Boyes Turner > Reading, England > Firm Profile

Boyes Turner
ABBOTS HOUSE
ABBEY STREET
READING
RG1 3BD
England

Employment > Employment: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 1

Boyes Turner enjoys an esteemed reputation across the tech, leisure and hospitality sectors, and is regularly engaged by a varied client roster, including both start-ups and global companies in a range of high stakes mandates. ‘Standout’ Andrew Whiteaker spearheads the practice, advising international clients across complex strategic mandates, as well as day-to-day support. Barry Stanton regularly advises global medical devices companies, manufacturers and technology businesses on a varied range of issues, while ‘very knowledgeable’ and ‘pragmatic’ Helen Goss leads the leisure and hospitality sector across the firm. Claire Taylor-Evans‘s expertise includes employment law and corporate immigration.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Whiteaker

Testimonials

‘The BT team are knowledgeable, responsive and easy to work with. They ensure that the right level of fee earner is allocated to a matter.’

‘Andy Whiteaker is a standout partner at BT. He is a much-valued go-to for our tricky questions and is always very responsive. Through his easy going, approachable and pragmatic style, he has become a trusted member of our team.’

‘Helen Goss is very knowledgeable, experienced and a pleasure to work with. She has a pragmatic approach which is appreciated.’

‘The team are very experienced and give good balanced advice. They are flexible in their approach and will conduct calls out of hours in extreme urgent circumstances.’

‘As a company they really try to understand the culture of our organisation and this really adds value when giving advice. I highly recommend Boyes Turner.’

‘Barry Stanton and Andrew Whiteaker are my go-to individuals. They are very approachable and really understand our business and culture. The quality of their advice and their specialist knowledge is fantastic.

They are really quick at responding and always keep us informed should there be a delay in any responses. They are solutions orientated and will give practical, balanced advice.’

‘The team are very responsive, efficient, and provide the most appropriate commercial solutions.’

Key clients

Becton Dickinson UK Ltd

Porsche

Zimmer

Frasers Hospitality

Unifirst Corporation

Homegrown Hotels

ANDigital

Hanson

Broadcom

Civil Aviation Authority

Work highlights

  • Acting as outsourced in-house counsel for Broadcom.
  • Acted successfully for a luxury hotel group on a significant unconscious bias claim by an individual made redundant during the pandemic.
  • Provided urgent advice to a client who was being asked, on an interim basis, to take on an outsourcing of staff from an outgoing care provider to a new care provider.

Insurance > Clinical negligence: claimant Tier 1

Regarded as a tour-de-force in the realm of critical brain injuries, encompassing child brain injuries and cerebral palsy claims, the ‘extremely personable, friendly, caring and professional’ team at Boyes Turner is notably experienced in high value, legally complex maximum severity cases. Susan Brown heads up the group with an established reputation in child brain injury arising from birth asphyxia and trauma. Richard Money-Kyrle's caseload is comprised of cerebral palsy, neonatal brain injuries and birth hypoxia-related ASD/ADHD, while Julie Marsh is an experienced practitioner across cauda equina syndrome (CES) and spinal cord injury (SCI) mandates. Obstetric and birth injury specialist Vanessa Wand has impressed clients due to ‘her attention to detail, empathy and the personal touch that is apparent’.

Practice head(s):

Susan Brown

Testimonials

‘Ever since I’ve been with Boyes Turner I’ve been impressed with there very high standards. Whatever the issue whether positive or negative, it has been dealt with efficiently. Every member of staff that I have had dealings with has impressed me with their attention to detail and care me. Sometimes I have to remind myself that they are members of a legal team and not my friends.’

‘Vanessa Wand has been in overall charge of our case, and we have always been impressed by her attention to detail, empathy and the personal touch that is apparent.’

‘Everyone has been excellent in communicating, being both understanding and respectful. Boyes Turner offer a bespoke service in cerebral palsy cases (amongst other types) and knowing this initial information from their website along with reading case testimonies cemented the choice to become a client above all other firms. They always keep us updated with any costs and rate changes ensuring the best service they can deliver.’

‘Extremely personable, friendly, caring and professional at all times. Really feel that they cared about the case.’

‘They actually make you feel like they care about your case and the person they are fighting for. ’

‘Such a caring but highly qualified team. Always available to answer any questions. It is not just a case to them you get the feeling they actually care.’

‘For Julie Marsh, nothing was too much trouble, and she did everything she possibly could to bring it to a successful conclusion.’

‘In short, they are a top choice for anyone who needs help with clinical negligence cases. They’re not just good at the law, they’re good at helping people, and I highly recommend them.’

Work highlights

  • Secured a £6.4m settlement for a young woman who suffered Lisfranc amputations of both feet from meningococcal sepsis, organ failure and cardiac arrest after ambulance paramedics failed to recognise red flag symptoms and take her to hospital for urgent treatment.
  • Secured an admission of liability, apology and £30,000 interim payment in a hard-fought, ongoing, complex, fatal clinical negligence claim for the widow and children of a 30-year-old man who died following negligent treatment of a hepatocellular adenoma which was misdiagnosed as benign focal nodular hyperplasia FNH. Valuation on-going but will be over £1m.
  • Secured a liability admission and £200,000 settlement for the widow of a man who died from a stroke after air was allowed to enter his central venous catheter/line during post-surgical ITU treatment.

Insurance > Personal injury: claimant Tier 1

Boyes Turner's 'uniquely competent and supportive' practice handles high-value and complex claims, at a domestic and international level, involving head injuries, amputation, spinal cord injuries, major trauma, psychological issues and chronic pain. Kim Milan leads the team in Reading and is a specialist in catastrophic injury claims. The group also includes Claire Roantree, who specialises in acquired brain injury claims and musculoskeletal injury issues, and Laura Magson, who leads the mesothelioma and asbestos disease claim team.

Practice head(s):

Kim Milan

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Diligent approach to cases considering all key aspects, conscientious and great attention to detail.’

‘Uniquely competent and supportive.’

‘Claire Roantree is an excellent lawyer with enhanced analytic skills.’

‘Quick responses, easy to contact the team. Everyone is friendly and happy to assist if you enquire.’

‘Claire Roantree is really genuine, down to earth and great to work with. She kept me updated throughout the claim and was always on hand if needed. Nothing seemed too much and no question too small. She really explained everything well so I understood the process from start to finish.’

‘Good team, clearly experienced, organised and definitely has taken a large load off my mind.’

‘Kim Milan instils confidence instantly, she talked through the stages of a claim in a straightforward manner and in such a way that demonstrated clearly that she genuinely cares, has huge compassion and places her clients at the very centre of the process.’

‘Laura Magson completely reassured us with her professional yet personable and friendly manner. She guided us through each step of the process ensuring we were completely at ease and fully understood every step. Laura and her team at Boyes Turner were always 100% responsive and at no point were we ever made to feel like we were wasting her time with our endless questions!’

Work highlights

  • Obtained a £335,000 settlement and guaranteed funding for future private treatment in a living mesothelioma claim.
  • Obtained admission of liability and £50,000 interim payment for a vulnerable widow in a high-value complex, fatal mesothelioma claim.

Real estate > Commercial property: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 1

Consisting of three sizeable key teams covering commercial property, development and house building, and residential conveyancing, Boyes Turner is well-positioned to handle a varied spectrum of commercial property mandates including the provision of advice to offshore trusts and investors, and charities. The practice is jointly led by three esteemed figures: Nick Carter, who possesses demonstrable prowess in assisting national and international companies across the tech, life sciences and logistics sectors; William Nassau-Lake, who counts a diverse array of house builders, developers, traders and landowners on his client roster; and Stella Perry, whose capabilities focus on the residential side of the practice. Other notable figures include property purchase and disposal expert Mark Appleton, residential development expert Brian Dowling, and Philip Jacques, who bolsters the practice with his extensive transactional experience. Steph Richards is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Nick Carter; William Nassau-Lake; Stella Perry

Testimonials

‘The Team has a broad range of expertise ranking from Commercial Property leases to Planning Matters.’

‘Individuals are always available and responsive, happy to give succinct advice in layman terms.’

‘Will Nassau-Lake is always available, always striving to offer the best service possible.’

Key clients

4th Dimension Limited

Berkshire Medical

Origin Group – Immingham

Ramboll (Global Engineering)

Plymouth Brethren Christian Church

Ericsson Group

Guardian News & Media

Cancer Research UK

Redbee Media (broadcasting arm of BBC)

Chiltern Centre

Tarn Developments

Work highlights

  • Acted for Wittenham Investments on the acquisition of the Jamestown Road portfolio of leisure, office, and residential assets at Camden Locks.
  • Advised Origin on its lease renewal at the Immingham Docks in the Humber Estuary.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 1

Sarah Williamson  heads the commercial and technology practice group at Boyes Turner which handles complex IT and technology matters for national and international technology sector clients, including IT disputes and data protection projects. Williamson has over 20 years of experience on technology related agreements and comes highly recommended for her ‘extremely effective negotiation style’ and ‘leveraging her expert technical knowledge’. Helen Dobson advises key clients on intellectual property, including issues of brand management, licensing, development and commercial contracts, as well as corporate transactions and restructures.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Williamson

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘We have employed the services of Boyes Turner since 2021 and have consistently found their work to be thorough, relevant to our business and to a very high standard with excellent results. They have always been responsive, even at short notice, and are friendly and easy to work with.

‘Having used different lawyers at different times and in different countries concerning certain software products owned by our company, our experience of Boyes Turner has been excellent. In particular we have found Rowan Turrall and Sarah Williamson at Boyes Turner to stand out. Not only have we found them to be highly knowledgeable in the areas that they cover but also very thorough and sound in the advice and guidance they have given us and also in the high quality of their work. Their ability to quickly understand the issues at hand, often concerning quite complex software related aspects, has been impressive. As well, their focus on detail and their ability to quickly recall salient detail at key moments is a significant and important differentiator. Allied with this has been a fairness in their approach when charging for their work. ’

‘I have always had very high quality lawyers form Boyes Turner and the partner is always accessible and is clearly very close to the details of our transactions.

‘Sarah Williamson is our main partner. She manages to combine an endearing personality with an extremely effective negotiation style by leveraging her expert technical knowledge.’

 

Key clients

Culligan Group

Virtualstock Limited

Wind River Limited

Guardian News and Media Limited

Kelk Consulting Services Limited trading as KCS Automotive

First Hydrogen Limited

Novatiq Solutions Limited

Virgin Strauss Water UK Limited (trading as Virgin Pure)

Work highlights

  • Advised Culligan on DXP project to be rolled out across its group companies in EMEA.
  • Advised Virtualstock on agreements for the use of its dropshipping SaaS platform with some of the biggest retailers, merchants and hospitals in the UK.
  • Providing an outsourced legal service to The Guardian supporting the in-house commercial legal team and advising on a variety of technology agreements including SaaS and AdTech agreements.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 2

Highly active in the tech sector, ‘proactive’ and ‘focused’ Boyes Turner also enjoys a strong reputation in the water and agricultural industries, assisting clients with a diverse host of commercial, transactional, regulatory and contentious issues. Media and data protection expert Sarah Williamson and experienced cross-border practitioner Chris Dobson co-lead the practice, while Helen Dobson is well-versed in the realm of IP.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Williamson; Chris Dobson

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘We have consistently found their work to be thorough, relevant and to a very high standard with excellent results. They have always been responsive, even at short notice, and are friendly and easy to work with.’

‘They have been very quick to understand and align themselves to the culture and processes of our company and the issues at hand and their advice has always been comprehensive and clear.’

‘Our experience of Boyes Turner has been excellent. Not only have we found them to be highly knowledgeable, but also very thorough and sound in the advice and guidance they have given us and also in the high quality of their work.’

‘Their focus on detail and the nature and quality of the advice and guidance that they have provided is a significant and an important differentiator.’

‘The practice is partner led, proactive and very focused on the transaction and delivery. We have worked with the team on several complex cross border transactions, and they have always led from the front.’

‘The individuals are accessible and friendly people. There are no big egos, everyone is very collegiate and focused on getting the job done for the client and ensuring that everyone knows their job and what is expected of them.’

‘The hands-on attention to detail of the partner working with good knowledge across multiple areas of our business.’

‘Working with Sarah Williamson, she was able to support us and pull in resource as required to support us on differing projects.’

Key clients

CH&Co

ANDigital

Circana (formerly IRI)

Culligan

Waterlogic

Becton Dickinson

Origin Enterprises Plc

The shareholders of emapsite.com Limited

Resonant Group Limited

Occuity Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Culligan on DXP project to be rolled out across its group companies in EMEA.
  • Advised Virtualstock on agreements for the use of its dropshipping SaaS platform with some of the biggest retailers, merchants and hospitals in the UK.
  • Strategic advice in relation to the partner programme and preparation of non-commercial licence agreement for evaluation purposes and a framework partner programme agreement.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 2

A team that consists of ‘experienced litigators who go the extra mile for their clients’, Boyes Turner harnesses its cross-border expertise to assist global clients with an extensive range of disputes arising from IT, construction, contentious probate, and property sectors. Rowan Turrall helms the team and is particularly noted for her strengths in technology related disputes and construction disputes. Other key names to note include Ally Tow, who leverages her vast litigation experience to assist with contentious trusts and probate work, and Rachel Brown, who specialises in cross-border litigation.

Practice head(s):

Rowan Turrall

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team consists of experienced litigators who go the extra mile for their clients. The firm benefits from being a multidisciplinary practice where a collaborative approach is adopted.’

‘Ally Tow is an excellent litigator, well versed in estates and commercial disputes. She offers pragmatic advice and robust representation.’

‘Rachel Brown is a diligent member of the team and looks after cases from their inception to enforcement, dealing with all the phases in the life cycle of litigation. This equips her in providing holistic advice.’

‘The Boyes Turner team were collaborative and responsive to our requirements.’

‘We have consistently found their work to be thorough, relevant and to a very high standard with excellent results. They have always been responsive, even at short notice, and are friendly and easy to work with.’

‘They have been very quick to understand and align themselves to the culture and processes of our company and the issues at hand and their advice has always been comprehensive and clear.’

‘The high quality of their strength and capabilities in the area of commercial litigation has been apparent to us in the manner that they have represented our company.’

‘Our experience of Boyes Turner has been excellent. Not only have we found them to be highly knowledgeable in the areas that they cover regarding commercial litigation, but also very thorough and sound in the advice and guidance they have given us.’

Work highlights

Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 2

Boyes Turner‘s Thames Valley-based business support and insolvency practice group is heralded by some clients for having a ‘high level of technical knowledge and understanding’. The team undertakes the full range of insolvency matters, both transactional and advisory matters but also handles complex contentious cases arising out of the space. ‘Gentleman of insolvency’ Oliver Fitzpatrick now heads the team, after Phil Smith departed in December 2023. Specialist practitioner Fitzpatrick is known in the marketplace for his contentious recovery work.

Practice head(s):

Oliver Fitzpatrick

Testimonials

‘A well rounded team now lead by one of the best insolvency partners. Dedicated, technically gifted and a commercial advisor. ’

‘Oliver Fitzpatrick – a partner who has grown into the head of his department and amassed a great following. A gentleman of insolvency. ’

‘Oliver Fitzpatrick has taken over the reins and is currently rebuilding the practice. He works hard.’

‘Oliver Fitzpatrick has assisted on particularly complex cases and has been proactive and supportive throughout.’

‘A very approachable team with a wide depth of knowledge. They appear to be confident in their decisions and with the chosen course of action.

‘Oliver Fitzpatrick has become a great solicitor and heads up a very capable team. He is determined to find a solution and you always appear to have his full attention on matters.’

‘High level of technical knowledge and understanding. Personable people in the team.’

Key clients

Otto Car Limited

TruSolv Limited and Opus LLP

BDO LLP

Grant Thornton

Azets

Interpath Advisory

Unnamed Individual

Crowe

Begbies Traynor

TruSolv Limited

Work highlights

  • Acted for Otto Car Limited in its purchase of the business and assets of Breathe EV Limited from its administrators.
  • Acting for the Joint Trustees of the bankrupt estate of Mr A Matthews, Shane Biddlecombe and Paul Mallatratt.
  • Acting for the Joint Administrators (Lee Causer and Kerry Bailey, BDO) of five companies within the DeTrafford group in Manchester each of which are the SPVs behind five separate Manchester city centre apartment and commercial schemes.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 2

Boyes Turner, based in Reading, is well regarded for its cross-border IP expertise in the technology, media and publishing sectors. The firm has both contentious experience, including handling infringements across jurisdictions, and involvement in a range of non-contentious issues, including brand guardianships, licensing issues, acquisition-related IP matters and work relating to the protection and exploitation of IP rights. The practice is led by Sarah Williamson, who is able to ‘combine an endearing personality with an extremely effective negotiation style’, and who has in-depth experience of the commercialisation and protection of IP rights. Helen Dobson is also regarded for her broad IP practice focusing on the telecoms, software, transport and retail sectors.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Williamson

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘I have always had very high quality lawyers from Boyes Turner.’

‘Sarah Williamson is our main partner. She manages to combine an endearing personality with an extremely effective negotiation style, leveraging her expert technical knowledge.’

Key clients

Auto Trader Limited

Culligan Group

Virtualstock Limited

Guardian News & Media Limited

Wireless Logic Limited

First Hydrogen Limited

2Heads Limited

The Wildsmith Collection Limited (trading as Wildsmith Skin)

ZOK International Group Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Culligan on its group companies’ trade mark portfolios, including Harvey Water Softeners Limited, Monarch Water Limited and Zip Heaters (UK) Limited, encompassing an extensive number of global trade marks.
  • Advised Wildsmith Skin on a contract for a bespoke formulation of its high performance skincare products.
  • Advised First Hydrogen on contracts for the market testing of its prototype zero-emission, long-range hydrogen powered utility vehicles and on a research and development project.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment Tier 2

Private client > Court of protection Tier 2

The team at Boyes Turner ‘know their clients extremely well, and work efficiently as a team’. Ruth Meyer heads the practice, which specialises in managing the property and affairs of high-net-worth individuals who lack capacity to do so themselves, whether they be children, adult or elderly clients. The majority of its clients have substantial claims for personal injury or clinical negligence compensation. As well as professional deputyships, the group is regularly asked to support lay deputy applications. It has further diversified into the areas of community care, and health and welfare matters. Alexander Wright regularly acts as a professional deputy for property and affairs, and works principally with clients who have suffered injuries at birth with lifelong care needs and multi-million pound settlements.

Practice head(s):

Ruth Meyer

Other key lawyers:

Alexander Wright; James Pantling-Skeet; Sue Clark

Testimonials

‘Ruth Meyer and Alexander Wright have built and run a very successful practice. They are surrounded by confident colleagues who are knowledgeable, helpful and practical.’

‘The Court of Protection team at Boyes Turner is knowledgeable, responsive, and helpful. I have been particularly impressed with James Pantling-Skeet’s approach to Court of Protection matters, and his broad range expertise.’

‘The team has a specialism not only in Court of Protection work but continuing healthcare advice and special educational needs advice. All relevant to clients under the Court’s jurisdiction. A breadth of experience in all areas assists in the provision of complete and comprehensive Court of Protection advice.’

‘Ruth Meyer is dedicated to her clients, providing compassionate and expert legal services that reflect her deep commitment to their well-being at all times. Very well regarded amongst her peers and supported by a top performing team.’

‘Under the leadership of Alexander Wright and Ruth Meyer, this small team punches above its weight. They are recognised experts in property and affairs cases but are also able to draw on the wider firm’s expertise in welfare matters (for example James Pantling-Skeet’s expertise in education law) to advise on a wide range of issues.’

‘Alexander Wright was recently the chair of the Professional Deputy Forum which cemented his reputation as a safe pair of hands for issues involving deputyship and powers of attorney in the Court of Protection.’

‘Ruth Meyer and Alexander Wright lead a formidable team with fellow director Sue Clark. You will be hard pressed to find a more knowledgeable group in this practice area.’

‘Boyes Turner have an excellent team, with real strength in depth which makes them an obvious choice for high value settlements. They are flexible in their approach and determined to secure the best quality of life for the clients that they support.’

Dispute resolution > Debt recovery Tier 3

Boyes Turner's offering in Reading handles a wide variety of mandates, ranging from issuing demands for unpaid debts, through to enforcing judgements, with the group’s primary area of expertise being statutory demands and petitions against individuals and companies. The ‘simply superb’ team is headed by Donna Goddard, who often advises on uncontested recoveries, small claim disputes, bankruptcy and winding up proceedings, in addition to residential and commercial service charges.

Practice head(s):

Donna Goddard

Other key lawyers:

Natalie Roff; Rachel Brown

Testimonials

‘Robust systems for pursuing clients and I love the fact that they just get on with recovering our debts with no fuss or drama. We get what it says on the tin – our debts recovered – brilliant.’

‘The team and the service are simply superb. Prompt efficient effective. Donna Goddard is a relentless tiger; sharp-toothed and determined. Thoroughly recommend’

 

Key clients

The Credit Protection Association Plc

Azets Holdings Limited

Blick Rothenberg Limited

Leaders Romans Group

Fortus Group

Hilton Baird Collection Services Ltd

BizzCtrl Ltd

Chaneys

Eque2 Limited

K.P.S.G Ltd

Eddisons

The Brewery on Chiswell Street Limited

Titan Elevators

Cibes Lift UK Limited

Ascot Design Limited

Vale and West Accountancy Services Ltd

Moore Kingston Smith

Remix Dry Mortar Ltd

Stantec UK Limited

Heywood & Partners

Ridouts Professional Services Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advised Azets Holdings Limited & Blick Rothenberg on debt recovery work, ranging from sending LBAs through to enforcement and issuing petitions.
  • Advising Leaders Romans Group on a portfolio of debt recovery work from 7 entities within the Group by way of sending demand letters, issuing claims, entering judgments and instruct enforcement action.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 3

Leveraging expertise in the firm's commercial technology, property and employment teams, Boyes Turner‘s core streams of work include estate administrations, the preparation of complex wills, and estate planning and tax advice, as well as various contentious mandates. Paul Lowery steers the team, contributing his particular specialism in will preparation to the practice. Chartered legal executive Ally Tow is noted for her expertise in contentious probate matters.

Practice head(s):

Paul Lowery

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Very efficient.’

‘Boyes Turner are a large, diverse law firm who remain able to deliver a service with a personal touch. They are responsive, fair and expert.’

‘Helpful, professional, listened well and met our needs.’

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 3

The real estate litigation team at Boyes Turner assists clients with a variety of contentious property matters, including right of light claims, right of way disputes, service charge arrears, and adverse possession cases. Leading the team in Reading, Russell May often advises housebuilders and telecom companies. Richard Pulford is a key member of the team, who focuses on dilapidation claims and lease extensions.

Practice head(s):

Russell May

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘This company were prompt, efficient, honest, and helpful. They are able to handle complex issues effectively and professionally.’

‘They are highly professional and reputable. They manage expectations kindly and sensitively while dealing with all of the issues raised in a pragmatic and sensible manner. I am very happy to recommend them.’

‘Russell May was very responsive at all times. He was sympathetic to my concerns but very clear in the direction we should take. Russell listened, advised, and clarified points all the way through the case.’

‘I have experienced nothing less than an exceptional service. Boyer Turner have proven time and time again that their client is at the heart of what they do.’

‘Boyes Turner are consistent and push for best outcome for the client. Boyes Turner work with integrity and do not leave any stone left unturned.’

‘The team has consistently proven its dedication and commitment to meet the needs of the clients. They are professional, friendly, and approach their work with passion, consistency, integrity, and due diligence.’

‘Boyes Turner are a client-friendly, out-of-London firm with a practical, accessible mindset.’

‘Russell May is always a pleasure to work with. He’s proactive and knowledgeable. He gives pragmatic and commercial advice to clients.’

Work highlights

  • Advised a leading supplier of aggregates in successfully avoiding an injunction being sought against it, which would have ended its commercial operation, when neighbouring land suffered a landslip.
  • Advised a joint owner of a large property in London regarding a dispute over the shares in which a group of siblings owned the property.
  • Advised a commercial landlord in connection with arbitration proceedings to determine the level of rent payable during the period of enforced closure.

Public sector > Education: individuals Tier 3

Boyes Turner fields a nationwide team with an exclusive focus on special educational needs and related matters. Laxmi Patel leads the team, and is prominent as a thought leader in SEN law, regularly working alongside the department’s clinical negligence and Court of Protection teams. Core team members include Rachael Allison, who contributes experience in personal injury law, and a focus on dyslexia, and James Pantling-Skeet, who leads the community care and health & welfare subgroup. Lydia Dunford is a key name in the department.

Practice head(s):

Laxmi Patel

Testimonials

‘They are very knowledgeable in the field of SEN, passionate about supporting parents who have children with SEN needs, exceptionally responsive and diligent in their work and determined to achieve the best outcomes for their clients.’

‘Rachael Allison is an amasingly knowledgeable and empathetic education law solicitor, who always goes the extra mile for her clients. She has great communication skills and is a great team player, who works closely with her selected team of professionals to get the best outcomes for her clients.’

‘Rachael Allison and her carefully selected team of experts used on our case were of the highest calibre in their individual experienced fields. The collaboration between all the experts was consistently interlinked and aligned through great communication and constant team liaising.’

‘This team is helpful, calm, knowledgeable, and realistic about possible success. This instils great confidence, and helps clients deal with situations of extreme stress.’

‘My experience of working with James Pantling-Skeet is that he is an extremely knowledgeable and conscientious member of the team. He remained tenacious and determined throughout the long and protracted process, keeping us informed of progress throughout.’

‘Laxmi Patel was so knowledgeable and gave some very helpful advice and guidance from the start, before we’d even committed to proceeding. Lydia Dunford, our solicitor, was very professional and knowledgeable too. She was responsive whenever we needed her, and also always gave us the option of doing things ourselves if we wanted to.’

‘The team have vast experience of challenging the decisions of local education authorities successfully. They have a thorough understanding of the capabilities of experts and are ready to litigate when matters cannot be resolved amicably. Client expectations are well managed and communication is effective.’

‘From the initial exploratory call with Laxmi, I found her approach refreshing, personalised, offering excellent legal advice without any expectations, and as a result she builds strong, long-term relationships with clients, offering tailored legal strategies.’

Boyes Turner is one of the UK’s most vibrant and outstanding, full-service regional heavyweight law firms.

The firm: Located in the Thames Valley, we are a regional UK law firm with an impressive international reach. The expertise of our teams is considerable, spanning both corporate world and the technology sector whilst also assisting private clients. In the commercial sphere, our lawyers regularly work with some of the world’s most exciting start-ups and largest multinationals.

The firm has particular expertise in the global technology and innovation sector, a nationally prominent claims group, and expert teams covering leisure and hospitality, development and house building.  Committed to strong organic growth, the firm is able to use its geographic location to attract lawyers and support staff of the very highest calibre to service a client base which would sit comfortably with leading City and other national firms.

Types of work undertaken
Claims: the firm has a nationally recognised claims group, with solicitors on specialist panels for the Law Society, APIL, AVMA, Headway and Spinal Injuries Association. It has expertise in complex personal injury work and clinical negligence claims, including birth accidents, head injuries and spinal injuries.

Commercial: the commercial group provides advice on agency and distribution strategies, commercial and trading agreements, outsourcing agreements, protection and commercialisation of IP, regulation and competition, joint ventures and partnering, branding, media and marketing law, as well as data protection issues.

Corporate: the corporate group handles UK and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, buy-outs, disposals, joint ventures, partnership law, corporate governance, reorganisations and shareholder agreements.

Dispute resolution: the dispute resolution group is a leading commercial litigation services provider. The group acts for regional, national and international clients covering the full range of dispute services with a focus on the technology and international sectors. All members of the group have individual service specialisms and are leaders in their field, but a common thread is the group’s commitment to excellence in service delivery and a focus on delivering first-class commercial outcomes, whether through litigation, arbitration or alternative dispute resolution methods.

Employment: the employment group provides a comprehensive service tailored to individual clients’ needs on all contentious and non-contentious aspects of employment law and personnel matters. It also provides an HR consultancy service to help businesses cope with some of the more time-consuming tasks which they encounter on a daily basis.

Family/matrimonial: the specialist family law team advises individuals and families with a wide range of family law issues including divorce, separation, divorce under Islamic Law, financial arrangements, arrangements for children and pro-active agreements.  The team also offers a range of ground-breaking joint services for separating couples.

Industrial disease: the firm’s significant industrial disease practice focuses on high-value asbestos-related disease litigation work, recovering maximum compensation for claimants.

Insolvency and corporate recovery: the business support and insolvency group includes a licensed insolvency practitioner and is one of the most highly rated in the UK. It acts for a wide range of clients in a number of industries and works closely with leading accountants and IPs, as well as banks and other professional advisers.

International: Boyes Turner provides advice and assistance on all aspects of inward investment into the Thames Valley and Europe, where the firm’s membership of LawRope provides clients with high-calibre, pan-European legal advice. It also assists its international clients by project managing cross-border transactions.

Private client: the firm advises high-net-worth individuals on wills, inheritance tax planning, probate and trusts.

Property: the commercial property group has substantial experience of all aspects of commercial property work, including landlord and tenant, land development and sales, as well as construction and environmental issues. Notably, it has its own dedicated planning team. It also offers residential conveyancing services.

Department Name Email Telephone
Corporate Kate Eavis
Clinical negligence Susan Brown
Commercial property Nick Carter
Construction Rowan Turrall
Dispute resolution - property Russell May
Corporate recovery Oliver Fitzpatrick
Debt Collection Donna Goddard
Dispute resolution – commercial Rowan Turrall
Dispute resolution – property Russell May
Education Laxmi Patel
E-commerce Sarah Williamson
Employment Andrew Whiteaker
Family/ Matrimonial Paul Linsell
Housing associations Derek Ching
Immigration Chris Harber
Industrial disease Kim Milan
Intellectual property Sarah Williamson
IT Sarah Williamson
Personal injury Kim Milan
Private client Paul Lowery
Property development Derek Ching
Property finance Mark Appleton
Photo Name Position Profile
Rachael Allison photo Rachael Allison Rachael is an Senior Associate within the Education team. Her experience extends…
Mark Appleton photo Mark Appleton Mark is a partner in the commercial property team. He has 38…
Phillip  Baldwin  photo Phillip Baldwin Phil is a partner in the dispute resolution team. He specialises in…
Rachel Baxter photo Rachel Baxter Rachel has joined the education team as a SEN Specialist, helping children…
Rachel  Brown photo Rachel Brown Rachel has worked in debt recovery and dispute resolution for over 25…
Susan Brown photo Susan Brown Susan leads the Clinical Negligence team at Boyes Turner and has specialised…
Nick Carter photo Nick Carter Nick is the head of the highly regarded Commercial Property Team and…
Derek Ching photo Derek Ching Derek is a highly experienced Director in the property department at Boyes…
Helen Dobson photo Helen Dobson Helen is a commercial and technology lawyer with expertise spanning the digital,…
Chris Dobson photo Chris Dobson Chris is a partner in the Corporate team and advises clients on…
Brian  Dowling  photo Brian Dowling Brian is a partner in the firm’s residential development and housebuilder team.…
Lydia Dunford photo Lydia Dunford Lydia Dunford is an Associate Solicitor in Boyes Turner’s Education team.  She…
Donna Goddard photo Donna Goddard Donna heads up the Debt recovery team. The team works closely with…
Helen Goss photo Helen Goss Helen is a partner in the firm’s Employment team and heads up…
Paul Linsell photo Paul Linsell Paul is a partner and heads up the specialist family law team…
Paul Lowery photo Paul Lowery Paul is a partner in the firm’s Reading based Wealth Protection team. He specialises…
Laura Magson photo Laura Magson With over 15 years of specialist experience representing people with mesothelioma, Laura…
Julie Marsh photo Julie Marsh Julie is a partner and long-standing member of the medical negligence team…
Russell May photo Russell May Russell is a senior associate – solicitor and head of the firm’s…
Ruth Meyer photo Ruth Meyer Ruth is the head of the highly regarded Court of Protection team…
Kim Milan photo Kim Milan Kim Milan leads Boyes Turner’s highly regarded personal injury team. A specialist in…
Richard Money-Kyrle photo Richard Money-Kyrle Richard is a partner in Boyes Turner’s outstanding medical negligence team. Richard…
William Nassau-Lake photo William Nassau-Lake William has over 20 years’ experience of advising on a variety of…
James Pantling-Skeet  photo James Pantling-Skeet James Pantling-Skeet is an experienced Senior Associate in Boyes Turner’s highly regarded…
Laxmi Patel photo Laxmi Patel Laxmi is head of Boyes Turner’s leading Education team and an established…
Claire Roantree photo Claire Roantree As a partner in Boyes Turner’s personal injury team, Claire acts for…
Natalie Roff photo Natalie Roff Natalie has worked exclusively in non-contested debt recovery since 1996 and manages the…
Barry Stanton photo Barry Stanton Barry is the Managing Partner of Boyes Turner and is responsible with…
Claire Taylor-Evans photo Claire Taylor-Evans Claire is a Partner in the Employment law team and also the…
Rowan Turrall photo Rowan Turrall Rowan heads the Dispute Resolution team at Boyes Turner and has been…
Vanessa Wand photo Vanessa Wand As a senior associate-solicitor in Boyes Turner’s outstanding medical negligence team, Vanessa…
Andrew Whiteaker photo Andrew Whiteaker Andy is a partner and head of the highly regarded Employment team…
Sarah  Williamson  photo Sarah Williamson Sarah is a partner and head of the Commercial & Technology team…
Alexander Wright photo Alexander Wright Alexander is a Partner and professional deputy for property and affairs and…
Number of UK partners : 27
Number of other UK fee-earners : 80

We are respectful, open and supportive. We value diverse ideas, perspectives and experiences. In fact, the smooth running of our business and our innovation depends on our colleagues having a wide range of skills, mind-sets and experience.

Everyone at Boyes Turner has a part to play, a valuable viewpoint and ideas that matter.

Increasing the diversity of our workforce and ensuring that we are representative of our clients and community is important to us. This is not about creating a policy that gathers dust in a drawer. This is about taking action and continually striving to improve.

Change is being driven by our people. Working parties, with colleagues from across the business, are focussing on the four strands that form our three-year equality, diversity and inclusion strategy:

  • Awareness through education and training: We will rethink workplace diversity, learn what diversity is, why it matters and how to develop a diverse workplace.
  • Workforce diversity:We will recruit from a diverse group of candidates to increase diversity of thinking and perspective.
  • Workplace inclusion: Our aim is to continue to keep workforce attrition below 12% by fostering a culture that encourages collaboration, flexibility and fairness that will allow our employees to contribute to the firm’s initiatives and develop their own skills and experience to their full potential.
  • Sustainability and accountability:We will achieve sustainable workplace diversity by embedding equality, diversity and inclusion policies and practices. We will equip our leaders with the ability to manage diversity and hold them accountable for the results.

Client: Boyes Turner Client
Testimonial: “Very Professional ”
Boyes Turner helped me through one of the toughest times in my life. They were very professional whilst remaining friendly. At times the process was emotionally tough but they were very patient with me and went through everything with me until I understood it. I cannot recommend them enough.


Client: Boyes Turner Client
Testimonial: You have been very helpful and professional all the way through. We are delighted that this property could be purchased over a tight deadline. I will have no hesitation in recommending your services.


Client: M – Boyes Turner Client
Testimonial: “It has been a long battle but we got there in the end”
I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to you and your team for all your hard work, passion, dedication and professionalism which resulted in my successful claim. It has been a long battle but we got there in the end. Whatever happens in the future I now have the financial security that I deserve for myself and my family. I can now focus on my health and happiness.


Client: John Griffith
Company/Firm: Culligan International Company
Testimonial: ‘We have formed a partnership with Boyes Turner, instead of an arm’s length business relationship, and the result is that a deeper trust with Boyes Turner has developed over the years. We know they have our best interests in mind, and they know we come to them for all things outside of the USA.’