Firm Profile > Freeths LLP > Nottingham, England

Banking and finance Tier 1

Freeths LLP's market-leading reputation is underpinned by its seamless coordination across offices and breadth of expertise. Nottingham office managing partner Chris Freeston has expertise in all types of corporate lending transactions, with notable specialisms in property and construction finance, as well as project finance. Also based in Nottingham are John Heaphy, - whose acquisition finance knowledge complements his M&A experience -  recently promoted director Katie Hillier and director Renata Rai. During 2018 the team was boosted by the addition of derivatives expert Adam Wood from Clifford Chance. Phil Baigent in Leicester is well-known for his expertise in the private healthcare sector, where he acts for funders, investors and care home operators.

Commercial litigation: elsewhere in the East Midlands Tier 1

Freeths LLP's first-rate reputation in dispute resolution has seen its Leicester team undertake an increasing amount of work for clients in the food sector. In addition, the firm is well-known nationally for its strengths in energy (particularly LPG) sector matters. Mukesh Patel leads the team, advising on professional negligence claims, contractual disputes, insurance litigation and public procurement challenges. Simon Baigent (who has more than 20 years of dispute resolution experience), Emma Anderson and associate Richard Fitzmaurice are recommended.

Commercial property: Nottingham and Derby Tier 1

Freeths LLP is a top-tier firm in all types of commercial property matters in the East Midlands, including commercial and residential development projects, regeneration projects, property finance, and investment sales and acquisitions. In addition to having a stable of longstanding clients, the firm continues to win work from new sources. Darren Williamson is the firm's national head of real estate. Guy Winfield, who runs the team in Nottingham, focuses on the food retail and industrial sectors. Property development expert Heather Davies, whose practice is split between Nottingham and Derby, is experienced in matters connected with areas such as waste to energy, the private rented sector, mines and minerals, and hotels. Jon Smart has a standout reputation in the care sector. James Clamp made partner in 2018.

Construction Tier 1

Operating on a cross-office, national basis, Freeths LLP's construction team is a first port of call for many clients with high-stakes projects; it generates work from global construction consultants, end-users, developers, contractors and sub-contractors. 'Outstanding' national construction head Chris Holwell leads on a large number of complex construction projects; the scope of his team's non-contentious work includes hotel and sports developments, commercial/residential/mixed-use schemes and various other types of projects. On the contentious side, Amy Morley has vast expertise in all areas of construction and engineering law, and handles high-value, technically complex claims progressed by adjudication, arbitration or in the Technology and Construction Court. Guy Berwick, who was a partner for 30 years, is now a consultant.

Contentious trusts and probate Tier 1

Clients recommend Freeths LLP for its ‘very good technical knowledge’ and ability to handle ‘complex claims’. Under the leadership of Mark Keeley, the group undertakes a wide range of high-value litigation, including will challenges, removal applications and Court of Protection work. Estoppel claims and Inheritance Act matters are other strengths, as is the department’s knowledge of the agriculture sector. Director Rachel Gaffney is noted for her ‘excellent legal advice’.

Corporate and commercial: Nottingham and Derby Tier 1

Freeths LLP, whose Nottingham team is part of a large national practice, demonstrates particularly strong capabilities in the healthcare sector, and is notably active in its work for care operators and funders. Elsewhere, it acts for a number of household names in sectors such as retail, food and drink, construction and automotive. National corporate head Karl Jansen has a particular focus on UK mid-market transactions, such as corporate acquisitions and disposals, MBOs/MBIs and private equity investments, John Heaphy, who leads the group in Nottingham, has an excellent record of advising owner-managed companies on deals.

Employment Tier 1

The practice at Freeths LLP is particularly active in handling Employment Tribunal litigation. Clients from both the private and public sectors engage the group, which is headed by Rena Magdani and David Potter. Other core strengths include restructures, TUPE, discrimination, whistleblowing, restrictive covenants and injunctive relief. The caseload has had a recent uptick in cases concerning employment status in the gig economy.

Family Tier 1

Freeths LLP has a notable profile among high net-worth individuals. It excels in handling financial issues arising from divorce, with cases often involving pensions, family business interests and trusts. Judith Speed is increasingly sought out for advice on pre- and post-nuptial agreements, as well as private law Children Act applications. The practice is jointly led by Speed and Diana Copestake.

Local government Tier 1

The team at Freeths LLP advises its clients on planning and environmental issues, regeneration and redevelopment projects, commercial contracts and employment matters. On the contentious side, its work includes representing local authorities in property litigation and defending judicial review proceedings. Birmingham-based Nathan Holden serves as practice head.

Personal injury and clinical negligence: claimant Tier 1

Acclaimed as ‘extremely professional and efficient’, Freeths LLP’s personal injury team places particular emphasis on brain, birth and spinal cord injury work for both children and adults. The firm is also a 'quality outfit in the clinical negligence market’, with expertise in diagnosis delays, misdiagnoses, surgical errors, incorrect treatment, cosmetic surgery and product liability. The ‘highly knowledgeable’ Jane Goulding leads the personal injury team. The clinical negligence practice is co-led by Karen Reynolds and Jane Williams; the latter is a 'market leader and go-to expert in her field'.

Property litigation Tier 1

Freeths LLP's first-rate reputation in property-related dispute resolution sees it generate work from clients in sectors such as retail, energy, food and construction, among others. Simon Baigent, who is highly regarded for his restructuring and insolvency expertise, has an excellent record in contentious matters involving an interplay between property and insolvency; his experience includes cases where landlords are faced with insolvent tenants and insolvency matters involving large property portfolios. Practice head Paul Tomkins is closely involved with the East Midlands branch of the Property Litigation Association, while senior associate Edward Pickard is active in all areas of property litigation, with a particular strength in dilapidations disputes, acting for landlords and tenants.

Social housing Tier 1

Freeths LLP operates at the top end of the social housing market, and its breadth and depth of expertise ensures that it wins premium work from arms-length management organisations (ALMOs), registered housing providers and developers, among other clients. Matthew Grocock and consultant Gary Reynolds co-head the practice in Nottingham, which provides a comprehensive range of services to clients, including property development, securitisation, planning, construction and procurement. One area of growth has seen the team increasingly being sought-out to assist with negotiating portfolio transactions. Stephen Pearson is another notable partner in the team. Principal property manager Sarah Rowe, and senior associates Rachel Clarke and Claire Bennett, collectively have over 38 years of experience of the social housing sector.

Commercial litigation: Nottingham and Derby Tier 2

Freeths LLP is well-placed to advise on large-scale and multi-party disputes, leveraging its strong presence in the Nottingham and Derby markets, as well as its wider national network. The Nottingham team is led by Graham Greenfield, who has been a partner since 1991, and who handles a wide range of commercial (including professional negligence) and financial cases. Greenfield, whose 'leadership skills and work ethic are second to none', also heads up the insolvency practice in Nottingham, and insolvency litigation is another pillar of his work. Greenfield is supported by recently promoted senior associate Jade Flint, 'a swift and efficient communicator'. Jonathan Jefferies is the main contact in Derby.

Commercial property: elsewhere in the East Midlands Tier 2

Freeths LLP covers the commercial property market extensively, by leveraging the expertise of its Leicester team, and also its wider national network. Its excellent reputation has seen it secure Leicester's Phoenix Arts Centre and Abbey Commercial Investments Group as new clients. Although the group in Leicester primarily focuses on high-value and complex transactions, it also handles development work, landlord and tenant matters, and real estate finance transactions, among other areas. Team head Simon Abbott specialises in investment portfolio management and work with a nexus to the retail sector. Also recommended is Sam Pancholi, who has more than 18 years of commercial property experience. Director Harjit Saund is the lead relationship manager to clients such as Tarmac and Flogas Britain.

Corporate and commercial: elsewhere in the East Midlands Tier 2

Freeths LLP's first-rate reputation among commercial and private clients (in the UK and internationally) is underpinned by the market knowledge of its six-strong team in Leicester, which collectively has 125 years of experience of handling corporate transactions. In addition, the group's strong deal execution capabilities are complemented by the firm's ability to provide full-service support in many ancillary areas, including competition, tax and employment. Phil Baigent has a strong track record acting for clients in the healthcare sector, such as banks and care home operators. Baigent also advises businesses active in the optometry, dental and pharmacy arenas. Keith Gilbert has particular experience of acting for clients in matters involving sectors such as waste and food and drink.

Education Tier 2

Freeths LLP's client roster includes various schools and colleges, as well as several major universities. Academy conversions are a key strength, with the practice undertaking a broad range of contracts and governance work, property-related instructions, student issues and employment disputes. Team head Stephen Pearson is an expert on governance contracts, procurement and state aid issues.

Environment & planning Tier 2

Freeths LLP's planning and environment team acts for public and private sector clients in large and complex projects nationally, including residential, retail, commercial, mixed-use and urban regeneration developments. Chris Waumsley, who leads the planning and environment group, has more than 30 years of experience advising local authorities and private sector clients on planning matters. Waumsley works closely on the planning side with Paul Brailsford, whose expertise includes food and non-food retail developments, and residential-led urban extensions; both are widely respected in their field. The environment practice, which is led in the East Midlands by Emma Tattersdill, assists clients with managing issues connected with environmental permitting, waste management, contaminated land and environmental prosecutions, among other matters. Clients in this space primarily come from the minerals, waste, construction and housebuilding sectors.

Health Tier 2

Freeths LLP has core strengths in acquisitions, disposals and mergers in the private healthcare sector. In addition, its team is experienced in handling land acquisitions and subsequent developments for senior living facilities and supported living units. Other specialist areas include end of life consent matters, inquests and other regulatory enforcement matters, as well as corporate governance and procurement. Clients include public sector entities, care providers and real estate investment trusts. Thomas Golding, James Clamp and Phil Baigent jointly lead the practice.

Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 2

Freeths LLP has a particularly strong focus on acting for regional and national insolvency practitioners, but it is also seen as a first port of call by trustees, directors and creditors, among others. On the non-contentious side, its team advises on the entire ambit of matters, including reorganisations and restructurings, administrations/receiverships/CVAs and acquisitions/disposals of distressed companies. It also provides assistance on the full range of contentious insolvency issues. Simon Baigent and Charles Darby (an expert in anti-avoidance and asset avoidance cases) are the main contacts in Leicester, while Graham Greenfield is the name to note in Nottingham.

Licensing Tier 2

Noted for its ‘positive, knowledgeable and passionate approach’, the team at Freeths LLP is traditionally adept in alcohol licensing matters and is increasingly advising on health and safety, trading standards and fire safety matters. Lisa Gilligan, ‘an experienced expert in the field’, helms the practice and is engaged for personal licenses, premises licences and DPS applications. She represents a client base which includes various bars, pubs, supermarkets and leisure businesses.

Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 2

Freeths LLP fields dedicated teams for tax and estate planning, trust administration, probate and wills. Trusts and inheritance tax are also core strengths, as is estate administration, including matters with a cross-border element. Scott McKittrick heads up the practice, which was bolstered in 2018 by the arrival of senior associate Charlotte Royal from Browne Jacobson LLP ; she adds to the team’s strengths in technical trust and tax issues.

Agriculture and estates Tier 1

Freeths LLP has a dedicated team of specialist lawyers that assist clients with the full gamut of agricultural law matters, including agricultural property,  tax, trusts and wills, agricultural dispute resolution, corporate and commercial, environmental law and specialist agricultural advice in employment, family and personal injury law. The team is also supported by the wider firm’s construction and planning experts. Iain Davis is practice head. Samantha Leigh, Sarah Duffy, Balvinder Jaj and Laura Czapski are also recommended.

Clinical negligence: claimant Tier 1

The 'very strong and extremely well-organised' clinical negligence practice at Freeths LLP is often involved in the region's highest-value cases concerning brain, spine and other injuries of maximum severity. Led by Carolyn Lowe, whom clients 'rate very highly', the team also has expertise in birth injury, stillbirth and neonatal death cases. Senior associate Catherine Bell is 'effective, tenacious and caring', and focuses on gynaecological claims including multiparty group actions.

Commercial property: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 1

Freeths LLP acts for a range of corporate client, developers and landlords in connection with acquisitions, disposals, asset management and promotional agreements. The practice is particularly experienced in advising educational institutions, charities and healthcare sector clients. Patrick Whetter leads on commercial property transactions; Adrian White handles development and construction projects for corporate and charity sector clients.  Senior associate Laura Hodgson's practice covers investment property development , commercial landlord and tenant matters and real estate finance. Senior associate Desh Patel is another name to note.

Contentious trusts and probate Tier 1

Freeths LLP's contentious trusts and probate team is 'helpful, clear and professional', according to one client, and it garners praise from many others. It works closely with the firm's private client, tax and property teams to provide cross-practice expertise. The group, which is led by Sarah Foster, is best known for advising beneficiaries, executors, trustees and individuals left out of wills on challenges to will validity, trust disputes and Inheritance Act claims. Other areas of expertise include proprietary estoppel claims and Court of Protection matters. Senior associate Sally Goodger acts for both individuals and charities in a broad range of claims.

Corporate and commercial: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 1

Freeths LLP provides commercial and strategic advice to a wide range of clients, focusing on mergers, acquisitions, disposals, shareholder arrangements and joint ventures. The Milton Keynes office has a dedicated drinks, hospitality and leisure team  which offers sector-specific, in-depth expertise to national operators. Managing partner Jonathan Hambleton heads the practice. James Cowell, who specialises in the healthcare and renewables sectors, is another name to note.

Family: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 1

Freeths LLP handles the full spectrum of family law matters including high- value financial cases involving farming assets, businesses, trusts, pensions and jurisdictional issues. The practice has a specialty in the area of fertility law and surrogacy. Key figures in the Oxford office include head of the national family practice, Rachael Oakes and Claire Colbert who specialises in financial matters and arrangements for children. The practice retains strong expertise in niche areas, such as Gemma Nicholls-Webber for divorce proceedings involving farming and agricultural issues; Tom Burgess for matters concerning IVF and surrogacy, and Joanne Thomas for financial remedy cases involving pre/post acquired assets, such as inheritances.

Personal tax, trusts and probate: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 1

Freeths LLP provides ‘excellent’ and ‘well-balance’ assistance to a wide range of clients including high-net-worth individuals, estate owners and family businesses. Areas of expertise include complex contentious and non-contentious probate and trust work, Court of Protection and wealth planning, often with a cross-border element. Nigel Roots and Jane Maitland are particularly well known for their work in managing complex inter-generational wealth structures for private individuals. Sarah Foster represents individuals, executors/trustees and charities in disputes arising out of wills, estates and trusts. Lisa Mark-Bell is also recommended for the management of trusts.

Professional negligence Tier 1

Freeths LLP's professional negligence practice is led by Duncan Crine and handles a wide range of high-value and complex matters for both claimants and defendants across a wide pool of industry sectors. Recent work highlights include acting for a director of a large drinks company in a shareholder dispute. Other key figures include managing partner Sarah Foster, who has particular expertise in trust and probate-related professional negligence matters, and William Richmond-Coggan, who joined the firm from Pitmans LLP.

Charities and not-for-profit Tier 2

Freeths LLP advises local and national charities on a broad range of issues such as commercial and corporate negotiations, real estate compliance, aspects of GDPR on fundraising efforts and partnership arrangements. Nigel Roots is the key advisor for tax and trust planning, trust management and charity law. Sarah Foster acts on contentious matters and Lesley Pollock advises on real estate matters. Sarah Bownman joined Shoosmiths LLP in February 2018, Robert Nieri departed to Brabners LLP in September 2018.

Commercial litigation: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 2

Freeths LLP has a nationwide reputation for its experience in the drinks and leisure sectors. Logistics is another key area, with Luton airport as a longstanding client. The team is well versed in complex multi-party disputes, working side by side with the property litigation team in Milton Keynes and relying on the support of a large pool of litigators at the national level. Simon Hobbs heads the practice.

Commercial litigation: Sheffield, South Yorkshire Tier 2

Freeths LLP handles a variety of contentious matters ranging from shareholder and partnership disputes to public procurement challenges, contractual claims, insolvency matters and reputation management work. James Hartley, who splits his time between the Leeds and Sheffield offices, heads up the team alongside the 'super smart' James Berry, who attracts praise for being 'very personable and quick on the uptake' and focuses on the manufacturing, construction and technology sectors. Senior associate Mark Gudgeon acts for clients in a range of commercial disputes including public procurement challenges.

Commercial litigation: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 2

Duncan Crine leads the dispute resolution practice at Freeths LLP which offers 'excellent partner-led litigation services at reasonable rates'. The firm is experienced in representing private and corporate clients as claimants and respondents  in complex shareholder, contractual and commercial disputes in the technology, retail, construction, logistics and education sectors. The practice strengthened its disputes offering with the addition of 'first-rate litigator' Will Richmond-Coggan from BDB Pitmans in January 2019.

Commercial property: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 2

Freeths LLP’s real estate department has a team dedicated exclusively to the drinks, hospitality and leisure sectors, which is headed by Leo Skinner. The team is also well known for its expertise in transport and logistics, as well as for its work in developments and development finance. Practice co-head Valerie Warman and Shashi Chambers are other key contacts.

Corporate and commercial: Birmingham Tier 2

Freeths LLP 's corporate and commercial practice is a prominent force in the retail, construction, logistics, hospitality and public sectors. Lee Clifford  leads the corporate team and is highly skilled in handling PE transactions. Heading up the commercial team is Nigel Gardner , whose main sector focus is on the logistics and hospitality sectors.

Corporate and commercial: Sheffield, South Yorkshire Tier 2

The team at Freeths LLP handles a breadth of transactions for its client base, which encompasses SMEs and large corporates; the group also has particular experience acting for manufacturing, engineering and high-growth technology businesses. Practice head Peter Crawford and senior associate Lisa Wallis are key names to note and have experience handling corporate deals and commercial agreements.

Corporate and commercial: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 2

Freeths LLP is 'always one step ahead' and provides 'excellent' support to SME and family owned businesses in the engineering, logistics, food and education sectors. Leon Arnold, Tom Walker and Malin Svanberg Larsson are the key corporate partners; commercial lawyer Rebecca Howlett is recommended for commercial contracts.

Environment Tier 2

Freeths LLP is known for its work on complex development sites, handling issues relating to wildlife and the natural environment, water, waste and contaminated land work. The group also assists with permitting matters, environmental crime work, water and ground pollution incidents, transactional mandates and judicial reviews. Team leader Penny Simpson is an all-round environmental lawyer and counts developers, mineral, energy and water companies, charities and public sector bodies among her clients.

Intellectual property Tier 2

Freeths LLP's growing IP team provides 'commercial and pragmatic' advice covering patents, trademarks and copyright infringement. Led by 'true subject matter expert' Simon Barker, the practice focuses primarily on soft IP matters. The team is particularly active in the retail sector and clients include a well-known global cosmetics brand and other high-profile international and high-street names.

Local government Tier 2

Freeths LLP focuses on real estate and commercial matters. The 'knowledgeable' Nathan Holden, who leads the firm's local government offering, is regularly involved in the drafting of partnership arrangements, compulsory purchases and other commercial work. Mitchell Ball assists local authorities with real estate-related work such as residential projects, regeneration of industrial sites, office developments, as well as property sales and acquisitions.

M&A: smaller deals, up to £50m Tier 2

Across its 13 nationwide offices, Freeths LLP  acts for clients ranging from owner-managed SMEs and individual entrepreneurs to larger listed public companies. The M&A team works closely with equity capital markets colleagues to advise AIM clients on listings and related acquisitions. Practice head Tom Rowley has particular experience in the aviation industry. Associate Francis Dalton has a broad practice, with a focus on private M&A in the media, technology and healthcare sectors.

Mediators Tier 2

Freeths LLP's Charles Powell, who is also at In Place of Strife, is 'an exceptional mediator'. He 'finds patches of common ground in battlefields littered with casualties' and 'parties trust him to guide them towards a resolution because he understands the necessary ingredients for settlement and does not allow himself, or the parties, to become hung up on irrelevant aspects'. Powell has over 20 years of mediation experience and has conducted over 500 commercial mediations; he specialises in commercial and partnership disputes, property and fire damage claims, professional negligence and banking and asset finance disputes.

Personal injury: claimant Tier 2

The personal injury team at Freeths LLP is led by Oxford-based Julie Nichols and handles a wide range of road traffic accidents and public liability claims. Senior associate Irvin Thobourne has over two decades of experience in personal injury matters and is adept at advising on workplace accidents. Associate Amy Barnett is another name to note.

Personal injury: defendant Tier 2

Freeths LLP's personal injury team undertakes a broad range of work for its strong corporate client base, with a particular expertise in the automotive sector. Led by Paul Chadder (who is noted for his 'clarity and superb client service') the group is renowned for handling high-value and high-profile public liability, employers liability, and industrial injury matters. Associate Matthew Bacon is recommended for his expertise in industrial disease claims.

Project finance and PFI Tier 2

Led by James Larmour, Freeths LLP's practice focuses on advising infrastructure funds and asset management companies on funding and development matters in the energy and education sectors, including the financing and refinancing of energy and infrastructure projects and the procurement of contracts. Waste and renewables industry specialist Kirstin Roberts joined from Gateley Plc in September 2018.

Property litigation Tier 2

Freeths LLP's Milton Keynes team has a strategic focus on the licensed leisure sector, and mostly acts for pub owners, brewers, pub operators, nightclubs and hotel owners. Mark Brown undertakes a wide range of real estate disputes and has specialist expertise in challenging Assets of Community Value/ advising on the Pubs Code. In Oxford, the group focuses on contentious agricultural work with landed estates forming much of the client base. Clare Bellis' professional negligence expertise on property matters 'adds an extra dimension to the firm's capabilities'. 

Banking and finance Tier 3

At Freeths LLP, the banking and finance team has a strong focus in acquisition finance, and also assists banks and borrowers with refinancing and corporate lending. The department, which is led by the 'exceptional and highly regarded' James Dyson recently boosted its offering with the arrival of Islamic finance and asset-based lending expert Renata Rai, who joined as a director from Al Tamimi & Company in November 2018.

Commercial litigation: Birmingham Tier 3

Freeths LLP focuses on contentious matters concerning contract breaches, professional negligence, partnership agreements and commercial fraud. The 'remarkably user-friendly' Richard Coates leads the practice, while another key figure is Louise Wilson, who a similar focus on contract breaches and negligence cases.

Commercial litigation: elsewhere in the West Midlands Tier 3

The Stoke office of Freeths LLP is primarily known for advising on disputes in the property and energy sectors. Stephen Hadley leads the team and has extensive experience in corporate and property litigation.

Commercial property: Liverpool Tier 3

Freeths LLP enters into the rankings this year with its growing Liverpool-based real estate practice which handles a range of real estate finance, investment and development work. Team head Andrew Nichol is noted for his real estate finance and investment expertise and 'combines his extensive experience with a commercial approach to transactions and advice; he understands what clients require and manages to "get deals done"'. Nichol is ably supported by Luke Hopkins , who is 'extremely efficient and responsive; he is very experienced in real estate finance', and director Peter Barber, who recently joined from Land Law LLP.

Commercial property: retail Tier 3

Freeths LLP’s 'knowledgeable and skilled' retail property team, which is led by Sarah Griggs and Jenny Cooper, advises clients ranging from household high street names to small niche retailers and also includes European, Australian and US entities entering the UK market. Instructions include a broad array of property matters in addition to retail-related IP, disputes, employment and regulatory affairs, among others. Ian Rowson leads the overall real estate department which is engaged for property transactions, real estate finance work, regeneration, urban regeneration and infrastructure projects as well as the disposal of distressed assets.

Corporate tax Tier 3

Freeths LLP's tax practice is instructed on the tax elements of a range of corporate and real estate transactions including M&A, project finance work and the structuring of private equity funds. It benefits from the ability to leverage its national network in large instructions. Nottingham-based Bob Neal heads the team, which includes Adrian Hackett in Sheffield.

Court of protection Tier 3

Freeths LLP has a UK-wide Court of Protection team. The majority of its clients are brain-injured people who have received large awards. The practice is skilled at helping clients who require substantial care packages and have complex equipment and property needs as well as behavioural difficulties. The group handles a wide array of matters from acting as professional deputies for clients with valuable estates (several clients have large agricultural estates, businesses and foreign assets) through to preparing expert reports on Court of Protection costs for litigation proceedings. Melanie Williams and Jane Maitland were appointed to the Office of the Public Guardian’s panel of deputies in July 2015.

Employment: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 3

The employment team at Freeths LLP is well known in the Milton Keynes area and beyond for its sector expertise, which focuses in particular on education, food and drinks, logistics and telecoms. The practice is notable for its expertise in business immigration work and employment tribunal representations. Christopher Sing is the practice head.

Energy Tier 3

Traditionally strong in the renewable sector, Freeths LLP recently increased its offering with the October 2018 hire of waste sector expert Kirstin Roberts, who joined as a director from Gateley Plc. The team regularly acts for developers, energy suppliers, operators and investors on a variety of contentious and non-contentious matters, including renewable energy projects, acquisitions and disposals, energy supply and offtaker agreements. Former partner Catherine Burke left in May 2018 to join client Metka-EGN as general counsel.

Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 3

Freeths LLP focuses on complex restructurings and non-contentious corporate insolvencies for clients in a variety of sectors including retail, hospitality, manufacturing, property and banking. Insolvency practitioners, accountants, banks, creditors, corporates and individuals make up the team's client roster nationally. Oliver Jackson heads up the group.

Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 3

Freeths LLP 's Milton Keynes-based insolvency team  is particularly known for advising in relation to restructurings and insolvencies in the drinks and hospitality industries, in addition to advising across other industry sectors. Partners are often instructed by insolvency practitioners to advise on the disposal of assets of national pub chains, or by existing operators to purchase the assets of those in administration. The team is led by Simon Hobbs who has expertise in a broad range of contentious and non-contentious corporate and personal insolvency matters.

Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 3

Freeths LLP 's expertise spans complex contentious and non-contentious insolvency work and the team is largely instructed by national and regional insolvency practitioners. Complex restructuring, corporate recovery mandates and administrations are notable areas of expertise. The team is known for its ability to handle nil-asset cases and also boasts specialist personal insolvency expertise. The 'brilliant' Joey Byrne heads the department.

IT and telecoms Tier 3

Freeths LLP has an experienced team that advises high-profile commercial retail clients on outsourcing and data protection matters. Mark Neale, who has more than 15 years’ experience of advising on IT and data matters, heads up the team, while also working with clients on the development of new websites and representing them in negotiations for new services arrangements. He is assisted by Nicola Cooper and Matthew Johnson.

Pensions Tier 3

Freeths LLP acts for a range of clients spanning family-owned businesses, SMEs, large corporates and public sector clients. The team was established following the arrival of practice head Nigel Bolton and Kim Jones in November 2017 from Irwin Mitchell. Bolton is frequently instructed on public sector outsourcings and advising trustees on scheme closures, mergers, data protection issues and scheme funding issues, while Jones has particular expertise assisting with scheme mergers and scheme wind-ups on a solvent and insolvent basis.

Commercial litigation: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 4

Freeths LLP handles a range of issues including international dispute resolution and arbitration, trusts, estates and private litigation, pensions matters, competition litigation and insurance sector claims. James Hartley, who has expertise in litigation funding, heads the team, which includes Lindsey Clegg, who is frequently instructed in cross-border commercial disputes, and legal director Stephen Lewis, who has particular expertise in insurance litigation. The team benefits from the addition of senior associate Laura Short, a trusts and estates dispute specialist, who joined from Jones Myers LLP.

Commercial property: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 4

Freeths LLP's real estate team focuses on commercial development, leisure and retail, public sector and pharmacy clients. Matthew Thompson leads the practice, and also leads on much of the team's most significant work in sectors including manufacturing, retail and leisure. Liz Banks is another notable name, leading the firm's local government team, with a focus on investment and development transactions.

Construction Tier 4

Freeths LLP is noted for its contentious expertise, with a particular focus on the water, energy, utilities, engineering and technology sectors. The group has also recently handled a number of procurement processes. Joseph Hale and Rachael Yates jointly lead the department; Hale handles procurement work alongside his contentious expertise and Yates counts employers, contractors and subcontractors as clients.

Employment Tier 4

Freeths LLP ’s regional employment practice is serviced by its Birmingham and Stoke-on-Trent offices, but the firm also benefits from a strong national profile. It receives a steady flow of work from a diverse client base, such as well-known listed companies and a large number of public and education sector clients. Rebecca Sawbridge and Peter Gavin are the main contacts in the team, which is well-equipped to handle complex Employment Tribunal claims.

Employment: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 4

Freeths LLP has notable expertise in the education and food and drink sectors. The practice also advises on TUPE, business immigration and advocacy in tribunal litigation. Mark Emery is the key practitioner.

Local government Tier 4

A substantial offering at Freeths LLP comprises numerous offices around the country that advise on a broad range of development and regeneration projects, including mixed-use constructions, shopping centres and investment transactions. It provides planning, environment and real estate expertise in these areas, and more broadly also advises on areas such as tax and property litigation. Nathan Holden is a key contact in Birmingham and Stephen Pearson is noted for his broad expertise, which includes employment law. Some of the key team members include Ian Rowson and Clive Pearce for real estate, and Robert Bruce and Jennifer Roe for planning.

Mediators Tier 4

Freeths LLP's Nottingham-based Mark Keeley qualified as a mediator in 2010 and is widely respected for his specialism in contested trust and estate cases. He mediates approximately 40 cases each year and has helped resolve disputes involving complex UK and offshore estates.

Commercial property: Birmingham Tier 5

With expertise in the logistics, retail, energy and public sector, the real estate team at Freeths LLP acts for local authorities, landowners and developers on real estate matters relating to residential and commercial development, as well as transactions and leasing. Lucy Jackson was promoted to director in September 2018.

Commercial property: Manchester Tier 5

Freeths LLP is instructed by public and private sector clients across a range of residential and commercial property development matters. Ian Tempest heads the team and Stephen Lewis specialises in investment and transactional work for funds, property companies and high-net-worth individuals. Lewis also heads the real estate finance team, specialising in high-value development bridging finance.

Corporate and commercial: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Tier 5

Freeths LLP handles M&A, private equity work, financing and corporate restructuring and reorganisation transactions for its diverse client roster, which includes owner-managed businesses, SMEs and national public and private companies. Dahren Naidoo jointly heads up the team with Andy Francey, who has particular experience handling bank refinancings in the leisure sector.

Pensions (non-contentious) Tier 5

Freeths LLP handles a broad range of issues for corporate clients, with regular mandates including updating trust deeds and rules, advising on pension scheme liabilities arising from acquisitions, indexing issues and GDPR compliance. The team has recently provided expertise with advising on auto-enrolment requirements and pension harmonisation issues for international businesses entering the UK market.

Planning Tier 5

The planning and environmental team at Freeths LLP handles complex residential-led and mixed-use developments for a modest list of local authorities, advising on all relevant issues including section 106 negotiations, highways agreements, rights of way issues, and CIL. Commercial clients instruct the team to represent their interest in judicial review proceedings, with recent successes in both defending and challenging planning decisions in the High Court. Practice head Robert Bruce also advises on CPO compensation claims and other contentious issues.

Construction Tier 6

Freeths LLP handles a raft of development work, is experienced in procurement matters, and also handles disputes in the sector. Recently promoted director Jennie Jones, who heads the team in Manchester, handles contentious and non-contentious matters. Pandora Lougheed has joined Addleshaw Goddard, while former team head James Driver and David Lorenzo have joined Clarke Willmott LLP.

Employment Tier 6

Freeths LLP's Manchester employment practice, which is led by Charlotte Rees-John, has a strong track record in the leisure and retail sector where it acts for household names, while education and sports are areas of increased activity for the team. The team regularly advises senior executives on their exits, and covers the whole range of employment law issues, including restructurings and redundancies, corporate transactions, restrictive covenants and employment tribunal claims. Tahera Khan is a new addition to the team, having joined as a senior associate from DAC Beachcroft LLP in May 2018.

Property finance Tier 6

Freeths LLP's growing client base includes investment and development companies, private equity and infrastructure funds, and clearing and challenger banks. The team has particular expertise in development finance, particularly in the healthcare (including care homes) and student accommodation sectors and for mixed-use and residential development schemes. Practice head Richard Williams leads the practice, which also handles mezzanine lending, distressed property finance, and sharia-compliant transactions.

Commercial litigation Tier 7

Freeths LLP's 'team provides good value for money' across a broad array of disputes work including corporate and M&A matters, commercial disputes, fraud, insolvency, group actions, public sector disputes, IT matters and insurance. Philippa Dempster is the principal contact and Vickie Williams was promoted to director.

Immigration

Freeths LLP handles a range of immigration work for corporate, individual and high-net-worth clients; ranging from entrepreneurs to multinational clients. The team regularly advises on right to work, compliance audits and advises clients on preventing and challenging civil penalties. It also handles sponsor licence applications and management issues and advises on suspended and revoked licences. The education, care, manufacturing, cyber, sports. technology, logistics and leisure sectors are key areas of focus. The team operates closely with the firm's corporate department to advise on the immigration implications of transactions. Tom Bradford, who previously worked at the Home Office, is the key partner in London.

Diversity/Community

Corporate Social Responsibility means making a positive difference in our wider community.

Freeths are a forward-thinking firm and we are keen to do our bit for a wide range of community programs. This could be through offering our expertise to help people in need, or by simply giving up some of our time. We play active roles in organisations, volunteer in schools and provide pro bono work.

Here’s how Freeths are making a difference

Some examples of our community engagement:

• Right to Read – Participating in a national literacy programme at eight primary schools
• Business in FOCUS – Providing mentoring to disadvantaged people during a law simulation exercise
• Pro Bono schemes – Legal work without charge, including substantial cases for accident victims
• Enterprise 4 Education – Helping to raise young people’s employability through workshops and talks
• Give & Gain Day – An international day raising general awareness of the value of volunteering
• The Legal Scholarship Scheme – A bursary and paid work experience at our Milton Keynes office
• Freeths E-Mentoring Scheme – Mentoring for law students at eight universities and colleges

Supporting a different charity every year

We are pleased to announce that our new firm charity will be Mind, the leading mental health charity. Mind campaign to improve services, raise awareness and provide support directly to those who need it most. We look forward to working with Mind on their mission to get support and respect for everyone experiencing a mental health problem.

Last year, we were proud to support Alzheimer’s Society, the UK’s leading dementia support and research charity. We have raised over £50,000 for this cause. In May, over forty of our staff took part in a charity skydive – reaching heights of 10,000ft at speeds of up to 120mph before making the leap! We also conquered the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge last year, climbing 3 mountains in under 12 hours.

Our Green Approach

We are committed to being more environmentally friendly, recycling widely in our offices to reduce our impact on the planet. We do this by using recycled products where possible, aiming to source our energy ethically by investigating alternative renewable energy sources, and carrying out audits of our buildings.

Freeths are proud to be making progress with a firm-wide travel plan. This includes our Cycle to Work scheme and encouraging our staff to use public transport through subsidised season tickets.

We ensure that all our suppliers are aware of our CSR Policy, and that we progressively influence them to adopt good environmental practices.

To underline our commitment we have gained ISO14001 accreditation.

Click here to view the full Freeths Environmental Policy