The Legal 500 > United Kingdom - Solicitors > South East > Commercial litigation: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40

Blake Morgan LLP boasts 'one of the largest and most experienced litigation team in the South East' with a strong track record acting in corporate and commercial disputes, professional negligence, fraud and asset tracing and asset finance disputes, among others. The department also provides specialist expertise in construction, insolvency, technology and property litigation. Practice head Chris Potts is experienced in shareholder, fraud and company law disputes, and is often supported by associate Nicola Diggle , who is also active on IT and contractual disputes.

Shoosmiths LLP 'an outstanding' disputes team, is best known for its 'wealth of knowledge' in the automotive, construction, corporate and IT sectors.  Fleur Turrington, who made partner in May 2019 is 'undoubtedly the go-to lawyer' for contentious public procurement. Paul Eccles is a name to note for insurance litigation; his particular niche specialisation includes policy cover disputes between insurer/insured including breach of warranty, misrepresentation, non-disclosure and fraudulent claims. Stuart Little chairs the national litigation practice.

Boyes Turner acts for individuals and corporate clients alike in commercial and contractual disputes, and boats a strong client roster in the technology sectors. The department has also expanded its offering in property litigation with the hire of Adrian Griffiths from Gordon Dadds LLP in July 2018. Key partner Jonathan Grigg and associates Stephen Baker and Rowan Turrall make up the 'knowledgeable and skillful' team.

Field Seymour Parkes LLP advises high-profile clients in the financial services, retail, consumer goods and charities sectors with notable experience in the automotive field where it counts Volvo and Honda as active clients. Tom Maple's practice spans automotive disputes, complex professional indemnity claims involving failed tax schemes, and contentious matters related to the food and drink industry. Bill Dixon is particularly active in cross-border disputes, often alongside Maple.

Duncan Crine leads the dispute resolution practice at Freeths LLP which offers 'excellent partner-led litigation services at reasonable rates'. The firm is experienced in representing private and corporate clients as claimants and respondents  in complex shareholder, contractual and commercial disputes in the technology, retail, construction, logistics and education sectors. The practice strengthened its disputes offering with the addition of 'first-rate litigator' Will Richmond-Coggan from BDB Pitmans in January 2019.

The dispute resolution practice at Gardner Leader LLP 'punches well above its weight' and regularly acts in multi-jurisdictional commercial litigation for a mix of private and corporate clients. Key figures include Michelle Di Gioia and senior associates Hilary Messer and Violetta M. Falla. Practice head Chris Felton is 'a safe pair of hands'.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP handles complex and large-scale commercial litigation and also conducts investigation and enforcement work. The Oxford-based team headed by Julie Bond continue to be active in major disputes in the energy, education and retail sectors, and also leverage additional expertise from the London office in representing individuals and corporations in complex commercial proceedings. Senior associate Emma Davies a name to note for financial litigation and regulatory matters.

Areas of expertise for Blandy & Blandy LLP  include contractual, company and partnership disputes as well as also handling contentious employment issues and disputes arising from trusts and inheritances. David Murray and Philip D’Arcy are the key partners based in the Reading office.

Spratt Endicott offers 'very good expertise at competitive rates' in commercial and IP disputes. The practices' recent caseload included defending a passing off claim and advising on breach of trust claims, enforcement and the right to terminate agreements. The group also is able to draw expertise from other departments to advise on banking and finance, property and insolvency-related disputes. David Whiting is the main litigation partner, also of note are associates Kyle Wyness and Petra van Dijk for contentious property and insolvency matters.

Maier Blackburn LLP provides 'first-rate' partner-led representation in high-value, complex litigation. Name partner Steven Maier is a 'highly recommended lawyer' for contentious work in the specialist areas of media, entertainment and intellectual property, with an emphasis on the enforcement of trade marks and domain names. Maier also advises on contentious commercial matters.