Geldards LLP > Nottingham, England > Firm Profile

Geldards LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Nottingham and Derby Tier 1

With a strong reputation in the automotive and sports sectors, the ‘heavyweight’ dispute resolution team at Geldards LLP handles complex litigation on behalf of a number of significant clients, appearing before all the various domestic courts. Jonathan Butler is a ‘stand out partner’ who heads the firm’s automotive sector, with particular expertise in freezing orders and injunction work. Andrea Clayton advises across a wide variety of industries, including IT, energy and property. Lloyd Smith joined the team in September 2022, having previously co-led the commercial litigation department at Knights plc.

Private client > Family Tier 1

Geldards LLP has ‘an exceptional team of lawyers, who can deliver excellent advice on a wide range of family issues’, focusing on medium to high net worth financial remedy cases, particularly those involving businesses, inherited assets, pre-nuptial deeds and same sex marriage and civil partnership breakdowns. Based in Derby, Fiona Apthorpe chairs the family law practice, which is strengthened by Claire Dean‘s expertise in financial remedy cases, children’s cases and those involving agricultural estates. For high net worth cases, Jane Cowley is the lead counsel. Highly recommended senior associates Natalie Haydon-Yeung, Janine Hobday and Kate Keenan are the other key figures.

Public sector Tier 1

Geldards LLP has a strong track record in handling complex and sensitive projects for public sector clients, including those that require collaborations with other public bodies or with the private sector. The team is frequently involved in major infrastructure and regeneration projects, as well as public procurement, subsidy control and data protection matters. The team has a strong reputation for acting on large scale and complex regeneration and infrastructure projects. Newly-promoted partner Clare Hardy advises on a range of governance, procurement and administrative law issues.  

Real estate > Commercial property: Nottingham and Derby Tier 1

The commercial property team at Geldards LLP specialises in residential and commercial development work, where they handle large and complex deals for some of the biggest clients in the market. Other key work streams are industrial and logistics matters, as well as work in the public, education, utilities and motor retail sectors. Managing partner Graham Banks leads the Derby team and specialises in operational property, property investment and planning and environment law. David Watson leads the Nottingham team with experience in in transactional commercial real estate work. Jamie Gordon is particularly active in the utilities sector, while ‘knowledgeable and committed’ Heather Dixon leads the team’s industrial and logistics work.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 1

Geldards LLP continues to be sought after in sponsorship, endorsement and licensing agreements within the football, rugby, tennis, golf and cricket sectors. The firm routinely acts for athletes on all of their commercial affairs and litigious matters against sporting governing bodies, such as most recently, successfully leading an appeal on behalf of an athlete against a notice issued by the US Anti-Doping Agency. Associate Rebecca Stojak has equine industry expertise, and supports Jamie Goldberg on all significant sport instructions.

Wales > Corporate and commercial Tier 1

Geldards LLP provides 'very responsive, efficient and great quality advice'  to a varied mix of domestic, UK-wide and international clients across a wide range of corporate and commercial work, including advice on M&A matters and assistance to businesses transitioning to employee ownership. 'At the top of his game', corporate head Andrew Morris takes the lead on many of the most significant mandates and has a strong reputation in the local market  as a result of his versatile practice that includes clients within the gaming, IT, healthcare and financial services sectors, among others. The 'exceptional' Alex Butler  has made a strong impression since joining over two years ago from an in-house position and has very effectively rebuilt the firm's venture capital and private equity credentials which took a slight hit at the beginning of 2021 following the departure of Geraint Tilsley. The 'approachable and very talented' Chris Williams leads a very strong commercial practice, which handles a myriad of commercial contracts work for private sector clients, as well as for central government and local authority clients.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation Tier 1

Leveraging its traditional public sector strength, as well as handling a substantial volume of work in the private sector, including for manufacturing, financial services and sports clients, Geldards LLP‘s ‘knowledgeable’ four-partner disputes team has visibility in many of the country’s highest-profile and high stakes matters. Team head Paul Hopkins embodies the firm’s versatility, being as adept at representing companies across contractual, shareholder and partnership disputes, as he is for the Welsh government and NHS in relation to, inter alia, competition law cases. Although he does handle some mainstream commercial litigation, Jonathan Griffiths‘ primary focus lies on public law disputes, including defending public bodies in procurement disputes and in judicial review proceedings. Other key partners include Michael Lindsey, who has deep experience in contentious IP matters, and the ‘personable and extremely practical’  Michael Evans, who continues to gain market visibility as a result of his general commercial litigation smarts and his skill at handling contentious insolvency matters.

Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 1

The 'responsive and friendly' team at Geldards LLP has longstanding sector expertise and remains at the top of the list for many major Wales-based charities seeking advice across the spectrum of their needs and compliance with legislation unique to their status. Team head Harriet Morgan is 'expert in governance regulations', which she implements to good effect on charities-related property matters. Senior associate Bethan Walsh provides 'clear and cogent advice' on charity mergers and formations which she is able to provide in the medium of Welsh, if necessary. Former team head Giselle Davies is also vastly experienced in the field and continues to handle some fee-earning work in her role as a consultant.  

Wales > Public sector Tier 1

Drawing upon a breadth of experience developed over many years acting for local authorities, central government and regulatory bodies, Geldards LLP can provide an ‘extremely knowledgeable, professional and very responsive’ service, which is considerate of the often unique challenges and expectations of clients in the space. As well as drawing upon a considerable amount of pure public law expertise, the team, which is headed by ‘amazing’ employment lawyer Helen Snow, operates in a multi-disciplinary fashion across many different practice groups. Construction partner Tony Norris has deep knowledge on contract drafting and framework agreements for central government and local authorities, including on key infrastructure projects, as well as in any subsequent arbitrations. On the planning front, ‘very good tactician’ Charles Felgate has a ‘meticulous eye for detail’ and provides ‘outstanding support’ to local councils and central government on contentious and non-contentious matters including as it relates to Compulsory Purchase Orders. For litigation, Jonathan Griffiths is particularly adept at representing public sector clients, including in the defence of public procurement challenges.

Real estate > Construction Tier 1

The 'very approachable' team at Geldards LLP has an excellent reputation in the Welsh market and beyond, as a result of its 'strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills'. The success of the team is firmly centred around team head Tony Norris, whose contractual drafting capabilities and knowledge of the sector is such that the framework agreements that he has drafted, including for Carmarthenshire County Council, have become the industry standard and are used in relation to the majority of local authority and police capital projects in the South West of Wales. Norris is also recognised as 'outstanding construction litigator', which manifests itself not only in the context of risk management in contract drafting but also in any attendant disputes which may arise. Senior associate Claire Laviers is also a key resource to clients on transactional construction matters, in light of her  contract drafting and negotiation expertise.

Real estate > Planning and environment Tier 1

‘Equally competent in both Welsh and English planning’ matters, both from an advisory and contentious perspective, the ‘very knowledgeable and customer focused’ team at Geldards LLP provides a ‘versatile service’ for public and private sector clients. ‘Outstanding’ team head Charles Felgate is ‘a very commercial and astute tactician’, ensuring that he is a popular choice among clients, including local authorities, on their highest-profile mandates, including as it relates to compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) and Section 106 agreements. ‘Outstanding’ senior associate Tomos Phillips is ‘a wise head on young shoulders’, providing a very effective advice across a range of matters, including for both local authorities and objectors on CPO mandates, particularly in relation to highway schemes.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 1

The ‘talented’ team at Geldards LLP can access ‘wide and in-depth knowledge in their subject matter’, ensuring that public and private sector clients receive ‘an exceptional service and results’, irrespective of the nature of the dispute. ‘Very knowledgeable’ team head Ed Meggitt displays a ‘sensible attitude and business-centric approach’, and continues to advise many high-profile clients with substantial property portfolios, including on dilapidation claims. In addition, he has ‘good knowledge of the water industry and its legal considerations’. Appreciated for her ability to ‘address the more esoteric points that sometimes arise – whilst maintaining sound judgement and a clear and commercially driven approach’, Nicola Lawrence is also recommended. At a senior associate level, Llinos Davies  ‘provides excellent service with an excellent balance of pragmatism and determination’, including for retail clients.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 1

Geldards LLP's balanced practice represents private and public sector clients across non-contentious and contentious IP matters relating to trade marks, copyright, design rights and patents. Vastly experienced team head Michael Lindsey continues to protect and litigate the IPR of numerous well-known companies/brands, including as it relates to their trade marks. Senior associate Gosia Evans leverages her broader commercial litigation smarts to good effect for clients (including those within the digital space) engaged in IP infringement matters, as well as ownership and licensing disputes. On the non-contentious front, Chris Williams regularly advises clients on IP commercialisation strategies as a function of his role as head of commercial law, while Justin Harrington is particularly adept at advising on fintech/insurtech-related matters.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 1

Led by the 'extremely knowledgeable' Justin Harrington, Geldards LLP has successfully developed a market-leading reputation advising clients on high-profile and complex IT-related commercial and procurement matters. Much of this work has a significant regulatory component, be it in relation to fintech mandates governed by FCA regulations or for public sector clients complying with Public Sector Regulations. Many of the mandates also include aspects of "big data", and the team members are all well-equipped to advise on attendant data protection issues.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Nottingham and Derby Tier 2

Noted for its expertise in private equity transactions, Geldards LLP‘s team, under the leadership of Debra Martin, advises several investee companies on investments from business angels and institutional investors. The practice also continues to develop its healthcare and rail M&A offering, handling new acquisition and disposal instructions from regional start-ups and others. Peter Seary has developed a notable practice in transactions and commercial agreements in the food and drink, manufacturing and pharmaceutical sectors. Head of the commercial department Jamie Goldberg and corporate partner Paul Feenan are also noted.

Finance > Banking and finance Tier 2

Jenny Chatten leads Geldards’ banking team in the Midlands, acting for high street banks, private lenders and public authorities, as well as borrowers on refinancings and MBOs. As part of the German desk offering, Chatten also supports German law firms with English banking and finance advice. David Watson is highly experienced in financing in the development, retail and healthcare sectors.

Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 2

Nino Simone leads the ‘exceptional‘ insolvency team at Geldards LLP, which counts several regional and national insolvency practitioners, directors, creditors, financial institutions and public authorities among its active clients. As head of the dispute resolution team, Simone specialises in complex insolvency litigation. On the advisory side, Ruth Thurland is experienced in advising financial institutions (particularly in Germany) in relation to UK insolvency issues, cross-border insolvency and company director disqualification, and regularly advises retail landlord clients in relation to tenant CVAs.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 2

Geldards LLP‘s key partners, Erica Thomson and Jaclyn Barnes maintain a strong track record assisting entrepreneurs and high-net-worth families in wealth preservation, succession planning, trusts and estate administration. Working alongside its corporate, commercial, agricultural, property and family teams, the duo handle all facets of private client matters. Thomson and Barnes are particularly skilled in lifetime tax and estate planning and on the administration of complex probates.

Real estate > Construction Tier 2

The infrastructure & construction team at Geldards LLP is best known for its work advising national contractors on industrial and logistic matters, as well as regeneration projects and energy-to-waste projects. The team also contains experts in complex dispute resolution, including litigation, arbitration and adjudication. Practice head Chris Hawrylak is ‘an exceptional lawyer’ who leads the firm’s projects work.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 2

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 2

Known for its work in the sport, media and entertainment sectors, Geldards LLP has a non-contentious focus, advising on sponsorship, licencing and social media ambassador agreements. The team also provides registration services for trade marks and more complex matters such as the acquisition or transfer of trade marks out of insolvency. With a background in sports, Jamie Goldberg works with high-profile athletes on image rights licences and related intellectual property commercialisation issues.

Public sector > Education: individuals Tier 2

Geldards LLP‘s team is active across a wide range of mandates related to education and social care and is instructed by parents and young people to represent them in SEND Tribunal claims in both England and Wales. Led by disability law specialist Adam Friel, the team regularly acts in contested hearings related to education other than at school packages, independent school placements, school exclusions, and EHC plan applications. Kevin McManamon is the team’s key contact for cases that require appearances before the Welsh SEND Tribunal and has regularly acted against Welsh local authorities in cases with complex safeguarding elements. Salise Dourmoush is also highly recommended for her advice on school placements and disability discrimination claims.

Employment Tier 2

Informed by ‘a clear understanding of the public sector’, as well as acting for a robust portfolio of private sector companies – including a growing number of financial services clients – the ‘experienced and highly knowledgeable’ team at Geldards LLP provides a versatile offering that is underscored by a deeply rooted commercial perspective, as well as a core understanding of the underlying law. ‘Highly intelligent and astute’ team head Lowri Phillips is ‘practical in outlook and approach’, skills which she deploys effectively in an advisory context as well as in litigation, particularly as it relates to equal pay and whistleblowing cases. Joga Singh is ‘exceptionally robust in his advice’ on standalone employment issues, including workplace disputes and restructuring exercises, as well as in a corporate support setting.

Finance > Banking and finance Tier 2

Insurance > Clinical negligence: claimant Tier 2

The ‘strong negligence‘ team at Geldards LLP handles work on a national basis for clients who have suffered a myriad injuries, and as well as achieving excellent results in trial or settlement, it is also effectively able to leverage resources within the firm’s private client to advise on compensation protections trusts and probate issues. ‘Hugely experienced’ team head Spencer Collier ‘regularly undertakes complex and high-value claims’, including on maximum severity brain and spinal injury cases, amputations, and proceedings involving the late and delayed diagnosis of cancer. Senior associate Rachel Kirby is ‘caring and compassionate to injured clients but robust in negotiations with defendants’, ensuring that she is a popular choice to take the lead on complicated and emotionally fraught cases, including as it relates to gynaecological and birth injury claims.

Insurance > Personal injury: defendant Tier 2

The ‘knowledgeable, friendly and professional’ team at Geldards LLP excels in handling employer and public liability defence work for clients that operate insurance captives or self-insure. ‘Technically very able’ team head Donna Makin delivers ‘well thought out and sound advice’, including in the context of industrial disease claims, as well as in relation to the management of large corporate liability portfolios.

Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 2

Led by Laura Alliss, Geldards LLP continues to gain market traction and regularly receives standalone mandates direct from clients, as well as in a referral capacity, in addition to receiving a regular pipeline of work as a corollary of the firm’s overarching private client department. Allis, who is an 'effective and diligent lawyer', has expertise across the gamut of litigation in the space, including on proprietary estoppel, undue influence and legacy disputes, where she is effectively able to leverage the expertise of the firm’s market-leading charities practice.

Private client > Family Tier 2

Although it has a relatively small offering compared to some of its peers, Geldards LLP‘s Cardiff-based team punches above its weight, in part by virtue of its ability to leverage complementary areas across the firm’s full-service offering, including private client, tax and property. The team is headed by Fiona Apthorpe.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 2

Led on the wealth planning front by Anne Taylor and for trusts and estate administration work by Gillian Crouch, the ‘technically excellent’ team at Geldards LLP provides a comprehensive offering to a varied mix of clients, both on a standalone basis, as well as work which is sourced from professional referrals both inside and outside of Wales. A significant proportion of instructions flow from high-net-worth individuals, including local business owners seeking effective succession planning, as well as newly wealthy individuals as a result of the firm’s panel appointment to the operator of the UK national lottery Camelot. On the probate/administration side, the firm generates a significant amount of work from its extensive will bank as well as in a referral capacity, including from other solicitors. Senior associate Andrew Jones, who joined the firm from Hugh James in November 2021, is also recommended, and has a particular specialisation in the affairs of clients with overseas aspects to their estates.

Real estate > Commercial property Tier 2

Led by Susanne Bradley, Geldards LLP provides ‘a high level of expertise’ for a balanced mix of private, public and third sector clients across the panoply of their commercial property requirements. Always seeking ‘to find solutions to problems as well as anticipating issues that might arise’, Adam Thomas continues to grow his reputation in the market for investors and end-users on the private sector front, and alongside Ioan Owen is at the forefront of the firm’s impressive retail portfolio offering. Harriet Morgan is ‘extremely knowledgeable’ about the property concerns of charitable organisations and housing associations, as is the ‘extremely capable’ Liz Ganderton.

Real estate > Social housing Tier 2

Led by Susanne Bradley, the multidisciplinary team at Geldards LLP provides a 'professional and responsive' service to a sizeable roster of Wales-based housing associations across a broad swathe of their legal requirements, including as it relates to property, construction employment and commercial contracts. Harriet Morgan is able to leverage her broader charities law advice, ensuring that she is well-placed to advise on governance matters and charity specific legislation, including in the context of property development advice.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 2

Geldards LLP's multidisciplinary sports team advises governing bodies and sports clubs across a myriad contentious and non-contentious matters. Team head Paul Hopkins has vast experience at representing sports clients in litigation and is also a director of the firm's wholly-owned subsidiary, EngageSport, a sports management company specialising in sports business solutions and management to brands, rights holders and professional athletes. Senior associate Bethan Walsh leverages her charity sector expertise to good effect on behalf of sports organisations on governance and constitutional issues.

Employment Tier 3

Geldards LLP‘s employment offering is led by senior associate Rachel Mills, who manages a busy advisory and contentious caseload, covering TUPE, investigations, disciplinary and grievance processes, and representing respondents in tribunal claims. She is also frequently instructed on exit packages for senior executives, and acts on behalf of religious institutions and charities on all aspects of employment law, including discrimination based on religion.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 3

Derby based head of IT, Jamie Goldberg at Geldards LLP has carved out a reputation working with media and tech clients, as well as IT-adjacent sectors businesses, on IT and commercial agreements. Senior associate Saima Shabir supports clients on various aspects of contractual, licensing and data protection work.

Wales > Employment > Employment