Lanyon Bowdler > Telford, England > Firm Profile

Lanyon Bowdler
Kendal Court
Ironmasters Way
TELFORD
TF3 4DT
England

Insurance > Clinical negligence: claimant Tier 1

The ‘approachable and collaborative individuals’ at Lanyon Bowdler are praised for the ‘time given to the client to offer reassurance and explanations’. Shrewsbury-based Beth Heath leads the 'very professional team' with a 'human touch', with Hereford-based Lucy Small key to the team and commended for her 'outstanding' level of knowledge. The team has a vast array of experience in cases involving catastrophic injuries (including birth, brain and spinal injuries, amputations and fatal claims). Emma Broomfield has wide ranging experience of representing claimants with cerebral palsy, catastrophic brain and spinal injury as well as other injuries. Associate Laura Weir, specialises in a variety of high-value and complex cases.

Practice head(s):

Beth Heath

Other key lawyers:

Lucy Small; Emma Broomfield; Adam Hodson; Laura Weir; Natasha Gibbons

Testimonials

‘Emma Broomfield and her colleagues gave a first class service to me. After my stroke I don’t understand a lot of things but they made sure however long it took to make me understand everything’.

‘Very professional and understanding of the situation great communication. Emma Broomfield was meticulous with the preparation of the case’.

‘This practice is excellent at providing clear and concise information to clients at all times. Adam Hodson, we have found him to be not only professional but extremely warm, kind and very understanding when dealing with sensitive subjects. He has the the ability to put people at ease and to show extreme patience when required’.

‘Lanyon Bowdler are a top quality clinical negligence firm, and head and shoulders above other regional firms in this sector. The team is excellent, and works on cases of all values. Claims are thoroughly investigated, and run with confidence’.

‘Laura Weir and Natasha Gibbons are fantastic, and both have a very bright future. Cases are well prepared and instructions to counsel are clear and detailed. They are collegiate with counsel and supportive of clients. Both are partners of the future’.

‘Beth Heath is the star individual, who as head of department has a fantastic caseload. Emma Broomfield is highly intelligent and gets great results.’

‘Real specialists in their field with a great understanding of the sector and the requirements pertinent to it but within what feels like a more personal and more compact team. They are always keen to put vulnerable clients and their needs first and to ensure that everything possible is done to smooth the process for them.’

‘Lucy Small was very professional. Level of knowledge and honest advice were outstanding’.

Work highlights

  • Secured a £1.1m settlement negotiated at mediation for maternal injury claim notwithstanding initial denial of liability and disputed extent of injury suffered.
  • Secured a £1.3m settlement achieved in complex spinal injury claim despite liability being disputed and defendant valuing claim at only £300,000.
  • Achieved settlement of a stroke case involving highly complex medical evidence from over 20 experts. Liability remained strongly defended and the cause and nature of the injury robustly disputed but compensation of £325,000 was achieved.

Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 1

The ‘wonderful‘ team at Lanyon Bowdler is led by Brian Evans  and acts for many large agricultural and horticultural clients as well as landed estates.  It is an NFU panel firm for Shropshire, Herefordshire and Staffordshire and advises on a variety of issues from property and private client matters to family issues and employment matters. The team receives plaudits too for its work on disputes relating to renewable energy projects, product liability and professional negligence cases involving farmers as claimants. Edward Nutting  advises on a wide range of agricultural and commercial property matters.  Andrew Evans has retired and Nicholas Playford has moved to Hall Smith Whittingham LLP.

Practice head(s):

Brian Evans

Other key lawyers:

Edward Nutting; Andrew Pegg

Testimonials

‘Practice has an excellent understanding of agriculture and the idiosyncrasies of that market’.

‘Andrew Pegg offers sensible practical advice to deliver best cost effective solution’.

 

Key clients

Administrator of the estate of the late Valerie Ruth Greaves – Vivien Dawn Edwards

Mr David Onions & Mrs Sandra Onions

Sweeney Estate Trustees

Patricia Pain

Belton Farm Limited

Work highlights

  • Advising the Trustees of the Sweeney Estate in connection with ongoing contentious and non-contentious matters relating to the management of the Estate.
  • Advised on tax planning will for a farming couple with £3m assets (including farming and non-farming assets), advising on APR and BPR and appropriate trusts.
  • Dealing with administration of an intestate estate worth £1.4m, negotiating a claim for APR with HMRC.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: elsewhere in the West Midlands Tier 2

Lanyon Bowdler‘s ‘knowledgeable and reliable’ team has notable strengths in the areas of manufacturing, construction and agriculture. The department is able to act for a range of clients, from local to multinational companies. Andrew Pegg spearheads the practice, with considerable experience in acting on commercial disputes for clients in the manufacturing sector, as well possessing specialist expertise in relation to agricultural dispute resolution. The ‘fantastic’ Claire Yardley strengthens the team with capabilities in negligence claims, breach of contract claims and property disputes, to name a few.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Pegg

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘They are effective. Reasonable and competent.’

‘Claire Yardley has been extremely good at working with me on settling my litigation. I have valued her advice enormously. She is competent and responded promptly to my e-mails with helpful suggestions.’

‘Good range of diverse expertise within the partnership.’

‘Easy to talk to and contact.’

‘We found the team to be friendly and professional.’

‘A fantastic company to deal with.’

‘Claire Yardley was fantastic.’

‘Knowledgeable and reliable.’

Key clients

Patricia Pain

Wynnstay (Agricultural Supplies) Limited

Thomas & Jennifer Martin

West Mercia Air Conditioning Limited

Work highlights

Dispute resolution > Debt recovery Tier 2

Lanyon Bowdler’s debt recovery team operates for a range of clients, ranging from private individuals and commercial landlords to local and national companies. Andrew Pegg leads the team with his vast experience in acting for clients in the manufacturing industry, as well as shareholder disputes, unfair prejudice and farming partnerships, among other areas. He also carries out repeat work for a multinational insurance company.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Pegg

Testimonials

‘The team are always available to help with any queries we might have.’

‘The debt recovery team have helped us recover outstanding debts with ease and efficiency.’

‘The people there are very helpful and explain everything in detail.’

‘They are always helpful and prepared to go the extra mile to ensure success.’

‘Generally, just impressed with the service we receive – the team is always responsive and happy to help.’

‘I am very happy with them.’

‘They help me as much as they can with the questions I have, and nothing ever seems too much trouble.’

‘Their billing is straightforward, and they are always upfront with the charge before we go ahead with any proceedings.’

Key clients

HMA Tax (UK) Limited

Lane Wood Fuels Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advised HMA Tax (UK) Limited client on a potential dispute.
  • Advised Lane Wood Fuels Ltd on options following a dispute raised.

Insurance > Personal injury: claimant Tier 2

Dawn Humphries  heads a ‘friendly and approachable’ team at Lanyon Bowdler. ‘The entire team is client focussed and will not hesitate to go the extra mile even if the costs of doing the same are not recoverable’. Humphries leads the catastrophic injury team that frequently advises on complex brain and spinal injuries. Debbie Humphries   regularly represents clients who have sustained life changing injuries. Newly-promoted partner Phillip Roberts, has particular expertise in accident at work cases. Karen Clarke is another name to note for her specialism in road accident claims and Animal Acts claims. Neil Lorimer has now retired.

Practice head(s):

Dawn Humphries

Other key lawyers:

Debbie Humphries; Phillip Roberts; Karen Clarke

Testimonials

‘This team have wide ranging skills and provide a very good service. They have a very personal touch with their clients. They are very approachable and supportive‘.

‘The team headed by Dawn Humphries immediately helped us understand the ability to take a claim forward but was also very clear on the potential pitfalls. We always felt and were assured there was a whole team there to help and support us and our claim’.

‘Phillip Roberts has been extremely thorough and supportive through the whole claim process. He always made himself available via, phone, email or video call to answer any queries, concerns or provide relevant updates. Really pleased with his hard work and help throughout the course of the claim’.

‘The team at Lanyon Bowdler are very easy to talk to and are always there to help when needed. No question went unanswered.’

‘They actually listened and go through everything thoroughly explaining any jargon’.

‘Phil Roberts – attention to detail is second to none. Friendly and approachable manner’.

‘We have found there to be a wide range of skilled professionals employed within this practice. The teams of solicitors, led by very accomplished Partners, make themselves readily available and willing to travel widely. Dawn Humphries is highly committed to providing a first class service’.

‘Very professional and thorough good communicators detailed pre-trial preparation when necessary. Responsive, professional, warm and engaging’.

Work highlights

  • Acted for a claimant who was injured during the course of his employment after falling down a stairwell void. This resulted in him sustaining life changing brain injury involving 47 fractures to the right temporal bone and organic injury to the frontal lobe.  Awaiting a pathways meeting and case is still ongoing.
  • Acting for a claimant who had worked at the same company for 18 years and sustained stress-related injuries. This matter is of significant importance to the client, as he thought he had a job for life with the company, before being forced out, also medical evidence indicates it is unlikely he will be able to return to an employed role, though he has recently set up his own small business.
  • Acting in a case whereby abuse was inflicted by a Catholic Priest who was the Priest where the client’s family attended church; the Church and Priest were also connected with the school he attended. The client, who is now a middle-aged man, instructed the firm having reported the abuse to the Police. Negotiations to settle are ongoing involving significant levels of compensation.

Private client > Family: elsewhere in the West Midlands Tier 2

Lanyon Bowdler has a strong reputation for its work on the full gamut of complex issues involving financial remedy, children and divorce. It is skilled at handling cases where there are business structures and trusts. On the children side, the group frequently advises on internal and external relocation cases, domestic violence and cases involving significant welfare issues. Telford-based Sue Hodgson  heads the department. Philippa Pearson, who is based at the Hereford office, is recommended for her work on complex financial matters.

Practice head(s):

Sue Hodgson

Other key lawyers:

Philippa Pearson; Caroline Yorke

Testimonials

‘The team are all very knowledgeable and work together cohesively. Their expertise is second to none and they all inspire confidence in the advice that they give’.

‘I have worked with Sue Hodgson for many years. She is an approachable person with a brilliant knowledge of the law along with the ability to give advice that is child centred. She would be my go to person in the area of family law and the first person in this field that I would recommend to others’.

The Family Team strives to consistently give a first class service to its clients, and provides consistent support and realistic advice’.

Sue is extremely tenacious and strives for her team to excel in the legal service they provide. Nothing is too much for them to undertake, and accommodate. The clients are always put first’.

‘A team of strong solicitors who work tremendously closely and well together. An emerging team to be reckoned with’.

‘Sue Hodgson- a stand out children solicitor who has skill, legal knowledge and an ability to grasp each case and move it forward seemingly effortlessly. Clients love and trust her and know that if she can she will achieve the outcome they want. hugely respected by other solicitors, barristers and Judges’.

Caroline Yorke is fantastic and has a great instinct‘.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 2

Lanyon Bowdler advises clients across the whole of Shropshire, Herefordshire and North Wales. It has extensive experience in advising on trusts, estate planning and administration as well as other areas covering business property  and agricultural relief. Edward Rees is skilled at advising clients on trusts, high-net-worth estate administration, powers of attorney and on complex tax planning matters. David Pugh has a broad range of experience too. Kevin Thomas  is well-regarded for his experience in administering estates which have significant agricultural property. Neil Davies heads the court of protection department.

Practice head(s):

Edward Rees; Kevin Thomas; David Pugh

Other key lawyers:

Neil Davies; Kate Lawson

Testimonials

‘I have worked with the team at Lanyon Bowdler team on 2 complex estate matters. From the outset the team operated a no surprises approach. They identified all the key issues in both estates and provided a clear workplan and associated fee structure’.

‘The team worked well with: the commercial land team and other partners, such as estate agents and accountants. They have also developed a good relationship with HMRC, critical to a successful outcome’.

‘From the outset, David Pugh has been outstanding. His professionalism and legal expertise is evident. He has the ability to simplify complex probate, tax and associated matters, identify the options and advise me of the most appropriate option to pursue‘.

‘Professional, empathy with our situation. Efficient and really easy to deal with’.

‘Can’t speak highly enough of David Pugh. Very knowledgeable, gave solid advice and the matters were sorted without any fuss‘.

Lanyon Bowdler give clients the feeling that they are big enough to cope, but small enough to care. They are a large, growing and aspirational firm, yet they do a brilliant job of providing clients with a warm welcome, good communication and a service that feels bespoke to the client’s needs‘.

‘David Pugh – in addition to being an exemplary professional, is also extremely caring, punctual and accommodating. I have witnessed David deal with extremely challenging cases with ease, translating complicated jargon into simple terms for clients to easily understand’.

 

Work highlights

  • Prepared and executed a will for Dr Drury and prepared and executed both Property and Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare LPAs.
  • Prepared & executed a will for Mr Edward Oakley.
  • Prepared & executed a will for Ms Nicola Collins

Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 2

The 'personable, efficient and effective' team at Lanyon Bowdler continues to thrive in the local market, picking up an ever increasing volume of work for North Walian clients since the formal opening of an office in Conwy in 2019. The 'very responsive and skilled' Edward Nutting  has been pivotal to the office's success and connects very well with local clients, not only as a result of his industry knowledge and property law expertise, but also his Welsh language speaking capabilities.

Practice head(s):

Brian Evans (Shrewsbury)

Other key lawyers:

Edward Nutting; Kevin Thomas

Testimonials

I found the North Wales team of Lanyon Bowdler to be personable, efficient and effective. It was clear to me immediately that I was in safe hands.’

Edward Nutting is very responsive and skilful.’

Key clients

Lord Harlech

Lord Newborough

Mona Island Dairy Limited

Charles Neal Morris

Sweeney Estate Trustees

The Wynne-Finch Estate Trustees

Robert Wynne Evans

Work highlights

  • Act for the 12,500 acre Rhug Estate and Glynllifon Estate in North Wales, one of the UK’s most diverse landed estates.
  • Acting for Robert Wynne Evans in a complex £6m farm sale– involving common land and grazing rights, a hydroelectricity scheme, a holiday cottage, live and dead stock, and dealing with Basic Payment Scheme Entitlements and an agri-environmental scheme.
  • Acting for Mona Island Dairy Limited in relation to a s106 planning agreement connected with a new £20m cheese factory which will create 100 jobs in Anglesey.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: elsewhere in the West Midlands Tier 3

Underpinned by strong cross-office collaboration, Lanyon Bowdler’s ‘knowledge, advice, and expertise’ makes them a key port of call for a host of corporate clients. Shrewsbury-based Grainne Walters is an ‘excellent’ adviser whose wide-ranging client base spans the consumer goods, education, care, and industrials sectors, to name a few. ‘Highly experienced and extremely knowledgeable’, Ludlow-based Edward Burrell’s recent workload includes both M&A and restructuring mandates, while Conwy-based Jennifer Edwards is noted for her significant experience in asset sales.

Practice head(s):

Gráinne Walters

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The service provided by Lanyon Bowdler is excellent. Their team are knowledgeable and friendly, and produce work in a timely manner.’

‘Jennifer Edwards has provided excellent service, offering clear advice throughout.’

‘Creative, responsive, knowledgeable, experienced, and a great help in negotiations. Focused on the big picture rather than getting bogged down in legal nuances.’

‘London firm quality in a regional practice.’

‘Grainne Walters is excellent and a pleasure to work with.’

‘Lanyon Bowdler acted to manage and over see the legal elements of the management buy out of our company. Their knowledge, advice, and expertise made the sale successful and time efficient. They dealt with a vast amount of legal paper work and jargon quickly and efficiently, using all their resources.’

‘Ed Burrell is very commercial, highly experienced, extremely knowledgeable, quick, and efficient. Without his determination, tenacity, and resourcefulness, the sale would not have been a success. We are very grateful.’

Key clients

LAF Holdings Limited

Highgate Capital Management LLP

Zip World

Crime, fraud and licensing > General crime and fraud Tier 3

Employment Tier 3

John Merry  leads a ‘professional and approachable’ team at Lanyon Bowdler  that is lauded for its ‘clear and concise advice’. It specialises in TUPE  issues and is also skilled at advising schools and colleges as well as farmers and growers on various employment matters. Another core area of expertise includes advising Court of Protection appointed deputies and case managers on the employment of carers.

Practice head(s):

John Merry

Testimonials

‘Excellent and friendly advice – very clear and pragmatic. Everyone is professional but ‘user friendly”.

‘John Merry – the nicest, most sensible and direct employment lawyer I have ever worked with – a dream‘.

This practice is unique by giving the personal touch and are with you every step of the way. Nothing ever feels like too much trouble and they are open and honest about their costs’.

‘John Merry made everything a lot easier by walking me through what was needed and was always easy to contact either by email or telephone. He has lots of patience and a friendly personality, so I would always recommend him‘.

‘Very competent, helpful and knowledgeable. Quick to reply to matters raised’.

Lanyon and Bowdler are a very `’on the ball’ practice, their knowledge of employment law and up to date case law, makes the more difficult aspects of employee relations easier. They are able to guide my team into a fair approach which does not put the business at risk‘.

‘John Merry is a seasoned solicitor with a vast amount of experience in employment law, his down to earth approach is amazing and we have returned to him time and time again’.

‘John Merry is exceptional. His attention to detail and insights into complex employment law matters has given our business the support and confidence to navigate our way through challenging times’.

Key clients

Plastic Omnium Automotive Limited

Dodd Group

Shropdoc

British Gymnastics

Grange Fencing Limited

St Paul’s Academy Trust

LAF Holdings Limited

Fabric Worldwide Limited

Lugwardine Academy Trust

The 3-18 Academy Trust

Work highlights

  • Advised Plastic Omnium in respect of TUPE in connection with insourcing contracted out logistics services.
  • Advised Plastic Omnium in connection with the UK employment law aspects of its acquisition of ACTIA Power.

Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 3

Associate solicitor, Claire Vale, heads the contentious probate department at  Lanyon Bowdler. The practice continues to be busy advising on various claims under the Inheritance Act as well as a variety of probate disputes relating to challenges to wills. It is also skilled at advising on disputes and applications to remove executors/administrators.

Practice head(s):

Claire Vale

Testimonials

‘The solicitor I dealt with seemed very professional and competent in dealing with my matter’.

‘A strong out of London firm handling some interesting probate and trusts disputes. Claire Vale is a very good solicitor, technically able and with good commercial sense‘.

‘The solicitor I dealt with seemed very professional and competent in dealing with my matter‘.

Public sector > Education Tier 3

Lanyon Bowdler‘s ‘professional, reliable and timely’ education team provides advice on various issues to academy trusts and independent schools, with a recent emphasis on academy conversion and transfer projects. ‘Diligent’ practice head William Morse routinely handles academy conversion matters, as well as advising on others, such as collective bargaining and discrimination tribunal matters.

Practice head(s):

William Morse

Testimonials

‘The team are professional, reliable and timely in their responses to questions.’

‘William Morse has been at the end of the phone for many quick questions. He has also anticipated the upcoming issues and has been diligent in making sure we follow the correct policies and procedures. He has been very clear in his advice and supportive in guiding us through the process.’

Key clients

St Paul’s Academy Trust

Lugwardine Academy Trust

The 3-18 Academy Trust

The Diocese Hereford Academy Trust

Work highlights

  • Advised a Multi Academy Trust in relation to the transfer in of another Multi Academy Trust.
  • Advised an Academy Trust in relation to the academy conversion and joining of a community schools.

Real estate > Commercial property: elsewhere in the West Midlands Tier 3

Offering a ‘very good service’, Lanyon Bowdler’s broad practice enables it to cater to a diverse array of clients under the leadership of Telford’s Praveen Chaudhari, who offers expertise in commercial property transactions, with a focus on the industrial, agricultural and retail sectors. Conwy’s Edward Nutting counts companies, business owners, private landowners and more among his client roster, while the Hereford-based Sarah Whittall specialises in commercial and agricultural property. Oswestry’s Tania McGee is considerably experienced in working on the sale and purchase of farmland. Andrew Evans retired from the practice in August 2022.

Practice head(s):

Praveen Chaudhari

Other key lawyers:

Edward Nutting; Sarah Whittall; Tania McGee

Testimonials

‘Once instructed, I trust their team to complete tasks on time and with the minimum of fuss and drama. A key attribute of the team is common sense.’

‘Very good service.’

‘Very good service level. Nice to deal with. Very good professional standards.’

‘Depth of knowledge across all areas of commercial transactions.’

‘The ability to react quickly and provide sound and often robust advice.’

‘The Commercial Property team have always demonstrated great diligence in the matters we have worked together on.’

‘Things are dealt with very professionally.’

‘We have a positive and productive working relationship with Tania McGee in the local office. She has a good understanding of our property and lease requirements.’

Key clients

Evans Enterprises Limited

Cloudside Associates Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Cloudside Associates on the purchase of a warehouse occupied by a company connected to them.

Private client > Court of protection Tier 4

Led by Neil Davies, the deputyship team at Lanyon Bowdler is praised for its ‘strength in depth' and being 'a safe pair of hands’. The practice deals with a range of complex property and affairs matters, as well as receiving instructions on welfare cases. The department manages approximately 60 deputyships and trusts with assets in excess of £120m.

Practice head(s):

Neil Davies

Other key lawyers:

Lucy Speed

Testimonials

‘Neil Davis is very experienced and approachable. He always has the clients’ best interests at the heart of his work’.

‘I think the team members are friendly and approachable which is an important feature for professionals, clients and their families. Neil always makes himself available for zoom meetings and contribute to discussions constructively’.

‘Neil Davies is calm and professional in his approach and is always clear and concise in his feedback regarding CoP matters. He is very clear about the information he would need to see in order to consider a purchase and is thorough in his feedback if declined’.

‘They are responsive, resourceful helpful kind, open honest and very hard working. The team knows its clients well and its subject matter well. They are well coordinated and professional at all times’.

‘Lucy is a great partner for the firm and a pleasure to work with. She is dedicated to her job and to her clients and approaches them in a person centred way. She pays high attention to detail and is pragmatic and realistic in her approach to problem solving’. 

‘I have worked with Neil Davies Partner and Lucy Speed Partner at Lanyon Bowdler. The qualities that stood out for me were as follows. They are approachable and available when a client is in need urgently. Understanding changes that present with clients’ needs. Ability to engage with difficult families’.

‘The team remains constant. You are always able to contact the person you want. The response from them is timely. Lucy Speed is approachable and always helpful. She is more like a personal friend than a lawyer’.

‘Neil Davies has been a fantastic Deputy for my son’s case. He is always supportive of my son’s needs and ours as a family. He goes out of his way to deal with issues to take the stress away from us. Lucy Small has also been outstanding. Her knowledge has helped us get to where we are’. 

Work highlights

  • Acting as professional deputy for a large number of families affected by the Shrewsbury & Telford Hospitals NHS Trust enquiry and consequent Ockenden Report.
  • Acted for daughter of JX seeking emergency injunction to prevent mother’s removal from care home.
  • Acted for Bespoke Health & Social Care Ltd in proceedings brought by CCG concerning the care and residence of young person with complex behaviour, learning disability and autism.

Lanyon Bowdler is a full-service law firm based in Shropshire, Herefordshire and North Wales. It provides high quality legal services, transparently priced and representing value for money through accessible, friendly and professional people who provide legal support to people, businesses and communities.

The firm: Lanyon Bowdler offers a credible alternative to city-centre law firms but with knowledge and understanding of local markets and people. It has a very strong reputation throughout Shropshire, Herefordshire and into Staffordshire, The Marches and Mid and North Wales.

The firm builds strong working relationships with its clients, developing trust and understanding, offering sensible and flexible pricing options to give clients choice and control over their legal spend.

Types of work undertaken: The firm delivers practical advice and support in a comprehensive range of legal services. Services for businesses include corporate and commercial, employment, commercial property and planning, dispute resolution, debt recovery and mediation.

Services for individuals include clinical negligence (claimant), personal injury (claimant), family law including collaborative law, probate and trusts, wills and estate planning, residential conveyancing and civil litigation.

Agricultural legal services: Lanyon Bowdler is appointed to the NFU’s national panel of solicitors, offering quality and expert legal advice to NFU members throughout Shropshire, Staffordshire and Herefordshire. The team is experienced in a wide range of specialist areas affecting farmers, growers and suppliers, including agricultural property, planning, commercial contracts and agreements, employment, disputes, family law, succession and tax planning, wills and probate.

Corporate and commercial: The Legal 500 has consistently recommended Lanyon Bowdler for corporate and commercial services. The team has considerable experience in corporate finance transactions and is expert in the fields of company and partnership law, as well as all aspects of commercial law.

Commercial dispute resolution and mediation: the team encourages mediation and other dispute resolution, including arbitration, as well as negotiation to bring about satisfactory resolution in a cost-effective manner. For cases that go to trial, the firm has a good track record in the County Court, the High Court and the Court of Appeal. The team also includes a highly experienced CEDR accredited mediator and a dedicated debt recovery unit assisting local, national and international clients with flexible, bespoke solutions.

Commercial property and planning: the team handles all property and land issues for clients who are buying, selling, developing, leasing or managing commercial, agricultural or residential property/land in areas such as acquisitions and disposals, option agreements, residential or commercial estate development, planning obligations, overage, asset management, and landlords and tenants. The team also includes a dedicated planning law specialist.

Employment law: the team specialises in employment law for employers. The aim is to keep clients’ disputes to a minimum, ensuring that, when they do arise, they are resolved in a swift and cost-effective manner which is tailored to suit the needs of each individual client, taking into account their risks and objectives.

Family law: an experienced team deals with a wide range of family law matters from pre-nups and cohabitation agreements at the start of a relationship to relationship breakdown, divorce, civil partnership dissolution, financial and children issues. The team includes two collaboratively trained lawyers who are leading specialists in collaborative divorce.

Personal injury and clinical negligence: these teams are nationally recognised for the provision of legal advice in relation to all types of medical and injury claims, including catastrophic injury such as brain and spinal injuries and amputations.

Private client: highly experienced team advises clients on wills, tax planning including inheritance tax, trusts, probate and administration of estates and lasting powers of attorney.

Education: experienced team advises nurseries, schools, colleges and academies on all legal issues including advice before, during and after academy conversion.

Department Name Email Telephone
Managing Partner & Training Partner Brian Evans brian.evans@lblaw.co.uk 01743 280280
Head of Clinical Negligence Beth Heath beth.heath@lblaw.co.uk 01743 280280
Head of Personal Injury Dawn Humphries dawn.humphries@lblaw.co.uk 01743 280280
Head of Private Client Edward Rees edward.rees@lblaw.co.uk 01952 291222
Head of Residential Property and Commercial & Agricultural Property Praveen Chaudhari praveen.chaudhari@lblaw.co.uk 01952 291222
Head of Family Sue Hodgson sue.hodgson@lblaw.co.uk 01952 291222
Head of Corporate & Commercial Grainne Walters grainne.walters@lblaw.co.uk 01952 291222
Senior Partner and Head of Employment John Merry john.merry@lblaw.co.uk 01952 291222
Head of Agriculture Brian Evans brian.evans@lblaw.co.uk 01743 280280
Head of Education Will Morse will.morse@lblaw.co.uk 01432 352345
Head of Court of Protection Neil Davies neil.davies@lblaw.co.uk 01743 280280
Photo Name Position Profile
Sue Hodgson photo Sue Hodgson A partner and head of the family department. Sue has experience in…
Debbie Humphries photo Debbie Humphries A partner at the firm. Debbie has experience in all types of…
John Merry photo John Merry John is the head of the employment department. He acts for employers…
Photo Name Position Profile
Praveen Chaudhari photo Praveen Chaudhari Head of the Commercial & Agricultural Property Department, advises on the property…
Andrew Pegg photo Andrew Pegg Head of Dispute Resolution Acts for a wide range of clients from…
Edward Rees photo Edward Rees Partner and head of private client team, specialising in wills, tax planning,…
UK Partners : 25
UK Fee-Earners : 108
Welsh