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

Broadfield Law UK LLP

Praised for their ‘client focused’ approach, Broadfield Law UK LLP maintains a broad disputes practice, encompassing a diverse array of IT, partnership, insurance, and product liability related mandates. Phil Smith spearheads the group and is noted for his particular capabilities in the field of TMT, while ‘highly experienced’ Tim Clark  enjoys a strong reputation in relation to his handling of complex contractual disputes, notably within the IT sector. Another key figure in the practice is Sophie Squire, who is well-versed across a varied spectrum of commercial cases. David Gwillim has moved to Keystone Law.

Practice head(s):

Phil Smith


Other key lawyers:

Tim Clark; Sophie Squire


Testimonials

‘Particularly well known for franchising work, with some top tier major international franchisees.’

‘Tim Clark is a highly experienced litigator with excellent market knowledge.’

‘The team is bright, forward-thinking, hard-working, incredibly resourceful and flexible and very client focused. They provided absolutely first-class support to me.’

‘Tim Clark is one of the brightest and hardest-working solicitors I have worked with. He stands out for his willingness and ability to grapple with a new and unfamiliar area of law and procedure, and for the hands-on approach which he takes despite his seniority.’

‘The team is a very happy and well-organised team which is well-resourced to deal with complex matters, with the ability to draw in extra resources on an ad hoc basis when the need dictates.’

The team understands the value which technology can bring to cases.’

‘Tim Clark has a clear and very calm manner, with an excellent eye to the appropriate strategy in litigation.’

‘Their key strength is being client focused. On the case I worked on with Tim, there were a large number of complex legal points which he was navigating, but remained focused on the best interests of the client and getting to a good outcome.’

Key clients

Portals Paper Ltd


XMA Ltd


Rock Engineering Limited


Crowe UK LLP


CALA Group


Westcoast Ltd


E2Open


Farkind GmbH


Work highlights


Blake Morgan LLP

Trusted by international and national corporations, owner-managed businesses, and financial institutions, Blake Morgan LLP pairs its wide-ranging experience with technical know-how to assist with multi-faceted contractual, insolvency, employment and asset finance disputes, among others. The practice is led by Chris Potts, who is well-versed across litigation, arbitration and mediation, while commercial lawyer Nicola Diggle‘s wide-ranging expertise includes software, shareholder and commercial contract disputes. Thomas Middlehurst leads the contentious trusts and estates team, contributing his knowledge across all facets of private wealth and succession disputes.

Practice head(s):

Christ Potts


Other key lawyers:

Nicola Diggle; Katie James; Thomas Middlehurst


Testimonials

‘A combination of experts in their respective fields. Prompt response, detailed information on progress of your case, as well as potential road blocks and options available to succeed.’

‘Nicola Diggle is responsive and helpful, and certainly someone who I’d want on my side.’

‘Unrivalled knowledge of public sector leisure management contracts.’

‘I worked exclusively with Nicola Diggle. She was really knowledgeable about the area I needed assistance with.’

‘Nicola Diggle could not have done a better job for me.’

‘The team is responsive, efficient and knowledgeable.’

Key clients

Miele Company Limited


Investec Asset Finance


KPMG


MultiBank Group


NHS England


University of Reading


Grant Thornton


Hitachi Capital UK plc


Metro Bank


Begbies Traynor


IWG Group Services UK (Regus)


Griffins


Walkers Global


Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust


Huws Gray Limited


Motherson Group


Work highlights


  • Acted for Huws Gray, builders’ merchants, in a complex injunction claim against four senior ex-employees.
  • Acting for IWG on breach of contract claims valued at over £6m.
  • Advising on claims in Curacao, Caribbean for over £3m relating to fraud claims.

Clarkslegal LLP

Noted for its ‘strong business-minded approach’, Clarkslegal LLP operates for a stellar client roster, within the automotive sector in particular. Disputes covered by the group include matters relating to international trade, public procurement, and outsourcing issues. Practice head and ‘tactical heavyweight’ Antony Morris‘ arsenal of skills extends from corporate and commercial disputes to IT and telecoms claims. Christopher Tayton leverages his disputes experience to handle commercial injunctions and fraud claims. Other key names to note in the practice includes ‘formidable’ construction expert Stephen James and ‘intellectually excellent’ Emma Butcher, who demonstrates particular proficiencies in relation to public procurement and product liability matters.

Practice head(s):

Antony Morris


Other key lawyers:

Christopher Tayton; Stephen James; Emma Butcher


Testimonials

‘Clarkslegal has a strong business-minded approach to litigation, which is not just for show. It is strategically involved with the Confederation of British Industry and has strong links with similar organisations internationally.’

‘Antony Morris is a tactical heavyweight. He gets into the detail of the case and triages the best and worst arguments very effectively. As a result, his advice is incredibly commercial and practical.’

‘Stephen James is impressive and a formidable opponent. He prepares a case impeccably and identifies what to look for at an early stage. He has an excellent understanding of settlement techniques and negotiations and delivers them very effectively in practice.’

‘On procurement and product liability claims, Emma Butcher is intellectually excellent, and a very reassuring litigator to work with.’

‘The team are very dedicated to their clients and have a longstanding list of repeat customers as a result. Preparation is always great, and partner input happens at all stages, more so than with other firms.’

‘Antony Morris – extremely reassuring in his knowledge and gravitas.’

‘The team is extremely engaged and responsive, going the extra mile for clients.’

‘Antony Morris and Emma Butcher are very hands on partners, who know their cases inside out and keep their clients closely informed. ’

Key clients

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited


Boehringer Ingelheim


Lumen Technologies UK Ltd


BMW (UK) Limited


JDM Technology Group


Willmott Dixon


Element Materials Technology Group


University of Reading


Crown Packaging Manufacturing UK Ltd


CAB Automotive Ltd


MVL Group


InstaGroup Limited


OASIS


Canon (UK) Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars as the defendant in €6.5m High Court proceedings brought by  Topalsson.
  • Acting for one of thirteen defendants in a High Court claim brought by Equity Real Estates Limited and related companies, in which the claimants are seeking over £10m in damages.
  • Representing BMW (UK) Limited in a claim for damages brought by the family of a police officer who was killed in a road traffic accident on the M6.

Osborne Clarke LLP

A strong choice for clients based in the technology and life sciences sectors, Osborne Clarke LLP advises clients on the full gamut of commercial and corporate disputes with demonstrable capabilities across warranty and misrepresentation claims alongside director and shareholder disputes, to name a few. Steering the practice is Peter Sheppard, who deploys his wide-ranging sector experience to aid multinational and domestic companies, while ‘shining star’ Jane Park-Weir bolsters the practice with her expertise across commercial and corporate disputes and investigations. Tech disputes expert Dawn Troman also demonstrates strengths in complex corporate disputes and life science matters, while Scott Butler is active before the High Court. Chris Parsons is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Peter Sheppard


Other key lawyers:

Dawn Troman; Jane Park-Weir; Scott Butler; Chris Parsons


Testimonials

‘Jane Park-Weir is a shining star when it comes to complex shareholder disputes. She quickly identifies the real legal issued and knows when to be aggressive, while remaining firmly focused on the bigger commercial picture. She is also really good fun to work with.’

‘Extremely friendly and well-organised team, with extensive knowledge on UK litigation matters. The team is approachable and proactive, always proposing innovative solutions.’

‘Jane Park-Weir is pragmatic and resolutive.’

Key clients

AEG


TripAdvisor


Vodafone


Falk & Ross


Reckitt Benckiser


Lonza Pharmaceuticals


Ortho Clinical Diagnostics


Crossmark Developments


Bullitt Mobile Limited


ASOS


Tenzing Private Equity


Shaw Healthcare


FRP Advisory


Bective


TiVo / Xperi


Databricks


Davies Group


LevertonHELM


WT Energy


MedPharm


Miniclip


Intuit


EcoATM


Wireless Logic Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for a pharma company in respect of a £36m claim brought by a Tunisian pharma company.
  • Acting for a high net worth individual and various related entities in relation to a complex, multi-party derivative claim, issued in the High Court in January 2023.

Boyes Turner

A team that consists of ‘experienced litigators who go the extra mile for their clients’, Boyes Turner harnesses its cross-border expertise to assist global clients with an extensive range of disputes arising from IT, construction, contentious probate, and property sectors. Rowan Turrall helms the team and is particularly noted for her strengths in technology related disputes and construction disputes. Other key names to note include Ally Tow, who leverages her vast litigation experience to assist with contentious trusts and probate work, and Rachel Brown, who specialises in cross-border litigation.

Practice head(s):

Rowan Turrall


Other key lawyers:

Ally Tow; Rachel Brown


Testimonials

‘The team consists of experienced litigators who go the extra mile for their clients. The firm benefits from being a multidisciplinary practice where a collaborative approach is adopted.’

‘Ally Tow is an excellent litigator, well versed in estates and commercial disputes. She offers pragmatic advice and robust representation.’

‘Rachel Brown is a diligent member of the team and looks after cases from their inception to enforcement, dealing with all the phases in the life cycle of litigation. This equips her in providing holistic advice.’

‘The Boyes Turner team were collaborative and responsive to our requirements.’

‘We have consistently found their work to be thorough, relevant and to a very high standard with excellent results. They have always been responsive, even at short notice, and are friendly and easy to work with.’

‘They have been very quick to understand and align themselves to the culture and processes of our company and the issues at hand and their advice has always been comprehensive and clear.’

‘The high quality of their strength and capabilities in the area of commercial litigation has been apparent to us in the manner that they have represented our company.’

‘Our experience of Boyes Turner has been excellent. Not only have we found them to be highly knowledgeable in the areas that they cover regarding commercial litigation, but also very thorough and sound in the advice and guidance they have given us.’

Work highlights


Field Seymour Parkes LLP

With expertise in cross-border disputes and recommended for its ‘good communication’, Field Seymour Parkes LLP is well positioned to advise sizeable corporate clients, construction companies and international airlines on a varied array of contractual, financial and product disputes. ‘Imaginative’ Tom Maple steers the department, enjoying a strong reputation in the automotive industry, while vastly experienced and ‘incredibly smart, practical and effective’ litigator Bill Dixon is active across a range of commercial disputes.

Practice head(s):

Tom Maple


Other key lawyers:

Bill Dixon; James Palmer


Testimonials

‘Tom Maple is imaginative and sees all the angles.’

‘Good quality, detailed advice and good cooperation amongst colleagues.’

‘Bill Dixon is great to work with in international cases; he is an excellent professional sparring partner.’

Key clients

Volvo Cars


Whistl


Kumon Europe and Africa Limited


Honda


Crown Agents


Work highlights


Freeths LLP

Operating for a varied roster of landed estates, educational and charitable institutions and prominent individuals, Freeths LLP is active across a diverse spectrum of contractual disputes, fraud claims, and IP and IT disputes. Clients have noted that ‘their ability to listen to, and simplify, complex commercial issues has proved invaluable in progressing matters to a reasonable conclusion’. ‘Great strategist and tactician’ Caroline Watson heads up the group, with experience advising on complex disputes in the technology sector. Another key figure in the practice is Will Richmond-Coggan, who is well-versed in data protection and AI related issues. Managing associate Paul Brown is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Caroline Watson


Other key lawyers:

Will Richmond-Coggan; Paul Brown


Testimonials

‘Their ability to listen to, and simplify, complex commercial issues has proved invaluable in progressing matters to a reasonable conclusion. They have always taken the time to carefully manage client expectations.’

‘They are commercially strategic while providing the depth and breadth of expert counsel required to manage the process to an efficient and cost-effective solution.’

‘The understanding of their area of expertise is second to none. In many cases, an engagement with law firms can be complex, intimidating and costly. Offering support and time with patience and humour.’

Key clients

Centrica PLC


Ceva Logistics


Triad Group Plc


DPD Group UK Limited


Aldi Stores Ltd


Equiniti Paymaster (1836) Limited


Rematch Credit Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for a major retailer in defence of High Court claims brought against it by a departing senior employee.
  • Acting for a provider of outsourcing in connection with the defence of a claim by circa 450 claimants alleging breaches of data protection law.

Gardner Leader LLP

Noted for its arsenal of skills that encompass corporate and commercial disputes, civil fraud and international arbitration, Gardner Leader LLP is described by clients as ‘responsive, personable and able to work across a spectrum of litigation matters’ as well as being praised for its ‘pragmatic, concise and timely manner’. Leading the team is Chris Felton, who harnesses his multi-jurisdictional expertise to assist clients across commercial, technology and construction sectors. ‘Unflappable’ Michelle Di Gioia is another key name to note in the practice.

Practice head(s):

Chris Felton


Other key lawyers:

Michelle Di Gioia


Testimonials

‘A giant killer.’

‘Chris Felton is a top-notch litigator, responsive and client focused.’

‘The team are responsive, personable and able to work across a spectrum of litigation matters and values from small claims to complex multi month litigation. The value proposition and attention to detail provided in each case makes all the difference.’

Key clients

Mehta family


IIA Technologies PTE Limited


Hayat Otel / Bilgili Holding


Swynson Limited


Managed Legal Solutions


The Marble Workshop


Work highlights


  • Represented the Mehta family in their defence of an alleged $1bn fraud claim in respect of gold bullion and precious metals facilities.
  • Acted for Hayat Otel AS/Bilgili Holding in the successful defence of a Commercial Court claim issued under Section 68 of the Arbitration Act 1996.
  • Defended Swynson Limited and its owner in a landmark Supreme Court appeal, which questioned whether the repayment of loans by a borrower released or reduced the liability a negligent adviser has to a lender based on the principle of res inter alios acta.

Shoosmiths LLP

Regarded as ‘very committed to their work, efficient, highly communicative and responsive’, Shoosmiths LLP represents a myriad of clients across commercial, corporate, public procurement and health related disputes. ‘Excellent’ and ‘strategic’ Fleur Turrington spearheads the team with her particular strengths in contentious public procurement mandates, while key contact Aimee Cook holds considerable experience in acting on high-value disputes.

Practice head(s):

Fleur Turrington


Other key lawyers:

Aimee Cook


Testimonials

‘Aimee Cook combines thoroughness, diligence and commercial pragmatism.’

‘The team were quick to respond to our situation which, as time was of the essence, was essential. They fielded a team highly experienced in the subject matter, who provided a clear way forward, giving their best advice throughout the whole process.’

‘A special mention to Fleur Turrington. Fleur handled the situation from start to finish and kept us fully informed. She was able to bring on expertise and counsel as required, in a timely fashion.’

‘Fleur Turrington is a very good litigator in this field.’

‘This is a small but very well-resourced team, specialising in commercial dispute resolution, including public procurement work. They are very committed to their work, efficient, highly communicative and responsive.’

‘Fleur Turrington is an excellent team leader and strategic in her thinking.’

‘An excellent, high-quality team providing top-notch service.’

Key clients

Ecolab Limited


The Student Energy Group Ltd


Young Hammersmith & Fulham Consortium Ltd


Capital Development Investments Ltd


Henkel Limited


Kuehne + Nagel Limited


Gilling Dod Limited


Mitsubishi HC Capital UK Plc


Coloplast Limited


Wolverhampton City Council


Morgan Advanced Materials Plc


Tulip Trading Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for Tulip Trading Limited in its it claim regarding ownership of digital assets worth circa £4.5bn.
  • Acting for Mitsubishi, an interested party in a high-profile judicial review brought by Shawbrook Bank against the Financial Ombudsman Service.
  • Acting for Ecolab Limited defending a substantial damages claim.

White & Black Limited

Lauded for its ability to ‘look at what the overall commercial objectives are’ and its provision of a ‘big firm service with small firm ethos’, White & Black Limited has recently advised a litany of clients on shareholder disputes, joint venture disputes and IP litigation. Victoria Wright fields a strong practice across the fields of IP and contractual claims, while Roxanne Selby routinely advises on high-profile contractual disputes arising from a diverse range of public and private mandates.

Practice head(s):

Victoria Wright


Other key lawyers:

Roxanne Selby


Testimonials

‘The thing that sets them apart is that their starting point for any dispute is to look at what the overall commercial objectives are. Any litigation strategy is then designed to best support and deliver these commercial objectives, rather than litigation being a goal in and of itself.’

‘They understand businesses and what drives them. They also understand the impact that litigation can have on a business (e.g. in sucking up management time and resources) irrespective of the outcome.’

‘Their communication is always prompt, clear and to the point. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.’

Key clients

Numerical Algorithms Groups


Blenheim Palace


Matches Fashion


Vectair Systems Limited


Work highlights


Blandy & Blandy LLP

Blandy & Blandy LLP‘s disputes practice ‘robustly and tenaciously’ represents a broad roster of clients in an array of corporate and contract-based commercial disputes alongside several judicial review mandates. David Murray steers the practice and is supported by Debbie Brett.

Practice head(s):

David Murray


Other key lawyers:

Debbie Brett


Testimonials

‘The commercial litigation team dealt with our matter robustly and tenaciously, and the client felt fully supported throughout. Every member of the team is polite, professional and responsive.’

‘The AML technology was easy to use.’

‘David Murray is highly experienced with a wealth of knowledge but also, importantly, has an excellent manner with clients, instilling confidence at a stressful time.’

Work highlights


Aston Bond

Stephen Puri and ‘driving force’ James Dyche lead the ‘impressive’ disputes team at Aston Bond. Co-founder Puri contributes his wide-ranging commercial expertise to the practice. Dyche is well-versed across commercial, construction and insolvency related disputes.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Puri; James Dyche


Testimonials

‘Aston Bond have continued to build on their impressive growth over the last 18 months/2 years. They have developed an impressive client list and demonstrate their ability to go toe-to-toe with the larger and more established firms.’

‘James Dyche is the driving force behind the Commercial litigation team. His client handling skills and phenomenal work rate continue to impress.’

‘Think about Aston Bond’s litigation team like a Jack Russell terrier: it has zero fear, a strong bite, and no compunction in tackling a much larger dog.’

Work highlights


Howes Percival LLP

Regarded as providing a ‘very personal service’, Howes Percival LLP is regularly entrusted by a wealth of entertainment, media and publishing clients. The practice is led by James Howarth, who has considerable experience in the field of media disputes. Steven Maier contributes his varied expertise encompasses commercial, financial and IP disputes, among others, while Cathleen Blackburn is recommended for her ‘thorough, efficient and helpful’ nature.

Practice head(s):

James Howarth


Other key lawyers:

Steven Maier; Cathleen Blackburn


Testimonials

‘We receive a very personal service from the firm and always get the feeling that those we work with really understand our organisation and our needs.’

‘We have worked closely with Cathleen Blackburn. She always gives us incredibly good service – thorough, efficient and helpful. She’s also able to translate legalese into understandable language for non-specialists, which is appreciated and reassuring.’

Key clients

The Tolkien Estate


Agatha Christie Limited


Magda Archer


Estate Of Peter Mayle


Tabbers Limited (Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme)


Welbeck Publishing Group


Owen Mumford Limited


Golf Holidays Direct Limited


Dx Group


Owen Mumford


Juxt Limited


Afl Hyperscale (Subsidiary Of Nikkei Listed Fujikura)


Security Alliance Limited


Xps Pensions


Bartington Instruments


Sounds Like Publishing


Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club


Massive Music


Raw Energy


Ocean On Land


Work highlights


  • Advising the Tolkien Estate in connection with the repeated infringement of its intellectual property rights in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

SE-Solicitors

With a client roster which includes both high net worth individuals and multinational corporations, SE-Solicitors maintains a broad offering which covers commercial, property, insolvency and construction disputes, among other matters. Chris Ozimic, who leads the practice, joined from Hedges Law in January 2024 and brings with him particular expertise in commercial and residential property disputes. ‘Strategic thinker’ Anis Waiz is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Chris Ozimic


Other key lawyers:

Anis Waiz; Petra Van Dijk


Testimonials

‘Incredibly down to earth but disarmingly on top of the law and facts – they seem to have noticed everything about a case before it goes to counsel.’

‘Anis Waiz is one of the nicest men you could wish to meet, unless you are on the other side – but wastes no time or money on needless aggression.’

‘The team are very responsive to issues, they quickly understand a problem, and simplify it in the terms that a non-legal minded lay person can understand.’

‘They give advice that they believe is the best action to take, highlighting the up and downsides of choosing a particular course of action.’

‘They never cut corners on preparation and consider every angle and keep me as a client informed.’

‘Anis Waiz is a very intelligent person. He sees a way forward very quickly, discusses with absolute confidence what steps we should take to achieve a particular outcome.’

‘Anis is a very strategic thinker that delivers.’

‘Petra Van Dijk was thorough in her research and understanding of a niche subject in order to get the best result possible. Considered and covered all options, elaborating on the pros/cons of each.’

Work highlights