Leading Individuals

Next Generation Partners

Commercial litigation: elsewhere in the East Midlands in East Midlands

Freeths LLP

A ‘leading firm in the East Midlands', the commercial dispute resolution team at Freeths LLP works with both local and national clients on a mix of contentious matters, including shareholder disputes, commercial contracts issues, professional negligence, and restrictive covenants. Simon Baigent is known for his expertise in insolvency and property litigation, while Emma Anderson handles complex proceedings stemming from employment, professional negligence, and shareholder disputes. Other key names to note include Richard Fitzmaurice, recommended for his expertise in injunctions and restrictive covenants. Practice head Mukesh Patel passed away in February 2023.

Practice head(s):

Mukesh Patel


Other key lawyers:

Simon Baigent; Emma Anderson; Richard Fitzmaurice; Lewis May


Testimonials

‘A very impressive group. I have experience of most of the larger Leicester firms, and I consider Freeths to clearly be the best commercial disputes team in the city. In terms of approach, they are a very close-knit team which works closely with counsel.’

‘Simon Baigent is a calm and considered partner with very strong technical skills and strong client relationships.’

‘Emma Anderson is very experienced and has great judgment. A very personable lawyer who is great with clients and counsel.’

‘A leading firm in the East Midlands with an impressive list of clients. Plenty of resources from other offices if needed, and plenty of commercial savvy applied to each and every case.’

‘Very knowledgeable team, always look for solutions, and have dealt with numerous complex matters over the years. Very reliable.’

Key clients

Flogas Britain Limited


MPK Garages Limited


Fosse Healthcare Limited


Noble Foods Limited


Travis Perkins plc


RC Tuxford Exports Limited


VPK Packaging Limited


Aldi Stores Limited


H.W. COATES Limited


Work highlights


HCR Hewitsons

Able to handle disputes on both a national and international scale, HCR Hewitsons handles complex contentious matters in a number of highly specialised areas, such as the technology and telecoms sectors. The team also frequently works on behalf of trusts and charities, as well as in litigation concerning professional negligence and tort disputes. The team is steered from Northampton by Dominic Hopkins, who, beyond his disputes acumen, is noted for his capabilities in corporate governance. He is supported by the Cambridge-based Emma Elston, who advises clients on a range of commercial matters, professional negligence claims, and domain name disputes.

Practice head(s):

Dominic Hopkins; Wayne Beynon


Other key lawyers:

Emma Elston


Testimonials

‘Dominic Hopkins understood from the outset what we wanted and tailored his advice accordingly. Managing expectations is difficult in litigation, but he did this very well so that we emerged from the dispute feeling that we got a great result.’

‘Clear, practical legal advice provided in a cost-effective manner. The team worked closely with us to deliver the desired outcome. Excellent communication and high quality, responsive service.’

Key clients

Northampton Rugby Club


Work highlights


Howes Percival LLP

Howes Percival LLP is routinely sought out to assist with high-value, multi-jurisdictional litigation, including multi-million-pound trust and tax cases involving judicial reviews, as well as for its advice in relation to injunctions. A litigator for more than 25 years, practice head Geraint Davies is noted for his expertise in contract and tort claims, professional negligence, and corporate partnership disputes. Fellow partner Satnam Chayra focuses on shareholder, director and partnership claims, while Gary Pitt is especially well versed in complex breach of contract claims.

Practice head(s):

Geraint Davies


Other key lawyers:

Satnam Chayra; Gary Pitt


Testimonials

‘Satnam Chayra and her team are exceptional in every way possible.’

‘We have always been happy with the availability of the team and their responsiveness to requests made. Advice is given in plain English and options are properly explained.’

‘Gary Pitt was excellent. Sensible, timely, thoughtful approach to matters.’

‘Very good, professional team.’

 

Key clients

Getronics Services UK Limited


MPAC plc (formerly Molins plc)


Renewi UK Services Ltd


Intertek Group plc


Grace Kennedy Group


Pete Norris Limited


Not guilty Foods Ltd t/a The Skinny Food Co


Bolt Services UK Limited


Spar (UK) Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising a large international company in relation to disclosure sought in respect of a multi-party and multi-million-dollar litigation dispute in the US.
  • Advising a large international company in relation to a multi-country distribution agreement.
  • Advising minority shareholder/director on a £2m S994 unfair prejudice claim. Where minority shareholder/director has been excluded from business and deprived of dividends.

BHW Solicitors

Well regarded by clients for providing ‘excellent, expert advice and services for a reasonable price’ Paul Davis and his Leicester-based team at BHW Solicitors are instructed by various corporates across the aerospace, telecoms, retail and insurance sectors, as well as a number of high-net-worth private individuals. Davis predominantly appears in local courts, handling a wide array of contentious work which includes shareholder and partnership disputes, professional negligence claims, and contentious insolvency proceedings, among other matters.

Practice head(s):

Paul Davis


Testimonials

‘Paul Davis is an excellent leader of a highly capable and diverse litigation team which has wide exposure to and experience of commercial matters in conjunction with the firm’s excellent corporate and commercial department.’

‘BHW stands out as a firm which provides excellent expert advice and services for a reasonable price. They do not overbill, everything is prepared well in advance with partner oversight, and they devote considerable effort into achieving the best outcome for the client.’

‘Paul Davis is an excellent litigator. He is incredibly intelligent and has a wealth of experience in contentious commercial matters, both of which show themselves in the pragmatic and sensible advice he gives. Paul is diligent and shows real attention to detail. He really is prepared to go the extra mile for clients.’

‘Paul Davis and the team were always at the end of a call and couldn’t be more helpful. From the outset, Paul gave me his thoughts on the case, the likely outcome and the likely costs. It was great the way he laid it all out and gave me all the information I needed to make a decision on how to proceed.’

Key clients

Gardner Group Limited


DHL Parcel UK Limited


Nationwide Platforms Limited


OBR Construction Limited


BRI Insolvency Limited


Cosmo Beauty Limited


PH Properties Limited


Notts Sports Limited


Imperial Corporate Events Limited


Chaperone K9 Limited


HG Comms Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Nationwide Platforms Limited in respect of a high value claim.
  • Advised Gardner Group Limited in respect of a commercial property litigation matter.
  • Advised BRI Insolvency Limited in respect of a complex contentious insolvency matter.

Chattertons

Newark-based David Rogerson leads the disputes practice at Chattertons, which acts for a variety of local clients, including a number of agricultural businesses, ecclesiastical institutions, and individuals. In Lincoln, Annette Wood and Nigel Bescoby - a ‘first-rate solicitor‘ - are noted for their experience in contract claims, landlord and tenant disputes, contentious probate and debt related matters. Noted for his capabilities in private individuals work, Boston-based David John - who joined from Sills & Betteridge LLP in early 2022 - is highly experienced in real estate disputes, division of the net sale proceeds claims, and contested wills and estates.

 

 

Practice head(s):

David Rogerson


Other key lawyers:

Nigel Bescoby; Annette Wood; David John


Testimonials

‘Nigel Bescoby is a first-rate solicitor. He provides client focused on point legal advice, his turnaround time is great, and he is a real team player.’

‘Nigel Bescoby is versatile, unflappable and has a reassuring manner with clients.’

‘Chattertons has expertise in every field, and every expert is a cut above the rest that you would find in any other company.’

Work highlights


  • Acted for a regional house builder defending a claim of £150,000 relating to alleged defects.
  • Advising SVF Estate Property Management Limited in a dispute relating to unlawfully installed broadband in a block of flats.
  • Acting for leading company in rotational mould production relating to £300,000 breach of contract claim with customer.

Nelsons Solicitors Limited

Since joining the Leicester-based Nelsons Solicitors Limited disputes practice in 2020, lead partner Andy Rudkin has continued to draw upon his experience in healthcare disputes and wider commercial contract matters, fielding a steady stream of shareholder disputes in the healthcare sector, and breach of warranty claims arising from M&A, among other matters. The team is also noted for its capabilities in disputes involving second-tier lenders.

 

Practice head(s):

Andy Rudkin


Testimonials

‘Andy Rudkin has always provided good, solid advice on cases. Over the years we have achieved very good results with him and their teams.’

Great attention to detail and knowledge.’

Andy Rudkin is known for his quality service and professional approach. He is friendly and responsive, being a great connector of people. He is knowledgeable and is able to work on the toughest of cases. Very good with practical and commercial advice and his straightforward approach is appreciated.

Key clients

Nucleus Property Finance Limited


Bierens Incasso Advocaten BV


Nucleus Cashflow Finance Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for Nucleus Property Finance Limited in successfully recovering over £1m,  following default upon an underlying loan agreement, supported by way of debenture and legal charge.
  • Advising Bierens Incasso Advocaten BV on all of their litigation within the jurisdiction of England & Wales, for companies such as Hoek Flowers, Swarovski Global, ABN AMRO, and Nike.
  • Acted for Nucleus Cash Flow Finance Limited (in its capacity as lender) in pursuit of monies owed under the Recovery loan scheme following default of payment by the borrower.

Roythornes Solicitors

A key port of call for various blue-chip companies, Roythornes Solicitors is well versed in professional negligence, company disputes, shareholder disputes and general commercial litigation. More specifically, the team is noted for its capabilities in agricultural commercial litigation, acting for farmers, landowners, and various joint venture companies. Spalding-based Peter Cusick appears in complex cases against the Rural Payments Agency and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, particularly regarding fruit and vegetable producer organisations and subsidies. Alconbury-based Alex Forster focuses on construction litigation.

 

 

Practice head(s):

Peter Cusick; Alex Forster


Testimonials

‘Alex Forster is excellent. Calm, likeable and efficient. He is also good tactically and not afraid to push hard to get results. The case ended positively for the client, thanks in no small part to Alex’s work.’

Alex Forster is excellent across construction and commercial litigation. He works incredibly hard, and is robust, careful and commercial in his approach and a tenacious fighter.’

‘They offer a wide range of services and disciplines, recognising that not all situations are identical. We have used them for litigation cases, arbitration and mediation. In every case we have received personal service with questions answered quickly and professionally. Their advice is concise and simple to implement.’

‘Peter Cusack is exceptionally professional and available when we required.  Roythornes always has time for the clients, and the diversity of the cases they handle mean that we can obtain advice easily and effectively when required.’

Key clients

Frontier Agriculture Limited


Allison Homes


Tilia Homes Limited


Naylor Produce Limited


TGW Limited


Owl Homes Limited


Gilbert and Goode Limited


Mattioli Woods plc


Ashley King (Development) Limited


Lawrence David Limited


BA Bush & Son Limited


Reydon Sports plc


Mockbeggar Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised minority shareholders in a family investment company (valued in the region of £5m) during unfair prejudice proceedings for relief, including the enforcement of a de-merger agreement.
  • Advised a large construction company in a breach of contract dispute within a total value of £500,000 relating to the termination of telecommunications services.
  • Advising a farm in relation to their breach of contract and/or negligence claim against a specialist contractor and their Insurer relating to the design, supply and construction of an Anaerobic Digestion plant. Estimated value of the claim is £500,000.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Shakespeare Martineau LLP handles a diverse contentious workload which ranges from shareholder and partnership disputes to defamation claims and agricultural disputes. It also stands out for its unique experience handling education sector disputes and sensitive issues surrounding children, as well as judicial review proceedings and cyber litigation. Lincoln-based team head Jonathan Stork has particular knowledge of agricultural disputes, while fellow litigator Daniel Jennings – based in Leicester – is recommended for corporate claims and international arbitration. Barry Jervis heads the national department from the firm’s office in Birmingham.

Practice head(s):

Barry Jervis; Daniel Jennings; Jonathan Stork


Testimonials

‘Jonathan Stork managed to run a very complex piece of litigation – where we were outgunned resource-wise by the other side – efficiently and within budget.’

‘Jonathan Stork possesses a great intellect, and is a problem solver. Excellent at working with counsel. Strategic at all times.’

Key clients

Mackenzie Miller Homes


Arrow Electronics


The Seventh Day Adventist Church of Great Britain


Langdale Group


Pick Everard


Brookvex IMS Limited


Chas Insurance Limited


Phoenix Property Solutions Limited


PT Lontar Papyrus Pulp and Paper Industry


Work highlights


  • Advised the former CEO of the AA plc in a claim for the loss of his share options following his removal from the company.
  • Advised Arrow Electronics to obtain injunctions and preserve confidential information from a competitor, and pursued a claim for damages arising from the same.
  • Advised in a defamation claim concerning the portrayal of a leading individual in a blockbuster film.

Sills & Betteridge LLP

Headed by Karen Bower-Brown, the commercial department at Sills & Betteridge LLP impresses clients with its ‘high degree of expertise and knowledge’ in disputes arising from breach of contract, breach of warranty, commercial property disputes, and claims under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. Bower-Brown is also noted for her expertise in proprietary estoppel claims. Increasingly active on contentious probate matters, Robert Pearson draws praise for his ‘calm and reassuring presence with a wealth of knowledge and an approachable manner.’

Practice head(s):

Karen Bower-Brown


Other key lawyers:

Robert Pearson


Testimonials

‘I have always found that the team works with the utmost professionalism. Their high degree of expertise and knowledge is standout compared to other firms that I have come across. I have complete reassurance that they will offer sensible and concise advice and deal with my legal matters properly.’

‘One notable difference between Sills & Betteridge and their competitors is that they work quickly and thoroughly.’

‘Robert Pearson has worked with me on various issues relating to real estate. He always offers concise advice and is knowledgeable on each of the matters at hand. In a fast-paced and often time pressured industry, that is a quality that is invaluable to me and one which, sadly, is certainly not the standard of many other firms.’

‘Karen Bowen-Brown is very knowledgeable, friendly and to the point. She was easily accessible by telephone or email and replied promptly, and she went through all my options and advised me appropriately to a successful outcome. I am truly grateful.’

‘Robert Pearson is a calm and reassuring presence to commercial clients who has a wealth of knowledge and an approachable manner.’

Key clients

George Bateman & Son Limited


Hemswell Biogas Limited


Micronclean Limited


Omex Agriculture Limited


SHD Composite Materials Ltd


SHD-MTI Limited


The Burdens Group Limited


The Snoring Disorders Centre Ltd


Turnbull & Co Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for a majority shareholder, in respect of a dispute with the minority shareholder in an accountancy practice and negotiating a complex settlement of £1.35m.
  • Acting for Premier Engineering (Lincoln) Limited to achieve a settlement in relation to a professional negligence claim against their human resources advisers regarding a failure to file an appeal within the prescribed time limit.
  • Acting for Vanguard Packing Limited in a dispute with a customer relating to damage to air conditioning units packaged and delivered by our client.

Wilkin Chapman LLP

Wilkin Chapman LLP is well regarded by clients for its capabilities across commercial, real estate, contested probate and regulatory claims. The practice is headed up by the Grimsby-based Joshua Briggs, a specialist in property disputes. With more than three decades of experience, In Lincoln, Andrew Holt is noted for his expertise in commercial litigation, while Tom Hickingbottom is gaining a reputation in real estate disputes. Also based in Lincoln, James Kinnaird's broad practice encompasses injunctions in the High Court, unfair prejudicial conduct, director fraud, and misfeasance.

Practice head(s):

Joshua Briggs


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Holt; Tom Hickingbottom; James Kinnaird


Testimonials

Wilkin Chapman are unique in the fact that they have a diverse array of professionals under one roof who can deal with complex cases involving family law, commercial and corporate employment – enabling me to keep my case in house.’

‘There is really only one firm that can truly say they are a credible commercial litigation team. From Nottingham, it is Wilkin Chapman and they are unparalleled. Across the multiple offices they have strength in depth of numbers and have proven expertise in most sectors, including construction, agriculture, corporate and property. They are skilled and able to manage this work type and in my experience there is no other firm in this area that can do so. Practically every large organisation in this area is a client of WC.’

‘They have the bandwidth to handle the work without really limiting numbers; new recruits are in place to cope with the added demand. Andrew Holt is very calm and sensible. Tom Hickinbottom and Josh Briggs are very senior now and have been around the block. Newer partners are coming through and follow the trend of talent.’

Key clients

T W Logistics


Court Enforcement Services


The Prax Group


Work highlights


  • Advised in respect of a successful £1.3m multi-party expert determination.
  • Represented the claimants in multi-party High Court litigation involving allegations of fraud.

Wilson Browne Solicitors

Well regarded for its commercial litigation and debt recovery practices across Northamptonshire and Leicestershire, Wilson Browne Solicitors is praised for its ‘outstanding commitment to achieving the best and most commercial outcome for its clients.’ Team leader Hayley Mauro represents clients in shareholder and contractual disputes as well as commercial professional negligence claims, while David Farmer is recommended for commercial property disputes and alternative dispute resolution. Highlighted for his ‘exceptional business knowledge and intelligence’, Kevin Rogers is a key contact for complex breach of contract, shareholder, and partnership disputes. All named lawyers are based in Kettering.

Practice head(s):

Hayley Mauro


Other key lawyers:

David Farmer; Kevin Rogers


Testimonials

‘Very responsive and understands the need of the clients.’

‘Hayley Mauro is excellent, and I would highly recommend her.’

‘I have worked closely with Kevin Rogers and the team. All very professional and very responsive, and give clear and precise advice. Fee estimates are always reasonable.’

Key clients

United Pallet Networks Ltd


Competitive Edge Training and Consultancy Ltd


Mannol UK


K Energy Limited


Beckworth Limited


Work highlights


  • Continues to represent United Pallet Network at a national level on the enforcement and revision of the Network Membership Agreements nationwide for this national logistics client.
  • Advised T&S Threadgold Limited on a complex dispute involving a limited company, two Estates, competing with interpretations, beneficial interests and shareholders.
  • Acting for the UK arm of this international motor lubricant manufacturer and distributor, protecting their interests from debt collection, contract claims and insurance related matters generally.