‘It is a “go-to” firm for anything commodities-related.’

‘Darren Wall is at the top of the list for commodities disputes and Paul Taylor is at the top of the list for insurance disputes.’

‘The team is very practical and flexible. We don’t have to battle internally to use them as outside counsel, even though we are a very large company. We trust them and rely on them, and they focus on us as a client and are very responsive.’

‘The firm has a commercially-minded and down-to-earth approach to dispute resolution. We like to work in collaboration with our external lawyers and look to our lawyers to provide pragmatic and reasoned solutions. The lawyers we work with are accessible and are not afraid to provide a measured opinion.’

‘Paul Taylor is incredibly hardworking, commercial and user-friendly. He is never intimidated by opponents and is adaptable in difficult situations. A good team player.’

‘Fred Konynenburg and his team have in-depth knowledge of the commodities world and its sales and chartering contracts. Their growing team is testimony to their success. Fred’s dedication and work ethos are hard to beat.’

‘The team has been always reactive to our needs whether in French or English and constructive in finding appropriated solutions to our problems. It is more reactive compared to other law firms and is always available even during non-working hours or holidays periods.’

‘They are close to our worries, and find facilities in negotiating amicable settlements. They provide prompt and detailed advice.’

‘What impresses me, is that the individuals work as a team very well together and cases are well distributed between them to guarantee a quick response to the client, particularly when time matters. Each member of the team has a very strong legal knowledge of GAFTA/FOSFA contracts and arbitration subject to English law. The members of the team do not focus only on litigation but consider also the approach of a commercial settlement.’

‘The individuals I worked with are Andrew Buchmann, Fred Konynenburg and Darren Wall. Andrew is user-friendly and responsive. He has extensive trade experience and is technically strong on law. Also importantly, he has an excellent understanding of trade and adopts a commercial approach to cases. He does not focus only on litigation aspects but considers also amicable settlements when appropriate. He gives an honest and realistic prospect of success. Andrew drafts all his own submissions. His drafting is technical, focused and persuasive and does not drift into irrelevant side issues and evidence. The deadlines set to deliver a response or submission are generally kept bearing in mind the usual slippage that occurs in arbitration.’

‘As marine cargo underwriters, with a specialty in commodities, we appreciate the excellent knowledge of the products and the commodities trade in its whole. Hill Dickinson also works for some of our large clients on non-insurance matters, so they know some of our clients well, which is an advantage. Not to forget their legal capacities, both in cargo as in insurance matters. They also provide excellent assistance in commercial matters, when these have to be handled in the course of a cargo claim.’

‘Fred Konynenburg is an excellent lawyer both in cargo and in insurance matters. He provides good and clear advice and proactive handling of matters, and he is open, reliable, straightforward and honest.’

‘The Hill Dickinson commodities team demonstrates genuine strength in depth. The partners appear to be supportive of one another and collegiate. The team is responsive, professional and delivers a very high quality of service and expertise. In my 18 years within the commodities sector, this Hill Dickinson commodities team has delivered by far the best in terms of work product and turnaround times compared to other firms I have used.’

‘Darren Wall is very personable and always available. He has a strong grasp of the details of a case. He is strategic and very tactically astute.’

‘Andrew Buchmann is a very intelligent and insightful lawyer. He has an excellent understanding of both the business and legal aspects of a case. He has an impressive written style, is very persuasive and presents brilliant arguments before trade tribunals.’

‘They are extremely able lawyers. They know the business very well and are very responsive and able.’

‘Jeff Isaacs and Fred Konynenburg are excellent lawyers.’

‘Members of the team are available promptly for urgent queries and these are responded to clearly, explaining reasons for decisions as required. Partners and associates are very friendly and personable, making nervous witnesses feel relaxed. I have had a lot of positive feedback from staff following inquests.’

‘There is strength and depth in this team, with strong leadership from Kiran Bhogal, but with experience and practical good sense all the way through the ranks.’

‘An already strong team now strengthened by Ben Troake joining the team.’

‘Kiran Bhogal is exceptional – a sensible and pragmatic problem-solving approach to client issues. Emma Galland is rapidly becoming a leader in the field too.’

‘Outstanding reputation and expertise in this field. Hill Dickinson has been on a recruitment drive recently and it is paying dividends – showing that movers and shakers from other firms are very keen to join this excellent firm.’

‘Top-quality advice from the excellent management team headed up by Kiran Bhogal. Hill Dickinson is trusted with the biggest cases in this sector and for good reason. Excellent fee earners and partners at all levels ensure a seamless level of service. Definitely the go-to firm for this work.‘

‘Kiran Bhogal has an unparalleled reputation for running cases at the highest level. She has been in this sector for more than 20 years and has a reputation for excellence in her judgement and advice and straight-talking that serves her clients very well indeed. One of the few solicitors who are highly respected by the judiciary as well.’

‘Her team includes Emma Galland who has recently and justifiably made partner. Emma is a star turn and follows Kiran’s lead in excellence.’

‘Very prompt advice; bright and personable lawyers. Always a pleasure to deal with. Understand both the law and the pressures their clients operate under. A real asset as in-house counsel.’

‘Siiri Duddington is a superb lawyer, with great legal knowledge and also commercial understanding. Always present in case of need – ready to support with full commitment toward the client.’

‘David Pitlarge is an excellent lawyer with a great deal of experience of shipping law matters. His advice is well thought out and his drafting excellent and there is nothing that I have thrown at him that he hasn’t been able to deal with. He is also a very nice person to deal with.’

‘Competitive rates, experienced lawyers providing a range of dry and wet work. A competent one-stop shop.’

‘Attention to detail, highly responsive, efficient.’

‘Practical and commercial, they are able to hand-hold and guide clients.’

‘The team is competent, available and sympathetic.’

‘We have established a long-term relationship with the firm and we have full trust in them. They are always available on short notice.’

‘The Hill Dickinson commodities team demonstrates genuine strength in depth. The partners appear to be supportive of one and other and collegiate. The team is responsive, professional and delivers a very high quality of service and expertise. In my 18 years within the commodities sector, this Hill Dickinson Commodities team delivers by far the best in terms of work product and turnaround time compared to other firms I have used.’

‘Darren Wall is very personable and always available. He has a strong grasp of the details of a case. He is strategic and very tactically astute.

‘Andrew Buchmann is a very intelligent insightful lawyer. He has an excellent understanding of both the business and legal aspects of a case. He has an impressive written style, is very persuasive and presents brilliant arguments before trade tribunals.’

‘We appreciate the excellent knowledge of the products and the commodities trade in its whole. We should not forget their legal capacities, both in cargo as in insurance matters. They also provide excellent assistance in commercial matters, when these have to be handled in the course of a cargo claim. They are also always prepared to assist us for advice in all kind of legal matters.’

‘They provide quick response times, excellent availability, in-house master mariners, and  interventions both on the wet and the dry shipping side, so that files can be handled from start to finish by the same law office. For myself, I have had a very long and friendly relationship with some of the lawyers.’

‘Fred Konynenburg is an excellent lawyer both in cargo as in insurance matters. He provides good and clear advice, proactive handling of issues and he is open, reliable, straightforward and honest.’

‘Marc Aspinall is a fantastic lawyer for shipping and commodity trading matters.’

‘Thorough approach whilst at the same time being highly commercial, practical and flexible.‘

‘Very good team all around. Focused entirely on delivery and meeting timelines within agreed budget.‘

‘Michael Corcoran is a great deal lawyer. He is focused on getting the job done, creating alternate potential solutions to find a way forward for both sides. In my opinion, Michael’s role goes beyond that of legal counsel, to that of trusted adviser. He also has a firm grasp of AIM market requirements and practice, assisting in the navigation between the areas where there is clarity of written rule and the murkier areas of usual practice that inevitably arise. Jack Delaney provides support for Michael in our firms relationship and I have found him to be responsive and available when we have worked together. He has demonstrated a willingness to go the extra mile to find solutions and help out when we’ve been under pressure, which has always been appreciated.‘

‘As partner in charge of our project, Michael Bennett has been actively engaged at all times and has been able to add considerable value through his network of connections inside and outside the firm. His has been a voice of reason when regulatory delays and frustrations have mounted at times. In leading on the drafting of documentation, Jack Delaney has shown fantastic dedication and great patience to deliver high quality output and to maintain human connections at all times.‘

‘Responsive and pragmatic, both in terms of approach and fees.‘

‘Practical, pleasant and pragmatic, yet direct professional and competent.‘

‘The Hill Dickinson team is very responsive and hard working with good technical skills which are provided on a value for money basis.‘

‘Hill Dickinson lawyers truly understand their clients’ business and their clients’ requirements and they make sure that they take the time to do that at the early stages of an engagement. This means that in meetings and in negotiations they are able to play a lead role and add value to the commercial rather than just legal outcome. Additionally, HD lawyers are dedicated and resilient. They work hard and they are proactive in finding solutions and work arounds.‘

‘Commercial, dedicated, and possess the ability to think proactively and find solutions that work for the client.‘

‘The team was very pragmatic, focused on what really matters to us as a client and executed the transactions seamlessly. The right balance of team members was used for all tasks and ability to stick to timelines was exemplary.’

‘Very attentive and results driven. Pragmatic and willing to go the extra mile to close the deal. Highly recommended.‘

‘Very strong competence on corporate matters, quick reaction times and problem-solving attitude.‘

‘Highly specialised knowledge of the sector and provide practical application of the law in a manner I’ve never seen from legal support. Personable, friendly, attentive and clear.  What more could you want!’

‘James Lawford Davies – unparalleled in the field of reproductive medicine law. Erudite and dynamic in his application of the law. Most of all, he is focused on delivering the desired outcome for the client.’

‘Excellent regulatory understanding and ability to talk to authorities to solve issues. They make our problems theirs and run to find solutions. They have the ability to put themselves in the shoes of the company and look beyond the legal aspects.’

‘This team has a quiet efficiency which stands it in good stead when handling high value and high profile claims.‘

‘John Caddies has exceptional knowledge of asbestos-related matters.‘

‘Extremely reliable and thorough in their knowledge and advice.‘

‘John Caddies is a specialist in personal injury and occupational disease claims, who knows his subject inside-out and is always extremely thorough in his advice and the handling of our claims.‘

‘Mark Aspinall is a fantastic lawyer for shipping and commodity trading matters.’

‘Kiran Bhogal is exceptional- a sensible and pragmatic problem-solving approach to client’s issues.‘

‘Hill Dickinson have been on a recruitment drive recently and it is paying dividends- showing that movers and shakers from other firms are very keen to join this excellent firm. Top-quality advice from the excellent management team headed up by Kiran Bhogal.‘

‘Kiran Bhogal has an unparalleled reputation for running cases at the highest level. She has been in this sector for more than 20 years and has a reputation for excellence in her judgment and advice and straight talking that serves her clients very well indeed. One of the few solicitors who are highly respected by the judiciary as well. Her team includes Emma Galland who has recently and justifiably made partner.‘

‘Hill Dickinson stands out from other firms that I have used. The service provided is second to none, and the experience and expertise of the lawyers really shines through.’

‘Their professionalism and expertise. A special mention here to Javed Ali, a travel specialist with significant experience of the travel and personal injury sector in both the UK and EU. He has extensive experience of the interpretation of maritime law and working on complex issues, as well as relationship building at the highest levels whether the government, business or regulators.’

‘Good knowledge of cruise industry, prompt response, efficient dealing with problems, very accessible, pleasant to work with.’

‘Fiona Parry is personable, very pragmatic and user friendly. Her advice is well balanced and commercial. She is highly recommended for commercial litigation. Paul Walsh is thorough and client focused. His focus is financial sector litigation and he is recommended for disputes in that area.’

‘They are always available and ready to assist, no matter what the problem, even the minute details are covered by this practise, so that I have nothing to worry about.’

‘Full confidence in their ability to do the job first time, every time. Strengths:  listening skills, professionalism, approachable, always available, confidence builders, friendly, you are the most important person, they do not need to be reminded of the issue(s) they are addressing for you, when you call.’

‘Dedicated and real experts.’

‘Real in-depth practical lawyers.’

‘We see Hill Dickinson as a “one stop shop”, capable of handling everything from property, terms and conditions, HR, M&A and litigation matters. We have a senior account partner who supports us, knows our business and market who adds value to each assignment.

‘What sets them apart is their response times, availability and willingness to support us as clients at all times. The team works well as a cohesive unit and genuinely seems to act as a team.’

‘Mike Jones has a thorough understanding of our business and its priorities’. 

‘Craig Scott responds very quickly at all times of the day and night to our requirements.’

‘I have worked with Craig Scott for over 10 years. I am a massive advocate of Craig and would have no hesitation in recommending him to others; in fact I have on several occasions. He is a hard working, attentive, client focused and pragmatic lawyer. The addition of genuine commerciality is a huge benefit together with a pragmatism that is not often seen with other corporate lawyers.’

‘An excellent collaborative team.‘

‘Communication is excellent as is time management and prioritisation.’

‘I value the way they build a great partnership with our business, truly understanding the nature of what we do and bringing expertise from outside to benefit the advice given. They give true real-world support and advise and help me and my team develop our own knowledge and competency. Way beyond any other legal firm I have dealt with in the past.’

‘You are usually in a stressful situation when you need to call in your lawyer; they reassure you and take the stress out of the situation by supporting you every step of the way, always being available and always helping you find and navigate a path to a positive outcome for everyone.’

‘The team truly understand our business and our appetite for risk; they provide commercial, pragmatic and solution focussed advice. They provide a professional and personal service. All of the team are friendly, approachable, personable and true experts in the field of employment law; we have complete trust and confidence in the whole of the team.’

‘This practice is excellent; each individual I have worked with is very knowledgeable and whilst working with them I have also gained knowledge. They have a good understanding of all employment aspects of the NHS. Compared to other firms I have worked with, Hill Dickinson are more direct and give more comprehensive advice and support.

‘The individuals are true experts in their field who instil confidence very quickly. The individuals have facilitated bespoke training sessions for us and have been excellent at delivery, ensuring that it is relevant and keeping the participants engaged throughout. The feedback from the sessions has been excellent. The individuals we work with are friendly, personable, approachable and provide guidance and advice using terminology that is easy to understand.’

‘All of the individuals I have worked with have been really good. All have given sound advice and given me the opportunity to gain further knowledge and experience. With regards to values, they have been really open in their assessment of the cases I have worked with them on, identifying risks and opportunities for us.’

‘Experience,  intelligence and depth throughout the firm which is unrivalled in the field.’

‘Provide outstanding results for their clients.’

‘The team provides reliable timely advice and comprehensive solutions to clients’ problems.’ 

‘The practice is unique because of the quality, personal service provided.’ 

‘Fionnuala Kenny stands out from her peers because she takes the trouble to understand the needs of the client, is technically astute, and provides advice that is always relevant and practical.’

‘Superior knowledge, depth of experience and common sense attitude. Arguably the leading lights in how to deal with protesters, trespass, related injunctions and general common law evictions. It is no exaggeration to say that the partners and associates we’ve used are at the leading edge of law in relation to the balance between the right to go about one’s lawful business and the right to protest.’

‘They are so engaged and on our side that they feel part of our close inner team, behaving like in-house counsel rather than external. Kevin Lee has been outstanding in this respect and surely must be one of the leading lights. He is also very commercially minded, which is great to see given that the bottom line is always of key importance to any commercial organisation.’

‘Adrian Marsh demonstrated excellent legal skills and gave us huge value for money.’

‘Hill Dickinson continues to be a standout firm.’

‘The advice you receive is excellent, they clearly have great knowledge, good understanding and great communication skills making them extremely easy to understand.’

‘In the field of EU law and, in particular, EU public procurement law, the team is particularly experienced in the conduct of High Court litigation. Chris Tyrrell, who manages a significant amount of public sector NHS procurement litigation, is the shining example of this.’

‘A very capable team who clearly work together and share knowledge; no sense of any dividing walls crossing transactional, litigation or building and construction. We have utilised all sectors.’

‘David Swaffield has vast knowledge of transaction-based commercial business, with an ability to see those issues that might affect value or timescale. Refreshingly light hearted with a steely approach to the important aspect of the advice being offered.’

‘The team offers a range of expertise and is very in tune with the education sector and its challenges’

“The team are approachable, friendly and establish a quick understanding of your needs as a client. I feel with Hill Dickinson you can ‘cut to the chase’ and get excellent professional advice that is fast and credible. They are readily available when you need them the most and provide a service that is tailored to my organisations needs. “

“Amy Millson has a real can-do attitude and an excellent grasp of our requirements as a client. I never feel there is any wasted time with Amy. She can establish the details of a case quickly, provide excellent advice and can deliver on our requirements to efficient timescales. Amy has brought cases to conclusion through her pragmatic advice, knowledge of the law and tenacity without them needing to go to court. I trust Amy’s counsel and look forward to working with her in the future.”

“Scale, scope and depth of knowledge across the broadest range of legal issues – I would never worry that the team could not deal with any legal need we came across.”

“The team takes the time to keep in touch so that they are familiar with our strategies and ways of working. Therefore when we do need advice they are able to respond quickly and pertinently without us needing to repeat the background.”

“The team are recognised as leaders in health related issues of law and commercial practice. Their contribution goes beyond resolving immediate legal challenges and issues and they are able to effectively contribute to wider and more strategic development and discussion. As such they are valued system partners who work hard to influence the direction of health services and to help others to respond effectively to the national agenda.”

“Ruth Griffiths goes out of her way to establish and maintain a professional relationship with us. She spends time asking intelligent questions to understand what our issues are and how it feels as well clarifying what outcomes we are hoping to achieve, everything feels bespoke, tailored and sensitive to us.”

“Friendly and supportive as well as subject experts who work hard to understand your needs and the context in which we are operating. Robert McGough has been working with us for a number of years and is a very well respected expert in legal and commercial aspects of health care and brings with him a wealth of national knowledge, understanding and expertise.”

“Robert McGough is friendly, approachable and eminently professional in all interactions whilst not pompous, standoffish or with any sense of superiority.  This humanity makes it a pleasure to work with him.”

‘The team approaches matters in a coherent way, sharing information so that all team members are able to step in where necessary and make valuable contributions. Unlike other firms, they tend to be involved from investigation to conclusion which makes that inclusive joined-up approach especially helpful to lay client and counsel alike. They work excellently in a wide variety of sectors.’ 

‘Stephen Barnfield is that rare blend of exceptional intelligence, huge experience, switched on in terms of the law and tactics yet always down to earth and receptive to input from all others including clients. He is always available and never gives up a point let alone a case.’

Phil Moy is vastly experienced and a shrewd tactician with great ability to relate to clients.’

‘Aoife Ryan is thorough, with a background in local authority prosecutions – the classic poacher-turned-gamekeeper.’ 

‘As well as providing excellent litigation services to our Operations teams nationally, Hill Dickinson have also assisted in providing essential training to our colleagues by co-delivering sessions along with our Learning & Development team.  Coming directly from one of our legal partners, the learning points were well-received and given in a style that has real benefits for our staff.‘

‘On the other side of transactions I find them to be pragmatic and easy to work with, good listeners who seek to find solutions to problems or commercial issues that work for all parties involved. They push hard to get the best outcome they can for their client and try to push things forward to get the deal done quickly.’

‘Jim Purves is an absolute gent who personifies integrity and pragmatism. He wants to get the deal done and is creative in finding solutions and adopting a commercial stance.’

‘Alistair Wallworth is a rising star and always a pleasure to deal with. He is quick at grasping issues and works hard in his client’s interests.’

‘The team demonstrates a considerable level of expertise in the field of construction and construction law. Aligned to this expertise is an excellent understanding of legal cases which are relevant to the matters in hand. The strength of the team is underpinned by their client relations and the ability to think out of the box.’

‘All peers have been a great help and given excellent advice.’

‘I have worked considerably with Tricia Morrison – An absolute standout partner of Hill Dickinson, who has, on behalf of a company in Administration, navigated very complex cases with professionalism and expertise, unrivaled in this field of construction litigation.’

‘Philip Gazzola has demonstrated that a background in construction is paramount to successful conclusion of matters, whilst applying his expertise in his application of the law.’

‘David Banks is an up and coming success story and will be a definite one to watch. His dedication to the matters at hand and responsiveness is a real credit to the firm.’

‘Easy to talk to and all Individuals kept our company up to date and in the loop explaining the position and progress of our case.’

‘The team is extremely responsive, always acknowledging requests within a day, and working to timeframe agreed.’

‘They have the ability to understand any given situation and can respond effectively and quickly – they provide great counsel on many situations.’

‘The team is knowledgeable and flexible.’

‘Ian Riggs – just brilliant.’

‘One of the stronger teams in the North West. Approachable and easy to work with. They help me to achieve what I want to achieve.’

‘Gavin Jones and Julie Agnew are providing an excellent service on some high value and high profile litigation.’

‘Sound technical advice combined with commerciality. Always available to discuss ad hoc queries. Good spread of sector expertise within the firm.’

‘Whilst I instruct the team on a variety of matters, Paul Spence is one of a very few solicitors that I trust with my business instructions. I cannot give higher praise.’

‘Julie Agnew is a hugely competent solicitor. She handles both the most significant instructions and the more mundane, with the same calm and supportive manner. She immediately puts my more junior team members and clients at ease.’

‘Paul Spence blends technical competence with a strong commercial awareness. Paul is able to spot opportunities to add value and he often exceed expectations. He broad depth of experience which is particularly important when dealing with restructuring/insolvency matters.’

‘Straight forward and easy to understand.’ 

‘Excellent strength in depth – very large team across the country.’

‘Joanne Hughes is excellent.’

‘This is a highly knowledgeable team that comprises lawyers who are dedicated with a great insight and instincts about the law.’

‘Amy Lewis Clark is a delight to work with.’

‘This team has an abundance of extremely talented and dedicated lawyers who are able to run cases from start to finish seamlessly.’

‘Very high quality and knowledgeable advice from experienced lawyers.’

‘David Locke is an experienced and charismatic lawyer.’

‘Joanne Hughes is an outstanding partner.’

‘David Locke is a very good litigator. He is bright and incisive in his thinking.’