Hall Of Fame

Commercial litigation: Birmingham in West Midlands

DLA Piper

In Birmingham, DLA Piper has a ‘formidable commercial practice with a global reach’, and is commended for ‘dealing with difficult cases for difficult clients’. The litigation practice excels at cross-border work, with an increasing focus on international arbitrations. Clients instructing the team include the Department of Health and Social Care, who it advised on the defence of a judicial review commenced by the Good Law Project regarding contracts for antibody tests in a matter that attracted vast media attention. Nick Bamford ‘leads the Birmingham Commercial practice with real aplomb’, and he has extensive experience in high-value High Court litigation and arbitrations. Neil Bowker acts as the national head of the firm’s UK litigation group, with experience handling complex domestic and cross-border disputes. The ‘very bright and creative’ Phillip Kelly is a key name, as is ‘extremely tenacious’ senior associate Laura Moorcroft.

Practice head(s):

Nick Bamford


Other key lawyers:

Neil Bowker; Phillip Kelly; Laura Moorcroft


Testimonials

‘Phillip Kelly is insightful, imaginative in relation to legal arguments, but also realistic about the traction those arguments were likely to achieve in the trial.’

‘The fact that DLA in Birmingham provide a service to clients that rivals top firms in the City of London is impressive.’

‘Nick Bamford is an outstanding team leader; always willing to go the extra yard for his clients. Phillip Kelly is very bright and creative. Laura Moorcroft is extremely tenancious; a real fighter.’

‘A formidable commercial practice with a global reach – they excel at dealing with difficult cases for difficult clients.’

‘Nick Bamford leads the Birmingham Commercial practice with real aplomb.’

‘London-levels of knowledge, ability and work-ethic, but with the advantages of a regional office. The team has an interesting mixture of high-tech clients and really seems to understand their clients’ businesses.’

‘Phillip Kelly is very easy to work with and is brilliant at managing complex commercial litigation.’

Key clients

IHG Hotels Limited


Intercontinental Hotels Group Plc


Department of Health and Social Care


Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office


HSBC UK Bank PLC


Marriott Hotels International Limited


Westland Horticulture Limited


Dignity Funerals Limited


Portaltech Reply Limited


Vinler International Limited


Assa Abloy Limited


Avison Young – UK, LLP


Lotus Bakeries Corporate NV


Cycas Hospitality BV


Tower Supplies


Reckitt Benckiser Health Limited


Harworth Estates (Waverley Prince) Limited


NHS Digital


Compass PLC


Pegasystems


Darwin Group


Work highlights


  • Acting for Portaltech in pursuing a claim for the recovery of fees due from the supermarket chain, Iceland.
  • Advising DHSC on the successful defence of high-profile judicial review proceedings commenced by the Good Law Project relating to antibody testing contracts.
  • Representing Marriott in obtaining an injection in December 2020 following an urgent and life-threatening situation.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

The team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has expertise across the automotive, aerospace, industrial engineering, technology, and energy sectors, including in climate change and greenwashing-related matters. Corporate disputes and civil fraud are also both mainstays of the firm. Heavyweight commercial litigators Rich Lloyd and Adam Fisher lead the team, alongside head of the firm’s inquiries and investigations practice, Sarah Jones and Louise Howarth. Principal associate Ridah Iqbal specialises in technology and outsourcing disputes, with senior associate Victoria Callicott focusing on fraud litigation.

Practice head(s):

Adam Fisher; Rich Lloyd; Sarah Jones; Louise Howarth


Other key lawyers:

Ridah Iqbal


Key clients

SEGRO plc


Cadent Gas


Vestey Foods


Redbrain


Ecclesiastical Insurance Office Plc


The Haemophilia Society


Telford & Wrekin Council


Work highlights


Fieldfisher LLP

Richard Waugh leads the widely lauded practice at Fieldfisher LLP, which frequently acts for high-profile international clients across a range of industries. The team’s expertise spans the manufacturing, engineering, IT, and energy sectors, with individuals in the practice also skilled in competition law and public procurement work. The practice is highly skilled at energy pricing disputes, with team head Waugh particularly knowledgeable in this area. Key to the team is Adam Sturt, with vast expertise across fraud and shareholder disputes. Also noted is Stephen May, a practitioner who is particularly skilled in commercial disputes with regulatory or public law issues, and Ann Benzimra, with sector expertise across IT, manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure. Zaakira Allana is key to the practice, with vast expertise in litigation with cross-jurisdictional elements.

Practice head(s):

Richard Waugh


Other key lawyers:

Adam Sturt; Stephen May; Ann Benzimra; Zaakira Allana


Work highlights


Gowling WLG

Gowling WLG's commercial litigation capabilities extend across the firm’s offices in Birmingham and London, with the two working closely together to service clients in commercial disputes. Sector expertise of the team lies in automotive, aerospace, government, life sciences, retail, energy, tech, and litigation finance, with the core group working closely with other sector teams to deliver a cohesive approach. Andrew Litchfield is the head of the group, with Andrew Smith, Patrick Arben, and Helen Davenport all key figures in the team.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Litchfield


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Smith; Patrick Arben; Helen Davenport; Emma Carr; Sean Adams


Testimonials

‘One of the strongest commercial litigation teams in Birmingham. They win excellent quality work and deliver it to a very high level.’

‘Andrew Smith is a first-class lawyer. He is who I would want representing me if I had a commercial dispute.’

‘Sean Adams is excellent. He is bright, commercial and personable, all of which makes him a pleasure to work with.’

‘What particularly stands out about them is the excellence of their own substantive analysis; the thoroughly pleasant and cooperative way in which they work with counsel; and their absolute commitment to working with the client (and managing the client’s needs in a way that allows counsel to deliver the best result).’

‘Great firm  and great work. Pleasure to work with.’

‘The team is absolutely world-class, and belongs just as much in the very biggest ticket commercial litigation as smaller disputes.’

‘The best value representation I think can be obtained anywhere. Its particular strength is that many of its lawyers have cut their teeth on huge, important cases, and so are very experienced when tough issues arise.’

‘It is a very nice team full of charming individuals who are easy to deal with.’

Key clients

Alpha Whiskey Echo LLC


Aston Martin Lagonda


Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games


CPC Group


Financial Reporting Council


GKN


Halfords Autocentres Limited


HCC International Insurance Company PLC


Hyundai Motor UK


London Legacy Development Corporation & E20 Stadium LLP


M Group Holdings Limited


Midcounties Co-Operative Limited


Millbrook Healthcare Bidco Limited


Cairngorm Capital


National Car Parks


Sanctuary Housing


The Royal Parks


THG PLC


VRFB Holdings Limited


Weetabix


Work highlights


  • Advising the Organising Committee for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 on a number of disputes connected with the successful delivery of the Games.
  • Acting for London Legacy Development Corporation & E20 Stadium LLP in proceedings brought against their former legal advisors Allen & Overy LLP, and for M Group Holdings against their tax advisers in relation to advice connected with a business restructuring.
  • Acting for Millbrook Healthcare in relation to a breach of warranty claim under an SPA in a case that raises issues around the quantification of loss in this area.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP has a ‘highly experienced team for a regional office’ and is ‘involved in consistently massive litigation.’ International clients, including government agencies and UK government departments, regularly instruct the team. ‘Doyen of the local legal sceneJim Richards leads the team with vast expertise in high-value, international commercial disputes. ‘Thoughtful and experienced operatorAndrew Herring is a key member of the team.

Practice head(s):

Jim Richards


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Herring; Nicola Seymour; Jessica Meisel; Gary Coleman


Testimonials

‘There are many stand out qualities to this practice, but what is remarkable is their ability to collaborate and utilise existing legal remedies in new and innovative ways.’

‘It is a real pleasure working with Andrew Herring. His innovation and creativity to utilise existing legal remedies in unchartered territory has helped anti-fraud teams in local government up and down the country.’

‘The team is highly experienced for a regional office. It punches far above its peers and is comparable to a London city firm.’

Key clients

Skatteforvaltningen


University of Birmingham


E.ON A.G Group


Aldermore Bank Plc


Briggs Equipment UK Limited


ISS UK Limited


MML Capital Partners Limited


Allianz Holdings Plc


The Financial Times Limited


Jaguar Land Rover


Rolls-Royce PLC


Delphi Powertrain Poland Z.O.O.


Brent London Borough Council


The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea


The Secretary of State for Health & Social Care


Honda Motor Europe Limited


Work highlights


  • Defending The University of Birmingham against a claim brought by American company Exelogen for breach of an option agreement to exclusively negotiate a licence to develop a drug in the pharmaceutical market, breach of confidence, and vicarious liability for claims against an employee of the University in procuring the breach of the option agreement.
  • Advised the Secretary of State for Health & Social Care in a high-profile judicial review brought by activists at All the Citizens relating to allegations of forced labour and modern slavery in the supply of surgical and medical rubber gloves to the NHS.
  • Acted for Aldermore Bank plc in its successful appeal against a finding by the trial judge that it had forged a signature on a personal guarantee.

DWF

DWF has a ‘very client-focused, practical, expert, and hard-working commercial litigation team’ that is ‘dedicated to getting their clients the best results’. The practice primarily acts for clients in the technology, financial services, and retail sectors, with further expertise in international banking, international fraud, and tax litigation. ‘Excellent litigator’ Andrew Leach is the head of the team and Darren Kenny, global head of risk and excellence, also plays a key role, with specialisms in cross-border disputes, commercial fraud, and tech-related disputes. Senior associate Matthew Goodwin's practice focuses on financial services and tax related disputes, as well as software licensing and professional negligence litigation.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Leach


Other key lawyers:

Darren Kenny; Ben Griffin; Peter Photiou; Martha Allen; Matthew Goodwin


Testimonials

‘A very client-focused, practical, expert, and hard-working commercial litigation team.’

‘Andrew Leach and Ben Griffin are excellent litigators, dedicated to getting their clients the best results, whether through negotiation or in court.’

‘Very experienced in commercial agency law and noticeably ahead of most other firms. Their anticipation of defendants actions is first rate and dictates the direction the case will take, cutting off options and forcing the other party into the position you wish them to take.’

Key clients

British Telecommunications Plc


Ramu and Palani Ramasamy


Emirates NBD Bank


London Luton| Hotels BPRA


Lutz Assekuranz Versicherungsvermittlung


Severn Trent Water


Morrisons


Currys


Cornwall Council


John Lewis


Work highlights


  • Acting for Emirates NBD Bank on enforcing a Dubai judgment for £69m.
  • Representing an insurance broker in a ground-breaking Supreme Court case considering where liability for excise duty lies, with potentially significant repercussions for the insurance industry.
  • Acting for Severn Trent in Judicial Review proceedings regarding the legality of third-party deductions made to social security benefits in relation to water arrears.

Freeths LLP

The commercial litigation practice at Freeths LLP consists of a ‘high proportion of really effective lawyers with a commercial approach,’ who are ‘agile, pragmatic litigators’. The firm utilises the Baker Tilly International Network to collaborate with legal, auditing, and advisory companies to provide an integrated approach for its clients. Head of the team Richard Coates is commended for being a ‘excellent litigator with a great eye for client care’ and he is supported by the ‘extremely effectiveLouise Wilson is integral to the group, regularly leading on matters for high-profile clients. Managing associate Josh Middleton is another name of note.

Practice head(s):

Richard Coates


Other key lawyers:

Louise Wilson; Josh Middleton; Michael Hoskins


Testimonials

‘Freeths has a high proportion of really effective lawyers with a commercial approach to getting to the right result. Highly recommended.’

‘Louise Wilson has an extraordinary ability to get to the core of a matter right away, with an analytical approach which leads to direct and clear advice. Louise is extremely effective and gets results.’

‘Josh Middleton is an associate whose abilities are far greater than his years. He is sensible, commercial, and proactive.’

‘Agile, pragmatic litigators who also bring a personal touch. Strong at managing group litigation and keeping everyone on side.’

‘Richard Coates is excellent at developing relationships with clients and has strong commercial instincts.’

‘Michael Hoskins has a thorough grasp of the detail and the legal issues and is quick to identify and articulate avenues of argument and potential pitfalls and to provide clear analysis and advice.’

‘Josh Middleton has a good eye for detail on the law and in the evidence, both in terms of adding value with good points and spotting where the issues may lie. He is commercial and understands how the court may approach things, whilst still fighting for the result that his client seeks.’

‘High technical knowledge, fantastically personable to work with, they always make themselves available, they are proactive, and they have a very impressive client base who use them for everything.’

Key clients

Aldi Stores Limited


AP Racing Limited


Eurocell PLC


Hi55 Ventures Limited


Inchcape Retail Limited


Lancaster PLC


Lookers Motor Group Limited


Mackie Motors (Brechin) Limited


Michelin Tyre PLC


Motorpoint Limited


Porcelanosa Group


Tarmac


The National Exhibition Centre Limited


The Route – Finance


Travis Perkins PLC


Work highlights


  • Representing the National Exhibition Centre in its defence of claims arising from the cancellation of an event in June 2020.
  • Acting for a number of clients in the retail and automotive sectors in a claim against Visa under the Merchant Interchange Fee Umbrella Proceedings.
  • Representing Mackie Motors in a Court of Appeal case.

Mills & Reeve LLP

The commercial litigation team in Mills & Reeve LLP‘s Birmingham office ‘continues to provide an excellent standard of service in the area of commercial disputes’ and is commended for being ‘extremely knowledgeable and great to work with.’ The team frequently acts on high-value cross-jurisdictional work, and has a specialised international arbitration practice. Key figures include the ‘outstanding’ Phil Hutchinson and ‘exceptional’ Preena Lal. Former practice head Steve Allen  left the firm in May 2023.

Practice head(s):

Steve Allen


Other key lawyers:

Phil Hutchinson; Preena Lal


Testimonials

‘Extremely knowledgeable and great to work with. Always do an excellent job in an efficient manner.’

‘Phil Hutchinson is an outstanding senior associate. Great with clients, excellent industry knowledge, and very hard-working.’

‘Mills & Reeve’s Birmingham office continues to provide an excellent standard of service in the area of commercial disputes. The Birmingham practice punches well above its weight in terms of the size of disputes it manages, including claims in the Commercial Court and in international arbitration.’

‘The staffing for cases is always appropriately tailored to the needs of the client and with cost considerations in mind, making appropriate use of technology. This is made possible by the very high quality of the fee earners, with senior associates often operating at the level of partners.’

‘The fee earners are always very on top of their cases and think strategically and creatively about how best to resolve them. The associates know their cases inside out but never lose sight of the wood for the trees. Preena Lal is an exceptional Senior Associate with a bright future ahead of her and really goes the extra mile for her clients.’

‘Clients receive excellent support from the team and the advice given is clear and concise, which makes it far easier for clients to make decisions.’

‘The knowledge throughout the team is excellent and their manner and approach to a difficult litigation situation is second-to-none.’

Key clients

CIPLA


Jaguar Land Rover


Odeon Cinemas


Triumph Motorcycles


Essentra Packaging & Security


Imecon Engineering S.R.L


Horiba Mira


GSF Group


Bosch


SilverRail Technologies UK


Work highlights


Shoosmiths LLP

The team at Shoosmiths LLP provides ‘full coverage of all business areas, but with a really personal feel, and a commercial outlook’. Particular strengths of the group lie in the financial services, technology, automotive, and retail sectors. ‘Knowledgable and tenacious’ Alex Bishop leads the group and he also acts as co-head of the firm’s Birmingham office. Roger Potgieter is a key name in the practice, as is Mark Elder, noted for representing high net-worth individuals in a high-profile phone-hacking scandal. Senior associate Jordan Bray is recognised for his ‘wealth of knowledge and experience’.

Practice head(s):

Alex Bishop


Other key lawyers:

Roger Potgieter; Mark Elder; Jordan Bray; Sylwena Sempa


Testimonials

‘Full coverage of all business areas, but with a really personal feel, and a commercial outlook.’

‘Alex Bishop is clever, commercial, decisive, and practical, and Sylwena Sempa is very responsive and quick.’

‘Alex Bishop is marvellous and a total joy to work with! She’s built the Shoosmiths litigation department into one of the top litigation teams that is more than capable of playing in the big league. She is immensely able, enormously hard-working and driven, always focussed on getting the client the best possible result, and will leave no stone unturned.’

‘Alex Bishop is knowledgeable and tenacious.’

‘One of the most hard-working teams I have come across. They are not afraid to burn the midnight oil where a case requires extra attention.’

‘Roger Potgieter really knows his stuff and is keen to assist with all aspects of the case; he is very generous with his expertise.’

Jordon Bray is always available to discuss knotty issues and bounce ideas off. He cannot do enough for the client and the cases he is running. Calm under pressure and very personable, he is a joy to work with.’ 

‘Roger Potgieter is approachable, determined, knowledgable, and tenacious, while Jordon Bray has a wealth of knowledge and experience, and a very good grasp of the minutiae of his cases.’

Key clients

Ecolab Limited


Next plc


W M Morrison Supermarkets Limited


Travelodge Plc


Electrolux Plc


Simply Asset Finance


Work highlights


  • Acting for Ecolab in defending a claim for £12.8m for alleged breach of contract and negligence.
  • Acting for various banks and leasing companies in relation to £282m fraud which has impacted much of the UK industry.
  • Defending various banks and lenders in de-facto class actions regarding alleged mis-selling of products by way of regulated loan agreements.

Squire Patton Boggs

Squire Patton Boggs‘s practice ‘provides a high level of service across not just the UK but further afield’, with the firm’s global platform enabling the team to work on cross-jurisdictional matters efficiently. Supply chain issues are a strength of the firm across all sectors, as are IT and technology disputes and defamation-related matters. Simon Garbett leads the Birmingham-based team, with director Ian Skinner assisting in its management and supervision. ‘Diligent, delightful to work with, and very well-respected’ senior associate Mariyam Harunah specialises in defamation and reputation management.

Practice head(s):

Simon Garbett


Other key lawyers:

Mariyum Harunah; Victoria Leigh


Testimonials

‘The whole team works tirelessly to ensure that they fully understood the nuances of their case. I felt reassured that there was nothing that they did not fully grasp by the time my issue was resolved. This gave me immense confidence that I was getting the best possible advice which ultimately lead to the best possible outcome.’

‘Mariyam Harunah is beyond exceptional. Once you initially brief her on the matter, she fully grasps every aspect of the case. She is incredibly committed to getting a positive result.’

‘Victoria Leigh is one of the best pensions partners currently practicing with very strong legal knowledge and excellent litigation instincts. Mariyam Harunah is a real up-and-coming star. Very bright, engaged, and a total pleasure to work with.’

‘A strong team which collaborates well with its other offices and provides a high level of service across not just the UK but further afield.’

‘Mariyam Harunah is a rising star in Birmingham; she is diligent, delightful to work with, and very well-respected by her peers and seniors.’

Key clients

Rebound Group


Newell


Humberclyde


Work highlights


  • Acting for a client in a supply chain dispute to recover the amounts paid to a supplier for electronic components that were subsequently discovered to be defective and were rejected by the client’s customer following resale.
  • Acting for a representative member of the Parker and Sanford section of the Newell Rubbermaid UK Pension Scheme in a claim brought by the trustee seeking clarification from the court as to member benefit entitlements.
  • Advised a representative member of the Humberclyde Pension Scheme in an application to correct errors relating to an accrual rate contained in a Deed of Amendment used to calculate pension benefits payable to members.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP

The ‘extremely responsive and helpful’ team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP acts for clients in high-value, complex litigation, handling civil fraud and cyber-related issues, corporate and commercial disputes, group actions, and contentious trusts and probate-linked disputes. ‘Deep thinker’ Helen Briant leads the department, which is also home to ‘stand-out commercial litigation lawyer’ Jamie De Souza, who was promoted to the partnership in July 2022, ‘outstandingLucy James, Harriet Heber, and senior associate Elizabeth Mulley.

Practice head(s):

Helen Briant


Other key lawyers:

Jamie De Souza; Elizabeth Mulley; Lucy James; Emily Sharples; Rachel Storey; Harriet Heber; Amy Rose Warman


Testimonials

‘Lucy James, Elizabeth Mulley, and Harriet Heber are outstanding.’

Jamie de Souza is a stand-out commercial litigation lawyer and Emily Sharples is a rising star.’

‘Trowers & Hamlins is an international law firm and is therefore able to provide the resources required to service major cases. The firm has an excellent reputation for delivering a high-quality service.’

‘Jamie de Souza has the winning combination of being an excellent technical lawyer and having great people skills in dealing with opponents. He is always calm under pressure.’

‘Jamie De Souza has gone from strength to strength since becoming a partner. He attracts good quality work in a variety of sectors. He is extremely knowledgeable and easy to work with.’

‘Jamie De Souza is a very clever, very commercial, and very personable partner.’

‘Helen Briant is a deep thinker and has a strategy for every occasion. Emily Sharples continues to be a rising star, a strong work ethic always with an eye on pragmatism.’

‘From the outset, Helen Briant has a clear plan of what legal steps need to be taken, what the clients’ commercial goals are, what the risks and costs are, and the emotional and financial hardships the clients may face. She has impressively well-resourced and manages complex cases in circumstances that are not straightforward.’

Key clients

Project Abacus


Andrew Bridgen


Kevin Dodson


David Popeck


Caramel Sales Limited


Advanced Multi-Technology For Medical Industry


Birmingham City Council


Work highlights


  • Acting on behalf of approximately 450 investors regarding a potentially multi-million-pound fraudulent property scheme, which has included obtaining and maintaining a worldwide freezing order.
  • Acting on behalf of an international manufacturer of face masks in an approximately £36m contract dispute relating to the manufacture and supply of face masks during the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Acting on behalf of various shareholders in 3 ongoing multi-million pound shareholder disputes in Birmingham and London.

Bevan Brittan LLP

The litigation practice at Bevan Brittan LLP is particularly strong in public service and infrastructure-related disputes, and its clients roster includes public sector bodies, pathology and diagnostics manufacturers, and household name energy and waste companies. Adam Kendall is the national head of the team and associate Emma Beynon frequently represents local authorities and healthcare bodies in complex disputes.

Practice head(s):

Adam Kendall


Other key lawyers:

Emma Beynon


Work highlights


Gateley Legal

Very strong on legal matters’, Neil Warner leads the team at Gateley Legal alongside Stephen Goodrham, which is active in representing clients across several sectors, with expertise in manufacturing, retail, charities, pensions, sport, and recruitment. The department also regularly co-ordinates with the firm's other offices in Leeds and London. Kate Canning is a senior associate to note.

Practice head(s):

Neil Warner; Stephen Goodrham


Other key lawyers:

Kate Canning


Testimonials

‘Since using the services of Gateley Legal, I have found their responsiveness to requests to be expeditious, with extensive knowledge of public procurement law. Their expert opinion is highly valued.’

‘Kate Canning has consistently offered a high level of support, understanding client requirements and being sensitive to timescales. Kate is responsive and very approachable.’

‘The team delivers practical and sensible advice and, in particular, their use of collaborative software helps in-house legal teams to review and submit large volumes of data, particularly in reference to due diligence and evidential tasks, with relative ease compared with standard processes.’

‘Strong commercial awareness and legal knowledge.’

‘Neil Warner is very strong on legal matters and is quick to grasp the commercial issues.’

‘The Gatelely Birmingham team appears to have a diverse and very inclusive policy for colleagues, which makes them a pleasure to work with. More than that, however, they seem to really care about the cases they work on, and always aim to get the absolute best for their clients.’

‘Neil Warner and Kate Canning are very responsive and they will move heaven and earth to get the right result for their clients.’

Work highlights


Shakespeare Martineau LLP

The ‘always strategic, efficient, and effective’ team at Shakespeare Martineau LLP has a ‘well-deserved reputation for doing a superb job in a thoroughly decent way’. Areas of focus for the group include shareholder disputes, warranty claims, contractual claims, data protection, and professional negligence. Barry Jervis leads the team and is commended for having the ‘right blend of pragmatism, bullishness, and decency’. Ben Humphreys is also key to the team and he is noted for his ‘fine intellect and sharp analysis.’ James Woolstenhulme is described by one client as ‘fearless’ and is particularly recommended for shareholder disputes, injunctions, and procurement issues.

Practice head(s):

Barry Jervis


Other key lawyers:

James Woolstenhulme; Ben Humphreys; Alex Ryan


Testimonials

‘Shakespeare Martineau handles commercial litigation in every sector with the highest professionalism and is always strategic, effective, and efficient.’

‘They have vast experience in a well-resourced and talented department. It is almost unheard of for there to be a substantial commercial dispute in Birmingham without the team acting for someone.’

‘James Woolstenhulme provides extremely savvy and tactically astute leadership, and Ben Humphreys and Alex Ryan are always responsive to clients’ needs.’

‘A tight and cohesive team who have a well-deserved reputation for doing a superb job in a thoroughly decent way. They have a stable and substantial client base who trust them implicitly, and they are fantastic to work with.’

‘Barry Jervis is a superstar partner who has the right blend of pragmatism, bullishness, and decency.’

‘Ben Humphreys has a fine intellect and sharp analysis.’

‘James Woolstenhulme is fearless; he takes a position and isn’t afraid to back it up.’

Key clients

Henkel


Hitachi Energy


Fan Tuan Holdings Ltd


Albert Ralph Coleman & Others


Sanman Property Management Ltd


TXM Projects Ltd


Alliance Surgical PLC


Alliance Medical Indemnity Ltd


Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems (UK) Ltd


Staffordshire University


Anglia Ruskin University


University of Cambridge


Work highlights


  • Advising Canadian-based Fan Tuan Holdings Ltd in relation to a complex multi-party claim for breach of contract worth in excess of $50m.
  • Acting for Alliance Surgical Plc & Alliance Medical Indemnity Limited in obtaining an urgent injunction against a former employee accused of stealing a customer database.
  • Acting for Sanman Property Management Limited in relation to a complex multi-party claim concerning the enforcement of the terms of profit sharing arrangement and loan agreement valued at over £20m.

Sydney Mitchell LLP

Personable and unflappable’ Dean Parnell leads the team at Sydney Mitchell LLP, which provides ‘honest, reliable, well-informed, unbeatable customer service' to its clients. The practice acts across a range of sectors, routinely advising clients on disputes related to insurance, insolvency, healthcare, and property. The team continues to grow, with the arrival of associate Ian Sheppard in March 2022 from RLK and Heleena Gandham from Thomas Horton LLP in August 2022.

Practice head(s):

Dean Parnell


Other key lawyers:

Ian Sheppard


Testimonials

Honest, reliable, well-informed, unbeatable customer service. I would always use Sydney Mitchell, I’ve never had bad service. The company is down-to-earth, and always ready to help in all circumstances. I can’t fault them.’

‘Dean Parnell is great to work with; an excellent tactician, personable and unflappable when the going gets tough.’

‘Close involvement of partners and practicality of approach.’

‘Dean Parnell is very well-known in the market. He is very commercial and gets great deals for his clients.’

Work highlights


  • Representing SWAP claim for a client against an international bank valued at £4m.
  • Representing two parties in a breach of contract and fiduciary duty.
  • Representing a client in a multi-million pound dispute involving allegations of fraud in connection with restructuring following the sale of a business

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

The team at Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP specialises in a broad range of disputes, including local government, housing, and health and social care-related mandates. Data protection disputes are also a key focus of the group. Ramjeet Kandola leads the practice, with vast commercial dispute and financial litigation experience, and senior associate Richard Burton is another name to note.

Practice head(s):

Ramjeet Kandola


Other key lawyers:

Richard Burton; Niamh Millross


Testimonials

‘The colleagues with whom I dealt from the most senior to trainees were competent, thorough, and helpful throughout.’

‘The individuals with whom I worked focused on our particular problems and sought ways, innovative at times, to explore and resolve the issues concerned. They had a corporate knowledge base and expertise which was most helpful.’

Key clients

Red Kite Community Housing Limited


Prospect Housing Ltd


Rotherham Borough Council


Cumbria County Council


Work highlights


  • Represented and advised Red Kite Community Housing Limited in a multi-million pound dispute arising from the disputed interpretation of indemnity and warranty clauses.
  • Advised and represented Prospect Housing Limited on a dispute worth over £1.3m in relation to alleged breach of contract.
  • Advised and represented Rotherham Borough Council in the Upper Tribunal in a precedent setting case relating to contempt proceedings under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Clarke Willmott LLP

The team at Clarke Willmott LLP ‘has a strong reputation in Birmingham for solid work in commercial litigation,’ with particular expertise in banking litigation. ‘Level-headed’ Peter Brewer sits at the helm of the team which, consists of ‘conscientious, smart, and astute' Richard Howell, and Paul Griffiths, who has expertise in professional negligence, financial services disputes, and commercial landlord and tenant disputes.

Practice head(s):

Peter Brewer


Other key lawyers:

Richard Howell; Paul Griffiths


Testimonials

‘Peter Brewer is level-headed and gives good, grounded advice.’

‘This practice has a strong reputation in Birmingham for solid work in commercial litigation and ensures that clients needs are met.’

‘Richard Howell is conscientious, smart, and astute to clients’ needs.’

Key clients

RJH Building Construction Limited


Andrew Smith Hughes


VLB Group


Luis Barros


Work highlights


  • Advised RJH Building Construction Limited on the process of suing an ex-employee regarding fraudulent activity engaged in during the defendant’s employment.
  • Advised Andrew Smith Hughes, VLB Group, and Luis Barros in a case involving allegations of abuses of confidential information.

The Wilkes Partnership

The Wilkes Partnership focuses on business-to-business disputes, acting on manufacturing and sale of good matters, as well as for individuals in director and shareholder disputes. Simon Thomas is the head of the team, specialising in commercial and business disputes. ‘Technically strong and commercially aware’ Gavin Evans is another name to note.

Practice head(s):

Simon Thomas


Other key lawyers:

Gavin Evans; Nigel Wood


Testimonials

‘Technically strong and very personable. Gives good practical commercial advice and experienced in large matters, but gives the same attention to small ones.’

‘Gavin Evans is technically strong and commercially aware, as well as very responsive and very knowledgeable on shareholder disputes.’

Key clients

Jewson


Saint Gobain Building Distribution


Work highlights