Marriott Harrison LLP > London, England > Firm Profile
Marriott Harrison LLP Offices

80 Cheapside
LONDON
EC2V 6EE
England
Marriott Harrison LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Corporate and commercial > Venture capital Tier 2
Under the guidance of the ‘commercial and practical’ David Strong, Marriott Harrison LLP continues to gain market share and is recognised for its ‘very responsive and cost-efficient’ service and ‘diligent execution of transactions’. Although the team continues to develop its investee offering, it remains best-known for its advice to institutional investors, including core clients Accel, Balderton and Lightspeed, particularly in relation to Series A and B financings. Frances Spooner has an excellent understanding of investor requirements, having spent time in her career on secondment at VC funds, and is developing a core focus on impact investing, as well as work for female founders. David Bettis provides ‘very reactive and pragmatic’ advice to core institutional clients, as well as a number of pan-European funds. Other key individuals include the ‘knowledgeable and meticulous’ Graham Halliday, who was recently promoted to partner, and Daniel Jacob, who is ‘innovative in finding solutions’ for entrepreneurs and companies. The team also has ‘a strong bench of diligent associates’, including Kimberley Lam’s Descamps, who is ‘calm, reliable and efficient’.Practice head(s):
David Strong
Other key lawyers:
Frances Spooner; David Bettis; Daniel Jacob; Andrew Ross; Graham Halliday; Bradley Heath; Inbar Cohen; James Fleming; Kimberley Lam’s Descamps
Testimonials
‘They’re very responsive and cost efficient.’
‘We trust them with all our venture deals and are the safest pair of hands in the market. They also have a strong bench of diligent associates.’
‘David Strong has excellent all-round knowledge.’
‘Daniel Jacob is innovative in finding solutions and very well networked.’
‘David Bettis is very reactive and pragmatic.’
‘Graham Halliday: Knowledgeable and meticulous, and a good communicator.’
‘Kimberley Lams-Descamps is calm, reliable and efficient, always adds value to the work she does for our team.’
Key clients
Accel
Balderton
Beringea
Hack the Box
Union Square Ventures
FirstMark
Oxford Science Enterprises
Gresham House
Edge VC
Northzone
Creandum
Guinness Ventures
CIRCA5000
Kindred Capital
Lakestar
Lightspeed
Motive partners
Accomplice
Chalfen Ventures
Optalitix
Praesidium
SteelEye
Stride VC
The Moon Hub
XTX Ventures
Work highlights
- Advised Accel, Balderton, Creandum and Lakestar on the syndicated $78m Series A investment into Tesseract Technologies.
- Advised Hack the Box, the online cybersecurity training platform, on its $55m Series B round.
- Advised Oxford Science Enterprises on their investment into Oxford Ionics’ £30m Series A.
Corporate and commercial > M&A: Smaller Deals, £10m-£100m Tier 3
Marriott Harrison LLP fields a ‘commercially agile’ corporate team, well regarded for its capabilities in advising progressive private corporate and leading investors on the full scope of M&A transactions. The team has been increasingly active on cross-border M&A transactions aimed at venture capital backed businesses in the last year. Practice head Jonathan Leigh-Hunt acts for a diverse roster of clients – including management teams, owners and investee companies – on a host of corporate transactions. Ben Devons has experience across the media, technology, retail and professional services sectors, and has been described as a practitioner who is ‘calm, composed but robustly defends clients on key issues.’Practice head(s):
Jonathan Leigh-Hunt
Other key lawyers:
Daniel Jacob; Andrew Ross; Hugh Gardner; Jon Sweet; Ben Devons; David Bettis; Katerina Heal; David Baverstock; James Stenning; Troy Featherstone; Rima Mehay; Despina Devons
Testimonials
‘Jon Sweet – experience, wisdom, responsiveness, just excellent to deal with.’
‘Great blend of knowledge and commercial awareness.’
‘Ben Devons is my go-to lawyer to refer all corporate clients. Very good on detail. Calm and composed, but robustly defends clients on key issues.’
‘The team is commercially agile and very reactive in understanding objectives. Extremely reactive and well-organised, always meeting deadlines. Professional approach with a personal touch.’
‘The understanding and personal support that is provided across the team is unprecedented, Highly recommend them.’
‘The level of care and speciality that was used in our company buyout was well beyond what we had expected. MH seem to have a specialist for every area of the process, which leads to a smooth transaction. Communication is also outstanding across the board.’
‘David Baverstock, Daniel Jacob, Rima Mehay, Despina Devons, to name a few, are all outstanding.’
Key clients
Chiltern Capital
Balderton Capital
Accel Partners
Coolabi Group
Gresham House
Shutterstock
Sophos
UKG, Inc
The Fulham Shore plc
Amplience
Delta Capital Group
Keyloop
Planet Organic Limited
D30
Perfect Image Ltd
Beringea
Primsole Holdings
Creightons
Audiotonix
Work highlights
- Advised Chiltern Capital on the management buyout of International Decorative Surfaces (IDS), a surface materials specialist manufactured distributor.
- Acted for the selling shareholders of Hamilton Fraser to a leading PE backed UK insurance intermediary.
- Advised Sophos, a global leader in next-generation cyber security, on its acquisition of SOC.OS Cyber Security Ltd, a spinout of BAE Systems Digital Intelligence.
Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 4
Marriott Harrison LLP advises an assortment of corporate occupiers, including other law firms, on break clauses and headquarter relocations, as well as lease negotiations and regears. Praised as a ‘true expert in commercial real estate’, Mark Lavers heads the team, while Stephen Whittaker thrives in real estate financing.Practice head(s):
Mark Lavers
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Quick turnaround with reasoned, informative responses. A highly skilled team under the direction of Mark Lavers.’
‘The partners take the time and attention to fully understand the brief. Their knowledge and experience are immensely valued as is their advice and recommendation.’
‘Speedy responses, depth of understanding, approachability and commitment to providing an excellent service make the Marriott Harrison team stand out from the rest.’
‘Mark Lavers was always ahead of the game and offered sound commercial advice to the client.’
‘Mark Lavers is a stand-out partner and a true expert in commercial real estate. Mark is quick and efficient and has the ability to demystify complex issues to non-solicitors.’
‘ Mark Lavers makes himself fully available to clients and other professionals. He has access to tax and construction colleagues who provide the same depth of knowledge and speed of response.’
‘The team at MH are wonderful to work with. You get a consistent team so always deal with the same people/partner. This makes everything so much easier as your case is always well known to all involved.’
‘They are incredibly knowledgeable, patient and of good humour. I always feel like they have our back and that I can completely trust the advice I am being given.’
Key clients
Avalon Television
Sister Ray
Luk Events
Hook Technology
Total Media Group
Makers Academy
Falck Renewables
Shutterstock
Chiltern Capital
Spradling UK
Work highlights
- Advised Luk Events Limited on a property transaction agreement with the Crown Estate, allowing it to run its Lapland UK event in Windsor.
- Advised numerous tenants on their HQ office leases in areas such as Canary Wharf, the City and Mayfair.
- Acted for Bucherer on new leases around the country.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: mid-market Tier 5
Marriott Harrison LLP's commercial litigation team is able to leverage the firm's notable corporate law credentials, in relation to corporate disputes, including shareholder conflicts and joint venture/post-transaction-related claims. A substantial amount of the group's work comprises international features. Dispute resolution head and shareholder disputes expert Tamar Halevy 'navigates the most complex situations with ease', while Simon de Broise, who is experienced in high-value disputes, is a June 2022 partner hire from Collyer Bristow LLP (where he was senior associate).Practice head(s):
Tamar Halevy
Other key lawyers:
Simon de Broise; Joseph Tendler
Testimonials
‘Tamar Halevy is incredibly perceptive, detailed, and relentlessly hard-working. Clients are grateful that she is fighting their case and not the other side’s!’
‘Tamar Halevy – clients could not be more impressed by her expertise and dedication.’
‘Tamar Halevy navigates the most complex situations with ease, communicating with the other party assertively and effectively.’
‘Simon de Broise is a brilliant commercial litigator with excellent judgement, and great strategic and tactical skills.’
‘Open and reasonable billing. Good understanding of the latest legislation on technology matters and litigation.’
‘Clients strongly value the proportionality, careful approach, communicative reasoning, and reliable directions of Joseph Tendler.’
‘Joseph Tendler is a trustworthy professional, whose qualities exceed his rank – he does what is best for his clients.’
‘The partners at Marriott Harrison are highly-skilled and experienced professionals.’
Key clients
Ink Global
Smith Bradbeers & Co
Work highlights
- Successfully represented Eric Duneau and Frederic Senegas in the Companies Court, in a ground breaking judgment relating to the just and equitable winding up of a listed PLC, followed by a notable costs judgment.
- Represented Ink Global in High Court proceedings against Wizz Air, involving a contractual dispute concerning the grounding of Wizz Air’s aircraft during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Acting for Smith Bradbeers & Co in a long-running court battle with UK Chiropractic Property.
Employment > Employers Tier 7
Marriott Harrison LLP provides ongoing advice to corporate employer clients on UK employment law, working across a range of industries including banking, tech, music and retail to mitigate employment law risks. TUPE and financial services sector expert Bob Mecrate-Butcher leads the team. He is supported by the ‘knowledgeable, responsive and creative‘ Rima Mehay and associates Ed Belam and Sofia Gottgens.Practice head(s):
Bob Mecrate-Butcher
Other key lawyers:
Rima Mahey; Ed Belam; Sofia Gottgens
Testimonials
‘The level of service as well as the attention to the customer.’
‘Bob Mecrate-Butcher is an absolute star – he offers business acumen, practical assistance and advice, as well as clear, to the point guidance and support.’
‘They are very approachable – responsive, knowledgeable and comprehensive.’
‘They always found the right balance between conflicting interests.’
‘Great firm to deal with. Sensible, proper people who look after their clients, advise them well and strive to build a true partnership. They act well as a wider team and seem to look after each other’s clients when other partners are away.’
‘Employment law is emotive due to the personal element, yet they can be both hard when necessary and defend your perspective, whilst also recognising the human side too.’
‘A great group – recommended.’
‘I deal mainly with Rima Mahey. She is a superb lawyer. Knowledgeable, responsive and creative when finding solutions.’
Key clients
RBG Holdings PLC
Sony Music Publishing
Affinity Fragrances Limited
Work highlights
Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx
South East > Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx
Marriott Harrison LLP > Firm Profile
Marriott Harrison is a leading legal advisory and transactional firm. It is fully focused on serving the ambitions of Europe’s most innovative businesses and market leading investors. The firm has a reputation for providing clients with exceptional service and constructive commercial insight on all of the things that matter most to them, from early-stage start-up, through periods of fast-growth and change, to maturity.
From its base in London, the firm works across all continents, manages transatlantic deal flows, and works alongside its clients on all international aspects of their business.
The firm is independent, flexible and responsive, forming multi-disciplinary teams of the brightest people, with deep specialist expertise to best fit each client mandate, much of which is transformative technology that is shaping the future.
The firm has grown organically. Its distinctive culture, personal approach and close connections with its market attract a loyal client following, experienced specialists, and a stand-out graduate training programme.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Managing Partner, Corporate | Daniel Jacob | daniel.jacob@marriottharrison.co.uk | +44 (0) 20 7209 2006 |
Head of Corporate, Private Equity | Jonathan Leigh-Hunt | jonathan.leigh-hunt@marriottharrison.co.uk | +44 (0) 20 7209 2029 |
Head of Venture Capital | David Strong | david.strong@marriottharrison.co.uk | +44 (0) 20 7209 2024 |
Head of Capital Markets | Simon Charles | simon.charles@marriottharrison.co.uk | +44 (0) 20 7209 2032 |
Head of Banking and Finance; Business Restructuring | Brett Israel | brett.israel@marriottharrison.co.uk | +44 (0) 20 7209 2007 |
Head of Commercial | Chris Mooney | chris.mooney@marriottharrison.co.uk | +44 (0) 20 7209 2030 |
Head of Tax | Katerina Heal | katerina.heal@marriottharrison.co.uk | +44 (0) 20 7209 2099 |
Head of Real Estate | Mark Lavers | mark.lavers@marriottharrison.co.uk | +44 (0) 20 7209 2013 |
Head of Dispute Resolution | Tamar Halevy | tamar.halevy@marriottharrison.co.uk | +44 (0) 20 7209 2048 |
Head of Employment | Bob Mecrate-Butcher | bob.mecrate-butcher@marriottharrison.co.uk | +44 (0) 20 7209 2017 |
Meet The Team(s)
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() |
David Baverstock | Partner in the Corporate team at Marriott Harrison. David’s focus and experience… | View Profile |
![]() |
David Bettis | Partner in the Corporate team at Marriott Harrison. David’s practice has a… | View Profile |
![]() |
Simon Charles | Partner, with a capital markets focus, AIM and FSMA regulation, company law… | View Profile |
![]() |
Ben Devons | Partner. Experienced in advising on both domestic and international corporate transactions, particularly… | View Profile |
![]() |
Hugh Gardner | Hugh specialises in finance particularly debt (senior and mezzanine), private equity and… | View Profile |
![]() |
Tamar Halevy | Partner, and head of the dispute resolution team at Marriott Harrison. Specialising… | View Profile |
![]() |
Graham Halliday | Partner in Marriott Harrison’s Venture Capital team. With a sharp interest and… | View Profile |
![]() |
Katerina Heal | Partner and head of Tax at Marriott Harrison. Katerina’s corporate tax practice… | View Profile |
![]() |
Brett Israel | Brett has extensive experience acting for a range of insolvency practitioners, banks… | View Profile |
![]() |
Daniel Jacob | Managing Partner and experienced business lawyer who deals with all aspects of… | View Profile |
![]() |
Mark Lavers | Partner and Head of Property team at Marriott Harrsion. Mark’s focus is… | View Profile |
![]() |
Jonathan Leigh-Hunt | Partner and Head of Corporate at Marriott Harrison with a focus on… | View Profile |
![]() |
Bob Mecrate-Butcher | Partner and Head of the Employment team. A principal focus is advising… | View Profile |
![]() |
Rima Mehay | Partner and specialist employment lawyer with over 15 years’ experience covering a… | View Profile |
![]() |
Chris Mooney | Partner and head of the Commercial team. Chris leads a team of… | View Profile |
![]() |
Ian Morris | With extensive experience in all aspects of corporate finance and mergers and… | View Profile |
![]() |
Andrew Ross | Partner whose practice focusses on private equity-backed transactions, cross-border mergers and acquisitions,… | View Profile |
![]() |
Frances Spooner | Partner in Marriott Harrison’s Corporate team. Frances advises clients in a range… | View Profile |
![]() |
David Strong | Partner and Head of Venture Capital in Marriott Harrison’s Corporate team. David… | View Profile |
![]() |
Jon Sweet | Consultant specialising in all aspects of corporate finance, private equity and M&A.… | View Profile |
![]() |
Stephen Whittaker | Partner with a key focus on real estate finance acting for banks… | View Profile |
![]() |
Simon de Broise | Partner in the Dispute Resolution team. Simon represents clients in complex commercial… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
UK partners : 24 UK fee-earners : 56- Corporate and commercial > Venture capital