Firm Profile > Mills & Reeve LLP > Birmingham, England
Mills & Reeve LLP Offices
78-84 COLMORE ROW
BIRMINGHAM
B3 2AB
England
Mills & Reeve LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Charities and not-for-profit Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP has a strong national offering that supports charities at every stage of their journey, from establishment through to support on complex HR issues and the protection of intellectual property and data. It has developed considerable strength in various sectors such as health, sport and religious charities as well as education and research organisations and livery companies. Other strengths include advising on philanthropy and legacy issues. Nationally it has a number of dedicated lawyers who work exclusively for charities and social enterprises, with Cambridge-based Neil Burton at the helm. Locally associate Adam Williams leads the charities practice and also supports charities outside the Midlands including a number of universities and colleges. Williams is recommended for his charity governance/regulatory advice in particular. Lucy Howard is a known name for her work on contested legacies, advising charities on the validity of their will provisions and acting on their behalf when claims are pursued under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
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‘Adam Williams has been extremely personable, showing a great interest in understanding our charity and how we work, so that he was best able to give us advice to meet our exact needs‘.
Family: Birmingham Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP has a superb family and children team that has experience of dealing with all aspects of family law issues. The practice is adept at handling high-value and complex litigation and also comprises various collaborative lawyers, mediators, arbitrators and a parental co-ordinator. Other areas of expertise under the leadership of the highly recommended Marc Saunderson include advising on cases where there are international pension funds or complex business and trust structures. The firm has also been strengthening its offering in other specialist areas such as fertility and surrogacy law and has developed a dedicated practice advising unmarried couples. In conjunction with its private client colleagues, it has substantial expertise in advising and setting up family investment companies and family constitutions.
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‘Mills & Reeve continues to have an excellent reputation in the family law arena‘.
‘Marc Saunderson is remarkably insightful, knowledgeable, gets to the nub of the issue quickly, demystifies the process for his clients and genuinely tries to find the right solution for his clients‘.
‘Marc Saunderson is well-renowned.’
‘Katherine Kennedy is incredibly experienced and builds a fantastic rapport with clients‘.
Health Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP has 'an unrivalled and top-class reputation' in healthcare, acting for a mix of NHS Trusts, private healthcare providers, commissioners and investors. Jill Mason heads up the national health practice and focuses on advising public and private commissioners and regulators on mental health and capacity issues. Rhian Vandrill advises on commercial relationships between the NHS and independent providers, while public law expert Dawn Brathwaite leads on judicial review challenges, and Jog Hundle leads the health and care employment team.
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‘An effective team.’
‘Jill Mason knows far more about healthcare law than most in the business and so can find novel ways to guide clients through tricky conundrums.’
Key clients
NHS England
Department of Health and Social Care
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Bupa
Elysium
Alliance Medical
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP excels at advising business owners, particularly family businesses and wealthy individuals, as well as families and landed estate clients on the full range of estate planning and wealth structuring matters. The team has witnessed a significant increase in its work on the creation of family investment companies and on international estate planning and wealth structuring advice for families with properties and businesses abroad. Matthew Hansell is highly respected and acts for three individuals in the top ten of the Midlands Rich List. John Grundy acts for a raft of high-net-worth individuals and families in the Midlands, the UK and internationally. Principal associate Sarah Wood is another key contact.Practice head(s):
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‘Mills & Reeve is an established team and remains one of the leading private client teams in Birmingham‘.
‘John Grundy has excellent knowledge in key areas. He is responsive, proactive and pragmatic. He will provide valued guidance on matters and will dissuade us from taking a path where others might see billable hours. In summary we trust him and look forward to continued involvement with him and his team.’
Professional negligence Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP has a first-class team that is known for its work in the professional indemnity insurance market. It is a large department with three full-time professional indemnity partners in Birmingham. It handles many multimillion-pound claims involving brokers, construction professionals, financial lines and loss adjusters to name but a few. The team includes Angus Turner who is highly recommended for his work on solicitors’ negligence claims. Neil Frankland is the first port of call for his work on construction and insurance brokers' negligence claims. David Gooding’s expertise spans claims against accountants and independent financial advisers in addition to more general coverage issues.
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‘Angus Turner is just superb and very, very sensible‘.
Key clients
AIG
Pen
Capita
MUM
C N A
Elite
Aon
Accredited Insurance (Europe) Ltd
HCC
Sport Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP has a strong practice across all areas of sports law, with football being a particular area of strength. Leveraging considerable expertise nationally, the team has won new instructions in football, sailing, boxing, golf, SportsTech and Esports. Employment partner Richard Santy regularly acts for national and international football clubs, assisting them with managing and coaching hires and acting in employment disputes. Senior associate Phil Hutchinson is a name to note for sports litigation and regulatory matters, with a well-developed practice advising clubs on international player transfers.
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‘Their profile in the sports sector is rising and rising.’
‘Phil Hutchinson is clever, hard working and fabulous with clients.’
Key clients
Professional Footballers’ Association
Rangers FC
Gymshark
England Golf
Commercial litigation: Birmingham Tier 2
Mills & Reeve LLP's regulatory, public and commercial disputes team assists its clients with a range of UK and cross-border matters and benefits from a strong international arbitration practice. Practice head Steve Allen frequently handles shareholder and product liability disputes with particular experience in the automotive, advanced manufacturing and technology sectors. Other names of note include principal associate Anthony Minnis, who counts energy, technology and healthcare among his sector specialisms; and senior associate Phil Hutchinson, who focuses on sports litigation.
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‘The team is always ready to help, involving other practices if needed on numerous complex issues. We appreciated receiving prompt feedback and updates on the matter.’
‘We especially recommend Steve Allen and Phil Hutchinson for their extremely professional approach on providing options on challenging cases.’
Key clients
Imecon Engineering S.R.L
Robert Bosch Limited t/a Bosch
Simba Sleep Limited
Ideal Shopping Direct Limited
Triumph Motorcycles
Immunocore Limited
Horiba Mira Limited
The Parts Alliance Limited
Swissport
Centrica
SilverRail Technologies UK
Construction Tier 2
Mills & Reeve LLP's full-service practice is instructed by leading contractors, developers and public and private sector clients in the energy, education, health and hospitality industries. Stuart Pemble heads up the transactional construction group and national academies practice, alongside Martino Giaquinto who focuses on projects and disputes resolution.
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‘The team at Mills & Reeve is responsive and adaptable.’
‘Always ready to pull out all the stops and come up with what’s needed even at short notice. Individuals of particular note are Martino Giaquinto and Stuart Pemble.’
‘Clear, direct, straightforward advice and guidance.’
‘We felt the knowledge and advice we received from the individuals we dealt with was first class. The implications of a course of action were explained fully and the possible negative/positive ramifications were explained. Also the cost of taking any actions was fully and clearly explained.’
Key clients
Adhara Property Holdings Limited
Arora Group
Barking and Dagenham College
Birmingham University
Blackswan Development
Coventry University
Corporate and commercial: Birmingham Tier 2
Mills & Reeve LLP is highly regarded for mid-market corporate and private equity work. Its team includes Julian Smith, who is the head of the national independent health and care team. James Fry leads the life sciences practice, while recently promoted partner Junaid Haroon heads up the Midlands agri-food and business group. Another key figure is Peter McLintock, who is the head of the firm's Africa desk. In 2019, Smith, senior associate Joanna Duncan and others advised independent bookmaker Wilf Gilbert on the sale of the business to Boylesports. Kevin Lowe, Jane Hussey, David Varnham and principal associate Ruth Andrew are also recommended.
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‘The team have really strong and detailed knowledge of IT and Cloud deployment particularly which was both highly unusual in our experience and equally incredibly helpful. One big positive with this firm is their pragmatism – the ability, and willingness, to tackle a thorny subject.’
‘Peter McLintock has extensive commercial experience; a highly credible individual and very pragmatic. Ability to cut through the fluff, agree exactly what should be done and how is compelling. Also able to flex things to meet our requirements.’
‘Mills & Reeve understands our business and offers guidance rather than just options.’
‘Pragmatic, supportive, easy to get hold of and high level of skill throughout the wider team.’
Key clients
PreventX
Deutsche Bahn AG / Deutsche Bahn Digital AG
Elaghmore Fund
Stantec Inc
Healthshare Limited
Indigo Telecom Group Limited
Iron Mountain
Key Capital Partners
Geary’s Bakery group
Virgin Care
Swish Fibre Limited
Phoebus Software Limited
NorthEdge Capital
Palatine Private Equity
Senova PTY Limited
Jaguar Landrover
Apollo Chemicals Limited
Delta Financial Systems Limited
Corporate tax Tier 2
Mills & Reeve LLP's highly regarded team includes Neil Pearson, who has specialist expertise in venture capital schemes (VCT, EIS, SEIS) and social investment (SITR). Pearson is also the head of the share incentives practice. Elsewhere, the firm handles tax issues connected with fund structuring, finance transactions and M&A. Pearson advised social impact fund manager Resonance on establishing its West Midlands SITR fund. Property tax structuring is another area of strength. Head of the corporate and commercial group Kevin Lowe is dual qualified as a chartered tax adviser, with almost 30 years' corporate tax experience.
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‘The team brought relevant experience to bear, and were keen to use this to get to a solution without spending a lot of time opining on the technicalities. It was refreshing to work with a team that could cut out the noise and focus on solving the key challenges.’
‘An ability to get straight to the heart of the problem.’
‘Very solution driven. Delivered a solution on a very complex matter which the client was happy with.’
‘Excellent in-depth knowledge.’
Key clients
Wilmington
Global Graphics
VetPartners
Health Education England
Boparan Restaurant Group
Big Society Capital
Maven Capital Partners
Resonance
PayPoint
2CRSi
Education Tier 2
Mills & Reeve LLP is highly active in the education sector and has recently assisted universities, colleges and multi-academy trusts with their compliance with the Higher Education & Research Act 2017, real estate acquisitions, corporate governance issues and public law matters. Group head Nick Abbott advises on all elements of employment law including industrial relations issues, dismissals and complex discrimination claims. Real estate partner Christian Bull handles property sales and purchases, student accommodation matters and capital development and refurbishment projects involving university estates and facilities. Other key members of the team include construction specialist Stuart Pemble, who leads the academies practice, and corporate and IT partner Tim Winn.
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‘The company ethos is to always be sensitive to the particular challenges in the client’s sector – so advice is relevant, specific and practical rather than generic and theoretical. A high value is placed on common sense, pragmatism and a realistic approach to assessing risk.’
‘They are not just good lawyers, they are thoroughly nice people. Warm, empathetic with a great sense of humour and rapport.’
‘Sector leaders, with vast experience across all areas of higher education. Thought leaders and with excellent sector insight.’
Key clients
Academies Enterprise Trust
Birmingham City University
Buckinghamshire New University
Cardiff University
LTE Group
Manchester Metropolitan University
Nottingham Trent University
Employment Tier 2
Mills & Reeve LLP acts for a large number of high-profile clients in both the private and public sectors and has acted on a number of significant employment cases recently in addition to providing employment support on many corporate deals and projects. Jog Hundle has a strong reputation for her work in the health and care sectors. Hundle routinely advises on reorganisations, the employment aspects of mergers and disputes with medical staff/very senior managers as well as on complex discrimination and whistleblowing claims. Nick Abbott has considerable experience in the education sector. Richard Santy has a focus in the commercial and sports sectors and conducts his own advocacy in the employment tribunal.
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‘Mills & Reeve has some really great lawyers‘.
‘Jog Hundle has a very loyal client following and is very experienced and well-known in the healthcare sector’.
‘Jog Hundle – her name is well-known in the healthcare sector‘.
‘Nick Abbott is very experienced in the university space – he is commercial and personable‘.
‘Richard Santy continues to do very well‘.
‘Richard Santy is well known in the market. He has a very commercial approach, clients like him and he speaks their language‘.
Key clients
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR)
Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS)
Interserve Group Limited
Arcadia Group (Top Shop Top Man Limited)
Carlsberg
University of Birmingham
Manchester University Foundation NHS Trust
Birmingham City University
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Odeon Cinemas Group
West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust
Wye Valley NHS Trust
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Horizon Care & Education
South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
Coventry & Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust
Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust
Banking and finance Tier 3
David Varnham leads Mills & Reeve LLP's Birmingham banking team, which is particularly active in borrower-side work, and handles mandates involving a broad cross-section of industries and jurisdictions. Varnham's expertise includes real estate finance, acquisition finance, corporate finance and project finance. In one notable mandate, he advised Phoebus Software and NorthEdge Capital on their refinancing with Clydesdale Bank in 2019.
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Testimonials
‘The team always provide solid reassurance that they know their subject matter. The team work extremely well, ensuring all questions are answered promptly.’
‘A very strong team of lawyers; transactions are appropriately staffed with partner involvement where needed. Advice is always clear and consistent.’
‘Excellent value without compromising on quality.’
‘David Varnham is technically solid and also has great client skills. He is very commercially minded and his advice is always clear; he is great at explaining legal issues to non-lawyers.’
Key clients
Wells Fargo
Twycross Zoo
HSBC UK Bank plc
Key Assets
University of Nottingham
Birmingham City University
Phoebus Software
Folkes Holdings
Nicklin Transport Packaging Limited
XtR Group GmbH
Contentious trusts and probate Tier 3
Mills & Reeve LLP has a strong national private client offering with a specialist contentious trusts and probate team. Most of the team are members of, or working towards becoming members of, ACTAPS. Under the direction of Lucy Howard the practice deals with disputes about the validity of wills, actions involving trustees and executors, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 as well as Court of Protection matters and related claims over lifetime transactions. The agile team also acts for a number of charities on contested legacy matters. In addition it works closely with its professional indemnity department on various complex professional indemnity matters with a trust/probate component. Clients include high-net-worth individuals, various substantial charities and institutions such as trust companies, universities and hospital trusts as well as insurance companies and professional trustees. Kim Ryan is another name to note.
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‘Lucy Howard has made a big impact on the team – she is really knowledgeable, has a quiet commanding air about her and clients really respect her judgement‘.
Intellectual property Tier 3
Claire O’Brien is the key contact for contentious IP work at the Birmingham office of Mills & Reeve LLP; she has extensive courtroom experience in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court, High Court and Court of Appeal in disputes involving trade marks, designs, copyright, patents and breaches of confidence. Senior associate Natalie Welch is also recommended for IP protection, exploitation and enforcement work, particularly in the automotive sector.
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‘A great service, with top-quality lawyers.’
‘Claire O’Brien is a great IP litigator, who is easy to work with and keeps her clients’ interests at the top of the agenda.’
Key clients
Jaguar Land Rover Limited
Institution of Engineering and Technology
Manchester Underwriting Management Limited
VetPartners Limited
Pensions Tier 3
Mills & Reeve LLP has a national reach and considerable experience in a number of key sectors such as automotive and agribusiness. It has particular expertise in the charities/not-for-profit and education sectors. The practice is also recognised for its work on public sector pension schemes such as the LGPS, TPS, CSPS and NHSPS. The team under the leadership of Clare Grice is adept at advising on outsourcing matters for public sector bodies and local authorities as well as on the management of LGPS liabilities. The team has recently won a number of significant new instructions and in the past year has also been active in advising several NHS trusts on various tax issues for NHS staff, including annual and lifetime allowances.
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‘The team is friendly, efficient and works well for its clients. Clare Grice was my main adviser. I found Clare always available and willing to help. She was very approachable and knowledgeable‘.
Key clients
RSPB
Trustees of the Wade Furniture Group Pension Scheme
Trustees of the LG Harris & Co Ltd Pension Scheme
Strutt and Parker (Farms) Ltd
The London Institute of Finance and Banking Pension Scheme
Baxter Healthcare Ltd
The Trustees of the Hotel and Catering Management Association 1977 Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme
Oxford Packaging Ltd
Trustees of the Drywite Retirement Benefits Plan
Trustees of the Brambles Enterprises (1996) Pension Scheme and the Brambles United Kingdom Pension Plan
Trinity College, Cambridge
Trustees of the Hamilton Acorn Pension Scheme
Commercial property: Birmingham Tier 5
Mills & Reeve LLP has a strong focus on the real estate aspects of the education, health and social care sectors. The Birmingham practice is co-headed by Christian Bull, who acts for universities and further education colleges on all manner of property transactions, and Michael Whatley, who advises NHS and healthcare clients on large development projects.
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Key clients
South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust
Birmingham City University
Coventry University
Cemex UK Operations Limited
Webbs Garden Centres Limited
University of Worcester
Cardiff University
Keys Group Limited
Property litigation Tier 5
At Mills & Reeve LLP, principle associate Christopher Bartley has particular expertise in property disputes in the technology, education and healthcare sectors. Other key areas of work include commercial and residential landlord and tenant issues, nuisance claims, restrictive covenants, trespass disputes and claims under the Telecommunications Code.
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Testimonials
‘Excellent specialist knowledge of property litigation and very experienced at running contentious disputes. They offer a broad service in that they are experienced at dealing with complex and high-value land disputes in the commercial sphere as well as disputes between neighbours.’
‘Christopher Bartley is very methodical with a good eye for detail. He will leave no stone unturned and has a calm and reassuring manner with clients.’
Key clients
Countrywide Legal Indemnities Limited
Birmingham City University
Righton & Blackburns Limited
Stratford-upon-Avon Town Trust
Plumbing and Heating Infrastructure Limited
Coventry University
Agriculture and estates Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP handles the complete range of matters relating to rural land, including some of the highest-value and most complex deals nationally. It advises traditional farming clients, several landowning Cambridge and Oxford colleges, pension funds, landed estates and substantial national farming businesses. Michael Aubrey, who is one of the heads of the firm's national agribusiness practice, and Amanda Tagg in Cambridge, along with Norwich-based Tim Ryan, are the firm's key partners in East Anglia. Their clients are located throughout the UK and overseas.Practice head(s):
Key clients
Barclays Bank Plc
Strutt and Parker Farms Limited
John Innes Foundation
Christ Church Oxford
Trinity College Cambridge
Greenyard
Farmcare
The Countryside Restoration Trust
Albanwise Limited
Northumbrian Water
Banking and finance Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP's Cambridge office is the hub for a multi-faceted banking and finance practice that handles domestic and cross-border lending, capital markets issuance and niche areas such as real estate finance for borrowers and lenders. Among its clients are banks, debt funds, local authorities and government bodies. Corporate and acquisition finance partner William Roles, who works in both London and Cambridge, leads the practice. Sarah Seed handles finance matters in the not-for-profit sector, Laura Holdaway real estate finance and Norwich-based Zak Virgin asset-based lending. In Cambridge, principal associates Matthew Howling and Frances Churchard are also recommended.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘The firm provides good consistency for clients from transaction to transaction. It provides high calibre advice and can deal with complex transactions at a price point that is appropriate for mid-market clients. The property finance team is very personable.’
‘Laura Holdaway provides clear, practical advice which shows a clear understanding of commercial concerns and is focused on resolving legal issues.’
‘The team are competent, efficient, cost-effective and communicate effectively to cover for each other very well.’
‘Sarah Seed explains well, identifies key issues and delegates to junior associates appropriately. She adapts her communication effortlessly when speaking to FD or to Trustee; she is never patronising, straightforward and generates action as well as discussion. One of the best partners I have worked with.’
Key clients
PNC Financial Services UK Limited
Midwich Limited
Archant Limited
Hill Marshall LLP/Marshall Group Properties Limited
University of Cambridge
AgFe
Mick George Group
Nexus Infrastructure plc
Homes England
HSBC UK Bank PLC – regional debt finance panel
Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending Limited
Charities and not-for-profit Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP in Cambridge works with some of the UK's largest charities, handling incorporation, recruitment, HR, estate management, property development, legacies, litigation, intellectual property and much more. Practice head Neil Burton is a specialist in charity law and counts Henry Smith Charity and the Francis Crick Institute among his clients. Debt capital market partner Sarah Seed runs the charity fundraising practice. Employment partner Nicola Brown, real estate specialist Nick Finlayson-Brown, IP partner James Fry and, in Norwich, real estate partner Caroline Dean also play central roles in the practice.
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‘Neil Burton is an excellent relationship manager who advises as needed on more complex transactions.’
‘Mills & Reeve have a solid understanding of our business, deliver pragmatic advice, and provide excellent client care.’
‘Neil Burton goes the extra mile to ensure we are looked after on all matters and feel a valued client. On the technical side, Neil is superbly skilled at what he does!’
Key clients
The Institution of Engineering and Technology
Nesta Arts and Culture Impact Fund
WCMC
The Henry Smith Charity
Wellcome Sanger
Francis Crick Institute
Charity Bank
London Diocesan Fund
East Anglian Air Ambulance
Commercial litigation: Cambridge Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP acts for regional, national and international clients in the technology, life sciences, food and agri-business, private client, health and education sectors. Its focus is mainly on mid-market corporates with turnover of up to £300m. Jamie Wheatley leads a practice that handles complex and high-value contract disputes, shareholder actions, procurement cases and much more. Among the firm's recommended practitioners are up-and-coming partner Douglas McDonald, who handles contract disputes in the technology and life sciences sectors, and principal associate Helen Prandy, among whose clients are government departments, the NHS and numerous pharmaceutical companies.Practice head(s):
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‘The firm and staff were highly professional. The advice and guidance given was practical and realistic and the outcome was positive.’
‘Mills & Reeve are highly efficient and the practice consists of a high number of impressive partners in whom we have total confidence. Their ability to combine their professional expertise with a confident and engaging manner makes the practice unique.’
Key clients
American Insurance Group
The Insolvency Service
University of Cambridge
NHS England
Commercial litigation: Norwich Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP is the market leader in Norwich and is regularly instructed on heavyweight national and international disputes, including international arbitration. It handles conciliatory and contentious work for regional, national and international clients in the technology, life sciences, food and agri-business, energy, health and private client sectors with a strong focus on mid-market corporates. Its recent work includes complex and high-value contract disputes, board disputes, minority shareholder actions and post-M&A breach of warranty claims. Rachel Higgs and senior associate Jenny Williams are the key contacts.Practice head(s):
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‘An excellent firm who have available high-quality advice over a range of areas in-house, are easy to discuss matters with and look to reach a conclusion in the best manner possible. They compare very highly to area competitors.’
‘Rachel Higgs is extremely knowledgeable and pragmatic. She is incisive and very quick to get to the heart of the matter.’
‘Rachel Higgs was a pleasure to deal with and she is very objective.’
Key clients
RPC Group Limited/ Berry Global Inc
Achernar Partners Limited
Able UK Limited
Aquaterra Energy Limited
Randall & Quilter Investment Holdings Limited
Vissim AS
Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority
QV Foods Limited (now AH Worth Limited)
First Property Group Plc
Railways Pension Trustee Company Limited
The Recruit Venture Group Limited
Indo European Foods Limited
Norfolk Capital Limited
Permastore Limited
East Suffolk Council
Archant Limited
Refresco Holdings BV
Musgrave Generators Limited
Commercial property: Cambridge Tier 1
A significant part of Mills & Reeve LLP's national real estate practice is based in Cambridge. It handles regional, national and international transactions for a diverse range of clients that includes investors, institutional and local authority funds, developers, strategic landowners, corporates, and education and health providers. Charles Staveley leads the Cambridge team and the firm's real estate investment practice.Vincenzo Maggio focuses on investment work and landlord and tenant matters, Michelle Cookson specialises in complex investment and development projects, Christine De Ferrars Green handles development management agreements and landowner collaboration arrangements, and Nick Finlayson-Brown acts for UK and overseas clients in property investment, development and management matters. Principal associates Laura Ludlow, Christopher Pike and Tom Nash are also recommended.
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‘The team takes a commercial and pragmatic view, while securing the necessary legal protections.’
‘Tom Nash is very responsive and able to work to tight deadlines.’
‘Charles Staveley is a personable and pragmatic real estate lawyer with a strong technical knowledge and keen attention to detail. He was very much focussed on achieving the best result for his client, but maintained a sense of fairness throughout.’
‘The depth and breadth of knowledge that the Mills & Reeve real estate and commercial property team is well regarded by those that work with them and this is balanced by individuals who make it a priority to learn and understand the approach that their clients generally wish to adopt.’
Key clients
Urban&Civic
Trinity College, Cambridge
Floreat Real Estate
St John’s College, Cambridge
Railways Pension Fund
University of Cambridge
Brookgate
Marshall Group Properties
Howard Group of Companies
The University of Northampton
Lendlease
Autolus Limited
Pigeon Group
O&H Properties
Hillview Group
Family Mosaic
Trinity Hall, Cambridge
Axis Land Partnerships Limited
Hill Residential
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Keepmoat Homes
Ipswich Borough Council
Kadans Science Partner
Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Cambridgeshire County Council
Commercial property: Norwich Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP has a firm-wide real estate practice with key hubs in East Anglia. The firm handles high-value local, regional, national and international work that encompasses real estate development, landlord and tenant matters, corporate real estate transactions, property investment and finance. The lead partners in Norwich are Caroline Dean, who handles development work for landowners and property transactions for corporates, and Carina Cobbold, who specialises in mixed-use development sites, joint venture agreements, corporate real estate and large-scale projects. Also recommended are principal associates Lisa-Marie Kennedy, Zoe Cooke, Anna Aldous and Judy Day, and senior associate David Siddall.
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Testimonials
‘The team at Mills and Reeve are incredibly knowledgeable, they take time to understand a clients business and will proactively manage and engage with a client.’
‘David Siddall is an excellent proactive individual who is very diligent, thorough and contactable even at extended hours.’
Key clients
Anglia Innovation Partners LLP (Norwich Research Park)
Archant Limited
Asco UK Limited
Brown Family (Holt)
Central Trust
Cinnamon Collection Limited
City College Norwich
Clifford Estate Company Limited
Colman Family Trust
Countrywide Legal Indemnities Limited
Department of Health
Diocese of East Anglia
East Anglian Air Ambulance
Easton & Otley College
Fitzmaurice Holdings Limited
Giraffe Concepts Limited
Group Lotus plc
John Innes Centre
John Wood Group plc
Joseph King Group
Kilverstone Trust
KLM UK Engineering Limited
Land Registry
Lend Lease
London Diocesan Fund
Midwich Limited
Norfolk Historic Buildings Trust
Norwich City Football Club plc
Norwich Preservation Trust
Norwich School
Nurse Plus & Carer Plus (UK) Limited
Oasis Dental Care Limited
Ortona Group
Quadram Institute
Peabody Developments Limited
Randall & Quilter Investments Limited
Repton Developments Limited
Serruys Property Company Limited
Solus (London) Limited
Southwold Town Council
Timewell Properties Limited
The Forum Trust
University of East Anglia
University of Suffolk
Upton Trust (Red Lodge, Suffolk)
Urban&Civic
VetPartners Limited/VetPartners Practices Limited
WR & PJ Tann
Construction Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP is engaged in some of the most high-profile development projects in East Anglia, as well as handling work across the UK and internationally. It is currently involved in major projects in the education, agribusiness and green energy sectors. It acts for major contractors, including East Anglia's largest family-owned contractor RG Carter, as well as large developers and government departments. Stuart Thompson in Cambridge leads the practice and handles both construction contracts and disputes. Principal associates Alexandra Pike and Robert Weatherley, senior associate Gary Rushworth and senior legal advisor Alison Garrett are also names to note.
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Testimonials
‘Mills & Reeve is appointed to provide advice and support to the University of Cambridge Estates Division. Their service has always been efficient and reliable. They have gone beyond basic requirements, for example, in storing University documents and managing workflows through a client database.‘
‘UoC Estates Division Projects Section manages around 100 capital projects at any one time with a portfolio value of around £1bn. Stuart Thompson, Robert Weatherley and Kate Warren are focused on providing legal support advising on appointment and contract strategy, negotiating detailed agreements, managing document workflows through a large, complex and disparate organisation and in supporting the management of disputes and legal action. They have at all times been wholly reliable and proactive in execution of this work.‘
‘An efficient, streamlined and value for money firm.‘
‘Gary Rushworth, senior associate, is timely, available, efficient, able to work with the business and acts above his status.‘
‘Stuart Thompson, partner, shows excellent leadership, broad experience and is a calming influence on the business when under pressure during negotiations.‘
Key clients
South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust (employer)
Urban & Civic (employer)
Trinity College Cambridge, Trinity College (CSP) Limited, Dunsfold Airport Limited (employer)
RG Carter (contractor)
Hill Marshall LLP (employer)
Knapp UK Limited (contractor)
Howard Group (employer)
British Council (employer)
Cantillon Ltd (contractor)
English Architectural Glazing (contractor)
Contentious trusts and probate Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP in Norwich handles disputes concerning the validity of wills, actions involving trustees and executors, Inheritance Act related claims concerning lifetime transactions. It also acts for numerous charities in contested legacy matters. The private client department has a large roster of high-net-worth clients nationwide and also acts for trust companies, universities and hospital trusts. Practice head David Catchpole and associate Lucy Mitchell are both ACTAPS members. They have a substantial client base both in East Anglia and across the UK.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘Everyone in the team has always acted in a thoroughly professional manner and have always been timely and courteous in their dealings with me. They have always taken great care to fully understand the sensitivity and emotional aspects of my case and have acted accordingly.’
‘David Catchpole has provided a caring and thoroughly professional service for the entirety of the three years he has been dealing with my case. Whilst I have no first-hand experience with competitors, it would be difficult to imagine any law firm or individual lawyers providing a more comprehensive and personal service. Every aspect of my extremely complicated and sensitive case has been handled entirely as I would have wished, and the end results have far exceeded what might reasonably have been expected.’
Contentious trusts and probate Tier 1
With noted expertise in trust disputes involving onshore and offshore clients, the expanding team at Mills & Reeve LLP is headed up by Simon Pedley, who has experience acting for high-net-worth-individuals, charities, Oxbridge colleges and trust companies. The team handles disputes over the validity of wills, actions involving trustees and executors, breach of trust and Inheritance Act claims, and Court of Appeal cases. Associate Ben Reeves is another name to note.
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Key clients
Zedra Trust Company (UK) Limited
The beneficiary of an Isle of Man trust
Oxbridge college
Corporate and commercial: Cambridge Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP has a leading regional and national M&A practice, and many of its transactions also have an international element. Its recent work includes several IPOs, high-value matters for private equity investors, venture capital transactions and key deals in the technology, education and healthcare sectors. M&A and cross-border transaction specialist Tom Pickthorn and head of the technology and life sciences group Kevin Calder are the lead partners in Cambridge. Firm managing partner Claire Clarke has particular expertise in education work and formation of investment funds. Anthony McGurk is recommended for private equity, food and agribusiness, and life sciences matters. Up-and-coming partner Jonathan Greenwood is recommended for education M&A and mid-market corporate work.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘Anthony McGurk is always available to discuss issues. They never need to be chased, always delivering ahead of the time agreed. Always gives good-rounded and balanced commercial, realistic and practical advice.’
‘Anthony McGurk is always ready to help and does so; very personable; and very gifted in his area of expertise.’
‘Available, pro-active and client-focused. Take pains to understand client situation and needs. Excellent manner in meetings with opposite party and their legal counsel.’
Key clients
BAE Systems plc
Bango plc
Business Growth Fund
IQ Capital
Midwich Group plc
PayPoint plc
Randall & Quilter Investment Holdings Ltd
The British Council
Wellcome Trust
Xaar plc
Corporate and commercial: Norwich Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP has a strong regional and national presence for corporate and M&A work, and many of its transactions have an international element. Among its clients are private equity and venture capital investors, SMEs and large listed companies. In the Norwich office, Craig Hodgson is head of corporate and Greg Gibson leads on commercial matters. Head of the Norwich office James Hunter has more than 25 years' transactional experience, notably for owners and acquirers of mid-market businesses. Natalie Wade is recommended for work in the independent health sector acting for private equity buyers and large consolidators of dental practices and health providers. Senior associate Christina O’Brien is also recommended.
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Testimonials
‘The firm is very diverse in the subject areas that it covers which makes it a good one-stop-shop for all requirements.’
‘The relationship partner is Craig Hodgson who is very well connected in the food, drink and agri sectors both in Norfolk but also nationally. He is very relaxed and knowledgeable.’
‘The firm have quality lawyers and do not load fee-earners onto matters. The result is that you get the right lawyer (partner or senior associate) actually doing the work rather than fronting it; the delivery is both quicker and more efficient, the result is value for money but most importantly, a good job done quickly.’
Key clients
Business Growth Fund
Midwich Group plc
Randall & Quilter Investment Holdings Ltd
Refresco Beverages UK Limited
Robinsons Motor Group
RPC Group plc
Knight Frank LLP
British Council
Archant Limited
Alan Turing Institute
Department for Work and Pensions
Department of Health and Social Care
Financial Conduct Authority
Corporate tax Tier 1
The Cambridge office of Mills & Reeve LLP is best known for mid-market corporate and banking transactions, including a significant amount of work for international clients, as well as property tax structuring, employee incentive schemes, and tax advice to entities in the education and not-for-profit sectors. It counts Oxbridge colleges and major developers such as Urban & Civic among its clients. Regional practice head and principal associate Matthew Short focuses on corporate and real estate tax, particularly in the context of large property developments and construction projects. Consultant Robert Kent has a strong focus on funds and VAT issues.
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Floreat Real Estate
Lendlease
Railpen RPMI
Urban & Civic plc
Trinity College, Cambridge
Royal Mail Pension Plan (on instructions of LaSalle Investment Management)
Oxford University Endowment Management
Fidelity UK Real Estate Fund
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
Exeter College, Oxford
Education: institutions Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP is a major name in the higher education sector, under the leadership of practice head Gary Attle. Its team handles complex and high-profile matters for universities, including Russell Group clients. Its expertise includes academic freedom of speech, sexual harassment on campus and data protection. Richard Sykes has a specialism in governance matters. On the employment side, Nicola Brown leads the team for the higher education sector and is recommended along with Nick Abbott. Experienced real estate lawyer Christian Bull advises schools and universities on the sale and purchase of commercial properties.
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Testimonials
‘Really extensive knowledge of higher education legal issues within the sector demonstrated through various virtual round tables organised with heads of legal and other in-house lawyers during Covid.’
‘Truly a leading team in the higher education sector, advising >100 HE clients. They know the sector inside-out and are well informed of the business side of what their clients are doing.
Gary Attle- a legal leader in HE in UK and very well regarded within the industry. Very much a heavy hitter.’
Key clients
Imperial College London
King’s College London
Kingston University
Queen Mary, University of London
Royal Holloway, University of London
University of East London
The University of West London
University of London
The Royal Veterinary College, London
Employment Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP handles a broad portfolio of regional, national and cross-border employment matters in sectors such as technology, mid-market and owner-managed businesses, education, health, food and agribusiness, charities and life sciences. David Mills in Cambridge leads a six-partner team in East Anglia, which is part of the firm's broader national employment practice. Nicola Brown leads on matters for national higher education clients and charitable organisations. Stuart Craig, who works in both Cambridge and Leeds, is a key adviser to clients in the healthcare sector. Up-and-coming partner Andrew Secker and senior associate Lindsey Hill are also recommended. James Kidd leads the employment, pensions and immigration group in Norwich.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘Client-focused; very professional; walks the walk in terms of good employment practice for its own staff; committed to equality, diversity and inclusivity; a firm that I would be happy (and proud) to work for.’
‘The team understand our organisation and therefore the advice we receive is relevant and not generalised. Also, there are very few staff changes, so for many years we have been dealing with the same individuals, which means that we can save time in explaining history and background. Even when our usual solicitor is unavailable, those covering are all people we have dealt with before and understand our needs and issues. Other firms we have dealt with before have a regular turnover of staff and we would spend a lot of time explaining our organisation or the background to issues.’
‘Andrew Secker is our primary partner for employment matters. He is very responsive and provides practical advice.’
Key clients
Xaar Plc
Mick George
Alere Inc
Olympus Keymed UK Ltd
Baxter Healthcare
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
University of Bedfordshire
University of East Anglia
East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust
North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust
Family Tier 1
Utilising the full range of dispute resolution options available, the family team at Mills & Reeve LLP has considerable experience handling international and specialist pension fund issues, complex family business and trust structures, international wealth protection work, children proceedings and property disputes between unmarried couples or family members. Recently, the team, which is led by Alison Bull, has strengthened its specialism in children work, with multiple specialists in the team advising on fertility and surrogacy law. The vastly experienced Nigel Shepherd and principal associates Rose-Marie Drury and Andrew Moore are other names to note.
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‘Strong team ethos and emphasis on customer care and excellent service.’
‘Alison Bull is knowledgeable, conscientious and approachable with a sensible, pragmatic approach’
‘The M&R family team are excellent and can cope with the most complex of family law matters.’
Family Tier 1
Nick Stone in Norwich and Caitlin Jenkins in Cambridge are the key partners in East Anglia for the six-partner national practice at Mills & Reeve LLP. In Cambridge, the team can also call on upon vastly experienced consultant Roger Bamber, who has a national reputation for family disputes, up-and-coming principal associate George Sprague and sought-after senior associate Rachel Brand. In Norwich, Frances Bailey is recommended for collaborative law. All play key roles in a practice that handles high-value matrimonial and children matters in the region, across the UK and internationally.
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‘Mills & Reeve is a rarity amongst large national firms – it offers a full service across the board and on the family side, it is a real force to be reckoned with. Possibly the most highly regarded national firm in the country for family work.‘
‘In the Cambridge office, Caitlin Jenkins is a superstar. She is a rare combination of self-effacing; genuinely warm and approachable and extremely bright. An absolute asset to the firm.‘
‘In the Norwich office, Nick Stone is a national expert. Widely sought after and very much the face of Mills & Reeve’s family team.‘
Family: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP fields a nationally-capable family law service, with practice head Philip Way highly experienced in complex high-value divorce and financial settlement cases encompassing complex trust, company and pension issues, including a number of multi-jurisdictional cases. Claudia Gilham has attracted praise for her work in domestic and international financial remedy cases as well as private children matters. The team has expanded its activity in children law cases, including surrogacy and fertility issues, and has also established a standalone practice that supports unmarried and cohabiting couples.
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Healthcare Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP advises a wide range of healthcare clients, including NHS Trusts, health and care providers, charities and not-for-profits, on matters such as NHS integration projects, healthcare digitisation and super-partnerships to run GP services. The team also has extensive experience advising on infrastructure projects for mental health hospitals. Practice leader Jill Mason has taken over as head of the national health and care practice and focuses on complex patient-related healthcare matters. Dawn Brathwaite focuses on high-profile judicial reviews, Natalie Wade advises on healthcare M&A, and Peter Wainman specialises in IT and data protection in the healthcare sector.
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‘Personal touch, quick responses and complete transparency about costs and work involved.’
‘The team are always available and get the work done in a timely manner by providing all the relevant information upfront.’
Key clients
NHS England
Department of Health and Social Care
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Bupa
Elysium
Alliance Medical
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust
British Medical Association
Preventx Limited
Immigration Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP has a full-service immigration practice covering business immigration, student immigration and private client matters. Among its clients are household names such as Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, Olympus and Royal Veterinary College. Alex Russell in Norwich leads the firm's national immigration practice and handles complex matters for clients in the education, healthcare, sport, life sciences, technology, and charities sectors. Principal associate Emma Tuck in Cambridge specialises in advising higher education institutions on Tier 4 student immigration matters.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘The immigration team is excellent, very responsive and able to answer a wide range of complex questions in a short timeframe. They have an in-depth understanding of the immigration system and its complexities relating to healthcare.’
‘Tracy Yates always responds to my complex issues promptly and offers well thought through advice. We have had some very challenging issues this year and Tracy has never waivered in her ability to respond and ensure that I do not lose valuable staff.’
‘Alex Russell is excellent. He gives advice in a format that is easy to understand and, where appropriate, provides options for us outlining the risk of each one. Additionally, he has come to speak at a regional college network and received very positive feedback from the attendees. Alex always comes back to us very quickly or passes the issue to a colleague if he knows he cannot come back to us in a timely fashion.’
Key clients
Redgate Software Limited
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust
Olympus
Royal Veterinary College
Baxter Healthcare
Cranfield University
Wilmington Plc
Royal Papworth NHS Trust
Royal Society of Chemistry
Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP's insolvency team in East Anglia is a core element of the firm's national practice, which handles high-value and complex asset recovery claims both for and against Insolvency Practitioners, and advises stakeholders on issues arising from insolvent counterparties. The firm was recently appointed to the Insolvency Services Panel for disqualification, investigations and public interest winding up mandates. Jamie Wheatley in Cambridge is the lead partner in East Anglia and works closely with the London-based group. Principal associate Lino Di Lorenzo and, in Norwich, associate Catherine Noble deal with contentious matters.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘They are technically very able, confident with the law and commercially very astute; they fight hard to get results for the client and seem to genuinely care about looking after the client through the process. I would not hesitate to recommend them.’
‘Jamie Wheatley is excellent. He is extremely able and comfortable dealing with company/insolvency litigation which I think gives clients a real sense of confidence. He has a great team, particularly Lino Di Lorenzo. who is an excellent lawyer, on top of the technicalities and works through the detail relentlessly. He takes great care in his work and in looking after the client’s case and needs through what can often be a difficult time for clients.’
Key clients
McTear Williams & Wood
Moorfields Corporate Recovery
Moore Stephens/BDO
Regulator for Social Housing
American International Group UK Limited.
Mazars
FRP Advisory
Homes and Communities Agency
Insolvency Service
Trinity College Cambridge
Intellectual property Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP handles IP matters in its core industry sectors - technology, life sciences, automotive, food and agriculture, education and sport. Whether for advisory work or litigation, the firm acts for a national and international client base. Practice head Mark Pearce works in both Leeds and Cambridge, but Cambridge-based head of life sciences James Fry has in-depth knowledge of research and technology collaborations, and intellectual property licensing. Alasdair Poore, principal associate Richard Plaistowe and trade mark attorney Nicola Hanglin are also recommended.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘Mills & Reeve’s lawyers have expert knowledge in the area of intellectual property with the added advantage of working with universities and thus understanding their nuances.’
‘James Fry has expert knowledge of IP, transfer and patents in relation to universities. James provides a great customer service and expert knowledge in the area.’
‘Richard Plaistowe provides pragmatic commercial advice and reasonable charging.’
Key clients
The Binding Site
Calypso Biotech
IELTS Australia Pty Limited, the British Council, and University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate
Queen Mary University of London
AVEVA Group PLC
Cobra Biologics
ADC Biotechnology
Sagentia
The Sanger Institute
Ninja Theory Limited
K&S Partners on behalf of The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
IT and telecoms Tier 1
The Cambridge office of Mills & Reeve LLP has a large team of IT specialists handling complex and business-critical work across a huge range of sectors. It handles major IT projects for central government, works with both established and high-growth technology companies, and acts for non-departmental public bodies, regulators and charities on strategic IT projects. It also handles major projects for clients in the healthcare and education sectors. Kevin Calder and Peter Wainman lead the four-partner practice, in which principal associate Sophie Burton-Jones plays a key role.
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‘Mills & Reeve work very closely with our business, they understand how we work and what our constraints are. The biggest strengths are that they understand our business model and practices, which mean they can align with our needs easily and we have a effortless business relationship. Mills & Reeve have been able to support us on a range of matters and they are a great team to work with.’
‘Mills & Reeve are very responsive, available for calls, customer meetings and their turnaround time is excellent, which meets the needs of the fast-paced industry that we work in.’
‘Sophie Burton-Jones is very personal, compassionate and knowledgeable about all aspects of contract law, also I and my team really enjoy working with her.’
Key clients
Cognizant
Department of Health
Redgate Software
Gearset Limited
Cambridge Mechatronics
Frontier Development
Bosch
Health and Social Care Northern Ireland
Speechmatics
Feedback plc
Licensing Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP provides advice across the whole range of alcohol, entertainment, late night refreshment, sexual entertainment venues, betting and gaming licensing, marriage and pavement licences and licensing matters under the Private Security Industry Act. Harriet Wells in Norwich advises the firm's national client base, which includes holiday parks, sports clubs, hotels, restaurants and theatres across the UK, as well as Cambridge Colleges and numerous universities.
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Key clients
The University of Westminster
Timewell Properties Ltd
De Montford University
The University of East Anglia
Family Amusements Ltd
Peterhouse, Cambridge
The Theatre Royal (Norwich) Trust Ltd
Albanwise Ltd
Trinity College, Cambridge
Birmingham City University
Pensions Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP has a firm-wide pensions practice that operates from its Norwich and Birmingham offices. It acts for a growing number of trustees of corporate pension schemes in the region and nationwide. It is also a key adviser to public sector clients and it has extensive expertise in the operation of the Local Government Pension Scheme and the NHS Pension Scheme. Consultant Laura Sayer in Norwich sits on the East Anglia Committee of the Pensions Management Institute and on the public sector sub-committee of the Association of Pension Lawyers.Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Mills & Reeve provide a first-class service at competitive fee rates. The service is always personal, pragmatic and provides us as a client with real assurance that we are doing the right thing.’
‘Laura Sayer is always very prompt with responses to queries and her advice is very clear. Laura takes a commercial and pragmatic approach which means we can deal with issues in a very efficient manner.’
Key clients
Trustees of the Runwood Homes Retirement Benefit Scheme
Publicis UK Trustee Limited
The Trustee of the Rabobank London Branch Pension Fund
The Trustees of the Sisk UK Pension Scheme
Trustees of the Brecon & Radnor Pension Scheme
Trustees of the Jesus College Pension Scheme
Trustees of the IIE Pension Scheme
Lotus Cars
Trustees of the BST Pension Scheme
Trustees of the LG Harris Pension Scheme
Trustees of the stand-alone schemes sponsored by Cambridge University
Trustees of the M&H Staff Pension Plan
Trustees of the J&H Bunn Pension Plan
Trustees of the Tindle Newspapers Defined Benefit Plan
Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 1
The Mills & Reeve LLP team in Manchester is headed up by Deborah Clark, who is recognised in the region for advising high and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, business owners and entrepreneurs on estate planning matters and the design and implementation of family investment companies. The team, which also includes the vastly experienced Tony Hall and trust specialist Zahra Siddiqui, also advises on succession issues, including those with a cross-border element. Another name to note is senior associate Charlotte Shaughnessy, who has experience acting for high-value estates.
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‘The team work most efficiently together’
‘A good attention to detail and a prompt efficient service.’
Personal tax, trusts and probate: Cambridge Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP has a national private client practice that is led from Cambridge and which caters for a large number of ultra-high-net-worth clients, among which are family offices, business owners, landowners, trusts and charities. Practice head Chris Belcher acts for wealthy UK and international individuals and families on tax, trusts and estates matters. Among his clients are owners of substantial businesses and internationally renowned sports people. Principal associate Alex Hunt specialises in complex international tax planning, particularly pre-arrival advice. Associate Emma Watton is also recommended.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘The private client team of Mills & Reeve in Cambridge give London-style advice and service but based out of the provinces. Their depth of knowledge is excellent and their advice is technical yet practical.’
‘Chris Belcher is excellent; clients really appreciate his relaxed and easy demeanour particularly as it is backed up with excellent technical advice and support.’
Personal tax, trusts and probate: Norwich Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP acts for a broad spectrum of clients ranging from traditional landed estates to entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals across the globe. Its specialist landed estates practice has a track record that extends back more than a century, and it advises three of the four largest landed estates in Norfolk. Another niche area - alongside its broad palette of trusts, will and probate matters - is its work for land consortia. Virginia Edgecombe, Gregory Laming, Justin Ripman and Lauren Parker are recognised leaders in their field. Principal associate Elizabeth Field and senior associate Alexandra Clark are also recommended.Practice head(s):
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‘Apart from the requisite technical skills, the firm encourages collaborative working amongst its team members on a national basis. Mills & Reeve team members are very approachable and are quick to respond.’
Planning and environment Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP in Cambridge has a full-service real estate group that handles substantial and high-profile national and increasingly, international property projects. Among its clients are strategic land promoters, investors, institutional and local authority funds, major developers, strategic landowners, large corporates, and education and healthcare providers. Peter Seaborn and Beverley Firth are specialist planning partners. Principal associate Caroline Bywater leads on major projects and routinely advises on strategic planning matters, while senior associate Howard Felstead specialises in in residential-led strategic development and commercial investment.
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Urban&Civic
Countryside Properties
O&H Group
Marshall Group Properties Ltd
Brookgate
University of Cambridge
Trinity College
Taylor Wimpey
South Kesteven District Council
Homes England
Professional negligence Tier 1
The professional negligence department at Mills & Reeve LLP is focused on insurance disputes involving professional indemnity, construction, and D&O and management liability policies. The team handles work on behalf of construction professionals, insurance brokers and other professionals including accountants, financial advisers and IT professionals. Other key areas of work include policy coverage issues such as fraud and dishonesty and inter-insurer disputes. Niall Innes, who has significant experience in defending claims against legal professionals, jointly heads the team with Ben Hardiman, who specialises in construction disputes.
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‘Unafraid to fight a point but always have their eye on the most commercial way out of a claim. ‘
Key clients
CNA Hardy
Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund Ltd
W/R/B Underwriting
AXA XL
Countrywide plc and group companies
Travelers
International Insurance Company of Hannover
Tokio Marine HCC
Heatherwick Architects
Professional negligence Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP's Norwich office houses significant expertise in professional negligence matters, for which the firm has a national practice across its office network. Handling professional indemnity, insurance and financial disputes, the firm focuses on complex and high-value matters, as well as coverage advice on policy issues. Stephen King and Neil Davies are the lead partners. King handles matters involving solicitors and clinicians. Davies has a particular focus on matters for surveyors, financial and pension professionals, and brokers. Principal associate Clare Howard, senior associate Matthew Wilson and associate Sophie Briggs are also recommended.
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Testimonials
‘This is a team that you can have absolute confidence and trust in. The team has a wide range of skills and experience – allowing them to put together a robust and creative team that can face an issue with intelligence and flexibility on approach.’
‘Clare Howard is simply outstanding. She takes a thorough and detailed approach to claims. She grasps paper heavy claims quickly – sorting through the distracting elements and quickly identifying and addressing the heart of the claim and the real issues.’
‘A very experienced professional negligence team which absolutely deserves its first-tier ranking.’
‘Matthew Wilson is an excellent lawyer, measured and reassuring for clients on the receiving end of a negligence claim. You want him in your corner.’
Key clients
Countrywide plc and group of companies
Canopius Managing Agents Limited
CNA Hardy
Travelers
Pen Underwriting
Aviva Life & Pensions UK Limited
Protek Group Limited
W/R/B Underwriting
Everest Re
Knight Frank
Professional negligence: defendant Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP has a strong reputation for handling large, complex claims including claims against lawyers, construction professionals, insurance brokers and pensions practitioners. The team has recently seen considerable growth in its work defending construction professionals and is currently handling several multi-million-pound claims brought against a firm of cladding consultants following the Grenfell tragedy. Key practitioner Neil Howes leads the firm’s national construction and engineering risks team, which fields Laura Johnson.
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‘They obviously have great experience in professional negligence work and the tenacity to follow a strategy to a successful conclusion. Their people skills are such that even difficult opponents remain on friendly terms so that settlements are easier to achieve.’
‘Neil Howes always has an excellent grasp of the facts and the law and is able to marshal arguments convincingly. He is very persuasive.’
Key clients
Pen Underwriting
Travelers Insurance Company
Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund
XL Catlin Insurance
CNA Hardy Insurance
Navigators Pro
AmTrust Europe
International Insurance Company of Hannover
Chancery Pii
Property litigation Tier 1
Mills & Reeve LLP's real estate practice advises on substantial and high-profile national and, increasingly, international property matters, as well as related disputes. The practice counts Urban & Civic and Hill Residential among its clients. National head of property litigation Richard Hanson in Norwich deals with all types of property dispute, including advice on the interpretation and construction of contracts, as well as strategic landlord and tenant issues. Key partner Richard New in Cambridge is among the UK’s leading experts on business rates, an area in which he frequently handles multimillion-pound disputes. Partners Julian Steed and James Hordern in Norwich are also recommended.
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Testimonials
‘James Hordern is very strong on developing a precise and detailed set of legal arguments in a very complex and wide-ranging case. He has skilfully corralled the data and our team to ensure our litigation is as well presented as possible.’
‘The speed of service provided by the team is excellent, and they are always alert to our commercial realities when providing any advice; technically the whole team is excellent, and represent very good value for money.’
‘The whole team provides clear, pragmatic advice, which quickly gets to the root of the issues and suggests sensible solutions.’
‘Richard Hanson oversees the team and is fantastic to deal with, having a very calm, reassuring approach, with great people skills and the ability to find clear solutions to tricky problems.’
‘Julian Steed has excellent technical skills which we confidently rely on, and which repeatedly achieve us great outcomes.’
‘Richard New is the stand-out member of the firm for business rates disputes. His client management skills are excellent, and he is developing a reputation as one of the leading partners in the field.’
Key clients
Countrywide Legal Indemnities Limited
Railways Pension Nominees Limited
Orchard Street Special Funds
Lend Lease
Urban & Civic Group
O & H Properties Ltd
South Kensington Estate
Hill Residential
Buzz Bingo Limited
NSL Limited
Public sector Tier 1
The East Anglian offices of Mills & Reeve LLP play central roles in the firm's national health and education practices. Multi-disciplinary teams combine to deliver a full-service offering to leading health sector clients including Bupa and NHS England, as well as education institutions such as the University of Cambridge and King's College London. Head of the national education sector group Gary Attle, head of projects and construction Raith Pickup, regulatory specialist Duncan Astill and Norwich-based healthcare and M&A specialist Natalie Wade are just a few of the prominent practitioners. Associate Poppy Short is a rising star in the education practice.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘The team is the market leader for all education financing. Their expertise covers both traditional bank financing and wider debt capital markets (private placement and public). The knowledge of the unique nature of these borrowers is second to none and their ability to be commercial is fantastic. They are a pleasure to work with and always contactable.’
‘Sarah Seed, is the by far the stand out professional in the space. Her practicality and commercialism makes it delightful to work with her.’
‘Outstanding knowledge of and insight into healthcare sector. The standout firm in the region (and elsewhere). Considerable experience of advising NHS clients on the handling of conduct and capability concerns affecting doctors and other professional staff. Substantial experience in litigation.’
Key clients
NHS England
Department of Health and Social Care
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Bupa
Elysium
Alliance Medical
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust
University of East Anglia
University of Cambridge
Trinity College
University of Suffolk
St Edmund’s College, Cambridge
University of Exeter
King’s College London
Kingston University
Sport Tier 1
At Mills & Reeve LLP, London-based Julian Moore leads the sports department alongside Mark Hovell and Carol Couse in Manchester. Hovell is a distinguished arbitrator in the Court of Arbitration for Sport whose clients include Premier League clubs, players’ associations, various professional athletes and the ITF. Couse gears her practice towards the football industry handling a range of regulatory affairs, as well as transfer agreements, player disputes, work permits and UEFA disciplinary matters. Commercial rights, including broadcasting, sponsorship and endorsements, are also a core strength for the team which has carved out a reputation for representing Spanish and Latin American footballers. Several governing bodies and unions also form the client base with sailing, boxing, golf, sportstech and e-sports also serving as industries of focus.
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Testimonials
‘Efficient, knowledgeable, excellent coordination within the team’
‘Excellent contact and coordination with Carol Couse and Rachael Somerset, very professional, results-oriented, great client contact’
‘The practice, in general, is very professional. This is a consistency with all staff I have come into contact with. They are professional, experts in their field but also approachable and friendly.’
‘Rachael Somerset is professional and delivers expert advice. She takes the time to follow up and keep in contact and is always available to respond to urgent matters even outside of office hours, so viewed as highly reliable and trustworthy.‘
Key clients
British Cycling
The Professional Footballers’ Association
Huddersfield Town AFC
Everton FC
White Rose Sports Management
Greater Manchester Sports Partnership
Super League (rugby league)
Professional Golfers Association
International Association of Ultrarunners
Sheffield Wednesday FC
Agriculture and estates Tier 2
Mills & Reeve LLP has a large and specialist agricultural team that has a national reach. In addition to its traditional farming clients, it also acts for several of the landowning Cambridge and Oxford colleges, several pension funds, numerous prestigious landed estates and many substantial national farming businesses. Well-regarded practice co-heads Michael Aubrey and Amanda Tagg are both based in Cambridge. Aubrey is a key member of the firm’s food and agribusiness practice, while Tagg has considerable expertise in dealing with matters relating to agricultural land diversification. Norwich-based practice co-head Tim Ryan advises numerous traditional estates and landowners, as well as colleges and corporate entities.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘The firm has a wide range of expertise to manage challenging and often time-critical requests. The lawyers communicate very well, and are clear in how to resolve problems and issues – confirming what can and can’t be done. They bring in additional support early when its needed‘
‘The lawyers actively monitor and chase down outstanding information from parties that are slow in providing the necessary supporting information. They are very good at pulling apart a problem and finding solutions to resolve it‘
Key clients
Barclays Bank Plc
Strutt and Parker Farms Limited
John Innes Foundation
Christ Church Oxford
Trinity College Cambridge
Greenyard
Farmcare
The Countryside Restoration Trust
Albanwise Limited
Northumbrian Water
Agriculture and estates Tier 2
Mills & Reeve LLP has notable sector knowledge and handles a broad range of work in the agriculture and estates sector. Key clients include traditional farming clients, landed estates and national farming businesses including Farmcare Trading. The group has strong commercial expertise and is able to advise on agriculture-related matters including tax, insolvency, and planning mandates. Michael Aubrey is joint head of the food and agribusiness practice, while principal associate Andrea Newman heads up the team in Leeds.
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Key clients
The Countryside Restoration Trust
Farmcare Trading Limited
Northumbrian Water Limited
Biotechnology Tier 2
The Cambridge office of Mills & Reeve LLP advises biotechnology companies on corporate and commercial transactions, patents and IP, privacy, regulation, compliance, HR, pensions, product liability, dispute management, tax, share options and real estate matters. It acts for numerous small and medium-sized companies, as well as for global organisations such as Alere and ALK Abello. James Fry leads the multi-disciplinary life science practice, in which corporate finance partner Zickie Lim and IP specialist Alasdair Poore play key roles.
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Key clients
ALK Abello
Diurnal Group
Sphere Fluidics
Alere
Calypso Biotech
Kidney Research UK
Wellcome Sanger Institute
Aberystwyth University
University of Exeter
O2H Ventures
IQ Capital Fund II LP
Autolus
ECO Animal Health
Atlantic Healthcare
L. D. Collins & Co.
MAP Biopharma
National Institute for Biological Standards and Control
Francis Crick Institute
Start Codon
Cobra Biologics
Alentis Therapeutics
Bit Bio
Charities and not-for-profit Tier 2
Paul Knight and Simon Pedley jointly lead the cross-disciplinary team at Mills & Reeve LLP, which advises many of the UK’s largest charities on international projects. Knight focuses on data protection issues, IT matters and commercial contracts, while Pedley specialises in dispute resolution, dealing with defamation cases, reputation management disputes and contested legacies; he also provides advice on trustee decision-making processes and general regulatory matters. Senior associate Rona McPherson is another name to note.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘I appreciate the variety of experience and understanding that Mills & Reeve have. Over the years, I’ve contacted them on a number of occasions with often very different questions and each time they have been able to help. ‘
‘I worked closely with Paul Knight and Rona McPherson; they both showed excitement and enthusiasm to work with me to find a solution, which was really appreciated.’
Key clients
British Council
BBC Children in Need
Nesta
Alan Turing Institute
Greater Manchester Sports Partnership
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
Snowdonia National Park Authority
Institute of Directors
Hallé Concerts Society
Contact Theatre
Children’s Investment Fund Foundation
James Milner Foundation
Charities and not-for-profit Tier 2
Mills & Reeve LLP has a national presence within the charity sector and acts as adviser to many leading UK charities including Children in Need, English Heritage and the British Council. The practice advises on registrations, governance issues, HR policies, funding work and IP matters, and has expertise in specialist areas including assisting health charities and sport and education organisations. National head Neil Burton and Yorkshire charity head Mark Ashton are noted.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Technical knowledge and commercial astuteness, in particular managing complex charities.’
‘Mark Ashton – considered, technical lawyer with strong handle of commercial side of things.’
Key clients
Dove House Hospice Hull
National Railway Museum York
Clean Air Fund
English Heritage
Livability
The Countryside Restoration Trust
The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation
King’s College London
Institute of Conservation
Royal Society of Chemistry
Debt recovery Tier 2
From its Norwich office, Mills & Reeve LLP operates a fixed-fee debt collection service for both public and private sector clients. Senior associate Harriet Wells, who handles mainly litigation and licensing matters, oversees the work of legal executive and debt recovery specialist Lynne Lawn. Her work ranges from pre-litigation letters to the the drafting and issue of court proceedings.
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Key clients
Alfred G Pearce Limited
Ward Hill Walker
Henry Cooper Consultants Limited
Woodward Solutions Limited
Education Tier 2
The education team at Mills & Reeve LLP focuses on higher and further education institutions across the region. Key areas of work include advising on the Higher Education and Research Act 2017, debt capital markets work and private placements for HE institutions, support to HE institutions over strike action by lecturers, guidance on sexual harassment on campus, and large-scale student accommodation projects. Sara Barrett, who has significant experience in employment law in the sector, jointly leads the team with Richard Sykes.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘Richard Sykes has deep knowledge of the HE sector with a particular expertise in advising on issues related to students as consumers.’
‘The breadth and depth of expertise available stands out. This team is instructed by Russell Group universities in disciplinary matters, High Court litigation including judicial review, employment disputes and regulatory matters. It really does cover the whole spectrum of issues which a HEI may need high calibre advice on. The team is often involved in or has first knowledge of cutting edge cases and developments.’
‘Thorough, pragmatic and approachable.’
Key clients
LTE Group
Edge Hill University
Manchester Metropolitan University
NCG Corporation
Royal Northern College of Music
University of Bolton
University of Bradford
University of Liverpool
University of Manchester
University of Salford
Family: mediation Tier 2
Mills & Reeve LLP has recognised mediators in all its offices, with particular strength in London for both complex financial cases involving corporate structures and offshore trusts, where there are assets of between £20m and £2bn, and private law children cases, often involving international elements. Names to note are Joanna Grandfield, Alison Bull and Tim Whitney, while Suzanne Kingston, who is a trained collaborative lawyer, an accredited mediator and a hybrid mediator, as well as an accredited arbitrator, is also highly regarded.
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Testimonials
‘Suzanne Kingston stands out for her expertise in alternative dispute resolution options‘
‘Suzanne Kingston has a very good arbitration and mediation practice‘
Health Tier 2
The healthcare sector client base at Mills & Reeve LLP includes NHS trusts, independent sector health and care providers, commissioners, national bodies, charities and not-for-profit organisations, investors and advisers to the sector and primary care providers. The practice advises on integrated care systems, healthcare infrastructure projects and strategy for lab services and international hospital groups. Key contacts in Manchester are Chris Wilkinson, who has a strong track record of work in the pharmaceuticals sector and Paul Knight, who has a developing practice in health tech. Associate Charlotte Lewis is also recommended.
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Testimonials
‘Charlotte Lewis has been absolutely fantastic from day one.’
Key clients
NHS England
Department of Health and Social Care
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Bupa
Elysium
Alliance Medical
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Crohn’s & Colitis UK
Feedback Medical Limited
NHS South Cheshire & Vale Royal CCGs
Patient Platform Limited
Phoenix Healthcare Distribution Limited
Health and safety Tier 2
The regulatory practice at Mills & Reeve LLP specialises in regulatory enforcement actions and related advice. Particularly active for clients in the education and healthcare sectors, it handles defence work in a broad range of industries. Partner Duncan Astill in Cambridge advises on corporate manslaughter and HSE prosecutions, Care Quality Commission enforcement actions, and inquests. Litigator Jamie Wheatley, who leads the regulatory, public and commercial disputes group, is also recommended. Principal associate Amanda Narkiewicz is a rising star in the practice.
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Media and entertainment Tier 2
Splitting their time between Manchester and London, Rachael Somerset and Richard Dawson-Gerrard jointly lead the practice at Mills & Reeve LLP. Their department is engaged for a broad array of defamation work including libel, slander, privacy, malicious falsehood and online harassment. Privacy, regulatory investigations, media strategy and related disputes are also fronts on which the group is active. Clients include celebrities, actors, footballers, public bodies and corporates.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Mills & Reeve provide a holistic and thorough service, marrying commercial acumen and a strong grasp of technical details in media and entertainment law.’
‘Rachael Somerset has an excellent grasp of this technical area of law, is fast and responsive, and very user friendly.’
‘Efficient, knowledgeable, results-oriented’
Key clients
James Milner (Professional footballer, Liverpool Football Club)
West Midlands Ambulance Service
Coronation Street / ITV
England Golf
Steph Houghton (Professional footballer, Manchester City FC)
Jen Beattie (Professional footballer, Arsenal FC)
The Professional Footballers’ Association and its members
The James Milner Foundation (Charitable foundation)
Niche Health Limited
Phoenix Group
Personal injury and clinical negligence: defendant Tier 2
The national medical malpractice group at Mills & Reeve LLP is led from the Norwich office. It focuses on clinical negligence, advising on both policy matters and claims. Its recent work includes lack of cover matters for out-of-hours care, mesh claims and ocular lens implant cases raising aggregation issues. The firm is not a member of the NHSR panel, in order to avoid conflicts of interest arising from advising NHS Trusts, individual practitioners and insurers. The Mills & Reeve First Response service supports clients with out-of-hours medico-legal and dento-legal support. Practice head Stephen King is a leading light in the market.
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Key clients
WRB (Insurers)
Virgin Care
Global Diagnostics
Partnerships in Care
Zurich Global (Insurers)
Beazley PLC
Everest Re
Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 2
The private client team at Mills & Reeve LLP is led by Andrew Playle and has seen considerable recent growth. With several members of the team being STEP qualified, the firm specialises in advising on structuring the ownership of wealth, tax and trust advice and has considerable expertise in advising professional trustees as well as family investment companies. The firm also assists owner-managed businesses, leveraging the firm's key connection between its private client and corporate departments.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
“The team is very efficient, technically very capable and responsive.”
“Andrew Playle is a very experienced partner, generous with his time while allowing his associate, Rachel MacIntosh, to run with the project. She clearly has a sounding board when necessary and is not afraid to admit when she needs to consult with Andrew or other specialists.”
“My dealings with Mills & Reeve have only been very positive. I particularly like the way they work collaboratively with other advisers: tax and financial as this greatly improves the delivery of a well balanced solution for the client. I also like the fact that there is a considered “blue sky” view to the planning needs for the client and how they are able to bring in different disciplines from within the practice so the clients gets all the answers under one roof.”
“Andrew Playle is a consummate professional and is incredibly level headed. He has an exceptional grounding in the law but has a very good understanding of complimentary professions so he can consider many non-legal considerations too. He has great rapport with clients and has introduced me to the “kitchen table” concept where all advisers need to able to sit in the theoretical client’s kitchen and just get on with the client and all other advisers. No egos are at play and the client is 100% central to the discussions.“
Commercial property: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Tier 3
Mills & Reeve LLP fields a dedicated real estate team, which advises on residential and commercial developments, investment transactions, landlord and tenant leasing issues, and portfolio management matters. Clients include education and healthcare providers in the public and private sector, commercial occupiers, developers and energy companies. The practice works on regional, national, and international mandates. Simon Sherwood heads up the team in Leeds, and has particular expertise in healthcare development work; Andrea Newman focuses on mixed-use and charity sector matters.
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Testimonials
‘It is partner led. It is good to know that even if a more junior or other more appropriate specialist solicitor provides services the responsible partner maintains an appropriate ongoing involvement – such as providing the detail/information you have supplied etc/ensuring the firm provides the service in the way we like it. They adapt to you. Good legal but commercial advice is a given.’
‘Simon Sherwood. Very personable. Provides very good legal advice and applies it to the commercial realities of the transaction. Detailed but doesn’t over load our team with legal jargon. Gets the job done whilst protecting our interests.’
Key clients
Consolidated Property Group
Westerleigh Group
Ridgeons
Brookgate Property
Harmony Bridge
Local Housing Group
Harpin
DB Cargo
Commercial property: Manchester Tier 3
Mills & Reeve LLP's commercial property practice is led by the highly experienced Mike Edge, who has acted on many major development schemes in the North West; he is also responsible for managing a number of the firm's significant client relationships. Caroline Hanratty specialises in all aspects of hotel development, while principal associate Jennifer Lewis has a range of experience in real estate matters, especially in the healthcare and education sectors. Principal associate Hannah Cheminais, who joined the team from DLA Piper in early 2020, has represented both landlords and tenants on lease transactions.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘What sets them aside is their personable nature and pragmatism. They have deep subject matter expertise and are very professional, but apply that with flexibility and pragmatism.’
‘They are personable and approachable and make an effort to be so; particularly Mike Edge and Alexandra Murphy.’
Key clients
Odeon
Langtree Property Partners
C. C. Projects (Church Commissioners)
Marick Capital
db Symmetry
Bruntwood
Praxis Real Estate Investments
Fortis Developments
Stockport Borough Council
Crosslane Group
Corporate and commercial: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Tier 3
Paul Johnson leads Mills & Reeve LLP's corporate and commercial practice, focusing on mid-market M&A in the technology, healthcare, finance and agriculture fields. With a client list primarily comprised of privately owned SMEs, the team also advises private equity-backed businesses. Additionally, principle associate Alex Kenworthy has expanded the team’s capacity to handle acquisitions for international corporates, most recently in the real estate and food and drink sectors. Johnson regularly works with commercial partner Martin Priestley on joint venture instructions, regularly involving complex shareholder negotiations.
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Testimonials
‘We are always made to feel like their most important client, regardless of the complexity of the work requested and their advice is clear and takes into account commercial considerations.’
‘Alex Kenworthy – his attention to detail and professionalism are second to none.’
Key clients
VetPartners Limited
Encon Limited
Rema Tip Top Limited
Servoca Plc
Traditum private equity
Groupe Pilote
Refresco
Groupe IDEC
Maisons du Monde
Cuisines Schmidt
Maritime & Coastguard Agency
University of York
Leeds Beckett University
Nottingham Trent University
Infarm – Indoor Urban Farming GmbH
Accelerant
Kerry Ireland Investments Limited
Corporate and commercial: Manchester Tier 3
Mills & Reeve LLP's sector strengths include media, healthcare, technology, food and beverage, retail and property. The team's notably broad workload includes high-value corporate deals, M&A, private equity, management buyouts, commercial agreements, joint ventures and corporate governance issues. Chris Ross and Chris Wilkinson jointly head the department alongside Paul Knight, who has recently led on an array of projects for NHS and independent sector clients.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Very solution orientated. Happy to concede on points where other matters are important.’
‘Excellent client management.’
Key clients
Shareholders of Genesys Holdings Limited (Project London Jack)
2CRSI SA
ADC Biotechnology Limited
CorpAcq Limited
Preventx Limited
Waterland Private Equity
Trevor Morris, Ashik Dossajee and others – Shareholders in Human Support Group Limited
Spirit (Data Capture) Limited
Alderburgh (Project Stack)
Court of protection Tier 3
Mills & Reeve LLP has 'in-depth experience of Court of Protection work', acting for both commissioners and providers of care, with particular expertise in complex medical treatment cases. Its areas of strength include navigating the complex overlap between the Mental Health Act and the Mental Capacity Act and advising mental health trusts on Court of Protection welfare cases. The team is increasingly active handling litigation relating to legacies. The 'superb and unflappable' Jill Mason heads the team.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘It has in-depth experience of Court of Protection work, including the most urgent and complex medical treatment decisions‘
‘Jill Mason is superb – supremely organised and unflappable‘
Education Tier 3
The team at Mills & Reeve LLP advises education clients on a wide range of legal matters, including bond issues, senior staff disputes, campus developments, international activity, and high-profile student issues. The Leeds-based head of the team, Martin Priestley, specialises in advising on complex commercial projects and on international joint ventures in the education sector. The firm is on the panel of Leeds Beckett University, and advises on key international projects in Egypt, Dubai, China and Italy.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Leeds Beckett University
University of Leeds
University of York
Northumbria University
University of Nottingham
University of Exeter
Royal Veterinary College
Birmingham City University
University of Birmingham
Oxford Brookes University
Nottingham Trent University
University of Hull
Employment Tier 3
Led by education expert Sara Barrett, the Manchester-based employment team at Mills & Reeve LLP is sharpening its focus on the insurance sector, representing growing numbers of clients at the Employment Tribunal. Advising clients across a range of other sectors, including manufacturing, pharma, professional services and technology, the team has been handling increased numbers of instructions relating to senior executives exiting corporations.Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘The employment team at Mills & Reeve are highly experienced and knowledgeable. They have a range of strengths covering all aspects of employment law and the team are highly approachable and provide advice which is relevant to our particular sector.’
‘All members of the employment team are worthy of a mention; however, Sara Barrett is highly experienced and extremely helpful in advising on a range of employment law matters, ranging from employee relation matters, merger and complex whistleblowing issues.’
‘The team are very approachable, able to adapt their advice to reflect sector expectations whilst maintaining a commercial nature.’
Key clients
Lancaster University
Befesa Salt Slags Limited
LTE Group
Victrex Manufacturing Limited
Royal Northern College of Music
Bako North Western (Group) Limited
Sefton Council for Voluntary Service
Turley Associates
IDEO LLP
Phoenix Group
Family Tier 3
Mills & Reeve LLP has an excellent reputation for advising on national and international financial cases involving complex corporate structures and offshore trusts with assets between £20m and £2bn. In addition, it is recommended for complex private law children cases, often with an international dimension, and its focus on non-court dispute resolution where appropriate. The 'phenomenally hardworking' Joanna Grandfield leads the practice. Consultant Suzanne Kingston is particularly renowned for her expertise in complex financial matters (often with an international element) and principal associate Tim Whitney is recommended for his experience in business and finance cases and wealth protection matters, including advising on high-value nuptial agreements.
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Testimonials
‘Jo Grandfield is phenomenally hardworking. She fights her clients’ corner very well but is also very sensible‘
‘Tim Whitney is hugely organised, very driven and very polite‘
‘Mills & Reeve has a very nice team in London who approach cases in a sensible, constructive way‘
Planning and environment Tier 3
At Mills & Reeve LLP, Keith Davidson leads the firm's non-contentious environmental work in Manchester, which covers environmental insurance, transactional support and brownfield development projects. Davidson represents the firm as a member of the Contaminated Land Panel for the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management.
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Key clients
Urban & Civic plc
Ministry of Defence
Tradebe
DB Cargo (UK)
Bruntwood
DB Symmetry
University of Cambridge
University of Birmingham
Elaghmore
Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
Possfund
Railway Pension Nominees
CFC Foods
Domino Printing
Refresco Drinks
Vet Partners
Professional negligence Tier 3
Working alongside its strong network of regional offices, Mills & Reeve LLP's London practice advises insurers and defendants from numerous industries on complex claims of negligence. Team leader Neil Davis manages some of the firm’s largest client relationships and specialises in defending solicitors, brokers, construction professionals and technology companies. Virginia Hickley is head of financial claims and primarily advises accountants, professional trustees, independent financial advisers, wealth managers, pension fund administrators and hedge fund managers. Nicolas Oldham leads the construction practice; he handles claims against construction professionals, including surveyors and valuers.
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Testimonials
‘The team offer practical advice that is reasoned and they make every effort to find solutions to issues, which can be refreshing.’
‘Virginia Hinckley is always thinking outside the box – she is solutions-focused and pragmatic.’
Key clients
Countryside Properties
Pembroke Managing Agency
Amlin
McAleer & Rushe Contracts UK Limited
Asset based lending Tier 4
At Mills & Reeve LLP, Zak Virgin heads the national team out of the Norwich office and has successfully cultivated a strong practice advising lenders and borrowers on mid-market ABL-related domestic mandates.
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Commercial litigation: Manchester Tier 4
Mills & Reeve LLP's disputes expertise ranges from handling boardroom and shareholder disputes and warranty claims to reputation management matters and commercial fraud issues. Richard Dawson-Gerrard has particular experience acting for food, agribusiness and pharmaceutical clients and jointly heads up the team alongside Simon Pedley, who counts the private wealth, sports and charity industries among his sector specialisms.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘A large firm, but because of the way it has grown from smaller firms, they offer a more personalised service.’
‘Rachael Somerset is highly intelligent with a passion for her area of practice.’
Key clients
The Rangers Football Club Limited
Phoenix Medical Supplies Limited
West Midlands Ambulance Service
Phoenix Healthcare Distribution Limited
Laila’s Fine Foods Limited
Kaplan International Colleges
Zedra Trust Company UK
Children’s Investment Fund Foundation
James Milner and the James Milner Foundation
British Medical Association
Commercial property: development Tier 4
At Mills & Reeve LLP, Orla O’Sullivan, Michael Giess and Christine de Ferrars Green lead the development practice, which undertakes an array of projects including regenerations, mixed-use developments and asset-specific developments. Key asset classes include education, health, rural land and residential with the core real estate offering supported by environmental, agriculture, construction and finance expertise. Investment work is led by Charles Staveley who delivers advice on the full lifecycle from acquisition and management through to disposal; his team have recently handled an increasing number of forward funding and joint venture agreements in addition to investments in alternative assets.
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Testimonials
‘Clear communication across the team, resulting in a common understanding of client needs.’
‘The firm has a willingness to work on long-term relationships and partner with clients.’
‘Charles Staveley provides strong leadership. He has intricate knowledge of even the smaller jobs being undertaken across his team on our behalf.’
Key clients
Bericote
Pembroke
Bruntwood
Kadans Science Partner
Urban&Civic plc
Lendlease
Trinity College, Cambridge
Peabody Developments Limited
Marshall Group Properties
Howard Group
Pigeon Group
O&H Properties
Keepmoat Homes
Cinnamon Collection Limited
Langtree Property Partners
London Diocesan Fund
Commercial property: investment Tier 4
At Mills & Reeve LLP, Orla O’Sullivan, Michael Giess and Christine de Ferrars Green lead the development practice, which undertakes an array of projects including regenerations, mixed-use developments and asset-specific developments. Key asset classes include education, health, rural land and residential with the core real estate offering supported by environmental, agriculture, construction and finance expertise. Investment work is led by Charles Staveley who delivers advice on the full lifecycle from acquisition and management through to disposal; his team have recently handled an increasing number of forward funding and joint venture agreements in addition to investments in alternative assets.
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Testimonials
‘Clear communication across the team, resulting in a common understanding of client needs.’
‘The firm has a willingness to work on long-term relationships and partner with clients.’
‘Charles Staveley provides strong leadership. He has intricate knowledge of even the smaller jobs being undertaken across his team on our behalf.’
Key clients
Hermes Fund Managers Ltd
Hines UK
Railpen RPMI
Fidelity UK Real Estate Fund
Royal Mail Pension Plan (on instructions of LaSalle Investment Management)
Floreat Real Estate
Hillview Group
Bericote
Pembroke
Bruntwood
Kadans Science Partner
Urban&Civic plc
Lendlease
Contentious trusts and probate Tier 4
With a national presence, the team at Mills & Reeve LLP combines a strong private client offering with a specialist trust and probate department. Under the direction of Simon Pedley and David Catchpole, the practice is adept at dealing with disputes concerning the validity of wills and actions involving trustees and executors, as well as claims under the Inheritance Act 1975 and related claims concerning lifetime transactions. It also acts for a number of charities involved in contested legacy matters.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘A well-balanced team able to call on other specialisms within the practice if so required‘
‘Simon Pedley is a very experienced and knowledgeable practitioner and a very capable strategist‘
Key clients
Vaughan Cockerham
Beneficiary of an Isle of Man trust
An Oxbridge College
Rohita Rajapakse and others
Zedra Trust Company (UK) Limited
Education: schools Tier 4
Mills & Reeve LLP handles a broad scope of matters for schools and academies. The team's experience includes undertaking corporate mandates for schools, such as M&A, transfers and conversions; these are areas of expertise which Nick Abbott and Jonathan Greenwood are noted for. In addition, the group advises on student issues, such as admissions and exclusions. Richard Sykes leads the education law team in Birmingham and Manchester. Gary Attle is the national education practice head. Stuart Pemble leads the national academies practice.
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Testimonials
‘The team were responsive, covered for each other, delegated, kept me on track and were very cost-effective.’
Key clients
Academies Enterprise Trust
The Diocese of Ely Multi Academy Trust
University of Wolverhampton Multi Academy Trust
Birmingham City University Multi Academies Trust
University of Brighton Academies Trust
American School in London
St Dunstan’s
Cambridge Education Group
Christ’s Hospital (school)
Harrow School
Employment: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 4
Mills & Reeve LLP has steadily grown its practice under the leadership of Stuart Craig, who is noted for representing employers in high-profile discrimination claims before the Employment Tribunal and upper courts. The team is particularly active in the healthcare sector, with Craig and principle associate Rebecca Pallot advising a large roster of NHS bodies on senior employee exits, disciplinary issues and performance procedures.
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Testimonials
‘Outstanding expertise in employment issues arising in health sector and education sectors in particular.’
‘The standout employment practice in Leeds.’
‘Stuart Craig is a towering figure in his field. Huge experience, legal insight and pragmatism.’
‘They are an impressive team of hardworking, intelligent and robust lawyers with an ever expanding client list. They offer a superb client focused service.’
‘Rebecca Pallot is bright and sharp, possesses sound judgment and is incredibly thorough.’
Key clients
North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust
HM Land Registry
Health Education England
Encon Insulation Limited
Rema Tip Top Automotive UK Limited
Equity capital markets - low-mid cap Tier 4
Mills & Reeve LLP has a well-established reputation advising listed technology companies and entities operating in the life sciences sector on their admission to the capital markets, as well as their ongoing equity fundraising requirements.; it also attracts mandates from nominated advisers and brokers. A notable highlight saw London corporate head Kristian Shearsby (who joined from Covington & Burling LLP in 2019) and Cambridge-based Stephen Hamilton lead a team, which advised Feedback Plc on a circa £2m placing and subscription raise. Hamilton, who has over 20 years of capital markets experience, is a deputy co-chair of the Quoted Companies Alliance Legal Technical committee.
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Key clients
PayPoint plc
Nippon Active Value Fund plc
Quixant plc
Bango plc
IQGeo Group plc
Midwich Group plc
Scientific Digital Imaging plc
GRC International plc
Xaar plc
Randall & Quilter Investment Holdings Ltd.
The Alumasc Group plc
Diurnal Group PLC
Nexus Infrastructure plc
Eckoh plc
Infrastructure (PFI and PPP) Tier 4
Mills & Reeve LLP is involved in various areas of infrastructure, most notably the student accommodation sector. The practice additionally has a strong defence practice and was appointed to the Crown Commercial Services panel, leading to mandates from the UK Ministry of Defence and Defence Infrastructure Organisation. Raith Pickup heads the practice. Andrew Ray is also a key individual.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘Andrew Ray is exceptionally smart, creative, a pragmatist and a business-closer. A lawyer that pushes the deal forward rather then backwards on legal matters.’
‘The firm gives specific and industry-related knowledge that differentiates from general advice and instils confidence in dealings.’
‘Approachable, easily accessible and responsive.’
Key clients
University of Exeter
Kingston University
Ministry of Defence
Defence Infrastructure Organisation
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Department for Work and Pensions
Center Parcs
Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust
AIG Europe Limited (Surety)
South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust
Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 4
Mills & Reeve LLP's practice is led by the highly experienced Helen Fyles, who operates out of Manchester on mandates across the country. The firm is one of three in the country which has been appointed to handle insolvency and recovery work for the financial recovery unit of the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO); the firm's work for the ICO focuses on enforcement matters.
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Testimonials
‘A good well-established team led by Helen Fyles who is well known in the NW insolvency market. They are fast and responsive and resource the work at the correct level for its complexity.’
Key clients
The Insolvency Service
Official Receiver Services
Information Commissioner’s Office
Begbies Traynor
Cage Consultants Limited
Mazars
Griffins
BV Corporate Restructuring and Insolvency Services LLP
Larking Gowen
Menzies LLP Accountants and Insolvency Practitioners
Intellectual property Tier 4
Mills & Reeve LLP’s IP practice is led by Mark Pearce, who provides strategic advice on licensing strategies, collaboration contracts, trade mark oppositions and alternative dispute resolution cases concerning patent infringement claims. Pearce (who divides his time between Leeds and Cambridge) has a strong focus on the higher education, pharmaceuticals, engineering and agriculture sectors. The practice also includes a trade mark filing service and handles the IP elements of corporate transactions.
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Key clients
Nottingham Trent University
Cambridge University Hospitals Trust
University of West London
Royal Veterinary College
Fox International Group Limited
Premia Solutions Limited
The Institution of Engineering and Technology
Connected Places Catapult
Infarm – Indoor Urban Farming GmbH
University of Nottingham
IT and telecoms Tier 4
At Mills & Reeve LLP, practice head Paul Knight's practice focuses on software licensing and development, data security and GDPR, as well as new technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain. HealthTech and EdTech are key sectors for the group, which is also well-regarded for automation matters.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
British Council
BBC Children in Need
Alan Turing Institute
Information Commissioner’s Office
Odeon Cinemas Group
Cantarus Limited
PHOENIX Group
Turbosteam Limited
Patient Platform Limited
IT and telecoms Tier 4
Mills & Reeve LLP’s commercial, IT and IP practice is highly active in the public sector; practice head Martin Priestley handles unique instructions including advising on the national procurement of radio network infrastructure for government bodies and assisting with IT projects for a substantial list of NHS bodies. The team also recently advised on data-sharing agreements for educational institutions.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘No fuss – built trusted relationship with the programme team quickly.’
Key clients
Maritime & Coastguard Agency
Premia Solutions Limited
University of York
University of Leeds
University of Surrey
Bytemark Limited
WH Ireland Limited
Bango Plc
IT and telecoms Tier 4
Mills & Reeve LLP has experience advising on IT projects for central government, regulators, NDPBs and charities, as well as established and growing technology businesses. The firm also provides expertise in IT matters to the healthcare and education sectors. Technology and life sciences expert Kevin Calder co-leads the practice with Peter Wainman, who specialises in IT and data protection work.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Ordnance Survey
Great Ormond Street Hospital
Financial Conduct Authority
Neopost
Brady plc
Firmstep
Cognizant
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Department of Health and Social Care
UK Research & Innovation
Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 4
Sarah Cormack is at the helm of the team at Mills & Reeve LLP. She is well regarded for her advice to ultra-high-net-worth individuals and for her particular skill in international asset holding structures. Other strengths lie in advising on international family offices, as well as the use of private trust companies, protector and appointee entities. The group is also skilled in advising on family councils and family constitutions. Cambridge-based Chris Belcher is well regarded for his estate work.
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Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Sarah Cormack is always a pleasure to work with. Gillian Kennedy-Smith is a good all-round private client lawyer‘
‘The firm has an in-depth knowledge of a broad range of private client legal issues. It offers the same service as other well-regarded and experienced firms, but at a competitive price‘
‘Gillian Kennedy-Smith is a pleasure to deal with. She has great legal knowledge and experience whilst still providing advice which is easy to understand. She also has an excellent client manner’
‘Very personable and easy to work with. It feels like a team effort‘
Sport Tier 4
Mills & Reeve LLP has built a strong reputation for representing major football clubs and players on high-profile matters, most recently acting for Rangers FC in its dispute with Sports Direct concerning replica football kits. Carol Couse led on that particular case; she primarily focuses on commercial and regulatory matters in football. Fellow practice head Mark Hovell also advises on commercial and regulatory issues, as well as on insolvency and governance. He regularly sits as an arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport and has an 'excellent' reputation in the market.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Excellent on football regulatory work; the team has few peers in this area. They also have a great understanding of what is happening internationally and are at the forefront of developments.
‘Mark Hovell is a font of all knowledge. The depth of his knowledge of previous decisions is unmatched.’
‘Mark Hovell is a very experienced practitioner. His reputation is excellent.’
‘Mark Hovell is a very highly respected CAS arbitrator.’
Key clients
The Rangers Football Club
Daniel Sturridge
Infront Sports & Media
The Court of Arbitration for Sport
Gymshark
British Cycling
Other football clubs – commercial work (including Everton FC, Huddersfield Town and Luton Town)
Cambridge United
SportsTech and Esports
Professional athletes – commercial work (including for Kevin de Bruyne, Steph Houghton (and other Lionesses) and James Milner)
Venture capital Tier 4
Mills & Reeve LLP has expertise on the fund structuring side. Cambridge-based partner Zickie Lim heads up the downstream work on the venture capital front and as part of her broad-ranging roster of work has developed a particularly strong reputation for handling university spin outs. The arrival of principal associate Kristian Shearsby in 2019 from Covington & Burling LLP provides increased visibility in the London market; he heads up the firm's corporate team in the City, which is picking up a significant amount of life sciences-related venture capital work.
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Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team are very knowledgeable about investment and the legal process. They are efficient, always on time and carefully control their time and promised budget. They have excellent communication skills and are able to influence people using their persuasive abilities.’
‘Zickie Lim: outstanding legal expertise, provides creative solutions to any blocks in negotiations. Savvy in handling CEOs and Investors to complete a transaction.’
Key clients
Mercia Asset Management PLC
IQ Capital Partners LLP
Deutsche Bahn Digital Ventures
Cambridge Innovation Capital
Foresight Group LLP
Albion Capital Group LLP
Microsoft Corporation – M12
Haatch Ventures
ADC Biotechnology
Foundries.io
Sphere Fluidics
Smart RTMS
Evonik Venture Capital GmbH
Charities and not-for-profit Tier 5
Mills & Reeve LLP acts for a range of health, sport and religious charities, and also has considerable expertise in advising education and research organisations and livery companies. In addition, the team has vast experience of advising on philanthropy and legacy matters. The national team under the leadership of Neil Burton has advised some of the biggest names in social finance, as well as government departments, and has assisted clients with raising funds through bonds, crowdfunding and innovative investment models.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘The lawyers act like they’re part of our organisation rather than an external adviser. The service is personal and understanding of the situation. They have an excellent appreciation of Charity Commission expectations‘
‘Neil Burton is extremely personable and willing to help no matter what the time or circumstances. He quickly understands issues and provides advice based not just on the specific circumstances but in the context of understanding the organisation as a whole‘
Key clients
Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF)
British Council
Henry Smith Charity
Alan Turing Institute
Nesta
The Institution of Engineering and Technology
Wellcome Sanger
Charity Bank
Science Museum
Francis Crick Institute
Construction Tier 5
Mills & Reeve LLP is active in the healthcare, education and entertainment sectors. Its practice in Manchester is led by Catherine Kay, who has a focus on non-contentious construction. She has experience of acting for public and private sector clients in the healthcare sector, including hospitals and pharmacies.Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘The level of experience, knowledge and speciality in subjects and sectors they have is one of the factors that makes them unique. Effective teamwork, a high level of commitment, a focus on the tasks and an understanding of client briefs.’
‘Catherine Kay is a highly skilled individual, dedicated and focused on the task and the project as a whole.’
Key clients
Adhara Property Holdings Limited
Contact theatre (Manchester Young Person’s theatre)
L Rowlands (Retail) Limited
Halle Concerts Society
Royal Northern College of Music
Fintech Tier 5
Mills & Reeve LLP acts for fintech clients, including payment companies and wealth management platforms, in relation to corporate and commercial arrangements. Kevin Calder has experience advising clients on commercial matters and IT law; Stephen Hamilton specialises in equity capital markets and corporate finance; and Peter Wainman advises clients on IT and data protection issues.
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Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They work seamlessly in the background and always seem well-informed.’
‘The team provides practical, solid advice coupled with transparency.’
Key clients
Paypoint plc
Bango plc
Premia Solutions Limited
Brady plc
Receipt Bank
Financial Conduct Authority
Bluestone
Validus IVC
Eckoh plc
Randall & Quilter Investment Holdings
IQ Capital
Insurance and reinsurance litigation Tier 5
Under the leadership of insurance sector head Neil Davis, property risk specialist Michael Mitchell and Adrian Luto (who heads up the team advising surety clients), Mills & Reeve LLP acts for insurers in professional indemnity, D&O, warranty and indemnity, and construction claims. Andrew Tobin joined from Cozen O'Connor in mid-2019; he focuses on marine, political risk and trade credit insurance mandates.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
”The group stands out for its approachability and level of knowledge.’
‘Michael Mitchell is a senior partner but is always available and has the knack of making complex legal matter easy to understand for his clients.’
Key clients
Riverstone
Canopius Managing Agents Limited
HCC International Insurance Company Plc, Chubb European Group SE, Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe SE
American International Group Limited
HCC International Insurance Company Plc, Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe SE
Administrative and public law Tier 6
Healthcare and higher education bodies enlist Mills & Reeve LLP's public law department for contentious and non-contentious support. Birmingham-based Richard Sykes provides assistance with policy and regulatory decision making, and defends clients in judicial review litigation.Testimonials
‘Richard Sykes is excellent – in-depth sector and legal knowledge, pragmatic and responsive.
‘Richard Sykes is extremely engaging and very responsive. He is passionate about his work and it is clear that he does all he can to ensure that his clients’ needs are met at every stage of the process. He provides realistic and detailed advice, and ensures that his clients are aware of the potential positive and negative outcomes of the cases he handles. ‘
Immigration
Mills & Reeve LLP has significant expertise in issues relating to Brexit and EU nationals, including settled status and British citizenship applications. The practice provides advice on a broad range of compliance issues and visa applications. Alex Russell heads the team and is known for his work for universities.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
King’s College London
Olympus
Royal Veterinary College
Baxter Healthcare
Wilmington Plc
Royal Society of Chemistry
Mills & Reeve LLP > Firm Profile
Mills & Reeve is a top UK law firm with offices in six key UK cities; London, Birmingham, Cambridge, Leeds, Manchester and Norwich. The firm’s experience speaks volumes but it’s an ambitious, collaborative culture that drives the business.
The firm: Mills & Reeve’s staff thrive on developing great relationships and love helping clients find solutions to their legal challenges with a combination of smart advice, outstanding service and a passion for hard work. A talented workforce and proactive approach is complemented by a commitment to always offering value for money.
The firm’s lawyers work with household names in the UK and internationally. They count companies like Barclays, the University of Cambridge and AIG among their clients – as well as a unique mix of high-net-worth individuals, multinational corporations, start-ups and public sector organisations.
Clients have access to a worldwide network of trusted partners for international advice. Lawyers are used to working on and managing projects spanning international boundaries.
Types of work undertaken: The firm is proud to have created an innovative legal environment, with expertise spanning ten key sectors: health, private wealth, education, insurance, charities, agriculture, real estate investment, food and beverage, sport and technology.
Health and care: Mills & Reeve acts for more than 100 NHS providers and commissioners, as well as some of the biggest independent health providers in the UK. Its lawyers are recognised experts in health law and work with major organisations such as the Department of Health.
Private wealth: Mills & Reeve works closely with clients to offer smart advice for complex trusts and tax issues. Its family lawyers offer mediation, collaborative law and arbitration, or if court is unavoidable, complex litigation.
Education: Mills & Reeve is a nationwide leader in education law. Its team of 140 education specialists helps over 120 organisations with a broad range of legal challenges, covering issues like international collaborations, campus developments and regulatory issues.
Insurance: Mills & Reeve works with some of the UK’s leading insurance companies, offering a broad experience base to tackle a wide range of legal challenges – including market disputes and reinsurance claims, and issues relating to counter-fraud and employment.
Charities: Mills & Reeve’s 140-strong team of specialists include some of the UK’s most renowned authorities on charity law. Clients include Macmillan Cancer Support, the Wellcome Trust and the British Council.
Food and agribusiness: from farm to fork, those involved in the food and agribusiness sector face a range of challenges. Mills & Reeve understands the issues involved with experience of advising businesses from farmers and landed estates to major food processors and retailers.
Real estate investment: Mills & Reeve has extensive experience in handling issues ranging from significant transactions to day-to-day asset management. Its team of more than 100 lawyers has helped clients like Trinity College Cambridge and Lend Lease.
Sport: Mills & Reeve’s lawyers have more than 50 years of experience in advising clients across a wide variety of sports. The team is headed up by Mark Hovell, who is a well-respected industry spokesman and is one of a select few arbitrators appointed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Technology: Mills & Reeve’s technology and life sciences team has a strong reputation for providing clear and proactive advice. They regularly offer guidance on issues like information technology and intellectual property.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managing partner | Claire Clarke | ||
| Senior partner | Justin Ripman | ||
| Food and agribusiness | Michael Aubrey | ||
| Charities | Neil Burton | ||
| Corporate | Kevin Lowe | ||
| Commercial | Greg Gibson | ||
| Disputes | Jamie Wheatley | ||
| Education | Gary Attle | ||
| Employment | David Mills | ||
| Family | Nick Stone | ||
| Food and agribusiness | Craig Hodgson | ||
| Health and care | Jill Mason | ||
| Insurance disputes | Stephen King | ||
| Insurance | Neil Davis | ||
| Private tax | Chris Belcher | ||
| Private wealth | Andrew Playle | ||
| Projects and construction | Raith Pickup | ||
| Real estate investment | Charles Staveley | ||
| Real estate | Beverley Firth | ||
| Sport | Mark Hovell | ||
| Technology | Kevin Calder |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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Nick Abbott | Nick has specialised in employment law since qualifying as a solicitor and… | View Profile |
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Steve Allen | Steve heads the Birmingham office of Mills & Reeve LLP. He has… | View Profile |
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Dawn Brathwaite | Dawn advises on commissioning policies and decisions relating to drugs and treatments… | View Profile |
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Martin Brewer | Martin has recently advised on complex TUPE transfers and collective redundancies in… | View Profile |
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Christian Bull | The Birmingham office’s lead real estate-education lawyer helping with the property needs… | View Profile |
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David Faulkner | Principal Associate working with employers of all sizes in a variety of… | View Profile |
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Catherine Fawlk | Commercial lawyer advising principally on complex clinical commissioning projects within the NHS,… | View Profile |
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Neil Frankland | Neil has a wide experience of acting for insurers, both in the… | View Profile |
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Martino Giaquinto | Martino has a wealth of experience in litigation, arbitration, adjudication, mediation, early… | View Profile |
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David Gooding | David’s national practice is principally focused on defending lawyers, financial professionals and… | View Profile |
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John Grundy | Personal tax and estate planning including wills, trusts, family investment companies, powers… | View Profile |
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Lesley-Ann Hamlyn | Lesley-Ann is a member of Mills & Reeve’s insurance disputes team and… | View Profile |
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Matthew Hansell | Head of private client group at Mills & Reeve, specialising in undertaking… | View Profile |
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Guy Hinchley | Partner. | View Profile |
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Jog Hundle | Has over 20 years’ experience in employment law and leads the firm’s… | View Profile |
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Alan Jacobs | Specialist in the insurance disputes team. He has handled employers’ liability, public… | View Profile |
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Kevin Lowe | Kevin leads the corporate tax team at Mills & Reeve and advises… | View Profile |
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Jill Mason | Head of healthcare and mental health law. Wide range of experience in… | View Profile |
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Peter McLintock | Corporate finance partner in Birmingham office of national firm Mills & Reeve.… | View Profile |
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Stuart Pemble | Stuart leads the Birmingham construction team, helping clients with the drafting and… | View Profile |
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Richard Santy | Richard is a partner in the employment team based in Birmingham. Whilst… | View Profile |
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Marc Saunderson | Currently head of the family law team in Birmingham. Marc deals in… | View Profile |
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Julian Smith | Julian is a corporate partner who concentrates on general corporate work, including… | View Profile |
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Richard Sykes | Richard is a barrister who has specialised in education law since 2001.… | View Profile |
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Robbie Turner | Principal associate in a team of lawyers who help clients with the… | View Profile |
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Angus Turner | Angus has been a partner since 2000, having qualified with Mills &… | View Profile |
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David Varnham | Banking lawyer specialising in international and UK syndicated and bilateral lending, acquisition… | View Profile |
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Jill Weston | Principal Associate advising commissioners and providers on a range of health-related matters… | View Profile |
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Michael Whatley | Partner specialising in development work. Recent notable cases include acting for Millngate… | View Profile |
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Tim Winn | Head of corporate and public law at Mills & Reeve in Birmingham.… | View Profile |
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Sarah Wood | Principal Associate, advising clients on a range of private clients, from entrepreneurs… | View Profile |
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Anna Youngs | Anna is a Principal Associate specialising in Employment Law. She advises Employers… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 131 Number of other UK fee-earners : 500Student (The Lex 100 )
The Lex 100 Verdict
An 'excellent regional firm with an international reach', Mills & Reeve offers training contracts in Cambridge, Birmingham, Manchester and Norwich. Many were drawn to the firm's 'sector strengths in education, tech, not-for-profit and government', as well as to the 'wide range of seats, including family law'. Others were 'most impressed with the quality and organisation of the vacation scheme', for which Mills & Reeve has earned a Lex 100 Winner award. Two further gongs have been awarded for job satisfaction and social life. Trainees are 'not used as cheap labour' and are 'actually allowed to go home and have a life', something which they do not take for granted. The workload can vary, though, and conflicting worst moments included 'lulls when not given enough work' and 'late evenings when I have stayed to complete urgent work'. Responsibility and supervision go hand in hand at Mills & Reeve – 'it isn't an either/or here!' and senior team members 'are not afraid to let you loose on a first draft'. There was no avoiding complaints about the salary which some recruits feel is a little low in comparison with certain other firms. This was raised in relation to Cambridge in particular, where the cost of living is perceived to be higher than in other regions outside of London. Others feel that the remuneration doesn't 'match up to the quality of work/intellectual demand'. At least the work is exciting: 'a week in the Royal Courts of Justice' and 'attending the Court of Appeal' stood out as clear highlights, as did 'being invited to various dinners with partners and being able to socialise with key clients at these events'. For a firm where trainees are 'treated like a valuable member of the team from day one', consider Mills & Reeve.Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Charities and not-for-profit
- Family: Birmingham
- IT and telecoms
- Health
- Personal tax, trusts and probate
- Professional negligence
- Sport
- Agriculture and estates
- Banking and finance
- Charities and not-for-profit
- Commercial litigation: Cambridge
- Commercial litigation: Norwich
- Commercial property: Cambridge
- Commercial property: Norwich
- Construction
- Contentious trusts and probate
- Contentious trusts and probate
- Corporate and commercial: Cambridge
- Corporate and commercial: Norwich
- Corporate tax
- Education: institutions
- Employment
- Family
- Family
- Family: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire
- Corporate and commercial: elsewhere in East Anglia
- Education: individuals
- Healthcare
- Immigration
- Insolvency and corporate recovery
- Intellectual property
- IT and telecoms
- Licensing
- Pensions
- Personal tax, trusts and probate
- Personal tax, trusts and probate: Cambridge
- Personal tax, trusts and probate: Norwich
- Planning and environment
- Professional negligence
- Professional negligence
- Professional negligence: defendant
- Property litigation
- Public sector
- Sport
Firm Rankings
- Commercial litigation: Birmingham
- Construction
- Corporate and commercial: Birmingham
- Corporate tax
- Education
- Employment
- Banking and finance
- Contentious trusts and probate
- Intellectual property
- Pensions
- Commercial property: Birmingham
- Property litigation
- Agriculture and estates
- Agriculture and estates
- Biotechnology
- Charities and not-for-profit
- Charities and not-for-profit
- Debt recovery
- Education
- Family: mediation
- Health
- Health and safety
- Media and entertainment
- Personal injury and clinical negligence: defendant
- Personal tax, trusts and probate
- Commercial property: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire
- Commercial property: Manchester
- Corporate and commercial: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire
- Corporate and commercial: Manchester
- Court of protection
- Education
- Employment
- Family
- Planning and environment
- Professional negligence
- Asset based lending
- Commercial litigation: Manchester
- Commercial property: development
- Commercial property: investment
- Contentious trusts and probate
- Education: schools
- Employment: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire
- Equity capital markets - low-mid cap
- Infrastructure (PFI and PPP)
- Insolvency and corporate recovery
- Intellectual property
- IT and telecoms
- IT and telecoms
- IT and telecoms
- Personal tax, trusts and probate
- Sport
- Venture capital
- Charities and not-for-profit
- Construction
- Fintech
- Insurance and reinsurance litigation
- Administrative and public law
- Immigration