Jonathan Gatward > Payne Hicks Beach LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Offering advice across a range of areas including tax, financial services, dispute resolution and employment, the partnership lawyers at Payne Hicks Beach LLP assist in the structuring, administration, and dissolution of partnerships. Head of team Jonathan Gatward is well versed in assisting with the entire life cycle of partnerships, whether this involves general, limited liability or limited partnerships. James Bacon specialises in tax, trust and succession law, offering significant experience in farming partnerships, while Simon Blackburn advises on all aspects of the management and transactions relating to farms, estates and country houses. Clients include traditional farming partnerships, high-net-worth individuals seeking property joint ventures, and professional practices.

With the acquisition of Solesbury Gay‘s sports team in October 2022, Payne Hicks Beach LLP continues to grow its full-service sports practice. The team is headed up by disputes specialist Mark Gay, who advises a wide-ranging roster of governing bodies, motorsport teams, and individual athletes on a range of disciplinary, contractual, and commercial disputes. Jonathan Gatward takes on employment, IP and sponsorship arrangements for an array of clients, with a particular specialism in the sailing space. Dominic Crossley heads up the dispute resolution, privacy and media law teams, while Hanna Basha notably advises footballers and boxers on privacy and defamation issues. James Townsend works on intersecting sport and employment law matters. Legal director Nick Grant is also recommended.

Noted for its broad M&A capabilities, Payne Hicks Beach LLP possesses considerable strength across the financial services, technology, publishing, chemicals and automotive sectors. The practice is steered by Jonathan Gatward, a seasoned practitioner who has a wealth of experience advising privately owned and managed businesses across a range of different transactions. Gatward has a particular interest in businesses with an intellectual property angle. Practice co-chair Howard Taylor specialises in M&A transactions, and is also experienced in joint ventures and private equity-driven deals. Recent arrivals include Max Baird-Smith, who joined the team from Gide Loyrette Nouel LLP in July 2022.