Gardner Leader LLP

With offices in Newbury, Thatcham, Maidenhead, Windsor, Swindon, Oxford and London, Gardner Leader is a leading regional law firm operating at the level of top City practices. Award-winning and widely trusted by businesses and high-net-worth individuals, the firm combines technical excellence with a commercial, partner-led approach, delivering clear, strategic advice and an exceptional client experience on every matter.

Established in 1895, the firm has grown to a team of over 200 professionals. Its lawyers are true specialists, bringing deep expertise within their respective fields. United by a client-first ethos, each team is focused on understanding what matters most and delivering results with precision, responsiveness and professionalism.

Main Practice Areas

Corporate and Commercial

Advising businesses at every stage of their lifecycle, the corporate and commercial team provides strategic, commercially focused guidance on a full range of matters. This includes mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring and reorganisation, lending and refinancing, and the negotiation of complex commercial contracts. The team combines technical excellence with a pragmatic approach, supporting clients in achieving their growth and operational objectives.

Commercial Real Estate 

The firm advises on the full spectrum of commercial real estate matters, acting for a diverse client base ranging from national organisations to independent businesses. The team has particular expertise in site acquisitions for development, investment transactions, refinancing and the acquisition and disposal of retail, office and industrial assets, delivering clear, commercially informed advice throughout the lifecycle of each asset.

Dispute Resolution

The dispute resolution team advises a broad spectrum of clients, from private individuals to large organisations, on complex and high-value disputes. Covering commercial litigation, property litigation, criminal law and private client disputes (including contentious probate matters), the team adopts a strategic and robust approach, focused on achieving efficient, commercially sound outcomes while minimising disruption.

Employment

Acting for both employers and individuals, the employment team delivers practical, solution-driven advice across the full range of workplace issues. This includes representation in Employment Tribunal proceedings, the negotiation of exits and settlement agreements, and day-to-day advisory support for employers on contracts, policies and HR processes, including redundancies, performance management and disciplinary matters.

Life Sciences

The firm advises clients across the life sciences sector on a range of legal and commercial matters. This includes corporate transactions such as acquisitions, disposals and investment, as well as intellectual property protection, dispute resolution and real estate requirements, including laboratory and manufacturing facilities. The team draws on experience gained from long-standing relationships within the sector, as well as prior in-house legal and commercial roles. Advice is grounded in a practical understanding of the industry and delivered in a clear, commercially focused manner.

Family

The family team provides clear, strategic advice on a wide range of sensitive and often complex matters. This includes pre-nuptial and cohabitation agreements, as well as cases involving substantial assets and international elements. Known for its pragmatic and tenacious approach, the team is focused on protecting clients’ interests while guiding them through challenging circumstances with clarity and confidence.

Wills, Probate and Estate Planning

The firm offers specialist advice on all aspects of private wealth planning and estate administration. This includes the preparation of wills, succession planning and advising executors and beneficiaries on the administration of estates. The team combines technical expertise with a sensitive, client-focused approach, ensuring clarity and confidence in what can often be complex and emotionally challenging situations.

Residential Property

The residential property team advises on all aspects of the conveyancing process, acting for a broad range of clients from first-time buyers to experienced investors. Focused on delivering a seamless and efficient service, the team ensures that transactions progress smoothly while proactively identifying and addressing potential issues. Their practical insight extends to educating clients on key considerations in the property market.