The Legal 500 > United Kingdom - Solicitors > North West > Banking and finance

‘The AG team in Manchester are without doubt one of the strongest legal teams in the country. They are happy to devote their time assisting with any queries, big or small, and are one of the first firms I will pick the phone up to if I have something to discuss.’

‘Simon Prendergast is one of the sharpest ABL minds in the region. Approachable and down to earth.’

‘Caroline Gray is commercial and knowledgeable.’

‘Kate Jones is resilient and resourceful. Always available to help.’

‘Excellent customer service – very responsive and advice is commercial and relevant.’

‘Whilst there is a broad banking team, they retain strength in depth with the ability to bring in appropriate expertise from other elements of the firm as needed. Good skill set, client focused and service orientated.’

‘DLA North West are excellent. I feel they are #1 in their market, highly professional, diligent, approachable and commercial. Resourced fully and have absolutely no issues with using them to support our transactions.’

‘Matthew Christmas is widely respected in the market and widely knowledgeable; legal expertise, but a good grasp of commercial issues.

‘Charles Weems has worked with us for a number of years and over that time has continually striven to improve his skills. A great, and effective, work ethic.’

‘Joe Frew  typifies what we would look for from a lawyer. Approachable and practical yet professional. He keeps us on track and protects our interests.’

‘Alastair Carruthers is building his own profile and learning from all around. We are using him more and more.’

‘Claire Shepherd is a very capable technical lawyer, has excellent commercial acumen and has good communication skills. She is also the antithesis of the ‘classic’ banking partner at a large international law firm. She is approachable, hands on and very practical. You can work with Claire to resolve problems without any formality or posturing on her part; her approach is refreshingly intelligent and sensible.’

‘Claire Shepherd is commercial and responsive with advice pitched at the right level. Pricing is sensible and competitive.’

‘DWF offers not only a highly professional service but is friendly, easy to use and quick.’

‘James Szerdy – known him for over 20 years, highly professional, practical, quick thinking and helpful, nothing is too much trouble.’

‘The nature of the Gunnercooke model makes it especially appealing. Work stays with the partner instructed and so a client can be sure that the work isn’t just being passed further and further down the ‘food chain’. The high calibre of the individuals and the service provided by GC is excellent value for money.’

‘Jill Parker is exceptional. She is a client’s dream of a legal adviser: offers good quality legal advice, commerciality and responsive. She works well with the other side so that negotiations don’t become tetchy or protracted with petty point scoring.’

‘Kuits are a highly experienced team who value long-term client relationships. Highly regarded lawyers across key disciplines ensure that the team are confident in even the most complex matters.’

‘George MacMillan is my main contact. He is always happy to pick up the phone to talk through any point which requires clarification or where a speedy response is needed. He knows a lot of the professionals within the Manchester area and can often help in overcoming potential obstacles which could slow a deal down.’

‘George MacMillan is very experienced and available to advise us and take a position.’

‘Meave O’Neill is very knowledgeable.’

‘Very commercially minded. Always looking to provide logical solutions. Alison Kellett & George Macmillan recommended.’

‘Shoosmiths’ North West banking and finance team are like an extension of our in-house legal team. They know our business, our internal team, and most of the people we transact with. They offer a consistently high quality level of service and pragmatic advice.’

‘Great team to work with, willing to go the extra mile to help their clients succeed. Built on client relationships rather than corporate sector guidance.’

‘Liz Sweeney is a class-act. She is hands on and fully available on each transaction but ably supported by a wider team meaning work can be done effectively and efficiently. The team as a whole is a pleasure to work with.’

‘Tim McNamara was truly exceptional working on a deal we completed, great work ethic right until the end.’

‘Excellent knowledge of ABL transactions, clear and confident advice, efficient approach along with a strong focus on the detail.’

‘Attention, knowledge base and customer-centric focus.’

‘Jonathan Edwards  is accessible, efficient and provided quality advice in a clear and confident manner. Along with his team (Melanie Chisnall), Jonathan provided strong support on the banking during the transaction.’

‘Very personable which makes them easy to deal with. Knowledgeable about ABL. Happy to spend time – never feel like they are rushing off the phone.’

‘I like the personal style that Irwin Mitchell bring. Always feels quite personal to the team to achieve the required outcome for us.’

‘The team is attentive, capable and consistent, but also populated by human beings with personality. I enjoy working with them.’

‘All firms say they provide a tailored service but my experience is that is not the reality. With TLT they genuinely approach any new instruction with an open mind and don’t look to fit things into a pre-existing box. They listen first.’

‘Paul Crighton is communicative, bright and well-regarded. He looks to add value wherever he can.’

‘Rob Cale is bright, thoughtful and will go places. I’m happy having him working on my deals.’

‘Paul Crighton – he is everything you want in your lawyer, he very quickly understands where you want to get to and he gets you there. He is well respected in the market and doesn’t waste time and money picking unnecessary battles.’

‘The range of expertise that is available has been extremely valuable rather than having to appoint different law firms for different aspects of the work. One thing that I have noticed with all the Trowers people I have dealt with is the pragmatism and common sense approach.’

‘They are very good at doing what they do.’

‘Practical , quick to respond, highly knowledgeable of the sector and requirements.’

‘The lead partner, Ellie James, has been a voice of calm and pragmatism in a project that was working to very tight deadlines. She has eased my concerns on a number of occasions. Ellie has been supported by a team that has been very efficient in the delivery of the project.’

‘Neil is approachable and his team will do what is required efficiently and effectively.’

‘Patricia Grinyer is an exceptional lawyer with an impeccable skill set and unrivalled knowledge. Her approach to client management is excellent with an approach to providing added value all the time. Pragmatic, intelligent and committed.’