Longmores Solicitors LLP > Hertford, England > Firm Profile

Longmores Solicitors LLP
24 CASTLE STREET
HERTFORD
SG14 1HP
England

Employment > Employment: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 2

Praised for his ‘attention to detail to a degree not often found’, Richard Gvero heads the employment practice group at Longmores Solicitors LLP and advises on largescale reorganisations and redundancy exercises, TUPE issues and all aspects of employment disputes. Miranda Mulligan  is often engaged in disciplinary investigations for clients, as well as preparing contracts of employment, and bringing and defending complex tribunal claims.

Practice head(s):

Richard Gvero

Other key lawyers:

Miranda Mulligan

Testimonials

‘Richard Gvero has not only advised me from a legal perspective but also been hugely supportive and understanding during a particularly challenging time.’

‘All dealings with Longmores have been excellent.’

‘Miranda Mulligan has provided invaluable support. Most importantly, her approach means that I trust her. She ‘got’ the case quickly and got to grips with what I consider to be a complicated set of circumstances with many individuals involved. She approached it with a thoroughness and eye for detail that makes engaging legal assistance so worth it. She is all over the details, dates, individuals, and facts of the case. Her relationship with the barrister used for the case is excellent and this brings so much more value.’

‘As soon as I spoke with Miranda Mulligan, she reassured me and gave genuine, honest and straightforward advice. She is knowledgeable, always proactive and pragmatic, and her guidance is given with no unnecessary jargon. She is a valuable asset to the firm and a great individual to have representing you.’

‘Richard has a manor in which complicated matters are explained so that we understand and drives timelines and proactively assists when we get a blockage. The wider team seem aligned with Richard when preparing documents and bundles ensuring all parties remain on track and focused on the case in hand.’

‘Longmores’ employment team take a very personal approach: they really get to know their clients and understand their particular aims and circumstances.’

‘Miranda Mulligan is an exceptionally knowledgeable and effective employment solicitor. She fights hard for her clients without ever forgetting commercial and practical realities, and is a joy to work with.’

‘I have worked with a number of teams including litigation, conveyancing and employment, I found the team all worked well collaboratively and individually.’

Key clients

Hurford Salvi Carr Property Management Ltd

Transport Planning Associates Ltd

Assist Security Group

Abbot’s Hill School

Work highlights

  • Advising a leading security group as the Respondent in complex multiple tribunal proceedings by two former employees.
  • Advising employer client in relation to serious disciplinary issues with one of its employees.
  • Advised client regarding senior employee resignation to work for a major competitor in breach of restrictive covenants.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 2

Richard Horwood spearheads the private client practice at Longmores Solicitors LLP which focuses on all aspects of wills, tax planning and administration of estates. Horwood is praised for his ‘ability to think outside of the box’ and lends his expertise to a broad range of complex and sensitive private client matters. Alastair Peter John Liddiard is a key name for the administration of trusts and estates.

Practice head(s):

Richard Horwood

Other key lawyers:

Alastair Peter John Liddiard; Bernard Flanagan; Charles Fraser

Testimonials

‘It has been a pleasure working as an Executor with Longmores team who have proved to be attentive, helpful and knowledgeable. The estate has proved to be challenging due to there being no living relatives and rather random paperwork but they have taken on the challenge, been friendly and supportive, helped find additional outside professionals to dealing with the house and chattels and at all times kept me as the sole executor fully informed. I would not hesitate tor recommend them to others or use them again.’

‘This practice was recommended to us as we needed new wills and Power of Attorney agreements. We found the solicitor Charles Fraser very helpful and efficient. Unlike the firm we used previously Mr Fraser did not ‘lead’ or hurry us but good documentation was provided and any queries were clearly answered and the implications explained.’

‘Longmores have been established for a long time. They have a fantastic reputation of being the “go-to Solicitors” in Hertford. They consistently “go the extra mile” for their clients. They work with great professionalism and integrity. When clients require advice from a couple of departments for more complex situations, this is a seamless process. I have passed a number of clients to Longmores in my role as an Independent Financial Adviser, they have all been very happy with the service/advice they have received. ’

‘My dealings have mostly been with Alastair Liddiard. He is extremely knowledgeable and professional. He is very patient, especially when dealing with vulnerable or elderly clients. He explains complex matters very well, so they are understood. He will go out of his way to ensure a professional job is undertaken. I’m also very grateful that Alastair is always accessible and in my role as an Independent Financial Adviser, Alastair often answers a variety of queries. This helps me in my job a great deal. ’

‘The overall professionalism and personal service provided by Longmores is what would make me recommend them to anyone. ’

‘Richard Horwood went over and above when assisting my dying mother. He was professional at all times, but the right balance of helpful and personable , while being clear and concise with the advice he was giving. ’

‘What makes it stand out to me is its very friendly ,warm place to be . I have been using Longmores for over 30 years for Trusts , leases , advice ,option agreements, wills and cant fault the whole team and the way they conduct themselves .’

‘Richard Horwood stands out to me, his advice and knowledge is outstanding. I have used other law firms and Richard,to me, is the best of the best.’

Work highlights

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 3

Longmores Solicitors LLP undertakes a wide range of both corporate and commercial work, spanning restructurings and corporate finance to commercial contracts including IT and business process outsourcing agreements. Michael Budd heads up the group, with his expertise including advising on early stage fundraisings and investments, management buy-outs and buy-ins, among many others. Lena Hale is another important name to note on the team.

Practice head(s):

Michael Budd

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

Longmores is an outstanding firm both for its significant amount of commercial work undertaken and the individual members.

Longmores were able to provide the necessary skills in contract law, HR, security (debentures & guarantees etc), legal & financial due diligence. They were able to help us use a data room which enabled quick access by both sets of solicitors.’

‘Each member of the team was very knowledgeable in the subject matter they provided.’

The deal became quite aggressive but Longmores never flinched or succumbed to the buyers’ solicitors who were taking hard positions particularly about the security they were providing for partial deferred consideration.

I would have no hesitation in using and recommending Longmores again.’

Key clients

IGB Electrical Group Limited

Asker Holdings Limited

Vox Europe Investment Holdings LLC

Reelvision Print Limited

Shareholders of The Riverside Garden Centre Limited

Work highlights

  • Acted on behalf of Vox Europe Investment Holdings LLC on a joint venture. The relationship between the parties broke down and the unwinding of the business relationship was achieved by a management buyout.
  • Acted on the sale of The Riverside Garden Centre Limited’s shares to a sister company of one of the UK’s leading outdoor furniture stores, White Stores Limited.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 3

Longmores Solicitors LLP possesses deep sector specialism across recruitment, waste management, and property management. Debt recovery work, property litigation and insolvency related litigation are key focuses for the team based in Hertford. John Wiblin heads the practice group together with fellow co-head John Wagstaffe; they are key names for shareholder actions and for property litigation, respectively. Nat Young is another important point of contact.

Practice head(s):

John Wiblin; John Wagstaffe

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Very personable but professional staff who put their clients at ease and take them through each process with efficiency consideration.’

‘No doubt there is a hierarchy in place which creates continuity and depth, but this is not the emphasis of the firm. What I appreciated is the clear sense of a team working together on my issues. There is a culture of respect and openness by colleagues within the team which promotes confidence in clients and facilitates faster well researched advice. They are highly effective in problem solving.’

‘The whole practice is very good and can’t do enough for you. The billing is sent out promptly and is all itemised so you can see exactly what you are paying for.’

‘I highly recommend Longmores for their exceptional legal services and standards of client care. The team’s expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to client satisfaction have consistently exceeded expectations. They exhibit a deep understanding of the law and their professionalism and clear communication make them a key business partner. ’

‘Nat Young combines tenacity, pragmatism, and an impressive ability to balance legal considerations with commercial imperatives. His unique skill set allows him to seamlessly integrate legal complexities with commercial realities, offering insights that are both legally sound and commercially viable.

‘ They are able to develop a very clear understanding of the needs of the client and are able to articulate and take forward a plan to deliver identified outcomes.’

‘ Their knowledge in their subject areas is second to none and their ability to identify very clear ways of achieving the outcomes sought is balanced with clear advice on merits/chances of success.’

Key clients

Acacium Group Limited

The Woodcock Hill Estate

Tulsesense Limited

Andusia Recovered Fuels Limited

Bowden Moss Limited

Underpin & Makegood (Contracting) Limited

Frontline Health Professionals Limited

F. Dobson & Sons Limited

Pathology Group Limited

Transport Planning Associates Limited

Work highlights

  • Acted in four separate but connected claims arising from a falling- out between the two business owners of several successful companies in the health and leisure industry.
  • Acting in an appeal to the Supreme Court on $19 million claim against a bank.
  • Represented a former company director in a claim against him alleging that he had led the company into substantial property transactions in which he had a financial interest without the agreement of the company’s shareholders.

Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 3

Described as ‘one of the strongest agricultural and estates practices in Hertfordshire’, Longmores Solicitors LLP handles a diverse range of work in the sector, which includes employment contracts, tenancy disputes, grazing licenses, and development opportunities. Richard Horwood is recommended for his capabilities with inheritance tax planning, will drafting, and succession issues.

Other key lawyers:

Richard Horwood; Rachael Spalton

Testimonials

‘We received a personalised service from the team. All relevant team members were helpful, quick, and accurate in dealing with queries.’

‘Longmores excels in agricultural matters. They are able to deliver robust and commercial solutions to complex negotiations.’

‘They are one of the strongest agricultural and estates practices in Hertfordshire. They know the County and wider region. They offer excellent and clear advice from an experienced team.’

‘They are a friendly firm with practical knowledge of agricultural matters. They have a proactive and pragmatic approach.’

‘There are many farms and country estates that need legal support, particularly with diversification projects, planning and development, BNG, energy, and so on. Longmores offers a broad coverage of so many matters of interest to rural clients. They do particularly good work on option/promotion agreements, sales/purchases, and commercial leases.’

Work highlights

  • Advised a farmer/landowner on an option agreement for a lease of a solar farm.
  • Advised a farmer/landowner on an option agreement for a lease of a solar farm and battery storage facility.

Private client > Family: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 3

The ‘tight-knit team of excellent solicitors' at Longmores Solicitors LLP regularly assists clients with divorces involving business interests and privacy issues. Team head Tracey Dargan is a key name for difficult financial matters and substantial prenuptial agreements, and Kerrie Hall is particularly well-versed in child arrangements, including relocation matters.

Practice head(s):

Tracey Dargan

Other key lawyers:

Kerrie Hall; Jessica Few

Testimonials

‘Kerrie Hall is enormously efficient. She works very hard, is approachable and makes a divorce case more amenable.’

‘They are a really good tight-knit team of excellent solicitors. They have really good client care (the right balance of empathy/support and realistic advice). They are excellent tacticians and have a very good grasp for detail.’

‘Jessica Few is always thoroughly prepared for a case and is possibly the best organised solicitor I have ever met. She is dedicated to her clients and her initial advice and intervention during conferences is always of sound quality, considered and helpful.’

‘Their ability to understand the facts through an emotional experience and cut through to the way forward with empathy and then most importantly, realistically to the goals, is like a well planned and clinical exercise. Most professional while personable.’

‘Working with Tracey Dargan was a most reassuring and positive experience, never losing sight of the tasks ahead and providing a guiding hand, with Jessica Few providing great backup and support they have formed a great team.’

‘Tracey Dargan was very clear about the process and what would be required at every stage. She supported me to hold my nerve and I got the best outcome for my family.’

‘Kerrie Hall was fantastic dealing with my case. Kerrie took the time to understand the situation and give great advice. Kerrie’s approach was fair and considered at all times. The other party were extremely hostile and looking to provoke a reaction, we made a decision to not fight fire with fire and our responses were mature and child focused. I felt I could trust Kerrie and she fully understood the case. ’

‘Tracey Dargan is fantastic. Clear in her advice, thoughtful and considered in her approach to cases, and determined to get the best results for her client. Leads a great team.’

Work highlights

Real estate > Commercial property: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 3

Longmores Solicitors LLP’s commercial property group advises key clients across the entire gamut of complex and specialised commercial property matters, and benefits from the firm’s dedicated property litigation team. Practice head Rachael Spalton applies her expertise to development and strategic land transactions, chiefly option agreements and promotion agreements.

Practice head(s):

Rachael Spalton

Testimonials

‘The Longmores team offers London advice at Regional prices and is strong in their area of expertise.’

‘For me, the standout at Longmores has to be Rachael Spalton. She’s simply excellent and has been my go-to solicitor for many years now. Rachael’s approach is unparalleled – nothing is ever a problem for her, and she navigates challenges with ease, always finding a solution. This, in my opinion, is the primary reason I’ve stuck with her for so long. I have complete confidence that Rachael will provide sound guidance and protect my business interests without fail.

‘Longmores has an excellent track record advising my clients legally in respect of commercial leases, planning and development (particularly option, promotion and overage) and transactional matters. Other firms are capable, but Longmores never fail to impress with good case management and pragmatic progress through matters which might otherwise drag.’

‘Rachael Spalton has also been involved mutually with clients and contacts, and has been a pleasure to deal with – knowledgeable, efficient diligent.’

‘We have recently engaged Longmores Solicitors to undertake work on our behalf and act as our Solicitors on a number of occasions. Longmores Solicitors are an organised, we run and collaborative firm who are able to provide help at a moments notice. We are happy with the service we have received and are glad we have engaged them to undertake work on our behalf. ’

Key clients

King & Co Properties Limited

P2P Residential Limited

Petrol Hypermarkets Limited

Northumberland Living

Triplicar Holdings Limited

AT Bone & Sons Limited

Wood Bros (Furniture) Limited

Graspace Limited

Fred and Linda Whipp

Work highlights

  • Advised a developer client on the exercise of an option and acquisition of a circa £7 million development site.
  • Advised a landowner client on an option for the grant of a lease of a solar farm project.
  • Advised a developer client on the sale of a £3 million development site.

About us
Longmores is a progressive firm of specialist solicitors renowned for its professional yet personal service that has been advising businesses and individuals in Hertfordshire and across the country since 1819.  All their solicitors are specialists in their respective areas of law acting for a wide range of commercial and private clients.

Longmores commercial solicitors work with businesses across numerous industry sectors.  They advise both market leaders and smaller enterprises on all aspects of their commercial matters including company formation, mergers and acquisitions, contracts and agreements, intellectual property, employment and dispute resolution.

They provide specialist advice on matters relating to property across commercial property, rural land, residential conveyancing, disputes about property and advice for landlords, tenants, management companies and managing agents.

Longmores also help individuals and families through life’s major events and with planning for the future.  The provide advice about divorce, financial settlements and arrangements for children as well as wills, powers of attorney, trusts, probate and inheritance tax matters.

Longmores holds many accreditations including Lexcel, ISO 9001, Customer Service Excellence and Cyber Essentials+.  Other organisations to which particular lawyers are accredited include the Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS), Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS), Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), the Association of Lifetime Lawyers, and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb).

Everything they do is underpinned by their core values:

> Open and honest
> Working together
> Valuing people
> Taking pride in what we do

Our history
Much has changed since Longmores was founded in 1819.  Our values and our approach to our work with clients have not.

We continue to pride ourselves on our legal expertise.  Clients tell us that they value our common sense approach, our clear advice and the fact that we make practical recommendations rather than simply reiterate the law.

They like the robust manner in which we negotiate on their behalf and how we present their case when it comes to litigation.  They know that we seek to avoid the cost, distraction and risks of litigation where we can, through the use of alternative approaches such as mediation, so long as that will secure the best outcome possible.

When it comes to non-contentious work our clients say they like the fact that we focus on the outcomes that matter to them and that we communicate proactively and effectively.  That means that they understand how things are progressing at every stage of our work with them and can make informed decisions on their options if choices need to be made.  These characteristics are simply part of the way we do things across the firm.

Although the geographic reach of our work is greater than it was some two centuries ago, we remain involved in the community of the Hertfordshire area.  Our leading lawyers have always made time to give back, through public service holding positions such as Chair of the County Council, President of the Law Society, county coroners, judges, high sheriffs and trustees.

Our hardworking spirit has been passed on from generation to generation.  Today, Joint Senior Partners, Chris Pease and Richard Gvero, aspire to continue the firm’s traditions whilst leading a progressive team of experienced solicitors.  Many join us because they feel they can make a real difference for our clients and because they value our culture of client service and intelligent delivery of professional expertise.

Our services
Commercial Property: all aspects of commercial property transactions including acquisition and disposal of business premises, property development agreements, promotion and option agreements (including overage), business leases and landlord and tenant advice.  The team has a specialism in dealing with rural land transactions.

Company  Commercial: acting for corporate and commercial clients across numerous industry sectors. The firm’s expertise includes business sales and purchases; mergers and acquisitions; company formations and reorganisations; joint ventures; shareholder agreements; share buybacks; share option schemes; commercial contracts; software licensing, IT service and outsourcing agreements; intellectual property; partnerships and LLP agreements.

Dispute Resolution: most aspects of commercial litigation such as director, partner or shareholder disputes (and some private litigation) are undertaken. The team has higher courts advocacy expertise and includes a mediator and an arbitrator. Specialist knowledge of insolvency matters, search orders and other emergency remedies is offered. The team has significant expertise in matters involving the recruitment industry.

Employment: the specialist team deals with all aspects of employment law, contentious and non-contentious, and provides comprehensive support for owner managed businesses and HR departments. It also specialises in post-termination restrictions and TUPE. The team has developed a niche in the recruitment and education sectors.

Family: advising clients on divorce and separation, financial settlements, pre and post nuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements, dissolution of civil partnerships, protective injunctions and child related disputes.  The team work with other solicitors within the firm on issues such as tax, trusts and company law and have access to a network of experts outside the legal field.  The solicitors are members of Resolution.

Private Client: acting for individuals, including those with business and agricultural interests, providing advice on inheritance tax planning, wills, trusts and powers of attorney as well as the administration of estates and charitable giving.  Within the team are solicitors specialising in issues affecting older and vulnerable people such as Court of Protection matters, care funding decisions, issues around capacity and Lifetime Trusts. All the solicitors are full members of STEP (Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners).

Property Litigation: across-the-board property law expertise with a depth and breadth of knowledge that few other firms can match. Advising on commercial, residential and rural property, the team also has a particular speciality in residential block management. Typical clients include management companies, managing agents, commercial landlords and tenants, investors, developers and rural landowners.

Residential Property: specialist residential property solicitors with broad experience dealing with all kinds of properties, ranging from listed buildings to new builds.  The team helps clients with buying and selling homes, remortgages, holiday and buy-to-let investments, disputes, shared ownership and transfer of equity.

Rural Land: acting for clients including estate owners, farmers, owner-occupiers, high net-worth individuals, investors and businesses.  The team advises on a range of rural land matters including freehold acquisitions and disposals, option and pre-emption agreements, overage clauses, commercial leases, sale and purchase of farm land, and the purchase of unregistered land.

Department Name Email Telephone
Joint Senior Partner, Head of Commercial and Employment Richard Gvero [email protected] 01992 300333
Joint Senior Partner, Head of Property Chris Pease [email protected] 01992 300333
Partner, Company Commercial Michael Budd [email protected] 01992 300333
Partner, Family Tracey Dargan [email protected] 01992 300333
Partner, Residential Property Karen Fletcher [email protected] 01992 300333
Partner, Head of Private Client Richard Horwood [email protected] 01992 300333
Partner, Private Client Alastair Liddiard [email protected] 01992 300333
Partner, Dispute Resolution Lauren Mackenzie [email protected] 01992 300333
Partner, Rural Land Victoria Sandberg [email protected] 01992 300333
Partner, Commercial Property Rachael Spalton [email protected] 01992 300333
Partner, Property Litigation John Wagstaffe [email protected] 01992 300333
Partner, Dispute Resolution John Wiblin [email protected] 01992 300333
Partner, Dispute Resolution Nat Young [email protected] 01992 300333
Photo Name Position Profile
Kirsty Adamson photo Kirsty Adamson Solicitor in Dispute Resolution
Polja Atkins photo Polja Atkins Head of Leasehold Enfranchisement
Michael Budd photo Michael Budd Partner and the Head of Company Commercial
Tracey Dargan photo Tracey Dargan Partner and Head of Family and Divorce
Jessica Few photo Jessica Few Solicitor in Family and Divorce
Bernard Flanagan photo Bernard Flanagan Senior Solicitor in Private Client
Flora Gaughan photo Flora Gaughan Chartered Legal Executive in Private Client
Hayley Grantham photo Hayley Grantham Senior Solicitor in Property Litigation
Richard Gvero photo Richard Gvero Joint Senior Partner, Head of Commercial and Employment
Lena Hale photo Lena Hale Solicitor in Company Commercial
Kerrie Hall photo Kerrie Hall Senior Solicitor in Family and Divorce
Richard Horwood photo Richard Horwood Partner and Head of Private Client
Alastair Liddiard photo Alastair Liddiard Partner and Head of Trust and Estate Administration
Lauren Mackenzie photo Lauren Mackenzie Partner in Dispute Resolution and Mediation
Miranda Mulligan photo Miranda Mulligan Senior Solicitor in Employment
Miranda Nixon photo Miranda Nixon Solicitor in Private Client
Chris Pease photo Chris Pease Joint Senior Partner and Head of Property
Lindsey Reid-Cook photo Lindsey Reid-Cook Paralegal in Property Litigation
Shabnam Shekarian photo Shabnam Shekarian Solicitor in Property Litigation
Rachael Spalton photo Rachael Spalton Partner and Head of Commercial Property
John Wagstaffe photo John Wagstaffe Partner and Head of Property Litigation
John Wiblin photo John Wiblin Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution
Victoria Wood photo Victoria Wood Solicitor in Private Client
Nathanael Young photo Nathanael Young Partner in Dispute Resolution
Number of UK partners : 13
Number of UK solicitors : 17
Number of other UK fee-earners : 10
Number of UK support staff : 31
Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners (ALEP)
Association of Lifetime Lawyers (Charles Fraser, Victoria Wood)
Bishop’s Stortford Chamber of Commerce
Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb)
Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS)
Customer Service Excellence
Cyber Essentials
Employment Lawyers Association
Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce
ISO 9001
LawNet
Lexcel
Resolution
Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)
St Albans District Chamber of Commerce
Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS)