Howes Percival LLP > Norwich, England > Firm Profile

‘The team is cohesive, collaborative and well-run. Work is delegated to associates, trainees and paralegals where appropriate, and hourly rates are incredibly competitive given the range and complexity of the matters that the team works on.’

‘The team really ought to be regarded as a ‘national’ one: it does good work for proper clients (well-known IPs and the Official Receiver, for example).’

‘William Shirley leads the team, and has great experience at dealing with knotty disputes. He’s a safe pair of hands who is both approachable and knowledgeable. Leon Head is a strong technical lawyer and ‘one to watch’.’

‘Howes Percival’s insolvency team delivers client-focused legal advice and adopt a team approach to dealing with complex contentious matters.’

‘Mike Green combines his excellent technical knowledge with a commercial approach and his management of stakeholders is second to none. His experience in and knowledge of the workings of the judiciary are invaluable.’

‘The team has strength in depth so you receive a seamless service.’

‘Our main point of contact has been Tom Lawrence. Tom is professional, diligent and personable.’

‘Great depth of knowledge.’

‘Stuart Maggs is excellent- really bright.’

‘Exceptionally good coordination, always knowing what’s going on with different teams and areas of our work. Seamless integration.’

‘Jon Greenhalgh – exceptional client care and understanding. Scott Smith – simple explanation of complex situations, always making life easier. Ewan Treadgold – set efficiency and friendly. Charlotte Brumby – very keen and great insight for younger member’

‘The team are all very responsive, professional and hardworking. They are able to react quickly to issues by being resourceful within their network and their knowledge base is vast in the real estate arena. They are also able to get the deal done at tight timeframes when required and also able to handle multiple transactions simulataneously.’

‘Responsiveness and being very experienced in this field is key for me. I have worked with parties on the other side of the transaction and they always complain to me about not being able to get hold of their lawyers or their lawyers are not responsiveness to the clients needs. I don’t have that complaint about Howes Percival.’

‘Howes Percival is a pragmatic and responsive practice with a good range of specialisms; we have particularly relied upon them for property, construction and planning support though I am aware that they have a much wider range of expertise available.’

‘We have valued the trouble the people we have worked with have taken to understand our business and its idiosyncracies!’

‘Jay Mehta is incredibly approachable and the way in which he speaks is so clear and concise. I go to Jay for all of my planning legal queries. He is personable and reliable.’

‘Howes Percival is a regional practice with national expertise, especially in planning, development and commercial property. The solicitors have very good knowledge of the region and the key contacts within it. We tend to work with trusted key contacts over a long period of time which is appreciated. Fee levels are acceptable for the quality of advice offered.’

‘The solicitors are responsive and enthusiastic and keep their clients informed of changes and developments in their respective fields. They are team players who seem to enjoy working together. The Planning team is particularly strong with Jamie Childs a key, long term contact.’

‘An excellent team providing top class advice but friendly and eminently approachable.’

‘Jay Mehta – Jay is really pleasant to deal with, provides excellent advice and is able to distil complex matters and present in simple terms’

‘The team is well led and professional in all its dealings, ensuring clear, concise and helpful advice is given and charges are explained. Their proactivity and responsiveness throughout a long process has been exemplary.’

‘Jamie Childs has been our valued partner for over two years of legal wranglings with many complex stakeholders. He has been very responsive, always professional, calm, speedy, easy to contact, proactive and generally a trusted asset to our team. I cannot fault his knowledge or application of the law, which seemed far superior to other solicitors he came up against.’

‘First-rate planning legal advice combined with high levels of commercial awareness. The HP Planning and Environment Team manage to provide first class planning legal advice, whilst understanding their clients commercial objectives.’

‘High-quality service to the local market.’

‘They have a very high reputation with property legal matters and this was very much confirmed with the manner in which they dealt with what became a rather difficult matter to deal with and conclude.’

‘Our main contact was Georgia Wood who was exceptional with the service and attention that she gave us, delivering the best possible outcome that could be managed.’

‘Jamie Kidd and Bill Trow are on top of their cases and client-focused.’

‘The team has strengthened further in the year and now offers additional strength in depth, with 3 senior associates supporting their partner team. One of the strongest teams in the Leicester market and operating across a breadth of lower-mid and mid-market deals.’

‘Jahid Ali is highly responsive, thoughtful and engaged with his clients and the local market.’

‘I would also definitely like to praise Satnam Chayra. Satnam’s dedication to legal detail is exceptional and she is quite outstanding.’

‘From my experience being an on oing client of Howes Percival, I feel trust is everything when being guided within the minefield of the legal sector. Therefore, my recommendations come without question.’

‘The employment team at HP are some of the best I have ever dealt with. Always polite quick to assist and gives comprehensive advice covering all aspects of the employment field. ‘

‘Graham Irons provides a great depth of business knowledge. Graham is a down to earth, practical, lawyer and with a sense of humour too which always helps in often difficult circumstances.’

‘What makes HP unique, the people. They are empathetic to the issues raised, work to understand the business they are working with to be able to provide understandable and relatable guidance. There is a strong theme of trust within the employment team at HP that ensures that our business is secure under their guidance.’

‘Hannah Pryce and Graham Irons are the two individuals that stand out, for me, especially Hannah Pryce, delight to deal with. She is easy to talk to and discuss issue with. Her manner and the way she communicates is also very impressive. For us, she is outstanding.’

‘Team is commercial and pro-active. Very approachable, which make them easy to work with. Diverse and with a wealth of experience.’

‘I find Carl Mifflin helpful and approachable. He is easily accessible to give advice as needed and generally reacts to queries in a positive amenable way. He is very easy to work with.’

‘Without doubt, Katie Summers is the best insolvency solicitor I have the pleasure to work with. She gets to understand the issues and works alongside my team in strategy and fully understands the costs and risk issues surrounding insolvency litigation.’

‘We use the firm for insolvency related work, but also general corporate work. They are excellent, very knowledgeable in their sector and have a collection of individuals I trust to look after my interests. I am also often pleasantly surprised by the level of their fees which seem reasonable compared to their peers.’

‘Carl Mifflin is incredibly commercial and understanding of the insolvency legislation. I would not hesitate in using him on complex situations and have referred him into many situations.’

‘Howes Percival are excellent at the balance between legal detail and deal commerciality.’

‘Nicholas James – ultra commercial. Stuart Burns – superb at detail’

‘Strong across the board; very hands-on partners, but backed up by able team members; seamless transition in and out of various lockdowns over the last two years.’

‘Stuart Burns appears to have an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law, coupled with a highly commercial attitude, which means that the job always gets done.’

‘Professional, efficient, cost effective, experienced in their field.’

‘Lucy Lord is the real estate partner that looks after our business. She provides timely, expert and pragmatic advise. Does not get stuck on trivial matters.’

‘The team provides a Rolls-Royce service at a regional cost; batting well above its weight. The client service is second to none and very, very commercial. Very diverse team; good use of technology; and sound commercial judgement characterise this team. Excellent track record of commercial settlements in litigation but when necessary they are well-placed to take the matter through to trial. Compares very favourably with all of the other firms in the region and also to many London firms.’

‘Satnam Chayra is fantastic. Commercially minded, approachable, accessible and leads from the front. A partner I would recommend unreservedly to clients.’

‘They are just very good all-rounders; they know the law, they are easy to work with, and they never lose sight of what their clients want from litigation. Their facilities are also excellent, and they have been particularly responsive in the era of remote working.’

‘Satnam Chayra is a punchy, direct solicitor who never shies away from a fight. I can imagine that she is a real handful for her opponents. With counsel, she has always been polite, honest, and straightforward. With clients, she is an intuitive and effective communicator – in which respect, her linguistic skills are an obvious asset.’

‘The team is outstanding and stand out from the competition. They offer expert knowledge in these areas and really know their stuff. I have consistently found the team to offer an excellent arrive to clients.’

‘I have worked with a number of associates and partners and have found them all to be excellent. Hannah Steggles combines excellent legal knowledge with a pragmatic approach.’

‘The team are very knowledgeable and work well with the client to understand their objectives and can then provide a fixed priced quotation.’

‘Hannah Steggles is without doubt head and shoulders above any other Solicitor, anywhere! She is honest, gives a realistic view of success and a true reflection of what fees to expect to pay and she is never wrong. She gives advice that you understand, regardless of the complexity of the situation.’

‘Matthew Talbot and Jenna Bruce are always available when required. Speedy responses, knowledge, and updates of where we are in the process have been invaluable.’

‘Jenna Bruce has a wealth of IP experience and is always on hand to discuss IP issues. Jenna is able to give solid commercial and legal guidance in the required timescales.

‘Very practical firm and advice. Do the basics well which is not always easy to achieve. Always on budget and fair with billing and cost management. Really seem to appreciate clients relationship.’

‘Andrew Harris provides pragmatic advice and his experience leads to real world solutions.’

‘Combines high quality legal expertise with excellent commerciality in approach and recommendations.’

‘Andrew Harris is very grounded and an effective provider of high quality commercial advice.’

‘When dealing with corporate transactions, the important attributes for me in a lawyer is for them to have the ability to be commercial while protecting the clients interests and ensuring their client’s needs are met.’

‘Corporate transaction can often be lengthy and draconian. A good lawyer should be able to maintain the momentum and have a tenacious attitude towards negotiation to get us over the line.’

‘They consistently provide high quality, practical advice on a timely basis and you always feel that they go the extra mile when looking after your business.’

‘Oliver Pritchard is diligent and has a high level of expertise, makes himself available and will always respond to calls or emails. Lizzy Page understands our business well and is always practical in advice and responds to our requirements quickly.’

‘A great corporate team who are experts in their field. Just as importantly, they are commercially minded, always focused on maintaining momentum in negotiations and getting the right deal completed for their client.’

‘Excellent team including specialists in all areas of business. In project communications and timeliness was on point throughout. Attention to detail was absolute with no oversites. Furthermore they were able to create seamless partnerships with other external advisors such as my accountants and incumbent specialist IP attorneys.’

‘They are responsive and empathetic. This is my first commercial dispute and the first time I am on my way to the UK courtroom. One of the most important aspects for me is that I feel understood and address my concerns. Being a novice, it can be very hard to navigate the ups and downs as well as how to get to justice when you are a small company against a large one.’

‘Howes Percival has demonstrated flexibility with billing allowing me to fund my litigation in a way that has helped me, as well as providing they with regular payments.. I like the way that HP actively encourages juniors into their business and the profession. When dealing with HP there has been a number of juniors that have collaborated on my case and all have been excellent.’

‘Gordon Simpson has been extremely supportive through some difficult moments which has helped me deal with these testing times. Gordon has always provided support and has replied to communiactions even when he is on holiday or at a weekend. This level of assistance and proffesionalism that Gordon provides is over and above what I would expect from any organisation.’

‘The team were approachable, understanding of the situation, knowledgable in their field.’

‘Gordon Simpson was patient and thorough in his explanations and advice, his experience in his field was evident as he could almost predict what the other side would be doing. Gordon wanted to get everything sorted out as effectively as possible, which he ultimately did. I would recommend Gordon Simpson to anyone needing assistance using his particular expertise.’

‘Gordon Simpson is highly knowledgable in his field and works tirelessly for his clients. He is calm and collected, highly professional and extremely personable.’

‘Everyone, without exception, at Howes Percival in my experience has given me every reason to recommend their services and I have the greatest confidence in their employment team to solve any issues we might have. They are very highly recommended by me.’

‘Dynamic, good-sized law firm with a well known brand name.’

‘Laura Brown dealt with my case with a high level of professionalism as one would expect from a lawyer, but what made her stand out is that she had the canning ability to understand the thoughts and emotions within my case. If any area was misunderstood, she was able to express in layman’s terms. Laura put me at ease from the off and displayed the right level of intelligence to understand what was going on.

‘Empathy is much needed trait for employment lawyers and I was glad that Laura Brown was recommended to me.’

‘What you get with Howes Percival is a full comprehensive range of legal services with the added value of sound, commercial advice. The team have complementary skills and expertise from different areas of law that are brought in, as required to give you the answers you need.’

‘Matt Potter is an exceptional exponent of providing me with commercially focused employment related solutions. Matt is knowledgeable, resourceful and always responsive. What is also impressive is the fact that no issue, challenge of problem is too small for Matt to assist with. If it’s something we need help with, Matt is always there on hand.’

‘A niche health and safety practice providing all round excellent client care and advice.’

‘Rob Starr is a household name in the health and safety world. With a stable of well known clients, he always goes that extra mile bringing a commercial, practical and real-world approach to his work. often he will conduct his own advocacy giving even the top health and safety silks a run for their money.’

‘The support that we receive is wide ranging and always relevant and practical to the circumstances that we are dealing with at any particular time. Howes Percival have helped us to change our standard modus operandi during the pandemic and ensure that we are communicating with our clients to make them aware of issues that may impact them in the ever changing world we find ourselves in.’

‘The practice adapt their approach to you needs and bill in a fair and competitive way.’

‘Rob Starr is one of the best regulatory solicitors I have appointed in many years. Rob’s knowledge, professionalism and competence are exemplary. His advice and support are second to none.’

‘The team is well led and professional in all its dealings, ensuring clear, concise and helpful advice is given and charges are explained. Their proactivity and responsiveness throughout a long process has been exemplary.’

‘Jamie Childs has been our valued partner for over two years of legal wranglings with many complex stakeholders. He has been very responsive, always professional, calm, speedy, easy to contact, proactive and generally a trusted asset to our team. I cannot fault his knowledge or application of the law.’

‘We worked primarily with Jamie Childs. Great technical knowledge, professionalism, easy to work with, availability, and working in consortium with other legal firm.’

‘From the start of the work, Jamie Childs allocated to the project sought to establish himself as a member of our team rather than a stand alone legal adviser. Jamie is extremely knowledgable, and he also had a firm grasp of the complexity of the political environment within which the negotiations took place, and was able to exlain complex legal matters in plain English.’

‘They have local knowledge and experience over a number of years. Their commitment to diversity and inclusion is also appreciated.’

‘They have genuine interest in our organisation, including their willingness to share experiences and knowledge of local resources that might be relevant and useful.’

‘Howes Percival have built a very knowledgeable team. The service we receive is second to none.’

‘Estelle Corner is responsive to our needs and our strange and complicated queries, and yet always manages to make us feel like we’re her only client… and the amazing thing is, I bet ALL her clients feel the same way!’

‘Haydon Simmonds is great when it comes to service, collaboration, support and engaging. They are always there to connect and work with us and are very proactive to support clients.’

‘Communication is always clear, mutual clients speak highly of the service and transparency of any dealings. Nothing seems too much trouble for the partners I work with (available almost at all hours)’

‘Howes Percival are very active in the market and their advice is second to none and always provide feedback.’

‘Having a dedicated Banking and Finance practice in the East Midlands is fairly rare, and the HP team have a good quality offering.’

‘Haydon Simmonds is highly engaged in the local market and seems to be building a strong reputation locally.’

‘Great knowledge and experience across the team. Very commercial & pragmatic. Good at keeping all parties informed.’

‘Justine Flack has an excellent ability to collate a large amount of information and condense it succinctly and accurately. She gives sensible pragmatic advice about when to pursue certain matters and when to let others alone.’

‘All the team know what is going on in my case and they all speak very knowledgeably about the options available to me simplifying legal terms into language I understand.’

‘The team is friendly and hardworking.’

‘Thoroughness, approachability, legal knowledge.’

‘Very detailed orientated. Personable. Justine Flack absolutely outstanding and the best in the sector.’

‘A great team. Sure footed and confident, they are fantastic with clients.’

‘A client focussed and determined team who provide an excellent service.’

‘Very proactive and gives clear advice, with a speedy turnaround. Sticks to agreed timescales and communications are excellent.’

‘Hannah Steggles is very pragmatic in her approach to a brief and takes the time to understand the clients requirements. Producing a balanced agreement whilst protecting the clients interest requires a balanced approach, which Hannah has.’

‘Working with Howes Percival is so easy – a true business partner. Great advice, great suggestions. I’m always pleased to have them in my corner.’

‘All of the those I work with at Howes Percival are just great. The best compliment I can offer is that they’re so down-to-earth, but super-smart with it. It’s like having extended members of our own team. Hannah Steggles and Matt Talbot are worthy of special mention.’

‘I work closely with James Howarth, who is an excellent solicitor, with good knowledge of this specialist area of law.’

‘Most of my dealings have been with the excellent, thorough, authoritative and personable Michael Green. He has imposed order and objective, commercial sense on what was a very messy family dispute. He is ably supported by his team – we have appreciated the way in which the team has collaborated to carry out work at the appropriate rate, while retaining Michael’s oversight.’

‘Michael Green has been very astute on the commercial assets in the estate but was equally fast to understand the family dynamics and sore points. Although he must and has remained neutral as an administrator, he has avoided bowing out and has always provided sensible guidance to the parties to the dispute.’

‘Michael Green’s experience as a litigator and a District Judge means that he is very well placed to act as an independent administrator – he understands the imperatives of settling a dispute and how to assist the parties with that process even when in a non-contentious or neutral position.’

‘Sally Harris is a very experienced and safe pair of hands. She is a problem solver and is a kind and non-confrontational person. I would highly recommend her.’

‘Sally Harris an experienced and able family lawyer.’

‘HP is a well respected regional firm with strong presences in various cities countrywide. They appear to draw on this breadth of expertise between offices who work collaboratively together.’

‘Sally Harris has extensive experience, an empathic yet pragmatic approach with clients and a solution-focused outcome. She knows which battles to fight and which will inflame for no gain.’

‘The Norwich team is headed by Sally Harris. The team regularly collaborates with other offices and they form part of a wider support network. The team regularly engage with social media platforms to promote their services and to provide legal information on topical issues.’

‘Sally Harris is an experienced family practitioner with a wealth and knowledge and expertise. She has a keen interest in resolving family finances as a result of divorce. She is known in the area for her “no nonsense approach” and dedication to try and get the best result possible for her clients.’

‘Attention to detail, sound advice and availability when urgent advice was required. Sensitivity when dealing with personal matters. The practice is helpful in as much as referring you to the department which would be best suited to your enquiry, without undue delay. Through personal contact with Alexandra Hornsby I would have no hesitation in recommending the practice.’

‘Alexandra Hornsby showed attention to detail and prompt advice which was of great assistance in dealing with a personal and stressful situation.’

‘We have worked with Alexandra Hornsby on a number of occasions both collaboratively and as part of a bigger project. Alexandra is very personable and takes time to discuss delicate matters with clients and gives her time to understand the particular needs and dynamic being presented to her.’

‘The people are hard-working and responsive, always pushing to get things through as efficiently and effectively as possible.’

‘Howes Percival not only offer a high standard of service in terms of their level of expertise and professionalism, but also deliver this with personality and pragmatism.’

‘They set themselves apart from competitors as the team are always easy to contact, meet deadlines, return calls/emails without fail, willing to talk through potential matters to provide their initial thoughts and are always transparent regarding fees.’

‘We work with Paul Hunt extensively across a broad range of planning matters. His attention to detail and depth of knowledge is excellent, and provides significant comfort that your best interests are being promoted at all times.’

‘They are a very capable firm who always provide excellent advice to sometimes very complex matters.’

‘The team are all very friendly and down to earth, no question is too big or small. I also like that they provide very clear quotations and fee updates.’

‘Paul Hunt and Chris May are extremely knowledgeable and can provide assistance with a range of matters including appeals. No query is too small for either of them and regularly provide quick advice over email or the phone. Both have exceptional work ethics and also are able to provide multiple solutions tailored specifically to client desires.’

‘Sarah Hollis has provided many years of assistance with general planning advice and also completion s106/S106A agreements, working quickly and effectively with all parties.’

‘New team that is keen to offer good all-round service. Very responsive to achieve deadlines.’

‘Marcus Carter. Able to offer very quick response times and an overall commercial approach.’

‘The commerciality of the team’s advice sets them apart from their competitors. You don’t just get the legal answer you get a legal answer that is then applied to the real life situation. They take the time to understand the needs of the business for each property they work on for us. They also fundamentally know their stuff and are not trying to be something they are not.’

‘Marcus Carter is always available and his experience in dealing with retail warehousing is excellent. This experience gives him an inherent understanding of our requirements and he makes things happen without me needing to trouble myself with them. Marcus and his team work seamlessly alongside ours.’

‘They just get us and make ever transaction smooth.’

‘Marcus Carter makes it happen.’

‘Attention to detail, sound advice and availability when urgent advice was required. Sensitivity when dealing with personal matters. The practice is helpful in as much as referring you to the department which would be best suited to your enquiry, without undue delay. Through personal contact with Alexandra Hornsby I would have no hesitation in recommending the practice.’

‘Alexandra Hornsby showed attention to detail and prompt advice which was of great assistance in dealing with a personal and stressful situation.’

‘We have worked with Alexandra Hornsby on a number of occasions both collaboratively and as part of a bigger project. Alexandra is very personable and takes time to discuss delicate matters with clients and gives her time to understand the particular needs and dynamic being presented to her.’

‘The people are hard-working and responsive, always pushing to get things through as efficiently and effectively as possible.’

‘Howes Percival not only offer a high standard of service in terms of their level of expertise and professionalism, but also deliver this with personality and pragmatism.’

‘They set themselves apart from competitors as the team are always easy to contact, meet deadlines, return calls/emails without fail, willing to talk through potential matters to provide their initial thoughts and are always transparent regarding fees.’

‘We work with Paul Hunt extensively across a broad range of planning matters. His attention to detail and depth of knowledge is excellent, and provides significant comfort that your best interests are being promoted at all times.’

‘They are a very capable firm who always provide excellent advice to sometimes very complex matters.’

‘The team are all very friendly and down to earth, no question is too big or small. I also like that they provide very clear quotations and fee updates.’

‘Paul Hunt and Chris May are extremely knowledgeable and can provide assistance with a range of matters including appeals. No query is too small for either of them and regularly provide quick advice over email or the phone. Both have exceptional work ethics and also are able to provide multiple solutions tailored specifically to client desires.’

‘Sarah Hollis has provided many years of assistance with general planning advice and also completion s106/S106A agreements, working quickly and effectively with all parties.’