Judge & Priestley LLP > Bromley, England > Firm Profile

Judge & Priestley LLP
JUSTIN HOUSE
6 WEST STREET, BROMLEY, KENT
DX 117600 BROMLEY 7
BR1 1JN
England

Dispute resolution > Debt recovery Tier 1

Judge & Priestley LLP fields a ‘strong team across the board‘ in Bromley and utilises new technology to ‘allow for a smart and cost-effective debt recovery service’. The department is divided into two teams, one specialising in commercial and local authority recoveries and the other in insurance recoveries. With a ‘strategic mind,’ Rachel Addai specialises in recovering debts for local authorities, and Uday Patel is a ‘go-to’ commercial litigator, who like Addai has significant strength in insolvency litigation. Patel was also promoted to equity partner in 2021.

Practice head(s):

Rachel Addai; Uday Patel

Other key lawyers:

Mark Oakley

Testimonials

‘Strong team across the board.’

‘Rachel Addai is our ‘go-to’ partner, always available, fantastic attention to detail and a strategic mind that can see around corners.’

‘Their technology allows for a smart and cost effective debt recovery service.’

‘They have taken the time to understand our business process and have developed their service around what we need.’

‘Pleasant to work with, responsive and knowledgeable.’

‘I deal with one of the partners Rachel Addai who is possibly the best lawyer I have ever worked with. I have also had the pleasure of working with Mark Oakley who is a font of knowledge. He is very approachable and does excellent work.’

Key clients

London Borough of Southwark

Crown Commercial

Edge Recovery Limited

Work highlights

  • Acting for a utility supplier in a multi-million pound claim for back-billed gas supply to a major dairy manufacturer issued in the High Court.
  • Acting against a director of a company in liquidation seeking contribution to the company accounts from the director under section 212 of the Insolvency Act.
  • Advising on and representing a client in a court of appeal judicial review relating to the exercise of power in imposing a multi-million pound community infrastructure levy on a property developer.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 2

Judge & Priestley LLP’s private client team in Bromley is co-headed by David Chandra and Brian Tan, and has expertise in private wealth issues, philanthropy, cross-border estates, the succession of digital assets and the EU Succession Regulation. Chandra advises on all aspects of private client work, with particular emphasis on probates, wills, powers of attorney, inheritance tax planning issues, trusts, Court of Protection matters, and elderly client services. Tan specialises in succession planning matters and the administration of deceased persons’ estates, with a particular focus on complex, high-value estates and all aspects of inheritance tax.

Practice head(s):

David Chandra; Brian Tan

Testimonials

‘The team brings a level of knowledge and technical expertise that I have not experienced with other firms.’

‘This firm is a well-established practice and I regularly recommend them to clients who require advice on complex tax and trust matters, as well as estates with international elements.’

‘I deal regularly with David Chandra who is a strategic problem solver. He is personable and approachable.’

‘High level of seamless collaboration across the team with relevant specialists.’

‘I think the leadership is an important factor in making the team so successful. I like the fact they keep their word and are easily contactable.’

‘Brian Tan has been reassuring and sympathetic in dealing with my father’s estate which included a trust. He has been most supportive and his knowledge has meant there have been no problems or delays on his part to bring this to a conclusion. The team has given a very good service, which in my opinion shows Brian is a good leader and manager. I would have no hesitation in recommending him to friends.’

‘I do feel that this diverse and cohesive team has real strength in breadth and depth, comprising a number of very talented lawyers led by top partners in the industry.’

Real estate > Social housing Tier 2

Judge & Priestley LLP's team of experienced housing and property management specialists advises a large client base of property owners and managing agents and private landlords, with experience in housing management litigation including possession, neighbour disputes, disrepair, and antisocial behaviour. Other areas of expertise include commercial property and leasehold enfranchisement. Team head Nitika Singh is especially well known for her niche experience in cases involving mental health issues, while partner Mark Oakley leads on property litigation. Pamela Bachu and Elaine Bathers are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Nitika Singh

Testimonials

‘The team is diverse which is very encouraging in the legal profession. They are also very good. Their level of preparation and understanding of their cases, the law, and their clients is of a high standard.’

‘They are all great team players and we work well together, the service we get from the whole team is exceptional.’

‘Elaine Bathers is well organised, calm, and well prepared. She thinks ahead in a case and strategises accordingly. Nitika Singh gives strong leadership to the team and is ahead of anticipating and dealing with issues on complex cases. Pamela Bachu is extremely experienced and is a very confident and capable pair of hands on any complex case. She has a realistic yet tenacious approach.’

‘Fast responses and all cases are dealt with in a professional manner, all advce given is outstanding and their service has also saved the company I work for money. We work great as a team and they are always just a phone call away for any further advice if needed.’

‘They get back to you quickly with clear and concise replies and the minimum of jargon.’

Key clients

CHIC (Central Housing Investment Consortium Ltd)

London Borough Southwark (disrepair)

Barnet Homes (London Borough of Barnet)

London Borough of Havering

London Borough of Southwark (ASB)

London Borough of Lambeth (possession)

London Borough of Lambeth (disrepair)

London Borough of Camden

Wandle Homes

Birmingham City Council

Open Door Homes

Devon Mansions TMO

Browning E.M.A. TMO

D’eynsford TMO

Tower Hamlets Homes

Phoenix Community Housing

Work highlights

  • Advised Local Authority Housing Team on possession/injunction matter; providing urgent advice and assistance relating to possession/injunction of an elderly resident in a sheltered block.
  • Advised Local Authority on a disrepair claim. The matter related to a claim for disrepair by the tenant which had been issued in the sum of £10,000.
  • Advised Local Authority on nuisance matter under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in Bromley Magistrates court. Case was struck out.

Dispute resolution > Debt recovery Tier 2

Judge & Priestley LLP’s debt recovery group showcases strength in the utilities sector and holds leading gas companies and local authorities as key clients. Experienced litigator Uday Patel oversees the collections and enforcement group alongside Rachel Addai  who specializes in recovering debts for local authorities including on council tax. The team also handles commercial disputes and insolvency work. Associate Frances Boxall focuses on adult social care sundry debts, focusing on deceased debtors.

Practice head(s):

Uday Patel; Rachel Addai

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Judge & Priestley provide an end-to-end debt recovery service. Their client care is good and they have got us some excellent results.’

‘Rachel Addai – true standout lead partner in the debt recovery field.’

‘I find Judge and Priestley LLP very professional in the debt recovery service delivered to us.’

‘Rachel Addai’s expertise in dealing with in particular claims and litigations stands out, as such we have had many successes where we had very little hope.’

‘Their process is very efficient. Automated to a point without losing the human touch. Very responsive to both debtors who call in as well as their clients.’

‘Rachel Addai, the partner in charge, is one of the best lawyers I have ever met in my long career.’

Key clients

London Borough of Southwark

Crown Commercial

Edge Recovery Limited

London Borough of Southwark Local Authority Panel

Crown Commercial Services Panel

Edge Recovery Limited

Work highlights

  • Advising and acting for utility supplier Regent Gas Limited in a multi-million claim for back-billed gas supply to a major dairy manufacturer in a claim issued in the High Court.
  • Taking action against a director of a company in liquidation seeking contribution to the company accounts from the director under section 212 of the Insolvency Act, with disputes arising from a detailed analysis of the company accounts and transfers between the insolvent entity and other organisations within the wider group of companies run by the director and his brother.
  • Client: London Borough of Lambeth Advising on and representing the Council in a court of appeal judicial review matter relating to the exercise of power in imposing a multi-million pound Community Infrastructure Levy on a property developer.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Kent, Surrey and Sussex Tier 4

The Bromley-based litigation team at Judge & Priestley LLP has niche expertise in utility supply disputes, financial and consumer credit disputes, local authority disputes, and insolvency litigation. Strengthened by the firm’s highly-regarded debt recovery practice, the firm's credit solutions team is able to provide the full package to clients, including bulk debt collection and judgement enforcement, working with large commercial clients and local authorities.

Practice head(s):

Mark Oakley; Rachel Addai; Robert Davis; Mark Younger; Uday Patel

Other key lawyers:

Leonie-Robyn Murtagh

Testimonials

‘They have taken the time to understand our business process and have developed their service around what we need. They have developed some very good IT systems for case management, which has helped us streamline our debt recovery process.’

‘Mark Oakley has excellent skills and knowledge when it comes to complex leasehold cases. Any legal advice requested is provided on time, is very clear and covers the topic in depth with clear explanations of the case law. There is very good communication from his team and they respond very quickly when we have urgent legal cases that require assistance. His training sessions are very good, recent training has enabled our team to keep update to date with current changes and legal requirements.’

Key clients

London Borough of Southwark Local Authority Panel

Crown Commercial Services Panel

Edge Recovery Limited

Work highlights

  • Advising and acting for the utility supplier in a multi-million claim for back-billed gas supply to a major dairy manufacturer in a claim issued in the High Court.
  • Taking action against a director of a company in liquidation (for which Robert Cundy is the liquidator) seeking contribution to the company accounts from the director under section 212 of the Insolvency Act, with disputes arising from a detailed analysis of the company accounts and transfers between the insolvent entity and other organisations within the wider group of companies run by the director and his brother.
  • Advising on and representing the Council of London Borough of Lambeth in a court of appeal  judicial review matter relating to the exercise of power in imposing a multi-million pound Community Infrastructure Levy on a property developer.

Private client > Family: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 4

Judge & Priestley LLP‘s team provides a full range of family law services covering divorce, financial remedy, pre and post nuptial agreements, cohabitation matters and children matters. Team head Kelly Sharman has an in-depth knowledge of financial remedy cases, with a track record of complex work for high net worth individuals. Maria Conesa Gonzalez, dual qualified in England and Spain, is a specialist in private law children and cross-border disputes.

Practice head(s):

Kelly Sharman

Other key lawyers:

Sally Hartwell; Maria Conesa Gonzalez; Angela Amponsah

Testimonials

‘A forward thinking and supportive firm, which focuses on high client care and support.’

‘Sally Hartwell is efficient, thorough and accurate; calm and courteous but when necessary determined and tenacious. Sally appears to have a crystal ball when it comes to predicting how the proceedings will go, she has excellent judgment for her clients to rely on. I have no hesitation in recommending her to my friends when they need family law advice.’

‘Very experienced, up to date in recent divorce case law, supportive and very professional. As a client, you feel that you matter, and that they have your back. ‘

‘Sally Hartwell offered clear and practical advice throughout the process. I always felt I was an individual as opposed to another case on their books.’

‘Sally Hartwell and her team provides focused, sensitive and realistic advice to her clients. She approaches financial remedy issues with an understanding of commercial realities.’

‘Maria Conesa Gonzalez thinks of every angle to a case; she has huge experience of international work. She gives realistic advice whilst going the extra mile to support the client in taking realistic decisions.’

‘Maria Conesa Gonzalez is extremely knowledgeable in children matters. Whenever I have a difficult case or query I will always first consult with her. She has the right approach to the cases. She is a fast thinker and can always provide a solution to a difficult situation. She is extremely well connected in terms of experts and other professionals. It is clear that Maria his able to represent clients in the most efficient way.’

‘I have dealt with Kelly Sharman and her colleagues over many years and have to say that the experience has been none other than pleasant and professional.’

With offices in Bromley, Beckenham, Blackheath and Sidcup, Judge & Priestley is one of the leading providers of legal services in the South East London / Kent and Surrey borders. Supported by ongoing investment in the latest technologies and its skilled workforce, it is developing an increasingly national presence in areas of key competency and specialism. The practice has long-standing commercial clients of all sizes across many business areas and in the public sector, and a thriving practice delivering support and legal advice to private individuals.

Founded in 1889, this practice has always looked to move with the times, while not forgetting that expert service and value for money never go out of fashion. It prides itself on providing high-quality, value-for-money legal services for businesses, local authorities, housing associations and individuals alike, who value trusted independent and expert advice.

The firm’s commitment to quality and high levels of service has been recognised by several independent external bodies. The practice has been awarded the Law Society’s rigorous Practice Management Standard Lexcel. It also holds the ‘Investors in People’ award, which confirms the commitment to staff training and development. The firm takes security of client data very seriously, holding the ISO27001 IT data security standard and the government accredited Cyber Essentials Plus award.

Principal areas of work: The property litigation and housing management teams have long been recognized in the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners for their expertise in social housing matters and advise on a range of contentious property issues. The housing management team has been acting, predominantly for landlords, for over 20 years. Clients include leading London local authorities and housing associations such as LB Southwark, LB Havering, Barnet Homes and Wandle Housing Association etc. along with developers and private landlords. The team advise on all aspects of leasehold management and a variety of other litigious matters including disrepair claims, possession proceedings, squatters, unauthorised occupiers, adverse possession claims, and nuisance-related matters etc.

J&P Credit Solutions, the specialist debt recovery and commercial litigation department of the practice is ranked in Tier 1 of the Legal 500 and has grown significantly in recent years. The department has an excellent reputation in the industry in key specialist areas including local authority debt recovery, utilities collections and subrogated insurance losses arising from road traffic claims for example. The team has over 20 years’ experience in acting for local authorities and represents an ever growing number of London boroughs and Midlands authorities, assisting and supporting a variety of debt recovery strategies including adult social care charges, residential charges, home care charges, service charges, deceased debtor, CIL and sundry debts. The team also has a growing reputation in the fields of insolvency, and other complex commercial and contract litigation. The insurance team has also been recovering debts for insurance clients for over 20 years, and clients include several leading national insurers. The department has considerably expanded its bulk pre-legal capabilities as it looks to enhance its growing reputation in general commercial and consumer debt collections. It already works for many national and international businesses in the utilities, finance and other business sectors, providing efficient value-for-money solutions and working closely to align debt recovery processes with clients’ internal systems and workflows.

Judge & Priestley has one of the largest residential conveyancing teams in the SE London area, with experienced partners for both professional property investors and private clients, and a separate team providing specialist advice on lease extensions and leasehold enfranchisement.

The private client team has also been recognised in the Legal 500 currently ranked in Tier 2.  The department focuses on wills, trusts and probate with a particular emphasis on contested probate, inheritance tax planning, elderly client services and trusts involving foreign jurisdictions.

Led by three highly experienced private litigation experts, our Private Wealth Disputes team provide sensitive and expert advice in all areas of inheritance and wills and trust disputes. The team has an in-depth understanding of the laws relating to the distribution of assets and have an enviable track-record of resolving private wealth disputes in a timely manner, whilst being considerate of the high emotions such disputes can often elicit.

The family team, newly recognised in The Legal 500, offers a full range of services covering family, children and divorce law and the private dispute resolution team assists individuals and businesses with all manner of disputes including employment law, contract disputes, insolvency and bankruptcy and professional negligence for example.

The commercial property team covers a range of work for businesses, including site acquisition, development, purchasing and selling or leasing commercial property. The company commercial team provides a broad spectrum of advice including business start-ups and structure, employment, sale and purchase of companies, partnership and shareholder agreements, management buy-outs and formation of limited liability partnerships.

DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
Managing partner and Commercial/Property Development Steven Taylorstaylor@judge-priestley.co.uk
Company commercial Neil Cuffencuffe@judge-priestley.co.uk
Social housing management Nitika Singhnsingh@judge-priestley.co.uk
Social housing management Pamela Bachupbachu@judge-priestley.co.uk
Debt recovery Robert Davisrdavis@judge-priestley.co.uk
Debt recovery Mark Youngermyounger@judge-priestley.co.uk
Insolvency and bankruptcy Rachel Addairaddai@judge-priestley.co.uk
Debt Recovery Uday Patelupatel@judge-priestley.co.uk
Dispute resolution and Private Wealth Disputes Mark Oakleymoakley@judge-priestley.co.uk
Family Kelly Sharmanksharman@judge-priestley.co.uk
Family Maria Conesa Gonzalezmconesa@judge-priestley.co.uk
Private client and Private Wealth Disputes David Chandradchandra@judge-priestley.co.uk
Private Client Brian Tanbtan@judge-priestley.co.uk
Private Wealth Disputes Christopher Elliottcelliott@judge-priestley.co.uk
Employment and dispute resolution Paul Stevenspstevens@judge-priestley.co.uk
Residential conveyancing Madelaine Henwoodmhenwood@judge-priestley.co.uk
Residential Conveyancing Kavitha Rajahkrajah@judge-priestley.co.uk
Residential Conveyancing Louise Hylandlyhland@judge-priestley.co.uk
PhotoNamePositionProfile
Rachel Addai photoMs Rachel AddaiRachel is one of the Partners at the firm and she jointly…
David Chandra photoMr David ChandraDavid is the head of private client.
Neil Cuffe photoMr Neil CuffeUndertakes company commercial work, including mergers, acquisitions, partnership agreements, LLP agreements, general…
Madelaine Henwood photoMs Madelaine HenwoodMadelaine is a Partner, and head of the Residential Property team at…
Mark Oakley photoMr Mark OakleyMark heads the Property Litigation teams at Judge & Priestley and is…
Uday Patel photoMr Uday PatelUday is a Partner in the Debt Recovery team, with considerable experience…
Nitika Singh photoMs Nitika SinghNitika is head of the Housing Management team that is listed in…
Paul Stevens photoMr Paul StevensSpecialising in employment, debt recovery, probate litigation and private client litigation.
Brian Tan photoMr Brian TanBrian is a Partner in the Private Client Department.  
Steven Taylor photoMr Steven TaylorManaging partner and head of property department; deals primarily with acquisition of…
Number of UK partners : 21
Number of other UK fee-earners : 102
Number of consultants : 2
Total number of staff : 217
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At Judge & Priestley LLP we are proud of our record on diversity and inclusion.

We are, unlike some small / mid-sized practices, fully signed up to the Law Society Diversity and Inclusion Charter, but more important than just signing; we are fully committed to implementing the spirit of the charter.

Here are some key figures from our diversity and inclusion data. Among our legal fee earners, c. 66% are female and c. 45% are from a non “white British” background. Among our partners, white British males, represent a minority, at some 42% of the total partner count.

Our approach to diversity and inclusion is straight forward. We simply employ and promote the best applicants to our business, regardless of sex, colour, race or creed.