The Legal 500 > United Kingdom - Solicitors > South East > Commercial litigation: Hampshire

Blake Morgan LLP's commercial litigation team focuses on the healthcare, IT, manufacturing and retail sectors, where it advises public and private sector entities alike. Practice head Jill Bainbridge is the name to note for complex IP disputes and has significant experience of working on cross-border matters. Susie Dryden, who 'picks out the key issues and gets to the heart of the matter', has a longstanding role as intervention agent for the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Legal director Michael Colledge joined from Russell-Cooke LLP.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP's commercial dispute resolution practice takes a 'no-nonsense and hands-on approach'. In addition to having a full-service litigation offering, the firm has a specialist arbitration arm, which features in high-value international arbitrations. The retail industry is an area of activity for the team, as are the media, technology and manufacturing sectors. Ian Newcombe is a specialist in the energy sector. Gavin Matthews leads the firm's retail focus group and is recommended for trading disputes. Andrew Parsons is an expert in data protection and IT issues.

IT and technology-related disputes are major growth areas for Coffin Mew LLP; the firm handles a significant number of multijurisdictional trade mark infringement cases, passing-off claims and domain name disputes in this space. With the firm being able to work across offices, the 'highly motivated and committed' Southampton team regularly handles construction and property disputes originated elsewhere. Team head Ian Dawes specialises in European and international disputes.

Irwin Mitchell, which is highly active in matters with a cross-border component, is highly regarded by high net worth individuals, multinational companies and other household name clients. It has a notable focus on the sports, media, manufacturing, technology and financial services sectors. Hannah Clipston is an expert in breach of contract cases and associated complex tortious matters, with an industry specialism in sport and leisure. Associate Stephanie Reeves is also recommended.

Paris Smith LLP has had a significant increase in debt recovery mandates recently, with the firm having added a number of new asset-based lenders to its client roster. Another key growth area has been recruitment sector work; the firm acts for over 140 recruitment agencies. Team head Christopher Holliss has extensive experience of complex commercial litigation at the High Court. Former Slater Heelis LLP litigation head Helen Brown joined the firm in January 2019.

Shoosmiths LLP's risk and litigation services team was strengthened by the arrival of associate (and contentious insolvency specialist) Shelley White from Paris Smith LLP in November 2018. A large number of the group's contentious commercial mandates arise from the technology and financial services sectors. The automotive industry is another area of strength; newly promoted partner Jonathan Smart, who heads up the the Solent office's dispute resolution and compliance team, has a longstanding reputation in this space. Also notable is that the firm has a niche in high-value international civil fraud and conspiracy cases.

Clarke Willmott LLP's commercial disputes work includes complex contractual disputes, shareholder and partnership disputes, contested debt work, restrictive covenant disputes and professional negligence claims. Areas of sector expertise include retail and financial services. Greg Hughes acts for the likes of Sony, Bandai  and Wiggle. Hughes co-heads the practice with experienced solicitor advocate Owen Williams. Associate Cathy Harris is another key figure in the group.

Rob Evans leads the commercial litigation department at Moore Blatch LLP. The team primarily handles commercial and IP-related disputes for larger SMEs, owner-managed businesses and entrepreneurial private clients. Disputes arising from corporate transactions are a key area of expertise, specifically warranty claims and restrictive covenant disputes. Claire Haverfield is recommended.

Having joined Trethowans LLP from Blake Morgan LLP in January 2018, Karl Cameron now heads up the firm's commercial litigation department, which has a 'strong reputation in Hampshire'. It regular collaboration with the firm's corporate practice provides a steady flow of transaction-derived litigation. There has also been a notable increase in property litigation mandates. Elsewhere, the group works on construction disputes, professional negligence cases and contentious insolvency matters. Richard Cook is recommended for contract claims and shareholder disputes.