Keystone Law > Douglas, Isle Of Man > Firm Profile
Keystone Law Offices
THE OLD COURTHOUSE
ATHOL STREET
DOUGLAS
IM1 1JD
Isle Of Man
Keystone Law > The Legal 500 Rankings
Isle of Man > Commercial property Tier 1
Keystone Law has been involved in an array of high value commercial property transactions on the Isle of Man, advising major clients on financing matters. Sally Cranshaw is an expert in real estate financings and has assisted numerous international clients in such matters. Geoff Kermeen advises clients on high value acquisitions and disposals of commercial property. Associate Vicci Laslett focuses on commercial and residential conveyancing, but also has experience in matters pertaining to property financing and land acquisition.Other key lawyers:
Sally Cranshaw; Geoff Kermeen; Vicci Laslett
Testimonials
‘Vicci Laslett provided excellent, prompt and accurate support for a property transaction based on the Isle of Man.’
Key clients
The Royal Bank of Scotland Group and The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited
ARA Venn
Clearbell Capital LLP
Greenridge Investment Management Limited
Haven Homes Limited
John Derek Hunter
Deka Immobilien Investment GMBH
Henley Investments
Work highlights
- Provided IoM legal assistance in connection with multiple transactions including the disposal of several assets including Sygnus Court, St Albans, Festival Way, Basildon, 53 Hatton Garden and the Link Portfolio (forming part of Clearbell’s Core Fund).
- Prrovided advice in connection with the acquisition of the Isle of Man company Kish Twelve Limited from Golden Sense International Holdings Ltd (Hong Kong based) and its reconciliation to Jersey.
- Provided IoM legal assistance in connection with various transactions including the acquisition of Riverside Retail Park, Northampton for c. £55m and subsequent re-financing.
Isle of Man > Employment Tier 1
Keystone Law provides a full service employment offering, covering a wide range of issues from employment tribunals to redundancy and restructuring. Gillian Christian and Andrew Marshall advise domestic and international clients on both contentious and non-contentious matters pertaining to employment, including contractual issues and contentious dismissals. Christian is also a qualified Notary Public. Rachel Berry has experience in advising both employers and employees in matters such as disputes and dismissals. She has also assisted clients with immigration matters.Other key lawyers:
Gillian Christian; Andrew Marshall; Rachel Berry
Testimonials
‘Excellent communication, speed of service delivery, expertise’
‘Friendly, professional, readily available and fully engaged in each assignment we have worked with them on to date’
‘Rachel Berry took time out to visit us in person in between pressing engagements to ensure we met our deadline for resolution’
‘The team provide a wide range of skills which are always able to find a solution’
‘Our individual is Gillian Christian and she always stands out as being proactive, always available, caring and passionate, I couldn’t recommend anyone more’
‘I found Andrew Marshall to be extremely professional. He navigated the matter to completion with complete success.’
‘Andrew Marshall is well versed in employment practices and employee rights. He were quick in identifying strengths and weaknesses. Easy to work with and transparent about billing.’
‘Andrew Marshall is quick to respond and in a professional manner.’
Key clients
D4 Doors Limited
Oakmayne Properties (Regeneration) limited
Work highlights
- Acting for D4 Doors Limited in a claim against its former director, as a result of her acting in breach of her fiduciary duties by misappropriating and/or damaging the company’s assets and dismissing the company’s employees.
Crime, fraud and licensing > Licensing Tier 1
With ‘great experience and skill’, the licensing specialists at Keystone Law handle a broad range of matters concerning alcohol and gambling, alfresco dining, and live music rights. Barrister Gareth Hughes has a wealth of experience securing complex licences in highly controlled areas such as Shoreditch, Westminster, and Camden, and has a significant planning practice. The ‘outstanding’ Andrew WongOther key lawyers:
Gareth Hughes; Andrew Wong; Niall McCann; Marcus Lavell; Robert Sutherland; James Daglish
Testimonials
‘Andrew Wong and Marcus Lavell are a great team – inventive and assiduous.’
‘Great experience and skill at a number of levels of seniority.’
‘Andrew Wong is outstanding, Exceptionally commercial in his approach. Finds solutions where others only see problems. Particularly good for central London hotels, restaurants and major leisure developments.’
‘Marcus Lavell is very pragmatic and able, and Niall McCann has a stellar client base and provides sound advice. Gareth Hughes and Robert Sutherland are both vastly experienced’
‘Niall McCann at Keystone Law has the great virtue of responsiveness, accessibility and a real understanding of the sector in which he works. He doesn’t try and bill for every single phone call; his approach to billing is clear, holistic and client focused.’
‘I generally work with Niall McCann. He’s responsive, commercially minded in his advice, accessible, has his ear to the ground (and therefore alert to developments in the industry) and is well known to licensing authorities. He has a great down to earth approach, very knowledgeable on his subject, but practical in his advice. Strongly recommended.’
Key clients
Borough Yards – Development
Proud West End Limited
Crosstree
Bad Axe Throwing
Lou Lou Groupe
Windmill
The Chiswick Park Unit Trust
The Brighton Zip Wire
Globalgrange Hotels Limited
Highgate group of New York
Tom Kerridge
Yamabahce Limited
Puttshack Ltd
Immerse London Ltd
Lawmans (UK) Limited
FL Holding Limited
Inception Group (inter alia Foggs brand premises in central London)
Barworks
Club Glam Limited
The Shuffle Group Limited (t/a The London Shuffleboard Club)
Hunch Sports Ltd
Jumbo Interactive Limited
Carluccio’s Limited
OBS Hotel Limited
All the Ducks Limited (t/a The Natural Kitchen)
Nightlight Leisure Ltd (t/a Simmons Bars)
Filimonov Restaurants Limited
Chiltern Firehouse
Time Out Market London Limited
B&M Limited
Gaucho
Tate Galleries
The Hurlingham Club
Essential Living
Hotel Meudon
Peckam Cellars
Poppy and Rosie
The Museum of the Home
The Other House
Work highlights
- Advised on the various phases of the multi-billion project run by Knight Dragon in developing the new hyper City in the Greenwich regeneration area and the peninsula all around the O2 Millennium Dome and next to Canary Wharf.
- Obtained the grant of 14 new Premises Licences for all the restaurants and bars at Borough Yards, London, in the heart of Southwark’s Cumulative Impact Zone.
- Advised Proud West End Limited, who holds a lease and operates Proud Embankment, in successfully retaining all the current hours, and the broader (existing use), with Proud volunteering that private parties henceforth be dealt with under Temporary Event Notices.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: mid-market Tier 1
Between them, Keystone Law‘s bench of disputes lawyers a strong track record in litigation on behalf of both SMEs and major global organisations. Among the firm’s numerous litigators, Alex Ferrari acts in both domestic and international disputes; Elaine Chan is a commercial and insurance litigator; Matthew Reach is ‘a standout litigator‘; and Matthew Hennessy-Gibbs acts in commercial disputes and fraud cases. Other highly rated litigators are: Joanna Mckenzie, who assists with debt recovery, and professional negligence and breach of contract claims; media litigator Lawrence Abramson; Patrick Elliott, a corporate recovery and insolvency specialist; and Gagan Ranu, who is ‘a formidable and unflappable opponent‘. Growth during 2021 included the recruitment of: Louise Abbott, Howard Kennedy LLP‘s former commercial litigation and civil fraud head; Middle East disputes expert Joseph Kosky from Greenwoods GRM ; and aviation litigator James Healy-Pratt
from Stewarts Law LLP.
Other key lawyers:
Alex Ferrari; Elaine Chan; Matthew Reach; Matthew Hennessy-Gibbs; Joanna Mckenzie; Lawrence Abramson; Patrick Elliott; Gagan Ranu; Louise Abbott; Joseph Kosky; James Healy-Pratt; Dharmendra Nair; Lara Robson; Patrick Pennal; James Lankshear; Rowan Brown; Richard Johnson-Brown
Testimonials
‘Very engaged on cases and with clients, leaving no stone unturned. Its model of working allows solicitors a great deal of flexibility, enabling them to provide excellent service to clients while allowing them a work-life balance, which, in turn motivates their commitment to the cases. There is also good sharing of caseloads and thorough covering when a file-handler is on leave.’
‘Louise Abbott is a highly professional practitioner, who brings a realism and practical approach to her cases. Her client care is exceptional.‘
‘Louise Abbott is a superb practitioner in the fields of commercial litigation and civil fraud. She is knowledgeable and bright, hardworking and highly effective. She is also very good to work with and a good member of a team.’
‘Patrick Elliott and Louise Abbott – exceptional hands-on commitment to the case in hand and round-the-clock availability. Support where needed and excellent value for money.‘
‘Gagan Ranu is a formidable and unflappable opponent, who can hold his own against anyone in a negotiation. He’s not shy of giving bullish advice, and clients like that. He’s also excellent on the bigger tactical picture in disputes, and has a very good instinct for what use to make of counsel vs what tasks to do himself or delegate to junior solicitors.’
‘Elaine Chan has in-depth knowledge of the challenges of the Chinese legal market and unique litigation problems, particularly in relation to product liability. She deploys mediation involving complex China-based opponents with success.
‘Matthew Reach is a standout litigator. Matthew is tactically astute, commercially minded, enormously energetic and instinctively brilliant. Without doubt, Matthew deserves recognition.’
‘Lawrence Abramson has extensive knowledge of the law, with a very pragmatic and commercial approach to handling cases.’
Key clients
Indigo Global Partners (In Liquidation)
The Get Real Marketing Company
Drive-Thru Records
War Road Music
Beauparc Group
Waterloo Solutions
Arcelor Mittal Sourcing
Galmarley
Acasta European Insurance
Real estate > Residential property Tier 1
Keystone Law has ’an in-depth knowledge of the real-estate market, and is therefore best placed to offer relevant and accurate advice in terms of trends and what’s actually happening on the ground’. It has an excellent portfolio of high-net-worth national and international clients and advises buyers and sellers as well as property agents, companies, banks and financiers in addition to development companies, trustees and property acquisition companies. Among the key names in the practice are Ian Cooke and Sakhjit Randhawa. Cooke has considerable expertise in transactions relating to prime and super-prime London residential property. Randhawa garners praise for her work on high-value residential property acquisitions, sales and new development projects. Hugh Murphy acts for private clients, landed estates and institutional clients on a whole host of property related matters. Dagmara Selwyn-Kuczera is also well-regarded.Other key lawyers:
Ian Cooke; Sakhjit Randhawa; Katie Cohen; Johnny Drysdale; Hugh Murphy; Dagmara Selwyn-Kuczera
Testimonials
‘Very knowledgeable and capable. Katie Cohen’s depth of knowledge and proactive working ensures clients get the best results’.
‘Professional and extremely efficient service. I have worked with Johnny Drysdale on many occasions and I would highly recommend him. He is always available to offer his professional advice when I call or email and communication skills are exceptional. He responds quickly on any queries or questions in order to proceed the transaction through as quickly and efficiently as possible’.
‘Broad range of strongly technical lawyers. Johnny Drysdale – Extremely thorough, diligent and commercial. In what was a very difficult purchase Johnny had full grasp of key issues and was able to navigate them extremely well. I will be using him again’.
‘We have been very delighted with the service offered by Keystone. They handled the purchase of our new home with great efficiency and thoroughness. Jonny Drysdale handles our case and was exemplary throughout. Excellent communication, attention to detail and a delight to have on our side!’.
‘An excellent team, our clients’ go-to residential and agricultural lawyers. We principally deal with Hugh Murphy. Hugh is efficient, knowledgeable, personable and accessible’.
‘Outstanding at delivering a wide range of property law advice even in a busy market. Fair value fees when cross referenced against the advice and service a client receives. Low profile operators who are busy delivering great advice rather than talking about it’.
‘I work very closely with partners Ian Cooke and Sakhjit Randhawa who quite simply operate on another level. Their property law knowledge and advice is excellent- and their client care, respect and availability is nothing short of outstanding. In my 25 years of business I haven’t experienced advice and service like it. Furthermore, they are both lovely to work with and their results speak for themselves’.
‘Ian Cooke and Sakhjit Randhawa have been exceptional in delivering a first class service in advising us on the legal front. Their market knowledge and intel is truly impressive, as they seem to have their finger on the pulse of what is happening real time in the market place. They are both exceptionally pro-active, where they will foresee a potential issue, and provide a solution even before it has been raised’.
Key clients
Regent’s Crescent Property Holding – Super-Prime London Residential Developer
The Old War Office Project
60 Curzon Street Limited
British Land PLC
Chester Collection Limited
Regent’s Crescent Property Holding – Super-Prime London Residential Developer
The Old War Office Project
60 Curzon Street Limited
British Land PLC
Chester Collection Limited
Work highlights
- Advised on the sale of all of the apartments so far in the Regent’s Crescent development in prime central London. These apartments have continued to sell well during the coronavirus pandemic and in one-week alone Sakhjit Randhawa dealt with over £100m worth of transactions in the building.
- Acting for Westminster Development Services Limited which is developing the famous building known as The Old War Office on Whitehall in London. The project is attracting huge media interest and is achieving records on pricing. One of the exchanges the firm has achieved in Autumn 2021 is for an apartment in the building which sold to a Middle eastern buyer for nearly £50m.
- Ian Cooke and Sakhjit Randhawa have been advising British Land PLC throughout the development and sales programme of their super-prime Clarges, Mayfair development opposite the Ritz since the decision was made to purchase the original office building, knock it down and create some ultra-luxury residential apartments. Ian and Sakhjit have handled with their team all apartment sales and have concluded the final sales during 2021.
Isle of Man > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 2
Key names at Keystone Law include Geoff Kermeen , whose is experienced in providing advice to lenders and investors on asset finance transactions. Sally Cranshaw assists investment funds and high net worth individuals with real estate finance matters. Stephen Rodd , William Margot and Hazel Dawson also come recommended.Other key lawyers:
Geoff Kermeen; Sally Cranshaw; Stephen Rodd; William Margot; Hazel Dawson
Testimonials
‘Strong Isle of Man team with clear understanding of clients’ needs and requirements. A pleasure to work with.’
‘Sally Cranshaw is excellent and very client focused. Always delivers in addressing matter at hand, often with limited notice.’
‘Good response times and commercial attitude without the stuffy attitude of law practices of old.’
Key clients
Allied Irish Banks
ICG Alternative Investments Limited
GreenOak Real Estate
Investec Bank PLC
The Royal Bank of Scotland Group and The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited
ING Bank N.V., London Branch
Intermediate Capital Group (ICG)
Clearbell Capital LLP
ARA Venn
IQ-EQ (Isle of Man) Limited
Henley Investments Group
Luckbox
Fundamentum Social Housing REIT
Lloyds Bank PLC
TMF Trustee Limited
ING Bank N.V., London Branch
Plan Group
CMBC International Holdings Limited
Fiduciam Nominees Limited
Far Estate Consortium
Melford Capital Partners LLP
Work highlights
- Provided Isle of Man transactional assistance in respect of several real estate finance transactions including the amendment and restatement of a £115,000,000 loan facility made available to a group of Isle of Man SPVs in connection with the refinancing of the acquisition and development of several London properties.
- Provided IoM legal assistance in connection with various transactions including the acquisition of Riverside Retail Park, Northampton for c. £55M and subsequent re-financing.
- Gave advice and assistance to a Far East consortium in respect of a £255 million loan facility made available by United Overseas Bank in respect of the development of Aspen, Consort Place, a mixed residential led development located adjacent to Canary Wharf.
Isle of Man > Corporate and commercial Tier 2
Keystone Law has an emphasis on high value M&A deals in the jurisdiction, as well as the financial services sector. This includes a client base of banks, trusts and corporate services providers. Hazel Dawson and Vicci Laslett have advised on the listing of a number of trusts on The International Stock Exchange. Geoff Kermeen and Sally Cranshaw are highlighted for their services in deals relating to real estate, as is William Margot, for his expertise handling cross-border M&A deals.Other key lawyers:
Geoff Kermeen; Sally Cranshaw; William Margot; Stephen Rodd; Hazel Dawson; Vicci Laslett
Testimonials
‘The Isle of Man team are excellent and provide a first class service in supporting their clients needs and requirements.’
‘Sally Cranshaw is exceptional and has a clear understand of her clients, always delivering against at times difficult deadlines. A pleasure to work with.’
‘Keystone Law in Isle of Man comprises a small number of highly experienced lawyers, always available and responsive who provide a consistently high quality service.’
‘Sally Cranshaw for many years has been our go-to lawyer for our IOM requirements.’
‘Excellent, punctual and pragmatic Isle of Man corporate advice. Worked well in a transactional team.’
‘Geoff Kerman and William Margot were both excellent in the transaction I worked with them on. They were responsive and dealt with complex issues quickly and efficiently. The dealt with the complex migration of a company and explained things clearly.’
Key clients
Henley Investments
Deka Immobilien Investment GMBH
CDAX Limited
QADRE GLOBAL LIMITED
Manx Telecom Trading Limited
MyZone
IQ EQ
Rockpool Investments LLP
Fundamentum Social Housing REIT plc
Sub Zero Holdings Limited
Panoro Energy ASA
Clearbell Capital LLP
Melford Capital Partners LLP
ARA Venn
Work highlights
- Advised on the acquisition of the Isle of Man company Kish Twelve Limited from Golden Sense International Holdings Ltd (Hong Kong based) and its reconciliation to Jersey.
- Assisted IoM in connection with multiple transactions including, the disposal of several assets inc. Sygnus Court, St Albans, Festival Way, Basildon, 53 Hatton Garden and the Link Portfolio (forming part of Clearbell’s Core Fund): aggregate disposal proceeds of c. £83M.
- Documented a tax-efficient and regulation-lite structure that would enable onshore and offshore investors to participate in the acquisition of the 374,046 sq ft business park located in Bedfont Lakes, West London, south of Heathrow Airport.
Isle of Man > Dispute resolution Tier 2
The practitioners at Keystone Law are ‘quick in identifying strengths and weaknesses’ and provide ‘excellent defence strategies’ when representing clients in complex commercial disputes, trust litigation, professional negligence matters, contentious employment matters, and more. Gillian Christian provides advice which is ‘of the highest standards’, in particular in relation to her specialisms in trust litigation, especially equitable relief for mistake and rectification cases. Other key names include ‘first class’ Andrew Marshall, a ‘very measured calm and knowledgeable lawyer’ specialising in commercial disputes who has recently been particularly active in shareholder disputes.Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The key qualities are the application of an unparalleled knowledge of the law to a solutions-based strategic approach. Whatever the complexity of the Gordian knot, they will slice through it with common sense and understanding, to their client’s best advantage.’
‘Andrew Marshall. Quite simply, first class. He epitomise the points I have mentioned above – ie he has the key qualities of the application of an unparalleled knowledge of the law to a solutions-based strategic approach. Whatever the complexity of the Gordian knot, he will slice through it with common sense and understanding, to his client’s best advantage.’
‘Very personable and informed in relation to how the system works and the particular local law conditions. Also accessible and responsive which is so important for clients nowadays’
‘Andrew Marshall is a lawyer who exhibits top notch emotional intelligence in engaging with clients. He uses this to good effect when engaging with clients and presenting advice, especially when that advice is not what the client wants to hear. A very measured calm and knowledgeable lawyer.’
‘Great team, always accessible and very knowledgeable.’
‘The team are able to quickly grasp the basis of the dispute, and to suggest excellent defence strategies.’
‘Service from Gillian Christian is always of the highest standard. Her open approach to solving problems is refreshing. Always providing clear and understandable advice. In depth expertise in all elements of offshore legal matters meaning she is the go to lawyer on all offshore matters for us.’
Key clients
Andreas Racing Association Limited
The Isle of Man Woodland Trust
D4 Doors Limited
Kearsley Properties Limited
Ballacorey Wheat Limited (“BWL”) and Gem Global Yield Fund Limited (“GGYF”)
Receivers of the Axiom Legal Financing Fund
Isle of Man Financial Services Authority
Bridgewaters (IOM) Limited
Browne Craine & Co as liquidators of Premier Group (Isle of Man) Limited
Oak Group Isle of Man Limited
Roclad Systems Limited
Several Claimants regarding Montpelier (Trust and Corporate) Services Limited
Divyesh Mittal and Associated Entities
Forsters LLP
Boston Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for the receivers of the Axiom Legal financing fund in conjunction with Stephen Auld KC in proceedings brought against Royal Bank of Scotland International for breach of duty that have just been heard at the Privy Council. Successfully acted for the receivers in defending a strike out/summary judgment application and the case went to appeal.
- Acted for Bridgewaters (IOM) Limited in relation to enforcement proceedings brought by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority.
Isle of Man > Gambling Tier 2
Keystone Law provides expertise for both the online and land-based gambling industry, advising on a range of issues such as regulatory law, corporate transactions, gaming duty, debt recovery, and data protection. Alongside their experts in liquor licensing, they are also able to advise on transactions involving casinos and betting shops, as well as online operators. Stephen Rodd is an experienced corporate and commercial lawyer, with specific expertise in advising IT, telecoms and e-gaming companies on technology-based commercial agreements.Other key lawyers:
Isle of Man > Insurance and pensions Tier 2
Keystone Law provides a full service offering regarding pensions and insurance matters, including the establishment of domestic and international pensions; pension scheme wind-ups, buy-ins, and buy-outs; and international and domestic regulatory and tax matters. Ben HughesOther key lawyers:
Key clients
Boal & Co (Pensions) Limited
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Limited Staff Pension Fund
British Regional Airlines Group Pension Scheme (re Flybe insolvency)
Murex
Public Sector Pensions Authority
Atla (formerly Fedelta) and Tynwald Pensions Limited (also now Atla)
Isle of Man Bank Pension Fund and Isle of Man Bank Widows and Orphans Fund
Sovereign Trust (Guernsey) Limited
Bank of Ireland / LawDeb Pension Trustees
Work highlights
- Instructed by Murex in the establishment of the Murex Beirut Centre Retirement Plan.
- Achieved on behalf of British Regional Airlines Group Pension Scheme (“BRAL Scheme”) an insured buy-in with the Pension Insurance Corporation development for the members of the BRAL Scheme.
- Advised the Isle of Man Bank Pension Fund and Isle of Man Bank Widows and Orphans Fund on the completion of the merger of the IOM Funds into a Jersey sited occupational pension scheme to form a c.£850m scheme.
Employment > Senior executives Tier 2
Keystone Law ‘acts for both employers and employees so is able to give a balanced and pragmatic view on disputes and focus on what matters most to clients’. Core strengths are regulation issues and negotiating exit and joining packages, which it combines with a range of sector specialisms spanning the financial services, private equity and media industries. Notable names from the deep bench of experts are Helen Sherborne, who advises CEOs, board members and senior executives across all industries; Angharad Harris, who specialises in international employment advice; Clive HowardOther key lawyers:
Helen Sherborne; Angharad Harris; Clive Howard; Jane Wheeler; Alexandra Carn; Alistair French; Julie Morris; Paul Daniels; Nigel Forsyth
Testimonials
‘The team acts for both employers and employees so is able to give a balanced and pragmatic view on disputes and focus on what matters most to clients.’
‘Truly personal service. That this was done remotely, connected through simple and clear technology, made the personal service all the more impressive.’
‘Alistair French is excellent – he is very responsive, proactively manages expectations and aims to deliver the best outcomes for his clients. I would highly recommend Alistair, who has truly been extraordinary.’
‘Keystone Law’s team has many experienced lawyers with diversity. The ethos of Keystone is to put clients first and to help clients in the best way that they can do, tailored to clients’ needs. Lawyers from Keystone are experienced, passionate and have expertise in delivering the best service they can.’
‘Julie Morris has been absolutely amazing in the support she has provided me with my sexual harassment, victimisation and discrimination claim. Given the nature of my claim the impacts this has on my everyday life is substantial, I do believe I would not have been able to carry on without her. Julie is very knowledgeable on the area of law but what makes her stand out is her empathy and manner in which she conducts herself.’
‘The whole process of engaging the firm to provide support on my legal case was simple, quick and efficient. The team continued to communicate throughout my case and it was always to get hold of the person I needed to talk to.’
‘Angharad Harris listened so well to the challenges I had and the support I needed. I was kept well informed of the status of my legal issue and given clear guidance and options on how to proceed with my case. During a very traumatic time, I felt comfortable in the advice I was given and really welcomed the calm and confident approach.’
‘Anghared Harris was able to quickly assess my individual case and provide practical, pragmatic advice on the solutions that may be appropriate to my case. At all times I felt supported, fully advised and all options were explained very clearly and precisely to me.’
Work highlights
- Advised a solicitor client in respect of (1) investigation by the SRA (2) position as a company director and (3) rights as an employee, particularly in respect of race discrimination.
- Acted for a claimant in an employment tribunal claim, who was the successful Claimant in her claim for sex discrimination, harassment and victimisation against VolkerRail Limited.
Transport > Travel Tier 2
Servicing both omestic and international clients, the travel experts at Keystone Law have considerable experience in the aviation and cruise industries, deadling witgh regulatory, contractual and financial issues. Trevor Sears brings over 50 years’ travel law experience, recently focusing on multi-jurisdictional regulatory insolvency and restructuring issues, while James Healy-PrattOther key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Trevor Sears is exceptional with his experience and knowledge of the travel regulatory sector. He is very practical and commercial too.’
Key clients
Channel Islands Jet Services Limited
CMBC International Holdings Limited
Emerald Global Limited
Hybrid Air Vehicles Limited
CFS Aeroproducts Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Emerald Global Limited, a travel company now in administration. Administrators from KPMG needed guidance on how to deal with the proposed sale of the business and other regulatory issues affecting the business.
- Advised Hybrid Air Vehicles Limited Keystone Law, which secured a $200,000,000 investment commitment from GEM Global Yield LLC SCS (GEM) as it pursues a public listing.
- Advised CFS Aeroproducts Limited, a major UK jet engine maintenance provider in the commercial, public and military sectors both nationally and internationally, which is intending to work with a new UK counterparty for the development of a new drone based transport project.
Crime, fraud and licensing > Gaming and betting Tier 3
Regularly providing a service that is 'second to none', the advisers at Keystone Law are highly experienced in handling complex licensing review applications, as well as advising both online and land-based gambling sites on corporate M&A transactions. Sector specialist Richard Williams has key expertise in licensing, anti money laundering procedures, and social responsibility, and is regarded as 'reliable, helpful and an expert he is in the gambling field'. Stephen Rodd provides cross-jurisdictional tech-based commercial advice to e-gaming companies, and Niall McCann provides due diligence and corporate support for gambling transactions.Other key lawyers:
Richard Williams; Niall McCann; Lara Robson; Stephen Rodd; Nicholas Tall; Jimmy Desai
Testimonials
‘The Keystone team give a level of service that is always second to none. I use many law firms but dealing with Keystone is very straight forward and pain/hassle free. Nothing is too much for them and their advice is always to the point. The prices are always fair and delivery timescales are always swift.’
‘Richard Williams is not only a very reliable person, but someone that constantly gives advice without charging. There is a reason why he has so many clients. Always a helpful and a great person to be around too. I cannot stress enough how much of an expert he is in the gambling field.’
Key clients
Verdict MMA Inc
Papaya Gaming Inc
Jumbo Interactive Limited
CEGO A/S
Hungry Bear Gaming Limited
Elite Competitions
Kalooki Racing
Work highlights
- Advising Papaya Gaming on the regulation and categorisation of its skill games, with the aim of keeping the games out of the regulated gambling sector (due to the level of skill involved).
- Advised listed Australian gambling/lottery operator Jumbo Interactive on a software licence application, regulatory and compliance issues, data protection, commercial and employment issues over the course of this year.
- Advised Danish gaming operator CEGO A/S on its licensing requirements and regulatory issues relating to its launch of a gambling app and website in the UK.
Finance > Islamic finance Tier 3
At Keystone Law, Fara Mohammad is the main contact for Islamic finance mandates, where she is able to leverage her ‘in depth understanding of the different Sharia structures’ to good effect for financial institutions, companies, investors and individuals.Other key lawyers:
Fara Mohammad; Martin Brown
Testimonials
‘Fara Mohammad has in depth understanding of the different Sharia structures.’
‘Harmonious and diversified team.’
Insurance > Product liability: defendant Tier 3
Keystone Law offers ‘an amazing stable of thoroughbred lawyers‘ with a portfolio of major international insurer and manufacturing clients and a key expertise in dealing with property damage claims arising from fire and water. Antony Colman is experienced in product liability in both the UK and Germany, acting for insurance and manufacturing clients. Elaine Chan is an expert in commercial and insurance litigation and Jason Kallis specialises in issues surrounding product recalls, repair actions and property damage.Other key lawyers:
Antony Colman; Jason Kallis; Elaine Chan
Testimonials
‘Keystone Law provides an amazing stable thoroughbred lawyers to practice law without the attendant management concerns of large firms. It has provided a happy home to favourite solicitors like Antony Colman. It allows him to do what he does best-which is to advise and represent his trusted clientele in their important product liability and insurance litigation. I have not worked with anybody else in this area at this firm.’
‘Antony Colman is a fantastic lawyer. He takes the time and trouble to understand the clients their products, and the challenges they face. He is an excellent lawyer – and a first rate litigator. He has earned respect and trust of his long-standing and loyal clients as the result of the sheer quality of his tireless work on their behalves. I have worked with him for many years. He is one of the best in the field and his strategic insight and intellectual acumen that he is a formidable opponent. His fluency in German is that he has particular rapport with German companies and insurers – and has carved out a niche practice in this area. He’s not only clever and calm but also very courteous – a deadly combination in any litigator.’
‘Keystone’s team are a niche Defendant product liability firm with particular experience in serious accidents caused by defective products.’
‘Antony Colman is an outstanding product liability lawyer. He specialises in high value, cross-border claims where his European connections and exceptional legal knowledge means that there is no-one better to turn to in the event of a product defect.’
Key clients
A manufacturer of fittings and accessories for bathrooms and kitchens
a supplier of roofing systems and façades; (2) a supplier of cladding materials; (3) their insurer
A foreign event production company and its insurer
Electrium Sales Limited
Samsung
Bosch (t/a BSH Home Appliances)
Yamaha UK
Work highlights
- Acts in several matters for an importer and supplier of electrical equipment. Defects in the equipment led to fires. Claims under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 having been extinguished, and the issues are the duties of the supplier including those to examine, test and warn and the circumstances, if any, in which the supplier might be liable for the acts and omissions of the manufacturer.
- Monitoring and advising generally on fires and related damage caused by misuse or defective batteries manufactured by the Insured entity and pursuing distributors and retailers for breach of distribution agreements made between Samsung and its distributors.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment (including media finance) Tier 3
With a diverse group of advisers handling matters across the entirety of the media & entertainment sector, Keystone Law’s 'breadth of work is its USP’. Gerard Cukier, Nick Weaser, and Lawrence Abramson are key names for music clients, with the latter recently representing Drive-Thru Records and War Road Music in a claim brought by Ditto. Nicola Thatcher comes highly recommended for her expertise in matters pertaining to publishers, especially pre-publication issues.Other key lawyers:
Gerard Cukier; Nick Weaser; Lucy Blick-Jones; Lawrence Abramson; Nicola Thatcher; Rose Alexander; Dee Sian; Ian Down
Testimonials
‘Keystone’s breadth of work is its USP. Deep knowledge and experience are in abundance. But for a client to know that any issue has a specialist there is a very important plus. More generally, the admin support and efficient processes that all Keystone’s practitioners enjoy makes it a formidable firm.’
‘Gerard Cukier stands out for his combination of know-how and superb client-facing skills. Any media issue is in his sights.’
‘Lucy Blick-Jones is excellent – thorough, expert, commercial and a very safe pair of hands.’
‘Nick Weaser is a critical member of our team. He represents our artists exceptionally and his collaborative approach allows us to build robust foundations for our artist’s careers. He offers excellent levels of challenge, advice and support and is respected by our clients. He is our first choice legal rep in the music industry.‘
‘Keystone offers the benefits of a full-service offer, able to provide the expertise we need on our core business, with the added benefit of a 360 degree service across all other aspects of business and individual need. They are very progressive and collaborative in their approach to pricing and billing, allowing us to establish high-quality legal representation for our artists at a cost that is proportionate to where an artist is in their career.’
Key clients
Julia Kogan
Dame Shirley Bassey DBE
Tommy Farrow
Barry Silkman
Simon Armitage
August Ramberg
Matthew Bishop
Hachette Book Group
Pan Macmillan
Simon and Schuster Publishing Company
Verso Books
McDonald’s Restaurants Limited
Lady Colin Campbell
Fresh Air Production
Oxford Media Solutions Limited t/a Videvo
FIPP Limited
Russell Watson
Wienerworld
Henry Hadaway Organisation Ltd.
101 Films Limited
Six Music Group
Nelson’s [Mandela] Kids Ltd
Deepak Sikka
Skyrocket Entertainment Limited
Richard Walters
Vanessa Mahi
Entertain Me
Revelation Film Group
Maverick Productions
TBI
Estates of Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchel
Dylan Cartlidge
Ross Hamilton
Liz Mitchell
Work highlights
- Advised Drive-Thru Records LLC and War Road Music Inc. in a claim brought by Ditto, alleging breach of implied terms of a digital music licensing agreement, including failure to provide their master recordings and misuse of advances.
- Acting for football agent Barry Silkman in relation to a story published by the Daily Mail.
- Providing regular pre-publication legal read service to Hachette Book Group over its full range of titles but typically contentious memoirs.
Transport > Aviation Tier 3
Keystone Law has an extensive client base consisting of airlines, airports, MROS, leasing companies, banks and financiers. The team undertakes both contentious and transactional work with experience in competition law and merger regulation issues. James Healy-PrattOther key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘An up and coming firm for aviation matters with some great personnel including the formidable James Healey-Pratt. One to watch.’
‘James Healey-Pratt is massively experienced in this field.’
‘We work with Alex Ferrari who has a well proven track record in this. Our members know they don’t have to “teach” him about the industry and that he “gets it” straight away.’
‘Alex Ferrari stands out based on his knowledge and then skill in delivering desirable results for our members. Even when our members are in the wrong his ability to mitigate matters and reduce the tension in situations is to be applauded. Incredibly hardworking – if he takes your case he’s absolutely in your corner. What more can one ask.’
Key clients
Wizz Air
Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority
Virgin Atlantic
Loganair
ASL Airline Group
Blue Air
Jazeera Airways
Blue Islands Ltd
Smartlynx
Hybrid Air Vehicles Limited
CFS Aeroproducts Limited
Channel Islands Jet Services Limited
Airport Coordination Limited
Airbridge International Agencies Limited
CMBC International Holdings Limited
CHC Group Ltd
Blue Bear Systems Research Ltd
Eastgate Investments Limited
Laboratoire ASL SNC
Work highlights
- Advised Hybrid Air Vehicles Limited on securing a $200m investment commitment from GEM Global Yield LLC SCS (GEM) as it pursues a public listing.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 3
The team at Keystone Law acts on a range of IP disputes as well as providing non-contentious advice. Clients include not only multinational corporates that are household names but also start-ups. Will Sander is a UK and European chartered trade mark and design attorney. His broad practice ranges from protection and monitoring to exploitation of IP, with international capabilities.Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Unilever
Max Halley
Kundun
Thane
Life Health Foods
Aerus LLC
Articulate!
Hottinger Investment Management Limited
Lumon Pay
Zero Carbon Farms
Work highlights
- Advising Zero Carbon Farms on multiple IP matters, including the protection of its trade mark portfolio (which has resulted in filings within the UK, EU and internationally), and a wide-range of commercial transactional matters which are heavily IP dependent.
- Advising Kundun on multiple trade mark invalidity and opposition actions in the UK and EU relating to the iconic JENSEN and INTERCEPTOR brands which refer to the iconic 1970s car of the same name.
- Undertook multiple trade mark (and related IP) matters for Life Health Foods. Currently this involves trade mark prosecution matters covering or anticipated to cover the UK, EU, USA and Australia.
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 3
Keystone Law provides advice to individuals, trustees, trust companies and families. Robert Knight, who is praised as ‘a first-rate private client lawyer’, has particular experience in the structuring and taxation of wills and trusts, and also advises on probate issues, powers of attorney and deeds of variation. Camilla Bishop, who joined in 2021 from DMH Stallard LLP, is an experienced lawyer who specialises in all aspects of estate planning with a particular focus on inheritance tax matters.Other key lawyers:
Robert Knight; Camilla Bishop; Alex Boothman; Barry Adamson; Luke Trigona
Testimonials
‘Robert Knight provides a great service to clients in the Chichester area and further afield.’
‘Robert Knight is a first-rate private client lawyer – his attention to detail and bedside manner mean that he provides a great service to clients.’
Real estate > Construction Tier 3
Keystone Law ‘provides the best of both worlds’ through ‘access to a wide array of legal specialisms and skills’. The firm’s broad sector focus leads to regular instructions from education, reail, hotel and leisure, as well as housing and local authority clients, amongst others. Tom Philips and Martin Howe are situated on the non-contentious side of the practice, while Louise Garcia focuses on handling construction disputes. Australia-qualified Andrew Thompson and Jon Close, who regularly acts for employers, contractors, and engineers are further key contacts.Other key lawyers:
Louise Garcia; Martin Howe; Jon Close; Tom Philips; Andrew Thompson
Testimonials
‘A large business with a very personal touch. This provides the best of both worlds, providing access to a wide array of legal specialisms and skills. The service provided by the likes of Louise Garcia and Martin Howes is exactly what a company of our size needs. Speed of response and a good summary of the potential risks.’
‘Louise Garcia and Martin Howes jointly and individually provide an exemplary service with both responsiveness and great advice.’
Key clients
Ecotricity Group Limited
St James’ Construction Limited
UK Power Solutions Limited
Geoffrey Osborne Limited
Osborne Infrastructure Limited
Osborne Homes Limited
Geocisa Limited
Britannia Construction Limited
Qatari Diar Europe LLP
Ove Arup & Partners International Limited
University of Southampton
University of the West of England
Deconstruct (UK) Limited
Cape Homes Limited
Ascent Development Ltd/Barola Asset Management Ltd
Complete Utilities Ltd
Smith’s (Gloucester) Ltd
Lowery Limited
Forcia Limited
Vitruvius Management Services Limited
Zero Carbon Farms
PR&S Construction Limited
Rob Cole Civil Engineering Limited
Hewer Facilities Management Limited
Design Installation Service Limited
Bath Demolition Limited
Cotswold Energy Group Limited
Moss Construction and Project Management Limited
Vertical Future Limited
Quality By Design Limited
GT Civils Group Ltd
Willmore Iles Architects
3ti Energy Hubs Limited
Dorfold Hall (Events) Limited
Octaga Group Limited
Stirling Mortimer No. 8 Fund UK Land Limited
JND Building Services Limited
Build Limited
Monta Captial PLC
Work highlights
- Providing advice on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious matters to Osborne, a major national contractor working on significant projects for prestigious employers.
- Advising Zero Carbon Farms on the building contracts, professional appointments and ancillary documents for the construction of a new farm.
- Provided advice for St James’ Construction Limited on the development of a new hotel complex at Carbis Bay, St Ives, including drafting all necessary construction documents, as well as the professional appointments, and continues to act on contractual issues which have arisen including termination provisions and extensions of time.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 3
At Keystone Law, the ‘agile and responsive’ team advises clients in the technology sector on the drafting of agreements with suppliers and customers. Charlie White and Jessica Bent are among the key names; they provide advice to clients on data protection issues such as the international transfer of data.Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very experienced in the sector, agile and responsive to client priorities.’
‘Jessica Bent is very knowledgeable about the sector, down-to-earth and pragmatic. Very focused on getting a good outcome for clients.’
Key clients
Adam Matthew Digital Limited
Anglia Home Furnishings Limited
Bath Spa University
Bitmap Books Ltd
FluoretiQ Limited
Icon Scientific Limited
Marine Conservation Society
MediaClash Limited
Mytton Williams Ltd
Neptune (Europe) Ltd
Nevaya Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Adam Matthew Digital on data protection issues as they relate to its customer licensing agreements.
- Advised The Coconut Collaborative on data protection matters.
Insurance > Professional negligence Tier 3
Keystone Law has a ‘deep specialisation’ in claimant professional negligence work. The ‘outstanding’ Jonathan Watmough acts predominantly for businesses and high net-worth individuals. Sharon Duncan has strong experience representing both claimants and defendants in claims involving various national and international banking institutions.Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Outstanding service and high level of expertise.’
‘Very adaptable to changing situations.’
‘Keystone Law brings a wide range of expertise together under one roof, including a deep specialisation in claimant professional negligence work.’
‘Jonathan Watmough provided high-quality legal advice and negotiation skills. Always friendly and easy to get along with. An outstanding professional.’
‘Sharon Duncan is extremely quick to return calls and emails. She is attentive to details and thoroughly involved and invested. Her ability to swiftly assimilate all the information and provide professional and timely feedback is excellent.’
Work highlights
Corporate and commercial > M&A: smaller deals, up to £50m Tier 4
Keystone Law’s bench of corporate specialists act for entrepreneurs, SMEs, high growth and larger corporations, with a notable focus on the TMT and healthcare sectors. Geoffrey Davies, Edward Dawes and Andrew Stilton are all highly experienced, while Nadim Zaman has a track record of cross-border M&A. Dee Sian has extensive experience advising in the healthcare sector, while JP Irvine has an international client base which includes global brands, online platforms, tech-businesses, regulators and regulated companies in the telecoms, energy and transport sectors.Other key lawyers:
Nadim Zaman; Catherine Williams; Edward Dawes; Dee Sian; Geoffrey Davies; JP Irvine; Florian Albert; Jeremy Davis; Albert Mennen
Testimonials
‘Always adaptable to changing circumstances, with a good understanding of the business of the client and context of the deal. A good legacy of knowledge from a relationship going back many years.’
‘We have worked with Catherine Williams over many years and she has maintained a strong knowledge of the business and its deals, all of which she has worked on. She is very focused and works hard to deliver on time. Good provider of sensible comprehensive advice to non-lawyer clients.’
Key clients
Myzone
Teatro San Cassiano Group Ltd
The shareholders of Cyber Security Strategies Limited (trading as CSS Assure).
City and County Healthcare Group Limited
Mustang Energy PLC
Tooth Fairy Healthcare Ltd
The Rose Family
Blow Ltd
Indra Renewable Technologies Limited
Cattle Eye Ltd
FDB System
Lumio Technologies Limited
Shareholders of Dukeshill Ham Company Ltd
Nicholas Bull
The Westminster Academy (Westbourne Green)
Bushtracks Africa Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Myzone and its management on an investment transaction under which the Business Growth Fund led a $17,200,000 equity investment valuing Myzone at $102m.
- Advised the shareholders of Cyber Security Strategies Limited on its acquisition by the Ampa Group of the entire issued share capital of Cyber Security Strategies Limited, including advice on employment and equity elements of the transaction.
- Advised long-standing client FDB Systems on an M&A disposal to Insig AI PLC, a listed public company.
Corporate and commercial > Partnership Tier 4
Keystone Law is home to a number of partnership experts; Peter Garry has more than two decades of experience resolving partnership, LLP and limited company disputes in addition to advising on partnership formations and shareholder disputes. Clive HowardOther key lawyers:
Peter Garry; Clive Howard; Emma Clark
Testimonials
‘Clive Howard is very knowledgeable and offers expert but practical advice. Always offers a very prompt reply.’
‘A number of very experienced and capable individuals in the partnership/LLP arena. Very responsive and good value for money.’
‘Peter Garry is a superb partnership lawyer. He commands confidence and knows the law extremely well. He is excellent at delivering for clients.
‘Emma Clark is great with clients and a very good employment and partnership lawyer.’
‘We used this practice for employment and partnership support for an internal matter that presented a conflict.’
Work highlights
Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 4
Keystone Law‘s members have wide expertise in the field of fraud and financial crime matters, which spans the handling of commercial litigation arising out of allegations of fraud, corruption, regulatory issues, freezing orders and asset tracing work. Matthew Hennessy-Gibbs has knowledge of cross-border cases, while Louise Abbott is well versed in cryptocurrency and asset recovery matters. Robert Lawrie went to Grosvenor Law in March 2022.Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The structure of Keystone Law means that senior lawyers are very engaged and work is not simply signed off by partners. The firm increasingly has junior lawyers available to handle the administrative and procedural issues – and so there is a good balance.’
‘The structure of the firm ensures both strength in depth and an exceptional degree of partner involvement (they are effectively a large group of sole practitioners). Support where needed, so cost-effective as well.’
‘Louise Abbott – an effective litigator who is able to manage difficult clients well and can get to grips with complex litigation speedily.’
‘Matthew Hennessy-Gibbs is hugely experienced and can cut through difficult issues in complex cases. He’s also extremely user-friendly, and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Total hands-on commitment and round the clock availability.’
‘In my experience, Louise Abbott is a superb practitioner in the fields of commercial litigation and civil fraud. She is knowledgeable and bright, hard-working and highly effective. She is also very good to work with and a good member of a team.’
Key clients
Indigo Global Partners Limited (In Liquidation)
Galmarley Limited
Work highlights
- Defending Indigo Global Partners Limited (In Liquidation) against claims commenced by SKAT against 107 defendants in multiple jurisdictions.
- Representing an individual in a claim arising out of the dealings between the claimant and defendant in relation to an alleged agreement for a contractual joint venture, involving allegations of serious financial fraud.
- Obtained a Worldwide Freezing Order for an individual made against the unknown fraudsters and a Proprietary Injunction and Bankers Trust Order as against Binance (registered in the Cayman Islands).
Insurance > Insurance and reinsurance litigation Tier 4
Keystone Law's bench of specialists are active across the active in marine, life sciences and aviation sectors. James Crabtree and Jason Kallis are among the key names; they were recently joined by James Healy-PrattOther key lawyers:
James Crabtree; Jason Kallis; James Healey-Pratt; Antony Colman; Elaine Chan
Testimonials
‘James Crabtree is a fantastic solicitor.’
‘Keystone Law pay huge attention to detail in these complex areas, do not take no for an answer and push problems until they create a resolution, using all the weapons at their disposal, including ADR.’
‘Elaine Chan is a particular expert in product liability and also Chinese litigation which is particularly challenging because China’s unique jurisdiction challenges.’
‘Keystone Law provides an amazing stable thoroughbred lawyers to practice law without the attendant management concerns of large firms.’
‘Antony Colman is great, he is able to provide top-drawer advice and represent his trusted clientele in their important product liability and insurance litigation.’
‘Antony Colman is an excellent lawyer – and a first rate litigator. He has earned respect and trust of his long-standing and loyal clients as the result of the sheer quality of his tireless work on their behalves. He is one of the best in the field and his strategic insight and intellectual acumen that he is a formidable opponent. His fluency in German is that he has particular rapport with German companies and insurers – and has carved out a niche practice in this area. He’s not only clever and calm but also very courteous – a deadly combination in any litigator.’
‘Keystone has a profound practice in the insurance and reinsurance sector. The quality of advice benefits maximally from the experience and know-how of the individual team members, especially James Crabtree, whose advice is always considered, efficient and to the point.’
‘James Crabtree: His knowledge of the insurance and reinsurance sector and industry is very strong and he is an experienced and trustworthy advisor to his clients.’
Key clients
HDI Global SE
Allianz Global CS
Barbican Managing Agency Limited
UNIQA Österreich Versicherungen AG
Samsung SDI
WR Berkley (Offshore)
Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. Ltd
Yamaha Motor Europe NV, Branch UK
Argo Global Insurers
Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance
CFC Underwriting
Work highlights
- Advising Samsung and their Captive on fires and related damage caused by misuse or defective batteries manufactured by the Insured entity and pursuing distributors and retailers for breach of distribution agreements made between Samsung and its distributors.
Insurance > Personal injury: defendant Tier 4
Cordelia Rushby and Steven Conway are key individuals in the Keystone Law personal injury defendant team. The group’s caseload often involves defending employers against workplace claims and defending local authorities against public liability claims. In addition, the team deals with matters involving such complex factors as retrospective abuse, and Animals Act claims.Other key lawyers:
Cordelia Rushby; Steven Conway
Key clients
Allianz
HDI Gerling SE
Ipswich Borough Council
Top Mark Claims Management Limited
Travelers Insurance
Zurich Municipal
Work highlights
- Successfully defended on an employers’ liability claim where a caretaker suffered a back injury whilst moving defective refuse bins and claimed he was unable to work again as a consequence.
- Defended a claim for personal injury when the store manager of an international luxury retailer fell down the architecturally designed staircase in the client’s flagship Bond Street store.
- Applying to strike out a claim for injury, discrimination and breach of human rights brought by a claimant.
Private client > Family Tier 4
Susan Apthorp and Carolyn Bottomley are among the key names at Keystone Law, which is praised for being ’uniquely responsive, combining excellent legal knowledge with the very human touch’. There have been some key changes to the team – Sarah Thompson joined from Slater and Gordon. Zoe Bloom and Hannah Budd have left to set up their own practice BloomBudd LLP. The practice continues to advise high-profile and celebrity clients having ‘excellent experienced senior lawyers‘ who operate ‘at more cost effective rates than the big firms because it operates smartly with lower overheads’.Other key lawyers:
Susan Apthorp; Carolyn Bottomley; Claire O’Flinn; Rachel Lemon; Richard Collins; Richard Abrahams; Isobel Mundy; Charlotte Cuevas; Sarah Thompson; Hannah Cornish; Terrence Trainor
Testimonials
‘Claire O’Flinn is amazing. She led the group like Steven Gerard led Liverpool. Sharp as a razor and on top of everything as well as being extemely approachable and understanding’.
‘I have worked very closely with Rachel Lemon over the last year engaged in financial remedy cases involving off-shore, complex corporate structures. Her empathy shines through and puts clients at ease. She is always looking for the most cost effective solutions but willing to press hard in court to get the client the best possible outcome.’
‘I have worked with Richard Collins for a number of years and he is a first rate solicitor. He is an outstanding litigator with the exceptional ability to predict outcomes at an early stage. He is hugely responsive working all hours (however unfashionable that has become). His charge rate reflects very well against the top flight niche family firms and the service he provides is equivalent to or beyond some of the most well known names in the financial remedy field’.
‘Rachel Lemon is a wonderful solicitor to work with. She is thorough, engaging and easy to work with and for. She demonstrates real empathy with the clients and is willing to go the extra mile to ensure the client gets a 24/7 service’.
‘Richard Abrahams and Claire O’Flinn are both brilliant. Richard is a rising star – young and energetic and a huge hit with clients, who love his approachable, straight talking style’.
‘Super firm, great team with client care as top priority! Rachel Lemon – a real stand out. Super sensible, amazing client handling and will fight the fight when need be. A real pleasure to work with too’.
‘Hannah Cornish. Exceptional service, professional at all times, efficient and reliable. Hannah assisted with my divorce and with her guidance I had a very positive outcome. Hannah’s negotiating skills are phenomenal bearing in mind the opposite side were very tricky to deal with‘.
‘Charlotte Cuevas is truly excellent. Charlotte gives clear, strategic, commercial advice to her clients, seeking to achieve the best outcome possible for them. She settles many of her cases, but fights fearlessly in court when necessary. Isobel Mundy is an experienced family solicitor, who deals with all aspects of family law. She gives sensible, pragmatic advice to her clients and seeks to find sensible solutions as quickly and painlessly as possible‘.
Projects, energy and natural resources > Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) Tier 4
The renewable and green energy team at Keystone Law is experienced in all the main areas of power development including solar, waste-to-energy, offshore wind and hydrogen. The team are well versed in offtake and PPAs, joint venture arrangements and related commercial agreements. Key names include Richard Temple and Jon Close, who is experienced in public procurement. Jon Moorhouse is another key practitioner in the team.Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Ecotricity Generation Limited
Vertical Future
Mustang Energy PLC
Primorus Investments PLC
Seven Seven Capital
3ti Energy Hubs Limited
Calon Energy Limited
Wheelabrator Technologies Inc
The Sky Mining Company Ltd
Lexoo Limited
MA Energy Limited
UK Power Solutions Limited
Cotswold Energy Group Limited
A13 Engineering Limited
Design Installation Service Limited
Work highlights
- Advised the London-based soil-free farming group Vertical Future on its £21 million Series A fundraising.
- Advised Zero Carbon Farms on planning matters for their proposed second farming facility in London.
Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 4
Keystone Law's commercial property experts act for clients across the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors on large-scale leases, as well as landlord and tenant issues, and has demonstrable capability in mid-market transactions, including sales and purchases, and development projects. Key names in London include James Daglish and Shayne Foley, who advises large-scale occupiers on matters pertaining to UK-based headquarters and relocations.Other key lawyers:
James Daglish; Shayne Foley; Lisa Raymond; Paula Abrahamian
Testimonials
‘The team has great synergy and are always available.’
‘I have always found Keystone to have very competent and professional people. Their services can be used 100% remotely and yet it still feels personal.’
‘James Daglish has proved to be very knowledgeable and has helped me a great deal with licensing on new sites and indeed was instrumental in the recent renegotiations with landlords due to Covid-19. He understands you are as a client are not a lawyer and so summarises the negotiations and what it means in a way that is easily understood. James has always been available when required even if it is just for clarity on a legal point or other matter. I have found him to be good value for the work done and have never felt overcharged.’
Key clients
Divertido Hospitality Group Ltd
Nightlight Leisure Ltd
Henley Investments 123H Limited
Fiduciam Nominees Limited
Kuwait Business Town Real Estate Company
City and County Healthcare Group Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Divertido Hospitality Group Ltd on commercial property matters pertaining to due diligence, and negotiated the lease and relevant documents.
- Advised Nightlight Leisure Ltd on the due diligence on the site (33 Cornhill, in the City of London), clearing of references to the previous tenant and agreeing new lease of the ground floor, mezzanine and basement.
- Advised Kuwait Business Town Real Estate Company on all commercial property aspects of its investment, including the real estate finance component related to Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank’s financing of the acquisition.
Transport > Shipping Tier 4
The marine and shipping team at Keystone Law sports capabilities on the full range of dry and wet shipping matters, regularly advising P&I clubs, underwriters, owners, and charterers. Non-contentious commercial shipping matters are handled by Anastasia Papadopoulou, including ship finance and restructuring work. A quartet consisting of dry shipping experts George Lambrou and Stella Petritsi, as well as Fei Mao and Dharmendra Nair, cover the practice’s expertise in contentious maritime work. Yachts and superyachts constitute another strength of the team, for which Jonathan Hadley-Piggin is the go-to contact.Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team assist the customer to make quick and decisive decisions and responses to the matters.’
‘George Lambrou and Fei Mao are the two key people I know. Both are experienced and competent – and real fighters.’
Key clients
Transmar International
Med Wave Shipping Co.
The United Kingdom Mutual Steam Ship Assurance Association (Europe) Limited
Orient Express Lines Straits Orient Lines Singapore
Simulation Tech Inc
Global Chartering Limited (Mauritius) part of Arcelor Mittal Group
Transworld Group Singapore
Gard P. & I. (Bermuda) Ltd.
Marla Tankers Shipmanagement Inc.
AMT Insurance Ltd
Maersk Trade Finance A/S
Teo Shipping Corp & Others
OneSubsea Ip UK Limited
Sunseeker London Group
Aqua Group Jersey
LJ Fiduciary (Isle of Man) Corporate Service Provider
Lakeland Leisure Group Ltd
Grabau International Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for Global Chartering on a dispute.
- Advised The United Kingdom Mutual Steam Ship Assurance Association (Europe) on recovering a claim for General Average contributions from cargo interests following an engine breakdown.
- Represented the Transworld Group Singapore in matters concerning the ‘dirty list’ of Burma UK Org.
Private client > Family Tier 4
Keystone Law advises high-net-worth families on matrimonial disputes, wealth protection, and children matters. Its cases often have an international element, such as disputes involving foreign nationals or offshore assets. The team regularly appears in the High Court and Central Family Court. Sarah Thompson joined in August 2021 from Slater and Gordon. She covers financial remedy proceedings, Schedule 1 applications, and pre-marital agreements, as well as matrimonial disputes involving complex pensions.Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The Keystone team is expanding in the North West and is very lucky to have acquired Sarah Thompson.’
‘Sarah Thompson is an exceptional lawyer. She has a brain the size of a planet and fearlessly fights her client’s corner. She is a pleasure to work with and works tirelessly. I was fortunate enough to work closely with Sarah over the last year on several complicated matters and she was so well prepared and calm, despite many curved balls being thrown at her by her opposite number!’
‘A very agile, client-focused firm.’
‘Sarah Thompson is a fantastic matrimonial finance solicitor. She is vastly experienced, knowledgeable and approachable. You could not ask for more from a solicitor. She delivers.’
Work highlights
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 4
Keystone Law continues to advise clients on the management of intellectual property portfolios, including handling the protection and commercial use of IP. The practice has particular focuses on the technology sector, where it is frequently engaged on software licensing agreements, and it also provides advice to clients in the media sector on publishing deals. The practice includes Charlie White, who has a focus on the IP aspects of business-to-business transactions, and the ‘incredibly knowledgeable’ Jessica Bent, who leads on much of the team’s work involving media clients. Anna Keeling has left the firm.Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Jessica Bent is excellent. She is incredibly knowledgeable about trade mark matters.’
‘The focus on legal advice around copyright and intellectual property within the publishing industry has been invaluable.’
‘Both of the partners I have worked with have a high level of expertise in the area of know-how licensing which proved to be very protective of my rights in the licensing process. Firms of solicitors contacted before finding Keystone Law did not show the required familiarity with this area and had I gone with them could have exposed me to damaging risks.’
‘Jessica Bent provides a proactive approach, ensuring that timescales are met by driving meetings and calls.’
‘Very pragmatic, good insights and exceptional focus on client’s business priorities.’
‘A reliable and efficient team. Following an initial brief on what we wanted to achieve, the team set out clearly what we needed to collate and gather to feed the insight and supporting documentation. Conversations were always honest but professional.’
‘Jessica Bent was our lead. Jessica steered & navigated us expertly through the process of gathering the right type of information needed which assisted us significantly. The finished submission was well crafted and depicted the journey of our brand story perfectly.’
‘The ‘dispersed’ model guarantees a diverse and individualistic approach to legal advice. You know you are getting that lawyer’s own judgement.’
Key clients
Adam Matthew Digital Limited
Anglia Home Furnishings Limited
Bath Spa University
Bitmap Books Ltd
FluoretiQ Limited
Icon Scientific Limited
Marine Conservation Society
MediaClash Limited
Mytton Williams Ltd
Neptune (Europe) Ltd
Nevaya Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Adam Matthew Digital on its licensing agreements with archival institutions, as well as assisting on negotiations with various customer facing agreements.
- Advising niche computer games book publisher Bitmap Books on a variety of matters including content licensing and publishing agreements it enters into with publishers and contributors, and specific advice on the fair dealing exception in copyright.
- Advised specialist process analyser company Icon Scientific Limited on various intellectual property subsistence issues, licensing agreements, non-disclosure and R&D agreements.
Corporate and commercial > Venture capital Tier 5
Well-positioned to withstand the vagaries and alteration of working practices faced by law firms (due to Covid-19), by virtue of its existing alternative business model, Keystone Law has performed well in recent years on behalf of a balanced mix of investee and investor clients. Clients have access to numerous experienced practitioners within the team who have knowledge at advising on EIS, SEIS and VCT fundings, including Dee Sian, Catherine Williams and Nadim Zaman, who are all adept at advising on work throughout the funding life cycle.Other key lawyers:
Dee Sian; Catherine Williams; Nadim Zaman; Charles Frank; Albert Mennen; Paul Ranson
Testimonials
‘Keystone is an international network of senior professional lawyers with their own specialisms working outside of a traditional practice structure.’
‘This gives the benefits of a very high-quality team and supporting network without the full cost implications.’
‘Catherine Williams is a fabulous corporate lawyer who has gone the extra mile to support and grow our business for the last 7 years. She is ably supported by Paul Ranson and Suzy Schmitz (contracts) and Paul McCourt (tax) all of whom are highly recommended.’
Key clients
Mobeus Equity Partners LLP
Calculus Capital Limited
Beringea LLP
True Global (early stage investor)
Redrice Ventures (early stage investor)
Ozo Innovations Limited
PrecisionLife Limited
Trinny London Limited
FitnessGenes Limited
Ecoveritas Limited
Teatro San Cassiano Group Ltd
The Fink Family Office
Datamaran Limited
Scaleup Capital
Indra Renewable Technologies Limited
Frank Body Limited
Instinct Studios Limited
Opinsta Ltd
Konektio (formerly InVMA Limited)
The Blogger Programme Limited
The Nue Co
Work highlights
- Advising Teatro San Cassiano Group Ltd on its corporate restructuring ahead of its proposed £70m joint venture for the purpose of recreating the world’s first public baroque opera house (dating back to 1637) in Venice, Italy, while being managed out of the UK.
- Advised The Nue Co on its £18m Series B investment by Pamoja Capital.
- Advised longstanding client, Calculus Capital, on its investment in Brouhaha Entertainment.
Employment > Employers Tier 5
With a deep bench strength of more than 50 lawyers and growing, Keystone Law‘s employment department is one of the largest in London owing to its vigorous recruitment drive, which saw the arrival of 8 new partners in 2021. Angharad Harris and Nicholas RobertsonOther key lawyers:
Nicholas Robertson; Angharad Harris; Fraser Younson; Emma Clark; Lee McIntyre-Hamilton; Rob Eldridge
Testimonials
‘The enormous strength of Keystone Law is their unique blend of individuals who, although having individual practices clearly share their considerable experience to bring a refreshing objectivity to the presentation of their clients’ case.’
‘Angharard Harris is very accessible, straightforward and a problem solver.’
‘Clear, pragmatic advice protecting our position as employer.’
‘Keystone Law is my go to practice for any legal issue or need I have.’
‘Their flexible approach to working, and broad offering of legal expertise makes them unique in the market.’
‘Their biggest strength is the breath of legal sectors and understanding from employment to commercial to property to licensing etc.’
‘They have a large agile team, without the huge overhead costs, that can really help support across any legal matter.’
‘Angharad Harris is the best in the business. She continues to go above and beyond across all employment law matters and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to all and everyone. She is by far the best lawyer I have ever had the privilege of working with.’
Key clients
Simmons & Simmons LLP
Newsells Park Stud Limited
Coach Stores Limited
Ipc Information Systems
Tokentraxx Trading Ltd
Work highlights
- Provided advice to Simmons & Simmons LLP in defending an employment Tribunal claim brought by a former partner who resides outside the UK but who was seeking to bring a claim in the English Employment Tribunal.
- Assisting Tokentraxx Trading Ltd with the legal aspects of the set-up and launch.
Employment > Immigration Tier 5
Keystone Law‘s immigration team expanded further with the November 2021 hire of former Edwin Coe LLP practice head Dhruti Thakrar, bolstering its already strong reputation for both business and private-client work. Nicola Richards is especially well known for her work with clients in the technology sector, while Jayanti Mitra-Valdes is a key contact for high-net-worth clients. Corporate-focused Sharmila Mehta acts for senior executives and multinationals, and Tsige Berhanu brings expertise in areas including naturalisations and family-based applications.Other key lawyers:
Nicola Richards; Christine Chiew; Sharmila Mehta; Jayanti Mitra-Valdes; Tsige Berhanu; Druti Thakrar
Testimonials
‘They really focus on catering to the clients’ needs. Extremely diverse, with various language skills and capabilities.’
‘Christine Chiew – To me she is one of the best immigration lawyers at the moment. She has often helped clients of mine finding solutions in an ever-changing immigration environment. She also does something unique which is to consider the various other aspects of the client’s needs when planning the client’s strategy. Jayanti Mitra-Valdes – Jayanti is very well experienced and professional. Sharmila Mehta – Well qualified and particularly skilled in solving clients’ problems. Dhruti Thakrar – Well qualified and particularly skilled in solving clients’ problems.’
‘Christina Chiew – Clear, practical commercial advice. Provides a service “over and above” that expected from a standard lawyer.’
‘Christine Chiew’s team are all professional individuals with efficiency and provide bespoke services for each of my family members.’
‘Christine Chiew does not only provide professional advice but also looks into every details during the visa application and extension processes. She planed ahead for each procedure in order to achieve successful application results.’
Key clients
V7
Intership
Work highlights
- Submitted a sponsor licence application for V7, which was granted quicker than standard processing time, and assisted with an in-country application for the intended hire, also processed quickly.
- Liaised with the Home Office to successfully assist a client with frontier work permits, in a case where time was critical due to the nature of the cargo and its contribution to the UK fishing industry.
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 5
Keystone Law covers both onshore and offshore work. The domestic team works with some large landed estates in the UK. The offshore practice covers all aspects of UK tax planning for individuals who have a foreign connection. Alex Boothman ; Barry Adamson and Luke Micallef Trigona are among the names to note. The team is adept at handling a variety of issues from wills, tax planning, probate and trusts to complex cross-border estates for high-net-worth individuals.Other key lawyers:
Alex Boothman; Barry Adamson; Luke Micallef Trigona
Testimonials
‘The Keystone private client team is responsive, flexible and always contactable. I primarily work with Luke Micallef Trigona whom I have found to be empathetic to client requirements and deals with matters in a timely fashion. Luke Micallef Trigona & Alex Boothman are two individuals who come highly recommended’.
‘Barry Adamson is very thorough and responsive. He always goes the extra mile for his clients‘.
‘Very flexible and good at collaboration. They have a wide range of expertise – UK tax and probate and international tax that enables them to provide a holistic service. Alex Boothman -technical expertise in tax – highly intelligent. Barry Adamson – meticulous in the field of probate’.
‘I am impressed by the calibre of the lawyers I know who practise under the Keystone Law framework. It is an interesting set-up, very different from an “ordinary” law firm in that the lawyers at Keystone effectively operate as sole practitioners. I mainly work with Barry Adamson, a private client specialist, whom I have known for many years. Not only is he very technical and knows his subject backwards, he is also one of the nicest people you could hope to meet and clients love him’.
‘Alex Boothman and Barry Adamson – reliable, great expertise and able to provide accurate thorough advice promptly. They also provide efficient advice that is to the point as opposed to vague. Ably supported by Luke Trigona an excellent and dynamic team member. All attributes described above apply individually’.
‘Barry Adamson is renowned in particular in this cross-border probate area. Mr Adamson has spent most of his working life at this subject because he loves it! Mr Adamson is extremely diligent and has professional experience which is both wide and deep internationally, which is essential for this kind of work’.
‘I worked with Barry Adamson who brings many years of experience and excellent legal technical expertise to bear on difficult problems and goes the extra mile to resolve problems for his clients’.
‘The team possesses strong interpersonal skill sets and has strong chemistry with clients. Hence the reason they maintain many long-standing relationships. This is one of the key attributes that stands them out from the competition. They are also reasonably priced and are able to access considerable depth of other legal services due to the extensive breadth of legal services available in the Keystone legal infrastructure’.
Projects, energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 5
Keystone Law is well regarded for its expertise in regulatory issues pertaining to the energy and natural resources sector. Richard Temple is experienced in oil and gas transactions in Africa, and Stuart Carter is a name to note for commercial contracts, joint venture agreements and transactions.Other key lawyers:
Richard Temple; Stuart Carter; Fei Mao; Greg Kahn; Louise Elmes; David Egan; Rabya Anwar
Testimonials
‘Stuart Carter is a very commercially-oriented lawyer who has been able to provide us with excellent, wide-ranging advice built on a legal foundation’.
‘Deep knowledge of African Production Sharing Agreements’.
‘Richard Temple has long experience of working with PSCs’.
Key clients
Genel Energy UK Servcies Limited
Impact Oil & Gas
SOMGAS
Calon Energy Limited (formerly a subsidiary of RWE Generation)
North Sea Natural Resources
Schlumberger Oilfield UK PLC
Lexoo Limited
African Petroleum (now PetroNor E & P Limited)
Metron Energy Applications S.A.
Trafalgar Oil and Gas
Work highlights
- Advised Genel Energy Plc group company on their template joint operating agreement used in their international transactions worldwide.
- Assisted Impact Africa Limited in advising on a seismic matter.
- Currently advising SOMGAS on the development of a new LPG Terminal situated at Berbera.
Real estate > Planning Tier 5
Keystone Law‘s planning team possesses a wide variety of expertise with the firm’s focus being compulsory purchase issues, Planning Court litigation, and permitted development rights. Ben Garbett is an experienced planning law specialist who ‘provides an excellent all-round service’ for clients and handles a broad range of planning, highways, and compulsory purchase matters. The ‘clever, knowledgeable and diligent’ Yohanna Weber is an infrastructure and renewable energy specialist. The firm’s clients include developers, local authorities and private landowners. Oliver Goodwin has left the firm.Other key lawyers:
Ben Garbett; Yohanna Weber; Gareth Hughes; David Evans
Testimonials
‘I appreciate the Keystone model which provides senior legal advice in a direct and cost-effective way.’
‘In depth knowledge of planning law and practice and a sound understanding of the commercial realities of development work. The team stands out for its willingness to give clients meaningful and concrete advice even where there is no easy answer, but also for its collaborative approach to working with counsel to ensure a joined up approach.’
‘Ben Garbett – having worked with him over the past year on a challenging development, I have been impressed with his commercial and pragmatic approach to planning issues, as well as his ability to think outside the box and find creative solutions. He is also extremely easy to work with and very likeable.’
‘The team seems efficient, well managed and responsive.’
‘I have worked with Yohanna Weber who was absolutely excellent, knowledgeable, organised, personable and had great judgment.’
‘Yohanna Weber – clever, knowledgeable and diligent. Past experience in a local authority gives her excellent insight and perspective into how local authorities approach matters.’
‘Ben Garbett provides an excellent all-round service and ensures his clients are well looked after.’
Key clients
Enfinium
Valley Ridge Holdings Ltd
Macintosh Village (Management) Limited
Re Invest Bh Limited
Parker Hannifin Manufacturing Limited
Zero Carbon Farms Ltd
Tim Moya Associates
Victoria and Albert Museum
Coventry Gliding Club
Hallson Homes Limited
Hayashi Developments Ltd
Adult Corporate Entertainment Ltd
Gorillas Technologies Ltd
Bembridge Harbour Trust
Blakesley Estates
57 Whitehall S.A.R.L.
Sleep Central Limited
Fulham Arte Limited
Land & Buildings Limited
Rushcliffe Borough Council
Crossflatts cricket club
Work highlights
- Advised Zero Carbon Farms on planning matters for its proposed second farming facility in London.
- Advising a private landowner, taking a lead role as one of two main strategic objectors to the twin DCO schemes for re-construction of the M25 (junction 10) and A3 Wisley Interchange.
- Advised Valley Ridge Holdings Ltd on its objection to the Viridor planning application.
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 5
Keystone Law's expertise covers commercial forfeiture, property fraud, ratings disputes, CVAs and lease exits. Key names include Andrew Tugwell; he is dual qualified as a chartered surveyor and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators as a mediator. Jane Harte-Lovelace advises a range of companies, board members and nigh-net-worth individuals. Greg Barnbrook is noted for his expertise in both commercial and residential property disputes.Other key lawyers:
Andrew Tugwell; Jane Harte-Lovelace; Greg Barnbrook; Ed John
Testimonials
‘Jane Harte-Lovelace was a pleasure to deal with. She provided advice promptly in a way that was intelligible to non-lawyers. Most importantly she was practical in the advice she gave and as well as being brilliant on legal aspect.’
‘Greg Barnbrook provided consistent and ongoing support in a complex case.’
‘Andrew Tugwell: not only is he very experienced but he is also a chartered surveyor and I find this makes his advice stand out.’
‘Andrew Tugwell is the individual that stands out. He has very long track record and an ability to understand and find commercial solutions because of his dual qualification.’
‘A great firm with a wide range of specialisms.’
‘Greg Barnbrook – an excellent solicitor with a commercial mind and a fierce persona in protecting his client’s interests.’
‘We were always kept fully informed of the litigation throughout the whole process and if additional costs were to be expended it was fully discussed with us first.’
‘Greg Barnbrook was always helpful and would ensure we fully understood our position and options at every stage of the process.’
Key clients
Sony Music Entertainment (UK) Limited
Your-move.co.uk (and LSL Property Services PLC Group)
Offshore HNW Individuals
Bloomsbury Publishing plc
Personal Touch Financial Services Ltd
The Westbury Hotel, Mayfair
E.surv
Parker Hannifin Manufacturing Limited
Coventry Gliding Club
Private landowner client
BrightHouse Group (in administration)
Conran Holdings Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for Sony Music Entertainment (UK) Limited in respect of its headquarter building in Kensington and landlord and tenant issues following damage to the property.
- Advised Your-move one in court proceedings regarding rent liability and lease renewals.
- Advised Group of 14 property holding companies plus a related charitable trust in relation to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic regarding their retail and leisure clients across a portfolio of approximately 45 prime casual dining restaurants, coffee shop and pub and bar sites.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: patents (contentious and non-contentious) Tier 5
Keystone Law‘s IP patents practice advises start-ups and multinational businesses on both disputes and commercial IP matters. Rebecca Halford-Harrison is well known for her expertise in the food and beverage, life sciences, cosmetics, and energy industries, particularly in regulated markets. Simon Chalkley‘s practice focuses on IP strategy and commercial transactions, regularly advising on licensing, distribution, franchising and technology transfer agreements. Lucy Harrold has particular expertise in the protection, exploitation and enforcement of IP rights.Other key lawyers:
Rebecca Halford-Harrison; Claire Blewett; Lucy Harold; Simon Chalkley; Fiona Nicolson; Muzaffar Shah; Alexander Carter-Silk
Testimonials
‘Direct access to senior, high-quality resources. Legal advice with a strong commercial bent – will take a sensible, commercial point of view.’
‘Rebecca Halford-Harrison really knows her stuff and brings in the right high-quality experts.’
Key clients
World Programming Limited
Secret Smokehouse
Tangle Inc
F W Thorpe Plc
HP1 Technology
Erda Energy
Work highlights
- Advised the shareholders of World Programming Limited on the sale of their share capital to Nasdaq-listed Altair Engineering Inc.
- Defended a major and world-leading German construction manufacturing company in an infringement claims relating to two separate patents.
- Advised HP1 Technology on strategy relating to multiple patent-related collaborations.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 5
Keystone Law maintains a deep bench of experienced practitioners with specialisms across the soft IP spectrum, spanning a wide range of industries. Chemistry-based industry trade mark and design disputes are the purview of Rebecca Halford-Harrison, while software, internet, and database copyright issues are an area of expertise for Lucy Harrold. Simon Chalkley is a key contact for IP-related transactions, and Lawrence Abramson has extensive expertise in the media and entertainment industries, advising on copyright and trade mark passing off claims.Other key lawyers:
Rebecca Halford-Harrison; Simon Chalkey; Karen Fong; Anthony Misquitta; Claire Blewett; Lawrence Abramson; Lucy Harrold
Key clients
World Programming Limited
Datecs OOD
F W Thorpe Plc
Secret Smokehouse Ltd
Random Theory LLC (t/a Playbook Products)
Veiovia Ltd
Pembrook Products Ltd
Athena Cosmetics, Inc.
Avantra (Syslink Xandria Ltd)
McDonald’s Restaurants Limited
Crafter`s Companion Limited
Prinova Europe Ltd
GRID eSports GmbH
Reckitt Benckiser (ENA) B.V.
Life Health Foods Ltd
Athena Cosmetics, Inc.
Vertical Future
Julia Kogan
Victoria Miro Gallery Limited
Nicole Farhi Ltd
Time Plan Education Ltd
Cardioscan Services Pty Ltd
Erda Energy Ltd
Landfair Capital Ltd
HP1 Technologies Ltd
PreGel SpA
Raycast Technologies Ltd
Empowering Learning Ltd
Columbia Care
Good Ventures Ltd (t/a Evolve Beauty)
BVNK Service Ltd
Lario Therapeutics Ltd
Work highlights
- Defending the application alleging that Locked In breached a recording agreement.
- Advised the shareholders of World Programming Limited on the sale of the share capital to Nasdaq-listed Altair Engineering Inc.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management Tier 5
The bench of advisors at Keystone Law handle matters concerning defamation, privacy, misuse of confidential information, and reputation management for claimants and defendants across a range of sectors. Gerard Cukier has experience advising religious organisations facing sensitive and defamatory claims regarding possible cult involvement, and has expertise in filing claims for removal of defamatory material from media channels. Employment lawyer Sofia Syed supports HNW families and individuals, with a particular focus on reputational issues arising in light of contentious termination.Other key lawyers:
Gerard Cukier; Sofia Syed; Nicola Thatcher
Key clients
Dame Shirley Bassey
Barry Silkman
Lady Colin Campbell
Ildar Uzbekov
Connected Innovations Limited
Hachette Book Group
Pan Macmillan
Work highlights
- Acting for the well-known football agent, Barry Silkman, in respect of a story appearing in the Daily Mail stating that a Plymouth Argyle Supporters club event, An Evening with Barry Silkman, that he was due to address was cancelled at the last minute because the Supporters club found out that he had not been vaccinated. The matter was resolved with publication of a suitable correction in The Daily Mail and legal costs.
- Instructed to advise an Indian billionaire who is settled in the UK and is well-known within the UK and India. It is crucial to the family that their family affairs are kept private and confidential and that all staff members are signed up to an NDA and sufficiently robust agreements.
- Advising long-standing client Lady Colin Campbell, who issued proceedings for defamation against MGN Ltd, the publishers of the Daily Mirror arising from an article appearing in the Daily Mirror in November 2019.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 6
Keystone Law’s sports offering combines expertise in litigation, reputation management, intellectual property, corporate, tax, employment, competition and private client maters. Jamie Horner has a focus on the motorsport industry, while Rachel Flynn specialises in horseracing and equine sports. Gerard Cukier advises on reputation management issues and Paul DanielsOther key lawyers:
Jamie Horner; Rachel Flynn; Gerard Cukier; Paul Daniels
Testimonials
‘Well organised firm on par with its main competitors.’
‘Gerard Cukier is very experienced, with good judgment and clients like and trust him.’
‘The practice includes the excellent Jamie Horner.’
‘Jamie Horner is an outstanding practitioner in the sports sector, with enviable experience in many fields, including motor racing.’
‘Gerard Cukier is a highly experienced sports lawyer with additional entertainment law experience.’
Key clients
Arden Motorsport Limited/Arden International Motorsport Limited/ Arden Sports Management Limited
Velocity Experience
Young Racing Driver Academy Limited
Kokoro Performance Limited
English Willow
JOTA
TBA plc
In2Racing Limited
Kofler Group
The Racing Foundation
Thoroughbred Breeders Association
Jockey Club Racecourses
European Breeders Fund
Oliver St Lawrence Bloodstock Limited
Ricky Hatton
Barry Silkman
MyJet Asia PTE Limited
Materials IP Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for football agent, Barry Silkman, in respect of a story appearing in the Daily Mail stating that a Plymouth Argyle Supporters club event, An Evening with Barry Silkman, that he was due to address was cancelled at the last minute because the supporters club found out that he had not been vaccinated. The matter was resolved with publication of a suitable correction in The Daily Mail and legal costs.
- Represented brand experience agency Velocity Experience in relation to contractual issues connected with its ongoing production of the winter festival at Silverstone Race Circuit which is known as the Lap of Lights.
- Provided a bespoke driver management agreement for a leading UK-based driver management and performance support operation, who work with young drivers from all over the world supporting their pathway to Formula 1.
Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Elsewhere in East Midlands
Corporate and commercial > International business reorganisations
Private client > Agriculture and estates
Private client > Family: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx
Employment
Employment > Employees/unions
Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans
Finance > Transport finance and leasing
Real estate > Construction: non-contentious
Employment > Health and safety
Private client > Art and cultural property
Private client > Charities and not-for-profit
Insurance > Insurance litigation: for policyholders
Real estate > Construction: contentious
Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery
Keystone Law > Firm Profile
A legal pioneer, Keystone Law was established in 2002 by a group of forward-thinking lawyers who were determined to build a law firm that would serve the needs of its clients more effectively than the conventional alternatives. Now a full-service firm with 250 lawyers and 45 support staff, Keystone has won countless awards and is considered a significant force within the legal sector.
The firm: While predominantly practising corporate and commercial law, Keystone’s private client team also caters to the needs of senior executive and high-net worth individuals. The firm’s offering is delivered across 23 service areas and 14 sectors with clients including: FIFA, Amlin, Bosch, Siemens, RSA, Cancer Research Technology, the V&A, Galderma, HMV, Glencore, Hiscox, Nationwide and Thyssenkrupp.
Representing somewhat of a dichotomy, Keystone invests heavily in technology in order to increase human interaction and enhance business relationships. Keystone only recruits senior partner-level lawyers with an average of 23 years’ experience, obtained at the UK’s best law firms and in-house with major FTSE 250 and Fortune 500 multinationals. Lawyers work collaboratively with colleagues across the firm and with others involved in the transaction, whether they are the client themselves, the client’s external legal advisers or their in-house legal team. Keystone also has a range of expert lawyers who specialise and work full time in particularly niche legal areas and are routinely instructed by other law firms to plug any gaps in expertise or capacity and thus to offer a fuller service to their own clients. These niche areas include tax, construction, share schemes, regulatory and pensions in addition to the wider services offered by the firm. In 2014 Keystone launched operations in Australia as Keypoint Law. Two years later, the firm opened its doors in the offshore jurisdiction of the Isle of Man and in 2017 Keystone Law Northern Ireland (KLNI) was launched in Belfast. Keystone continues to have plans in place for further expansion in the near future.
Types of work undertaken: Keystone Law is a full-service corporate law firm offering a complete range of business legal services and additionally providing private client advice to senior executives. The firm operates across a range of industry sectors and boasts a number of former in-house counsel from leading companies who work closely with the rest of the team to ensure they are fully aware of industry insight and issues. The firm also has a range of expert lawyers who specialise and work full time in niche legal areas and are routinely instructed by other law firms to plug any gaps in expertise or capacity and thus to offer a fuller service to their own clients. These niche areas include tax, construction, share schemes, regulatory and pensions in addition to the wider services offered by the firm.
Other offices: Bristol, Douglas (Isle of Man), London, Belfast (Northern Ireland), St Peter Port (Guernsey), Melbourne and Sydney
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Managing director | James Knight | ||
Operations director | William Robins |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | David Bermingham | David is an Advocate and Notary Public in the Isle of Man… | View Profile |
![]() | Rachel Berry | Rachel is an advocate in the Isle of Man team with specialist… | View Profile |
![]() | Sally Cranshaw | Sally is a Manx Advocate whose practice includes a broad variety of… | View Profile |
![]() | Hazel Dawson | Hazel is a corporate and commercial lawyer who advises Isle of Man… | View Profile |
![]() | Ben Hughes | Ben has advised on pensions and employee benefits for fifteen years. He… | View Profile |
![]() | Geoff Kermeen | Geoff is a Manx Advocate with a practice that includes a wide… | View Profile |
![]() | Andrew Langan-Newton | Andrew is an Isle of Man advocate who specialises in resolving commercial disputes on… | View Profile |
![]() | William Margot | William is both a Manx Advocate and qualified Solicitor in England and… | View Profile |
![]() | John Melia | John is an experienced corporate and commercial lawyer with significant experience in finance, mergers and acquisitions,… | View Profile |
![]() | Stephen Rodd | Stephen is an experienced corporate and commercial lawyer with a wide range… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 250Legal Briefings
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- Commercial property
- Employment
- Crime, fraud and licensing > Licensing
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: mid-market
- Real estate > Residential property
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Banking, finance and capital markets
- Corporate and commercial
- Dispute resolution
- Gambling
- Insurance and pensions
- Employment > Senior executives
- Transport > Travel
Firm Rankings
- Crime, fraud and licensing > Gaming and betting
- Finance > Islamic finance
- Insurance > Product liability: defendant
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment (including media finance)
- Transport > Aviation
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property
- Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Kent, Surrey, Sussex
- Real estate > Construction
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms
- Insurance > Professional negligence
- Corporate and commercial > M&A: smaller deals, up to £50m
- Corporate and commercial > Partnership
- Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil
- Insurance > Insurance and reinsurance litigation
- Insurance > Personal injury: defendant
- Private client > Family
- Projects, energy and natural resources > Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables)
- Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers
- Transport > Shipping
- Private client > Family
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property
- Corporate and commercial > Venture capital
- Employment > Employers
- Employment > Immigration
- Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate
- Projects, energy and natural resources > Oil and gas
- Real estate > Planning
- Real estate > Property litigation
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: patents (contentious and non-contentious)
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management
- Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Elsewhere in East Midlands
- Corporate and commercial > International business reorganisations
- Private client > Agriculture and estates
- Private client > Family: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx
- Employment
- Employment > Employees/unions
- Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans
- Finance > Transport finance and leasing
- Real estate > Construction: non-contentious
- Employment > Health and safety