The Legal 500

Within Corporate and commercial: Newcastle, tier 4

The ‘faultless’ team at DWF LLP was bolstered considerably by the arrival from Dickinson Dees LLP of executive partner John Flynn, and Robin Steel and Peter Clark. Anne Spetch advised SGW Construction (Redcar) on the sale of Engineering Test Services. The group also advised St Georges Securities on the sale of its entire issued share capital to Highcross.

Within Crime, DWF LLP is a first tier firm,

Rod Searl’s white-collar crime practice at DWF LLP acts on behalf of public sector organisations and large companies in relation to health and safety breaches. Recent highlights include defending Gentoo in a carbon monoxide fatality case.

Within Commercial litigation: Elsewhere in the North, DWF LLP is a second tier firm,

Michael Robson is the name to note at DWF LLP, and specialises in commercial property disputes.

Within Commercial litigation: Newcastle, DWF LLP is a third tier firm,

DWF LLP advised in a £6m repudiatory breach of contract claim relating to the sale of a care home. Recently arrived associate David Summerhayes leads the team.

Within Debt recovery, DWF LLP is a second tier firm,

Tom Whitfield is the contact for debt recovery matters at DWF LLP.

Within Banking and finance,

Dickinson Dees LLP delivers a ‘first-class service, aided by a regional presence’. It recently advised Grainger on a £120m syndicated facility led by HSBC, and Gentoo Group on a £100m RSL refinancing with RBS. The practice has a strong base of borrower and lender clients; panel memberships include National Australia Bank Group and Barclays Bank. John Ralph has ‘in-depth knowledge of property sector and the local market’. Former joint team head Deborah Kirtley has left for DWF LLP.

Within Employment, tier 4

David Gibson at DWF LLP is experienced in tribunal work. He recently advised on the dismissal of a teacher who blew the whistle on exam impropriety, and in relation to an employee dismissed on the grounds of sexual misconduct.

Within Health and safety, DWF LLP is a first tier firm,

DWF LLP’s Rod Searl and Shaun O’Neil act for a number of local authorities, and recently acted for Stockton Borough Council in a potential asbestos exposure HSE prosecution. Hargreaves and Gentoo are also clients.

Within Pensions, DWF LLP is a second tier firm,

DWF LLP’s cross-office team is led by the ‘pragmatic and commercially minded’ Martin Jenkins, who is based in Newcastle. The team were active in relation to passport schemes and national pension scheme reviews in 2011. Kate Byers is also recommended.

Within Personal injury: defendant, DWF LLP is a first tier firm,

DWF LLP’s 28-fee-earner team is led by Rod Searl. In 2011, the practice picked up a number of new clients including Quinn Direct, SLS and Thomas Miller Claims. Other clients include The Go Ahead Group, Hargreaves, Bellway and Premier Waste.

Within Professional negligence, DWF LLP is a second tier firm,

DWF LLP’s four-partner-team, led by Helen Ager, is ‘extremely good’. The group recently defended a £6m claim against a solicitor for failing to secure loans on multiple properties. Tom Whitfield is also recommended.

Within Regional review,

All eyes are on DWF LLP, which has the dynamic John Flynn at the helm. After acquiring established insurance firm Crutes Law, it has substantially bolstered its capabilities in areas such as corporate and commercial. Notable lateral hires include banking and finance specialist Deborah Kirtley -

Within Family, DWF LLP is a third tier firm,

DWF LLP’s Christine Blount handles a mix of private client matters including divorce, separation and disputes involving children.

Within Personal tax, trusts and probate, DWF LLP is a third tier firm,

Paul Nickalls at DWF LLP advises high-net-worth individuals and families on wealth management and trust matters.

Within Health, DWF LLP is a third tier firm,

Andrea Ward’s team at DWF LLP provides an ‘exceptional’ service, and has ‘extensive’ knowledge and understanding of the health and social care sectors. David Gibson is recommended for employment and pensions matters, and Paul Earnshaw for real estate.

Within Local government, DWF LLP is a second tier firm,

DWF LLP has a strong local authority client base, and advises on health and safety and employers’ liability matters. Team head Rod Searl and Sue Howes are noted for their ‘exceptional attention to detail’. David Drewe is also recommended.

Within Commercial property: Elsewhere in the North, DWF LLP is a first tier firm,

DWF LLP’s Gareth Jones advised on a number of investment acquisitions and disposals; highlights included acting on the £10m sale of Belasis Hall.

Within Commercial property: Newcastle, tier 4

Paul Earnshaw at DWF LLP advised The Go-Ahead Group on its purchase of Hexham bus depot, which included a listed building leased to the local authority. It also advised St Georges Securities on the sale of Belasis Hall Business Park.

Within Social housing, DWF LLP is a second tier firm,

DWF LLP acted on a number of site acquisitions for Endeavour Housing Association, and on various tenancy enforcement matters for Isos Housing. It was recently appointed by Home Group to advise on claims relating to allegations of disrepair.

Within Intellectual property, DWF LLP is a second tier firm,

DWF LLP significantly bolstered its offering with the lateral hire of IP specialist Ed Meikle, who acts for names such as Mamas & Papas, Everton FC and Newcastle United FC. Bob Elliot is also recommended.

Within IT and telecoms, DWF LLP is a third tier firm,

At DWF LLP, Bob Elliot has experience drafting outsourcing and cloud services agreements and software agreements. He recently advised IT training company Erion on its partnering terms and conditions.