Commercial litigation: Newcastle in North

‘I have always found the firm to consistently provide advice of the highest legal order. I trust their advice without question. They have always shown sound judgement and they know which points need to be pushed and which points need to be conceded. Their cross-referrals internally have been seamless and each department exhibits the same high standards.’

‘I would in particular recommend Leah Heatley, who is a dream to work with. She is prompt, attentive to both detail and client, and successfully navigates her way through matters with a combative spirit and good humour.’

‘Muckle have a strong team with excellent strategic know-how and expertise across a wide range of areas.’

‘Susan Howe is the standout individual at Muckle; she offers a reassuring presence to clients throughout their litigation journey; whilst having an excellent overview on where the client wants to get and how to get there.’

‘The Muckle team is by far the most talented and commercially focused set of litigation lawyers in the North East and, in my experience, one of the best nationally. Their approach is all about individual service and hands-on client care with very transparent billing and value for money. Their range of contentious specialisms is also quite unique in Newcastle. They really do deliver results.’

‘Susan Howe is simply unrivalled in the region for litigation experience and strategic expertise and she’s put together a team of very talented individuals.’

‘Both Leah Heatley and John Devine are excellent, providing first-class advice and support on what are often complex, fast-moving matters.’

‘An excellent team with very good collaborative working and communication.’

‘Worked closely with Aimee Hubbard. Outstanding performance in dealing with the issues, framing litigation risks and clear explanations around possible outcomes. Excellent response time.’

‘The disputes and corporate teams at Sintons are, in my experience, staffed with well-qualified, exceptionally capable lawyers who deliver focused advice from a “real world” position which only comes from experience. They are focused on providing the best client advice.’

‘Hilary Waters. I honestly believe that our agreement would not have been possible without the approach and the work which Hilary has executed. She has a very analytical mind.’

‘This is a Northern firm with a very good reputation in general work, which is now branching out into tax work. I know Hilary Waters very well – she is splendid. Good client skills. She is very knowledgeable across the subject of indirect tax, in general, and VAT in particular.’

‘I found the team to be caring, thoughtful and focused on the task in hand.’

‘The individuals are clearly well trained. Christina Falzon is very sharp and on the ball. I would highly recommend her. We dealt with Cristina who handled our copyright infringement case conscientiously and with the necessary attention to detail such that we were able to achieve an acceptable settlement under the circumstances.’

‘Aimee Hubbard is thorough, knowledgeable and astute, giving us a comprehensive roadmap for our case. At every step, she has managed our expectations extremely well, with timely and clear communication, a full view of the merits of our claim and pragmatic advice at the junctions where we needed to make decisions. She has also proved to be a strong negotiator, and we have been very reassured and confident that she has been able to achieve the best possible outcome for our settlement.’

‘The team have top-to-bottom talent. Their client care, especially over the past 12 months, has been great. I have been really impressed with the way in which cases have been kept on track and there has been continuous client engagement. The expertise and ability to handle complex, multi-party litigation is really impressive. Additionally, there is real focus on achieving the clients’ objectives and an eye on strategy.’

‘Peter Hornsey is a seriously impressive team leader and a cool head at all times. Such breadth of experience that clients know they’re in safe hands.’

‘Lucy Cleghorn must be a rising star. Great client management coupled with an extremely good eye for detail. Really thoughtful litigator.’

‘No matter what I need or when I need it, the team at Ward Hadaway is always willing to assist.’

‘Robert Glassford is a very good lawyer, experienced, strong analytically, balanced and measured. Joe Kelley is hardworking, practical and calm. Tim Toomey and Russell Ward have a sound judgment and maintain good relationships with clients. Lucy Cleghorn is practical.’

‘My main contact is with Tim Toomey whom I have dealt for a few years now. Tim’s clear and direct approach to insurance disputes, together with his extensive knowledge, mean that I am confident of recommending him while also being fully comfortable that the advice being given is sound.’

‘Russell Ward is particularly effective at developing relationships with clients to ensure mutual trust and understanding. Strong litigator who is willing to put in the extra hours to ensure good results for his clients.’

‘Joe Kelley and Robert Glassford are both very thoughtful and responsive. They are great with clients but also have great tactical nous. For high-value commercial litigation, particularly in the North East, I wouldn’t recommend anyone else.’

‘Hardworking, knowledgeable and friendly. An absolute joy to work with. ’

‘The team is led by Paul Stewart who exemplifies all of the qualities identified above. He is very hand on, thinks carefully about the issues, identifies difficulties and looks for solutions. Everything you want from a litigation solicitor.’

‘Anna Booth’s attention to detail is very impressive; she is completely on top of the papers and an invaluable person to be able to go to for quick answers to points.’

‘Magic Circle skills and competence with Newcastle friendliness. Able to put together a team to manage any type of litigious dispute. My experience is with the specialist commercial litigation partners and associates but the firm also provides non-contentious advice to clients on conveyancing, wills, trust and probate matters.’

‘Partners Toby Gibson and Jane Gibson and associate Ashley Padgett. I really enjoyed working with them. They provide a high standard of service to their clients with the friendliness and accessibility of a Newcastle firm. So they respond to messages around the clock and give clients sound, practical advice. Toby and Jane have higher rights of audience and are experienced advocates which helps inform their advice to clients. Ashley has significant advocacy experience.’

‘A standout firm, which punches far above its weight. Equal, if not better than many of the top London firms with which I have worked, and with the added personal touch that comes from being a small, family outfit.’

‘Toby Gibson and Jane Gibson are amongst the most committed and enthusiastic lawyers I have even worked with. They think deeply about their clients’ cases, and are utterly charming to work with. They are also extremely responsive. I cannot recommend them highly enough.’

‘A go-to firm for commercial disputes and advice. Highly regarded and deservedly so. Michael Reid and Claire Aston are highly effective, hardworking and commercially astute.’

‘I had the pleasure of working with Toby Gibson, Jane Gibson and Ashley Padget on a case last year. They were available when needed and provided sound and prompt advice. They had a great commercial mindset and knew what was needed. The advantage of the firm is its size which ensures that the client gets senior attention when needed.’

‘Toby Gibson was available and quickly understood the issues and was able to advice and assist on them. My communication was primarily with Toby, who did a great job.’

‘Toby Gibson is an outstandingly good commercial litigator. He is keenly aware of commercial issues, has a tremendously reassuring manner with clients, and is a very bright lawyer.’

‘Great support throughout a very challenging process. Always felt that the team had our interests as an utmost priority.’

‘Clearly an impressive group of individuals who are aligned to the firm values and always provide the excellent level of service.’

‘We have dealt with the firm for one commercial dispute and Christopher Graham was outstanding. We are always impressed and the way he deals with a matter and the way he communicates and reassures us.’

‘Anthony Rance – a smart, dependable and dynamic commercial litigation solicitor, at ease in any sector.’

‘The addition of Watson Burton to Weightmans means that it now has a real presence in Newcastle as well as Leeds. The sharing of expertise across offices appears to have worked very well and the firm has a number of experienced and strong litigators.’

‘Chris Graham has extensive experience of commercial disputes and a wide-ranging client base who like his matter-of-fact style.’