Jointly led by Stephen Burns and Jamie Cartwright, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP’s commercial dispute resolution team in Guildford focuses not only on dispute resolution, but also dispute prevention and risk management. The team has a diverse client base in the corporate and private client sectors in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. With particular expertise in commercial, product, and supply-related disputes, Cartwright has seen a significant increase in product liability and risk work for wider retail clients. Burns is a highly experienced corporate litigator and has acted for many clients involved in High Court litigation or acrimonious disputes at the pre-action stage in the past year. Hugely experienced Guildford office head Duncan Elson
is a key name, while Rachel Warren is well regarded for her client management skills, and has played a key role in helping to grow the firm's business/regulatory crime offering.
Commercial litigation: Kent, Surrey and Sussex in South East
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Practice head(s):
Stephen Burns; Jamie Cartwright
Other key lawyers:
Duncan Elson; Rachel Warren; Katie Bewick; Charlotte Healy
Testimonials
‘In my experience, CRS build strong teams from the top down, with partners, senior associates and directors, and associates all putting in considerable care and time to their cases, to ensure that issues at all stages of litigation are given attention and a strategic view. The collaborative manner in which they work has been amongst the best of any firms I have worked with.’
‘Excellent client service, very pragmatic, consistently getting good results for clients. Extremely high track record of settling client disputes.’
‘The team delivers an excellent service to clients. They are highly responsive, quick to understand the commercial context, and combine pragmatism with a eye for the wider case strategy.’
‘Steve Burns is a class act: good judgement, excellent strategy and tactics, and a hard negotiator.’
‘Rachel Warren is extremely thorough and provides clear and precise instructions. She was fully engaged on the case and very helpful in talking though the potential pitfalls in the hearing. Her client management is excellent. She expertly managed the client’s expectations.’
‘Rachel Warren has a marvellous rapport and empathy with her clients.’
‘Jamie Cartwright is an able, highly competent litigator. He delivers pragmatic, user-friendly advice, whilst also keeping a eye on the wider case strategy. He is highly recommended!’
‘Charlotte Healy delivers an excellent service. She is response and thorough in her approach, and has an excellent knowledge of litigation practice and strategy.’
Key clients
City & Guilds
Cargill
Sound United /Bowers & Wilkins
Essity
Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
M & A Pharmachem
Swiss Post
Bhinder Purewal and Pro Med Pharma Limited
Fiat Chrysler
Stonegate Pubs
Work highlights
- Acted for one of the world’s leading dance examination boards and a charitable body in relation to a high value and complex factual and legal dispute with a supplier of managed print services.
- Acted for M & A Pharmachem in relation to a multi-million international dispute with Palla Pharma Limited, a listed company based in Australia.
- Acting for Promed Pharma on an unfair prejudice shareholder dispute in the High Court which started with successfully resisting an interim injunction.
Cripps
Based in Tunbridge Wells, the Cripps commercial disputes team, led by Ed Weeks, and specialist disputes team, headed up by Russell Simpson, have a combined bench of 40 lawyers, including 13 partners. The team has significant expertise across a number of commercial and corporate disciplines, as well as sectors including tech, food and drink, real estate, and private client. Weeks, who has more than 20 years’ experience, has strong expertise in shareholders’ disputes and directors’ duties. Joanna Ford has particular expertise in disputes involving high value restructuring and insolvency matters, including claims against former directors. Tom Bourne has a particular interest in the food and drink sector.
Practice head(s):
Ed Weeks (commercial dispute resolution team); Russell Simpson (specialist dispute resolution team )
Other key lawyers:
Joanna Ford; Tom Bourne; Hannah Proctor
Testimonials
‘The quality of lawyer at Cripps is exceptional and they routinely appear in cases where the opposition legal team are one of the glamour firms in the City. This is high praise indeed and reflects the level of firepower that they bring to their cases.’
‘Very practical and effective. Ed Weeks is excellent.’
‘Individual members of the team build good relationships with clients, and recommend colleagues in the team whose expertise is in other areas. Between them they appear to have relevant knowledge and experience to deal with a wide range of issues.’
‘Tom Bourne, with whom we have worked in the past, has always taken a genuine interest in our organisation, and has gone the extra mile to support us through some very complicated legal issues. Back-up support from other members of the team has also been made available when needed.’
‘Joanna Ford is tenacious litigator who gets results. Very commercial, extremely clever and always a pleasure to work with. Hannah Proctor has a great grasp of the law. She is one to watch for the future. Ed Weeks is a seasoned lawyer who runs a very tight ship.’
Key clients
Eurotunnel / The Channel Tunnel Group
University of Kent
Holiday Extras
The Wates Group
Bank of St Helena
Cadogan Estates Ltd
Fridays Ltd
Spink & Son Ltd
Noksel Çelik Boru Sanayi A.S
Panini Spa
Work highlights
- Acting for a Turkish company, Noksel Çelik Boru Sanayi A.S to achieve a multi-million pound judgment after an eight day reported commercial court trial.
- Acted for the Defendants in a widely reported 5-day High Court trial concerning breach of directors’ duties.
- Acting for a German renewable energy company in relation to various disputes concerning the UK’s biggest solar farm.
Stevens & Bolton LLP
Recent areas of growth for Stevens & Bolton LLP’s commercial litigation team at Guildford have included contractual disputes, international mandates, and advisory work on pandemic related issues. The team includes specialists in a wide range of areas and sectors. Team leader Sarah Murray , combining ‘a deep legal knowledge with a strong pragmatic and multicultural approach’, regularly advises many household brands, particularly in the retail and manufacturing sector. Michael Frisby has specialisms in life sciences, insurance, construction and engineering disputes and international arbitration. Andrew Quick specialises in corporate disputes, professional negligence and franchising disputes. Catherine Penny , promoted to partner in 2020, has expertise in life sciences and franchising.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Murray
Other key lawyers:
Michael Frisby; Andrew Quick; Catherine Penny; Michael Stocks; James Evison
Testimonials
‘A very strong team that is entirely at home in big scale high value litigation.’
‘Very commercial in nature – will tailor advice to commercial needs of client. To achieve this they are very good at client liaison and actually listening to needs. The advice is always of a high standard and delivered within estimated timeframes.’
‘I have been impressed by Sarah Murray and her colleagues for their responsiveness and team-management skills in complex multinational cases.’
‘Sarah Murray is able to combine a deep legal knowledge with a strong pragmatic and multicultural approach. She is great at managing the various teams involved in complex international cases.’
‘Sarah Murray is pragmatic, commercial, and a joy to work with. Catherine Penny has worked on litigation for us. She is technical and always comes to the point quickly. We find her to be very efficient and provides high quality work.’
Key clients
Allianz Insurance plc
Philips Electronics UK Ltd
Papa John’s (GB) Ltd
Global Display Solutions SpA
Helios Oryx Ltd
Drivex Business Solutions SL
Pycom Ltd
BOC Ltd
Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A.
Diebold Nixdorf
Work highlights
- Acting for Allianz in a Commercial Court dispute with a former corporate partner, JD Williams, in respect of redress for the sale of PPI and Product Protection insurance.
- Acting in a claim for damages for fraudulent misrepresentation, deceit, breach of contract and intimidation in the Commercial Court against NCR Corporation.
- Acting for Helios Oryx Ltd in proceedings issued in the Commercial Court for sums due under a Facility Agreement with Trustco Holdings Ltd.
DMH Stallard LLP
DMH Stallard LLP’s Gatwick dispute resolution team is active across many sectors, with a particularly strong reputation in banking and finance litigation. Team leader Simon Elcock is a ‘clear and robust litigator’, with strong expertise in the banking and educational sectors. James Colvin has particular expertise in financial and professional services. Clive Lee has over 30 years’ experience of dealing with commercial dispute resolution matters and acts for household name clients. Jonathan Compton , qualified both as a barrister and a solicitor, advises private individuals and commercial organisations of all sizes. Tim Ashdown has almost 30 years’ experience of managing commercial, intellectual property and technology disputes.
Practice head(s):
Simon Elcock
Other key lawyers:
James Colvin; Clive Lee; Jonathan Compton; Tim Ashdown; Lucie Thomas; Cathryn Culverhouse
Testimonials
‘We have been working with DMH Stallard for a number of years on a wide range of litigation.’
‘The dedication and technical knowledge of the team is second to none.’
‘Simon Elcock: Clear and robust litigator with excellent client handling skills. Very user friendly and builds trust and confidence with the client very well.’
‘James Colvin: James is meticulous and exceptional on the detail of the case. Initial judgment is rarely wrong. Great team player and has a way of making complex matters simple.’
‘Jonathan Compton and Cathryn Culverhouse are excellent commercial litigators. Jonathan goes the extra mile for his clients to ensure that the best possible outcome is achieved.’
Key clients
A J Walter Aviation Limited
BDO LLP
CAE (UK) Plc
Greater Brighton Metropolitan College
Heidelberg Graphic Equipment Limited
National Westminster Bank plc
RSM Restructuring & Advisory LLP
Suzuki Motor Corporation
T C Facilities Management Limited
WPM Education Limited
Thomson Snell & Passmore
Thomson Snell & Passmore’s commercial litigation team, which is led from the firm's Thames Gateway office, is jointly headed up by Kamal Aggarwal, Douglas Skilton and James Cradick. Aggarwal specialises in contract and trade disputes, shareholder, partnership/member disputes and gaming litigation. Skilton’s specialisms include contract, company/partnership disputes and brand protection/intellectual property disputes. Cradick, previously a barrister, has particular expertise in advising clients in the grain, metals, coal, sugar and oil trade, and is particularly known for handling GAFTA and FOSFA arbitrations and advising in associated insurance and supply chain related litigation.
Practice head(s):
Kamal Aggarwal; Douglas Skilton; James Cradick
Other key lawyers:
Rico Dexiades
Testimonials
‘I found the team at Thomson Snell & Passmore to be very thorough and efficient in their communication. They were transparent about their billing processes, the scope of the work and who within their team would be involved in the work. Throughout our communication, I felt that they made sufficient effort without prompting to ensure that I always understood the implications (for all parties) of any of the clauses being drafted.’
‘A very collaborative approach and good connections to involve other relevant parties (such as barristers or accountants) at the right time.’
‘A highly respected and good value firm with a range of excellent cases and clients.’
‘We have been working with TSP for a long time now in the matter of all legal questions we have. We are very happy with TSP, as all help is being provided very fast and in a very professional way. We really appreciate our collaboration and will be referring TSP to all our partners who will need any advice.’
‘Excellent commercial awareness – never loses sight of the cost of litigation and the potential benefits that accrue. All round knowledge that enables them to get their teeth into a real variety of cases and examine it from a range of angles’
‘TSP’s commercial litigation team is undoubtedly a national powerhouse which seems to go from strength to strength. They have a range of cases of the highest profile and the utmost quality and have a base of loyal clients.’
‘Douglas Skilton – a sublime litigator with a panoramic view of a case and very personable to boot.’
‘Rico Dexiades is undoubtedly a rising star in the world of commercial litigation. He is full of tactical expertise and insight, and is appreciated by clients for his accessibility and no-nonsense attitude.’
Key clients
Ebury Partners UK Ltd
North Kent College
Emperor Global Enterprises LLP & EGE Limited
Armour Security Systems Limited
Ward Security Limited
MidKent College
AXA XL (Paris)
Inca Invest S.A.C
Essdocs Ventures Ltd
Napier Holdings Limited
Avante Care & Support Ltd
P Globe Limited
E Home Limited
Academy of Woodlands Limited
Valerie Charalambous & Melitsa Charalambous
The Incorporated Rochester Diocesan Board of Education and the Governing Body of the Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School
Work highlights
- Acting for P Globe Limited and E Home Association Limited in relation to a multiparty commercial and intellectual property dispute.
- Acting on behalf of Emperor Global Enterprises, a projects and infrastructure investment group, in defence of litigation currently ongoing in the New Jersey Courts in the US.
- Acting for a bank in a complex dispute involving an overseas counterparty.
TWM Solicitors LLP
TWM Solicitors LLP’s ‘tenacious and conscientious‘ Guildford dispute resolution team has a track record of significant cases in the High Court and Court of Appeal. Team leader David Hitchcock handles all types of business and commercial claims, commercial property litigation and intellectual property disputes. Eileen Barry, ‘diligent and trusted by her clients’, has specialised in dispute resolution for over 30 years and is hugely experienced in all forms of alternative dispute resolution including arbitration and mediation. Simon Brew, previously a litigation partner at Fladgate LLP for nearly 20 years, joined TWM in January 2019 with a track record of achieving results for his clients, whether in-court or negotiated solutions.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Eileen Barry; Simon Brew
Testimonials
‘A real commitment to getting the best possible result for the client. Tenacious and conscientious.’
‘Simply excellent value for money – a team which can and does complete in complex commercial litigation on an equal footing with the big London outfits.’
‘David Hitchcock – calm, measured, but always ready to fight his client’s corner.’
‘Eileen Barry is an excellent lawyer. Diligent and trusted by her clients. Gets good practical results.’
‘Eileen Barry stands out as conscientious lawyer with a real commitment to getting the best possible result for the client.’
‘Simon Brew competently handled my case from beginning to end. Simon did more in the first four months of his appointment than my previous solicitors managed to achieve in a year and a half.’
Key clients
Asertis Limited
Hong Kong based Trustees in Bankruptcy
Boddy Matthews Limited
Kate Matthews, head of the dispute resolution and risk management team at Boddy Matthews Limited , is a highly reputable commercial litigator and holds positions or membership at many professional societies including the Surrey Chamber of Commerce. She has experience in supporting domestic and international clients in all forms of dispute resolution including mediation, adjudication, arbitration, early neutral evaluation, expert determination and settlement negotiation, with a strong expertise in franchising.
Practice head(s):
Kate Matthews
Testimonials
‘The team is exceptional. It is not an overestimation to state that I would have lost my business and probably much more without the dedication of Kate Matthews at Boddy Matthews.’
‘Kate Matthews has provided exceptional constant support and advice throughout the litigation. Always available for contact, to read draft letters and court forms, helping me meet the deadlines and helping me navigate the “David and Goliath” litigation.’
‘Kate Matthews combines empathy and realpolitik to provide genuinely practical support and advice.’
Key clients
Wimbledon Greyhound
Leeway Services Limited
Electromechanical Ordtech IKE
Rose Greenwood t/a FL Greenwood & Son
Johnsons Brokerage Limited
Egyptian Sponge, Iron and Steel Company SAE
People Tree Fair Trade Group Limited
Raymond Andrew Foster
SHL Services Limited
Mark Kavuma
Work highlights
- Advised Leeway Services Limited, a manufacturer and seller of pet supplies and other animal products, on breaches of contract by five Amazon entities on its online selling platform during the 2020 pandemic in the London Commercial Court.
- Acting for Electromechanical Ordtech IKE regarding a dispute concerning design, development, engineering and technical services in aeronautics and defence.
- Acting for Rose Greenwood trading as FL Greenwood & Son, the sole trader of arable and dairy/beef farming and car business in respect of promissory estoppel claims and potential future inheritance act claims made by members of the family in respect of the farming business and assets of the farm.
Brachers
Brachers’ commercial litigation team in Maidstone handles a wide range of commercial disputes concerning commercial contracts, shareholder remedies and directors’ duties. The team has expertise in sectors including transport and logistics, utilities and motor retail. Team leader Michael Oatham, with previous experience in banking and asset finance in the City, is a litigation and insolvency specialist capable of providing transaction finance solutions to clients.
Practice head(s):
Michael Oatham
Other key lawyers:
Graham Wallis; Lacie Kerner; Paul Abdey
Key clients
Schindler Ltd
Alan Firmin Ltd
Szerelmey Group
Beadles Group
Netbox Digital Limited
Homeleigh Timber
Haynes Bros Ltd
Hornby Hobbies Limited
Sussex Partnership NHS Trust
AEI Compounds Limited
Furley Page Solicitors
‘Comparable to boutique litigation firms in London’, Furley Page Solicitors’ dispute resolution team in Canterbury has extensive experience and a wide range of expertise. The team also benefits from two in-house costs lawyers who advise on costs management during every stage of litigation. Team leader George Crofton-Martin is a member of the Society of Construction Law and the Professional Negligence Lawyers Association. Deborah Geering acts consistently for clients in the care home and education sector. Jeremy Ferris has expertise in property and private client disputes.
Practice head(s):
George Crofton-Martin
Other key lawyers:
Deborah Geering; Jeremy Ferris; Natasha Biggs; Richard Waters; Ellie Boreham; Lauren Greenham; Ailsa Fairchild
Testimonials
‘Very diligent and easy to contact. Very helpful and always available.’
‘The team has a great deal with experience in successfully litigating commercial disputes across a wide spectrum of subject matter. They have excellent facilities for hosting conference, including those where clients take part remotely. In my opinion, Furley Page is comparable to boutique litigation firms in London.’
‘A clearly capable and methodical team with a personable and proactive approach which sets them apart.’
‘The Furley Page team has considerable range of sector specific knowledge and depth of experience. This enables the team to provide accurate technical advice whilst managing client expectations of outcomes with sound real world wisdom. Furley Page have responded to urgent matters in a rapid and highly professional manner.’
‘George Crofton-Martin is an excellent litigator who brings a great deal of experience to the table.’
‘George Crofton-Martin is an impressive individual who is confident but considered and provides definite and clear advice to his clients’
‘Deborah Geering is incredibly hardworking and brilliant with clients.’
‘Natasha Biggs is definitely someone you would want working on your case.’
Key clients
Whitstable Oyster Fishery Co Ltd
Liberty Homes (Kent) Ltd
All About Care Ltd
OP Enterprises Ltd
Charles Bates (Kent) Ltd
R&M Clarkson Ltd
Gopak Ltd
EOS Civil Engineering Ltd
Cathay Cleaning Co
Dean Smith
Work highlights
- Acted for the Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company, a Company incorporated by a Royal Act of Parliament, in relation to all their contentious legal matters.
- Acting for Liberty Homes (Kent) Limited in multiple construction disputes including a second adjudication with a claim value in excess of £5,000,000.00 and in separate arbitration and Court proceedings worth a further combined total of £11,000,000.00.
- Acting for All About Care in a claim against a local authority in excess of £1 million for breach of contract and statutory obligations owed under the Care Act 2014, the Mental Health Act and related regulations.
Irwin Mitchell
Irwin Mitchell’s Gatwick commercial litigation team handles a wide range of disputes, with a particular focus on clients in the financial services, manufacturing, tech, media and sports sectors. The team caters to client needs by offering a range of pricing options including conditional fee agreements, discounted conditional fee agreements, litigation funding and fixed fees. Team head Katie Byrne, promoted to partner during 2022, focuses on international and financial services (including insurance) disputes. Sarah Birkbeck specialises in IP, media and technology disputes and has a particular interest in reputation management.
Practice head(s):
Katie Byrne
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Birkbeck; Robert Parks; Clementine Burch; Tom Barnard; Sabrina Goran; Ted Powell
Testimonials
‘Very professional service. Quick response times and clear advice.’
‘Katie Byrne and Clementine Burch are excellent. They grasp the issues at hand, regardless of complexity, very quickly.’
I have been immensely impressed with the commercial litigation team at Irwin Mitchell. They effortlessly handle really large and complex pieces of work, and are very thorough in their approach. They are commercially minded – they can see the wood for the trees – and detail-orientated. I would strongly recommend them.
‘Tom Barnard is phenomenal. I very much trust his instincts and analysis. He is also thoroughly pleasant and easy to work with. Sabrina Goran is also brilliant.’
‘Partners and staff are very knowledgeable, approachable and friendly. You are left feeling there is a genuine interest in the business and addressing what ever issue we have approached them over.’
Key clients
Herbold Meckesheim GmbH
Micheldever Tyre Services Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for Herbold in defending a claim brought against it and its UK distributor by a purchaser of one of its products for damages of around £3.7 million.
- Acting for a group of 26 high net worth individuals in connection with claims made against them for unpaid share capital.
- Acted for a client in respect of the repayment of more than £1m in overpaid customs duty.
Moore Barlow
Following the 2000 merger of Moore Barlow and Barlow Robbins, Moore Barlow’s Guildford commercial dispute resolution team is now able to offer clients the full spectrum of litigation services and has a varied client base operating across all industry sectors. The team has a strong track record of cases in the High Court, as well as recent cases in both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. Team head David Foster has over 30 years’ experience and was the chairman of the Commercial Litigation Association.
Practice head(s):
David Foster
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Middlehurst; Chris Darvill; Esther Millard; Daniel Baker
Testimonials
‘Very pragmatic and user-friendly – explain things in easy to understand manner.’
‘A strong team, with highly commercial partners and associates. Always prepared to think laterally to achieve the best outcome for the client. Brings all the tactical sense of a major London firm at highly competitive rates. Always a firm I recommend.’
‘Moore Barlow has an excellent team with good partners with very diligent support staff. They provide a first class litigation service which I have no hesitation in recommending.’
‘David Foster – a first-class litigator. Brings a sharply commercial instinct, along with a creative verve to devise the best strategy to resolve disputes. Always a great pleasure to work with.’
‘David Foster is a stand out solicitor. He has considerable experience and is very good with clients.’
‘Rachel Hetherington – a rising star; Rachel is always totally on top of the details and has good tactical sense. A great pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
Darwin and Wallace plc
KTM Online Limited
Tokio Marine HCC
Aspen Insurance UK Limited
PR Entertainments Limited
Charterhouse
Hann Tucker Associates Limited
Bede’s School
Hampton School
M.D.M. Medical Limited
CNK Alliance Limited
AFC Bournemouth Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for Abraham and Chaya Fixsler on applications to the Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights, and then subsequently to United Nations Committee for Disabilities and the UN Rapporteur for that area.
- Acted for Lanre Haastrup in a matter which required the court to consider the extent to which it had jurisdiction to maintain a Reporting Restriction Order prohibiting the naming of any medical clinicians involved in the care and treatment of a child who had been the subject of ‘end of life’ proceedings.
- Acted for Camila Batmanghelidjh to pursue a claim for judicial review of the Charity Commission’s investigation into the charity, Keeping Kids Company.
PDT Solicitors
The commercial dispute resolution team at the Horsham office of PDT Solicitors works closely with the wider firm’s corporate, commercial and employment teams to quickly advise and resolve contentious issues. Team head William Angas has a track record of handling complex claims in the High Court, and the team continues to develop its expertise in the media, recruitment, aviation, and food and drink industries.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Gail Morris; Justin McConville; Ben Ashworth; Sian Walker
Testimonials
‘The team have been extremely proactive and inventive, especially during the COVID period. My company has had some very awkward cases during this period and the level of service we have been provided by PDT has not diminished one iota.’
‘Ben Ashworth has adapted quickly to understand the quite complicated terminology in my industry and the complex issues we have cases about.’
Key clients
Investec
The Specialist Works
BNP Paribas
Work highlights
- Acted for the sellers of a business in Commercial Court proceedings issued by the purchaser for breaches of contract and warranties, fraudulent misrepresentation and deceit, and negligent misstatement, with a claim value of £14m.
- Acted for the purchasers of an industrial cleaning company in High Court claim against the sellers for breaches of contract and warranties, with a claim value in excess of £5m.
Coole Bevis LLP
Coole Bevis LLP is a Sussex-based full service law firm with offices in Brighton, Horsham, Hove, and Worthing. The dispute resolution team undertakes a wide range of work, including contractual disputes, partnership disputes, cases involving directors and shareholders, procurement disputes, professional negligence, bankruptcy and insolvency, and debt recovery. Kelly Mills, previously the head of debt and leasehold recovery at DMH Stallard LLP, joined in January 2022 to head the team.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team at Coole Bevis are approachable and give concise and practical advice to clients. A commercial approach is always taken and unnecessary litigation is always avoided. The partners have strong legal knowledge and are swift with the action that they take with clients. This action is always robust and professional and the results speak for themselves.’
‘The team builds excellent rapports with clients and counsel. This makes a strong working team to ensure the best outcome in the litigation. Nigel Targett has a wealth of knowledge in commercial work. He builds a brilliant rapport with clients and is honest in his assessment of cases. He always takes a commercial approach and is always willing to give the difficult advice. Nigel will always make his own assessment of a case and is not reliant upon counsel.’
‘Liaison between the various offices and departments is strong, with all staff I have encountered being very professional and client aware in their approach.’
‘What distinguishes Nigel Targett is his deep commitment to his clients.’
Griffin Law
Based in Malling, Kent, Griffin Law is a ‘superb boutique firm’ that focuses solely on litigation and dispute resolution. The team acts for high net-worth individuals, owner-managed businesses and other law firms across various areas of law. Team head Neil Kelley has over 20 years’ experience in commercial litigation. The Griffin Law Charitable Foundation has supported local and global charities since its creation in 2017.
Practice head(s):
Neil Kelley
Other key lawyers:
Donal Blaney; Mark Fleet; Mark Edmonds; Narinder Hothi; James Day; Holly Jones; Keeley Parry
Testimonials
‘Griffin has always exceeded expectations in their depth of knowledge and experience across the team. I have instructed them on a range of matters. The firm knows exactly what they are doing and does so in a cost-effective way.’
‘Griffin is a superb boutique firm that offers City-standard litigation services at a fraction of the price. It has a highly able team that command top-drawer work, often with an international element. As litigation specialists they are hard to beat.’
‘Neil Kelley is a very experienced lawyer with a profound ability to cut through to the crucial issues in a case.’
‘We have worked with Neil Kelley who offers a very straightforward approach, which is easy to understand and makes complete sense. Neil is very personable, professional and efficient, which makes an unpleasant experience much easier to work and deal with.’
‘Donal Blaney is excellent with clients and identifies and considers very possible angle; it is hard to imagine a lawyer whom one would rather have on one’s side. He is also superbly commercially aware, readily grasping the implications of litigation on his clients’ businesses and personal life. He is certainly one of the stars of his generation.’
‘Mark Edmonds is a hardened litigator with years of experience. Mark knows exactly what he is doing and has a wealth of knowledge to support that.’
‘Narinder Hothi is an excellent litigator and has excelled for me this year in matters of passing off and intellectual property. Narinder has an excellent command of procedure in an often complex landscape.’
Key clients
Emerdata Limited
Healys LLP
Healys’ Brighton dispute resolution team is ‘very professional and always prompt to respond. ’ Team head David Bailey has vast experience in professional negligence claims against solicitors, valuers, accountants, financial advisors, wealth managers, and barristers. Nicholas Taylor specialises in media law and disputes involving public figures, representing many high profile international and celebrity clients.
Practice head(s):
David Bailey
Other key lawyers:
Nicholas Taylor
Testimonials
‘Healys worked for us in a very complicated case. They acted in a very polite, friendly and professional manner at all times but were not afraid to say when we were, in their opinion, straying from achieving their legal directions to win the case. Obviously when the case was against another firm of solicitors they stood out and showed how a case should be run and controlled.’
‘They provide sound advice and listen very carefully. I like the fact that each issue or query is attended almost immediately and they are always available over the phone or Zoom. I’m working with David Bailey, who is highly professional and always makes sure we are both on the same page before taking any action.’
‘They bring London quality to the South Coast.’
‘David Bailey was extremely good, professional and knowledgeable, and controlled the case extremely well, dealing with other solicitors very well and when it came to dealing with the insurance companies representing the other solicitors and barrister we were pursuing he was supreme and won us the case against them.’
‘Nick Taylor always acts swiftly and gives me his very personnel attention at all times; which I appreciate very much.’
Key clients
Monmouthshire Building Society
Saltdean Lido
Louis Adams
Work highlights
- Acting for the Lido in relation to a claim against the pool contractor, building contractor and project manager for work of an unsatisfactory standard and who are having to resolve many defects as a result arising out of the restoration of the outdoor swimming pool and changing rooms.
- Acting for the Monmouthshire Building Society in a range of disputes including mortgage possession claims, advising on the appointment of LPA/Fixed charge receiverships.
- Acting for the defendant in a claim by the executors of the estate of his late brother in respect of the beneficial ownership of a property in Brixton.
Judge & Priestley LLP
The Bromley-based litigation team at Judge & Priestley LLP has niche expertise in utility supply disputes, financial and consumer credit disputes, local authority disputes, and insolvency litigation. Strengthened by the firm’s highly-regarded debt recovery practice, the firm's credit solutions team is able to provide the full package to clients, including bulk debt collection and judgement enforcement, working with large commercial clients and local authorities.
Practice head(s):
Mark Oakley; Rachel Addai; Robert Davis; Mark Younger; Uday Patel
Other key lawyers:
Leonie-Robyn Murtagh
Testimonials
‘They have taken the time to understand our business process and have developed their service around what we need. They have developed some very good IT systems for case management, which has helped us streamline our debt recovery process.’
‘Mark Oakley has excellent skills and knowledge when it comes to complex leasehold cases. Any legal advice requested is provided on time, is very clear and covers the topic in depth with clear explanations of the case law. There is very good communication from his team and they respond very quickly when we have urgent legal cases that require assistance. His training sessions are very good, recent training has enabled our team to keep update to date with current changes and legal requirements.’
Key clients
London Borough of Southwark Local Authority Panel
Crown Commercial Services Panel
Edge Recovery Limited
Work highlights
- Advising and acting for the utility supplier in a multi-million claim for back-billed gas supply to a major dairy manufacturer in a claim issued in the High Court.
- Taking action against a director of a company in liquidation (for which Robert Cundy is the liquidator) seeking contribution to the company accounts from the director under section 212 of the Insolvency Act, with disputes arising from a detailed analysis of the company accounts and transfers between the insolvent entity and other organisations within the wider group of companies run by the director and his brother.
- Advising on and representing the Council of London Borough of Lambeth in a court of appeal judicial review matter relating to the exercise of power in imposing a multi-million pound Community Infrastructure Levy on a property developer.
Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP
Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP‘s Sevenoaks dispute resolution team, led by Richard Ludlow, is trusted by many large SME businesses and some of the region’s leading professional services firms. Ludlow has been working to bring alternative and innovative funding solutions, such as litigation funding and conditional fee arrangements, to clients with high value claims. Dan Sherlock has a particular focus on helping businesses to protect reputation and sensitive or confidential data/information. Alistair Rustemeyer specialises in contentious trusts and probate matters.
Practice head(s):
Richard Ludlow
Other key lawyers:
Daniel Sherlock; Alistair Rustemeyer