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Avi Barr

Avi Barr

Avi brings depth and perspective to property and secured lending transactions. His expertise has been developed by working across multiple sides of a deal and understanding what really matters to his clients. He graduated with honours in law from the University of Manchester in 2004 and qualified with Pannone LLP in 2006. Avi joined Orwins in 2020 with his team to head up the London office. He helps investors buy, sell and lease commercial assets, and he's there for lenders looking to protect their interests. From offices to retail, industrial to health, he brings clarity and confidence to every deal—no matter the size. In secured lending, Avi guides banks and bridging lenders through everything from rooftop projects to portfolio finance. He's also acted for borrowers, so he sees the whole picture and gives lenders practical, commercial answers. Avi believes technology should make law work better for clients. He keeps things straightforward and modern, always focused on outcomes that move clients forward. Clients value Avi’s dedication, his friendly approach and his human touch. He builds clients' confidence and ensures they feel supported every step of the way. Avi and his team are recognised by The Legal 500 for their work in Property Finance. ‘Avi Barr is unique in that he has extreme clarity and intelligence combined with strategic thinking. His ability to cut through complexity with a clear and clever approach is invaluable.' 'Beyond his legal acumen, Avi Barr's dedication, friendly manner, and human touch make working with him a real pleasure. He instils confidence whilst making clients feel supported and respected throughout the process.’   Experience £47m Portfolio Reorganisation and Secured Lending Restructure £11m Corporate Wrapper Acquisition and Development Finance Transaction £3.1m Commercial Refinance and Invoice Discounting Structure Multi-lease Reorganisation for Leading UK Restaurant Operator £18m Mixed Portfolio Sale in North West London
Victoria Beattie

Victoria Beattie

Vicky is a Partner specialising in employment law. She advises clients across a wide range of sectors, with a particular focus on recruitment agencies. She brings practical advice and clear direction to businesses across a wide range of sectors. Vicky's journey in law has taken her from training at Slater Heelis, to honing her employment law expertise at Wacks Caller, and then to the Co-operative Group's in-house team. She's brought her experience to Hill Dickinson and, since 2009, to our team at Orwins. Vicky works side by side with businesses, offering straightforward employment law and HR advice that cuts through complexity. She partners with HR teams to build their confidence and really gets to know the day-to-day challenges her clients face. She's also there for company directors and senior leaders, guiding them through service agreements, restrictive covenants, and negotiating exits and settlements with a practical, can-do approach. Vicky's advice goes beyond employment law. She helps clients navigate data protection, commercial contracts, and the wider legal landscape, always with a focus on what matters most to their business.
Dov Black

Dov Black

Dov Black is the CEO of Orwins, a dynamic law firm built on the strong foundations of BBS Law. With an LLB Honours from Manchester Metropolitan University (1996) and a distinction in the Legal Practice Course, Dov began his career at Pannone & Partners, qualifying in 1998. He became a Partner at Wacks Caller in 2003, before joining BBS Law in 2005, where he was promoted to Partner in 2012. As Managing Partner of BBS Law, Dov spearheaded a bold growth strategy, including the acquisition of Manuel Swaden OGR Stock Denton before securing private equity investment in 2024 and driving a series of acquisitions that transformed the firm into Orwins. As CEO of Orwins, Dov leads with vision and precision, overseeing every aspect of the business from compliance to strategic expansion. Although Dov has stepped back from day-to-day legal practice, his relationships with clients remain strong. He continues to act as a trusted advisor, offering insight and guidance when it matters most. Known for his pragmatic approach, Dov excels in high-stakes transactional environments. His expertise lies in delivering clear, commercially focused advice, even in the most complex scenarios. Clients and colleagues alike value his responsiveness, clarity, and ability to find solutions where others see obstacles. Beyond the Boardroom Dov is also a founding member of Ohr Yerushalyim in Manchester, reflecting his commitment to community and leadership beyond the legal sector.
David Bondt

David Bondt

David is a leading commercial litigator known for tackling sensitive, complex, and urgent cases with tenacity and commercial insight. He acts for both corporate and individual claimants and defendants in complex, high-value commercial litigation. He trained with a national firm, qualified in 2011, and joined Orwins as a partner in 2018, helping to shape our Commercial Litigation Team. David handles everything from contract fallouts to shareholder clashes and professional negligence matters. He handles commercial litigation across the County Court, High Court, and has taken matters all the way to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. On the IP front, David steps in when trademarks, copyrights, or confidential information are at stake. He’s quick to act, often securing urgent injunctions for clients in the High Court and IPEC. David is also the go-to for trust and probate disputes, whether it’s inheritance claims, will challenges, or trust disputes. David holds a degree in Politics and Modern History from the University of Manchester (2007) and completed his GDL and LPC at BPP Law School. He is a full member of the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists and an affiliate member of STEP (Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners). The Legal 500 notes that 'David is calm and confident - there is no area of law in which he is not able to navigate a commercial solution for his clients.' Experience Acting in numerous substantial commercial disputes, including obtaining and defending search, freezing and other interim orders Bringing a multimillion-pound claim on behalf of a national retailer for breaches of their trademark, copyright and passing off Defending a substantial multi-million-pound claim for complex breaches of contract and implied terms relating to the Oil and Gas industry A £200m case brought against one of the UK’s largest ecommerce businesses Defending a £40m claim brought under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 Acting for the claimants in a multimillion-pound trust dispute described by the Judge as “the single most complex and challenging case he has ever seen in his career”.
Andrew Haffner

Andrew Haffner

Andrew has spent over 20 years resolving disputes that matter to businesses and individuals, from boardroom breakdowns to courtroom battles. He joined us in 2009. Andrew tackles everything from contract clashes and partnership disputes to insolvency battles, working with directors and insolvency practitioners alike. When workplace relationships get tricky, he’s there for both employers and employees – protecting interests, enforcing restrictions, and moving fast when urgent action is needed. His practice extends to landlord-tenant disputes, professional negligence claims, construction matters, and intellectual property disputes. Wherever commercial interests collide, Andrew provides clear direction. Andrew has represented clients at every level, from County Court to the Court of Appeal. He's just as at home in mediation, steering disputes to resolution without the need for a final hearing. He fights hard when it matters but always keeps his eye on the smartest way forward. Experience Defending a multi-million-pound claim relating to the enforceability of a personal guarantee arising out of loan transactions Advising a former employee both in a High Court trial and the Court of Appeal in relation to claims arising out of the enforceability of contractual “non-competition” clauses Advising the director/shareholder of a property development company in dispute with a co-shareholder involving complex accountancy issues Defending a claim, including a freezing order brought by the liquidator against a former director Advising Charity in proceedings against The Charity Commission for an appeal against the appointment of interim managers.
Aron Heywood

Aron Heywood

Aron is our go-to for property litigation, bringing 17 years of hands-on experience to the firm. He’s known for his integrity, sharp technical skills and a commercial mindset that helps clients see the bigger picture. Although his original intentions were to study architecture, a chance encounter with a mentor led Aron to study law. He achieved his degree through the Open University whilst working full-time as a Paralegal.  His career has taken him through leading law firms and specialist training, building up a wealth of knowledge along the way. Aron works with clients from all walks of life and his main area of expertise is Property litigation, he however as significant experience tackling everything from professional negligence, insolvency, contract disputes and debt recovery. Clients come back to him for his straight-talking, commercial approach that gets results. He's all about understanding what matters most to his clients. Aron seeks practical, cost-effective solutions that keep matters out of court where possible. But if it comes to litigation, he’s relentless in fighting for the best outcome. Landlord-tenant work is a real strength for Aron. He acts for everyone from major industrial tenants and landlords with big portfolios to small business owners. Whether it’s possession claims, trespassers, dilapidations or LTA renewals, he’s got it covered. Aron is also a Commissioner for Oaths. 'Aron Heywood is an exceptional addition to the team - always willing to help and think outside the box. ’ Legal500 Experience Obtaining an emergency injunction to force the removal of a restriction registered against the title to a property, which was filed deliberately to thwart a pending sale Securing a search and seizure order to search the premises of an individual found guilty of selling forged LS Lowry paintings Representing a client in the recovery of possession of a large commercial premises for a client, following 40 plus travellers gaining access and residing in the property during renovation works Assisting a client in relation to many lease renewal claims following the assignment of 60 industrial units following the acquisition of a rival company Acting for a large recruitment company in pursuing a springboard injunction followed by a claim for breach of the terms of an employment contract and restrictive covenants when a senior member of staff left and attempted to use the client’s confidential information to set up a competing business
Leona Ho

Leona Ho

Leona is a Managing Associate who stands behind clients at every stage of their property journey. Whether you’re a lender, borrower, landlord, tenant or investor, she brings clarity and confidence to every deal. Her focus: landlord and tenant matters, buying and selling commercial and residential property, and property finance. Leona trained at a boutique commercial law firm before joining our London Property and Secured Lending Team in 2021. She brings a strong academic background and real-world experience to every client relationship. Secured lending is where Leona excels. She's worked with everyone from high-street banks to specialist lenders and borrowers, handling everything from refinancing to development finance to complex bridging loans. Her approach is simple: clear, practical solutions delivered quickly, even when the clock is ticking. Clients trust Leona to cut through complexity and get straight to the heart of the matter. She's known for her honest advice, steady guidance, and a calm, can-do attitude - no matter how challenging the deal or how tight the deadline. Leona is recognised as a Recommended Lawyer in The Legal 500 UK 2026 for Property Finance (Secured Lending), London. Recent highlights: guiding a developer through a £2.1 million mixed-use site purchase, helping a lender complete a £1 million portfolio refinance in under a week, and supporting a seller on a £4.75 million auction sale. Whatever the challenge, Leona is behind her clients every step of the way.
Rebecca Mills

Rebecca Mills

Rebecca is a Partner in our corporate team in Manchester. She qualified in 2006 and was drawn to the fast pace and variety of corporate law, thriving on the challenge of finding answers when deals take an unexpected turn. Rebecca handles all kinds of corporate deals – from MBOs and private equity transactions to EOT sales, joint ventures and reorganisations. She works across various sectors but has a real focus on entrepreneurs and owner-managed businesses. Rebecca loves working with entrepreneurs, especially when it’s time to sell the business they’ve built. These clients often challenge conventional approaches, and Rebecca is right there with them, finding creative solutions and guiding them through what can be a tough, emotional process. She’s behind them every step of the way, focused on getting the result they want. Rebecca grew up with a love of language, and that attention to words shows in her legal drafting. Clients come to her for clear advice, commercial thinking, and a calm, approachable style. She keeps even the most complex deals moving, always focused on what matters to her clients. Legal 500 recommends her for a reason. Outside work, Rebecca is an England Athletics-qualified running coach and co-chair of her running club. Experience Advising Drees & Sommer UK on their successful acquisition of RSP Consulting Engineers LLP, a leading UK consulting engineering firm, the latest in a series of strategic acquisitions for this client Acting on behalf of the founders of BSD Group Holdings on the £20.6 million sale of Empire Linen Services to Johnson Service Group, a textile rental and cleaning powerhouse Advising the founder and CEO of Key Production, Europe’s largest agency for physical music and bespoke packaging manufacturing, on the sale of the company to an employee ownership trust. Post-sale, Rebecca now sits as an independent director on the EOT trustee company. Working on numerous group reorganisations and demergers, including share-for-share exchanges, capital reduction demergers and section 110 demergers.
Reena Popat

Reena Popat

Carter Bond Solicitors – Managing Partner Shortlisted by the Law Society Excellence Awards 2018. Nominated Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the inaugural London Asian Business Awards 2017. Acted for Indian Pharmaceutical company in £multi-million acquisition of UK pharmaceutical company. Advising shareholders on the sale of a group of pharmacies initially set up via an EIS structure. Acted for Indian cinema company in acquisition of majority stake in UK cinema chain. Advised a number of international brand name Japanese companies on various matters, including restructuring, acquisitions and a variety of commercial agreement. Advising a non-UK listed purchaser on a £3m acquisition of a global manufacturing company. Advising management teams on equity participation, warranties and disclosures on £3m+ deals. Sale of a distribution business to 100+ employees with associated loan and security documentation. Establishing a contractual joint venture operating in UK, China and Mexico. Acts for Administrators/Liquidators and buyers in numerous sales and purchases of businesses out of Administration/Liquidation.
Paul Stedman

Paul Stedman

Paul leads our Employment Team with energy and expertise. Recognised by the Legal 500 as a top employment lawyer in the Northwest, he's known for supporting businesses with practical, commercial advice. He trained at a top 10 City firm and worked for a specialist construction firm in the West End before moving to Manchester in 1992 to join a commercial boutique. Paul joined Hill Dickinson as a partner in the Employment Team, then moved to Wacks Caller as a partner. In 2005, he and Dov Black joined BBS Law (now Orwins), where they have significantly grown the business, providing legal services to an entrepreneurial client base across the UK. Paul continues to advise on all aspects of employment law, from share options to benefits, but his real focus is working side by side with clients on commercial challenges. He drafts and negotiates contracts that help businesses grow – from supply and distribution agreements to bespoke commercial contracts and IP licences. Clients value Paul's collaborative approach and his knack for finding real-world solutions. He's known for being reliable, knowledgeable, and always focused on what matters most to his clients.