The Legal 500

Within Corporate and commercial: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx, SNR Denton is a first tier firm,

Andrew Harris heads SNR Denton’s corporate and commercial group following Brandon Ransley’s withdrawal to focus on his new role as the firm’s UK managing partner, and clients remain impressed with its ‘exceptional commercial acumen and commitment to delivering client satisfaction’. Healthcare-sector work provided a strong flow of instructions in 2010, such as advising new client PH Healthcare on its acquisition of medical products manufacturer Medisavers. It also has strong retail and automotive-sector expertise.

Within Commercial litigation: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx, SNR Denton is a first tier firm,

Commended for its ‘strong, robust advice’, SNR Denton’s team, led by Doug Masson, acts for numerous household names including Homebase, and also recently represented Argos in a contract claim in the Commercial Court. James Fairbairn and ‘excellent’ former head of department Andrew Myers are recommended. Corporate clients include Santander and Ernst & Young.

Within Debt recovery , SNR Denton is a third tier firm,

James Fairbairn’s team at SNR Denton continues to advise clients such as RBS and Routeco on unpaid invoices and individual cases typically valued up to £500,000.

Within Banking and finance, SNR Denton is a third tier firm,

SNR Denton recently advised Lloyds on its £26m funding package to Silverstone to host the F1 British Grand Prix. Brandon Ransley has a ‘strong legal mind’, and Robert Wyatt is ‘one the most knowledgeable lawyers around the table’.

Within Employment: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx, SNR Denton is a first tier firm,

SNR Denton acts for household names such as Virgin Atlantic Airways and Polo Ralph Lauren. Simon Whysall heads the practice.

Within Professional negligence, SNR Denton is a second tier firm,

SNR Denton predominantly focuses on claimant work acting against solicitors, insurance brokers and surveyors. The ‘excellent’ James Fairbairn leads the team.

Within Regional review, SNR Denton is a second tier firm,

After the difficulties of 2009, 2010 brought a significant upturn in work for many South East firms across a range of areas. There were strong signs of recovery as several firms made new hires, or undertook significant expansions and mergers: Borneos, for example, became part of Harvey Ingram Borneos, and in Essex, Wollastons was taken over by Birketts LLP. Denton Wilde Sapte LLP is now SNR Denton following the firm’s transatlantic merger with Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP.

Within Private finance initiative (PFI), SNR Denton is a second tier firm,

The construction team at SNR Denton, led by Doug Masson, advises on PFI projects. The team acts for several local authorities, and is also active in development finance work.

Within Local government , SNR Denton is a first tier firm,

SNR Denton’s team is ‘excellent across the board’. In 2010 it advised Cheshire West and Chester Council on a planning permission judicial review, and the London Borough of Southwark on the Abbeyfields estate development. Practice head Nick Mott is ‘first class’.

Within Commercial property: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx, SNR Denton is a first tier firm,

SNR Denton’s real estate team saw an increased workload and significant new client wins in 2010, and recruited three new fee-earners. Recent highlights include acting for Westfield Shoppingtowns on the letting of the new Stratford Olympic Site Shopping Centre; and advising Virgin Active on a number of key acquisitions. Chris Denny heads the department and has expertise in the retail sector.

Within Construction , SNR Denton is a first tier firm,

SNR Denton’s construction team was bolstered in 2010 through the recruitment of two specialist partners in Alastair Young and Andrew Jones, formerly of Gateley. The group is led by Doug Masson, who has a strong contentious focus and brings in repeat instructions from household names such as Sainsbury’s. Jane Miles runs the non-contentious construction practice, which handles work for Virgin Active, RBS and new client Coutts & Co.

Within Planning Planning

Within Property litigation, SNR Denton is a second tier firm,

SNR Denton’s highlights of 2010 included high-profile successes in the High Court and reappointment to Sainsbury’s property panel. Clients recommend the ‘strong, robust advice’ of London-based Julian Cridge. Daniel Kidd specialises in landlords’ consent disputes.