brought warmth, understanding, humour, and humanity to our professional relationship, making a very difficult time that bit more bearable. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her and colleagues to others. She has a fine team and delegates efficiently to optimise value and productivity.’

‘Olivia Dann handled my divorce and made an emotional process manageable with her gentle nature, understanding, and support in reaching the best possible outcome for me. I cannot thank Olivia enough for her approach in my vulnerable position. She is wise beyond her years and an excellent strategist.’

‘Naim Qureshi is unflappable, clever, and very likeable. He has experience of successfully running complicated cases. Naim is wonderful and is an extremely safe pair of hands. He is very gentle and reassuring with clients but can be as robust as they come in representing them.’

‘Lucinda Holliday has a wealth of experience of difficult cases. She is strategic and smart in her approach. She is an excellent lawyer, full of common sense and practical advice. Lucinda leads the team with considerable experience. She is extremely lovely with clients and knows the law inside out.’

‘The team are boutique in a sense that they are able to offer clients a bespoke service, clients really appreciate a personal touch point, their solicitor becomes a true emotional connection rather than just a perfunctory service. They are a first-rate team.’

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 3

Praised for its ‘integrity and accuracy‘, the team at Blaser Mills Law advises a diverse client base of insurance companies, development consultancies and agritech businesses. ‘First-class corporate lawyer‘ Edward Lee co-leads the High Wycombe-based practice alongside Colin Smith; Lee has expertise in FCA-regulated deals and cross-border M&A, while Smith handles a broad range of corporate transactions, including management buyouts and joint ventures.

Practice head(s):

Edward Lee; Colin Smith

Other key lawyers:

Faheem Mahmood

Testimonials

‘Blaser Mills reacts unflinchingly. We feel they have our backs, and are dogged and successful in the defence of our interests.’

‘I think the primary stand out is great communication and an obvious care for your best interests. All responses are very thorough and carry a consistent theme of integrity and accuracy.’

‘The team are all very personable and take time to find out more about you and your interests and concerns.’

‘Edward Lee is clearly an expert in business disposal and always provides very clear and valuable advice and information at every step. I feel very well represented and am always confident he ensures he gets the very best result for me.’

‘The corporate team were willing to go the extra mile to ensure deals are completed. They are always available to offer advice and support.’

‘Edward Lee’s experience is invaluable. Edward is a first class corporate lawyer who brings sensible commercial advice to the deal.’

Key clients

Shareholders of Ansible Motion Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised the shareholders of Ansible Motion Limited on the disposal of the company by AB Dynamics.

Insurance > Clinical negligence: claimant Tier 3

Blaser Mills Law handles multi-track, high complexity serious injury workm routinely involving brain and spinal injuries. Partner and CEO Dave Matthews jointly leads the team alongside Victoria Harvey who is praised for her 'wealth of experience, which she draws upon to great tactical effect, especially in complex and high-value cases'.

Practice head(s):

Dave Matthews; Victoria Harvey

Other key lawyers:

Andrew Castle

Testimonials

‘Empathetic, tenacious, and focus on local clients and local knowledge (in a way many larger firms simply cannot or will not do).’

‘Victoria Harvey and Andrew Castle both stand out. Both are really determined, and push their cases as hard as they can, right to the limit of what needs to be done (but without going beyond that limit which would be almost invariably counter-productive in this sector).’

‘The clinical negligence team at Blaser Mills is very user-friendly, knowledgable and experienced. They always put their clients first and will do everything to secure the best possible result for them.’

‘Victoria Harvey in particular stands out. Clients are reassured by her confident and approachable manner. She has a wealth of experience, which she draws upon to great tactical effect, especially in complex and high-value cases.’

Real estate > Commercial property: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 3

Crime, fraud and licensing > General crime and fraud Tier 4

Praised by clients for ‘offering an outstanding service’, Blaser Mills Law in High Wycombe offers advice on the full spectrum of general crime. The department is led by Ben Langley, who is an expert in mandates stemming from the whole range of road traffic offenses.

Practice head(s):

Ben Langley

Testimonials

‘Blaser Mills Law offers an outstanding service in relation to all criminal matters. Head and shoulders above ordinary high street practices.’

‘Ben Langley specialises in private crime in particular road traffic but also historic sexual offences and more general matters. He has excellent client care and has a strategic approach to his cases. He is also an accomplished advocate.’

Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 4

Blaser Mills Law‘s practice exhibits a ‘very good depth of talent‘ when dispensing advice on bankruptcy petitions, administrations, and winding up petitions. The group acts for a varied client base of insolvency practitioners, administrators, and creditors. ‘Excellent and client-focused commercial lawyer‘ Jackie Ray heads up the High Wycombe-based team with her expertise in advising on corporate bankruptcies and insolvency claims across the off-trade, agricultural, and food sectors. Associate and licensed insolvency practitioner Edward Bible is ‘excellent in his knowledge‘ of both corporate and personal insolvency matters, often acting for creditors, directors, and bankrupts.

Practice head(s):

Jackie Ray

Other key lawyers:

Nina Toor; Edward Bible

Testimonials

‘Very knowledgeable about insolvency, giving practical advice.’

‘The firm has excellent strength in terms of service provision and delivery. It has very good depth of talent at all levels of qualification.’

‘Jackie Ray is an excellent and client-focused commercial lawyer. Nina Toor is a very good junior lawyer, who is well attuned to clients’ needs.’

‘Ed Bible and his team have an in depth knowledge of insolvency law. Working with them is always a delight as they have a good understanding of the issues, so we can hit the ground running.’

‘Ed Bible is cross qualified as an insolvency practitioner, and excellent in his knowledge.’

Key clients

Quantuma

McCambridge Duffy LLP

Even Keel Solutions Ltd

Pythagoras Capital Ltd

Brebners

Maxwell Davies

Evelyn Partners

Menzies

Moore Kingston Smith

Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 4

Blaser Mills Law‘s caseload features actitivity in disputes over co-ownership of property and Inheritance Act claims, in addition to professional negligence issues concerning solicitors and will writers. Alka Kharbanda heads the team and often assists clients with freezing injunctions, while Charlotte Flynn is a name to note, having qualified in December 2022. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in High Wycombe.

Practice head(s):

Alka Kharbanda

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Any dealings with Blaser Mills have been easy at a very stressful time. The knowledge and the response times were fantastic.’

‘The team at Blaser Mills are close-knit and work well together. They will work long hours to do what is necessary for their clients.’

Work highlights

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 4

Blaser Mills Law‘s property litigation practice covers the whole spectrum of disputes relating to commercial and residential land and buildings. Jonathan Lilley leads the team from High Wycombe, boasting extensive experience of acting on behalf of international freight forwarders, IT companies, and property investment corporations, while Sangita Manek handles residential and commercial possession claims. Sara Davis and associate Juliana Pooler are also noted.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Lilley

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The litigation department is able to provide technically appropriate advice but also consider this against a practical, cost-effective solution. This is critical in trying the deal with property disputes where the subject can be very emotive.’

‘Jonathan Lilley and his team are able to understand clients’ requirements and concerns but manage these against what would be an appropriate level of action to try to amicably resolve the dispute.’

‘Blaser Mills Law have, in my experience, always proved to be extremely pro-active in all aspects of property litigation that we have been involved with. They have an extremely responsive team with a clear billing strategy.’

‘Jonathan Lilley is excellent. He is extremely knowledgeable, professional and readily available to discuss all aspects of any case we are involved with.’

Key clients

HAE Developments Limited

Work highlights

  • Acted for HAE Developments in proceedings in the Upper Tribunal of the Land Chamber on an application for the discharge modification of restrictive covenants affecting land acquired by HAE on which it had planning permission to redevelop the existing dwelling house with a new building comprising nine luxury apartments.

Firm overview: Blaser Mills Law is a leading law firm based in South East England with 22 partners and over 44 lawyers. The firm offers a comprehensive range of legal services to both businesses and private individuals.

The firm delivers cutting edge legal advice, using technology to provide consistently high service levels whilst building strong relationships with its clients. Its clients include multinationals, large corporates and SMEs across a number of sectors including technology, sport, automotive, freight, logistics and retail. The firm is a member of one of the fastest growing international law firm networks and regularly advises clients in the UK doing business overseas and international clients wanting to invest in the UK.

Blaser Mills’ private client teams are some of the most reputable in the region, supporting individuals with their property, wealth and family matters. Our private teams consistently top the reviews, rankings and awards listings.

This highly regarded firm’s services include:

Business

  • Corporate
  • Commercial
  • Commercial dispute resolution
  • Construction & Engineering
  • Property Litigation
  • Commercial Recoveries
  • Data Protection
  • Employment
  • In-house Counsel
  • Real Estate & Development

Individual

  • Child Care
  • Court of Protection
  • Criminal Defence
  • Employment for Individuals
  • Family and Divorce
  • Personal Injury and Medical Negligence
  • Private Litigation
  • Residential Property
  • Wills, Trusts and Probate

Executive chairman: Jonathan Lilley
Chief executive officer: Dave Matthews
Number of partners: 22
Number of solicitors: 44

Department Name Email Telephone
Partner, Executive Chairman Jonathan Lilley
Partner, Chief Executive Officer Dave Matthews
Corporate Edward Lee
Commercial Colin Smith
Property Development Louise Benning
Property Litigation Jonathan Lilley
Commercial Recoveries Nina Toor
Employment Noel Deans
Child Care Denise Herman
Wills, Trusts and Probate Jonathan Gallop
Family & Divorce Lucinda Holliday
Residential Property Jane Hannaway
Personal Injury Victoria Harvey
Criminal defence Ben Langley
Number of UK partners : 22
Number of other UK fee-earners : 44
LawNet
IR Global
Business in the community
Lexcel

Blaser Mills is a firm where we don’t just talk the talk on Diversity and Inclusion; the diversity of our workforce speaks for itself.

We are immensely proud of our record on diversity and inclusion. By simply always looking to recruit great people, regardless of background, we have a firm full of brilliant creative minds; people, each making their own unique contribution to the life and business of Blaser Mills Law.

We are a people focused firm – Made of almost 150+ people and growing.

We operate an inclusive culture – Celebrating and promoting diversity to drive excellence.

We embrace gender equality – 50% of our partners are female.

We nurture emerging talent – We offer a clear progression pathway for all staff.

We support career progression – many of our trainees progress to partner level.

We encourage work-life balance– over 25% of our people have part-time or flexible working arrangements.

Further information and our statistics can be found here.


CLIENT:Caitrionia
COMPANY/FIRM:
TESTIMONIAL: We received absolutely excellent service from Zara Liedl Carroll and Michaela Mayor throughout our house purchase. They made the whole experience feel smooth and easy. We always knew exactly where we were in the process, received all documentation promptly and any follow up queries we had were answered within hours. We really couldn’t fault any aspect of the service we received.


CLIENT: Sue
COMPANY/FIRM:
TESTIMONIAL: I was referred to you following problems with a legal contract drawn up by the vendors solicitors following my planned purchase of a new build. Essentially the contract was inadequate and not fit for purpose. I had direct contact with the solicitor who was handling my case as she has special expertise in this area. Haley Myrants was absolutely outstanding. She had an immediate grasp of the complexities and wrote clear an concise emails to my vendors solicitors outlining the many inconsistencies. I was copied into all correspondence. Her sentence structure was exemplary as was her use of English. I would thoroughly recommend her.


CLIENT: Julie
COMPANY/FIRM:
TESTIMONIAL: After suffering a medical negligence experience in 2018, I decided to take out a claim against the hospital using a “no win, no fee” agreement. The solicitor who acted on my behalf was Victoria Harvey based at High Wycombe. During the 3½ years from the beginning to the completion of the case Victoria was extremely professional, supportive and reassured me throughout the whole process. I was constantly kept updated with emails and letters on how the case was progressing. I am more than happy with the outcome and will be forever grateful for all the hard work Victoria put in to achieving a successful claim. Would recommend 100%.


CLIENT: Gary Townsend
COMPANY/FIRM:
TESTIMONIAL: We were delighted with the service provided by James Ludlow and Lisa Harris in dealing with our conveyance. Throughout they were most professional in their dealings with us and quick to respond to any queries we raised. We would have no hesitation in recommending Blaser Mills to anyone requiring conveyancing work.


CLIENT: Bev Rimmer
COMPANY/FIRM:
TESTIMONIAL: Highly recommended Highly professional would recommend Blaser Mills For all legal matters. Naim Qureshi for matrimonial and family matters – an outstanding professional throughout.

The Legal 500 Future Lawyers Verdict

Blaser Mills survey respondents 'wanted to work for a regional rather than a city firm because the training is more on the job'. This has proven to be true on the ground, as trainees find themselves 'involved in very interesting work and given a lot of independence and responsibility’. Recruits find that they are ‘usually the only trainee in a team and get hands-on training from keen supervisors’ and are treated ‘almost like fee-earners'. Indeed, there is a ‘lot of importance placed on trainee learning and development’ at the Buckinghamshire firm. Blaser Mills is a Future Lawyers Winner for client contact. Culture wise, there is a ‘family feel’, supervisors ‘actually care about us and our work’ and ‘people at the firm genuinely like each other’. One downside of the firm is the limited benefits offering; trainees would like to see better options for things like bonuses, health insurance and parental leave packages. Another limitation is that there is ‘little scope for trainees to work from home or have work flexibility’, at least in certain teams. Among the worst moments were ‘supervisors being too busy to help me during a busy and stressful period’, and ‘getting put in a department I really didn’t want to do a seat in’. Elaborating, another respondent said that ‘you may be put in up to two seats you haven't chosen based on business need. On a more positive note, ‘helping a mother who was at risk of having her son removed from her care, and achieving a positive result in that case’ and ‘playing an integral part in helping clients get transactions over the line’ gave trainees great satisfaction. If you’re looking for a ‘regional multi-service firm offering a range of personal law areas, high-quality training and good reviews from past and present trainees’, take a closer look at Blaser Mills.