Wedlake Bell > London, England > Firm Profile

Wedlake Bell
BEDFORD HOUSE
21A JOHN STREET
LONDON
WC1N 2BF
England

Dispute resolution > Debt recovery Tier 1

Wedlake Bell is renowned for its work in the utilities and finance sectors, acting for debt buyers and lenders as well as insurers, landlords, government departments and local government. Frances Coulson has over 30 years’ experience in contentious insolvency, covering all forms of debt, with particular expertise in cases involving fraud and injunctive relief. Coulson co-heads the sizeable practice with Charles Robinson, a leading figure in the utilities debt arena, where he developed a specialisation in countering fraud including phoenixism, ‘creditor avoidance’ and commodity theft. Graham McPhie acts in disrepair claims and other legal services for social housing.

Practice head(s):

Frances Coulson; Charles Robinson

Other key lawyers:

Graham McPhie

Testimonials

‘Industry knowledge is second to none.’

‘Exceptional understanding of the industry I work in.’

‘The team are incredibly knowledgable with regard to our industry and provide really thorough advice when needed. Their pleadings and general drafting is of the highest standard.’

Key clients

British Gas Trading Ltd

E.ON UK plc

Npower Commercial Gas

Orsted Energy Sales UK Limited

Corona Energy

Smartestenergy

Work highlights

  • Advised British Gas in respect of a variety of unpaid electricity charges.
  • Prosecuted petition for costs for BGC Partners LLP against debtor who deployed debt breathing space and foreshadowed further breathing space relief.
  • Advised E.ON Energy in respect of a variety of unpaid electricity charges.

Corporate and commercial > M&A: Smaller Deals, £10m-£100m Tier 2

Variously praised as ‘efficient, collaborative’ and ‘pragmatic’, the corporate team at Wedlake Bell LLP for its capabilities across the gamut of corporate transactions, particularly in the technology, financial services, insurance and leisure sectors. The team has most recently been bolstered by the arrival of Mark Tasker and Stephen Callender in May 2022; Tasker draws on over 30 years of experience advising clients on on corporate transactional work, while Callender is noted for his focus on M&A and UK capital markets matters. The wider practice is led by Adam Lynch, who regularly handles corporate finance and M&A transactions - both domestic and cross-border. Nigel Taylor is recommended for his expertise in advising on downstream private equity and private equity-backed transactions. Janice Wall retired from the firm in February 2023.

Practice head(s):

Adam Lynch

Other key lawyers:

Edward Craft; Nigel Taylor; Julian Matthews; Mark Tasker; Stephen Callender; Kamalprit Lally

Testimonials

‘Nigel Taylor makes a partner-led offering work well and is supported by excellent associates and related disciplines available to assist. Nigel has a unique experience and insight in to our sector and extensive transaction experience with us. He is able to take a pro-active stance throughout with his knowledge of our appetite for risk etc.’

‘Friendly, efficient, collaborative, pragmatic and solutions based approach to transactions which works well for us as we build our brand as a major acquirer in our sector.’

‘Real industry experience and knowledge at partner level and thorough understanding of issues and our position from associates.’

‘Personalised service that makes a difference and old fashioned partner-led communication. As a CEO, it’s the perfect level of support.’

‘My partner is exceptional is offering options and alternative solutions, but also pragmatic depending on the matter.’

‘Wedlake Bell team was great at solving complex problems and distilling them to simplified achievable solutions. Their approach is very professional and strongly focused on what is best for the client.’

‘Stephen Callender is one of, if not the best solicitor I know. His calm and composed manner always helps find the best solution to any complex problem. He has my interest at heart every single time and always focuses on doing the right thing.’

Key clients

Athora UK RE Log Holdco 1 Limited

Global Risk Partners Limited

The shareholders of Activate Solutions Group Limited

Miha Holdings B.V (trading as Re-Vision)

Belimed AG

The shareholders of Zeigo Ltd

Org Holdings Limited

Schneider & Cie. AG Internationale Transporte

The shareholders of the Banana Tree Restaurant Group

The shareholders of Ufford Park Limited

The shareholders of Surefoot Solutions Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Athora UK RE Log Holdco 1 Limited in relation to the sale of the entire issued share capital of Athora UK Re Log Property 21 Limited and Athora UK Re Log Property 12 Limited.
  • Advised Global Risk Partners, one of the leading independent insurance intermediaries in the UK and an operating unit of Brown & Brown, Inc.’s Retail Segment, on its acquisition of CC Flint and Company Ltd (Flint Insurance).
  • Advised the shareholders of Activate Solutions Group Limited (Activate), the parent company to a group of specialist field sales solutions businesses including Field Sales Solutions (FSS), on the sale of the entire issued share capital of Activate to private equity backed and France-based Impact Field Marketing Group (IFMG).

Private client > Art and cultural property Tier 2

The art and luxury market is a growth area for Wedlake Bell LLP, which recently recruited its two new department heads Tim Maxwell and Rudy Capildeo from Charles Russell Speechlys LLP. These highly regarded partners advise artists, private collectors as well as international art galleries on a whole host of issues relating to artists’ rights and high-value title disputes. The group also represents clients in the recovery of artworks that were lost or misappropriated during the Nazi era, and is well equipped to advise on the purchase, sale and financing of art and luxury assets. Senior associate Petra Warrington is another seasoned practitioner.

Practice head(s):

Rudy Capildeo; Tim Maxwell

Other key lawyers:

Petra Warrington; Tamara Wakeford

Testimonials

‘Following its recruitments, Wedlake Bell has one of the top art and cultural property practices in London. They are excellent from top to bottom, have a genuine understanding of the market and seem to know everyone who matters in the art and cultural sector’.

‘Tim Maxwell has an excellent strategic mind, and is unfazed by whatever is thrown up in the course of colourful litigation. Rudy Capildeo has a way with clients, and opponents, which enables dispute solutions to be magicked out of thin air. His knowledge of the art market is unparalleled’.

‘Petra Warrington is a reassuring and calming presence in even the most eventful disputes. She is clearly a partner of the future, and a pleasure to work with. Tamara Bell is impressive beyond her relatively junior years, and one to watch for the future.’

Key clients

Design & Artists’ Copyright Society

The Artist Collecting Society

Work highlights

  • Represented not-for-profit entities, the Design & Artists Copyright Society (DACS) & the Artists’ Collecting Society (ACS), the two collecting societies responsible for collecting resale royalties on behalf of artists and artists’ estates. DACS and ACS filed a claim seeking the disclosure of information relating to sales of artworks which qualify for resale right royalties.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 2

Wedlake Bell LLP fields a ‘strong team’, which covers the full range of issues facing UHNW and HNW individuals in the UK and overseas. Its UK and internationally focused team provides excellent advice to families and private business owners. The group is well placed to advise on numerous complex, cross-jurisdictional matters involving tax and tax regularisation, corporate and contentious issues as well as complicated trust structures. Other areas of expertise include providing tax planning advice for UK and international private collectors, charities and landed estates. In addition, it frequently acts for artists and galleries with heritage assets and other collectibles. Camilla Wallace, Jenny Cutts and Matthew Braithwaite are the practice heads. Andrew O’Keeffe excels in a broad range of contentious matters.

Practice head(s):

Camilla Wallace; Jenny Cutts; Matthew Braithwaite

Other key lawyers:

Andrew O’Keeffe; Antoaneta Proctor; Victoria Mahon de Palacios; Kate Johnson

Testimonials

‘In short, the team provide a comprehensive tax advisory service in the context of private clients. There is strength in depth and ready access to senior lawyers/partners’.

‘Matt Braithwaite is technically sound and highly responsive’.

‘Antoaneta Proctor has a lot of experience with international clients’.

‘Victoria Mahon De Palacios and the team were very precise in their explanation and very prompt in acting upon our request. Even though the service was offered on pro bono basis at the generosity of the firm, we felt like VIP clients all the way through’.

‘The private client team has depth and breadth to handle comprehensively the needs of individuals, families and their businesses’.

‘Kate Johnson is extraordinary. Her insight brings order to chaos, promptly recognising the practical impact of complex rules. She inspires confidence’.

‘Camilla Wallace is impressive. She communicates marvellously, with humour and compassion, grounded in abundant practical experience and technical acumen‘.

‘Camilla Wallace and Math Braithwaite – they are combined a real force of nature, they are a great team. Matthew is very thoughtful and very clever’.

Work highlights

  • Advised (on a pro bono basis) and put in place the structure to set up the charity, Svitlo Education. The aim of the charity is to provide online education and English language classes to children who have been affected by the conflict in Ukraine.

Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 2

Advising a plethora of corporate occupiers in the life science, retail and technology sectors, Wedlake Bell LLP caters to the full spectrum of residential development matters. The team is also well-equipped to support logistics and industrial property funders, as well as owners, at all stages of the property asset life cycle. Head of the team David De Maupeou is proficient in the central London office sphere and often acts on mixed-use development schemes, while Kathryn West is particularly active in the logistics sector. Leah Freeman is adept in institutional investments, in addition to mixed-use developments and Suzanne Gill assists high-net-worth individuals on the disposal and investment of commercial and residential properties. Sarah Blunn is acts for charities, corporates, professional services firms and retail occupiers on property strategies.

Practice head(s):

David de Maupeou

Other key lawyers:

Kathryn West; Leah Freeman; Suzanne Gill; Sarah Blunn; Justin Lewis Vivas; Ben Dunbar; Claire Nelson

Testimonials

‘Wedlake Bell provides a very thoughtful, pragmatic and down to earth service. A sensible and collaborative style is shown for clients and third parties which tends to make the process more efficient and enjoyable.’

‘A strong level of knowledge and experience.’

‘Suzanne Gill is excellent to work with. Very proactive and thorough – we know we’re in safe hands.’

Key clients

J. A. Kemp

Oxford Science Enterprises plc

Busaba Eathai

Hugo Boss

Illumina

AlixPartners

Crowe

J. Choo Limited

Ivy Farm Technologies Limited

Refuge

Quadrature Capital

Work highlights

  • Advised Ivy Farm Technologies on their agreement for lease of 4050 Oxford Business Park.
  • Advising AlixPartners on its HQ office deal opposite Land Securities.
  • Advised Ascend Gene and Cell Therapies Ltd on a pre-let Lease of existing and future labs for life science/pharma client at Clare Hall Potters Bar.

Real estate > Residential property Tier 2

The excellent team at Wedlake Bell LLP had another busy year covering a broad range of matters across the prime and super-prime residential market. Tom Allfree heads the practice, which has celebrity and U/HNW clients. The group can draw on the expertise of its colleagues to assist with complex tax and structuring matters, as well as construction and planning issues. It also garners praise for its strength in property litigation, and is regularly instructed to advise on high-value lease extensions, in addition to individual and collective enfranchisement matters. Nick Stone continues to attract work from very wealthy clients on a whole host of residential conveyancing purchases and sales. Jonathan Achampong is another notable member of the department.

Practice head(s):

Tom Allfree

Other key lawyers:

Nick Stone; Jonathan Achampong; Anna Lewis; Charley Lowe

Testimonials

‘Nick Stone’s work ethic is second to none, and he has instilled this in his team. He is very quick to respond. Nick is pragmatic, commercial, calm and works hard to ensure a swift and successful conclusion for my client’.

‘Jonathan Achampong did very well on a complicated residential acquisition for some overseas clients. He was brilliant’.

‘Exceptional care and attention to detail. Tom Alfree-very commercial and sensible lawyer. Top guy’.

‘A very highly skilled team with leading market knowledge and expertise. The strength in depth of their team is unparalleled in the industry.’

‘Nick Stone, Tom Allfree, Anna Lewis, Jonathan Achampong and Charley Lowe – All fantastic individually’.

‘Their efficiency and accuracy make them an absolute pleasure to deal with. Tom Allfree is an exceptionally good lawyer, he is an absolute pleasure to deal with, always makes time for a call and strikes the balance perfectly between pragmatism and caution with challenging transactions’.

‘Large range of services offered. Charley Lowe – professional, experienced and knowledgeable in her field. Always happy to assist’.

‘The attentiveness to details, the constant communication and the warmth and friendliness at the end of the phone – Jonathan Achampong’.

Corporate and commercial > VAT and indirect tax Tier 3

Wedlake Bell LLP‘s client roster includes international corporates and major UK universities, and the tax team assists them with contentious and advisory tax matters, especially in the real estate sector. Michael Ridsdale chairs the practice and advises clients on the VAT and indirect tax aspects on a range of transactions, as well as representing taxpayers in disputes against HMRC.

Practice head(s):

Michael Ridsdale

Other key lawyers:

Martin Scammell

Testimonials

‘Michael Ridsdale takes pride in ensuring he knows his client and acts in their best interest. He is approachable, works in strict confidence, is professional, and totally trustworthy.’

‘As national chairman of the VAT Practitioners Group, Michael Ridsdale he is a well-known, well-liked, and well-respected industry figure. He has fantastic technical expertise coupled with impressive attention to detail. He inspires confidence in those working with him.’

Key clients

Dephna

Interpublic

Work highlights

  • Advising a major university on the construction and development of a new campus in the London area.

Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 3

The private client disputes team at Wedlake Bell LLP, advises on the full range of contentious issues facing HNW individuals in the UK and abroad. Under the leadership of Caroline Miller (who has a ‘very good reputation in the market’). It has handled matters over the past year with a collective value of over £506.8m. Clients include wealthy individuals, families, executors, trustees and beneficiaries. Andrew O’Keeffe has particular expertise in disputes concerning the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. Oliver Embley and Ann Stanyer are both recommended.

Practice head(s):

Caroline Miller

Other key lawyers:

Andrew O’Keeffe; Oliver Embley; Ann Stanyer; Katie Turney

Testimonials

‘Wedlake Bell are leaders in their field and provide their client with a personal and empathetic service.’

‘Caroline Miller is excellent and thoroughly knowledgeable. Her client care skills and technical knowledge are stand out.’

‘Caroline Miller has rightfully been promoted to head the contentious team, which has an interesting mix of old-money and new-money matters and good connections with the Channel Islands. Katie Turney is a superstar of the future. A calm and self-assured presence.’

‘The team is very good. They are up there in the market’.

‘Andrew O’Keefe is an excellent litigator with a very good private client knowledge also, which makes him an excellent trusts and estate litigator. Andrew is technically very strong and leads his team from the front. Pragmatic and good to work on a matter with.’

Private client > Family Tier 3

Mathew Brunsdon-Tully ‘leads the family team with aplomb’ at Wedlake Bell LLP, where Charmaine Hast is now a consultant. The team is well-regarded for its work on complex international prenuptial agreements involving significant assets, and for its advice on multifaceted local and foreign trusts. Many of Brunsdon-Tully’s matters are for ultra and high-net-worth clients. In addition, he is qualified as a mediator with CEDR.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Brunsdon-Tully

Other key lawyers:

Charmaine Hast; Natasha Kurth; Jennifer Ball; Sarah Infante

Testimonials

‘Very professional yet personal in their dealings. Speak their minds in a nice way. Charmaine Hast has lots of experience, and Natasha Kurth is extremely able and efficient.’

‘Great legal knowledge and dedication to client’s needs and outcomes. Charmaine Hast is a leader in her field and a great tactician, and Natasha Kurt is also excellent and clients love her.’

‘The team is adept at both complex financial remedies work and children’s disputes, including cutting-edge cross-border work. It can also draw on the expertise of colleagues from other areas of the firm such as private client snd property, making it well-placed to provide a full service to its clients.’

‘Matthew Brunsdon-Tully is clever, creative, empathetic and has a big brain for both numbers and black letter law. I have no hesitation in recommending him and as a young partner and head of department; he is very much paving the way for the next generation of lawyers.’

‘Really good family law specialist firm that are definitely on a real upward trajectory.’

‘Charmaine Hast remains highly regarded, even after passing the reigns over to Matthew Brunsdon-Tully. The team have been further strengthened by the hires of Jennifer Ball and Sarah Infante.’

‘Matthew Brunsdon-Tully is an outstandingly bright, hard working and energetic solicitor. He has excellent forensic judgement combined with a sensitivity towards the human emotions engaged in family cases.’

‘Matthew Brunsdon-Tully is an excellent lawyer, interested in new ideas and with great intellectual vigour. He has a good understanding of human nature and maintains positive relationships with clients and with his opponents.’

Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 3

Advising a plethora of corporate occupiers in the life science, retail and technology sectors, Wedlake Bell LLP caters to the full spectrum of residential development matters. The team is also well-equipped to support logistics and industrial property funders, as well as owners, at all stages of the property asset life cycle. Head of the team David De Maupeou is proficient in the central London office sphere and often acts on mixed-use development schemes, while Kathryn West is particularly active in the logistics sector. Leah Freeman is adept in institutional investments, in addition to mixed-use developments and Suzanne Gill assists high-net-worth individuals on the disposal and investment of commercial and residential properties. Sarah Blunn is acts for charities, corporates, professional services firms and retail occupiers on property strategies.

Practice head(s):

David de Maupeou

Other key lawyers:

Kathryn West; Leah Freeman; Suzanne Gill; Sarah Blunn; Justin Lewis Vivas; Ben Dunbar; Claire Nelson; David Roberts

Testimonials

‘Strong real estate offering.’

‘Claire Nelson is easy to deal with and accessible. She is pragmatic and will come up with solutions to get the deal done.’

Key clients

Urban Logistics REIT Plc

LondonMetric Property PLC

Oxenwood Real Estate and a number of its joint ventures

Jersey Co

London City Mission

Summix Capital

Eleventy World UK Limited

Satila Studios

Work highlights

  • Acted for an Oxenwood and Mulberry Developments joint venture vehicle on the successful sale of Unit A Power Park 38 to Pro-Direct Group by way of the grant of a 999-year lease.
  • Acted for Eleventy World UK Limited on their acquisition of a retail boutique at the Berkeley Hotel, London.
  • Acting for Hugo Boss in connection with their acquisition of various McArthur Glen units for their Hugo stores.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 3

Wedlake Bell LLP works for a broad-range of landlords, occupiers, developers and receivers on all manner of real estate litigation, particularly within the retail, development and religious sectors. Areas of expertise for the firm include dilapidations, forfeiture and possession claims, service charge disputes and overage payments. Department head and ‘exceptional property litigator’ Adam Colenso specialises in landlord and tenant litigation, as well as disputes concerning land development. Jonathan Hibberts is experienced in dealing with lease renewals, disrepair and termination disputes for both landlords and tenants.

Practice head(s):

Adam Colenso

Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Hibberts; Rachel Fitzgerald

Testimonials

‘Consistently offer excellent, clear, commercial advice with strength and depth in the team.’

‘Adam Colenso is personable and understands the issues.’

‘Adam Colenso is an exceptional property litigator. He is immensely knowledgeable about the law; he is a pleasure to work with; and he runs cases with great proficiency and intelligence.’

‘An experienced team with a good base of knowledge across the whole range of property litigation from residential to commercial disputes.’

‘Jonathan Hibberts gets stuck into the detail and provides an extremely effective service, balancing the legal position perfectly against the clients’ commercial objectives. He is particularly effective in disputes over developments and complex land agreements.’

‘Adam Colenso and Rachel Fitzgerald provide top-quality advice and representation in the most complex property disputes. They are approachable, easy to deal with and go the extra mile for their clients. They are a pleasure to work with – always on the look out for the best solution for clients in both disputes and mediations.’

Key clients

Fuller Smith & Turner PLC

Care UK

Robert Dyas

Manpower

CALA Homes

Hugo Boss

Devonshire Metro Limited

Summix

London City Mission

London Diocesan Fund

Welby Group

Work highlights

  • Advising Dragon Investment Management Limited on a dispute against the developer and NHBC over the contracts for the construction and purchase of a large block of flats in London which is subject to a significant number of defects.
  • Advising our client on a dispute over the lease obligations in respect of two leases of one of the largest UK professional services firm’s headquarter buildings – which has an annual rent of over £10m per annum.
  • Advising a property developer company in relation to the development of a large site in the Holborn area which currently has four telecom operators with lease and code rights on the roof. in relation to the termination of the leases and the code rights.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 4

Wedlake Bell LLP is home to a number of distinct specialisms, directing particular emphasis towards matters pertaining to contentious and personal insolvency, restructuring, utilities and finance. The team is headed by Frances Coulson , an expert in pre-emptively identifying and countering fraudulent activities.

Practice head(s):

Frances Coulson

Other key lawyers:

James Latham; Richard Saunders; Edward Saunders

Testimonials

‘Responsive and good collaboration with clients, fitting well into team working.’

‘Richard Saunders and the team are great technically and are able to explain complex issues in terms that can be understood.’

Key clients

RSM UK LLP

PKF

Grant Thornton UK LLP

Haslers

Interpath

Mazars LLP

Begbies Traynor PLC (numerous offices)

Azets Limited

Opus Restructuring

Resolve

Work highlights

  • Advising and representing Paul Cooper and Paul Appleton (Trustees in Bankruptcy of Edward Wojakovski and also Receivers) in numerous ongoing applications in a case involving extraction of c£15 million company assets by the bankrupt.
  • Representing a security trustee in a significant investment scheme where the investment companies have entered administration. The team is representing the security trustee in recovering funds and dealing with investigations into waterfall.
  • Advising on preparation of £15 million claim against former directors of a Company for diversion of Company funds to connected third parties as part of a fraud against HMRC.

Employment > Senior executives Tier 4

Wedlake Bell LLP specialises in advising the full range of relevant clients, from executive and non-executive board officers to chief operational officers. William Granger spearheads the practice and advises across a range of sectors including hospitality, professional services and sport; he regularly acts in cross-jurisdictional shareholder disputes, as well as handling contentious and non-contentious departures and arrivals. Adam Grant is another key team member, and is well versed in global restructuring matters, whistleblowing cases, and discrimination claims. Stephen Ravenscroft joined from Memery Crystal in October 2023.

Practice head(s):

William Granger

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Empathy and care, quality of advice given and of the support offered. Fast turnaround. Personable team.’

Real estate > Commercial property: development Tier 4

Advising a plethora of corporate occupiers in the life science, retail and technology sectors, Wedlake Bell LLP caters to the full spectrum of residential development matters. The team is also well-equipped to support logistics and industrial property funders, as well as owners, at all stages of the property asset life cycle. Head of the team David De Maupeou is proficient in the central London office sphere and often acts on mixed-use development schemes, while Kathryn West is particularly active in the logistics sector. Leah Freeman is adept in institutional investments, in addition to mixed-use developments and Suzanne Gill assists high-net-worth individuals on the disposal and investment of commercial and residential properties. Sarah Blunn is acts for charities, corporates, professional services firms and retail occupiers on property strategies.

Practice head(s):

David de Maupeou

Other key lawyers:

Kathryn West; Leah Freeman; Suzanne Gill; Sarah Blunn; Justin Lewis Vivas; Ben Dunbar; Claire Nelson

Testimonials

‘An excellent team, which is technically sound. They provide accurate advice.’

‘Suzanne Gill is client friendly, commercial and sensible.’

‘Wedlake Bell LLP holds the perfect balance of size and service in commercial property, blending responsiveness with legal expertise, due diligence, negotiation skills and attention to detail.’

‘David Johnston’s service and manner are exemplary. He remains courteous throughout but steely and determined at pivotal moments. He has premiership knowledge in real estate and knows when to reinforce other matters with specialist expertise from WB’s excellent team.’

Key clients

CALA

Care UK

Carpenters’ Company

Fullers

Global Holdings Group

GSE Group

Hugo Boss

Illumina

Ivy Farm Technologies

Jaynic

LondonMetric

Native Land

Oxenwood

Sir Richard Sutton Estate

Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance

Tungsten Properties

Zeno Capital

Work highlights

  • Advising the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance on extending their facilities by entering into two development agreements with two house builders.
  • Advised on the purchase of a waste processing site in Cricklewood for the residential redevelopment of over 250 homes.
  • Acted on the disposal of a build to rent scheme and associated build contracts for the delivery of 107 build to rent dwellings.

Real estate > Construction: non-contentious Tier 4

Wedlake Bell LLP operates across several sectors, including residential development, logistics and industrial, pharmaceutical, and healthcare. Sarah Elliott, who leads the department, has a record of advising on various residential developments, particularly in the build-to-rent sector, catering to ultra-high-net-worth clients from different jurisdictions. The practice also benefits from the expertise of Suzanne Reeves and Brad Fearn, who bring specialised knowledge to healthcare and industrial sector development projects, respectively.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Elliott

Other key lawyers:

Suzanne Reeves; Brad Fearn

Testimonials

‘Personal service, access to senior partner when necessary, quality advice on contracts and events requiring legal advice. Staff are all well-trained and go out of their way to assist in seeking specialist advice from others as required. A great team providing exceptional service.’

‘Sarah Elliott responds to queries quickly, providing quality technical advice and if it is a non-construction issue she will take responsibility to find the answer from other departments in her organisation. Although her team has changed over the years, the service we receive is excellent and seamless. Sarah and her team are very professional, always giving sound advice.’

Key clients

Chartway

Pace

Elysian Residences

London Land Group

CALA

Care UK

Qube Research

Oxenwood Real Estate

London Metric Property PLC

Tungsten Properties

Quadrature Capital

Perella Weinberg UK Limited

Spire Healthcare

Illumina

Vectura

Jimmy Choo

Work highlights

  • Acted for Chartway Home on the purchase of a significant site in Hastings for major development, which will include 151 new homes and a new Aldi supermarket.
  • Assisted Pace Investments (London Limited) with the sale of high-profile mixed-use scheme of 500,000 sq ft in the heart of Cambridge to Railpen, a large UK railways pension scheme manager.
  • Acting as sole legal advisor to the developer, London Land Group, on a major mixed-use development at Poole’s West Quay Marina.

Employment > Employers Tier 5

Wedlake Bell LLP specialises in acting for financial services clients, including wealth managers and alternative asset managers, on employment issues specific to their industry. This includes TUPE, restructuring and executive appointments and departures. The team is led by Adam Grant, who also has a niche for employment work concerning the arts and hospitality sectors, advising on matters such as unionisation and casual worker disputes. Ravinder Mahal is recommended for cross border matters. Stephen Ravenscroft joined from Memery Crystal in October 2023.

Practice head(s):

Adam Grant

Other key lawyers:

Ravinder Mahal; Jemma Pugh; Choy Lau; Stephen Ravenscroft

Testimonials

‘A professional and trusted firm with all the resources I need. They have advised me most recently on staffing matters, furlough, GDPR, etc. I see them almost as an internal department of the company! I would not hesitate to recommend them.’

‘Adam Grant is professional, reactive, knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with.’

‘The whole interaction was human but simple and so easy to navigate. From the setting of meetings to the flexibility of when we spoke, responsiveness to my concerns and an app to pay for services, etc. Truly excellent.’

‘It was the personal service I received that really impressed me. I dealt with Jemma Pugh who was really keen to understand my issue and get to the heart of the matter in a really meaningful way.’

Employment > Pensions (non-contentious) Tier 5

Wedlake Bell LLP‘s pensions and employee benefits team is headed by the ‘extremely polished' and ‘excellent‘ Justin McGilloway, who has nearly 20 years’ experience advising clients on the full gamut of pensions issues. The practice is adept at advising its trustee and employer clients in matters including final salary schemes, the implementation of international pension arrangements, and the arrangement of pensions for private clients. Other key in the team are associates Paul Ashcroft and James Newcome.

Practice head(s):

Justin McGilloway

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Approachable, vastly knowledgeable and experienced in terms of their overall capabilities in the pensions space. The practice is outward-looking, diverse and places considerable emphasis on cross-collaboration with other external businesses. The team at Wedlake Bell LLP are without doubt my go-to set of advisors.’

‘The people in the pensions team at Wedlake Bell are second-to-none and are a delight to work with.’

‘Justin McGilloway is unquestionably a leading figure in the non-contentious pensions space. He is an extremely polished and personable practitioner with extensive knowledge and experience in pensions. From a leadership and teaming perspective, Justin also clearly understands how to get the very best from his people, having fostered a strong team culture at Wedlake Bell.’

‘A big city firm experience and, in terms of collaboration, they are very open to this on pensions and incentive work.’

‘Justin McGilloway is very focused, approachable and excels in pensions and incentive work. His team always deliver at a high level and with great consistency. Justin is our go-to for complicated pension work and where we have difficult incentive project work.’

‘Strong advisory practice led by Justin McGilloway. User-friendly, with genuine expertise.’

‘Justin McGilloway is excellent. Great attention-to-detail but also highly commercial. They provide strong and robust advice when required.’

Key clients

Trane UK Limited Retirement Benefit Plan

Scandinavian Airlines System Pension and Assurance Scheme

The Staff Pension and Life Assurance Scheme of the Grand Lodge

Jotun Paints (Europe) Limited Pension Scheme

Capital Radio Pension and Assurance Scheme

Steamship Insurance Management Services Limited Pension and Assurance Scheme

The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited

South-African Co-operative Citrus Exchange Limited Pension and Assurance Scheme

Louvre Fiduciary Group Limited

Trustees of the Carpenters’ Company Pension and Assurance Scheme

Natixis Pension Scheme

Sumi Agro Pension Scheme

The Museum Association Pension Plan

Global Association of Risk Professionals

The Carlton Tower Pension Scheme

Capital Radio Pension Plan

Buhler Limited

M&G Investments

Trad Scaffolding Limited

Mission Aviation Fellowship Europe Pension Scheme

Vimeo, Inc.

Baccata Trustees Limited

Turning Point Scotland Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised the trustees of the Scandinavian Airlines System Pension and Assurance Scheme on the implications of Chapter 11 bankruptcy on SAS Airlines and select associated group companies, two of whom provide guarantees to the Scheme.
  • Advised the trustees of the Capital Radio Pension and Assurance Scheme on the cessation of accrual under the Scheme.
  • Advised the trustees of the Jotun Paints (Europe) Limited Pension Scheme on liability management exercises with a view to ultimately buying-out members’ benefits and winding-up the Scheme.

Real estate > Construction: contentious Tier 5

Wedlake Bell LLP specialises in a range of sectors, such as residential development, logistics and industrial, pharmaceutical, and healthcare. Sarah Elliott, head of the construction team, has considerable experience advising on various residential developments, particularly in the build-to-rent sphere. Natalie Pilagos leads the contentious construction practice, offering guidance on dispute avoidance and resolution, as well as on formal adjudication disputes.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Elliott

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Natalie Pilagos is the standout.’

‘Natalie Pilagos is first-class. Great insight, knowledge, tactics – Natalie has the whole package.’

‘Active listeners who truly understand the Client’s needs. Fair billing system. Collaboration with different departments within the practice is efficient.’

‘Extremely responsive! Pleasant to engage with even on difficult contentious matters. They are professional and resourceful, understand the greater picture and work with the client in a creative manner.’

Work highlights

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 5

Wedlake Bell LLP’s broad offering includes prosecution and advisory work, handling matters for a diverse range of clients across the retail, hotel and leisure sectors, alongside managing large-scale brands. Michael Gardner leads the team, with demonstrable experience in brand protection and trade mark prosecution matters bolstering the practice. Charlotte Wilding leads the firms international trade mark practice and is noted for her capabilities in handling company name disputes, domain name cases and copyright registration and protection mandates.

Practice head(s):

Michael Gardner; Charlotte Wilding

Other key lawyers:

Debra Goldwyn; Emilia Petrossian

Testimonials

‘A strong IP team headed up by Michael Gardner ensures a very focussed, client driven advice.’

‘Mike Gardner is outstanding in how he works out a client’s business needs and weaves the whole legal strategy and tactics around that.’

‘They are quick to respond to enquiries and are always available.’

‘Emilia Petrossian has a fire in her belly and makes sure no stone is left unturned.’

Key clients

Tesco Stores Ltd

Lacoste

Warpaint Cosmetics (2014) Limited / Badgequo Limited / Round Hill Capital

Warpaint Cosmetics (2014) Limited

Reclaim The Media Ltd

Circle Seas Ltd

Universal Protein Supplements Corporation t/a Universal Nutrition

Construction Skills Certification Scheme Limited

Yellow Bulldog Ltd

SHL Group Ltd

Maldon Crystal Salt Company Ltd

Work highlights

  • Providing ongoing advice to Tesco on its trading in parallel goods so as to prevent any infringement of IP rights.
  • Advising Construction Skills Certification Scheme for all IP matters, including trade marks, company name disputes and domain name disputes to ensure safety is maintained in the construction industry.
  • Assisting a longstanding cosmetic client with trade mark and copyright infringement in China.

Real estate > Property finance

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

Alexander Dittel leads the technology team at Wedlake Bell and advises on matters concerning outsourcing, licensing, e-commerce, AI automation and cybersecurity.
Photo Name Position Profile
Graham Mcphie photo Graham Mcphie Partner in insolvency, dealing mainly with fraud claims, misfeasance, wrongful trading and…

The Legal 500 Future Lawyers Verdict

Wedlake Bell boasts a ‘good mix of practice areas’, with particular ‘strengths in private client and property’. Trainees are part of a small intake, resulting in ‘high-quality work and lots of responsibility’. One examples is ‘being trusted to effectively run my own transactions in the commercial property team; the department can be a great place for you to feel like a 'proper lawyer' for the first time as you develop your confidence’. The London firm has a ‘relatively flat structure’, and the culture is ‘notoriously friendly and sociable’. Respondents found Wedlake Bell ‘humane at each stage of the recruitment process’ and once they had begun their training contract, recruits were pleased to discover that ‘people at the firm respect that you are a human being and have a life’.  Wedlake Bell is a Future Lawyers Winner for job satisfaction, work/life balance and social life. There is a ‘conscious effort placed on socialising’; ‘the firm hosts a lot of out-of-work events’ and ‘there is no expectation to work late for no reason either’. Recruits complained that ‘there is sometimes a lack of clarity and communication when it comes to trainees’, and it feels as though ‘decisions are sometimes made without proper explanation’. Another gripe is that there is a ‘lack of structured training in some departments, which can leave you playing catch up’. A low point for one trainee was ‘working until 1am on a deal so we could complete but the deal didn’t close for another three days’, although ‘it’s worth pointing out that these moments are extremely rare’! ‘Feeling stressed and overwhelmed with my workload’ was also an unpleasant experience. The fact that the firm is ‘so unbelievably friendly’ no doubt helped on these occasions. To train at a highly-regarded, full-service firm where ‘who you are as a person matters’, consider Wedlake Bell.