Woodfines LLP > Cambridge, England > Firm Profile

Woodfines LLP
Endurance House
Vision Park
Chivers Way, Histon
CB24 9ZR
England

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Cambridge Tier 2

The private client tram at Woodfines LLP is 'able to provide a genuinely personal feel to their services and they are highly reliable'. Lead partner Mikhala Leak 'sets an outstanding positive culture' in a practice that frequently handles high-value estate and succession planning for business owners and directors. Senior associate John Wright and 'approachable and easygoing' associate Thomas Hale are part of a large and highly regarded bench of junior lawyers.

Practice head(s):

Mikhala Leak

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘A genuinely lovely bunch of people who are very client- and solution-focused. Khala Leak sets an outstanding positive culture.’

‘Comprehensive and professional service with great feedback at all times. Management of client expectations across the business is outstanding.’

‘Thomas Hale is approachable with an easygoing, professional demeanour. He reverts quickly on enquiries and questions and is flexible with clients.’

‘The team is made up of people who are easy to get along with, making them easy to work alongside. They are also knowledgeable and work in a thorough and careful way.’

‘Khala Leak and Tom Hale are both good with client interactions, balancing the need to do things properly with putting things in language clients can understand and recognising the real world issues facing the clients.’

‘They have high levels of knowledge on their area of expertise. Whilst that may be expected it is of great reassurance as to their capability and, more importantly, they combine it with an approachability and communicativeness that ensures a client is always well informed. We have worked with Mikhala Leak for a number of years to really good effect for these reasons and have more recently also enjoyed similar levels of engagement and quality from Thomas Hale.’

Work highlights

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 2

Woodfines LLP fields a large team which provides support to business owners and directors on succession planning and high-value, complex estate planning. Agricultural matters are another core pillar of the group’s practice. The ‘very knowledgeable’ Mikhala Leak leads the team and is commended by some clients for her ‘commitment and drive to offer the best possible service’.

Practice head(s):

Mikhala Leak

Other key lawyers:

Jenny Teall; Helen Simpson

Testimonials

‘I always feel listened to my questions are treated with respect and answered with full explanations. I have always found that I’m offered a professional friendly service which I certainly appreciate.’

‘Recently my involvement has been with Ester. I have always found her to very professional, she has been the lead solicitor for my Trust. Her work has always been of the highest standard Ester has always provided excellent support giving explanations where and when required. Her understanding about some of my issues has been very helpful which I have found to be of great help during our discussions. Ester has been instrumental in restoring my confidence with managing my work within the Trust.’

‘My solicitor kept me well informed throughout my probate process. Was contactable throughout, and I felt that I was listened to, and given reassurance on aspects of my case, when I needed it.

‘Helen Simpson, as I have mentioned above provided a professional service. I felt she was very knowledgeable and put my mind at ease, when I had any doubts. Compared to other solicitors I have dealt with, she was readily contactable, and very efficient at getting back to me when I needed advice or progress reports. ’

‘I work collaboratively with Mikhala Leak (Partner) on many clients, and I always find that she deals with each issue thoroughly, leaving no loose edges. She is very knowledgeable, understands the issues, and ensures that the correct outcome is achieved. ’

‘Mikhala’s commitment and drive to offer the best possible service.’

‘Really friendly team and I love that they all seem to network in the town as I often see them at various events and they are always friendly and open to chatting. I have recommended them to several contacts and clients.’

‘Mikhala Leak is very knowledgeable and have helped several clients with complex trusts. She us very good at explaining matters in layman terms and helping clients navitgae through a tricky process.’

Work highlights

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Cambridge Tier 3

Woodfines LLP joins the ranking this year having developed a presence in the region for its corporate and commercial practice. Senior associate Gillian Harding works from the Cambridge office, having joined the firm in 2023 from Heckford Norton in Essex. The firm's 'competent and efficient' cross-office team, which is led by Maria Gallucci in Milton Keynes, focuses on advising SMEs, partnerships and private limited companies in key sectors such as transport, recruitment, professional service firms, manufacturing, green energy and agriculture. Harding specialises in the drafting of commercial contracts.

Practice head(s):

Maria Gallucci

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘I have dealt with Gillian Harding and found her to be both professional and knowledgeable. My queries have been answered quickly and with all required information. I have not had to follow up for further information.’

‘Each staff member is incredibly personable, supportive, understanding and empathetic.’

‘Woodfines provides a really personalised service, they are consistent when dealing with as you’ll always get the same solicitor and get to build a nice relationship with them.’

‘I’m currently working with Gillian Harding at Woodfines and couldn’t be more impressed with the service she’s providing me. She’s gone above and beyond to explain everything and smooth it all out while being super reassuring. Great value as well. Can’t thank her enough.’

‘Gillian Harding is a contract expert, attention to detail on every single word and fantastic communicator. She did her own research ahead of the call, was very good at estimating time and costs and delivered a legal product we are very please with.’

‘Good inter-disciplinary communication. Reliable access to whoever is working on our case. Good back-up if they’re busy. Quick response when they become free.’

‘Especially pleased with Gillian Harding on the commercial side for her ability to give an clear, instant, straight answer to the legal aspects of a situation. I feel very confident to follow her advice.’

Employment Tier 3

The Cambridge office of Woodfines LLP has a broad employment practice that supports both employers, among them SMEs and large international businesses, and employees in contentious matters in the High Court and Employment Tribunal, and in day-to-day business protection matters. Key partner Nick Sayer is highly regarded by both clients and peers, with one noting that ‘his knowledge in his field of expertise is unrivalled‘. He works closely with senior associate Michelle Bruce, who has notable expertise in discrimination law.

Practice head(s):

Nick Sayer

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Woodfines LLP are a great practice that have supported us on various business matters over the last 6 years. They have a large team and have specialists in all areas that you may need business support with. ’

‘The team at Woodfines LLP that have supported us over the years are amazing. Extremely knowledgable and professional, they are able to help us find a solution no matter the issue, and very efficient in their handling of any matters. Nick Sayer is one of the best solicitors that we have ever dealt with. His knowledge in his field of expertise is unrivalled and we would recommend their services to any business.’ 

Key clients

J W Suckling Transport Limited

Saffron Building Society

Work highlights

Employment > Health and safety Tier 3

Primarily dealing in private defence, the team at Woodfines LLP regularly represents both individuals and corporate bodies against prosecutions and regulatory action brought by the CPS, Trading Standards, Health and Safety Executive, and other enforcement agencies. The team is led by Mike Hayward in Milton Keynes, who has a wealth of experience dealing with workplace incidents and assisting clients facing public law challenges. Jane Anderson strengthens the firm’s capacity to advise on breaches of health and safety regulations.

Practice head(s):

Mike Hayward

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Woodfines have experience across the breadth of criminal law and regulatory matters. They have particular expertise in private prosecutions and DVLA matters. They provide an unparalleled level of service to their clients and are thorough in their reviews of unused material with targeted disclosure requests.’

‘Jane Anderson is an excellent solicitor who exudes confidence and has brilliant client care. Her case preparation is meticulous.’

Work highlights

Real estate > Commercial property: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 3

Woodfines LLP‘s commercial property department acts for key clients across a broad array of industry sectors on a full suite of complex work matters, including residential and commercial development, planning promotion agreements, planning matters, and landlord and tenant work, among many others. Head of department Suzanna Stephenson provides advice on a range of corporate financings, landlord and tenant matters, acquisitions, disposals, corporate support and development work. Charlotte Benjamin  has over 20 years' experience in the space acting for individuals, corporate clients and lenders.

Practice head(s):

Suzanna Stephenson

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Friendly and supportive nature, giving you confidence that the advise given has clarity so the right decision is made. ’

‘Attention to Detail. We seem to present our fair share of complex transaction which need at times innovative solutions which is something we get from Woodfines. ’

‘Charlotte Benjamin works extremely hard to get the deals over the line.’

‘The provide a wealth of expertise for the local and regional commercial property market which is important in any property transaction.’

‘Suzanne Stephenson, Charlotte Benjamin have always provided us with a service which makes us comfortable when making recommendations to parties needing legal advice in the commercial sector.’

 

Key clients

Sceptre Education Trust

Geodis United Kingdom Limited

Geodis Contract Logistics Limited

Linkline Transport Limited

Continental Landscapes Limited

SDC (Builders) Limited

W. Jordan & Son (Holdings) Limited

Steadfast Roofing Merchants Limited

ATL Haulage Contractors Limited

Chartered Institute of Legal Executives

Cedartech Limited

BHCF2 Limited (Breedon)

Work highlights

Woodfines is a highly respected full-service firm delivering solutions to business and and personal clients alike. As a firm, we pride ourselves on our approachable attitude, giving attention to detail and providing informed, pragmatic and clear legal advice.

The firm: we are well established in the Oxford – Cambridge growth corridor, having grown to 20 partners and employing 120 team members who work across our offices in a hybrid and collaborative way. With offices in Bedford, Cambridge and Milton Keynes, we are proud to work in the heart of our communities to deliver solutions to our clients’ legal problems.

The firm’s client base ranges from large organisations and PLCs, to independent owner-managed businesses and high-net-worth private clients.

Woodfines is known nationally for its expertise in transport law, and has a number of highly regarded specialist teams operating in corporate and commercial, litigation, real estate, agriculture, employment, private client, and crime and regulatory fields.

Types of work undertaken
Corporate and commercial: our team offers legal advice to all business types from owner-managed businesses to large organisations and PLCs. Our solicitors have specialist experience in serving organisations across a wide range of sectors including transport, recruitment, green energy and agriculture. We combine our corporate expertise with a gained knowledge of our client’s business to deliver strategic and pragmatic legal advice. We believe in creating partnerships, taking time to understand the particular needs and objectives and tailoring our advice, services and fees accordingly.

Commercial property: the team provides advice ranging from assisting start-up businesses looking to acquire their first premises to helping substantial companies looking for new premises or development sites across the country. We deal with complex and large-scale property transactions involving acquisitions and/or disposals, joint ventures, property development or funding work. We act for both landlords and tenants on commercial leasehold transactions involving settling the terms of leases, advice on ongoing property issues, rent review, property portfolio management, insolvency and receivership.

Employment: the firm’s employment team has a reputation for being proactive and provides advice to both employers and employees. The experience of our Employment Law team helps ensure legal compliance to prevent disputes and, where this is not possible, to resolve employment issues effectively. The team offers a retained employment law service, known as the Employment Support Service, to lighten the workload of HR managers and business owners. The bespoke service is designed to meet the needs of the business, ensuring from the start that the right policies and procedures are in place and the steps needed in order to meet the standard the law requires.

Litigation and dispute resolution: the firm has long been known for its expertise in commercial litigation, in which it continues to grow. The team advises in a wide range of business disputes; insolvency; debt recovery; professional negligence and business protection. The team also has an increasing reputation in the field of contentious trusts and probate, being one of few firms with an expert team in this area.

Crime and regulatory: the firm’s crime and regulatory department is very well respected, and acknowledged for its varied caseload. Its team members are experts in health and safety and environmental regulatory issues, and continue to handle heavyweight criminal matters.

Road transport: led by highly respected transport solicitor Mike Hayward, Woodfines’ road transport team is seen as one of the best in the country. One of only six firms appointed nationally to represent the DVSA in prosecuting serious cases, it also represents a wide range of operators and drivers at public inquiries and courts.

Agriculture: the firm’s agriculture team has extensive experience handling all agricultural matters, including partnership agreements, inheritance issues, business tenancies, and the sale and acquisition of farming and agribusiness land. It also provides specialist support for rural diversification across the region.

Private client: Woodfines provides a wide range of services for private individuals, including specialist services for the elderly and disabled, expert advice in complex trust matters and Court of Protection cases. The team includes an Office of the Public Guardian-appointed Panel Deputy, one of only 68 in the UK, in Nigel Ashton, and is led by a highly experienced team of specialists.

Family: the family department has two main practice areas: divorce and separation, and care work. The team handles a wide variety of high-profile cases, advising on complex cases involving overseas jurisdictions.

Woodfines offers a highly capable, personal service, while retaining real commercial weight and expertise for organisations of all sizes.

Department Name Email Telephone
Commercial Property Suzanna Stephenson [email protected] 01908 202156
Company & Commercial Neil Gibbs [email protected] 01908 202150
Employment Maria Gallucci [email protected] 01908 209791
Private Client Mikhala Leak [email protected] 01234 270600
Family John Leadbeater [email protected] 01234 760039
Crime / Regulatory Mike Hayward [email protected] 01908 202150
Litigation Claire Spencer [email protected] 01234 760038
Marketing & Business Development Rebecca Covington [email protected] 01223 411421
Number of UK partners : 20
Number of other UK fee-earners : 50
English (fluent)
French
Italian