The Legal 500

Within Corporate and commercial: Leeds, West Yorkshire, Cobbetts LLP is a second tier firm,

Cobbetts LLP’s practice is widely perceived as a go-to choice for medium-sized transactions, and provides ‘a good overall level of service’ and ‘value for money’. Key clients include EMIS Group and Mattioli Woods, with recent new client wins including Excel Industries and Numis. The team is headed by the ‘pragmatic’ Guy Jackson and ‘collaborative’ Mark Green.

Within EU and competition EU and competition

Within Banking litigation, Cobbetts LLP is a second tier firm,

The team at Cobbetts LLP is led by the ‘extremely able and experienced’ Andrew Bennett, and includes Ciaran Corry, who is ‘clever and tenacious’. It is instructed by clearing banks, mortgage banks and specialist lenders on issues including fraud, professional negligence and defended repossession claims, and recently added Investec Bank and Bank of Ireland to its client roster.

Within Commercial litigation: Leeds, West Yorkshire, Cobbetts LLP is a second tier firm,

Cobbetts LLP’s team provides an ‘excellent service’ under the leadership of Nick Carr, who ‘takes a common-sense approach’. Recent work includes acting for the vendor in a substantial share sale breach of warranty claim.

Within Banking and finance, Cobbetts LLP is a third tier firm,

Cobbetts LLP continues to impress with its ‘extremely professional service’. It was recently reappointed to Barclays Bank’s lending services panel, and recent instructions include advising RBS in relation to the MBO by two previous divisions of Flow Group, showcasing the team’s cross-border capabilities. Chris Ramage heads the department.

Within Insolvency and corporate recovery, Cobbetts LLP is a third tier firm,

Cobbetts LLP’s practice is led by William Ballmann, who gives ‘practical, pragmatic and commercial advice’ and is ‘very easy to deal with’. The team advised the board of directors of Powerfuel on the insolvency of the Hatfield Colliery Coal Mine and in connection with Europe’s largest coal gasification non-carbon power station project, valued at £1bn.

Within Employment: West Yorkshire, Cobbetts LLP is a third tier firm,

Led by Ronald Drake, the team at Cobbetts LLP provides a ‘first-class’ service, and in 2010 handled a significant number of non-contentious matters. Philip Harman is ‘excellent’ and ‘very knowledgeable’. Jim Wright recently joined the team from Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP

Within Pensions, tier 4

Richard Shelton leads the team at Cobbetts LLP, which has recently handled the redrafting of various schemes’ definitive trust deeds and rules, as well as advising on scheme closures. New clients in 2010 included Cumberland Building Society and Transdev Blazefield, and the team continues to advise Birmingham International Airport and Dr Oetker (UK).

Within Personal injury: defendant: Leeds, West Yorkshire, Cobbetts LLP is a third tier firm,

Cobbetts LLP handles the defence of public liability claims. Stephen Green is a key contact.

Within Regional review,

Other notable firms in Leeds include Cobbetts LLP; DWF LLP; Gordons LLP; Clarion; and Schofield Sweeney; and they are set to be joined by Dickinson Dees LLP, which has recently announced plans to move its Yorkshire base to the city from York. Harrogate is home to McCormicks, while Hull’s leading players include Rollits LLP and Andrew Jackson.

Within Local government, Cobbetts LLP is a third tier firm,

Recent projects for the ‘exceptional’ team at Cobbetts LLP include the development of Leeds Arena and the new cricket stand at Headingley. The firm also advised on development agreements relating to Yorkshire Forward. Department head Tiffany Cloynes is recommended.

Within Commercial property: Leeds and West Yorkshire, Cobbetts LLP is a third tier firm,

Led by Andrew Flounders, Cobbetts LLP ‘provides quality advice’, and valued for its ‘swift response times’. New client wins include Jet2 and the Berens Group. Jonathan Crew is recommended.

Within Construction, Cobbetts LLP is a third tier firm,

At Cobbetts LLP, the ‘service levels are excellent’, and ‘responses are swift’. Recent work includes advising Liverpool and Merseyside Theatres Trust in relation to the future redevelopment of the Everyman and refurbishment of the Playhouse theatres; Premier Inn Stratford in respect of a new hotel in the Olympic zone; and Leeds City Council on the procurement and construction documents for a new city-centre arena project. Penny Tate is the key contact.

Within Environment Environment

Within Planning, Cobbetts LLP is a first tier firm,

Cobbetts LLP enjoys an excellent reputation, particularly within the energy sector, where recent work includes advising Warwick Energy on the planning aspects of a wind farm development off the Norfolk coast. It also acts for a number of public sector clients, including Pendle Borough Council, which instructed it in relation to an upcoming compulsory purchase inquiry for a new school. David Hardy heads the practice.

Within Property litigation, Cobbetts LLP is a second tier firm,

Cobbetts LLP’s recent highlights include acting for a northern-based housing association in defending a multimillion-pound property development dispute. It also acts for private clients, and recently advised in relation to a substantial land drainage dispute involving a major development. Stephen Green is noted for his expertise in commercial and residential landlord and tenant issues.

Within Social housing, Cobbetts LLP is a first tier firm,

Cobbetts LLP remains busy on matters including mortgage rescue work for RSLs, acquisitions, mortgage security and plot sales. It is also a leader in community land trusts, and was recently appointed to the panel for Arena Housing. Ian Moran is the main partner contact, and director Julie Cowan-Clark is ‘practical, thorough, diligent and an excellent negotiator’.

Within Intellectual property , tier 4

Cobbetts LLP’s team works closely with the firm’s competition practice. Clients in 2010 included EMIS Group and Airplus International.