Commercial litigation: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 in South East

BDB Pitmans is well known for handling complex high-value litigation for blue-chip national and international businesses. The team has particular strengths in IT disputes, acting for both Thames Valley-based and US-based software companies. Phil Smith has recently stepped up to become firmwide head of litigation and specialises in a range of contractual and tortious claims. Former practice head Tim Clark, a member of the firm's executive board, focuses on complex litigation and injunctions for company law-related claims. David Gwillim leads the contentious construction and engineering practice.

The dispute resolution team at Blake Morgan LLP has a strong track record of work on complex commercial disputes. The litigation department is made up of a large team of lawyers who can offer a wide range of sector-specific expertise, covering construction and engineering, insolvency and property. Practice head Chris Potts has specific expertise in fraud and breach of duty claims which often involve worldwide freezing injunctions. For IT and software disputes and warranty claims, Nicola Diggle is recommended.

Osborne Clarke handles complex cross-border disputes for an extensive client base consisting of major international companies, as well as fast-growth private equity and venture capital-backed businesses. The team is particularly strong in disputes related to the technology, telecoms, automotive and life sciences sectors. Kristian Assirati has worked across a range of technology disputes and partner Dawn Troman is well-regarded for her expertise in this area. Practice head Peter Sheppard handles a full range of corporate and commercial disputes, many of which are cross-border, and is supported by associate Scott Butler.

Boyes Turner services a broad spectrum of clients, ranging from local SMEs to international listed companies. The team advises on a range of matters, including pensions, product liability, injunctions, IP, professional negligence and partnership disputes. Stephen Baker and Rowan Turrall were both promoted to partner in September 2020; Turrall, whose work covers a wide range of commercial disputes, with emphasis on IT and construction, also became the new practice head. The team has further strengthened its offering with the hire of director James Quinn, who was previously a senior associate at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP in London.

The disputes team at Field Seymour Parkes LLP advises commercial clients from a range of sectors, with particular expertise in the automotive and food sectors. Tom Maple leads the team and has significant experience in the automotive sector where he advises manufacturers and dealers; notably, he has a strong client relationship with Volvo. Bill Dixon, who has a variety of corporate and commercial dispute experience, spanning litigation, arbitration and corporate and regulatory investigations, is also recommended.

Freeths LLP advises corporate clients, landed estates, institutions and individuals from a range of industry sectors, including technology, construction, retail and logistics. Oxford dispute management head Duncan Crine has extensive experience and is supported by a large team of lawyers in the region who cover a range of commercial disputes, including fraud, M&A, and shareholder conflicts. The team is also experienced in IT and data protection issues, with Will Richmond-Coggan being a specialist in this area.

Gardner Leader LLP's litigation department 'punches above its weight', with regular instructions on complex multijurisdictional matters in corporate and commercial disputes, civil fraud and international arbitration. Practice head Chris Felton is an 'elite commercial litigator', with a track record of work on both domestic and international arbitration cases. Michelle Di Gioia and Andrew Shipp are also recommended, with the latter acting for insolvency practitioners. Associate Katie Dyson is one to watch, working closely with Felton on a number of high-value disputes as well as being involved in Chancery and Queen's Bench disputes.

Shoosmiths LLP has a national team of specialist litigation, international arbitration and dispute resolution lawyers. In the Thames Valley, experienced commercial litigator Fleur Turrington heads the practice where she has developed a strong reputation and expertise for contentious public procurement matters. Senior associate Nick Spearing supports Turrington on procurement challenges, in addition to acting on high-profile judicial review matters related to engineering, planning and state aid disputes. The team also has expertise in commercial insurance, with Paul Eccles being the key practitioner in this area.

Blandy & Blandy LLP's dispute resolution team handles general corporate and contract-based commercial disputes, including high-value claims with international elements. David Murray is an experienced litigator and heads the practice in Reading where the team acts for a range of clients, including corporates and UK subsidiaries, large SMEs, family and owner-managed businesses, landowners and developers, charities and universities.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP's commercial disputes resolution team advises on complex high-value disputes with an international element. The Thames Valley team is part of a wider national practice led by Rustam Dubash in London. The Oxford team has particular expertise in general commercial litigation, IT disputes, restructuring and insolvency, and regulatory matters. Emma Davies has a wide-ranging commercial practice, specialising in financial litigation, including derivative claims and data protection. Rebecca Andrews-Walker is also recommended and has a fast-growing practice in contentious insolvency matters.

Herrington Carmichael LLP handles a variety of commercial disputes. Practice head Adrian Taylor advises a wide range of clients on domestic and international disputes, with specialist expertise in dealing with construction cases. Frankie Tierney is a 'highly experienced litigator' with experience in High Court proceedings and multiparty commercial cases as well as formal mediation processes.

Maier Blackburn LLP is well known for its specialisms in intellectual property and media law, litigation and dispute resolution. Steven Maier is the key practitioner, handling a wide range of commercial disputes including breach of commercial agreements, warranty claims and negligence. He also has expertise in publishing and media law, including libel and privacy issues.

Led byJohn Spratt, the dispute resolution team at Spratt Endicott handles a range of complex commercial disputes and has developed niche expertise in the security, recruitment and banking/finance sectors. Senior associate Anis Waiz is a key practitioner, focusing on contractual and commercial disputes. Insolvency specialist Petra van Dijk is also recommended. In March 2020, Tom Halstead joined from Parrott & Coales LLP.