GA Solicitors > Plymouth, England > Firm Profile

GA Solicitors
25 LOCKYER STREET
PLYMOUTH
PL1 2QW
England

Employment > Employment: Dorset, Devon and Cornwall Tier 3

GA Solicitors is best known for its work on the employer side, and is well placed to advise its clients on a range of employment matters, including redundancy, employment contracts, terminations, greivances and maternity rights. Robert Zacal heads up the practice, and is noted for his work on complex TUPE transfers and corporate restructurings.

Practice head(s):

Robert Zacal

Testimonials

‘I find this practice very personal, they understood my position from the very beginning, gave me advice, everything was explained to me fully, including the pros and cons of going forward with my case. I felt they took time to get to know me, and I wasn’t just a way of the business earning money.’

‘From the beginning of my case, I dealt with Robert Zacal, and on every occasion he explained things in simple terms.’

Key clients

The PH Group Limited

Brittany Ferries (BAI (UK) Limited)

The Angel Foundation (God TV)

Morris Engineering Limited

Wolseley Community and Economic Development Trust

Peninsula Finance PLC

Toad Hall Cottages Limited

Space Storage Limited

4D Architects Studio Limited

Westcotts LLP

Work highlights

Projects, energy and natural resources > Energy, project finance and PFI Tier 3

Under the leadership of Helen Rumford, who ‘has a fantastic grasp of her specialist area‘, GA Solicitors focuses on assisting with the gamut of issues affecting the energy sector. A particular area of expertise is advising developers on renewables projects throughout the UK, especially in the onshore wind, solar and battery storage spaces; this includes handling heads of terms, exclusivity agreements, and land options for leases. James Peterson and Ieuan Jones provide a key link with the corporate and disputes practices, respectively.

Practice head(s):

Helen Rumford

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘GA have provided us with an excellent service over the last few years. We particularly appreciate the access to partners with extensive industry experience, the speed with which matters are dealt and the levels of communication.’

‘Helen Rumford – excellent communication – straightforward and understandable advice.’

‘We’ve worked with Helen Rumford for several years and have always found her to be extremely dependable. She fits in well with our team and tailors her advice to how we work as a company.’

‘The GA team has an excellent breadth of experience in the key sectors of relevance to our company. They are very responsive, clear and accurate in their advice.’

‘Helen Rumford is my first choice of adviser. She is responsive, extremely knowledgeable, concise and clear with her advice and looks at the issues through a commercial and pragmatic lens.’

‘GA have a unique work ethic of providing professional advice in a clear and concise manner that is not tied up in “legal speak”. They are able to clearly interpret the issues that may impact a project and clearly spell out the associated risks. They are then able to identify potential solutions that are both cost-effective and timely.’

‘Helen Rumford – extensive and relevant knowledge, very approachable.’

‘Helen Rumford has a fantastic grasp of her specialist area in renewable energy and generation. Her manner is professional and friendly. She works tirelessly to find solutions and strives to find answers to problems that may not be obvious in the first instance. She provides clear and understandable advice that is not wrapped up in legal jargon and fully appreciates that her clients come from different backgrounds and experience.’

Key clients

Bluefield Solar Income Fund

Bluefield Services Limited

Bluefield Operations Limited

Low Carbon Gordano

Anglo Renewables Ltd

Anglo Energy Storage Ltd

Climate ER Ltd

Bluefield Renewable Developments Limited

Work highlights

  • Assisted Bluefield Solar Income Fund with maximising the value of its existing project portfolio of UK solar assets, worth in excess of £884m.
  • Advising a global renewable energy operator on new-build, subsidy-free solar and storage projects in the UK, including both the corporate and property aspects.
  • Advising Anglo Renewables and Anglo Energy Storage on 16 new development sites, including carrying out due diligence and putting in place options for leases and cable easements for new solar and energy storage sites.

Real estate > Commercial property: Dorset, Devon and Cornwall Tier 3

GA Solicitors advises across secured lending, residential development, renewable energy work and sale arrangements for housebuilders. The Plymouth-based team is headed up by David Stone, who has significant experience of handling landlord and tenant matters for commercial property. His colleague Lucy Foster frequently acts for independent lenders on development finance work. Tony Dupreez is a key contact for developers based in the region, while Hannah Madders is particularly strong on secured lending work.

Practice head(s):

David Stone

Other key lawyers:

Key clients

Harvey’s Foundry Trust

Peninsula Finance plc

The Cary Estate

Harrier LLC

Arbuthnot Commercial Banking

National Westminster Bank plc

O’Connell Family Trusts

Michael Spiers (Jewellers) Limited

Barclays Bank plc

ERS Transition Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Michael Spiers (Jewellers) Limited in its taking of new flagship store lease at Cathedral Yard, Exeter.
  • Acting for the trustees of the Cary A Fund in relation to the purchase of an industrial estate in Paignton subject to 18 long leasehold interests.
  • Acting for Peninsula Finance Plc in connection with a loan facility for the acquisition and redevelopment of a former nursing home.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Dorset, Devon and Cornwall Tier 4

SMEs and owner-managed businesses as well as local banks seek out GA Solicitors in relation to M&A, business restructurings, commercial contracts and financial distress. The firm has a strong reputation in the healthcare and energy sectors, which are also specific areas of focus for practice head James Peterson. Refinancing and securitisation transactions on behalf of banks, as well as matters within the healthcare sector, are among Tony Cusack‘s areas of specialism.

Practice head(s):

James Peterson

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team are incredibly personable and go above and beyond to develop a meaningful relationship with their client in a very proactive way.’

‘The individuals takes a great amount of care and attention in their work and ensure that they push through services in a timely fashion.’

‘James Peterson and Tony Cusack talk clearly with clients.’

‘They have good strength in depth of knowledge and ability to call on specific experts to help in the recent corporate acquisition work they were doing. Teams calls make the process a lot easier especially dealing with multi parties.’

‘Great to work with James Petersen who was able to talk to us in a non-solicitor way that lay people understand.’

‘The team at GA are effective and friendly.’

‘The individuals I have worked with are easy to talk to. They talk in terms that you can understand and do not use their superior understanding of complex situations to leave you perplexed.’

‘James Peterson is highly professional, skilled with great attention to detail.’

Key clients

Taxi Services (Plymouth)

Camel Glass & Joinery (Holdings)

Plymouth Argyle Football Club

Marchand Petit Group

Ecospan Environmental Holdings

Whetstone Properties

Aquamare Marine

Trelawney Fire and Security Limited

Westcotts

Cedenpark Services

Work highlights

  • Advised Taxi Services (Plymouth) on its further expansion, including advising on further acquisitions and a business restructure.
  • Advised Camel Glass and Joinery on the acquisition of a competitor by way of a share purchase.
  • Advised Plymouth Argyle Football Club on a number of commercial contracts, ranging from venue hire agreements for events such as concerts, to service contracts including cleaning, security and servicing.

Insurance > Personal injury: claimant Tier 4

‘With an excellent mix of experience’, GA Solicitors has a diverse personal injury practice that focuses on representing children as well as clients involved in motorcycle and cycling injuries and asbestos-related claims. Matthew Sheather heads up the PI and clinical negligence teams, with James Walsh leading on industrial disease and asbestos work.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Sheather; James Walsh

Other key lawyers:

Kevin Digby

Testimonials

‘Matthew Shearer was a very understanding, empathetic and professionally caring solicitor.’

‘Good quality team with some talented lawyers.’

‘The PI team at GA is a strong unit with an excellent mix of experience.’

‘Kevin Digby – a leading occupational disease and workplace injury lawyer. Few compare nationally.’

‘Matthew Sheather – A highly experienced solicitor who has a keen eye for detail. He delivers excellent results for his clients by ensuring that their claim has been forensically analysed.’

‘James Walsh- A real specialist in the field of industrial disease. A market leader in the South West who really knows his field of expertise.’

‘Kevin Digby – A solicitor you would want on your side when it comes to employers’ liability disputes.’

Private client > Family Tier 4

At GA Solicitors the family practice is divided into two divisions: a private client division and a private law team. The team advise clients on an array of family law matters including pre- and post-nuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements and pensions in divorce. The team is headed up by Michelle Grove, an accredited specialist in financial remedy resolution, private law children matters, and TOLATA.

Practice head(s):

Michelle Grove

Other key lawyers:

Gloria Dyer; Andrew Wonnacott

Testimonials

‘GA have provided me with wonderful service. They offer a truly personalised service, have taken time to get to know me, listened to my worries, always reply quickly and I couldn’t have got through the last few years without them by my side.’

‘Michelle Grove and her team are wonderful. From the very first call I made to Michelle, she has provided advice, reassurance and often been my calming influence when I’ve been worried. She offers the highest level of professionalism and care.’

‘Key strengths include forensic attention to detail; excellent communication, good visibility to parents and professionals alike and advice which is both robust and consistent.’ 

‘No matter how complex or straightforward a case is, the advice, presence, advocacy and attention to detail is always of the same excellent high quality, and I value the human approach to representation which remains at the heart of what GA Solicitors do.’

‘My go to solicitor is Andrew Wonnacott who consistently goes above and beyond in all case work; maintains excellent communication and who is friendly, warm, professional and always willing to go the extra mile to get the best result for the children and families I work with.’

 

Work highlights

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 4

‘Personable, friendly and efficient’, the team at GA Solicitors provides a range of specialist private client advice, including trusts and capital taxes planning, will writing, estate administration and will, inheritance and trust disputes. The practice is led by Jonathan Hall, who has more than 25 years of experience specialising in inheritance tax and trust planning. Catherine Bailey and Matthew Rose also come highly recommended by clients.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Hall

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Very personable, friendly and efficient.’

‘Matthew Rose is the best wills, trusts and probate solicitor I have dealt with in my 25 years as a financial planner.’

‘We consider GA Solicitors to be one of the premier legal providers in the Plymouth area. Their Wills and Trusts team are professional, approachable, friendly and excellent value for money. We would not hesitate to recommend them.’

‘We hold Catherine Bailey and Matthew Rose in very high regard. They are both excellent solicitors and have a superb reputation in the Plymouth area.’

Work highlights

  • Acted for executors of JE Roseveare; restructure of family wealth portfolio covering Agricultural Property and Business relief issues, discretionary and interest in possession trusts and vulnerable beneficiaries.
  • Acted for Mr and Mrs Peter Harker – Succession review including discretionary trusts and IHT planning for business owners.
  • Advised Andrea Forsythe on provision of complex IHT planning and trust advice, working closely with client financial advisers.

The firm GA Solicitors is an innovative law firm with more than 200 years of heritage and expertise. The firm invests heavily into its people through training, development, staff benefits and ongoing recruitment. Its vision is to RISE: Resolve, Innovate, Serve and Excel. This is clear across its eight core departments and numerous specialist teams, all of which have a strong focus on client service and providing added-value.

Ranked in The Legal 500, Chambers UK and Chambers Hight Net Worth,  it provides a modern office environment and the latest technology to support efficient and flexible working.

Principal areas of work
Company commercial: The firm’s established commercial team is ranked in Chambers and specialises in mergers and acquisitions, partnership and shareholder agreements, company formations and articles of association, joint ventures, reconstructions and insolvency.

Commercial property: GA has one of the largest dedicated commercial property teams in Plymouth. The experienced team includes specialists offering advice on commercial landlord and tenant law, development land acquisition, leases, property and asset finance and property sales and purchases.

Employment: The employment team advises businesses and senior level employees on all aspects of employment law, working with major employers across the region and beyond.

Dispute resolution: The firm’s dispute resolution department includes a number of specialist teams including property litigation, contentious probate, business disputes and landlord and tenant.

Family: GA’s family team is ranked highly in Chambers and includes a number of individually ranked lawyers, all highlighted as specialists in this field of law.

Personal injury and clinical negligence: Acting solely on behalf of claimants, GA’s personal injury team has recovered compensation for thousands of victims, totalling millions of pounds. Specialisms within the team include: asbestos, industrial and occupational disease and medical negligence.

Residential conveyancing: The firm’s award-winning residential team is one of the largest in the city and undertakes all residential work including sales, purchases, transfers of equity, mortgages and specialist trust work.

Wills, trusts and probate: This department undertakes a variety of private client work, such as trusts and tax planning, will writing and probate, and is ranked band one in Chambers High Net Worth Guide.

Energy: GA Energy advises large and small scale renewable energy developers on projects throughout the UK with particular expertise in on-shore wind, solar and battery storage projects. This includes advising on heads of terms, exclusivity agreements, land options for leases, cable and access easements and joint ventures for new build subsidy free projects. The team provides virtual in-house legal support, as well as advising energy developers on maximising value from existing asset portfolios, including re-powering, extending lease terms, co-locating technologies and retrofitting battery storage.

Other office: Bath

Recruitment The firm continually looks to attract and retain the best in legal talent. Each year the firm recruits at least two trainees and is always open to the recruitment of individuals and teams in specialist areas of the law. Further details can be found at GAsolicitors.com/recruitment.

Department Name Email Telephone
Managing partner David Wallis
Head of Commercial Property David Stone
Head of Company Commercial James Peterson
Head of Employment Robert Zacal
Head of Wills, trusts & Probate Jonathan Hall
Head of Dispute Resolution Ieuan Jones
Head of Family Michelle Grove
Head of Personal Injury Matthew Sheather
Head of Residential Conveyancing Tony Dupreez
Head of Energy Helen Rumford
Photo Name Position Profile
Lucy Foster photo Mrs Lucy Foster Partner
Michelle Grove photo Michelle Grove Partner and head of family
Jonathan Hall photo Jonathan Hall Partner and head of wills, trusts and probate
Ieuan Jones photo Ieuan Jones Partner and head of dispute resolution
James Peterson photo Mr James Peterson Partner and head of company commercial
Matthew Rose photo Matthew Rose Partner
Helen Rumford photo Helen Rumford Partner and head of GA energy
Matthew Sheather photo Mr Matthew Sheather Partner and head of personal injury
David Stone photo David Stone Partner and head of commercial
James Walsh photo Mr James Walsh Partner and head of asbestos litigation
Robert Zacal photo Robert Zacal Partner and head of employment
Photo Name Position Profile
Tony Dupreez photo Mr Tony Dupreez Partner and head of residential conveyancing
: 93 staff, 21 partners
English
Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL)
Resolution
Law Society Children Panel
The Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS)
Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE)
Society of Trusts & Estate Practitioners (STEP)

CLIENT: Mr P, family client
TESTIMONIAL: “Thank you for helping me through a difficult and stressful period…..through your guidance we achieved a much better outcome than I could have expected. My thanks is not only for your skilful handling of my case but for your understanding and support. All my communication was handled very quickly and meetings were arranged without delay. Finding the right solicitor is not easy, so being able to quickly build up the trust to know you have found not only an excellent solicitor but someone with integrity is so important.”


CLIENT: Mr C, family client
TESTIMONIAL: “I could not speak more highly of the service that was provided by Gloria. Whilst I would not wish anyone to go through such a difficult and emotional time, I would very highly recommend Gloria to anyone going through divorce proceedings. Gloria provided a huge amount of empathy, care and non-judgemental advice, which were both highly helpful and with hindsight, extremely beneficial. The advice I was given was absolutely correct and well judged.”


CLIENT: Mr R, commercial property client
TESTIMONIAL: “David Stone is a particularly able property lawyer drawing on his extensive knowledge of the 54 Act. Approachable and knowledgeable he never fails to deliver and is a pleasure to deal with particularly as he distils complicated legal issues into simpler formats readily appreciated and understood by the client.”


CLIENT: Mrs L, commercial property client
TESTIMONIAL: “Thank you also for your words of wisdom and assistance at what was a difficult time for me…..Whilst writing, I would like to praise the staff you have. The ones I have dealt with have been helpful, cheerful and willing to go that extra mile. I would highly recommend your firm.”


CLIENT: Mr H, private client client
TESTIMONIAL: “Matthew acted for my family regarding the administration of my late father’s estate. His help and advice were invaluable during what was a very difficult and emotional time for my family and myself. Matthew dealt with all the complexities of administration of the estate and kept us well informed at all times. I thank him on behalf of my family and would certainly recommend his services to future clients.”


CLIENT: Mrs W, employment client
TESTIMONIAL: “Having worked closely with Rob over the last six years, I can highly recommend his advice and guidance. We have made significant structural and operational changes within the organisation and with Rob’s expertise, we were able to navigate the employment law aspects of this journey with confidence.”