M&A: smaller deals, up to £50m Tier 2

The corporate team at Freeths LLP operates as a fully integrated practice across the national firm's 13 offices, with the aim of providing a cost-effective offering. The M&A group covers the full range of transactional work for clients ranging from owner managed SMEs and individual entrepreneurs to publicly listed companies. Tom Rowley leads the London team and represents large international corporates including NASDAQ quoted companies. He also advises private equity sponsors on a range of transactions. Elsewhere in the practice Andrew Bretherton has significant experience advising private equity and venture capital while Peter Hill is noted for his work in joint ventures and shareholders' agreements; Francis Dalton is another key name.

Mediators Tier 2

Charles Powell - Freeths LLP  Freeths LLP's Nottingham-based Charles Powell, who is also at IPOS Mediation, is 'an excellent mediator; he is hardworking, pragmatic and determined to find the right resolution. He is also creative at unlocking offers'. Others praise Powell's 'really good mediation style, for engaging well with the parties, and approaching the mediation in a pragmatic and sensible way'. Powell has over 20 years' mediation experience and has conducted over 500 commercial mediations. He specialises in disputes involving commercial law, partnerships, professional negligence and property claims, and banking and asset finance disputes.

Tier 3

Mark Keeley -  Freeths LLP Freeths LLP's Mark Keeley in Nottingham is 'a great mediator, who is insightful and experienced; he is also very good at handling difficult clients'; he is also praised as 'an excellent contentious probate mediator'. He has conducted over 250 commercial mediations and specialises in contentious trust and probate disputes, as well as professional negligence claims.

Tier 5

Paul Balen - Freeths LLP Freeths LLP's Nottingham-based consultant solicitor Paul Balen qualified as a mediator in 2004, and is highly regarded for his conduct of clinical negligence and personal injury mediations. In 2019, Balen conducted over 50 mediations; he has also mediated probate and commercial disputes.

Court of protection Tier 3

Freeths LLP's national team mainly acts for brain-injured clients who have received multimillion-pound compensation awards, dealing with complex cases where clients require significant care packages, and have substantial equipment and property needs, behavioural issues and complicated finances. The group handles a broad range of matters, ranging from acting as professional deputies for clients with valuable estates (including several with large agricultural estates and businesses) to preparing statutory will and gift applications. Natasha Molloy was promoted to the partnership. Melanie Williams and Jane Maitland have been appointed to the Office of the Public Guardian’s panel of deputies since July 2015.

Local government Tier 3

Freeths LLP's national platform enables the firm to handle a broad scope of local government work, covering transactional matters, construction, property litigation and planning. The firm also has capabilities in state aid and EU procurement, as well as environmental law. Practice leader Nathan Holden advises on matters such as joint venture arrangements and compulsory purchase orders, while the new head of the commercial team Jennifer Roe is considered an 'excellent up-and-coming planner'. Stephen Pearson acts on major outsourcing projects, Ian Rowson advises on complex regulation schemes and distressed assets, Clive Pearce focuses on property investment acquisitions, and Robert Bruce provides planning expertise. The team has recently been boosted by a number of significant new additions, with partners joining from DLA Piper, Irwin Mitchell, Shoosmiths LLP, Ward Hadawayand Squire Patton Boggs.

Franchising Tier 4

Freeths LLP's practice expanded in mid-2019 with the arrival of new national practice head Iain Bowler from DLA Piper, where he was global co-head of commercial and franchise. In addition to providing franchising expansion and licensing assistance, the team advises franchisors on commercial contracts and intellectual property, real estate, dispute resolution, employment and competition issues. 'Capable of dealing with multi-national businesses and local ones just as well', the group acts for clients in the retail, manufacturing, media and digital, and hospitality and leisure sectors.

Commercial litigation: mid-market Tier 5

Freeths LLP 'provides a very sensible, commercial and value-for-money service'. The team has particular expertise in corporate and M&A litigation, commercial disputes, and fraud, confidential information and data issues. It also fields specialists in insolvency, group actions, public sector matters, and funding and insurance. Senior partner and London managing partner Philippa Dempster is highly rated, and Vickie Williams and the recently promoted Imogen Randall are the directors to note.

Planning Tier 5

A mix of commercial clients and local authorities work with Freeths LLP's planning and environment group on the full range of adjacent matters, including section 106 negotiations, highways agreements, rights of way issues and CIL. The team also provides a strong contentious offering and as practice head, Robert Bruce brings over 20 years experience in planning and related law.

Property finance Tier 5

Freeths LLP is particularly active in advising debt funders in the healthcare sector, as well as advising on the financing of major mixed-use developments. Richard Williams focuses on the aforementioned areas with additional expertise in the hotel and leisure sectors. Chris Freeston, who works from the Nottingham and London offices, is notably strong in handling student accommodation and hotel developments.

Immigration

Freeths LLP advises a range of corporate, high net worth and individual clients, handling matters including sponsor licences, compliance audits and judicial review work. The 'outstandingly professional, well organised and empathetic' team has significant expertise in advising universities and companies within the manufacturing and logistics sectors. The team includes well-regarded managing associate Shradha Virji.

Agriculture and estates Tier 1

Freeths LLP's agricultural team advises landed estates, farming families, educational institution, and charities on all matters of agricultural and property law, including agricultural tax, disputes, environmental law, and the acquisition and sale of listed buildings and high-value estates. Practice leader Iain Davis specialises in the development of greenfield land, while partner Samantha Leigh focuses on strategic estate management. Partner Sarah Duffy advises on agricultural property acquisitions and disposals. She works alongside partner Balvinder Jaj, who addresses secured lending and development at greenfield and brownfield sites. Senior associate Laura Czapski also comes recommended. Director Louise Lewis joined from Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP in June 2019.

Banking and finance Tier 1

Freeths LLP's 'focused and pragmatic' team in Nottingham primarily advises lenders and investors engaged in the healthcare and real estate industries. Its broad expertise includes project finance, acquisition finance, mezzanine finance and public sector finance transactions. Chris Freeston specialises in advising banks and private lenders on real estate and project finance transactions of considerable value. Katie Hillier is well-versed in investment and development finance, as well as debt and corporate restructuring. John Heaphy has a wealth of expertise in acquisition finance. Associate Gary Richardson is another notable individual. Partners Ed Hall and Ben Moylan joined the firm in 2019 from Gowling WLG and Eversheds Sutherland, respectively.

Commercial litigation: elsewhere in the East Midlands Tier 1

Freeths LLP 's 'extremely capable and proactive' Leicester practice acts for international and domestic companies in numerous breach of contract disputes, in addition to insurance, professional negligence, construction and property claims (to name just a few of the firm's mainstays). Mukesh Patel is particularly well-known for his expertise in disputes in the energy sector. Among his recent highlights, he represented claimant Flogas Britain in various high-value cases involving injunctions, contempt of court actions and challenges to government procurement decisions. Simon Baigent specialises in restructuring and insolvency, as well as property litigation. Emma Anderson is an expert in commercial disputes. Senior associate Richard Fitzmaurice is another notable individual.

Commercial property: Nottingham and Derby Tier 1

Freeths LLP provides a full-service offering to clients, which includes property finance, residential conveyancing, licensing, and assistance with all stages of regeneration projects and commercial and residential developments. Darren Williamson specialises in portfolio sales and acquisitions, predominantly in the food and retail sectors. Jon Smart focuses on commercial development and funding, areas in which he acts for investors, developers, landowners and occupiers. Guy Winfield is retained by major clients on an ongoing basis in relation to large-scale projects. Most notably, he recently advised Travis Perkins on around 200 assignments of leases. James Clamp and Janet Rhodes are also names to note.

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

Freeths LLP provides comprehensive real estate support on matters including construction & development, planning, environmental, tax and property litigation. The practice is particularly experienced in advising educational institutions, charities and healthcare sector clients. Practice co-head Patrick Whetter  specialises in acquisitions, disposals, property portfolio management and HQ relocations, while co-head Adrian White  acts for a number of substantial corporate and charity clients on development projects. Desh Patel, promoted to director in 2019, handles commercial landlord and tenant matters and acquisitions and disposals of freehold and leasehold properties. Senior associate Laura Brown is recommended.

Construction Tier 1

Freeths LLP's Nottingham team works seamlessly with the firm's nationwide real estate practice, enabling it to take on work from large corporates and major developers. Chris Holwell focuses on advising all parties in large construction projects on procurement and development. Amy Morley is particularly strong in high-value disputes and mediations arising from issues during construction projects. Holwell recently advised Siglion on the construction contracts underpinning the development of a new council headquarters in Sunderland. Associates John Kelly and Karen Hargrave are also recommended.

Contentious trusts and probate Tier 1

Freeths LLP has a well-established presence in high-value contentious trust and probate litigation. The firm handles a wide range of work, including (but not limited to) claims under the Inheritance Act, will challenges and contested Court of Protection work. The firm continues to grow in the agriculture sector, where it handles disputes concerning farming estates. The team, which is led by Mark Keeley, garners praise for its 'friendly' and 'professional' approach. Clients note its 'genuine strength in depth'. Also noted is Rachel Gaffney, who specialises in contentious Court of Protection work.

Contentious trusts and probate Tier 1

Freeths LLP is known for advising trustees, executors, and individuals disinherited from wills on issues including the challenges to the validity of a will and family trust disputes, as well as other high-value and complex cases involving contentious trusts. Practice leader Sarah Foster is an expert in alternative dispute resolution and acts as a litigation friend for minors requiring separate representation. Foster works closely with senior associate Sally Goodger, who deals with matters relating to wills, trusts, and estates.

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

Operating out of Milton Keynes, Freeths LLP advises clients in the drinks, hospitality, healthcare, and leisure sectors on matters relating to complex deals, refinancings, restructurings, and acquisitions. Practice leader Jonathan Hambleton is an expert in refinancings, restructurings, and acquisitions for complex matters. Director James Cowell comes highly recommended.

Corporate and commercial: Nottingham and Derby Tier 1

Freeths LLP‘s corporate and commercial team has a wide range of sector specialisms, including logistics, energy, retail and hospitality. It acts for large domestic and international clients in major transactions, including M&A, de-mergers and equity investments. On the commercial side, the firm primarily advises companies on joint venture agreements, procurement and major strategic projects. Karl Jansen has a wealth of experience advising clients on transactions running the full gamut, with a particular focus on UK mid-market businesses.  In a recent highlight, corporate partner John Heaphy advised fintech client DivideBuy on securing a £60m equity and debt investment from Souter Investments and Shawbrook and Paragon. David Lane and associate Mallory Coxe are also recommended.

Employment Tier 1

Freeths LLP is highly active in employment-related litigation and its team is a regular fixture in Employment Tribunal cases. The group also advises on the enforcement of restrictive covenants, injunctive relief, restructurings and TUPE issues. In Leicester, national practice head Julian Middleton and Rena Magdani are the main contacts. Nottingham-based partner David Potter is also a key individual.

Family Tier 1

Freeths LLP's high level of family law expertise is reflected by its coverage of a wide range of matters, including divorce, financial applications, pre and post-nuptial agreements, cohabitee disputes, surrogacy and child arrangements. Key clients of the firm include high-net-worth individuals and clients with family-owned limited businesses. The practice works closely with Freeths Platinum Service to offer high-net-worth clients wealth preservation advice. Practice head Rachael Oakes works with Judith Speed, who is 'reliable' and 'very experienced'.

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

Freeths LLP's family team 'provides an excellent service' in high value financial matters and provides sensitive and practical advice on children matters, including Schedule 1 applications, removal from jurisdiction applications and cohabitation issues. Rachael Oakes  leads the team and advises on pre and post marital agreements and children issues, along with Claire Colbert . Gemma Nicholls-Webber handles separation matters, often with a cross-border element. Associate Tom Burgess is one of relatively few in the area with expertise in IVF and surrogacy work.

Insolvency and corporate recovery

Personal injury and clinical negligence: claimant Tier 1

Freeths LLP has an experienced and sizeable claimant personal injury practice that demonstrates particular expertise in brain injury and spinal cord injury cases involving both adults and children. Karen Reynolds, who leads the team in Derby and Stoke, is on the AvMA and Law Society Clinical Negligence Solicitor panels. Nottingham-based practice head Jane Williams and her team are experienced in successfully mediating cases under the National Health Resolution Services scheme. In Leicester, Jane Goulding (the head of personal injury claimant) and her team are renowned for their experience of multiple party actions and high-value catastrophic injury claims.

Personal injury and clinical negligence: claimant Tier 1

Freeths LLP has an 'excellent' clinical negligence practice and provides a wide regional offering for clients. Operating out of Oxford, the team is led by national head Carolyn Lowe and handles an assortment of maximum severity injuries including complex brain and cerebral palsy cases. Senior associate Catherine Bell is highlighted by clients for her specialism in clinical negligence work and has expertise in neurological claims. Lynne Foster is the key name for fatal claims work; the group also acts in stillbirth and neonatal death cases.

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

Freeths LLP handles a full range of private client matters in an 'efficient, reliable and discreet' manner. Nigel Roots specialises in acting as a trustee of complex inter-generational wealth structures, with a particular emphasis on trust reorganisations for wealthy business-owning families and historic landed estates. Roots leads the practice along with Sarah Foster, who defends claims made against legal professionals with a trust or probate element. Jane Maitland advises high net worth individuals, company directors, farmers, academics and authors on estate planning. Director Lisa Mark-Bell is 'all one could hope for in a family solicitor'.

Professional negligence Tier 1

Freeths LLP's professional negligence team is skilled in handling a mix of both complex claimant and defendant matters for clients. Led out of Oxford by experienced practice head Duncan Crine, the group has expertise in claims across a range of industry sectors such as legal, financial, real estate and engineering. Managing partner Sarah Foster, who also jointly leads the team, is the key contact for trust and probate-related disputes. Highlighted for her 'sensible approach', property litigation head Clare Bellis specialises in professional indemnity matters.

Property litigation Tier 1

Freeths LLP's 'responsive and pragmatic' team, which is based in Nottingham and Leicester, handles property disputes involving breaches of lease covenants, adverse possession, forfeiture and professional indemnity, among other areas. In Nottingham, Paul Tomkins' broad expertise includes service charges disputes, contested lease renewals and dilapidation claims. Simon Baigent, who is based in Leicester, represents real estate clients in various disputes. He also advises insolvent businesses and insolvency practitioners on their property portfolios. Edward Pickard is another key member of the team in Nottingham.

Public sector Tier 1

Freeths LLP serves as a key adviser to local authorities, education and other public bodies. Reflective of its excellent reputation, the firm is on the legal panels of the universities of Nottingham and Birmingham, among others. Stephen Pearson is the head of the education team. Nathan Holden, who is a 'pleasure to work with', leads the local government team, which advised Leicester City Council and Rushcliffe on major expansions. Other key highlights included advising Derbyshire Dales District Council on a new system for waste collection and processing (including green waste).

Social housing Tier 1

Freeths LLP's 'practical, personable and incredibly capable practice'  in Nottingham advises public and private sector clients on all aspects of affordable housing projects; its workload in this space includes planning, development and procurement. The firm has recently seen an increase in its work for clients engaged in joint ventures, including those between developers and registered providers, and developers and local authorities. Matthew Grocock is regularly instructed by clients to assist them with regeneration projects and affordable housing schemes. Sarah Rowe specialises in advising social housing clients on residential developments schemes and land purchases. Associates Claire Bennett and Stephen Christian are also key members of the team.

Charities and not-for-profit Tier 2

Freeths LLP advises both South East-based and national charities on issues such as commercial and corporate negotiations, real estate issues, fundraising and partnership arrangements. Practice leader Nigel Roots is known for his work on literary estates and heritage property. Managing partner Sarah Foster acts on disputed trusts and the removal of executors and trustees, while Lesley Pollock advises on complex property transactions for charities.

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

Freeths LLP is known for its experience litigating on behalf of clients in the drinks and leisure industries, as well as in transport logistics. Practice head Simon Hobbs , who is based in Milton Keynes, is national deputy head of dispute resolution at the firm and specialises in litigation in regard to professional negligence and IP matters. Andrew Dashwood-Begg is known to be 'very professional and efficient'.

Commercial litigation: Nottingham and Derby Tier 2

Freeths LLP's commercial litigation practice is jointly led by Graham Greenfield in Nottingham and Derby-based Jonathan Jefferies. Greenfield, who is noted by one client for his 'good tactical mind', specialises in complex commercial disputes, professional negligence and financial cases. Jefferies focuses on contract disputes, shareholder disputes and debt recovery claims. Senior associate Jade Flint, who is 'efficient and sharp-minded', remains highly active in insolvency and bankruptcy litigation, where she tends to assist Greenfield.

Commercial litigation: Sheffield, South Yorkshire Tier 2

Freeths LLP’s commercial litigation practice fields joint practice heads James Hartley and James Berry, who are regularly instructed in high-value manufacturing disputes, shareholder litigation, professional negligence claims, contentious insolvency matters and contractual and warranty claims. Berry and senior associate Ciaran Dearden are engaged in long-running litigation concerning unfair prejudice, while senior associate Gary Duffy is defending a public authority against sensitive human rights claims. The team also provides risk management advice.

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

Freeths LLP advises SMEs, large multinational companies and insurance companies on contractual and commercial disputes in sectors including technology, retail, construction, logistics and education. Its client base spans Oxfordshire and beyond.  The team also acts for individuals involved in shareholder or partnership disputes. The practice is led by Duncan Crine, who became an accredited civil and commercial mediator in 2019 and has vast experience in professional negligence and warranty disputes. Will Richmond-Coggan, who joined the firm in 2019, provides expertise in data protection and related issues.  

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

The Milton Keynes team at Freeths LLP provides real estate support on high-value matters for South East-area clients in key areas such as construction and development, property litigation and environmental matters. Notably, it has expertise in providing advice to regional airports and healthcare companies. Practice leader Leo Skinner advises clients in the leisure, drinks, and hospitality sectors on property acquisitions, disposals, and estate management. Valerie Warman deals with investment property and estate management, while Shashi Chambers is another key member of the team. David Danskin has joined as a consultant from EMW Law LLP.

Commercial property: elsewhere in the East Midlands Tier 2

Freeths LLP's 'professional and responsive' Leicester practice predominantly advises clients on the acquisition and sale of land and property holdings. Simon Abbott specialises in investment portfolio management and projects in the retail industry. Sam Pancholi is active in property finance, investment, development, landlord and tenant work, where he advises developers, banks and private companies. Harjit Saund has notable expertise in landlord and tenant matters, investments and property finance.

Contentious trusts and probate Tier 2

The contentious trusts and probate team at Freeths LLP regularly act in claims under the Inheritance Act, will challenges, removal applications, financial abuse claims, and estoppel claims. In addition, practice head Mark Keeley, who operates from Nottingham and Birmingham as well as Leeds, is often appointed as an independent administrator. The group is increasingly acting for wealthy agricultural clients in high-value disputes involving farming estates, as well as handling matters with an international element. Also notable in Leeds is associate Laura Short, who regularly acts in cases involving multi-million pound estates with a mix of personal and business assets.

Corporate and commercial: Birmingham Tier 2

Freeths LLP's corporate team in Birmingham is led by Lee Clifford, who is also the national head of private equity. Clients range in size from SMEs to multinational companies. The group's work includes M&A and private equity transactions, restructurings, MBOs and MBIs. Tom Brown led the advice to Funeral Partners Limited on its acquisition of Funeral Services Northern Ireland Limited from Co-operative Group Holdings (2011) Limited in 2019. Mark Neale heads up a separate specialist commercial group, which handles large-scale, transformational projects. Nigel Gardner, Kirstin Roberts and Jason Richards are also recommended for their commercial law expertise. Ateeq Ahmed joined PwC.

Corporate and commercial: Elsewhere in East Midlands Tier 2

With particular strength in the healthcare sector, Freeths LLP primarily advises private and public companies and owner managed businesses on sales and acquisitions, complex lease agreements and corporate structuring. The team is also known for its expertise advising lenders, such as Clydesdale Bank, and investors in relation to debt and equity transactions.  Keith Gilbert  continues to advise clients on acquisitions and sales in various industries, including healthcare and manufacturing. Phil Baigent specialises in advising care operators, investors and funders on a wide range of transactions, including M&A.

Corporate and commercial: Sheffield, South Yorkshire Tier 2

Freeths LLP’s corporate and commercial practice is spearheaded by Peter Crawford, whose recent highlights included high-value management buyouts, disposals and minority investment rounds. The group's client list includes a variety of high-growth technology businesses alongside regional manufacturing and engineering clients. Director Lisa Wallis is another stand-out name; she has recently handled acquisitions in the care home sector and exits for selling shareholders.

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

Freeths LLP provides a 'rare combination of technical capability and the human touch', advising a number of longstanding clients in the food and drink, healthcare and financial sectors. Specialisms include acting for banks funding an acquisition with debt and venture capital providers funding with equity. 'Exceptional' Leon Arnold manages some of the most significant client relationships and is heavily involved in disposals; Rebecca Howlett is a specialist in the commercialisation of intellectual property. Tom Walker and Malin Svanberg Larsson are other key practitioners.

Energy, project finance and PFI Tier 2

With 'responsiveness, knowledge and experience and value for money', Freeths LLP advises leading infrastructure investors including Dalmore Capital, Equitix and Engie Services on PFI, PPP and refinancing transactions. Stoke-based group head James Larmour is a key name for PFIs, PPPs, joint ventures, outsourcings and M&A deals relating to offshore transmission and battery storage projects, energy efficiency matters and smart power issues. In the Birmingham office, Jason Richards and Kirstin Roberts focus on renewable energy matters, energy supply issues, grid support services and the deregulation of the water market.

Environment Tier 2

Freeths LLP specialises in advising clients on environmental issues relating to development projects, including contaminated land, pollution and waste, and environmental permit applications, primarily acting for developers, corporates, and local authorities. The team also defends clients against regulatory action by agencies and provides due diligence on corporate transactions. The practice is led by Penny Simpson, a specialist in natural environment issues and an established authority on environmental legislation.

Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 2

Freeths LLP advises on complex corporate insolvency and restructuring matters, acting for insolvency practitioners and corporates, leveraging the firm's wider commercial expertise in the retail, hospitality, entertainment, manufacturing, financial services and care homes sectors. The firm's Leeds and Sheffield offices cooperate on a range of matters; Sheffield-based practice head Oliver Jackson advises major insolvency practitioners and corporates on high-profile retail insolvencies. Director Helen Bates joined in 2019 from Clarion to head up the Leeds office, and has a consistent record in regional and national insolvency work.

Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 2

Freeths LLP's Leicester-based team specialises in advising insolvency practitioners on nil-asset cases, which involve establishing if assets have gone missing and steps to recover them. On the non-contentious side, the group advises companies on reorganising and restructuring procedures, including asset disposal. Simon Baigent focuses on turnaround, distressed M&A and complex investigatory work. Charles Darby specialises in asset avoidance cases. Graham Greenfield, who is based in Nottingham, has a wealth of experience handling corporate and personal insolvencies.

Intellectual property Tier 2

Freeths LLP attracts praise for its 'responsive and practical team' which is 'not shy to give commercial recommendations.' The group provides the full breadth of services, with an integrated trade mark and design filing and prosecution offering. Other areas of expertise include patent litigation, licensing issues and brand protection work. Simon Barker is 'a real expert in his field with a commercial edge'; Kishan Pattni and 'practical and a quick-thinker' Rhian Banks, who is a trade mark attorney, are also highly recommended.

Licensing Tier 2

Freeths LLP has a strong track record advising on licensing issues and has been further developing its presence in trading standards and health and safety. It is increasingly sought out to provide clients with food labelling advice. The team is particularly well-known for its work for supermarkets on a range of matters. Reflective of its first-rate reputation in this space, the firm counts Aldi as a longstanding client. Elsewhere, other key clients include Carlsberg, NEC and Laine Pub Company. Practice head Lisa Gilligan, who is 'pragmatic' and 'exceptionally knowledgeable', is regularly asked to act as a legal clerk to licensing committees.

Local government Tier 2

Freeths LLP has substantially bolstered its local government practice with the recruitment of Alexander Jones from Shoosmiths LLP and Alex Johnson from Squire Patton Boggs. The group has a strong track record in assisting government bodies with acquisitions of shopping centres and commercial property investments, drafting partnership arrangements, compulsory purchases and general commercial work. Team head Nathan Holden is recognised for his extensive expertise in advising local authorities on joint venture arrangements, land disposal issues, compulsory purchase orders, EU procurements and housing company and property investment vehicle mandates. Mitchell Ball is particularly recommended for retail and residential regeneration developments.

Personal injury and clinical negligence: defendant Tier 2

Freeths LLP's personal injury practice handles cases 'impeccably well' and is noted for its expertise in catering to both domestic and international corporate clients on liability claims and injuries. Overseen by Paul Chadder, who is highly rated by peers and clients, the group is skilled in the full spectrum of personal injury matters including road traffic accidents, employers’ liability, public liability and product liability matters. Industrial disease cases are also a key focus, for which senior associate Matthew Bacon is recommended.

Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 2

The private client team at Freeths LLP takes a multidisciplinary approach by frequently working with the commercial and agricultural teams. The team's workload consists of tax and estate planning, trust administration, probate, and wills. The firm runs a trust corporation within the department, Freeths Trustees Limited, which acts as trustee, executor and court-appointed administrator. Scott McKittrick leads the practice.

Planning and environment Tier 2

Freeths LLP team, which is based in Nottingham and Leicester, predominantly advises developers and private companies on the planning aspects of commercial, residential and mixed use projects. On the environment side, the firm acts for clients in various disputes brought by the Environment Agency, and it also assists them with obtaining permits and ensuring regulatory compliance. Nottingham-based partner Chris Waumsley focuses on assisting clients with developments across the East Midlands, including PRS schemes. Emma Tattersdill in Leicester specialises in environmental disputes. Paul Brailsford, who works in London and Nottingham, is another key member of the planning team.

Property litigation Tier 2

Freeths LLP' real estate litigation group is spread across the firm's offices in Milton Keynes and Oxford. The former focuses on work in the licensed leisure sector, acting for pub owners, pub-owning businesses and national and regional brewers. In Oxford the team has developed a reputation for its contentious agricultural property expertise, with a client base comprised of landed estates, charities, private and commercial investors and farming families. Mark Brown leads the Milton Keynes practice, with Clare Bellis heading up the Oxford group.

Banking and finance Tier 3

Freeths LLP generates work from clients such as clearing banks, challenger banks, corporate borrowers and local authorities, among others. James Dyson has expertise in complex structured finance transactions, leveraged finance and general commercial lending. He was the lead adviser to TC Loans I Ltd (a ThinCats lending platform) on the provision of senior term loan facilities to ACM Commercial Ltd as part of a refinancing. Director Renata Rai is increasingly active in asset-based lending transactions.

Commercial litigation: Birmingham Tier 3

The commercial dispute resolution practice at Freeths LLP combines its growing West Midland presence with the ability to draw upon its national and international platforms. It has particular experience in breach of contract, director and shareholder, professional negligence and pensions disputes and counts complex fraud claims as a growth area. Practice head Richard Coates and Louise Wilson both have broad litigation experience, while Alex Johnson, who joined from Squire Patton Boggs, specialises in engineering and construction disputes.

Commercial litigation: elsewhere in the West Midlands Tier 3

Led by Stephen Hadley, Freeths LLP's dispute management team in Stoke-on-Trent has been increasingly active in shareholder and corporate acquisition disputes. Elsewhere, other drivers of activity include mining subsidence and minerals disputes, as well as professional negligence claims. Hadley has more than 25 years of litigation experience.

Commercial litigation: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 3

Freeths LLP's commercial dispute resolution practice attracts praise for its 'very experienced litigators with good commercial sense and great tactics'. 'Exceptional litigator' James Hartley heads up the team and has particular group action and funding arrangement expertise; he recently led a high-profile group action against the Post Office. The 'commercially astute' Lindsey Clegg is a name to note for cross-border contractual litigation and international arbitration.

Commercial property: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 3

Freeths LLP has bolstered its department in Leeds with the arrival of John Flathers and Jonathan Crew from Irwin Mitchell and Progeny Law respectively; both new recruits act as practice heads alongside Liz Banks. Flathers specialises in development, property finance and transactional work and acts for several national development clients, while Crew assists national retailers with portfolio management and commercial development matters, and Banks handles property development and portfolio matters for retailers, hotel owners and leisure operators. Senior associate Emma Medina-Wallace is also noted for her work on residential developments and land promotion matters.

Commercial property: Liverpool Tier 3

The 'extremely commercial and forward thinking' Freeths LLP possesses a bench of 'highly skilled and experienced' practitioners who handle a spread of real estate finance, development and real estate investment. Andrew Nichol who heads the team, is 'a key differentiator and asset to the firm.' He is a specialist in real estate finance and investment matters and founded the Liverpool office in 2018 after joining from DWF. Luke Hopkins is another key member of the team, who 'understands a wide range of issues, no matter how complex', and has a track record of work in real estate finance.

Construction Tier 3

Rachael Yates and Joseph Hale head up the Leeds-based team at Freeths LLP, which supports developers and utilities providers on the contentious and non-contentious elements of projects, including complex disputes, transactional issues and procurement matters. Yates takes the lead on disputes, acting for employers, contractors and individuals within the construction industry; Hale also works on contentious matters, representing developers in disputes with competitors. Both are also active in procurement work. Managing associate Marie Mulligan joined from Slaughter and May in late 2019.

Contentious trusts and probate Tier 3

Mark Keeley is the lead partner at Freeths LLP. The skilled team frequently advises on high-value contentious trust and probate matters including will challenges, removal applications, financial abuse claims and claims under the Inheritance Act. The team’s reputation for acting as replacement trustees/administrators/deputies has continued to grow and it has also noticed increased work from the agriculture sector as it continues to advise wealthy farming clients on numerous disputes involving farming estates. It has also seen an increase in instructions with an international dimension. Max Orbach has a varied trust and estate disputes case load.

Corporate tax Tier 3

Adrian Hackett is a key Sheffield-based name in Freeths LLP’s national tax practice, advising on the full range of corporate, capital markets and real estate transactions, fund formations and corporate restructurings. Notable recent engagements included advising on the high-value reorganisation of multijurisdictional property portfolios.

Employment: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 3

Freeths LLP is known for providing advice on a wide range of areas of employment law, including international restructurings, immigration advice, TUPE advice, and employment tribunal claims. Members of the team have particular expertise in the education and leisure sectors on such matters as safeguarding issues, investigations and disciplinary matters, and pension schemes. Practice leader Christopher Sing advises on complex and sensitive cases, such as disability discrimination.

Employment: Sheffield and South Yorkshire Tier 3

Freeths LLP expanded its employment offering through the recruitment of director and practice head Tom Draper. The practice focuses on acting for clients in the Employment Tribunal and has recently handled TUPE disputes and whistleblowing claims; it also assists with executive severance negotiations for SMEs and counts a growing number of local and national corporates on its client roster. Key sector strengths span the care home, IT, finance and facilities management industries.

Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 3

Freeths LLP is known for its work advising on insolvencies in the drinks and hospitality sectors, assisting on matters such as the acquisition or disposal of assets owned by insolvent companies. The firm's experience also extends to advising insolvency practitioners on administrations and liquidations across a range of other sectors. The practice also supports the firm's corporate and real estate teams on insolvency-related matters. With offices in Milton Keynes and Oxford, the insolvency team is co-headed by Simon Hobbs  in Milton Keynes and Duncan Crine in Oxford. Hobbs has experience in both contentious and non-contentious insolvencies, while Crine specialises in litigation.

Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 3

Freeths LLP's practice represents insolvency practitioners and corporate clients in a wide range of mandates. The team is led by Joey Byrne, who is an expert in contentious insolvency issues.

IT and telecoms Tier 3

At Freeths LLP, Mark Neale has extensive experience in drafting and negotiating technology deals, as well as supporting litigators and corporate colleagues in high-value IT disputes, M&A and sales. He is particularly well versed in large scale IT maintenance supply issues, outsourcings and SaaS delivery methods.

Local government Tier 3

The local government practice at Freeths LLP offers a full service to local authorities across the country and helps councils navigate the complex local government regulatory environment. Jonathan Holden leads the national practice from Birmingham; while Liz Banks heads up the West Yorkshire team, acting for numerous local authorities in the region. The team works on a variety of matters ranging from investment acquisitions to disposals of land, as well as portfolio management.

Pensions Tier 3

Freeths LLP’s pensions team advises its client roster of owner-managed businesses, large corporates and public bodies on auto-enrolment procedures; often as a fixed-fee service. Private clients also instruct the team to advise on self-invested pension plan issues. Practice head Nigel Bolton and director Kim Jones handle pensions restructurings in corporate transactions, bulk transfers, buyouts and other wind-up procedures for lower-mid and mid-sized schemes.

Commercial property: Birmingham Tier 4

Richard Beverley heads up the Birmingham practice at Freeths LLP, which has a 'broad range of experience and expertise to deliver a prompt and efficient service at a fair cost'. Beverley is singled out for his experience in the retail sector, while Mitchell Ball is the go-to adviser for commercial property mandates relating to food retail developments, town planning issues and property finance work.

Construction Tier 4

Freeths LLP recently bolstered its construction practice with the recruitment of Alex Johnson from Squire Patton Boggs in early 2020. Johnson specialises in the management and resolution of complex construction disputes, often with an cross-border angle. Perveen Akhter heads up the department and concentrates on transactional construction work for local authorities, universities, developers, contractors and subcontractors.

Corporate and commercial: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Tier 4

Freeths LLP’s corporate and commercial practice has a stream of private equity transactions from domestic owner-managed businesses and larger corporates. Yorkshire-based SMEs and startups frequently engage Dahren Naidoo and Andy Francey on management buyouts, corporate restructurings and reorganisations, while Frank Suttie is a key name for commercial contracts and governance advice, notably in the burgeoning edtech sector.

Employment Tier 4

Freeths LLP acts for a large number of private and public sector clients as well as clients in the educational sector. It has witnessed a significant increase in the volume of employment tribunal claims recently and the team regularly conducts its own advocacy at the employment tribunals. At a national level the team is increasingly acting in complex matters and also has specialist knowledge on the enforcement of restrictive covenants and on obtaining injunctive relief. Other key areas include routinely advising on restructuring, TUPE and issues surrounding the ‘gig’ economy. Rebecca Sawbridge heads the Birmingham offering and Peter Gavin leads the team in Stoke-on-Trent.

Sport Tier 4

Freeths LLP’s sports offering has been enhanced by the arrival of managing associate David Keenan, a 'real rising star', from Hill Dickinson LLP. He heads the practice which caters to a client base of agents, players, athletes, managers and trainers on a wide variety of instructions. Prominent examples include anti-doping, disciplinary proceedings and disputes along with numerous contractual matters such as player contracts, image rights and sponsorship agreements. Football, boxing and horseracing are some of the most active fronts for the group.

Commercial property: Manchester Tier 5

The 'commercial and pragmatic' team at Freeths LLP is led by Ian Tempest, who has experience of a wide range of work including public and private sector partnerships. Stephen Lewis is a key figure in the practice and is regarded 'exceptional' when it comes to real estate transactions. His clients include property companies, funds and high net worth individuals. Paul Bibby is also recommended, handling residential property investment matters.

Construction Tier 6

Freeths LLP's construction team in the North West is a core part of the wider national practice. It is well-placed to advise on high-profile developments, benefiting from synergies with the firm's real estate and corporate groups. Director Jennie Jones, who leads the team, has expertise in construction disputes and transactional work. Senior construction executive Joanna Merrick, who is active in contentious matters, is 'extremely knowledgeable, proactive, diligent'.

Employment Tier 6

Freeths LLP is particularly active on the employment aspects of commercial deals for employers and shareholders, including disposals, acquisitions, management buyouts and reorganisations. The team, led by Charlotte Rees-John, also advises high-net-worth individuals in settlement agreements and negotiating high-value exits. Food and drink, hospitality, and the leisure sectors are key areas of strength.