Sherrards Solicitors LLP > London, England > Firm Profile
Sherrards Solicitors LLP Offices

1-3 PEMBERTON ROW
LONDON
EC4A 3BG
England
Sherrards Solicitors LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 3
With demonstrable experience in the hospitality, retail and leisure, franchising and education sectors, Sherrards Solicitors LLP - which operates from two bases in London and St Albans - handles a range of corporate occupier matters, including standalone lease renewals and regears, as well as portfolio asset management. The team’s workload also includes investment acquisitions and disposals, development agreements and financing mandates. Charles Hodder, who acts for overseas clients, particularly in Malaysia and Singapore, on investment acquisitions and leasing matters, jointly leads the practice alongside St Albans-based Terry Fendt. ‘Highly experienced and diligent’ Isabel Wolfe Barry handles landlord and tenant work, acquisitions and portfolio restructuring.Practice head(s):
Charles Hodder; Terry Fendt
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Isabel Wolfe Barry is an outstanding lawyer who is a pleasure to work with and has consistently given good advice.’
‘The team’s availability is generally good and the partners take a practical approach.’
‘Charles Hodder is a friendly and experienced lawyer, who finds practical solutions to get the task done on time.’
‘The commercial property team are experienced, always offer solutions, are proactive and responsive.’
‘Isabel Wolfe Barry is knowledgeable and hardworking.’
‘Isabel Wolfe Barry is a highly experienced and diligent commercial property lawyer. Nothing is too much trouble, she is calm under pressure and secures the right outcomes for her clients.’
Key clients
Cambria Automobiles Plc
Amey Plc
Watch House Coffee Holdings Limited
Explore Learning Ltd
Master Removers Group and Ward Thomas Removals Limited
Landmark Estates Limited
EMCOR Group (UK) Plc
Powerday Plc
City Athletic Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for a large infrastructure services plc in connection with its property portfolio, including lease acquisitions and disposals.
- Acting for a retail developer on the acquisition of a property for the purposes of re-development and the grant of a lease to a large supermarket chain.
- Acting for a London-based coffee chain on the acquisition of another chain of coffee shops and advising on renegotiation of leases.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 1
The dispute resolution team at Sherrards Solicitors LLP specialises in the banking, fraud, recruitment and franchising sectors with much cross-border work in Ukraine, China and French-speaking countries. The team regularly acts for clients in asset finance, banking, insolvency and debt recovery-related litigation while also handling contentious probate and restrictive covenant issues. Paul Marmor heads the department and specialises in cross-border litigation and fraud. Marta Grieve focuses on Ukrainian and CIS-related matters while Karen Dobson handles finance-related litigation. Barney Laurence is well-versed in commercial disputes.Practice head(s):
Paul Marmor
Other key lawyers:
Marta Grieve; Karen Dobson; Barney Laurence
Testimonials
‘Proactive and sensitive to client needs and concerns. Open-minded about thinking outside the box. Prepared to devote all the resources needed to the task and determined to get the best possible result for the clients.’
‘Paul Marmor is partner and head of litigation. Very astute to the commercial realities of the case and sensitive to client needs. Manages the team effectively.’
‘Greg Pooler is very hard-working, bright and conscientious. Lynchpin of the team, and provides the real graft.’
‘Extremely professional at all times and transparent with billing.’
‘Karen Dobson and her assistant Rachel were so tenacious with everything that was asked of them. Total transparency with everything and very efficient.’
Key clients
HBL Bank UK Limited
Aurora Leasing Limited
Cambria Automobiles Limited
Gresham House plc
Winkworth Estates & Lettings
Villa Plus
McGinley Healthcare Limited
Berry Recruitment Limited
International Tin Association
Countrywide Estate Agents
AMUT Ecotech S.p.A.
JAM Vehicles Limited
The Jewellery Channel Limited
ParentPay Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for a major cosmetics business on a recovery claim in fraud against its former directors and suppliers requiring freezing injunctions and asset tracing.
Employment > Employment: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 1
St Albans-based firm Sherrards Solicitors LLP provides HR support to clients on grievances, disciplinaries, restrictive covenants, tribunal claims, immigration and transactional support on business acquisitions and mergers. The team is also experienced in contentious employment matters such as disability discrimination, constructive and unfair dismissal. This work spans several sectors including retail, leisure and recruitment. Practice head Mark Fellows has experience in employment tribunals with a corporate client base from global organisations to owner-managed businesses. Joanne Perry advises several accountancy firms and handles TUPE transfers.Practice head(s):
Mark Fellows
Other key lawyers:
Joanne Perry
Testimonials
‘Sherrards Solicitors have a strong team, who are all very knowledgeable in their areas, this makes them a perfect company to deal with for all our business legal requirements.’
‘We have worked with several of the partners, all of which have been extremely professional and efficient.’
‘For our employment and HR requirements, Mark Fellows has been particularly helpful, explaining procedures in an easy-to-follow way. He is extremely patient and will often go above and beyond to help us with difficult staffing situations. His advice has been invaluable.’
‘Mark Fellows is approachable, pragmatic and consistent. We feel we are in good hands with advice and solutions.’
‘Overall good service with dedicated advice in all the law requirements. They get to know you, you are not just a number.’
‘Attention to detail that you can understand and its not just jargon.’
‘They go the extra mile.’
‘Whether it’s listening patiently, explaining a point of law, or help in deciding on a course of action, you always feel supported.’
Key clients
Air Business Limited
Winkworth Franchising plc
F H Bertling Limited
B3 Living Limited
Alpi UK Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for London-based client Powerday in the acquisition of IOD Skip Hire Limited.
- Provided Winkworth Franchising plc with ongoing HR and employment support and advice include TUPE, disciplinary and grievance matters.
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 1
Sherrards Solicitors LLP operates from two offices in St Albans and London, working with a varied roster of domiciled and non-domiciled clients. The team has expertise in preparing wills, estate and tax planning often with a cross jurisdictional element including the re-sealing of foreign grants. In addition the practice carries out trust work encompassing the establishment of life-interest trust, offshore and charitable trusts. Practice head Nicole Marmor has extensive experience in cross-border issues for domiciled clients including advising on the preparation of wills.Practice head(s):
Nicole Marmor
Testimonials
‘The team were extremely caring and sensitive’.
‘Donna Payne was helpful, patient and efficient, especially when working through the difficult circumstances surrounding working remotely. She dealt with the difficult aspects of my case very competently.’
‘They dealt with all matters very swiftly and we were kept up to date with the costs and progress.’
Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 2
Operating in St Albans Sherrards Solicitors LLP is an established corporate and commercial team with mergers, acquisitions and disposals at the root of its work. The practice also handles private equity transactions and provides regulatory advice to its clients who are often owner managed businesses. The firm has a particular focus in the franchising, retail, entertainment and hospitality sectors. Co-head Leigh Head has expertise in the music and media industry while fellow head Jean-Paul Da Costa has experience in IP and IT matters. Partner Kiall Bagnell has recruitment and franchising experience.Practice head(s):
Leigh Head; Jean-Paul da Costa
Other key lawyers:
Kiall Bagnell
Testimonials
‘Kiall is very down-to-earth and easy to get on with. He focuses on getting the job done but not at the expense of getting it done properly. Kiall is commercially-minded and pragmatic and doesn’t take positions on issues needlessly. His drafting is good, as are his communication skills.’
‘Sherrards are always available and have the ability to respond quickly where required. The various members of the teams I have dealt with have always understood our requirements and delivered professional advice on time. Sherrards introduced a series of webinars during the pandemic which were a fantastic way to reach out to its clients and keep us informed. Sherrards have the ability to give excellent advice from a brilliantly friendly and professional team.’
‘We are not lawyers and what we need as clients is someone who we can communicate with us in a language we fully understand. Our main contact at Sherrards is Leigh Head who knows our industry and knows us, he knows how to communicate to us and this is extremely important.’
‘Corporate team are excellent.’
‘Kiall Bagnell is first class, understands client’s business and objectives, genuinely friendly, pleasant and competent.’
‘This is a top firm with its feet on the ground. The reason why they are my choice is that they understand people as well as the law and are focused and driven. Tell you as it is and wont let you down.’
‘The corporate and commercial team has in depth experience across multiple sectors and are never phased by a new matter.’
‘Leigh Head is my go to corporate and commercial Lawyer due to his experience, knowledge, excellent advice and always remaining calm.’
Key clients
Winkworth Franchising Limited
Screwfast Foundation Limited
Cambria Automobiles plc
Mediashare (ER Productions) Limited
Dylans
Village Underground
One Sky Flight LLP
Work highlights
- Acted for the main shareholders of HAC Group Limited and Village Underground Holdings Limited in the sale and investment by the Big Issue Invest.
- Worked with the shareholders of Screwfast Foundation Ltd in the sale of the company to Van Elles Plc.
Real estate > Commercial property: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 2
Sherrards Solicitors LLP advises on all aspects of development work from acquisition, planning and construction to sales, lettings and management. The real estate practice specialises in several sectors including retail , hospitality and franchising. Practice head Terry Fendt has extensive experience in commercial property matters with particular expertise in the retail industry. Stephanie Kierans focuses on transactions such as acquisitions and disposals.Practice head(s):
Terry Fendt
Other key lawyers:
Stephanie Kierans
Testimonials
‘I work mainly with the corporate property team on negotiating new leases and renewals. The team is very professional and personable.’
‘They all make you feel like your business is important to them and don’t just take the repeat business for granted.’
‘The property team is very dedicated and listen to their clients needs / requirements and act accordingly. They keep the client updated at all stages and go above and beyond for their clients with the advice they provide.’
‘Stephanie Kierans & Terry Fendt go above and beyond with their service. Nothing is too much trouble for their clients.’
‘Pro-actively commercial and promptly reactive to our business’ needs. Always willing to go the extra mile to get things done, but sensibly priced to boot.’
‘Great attention to detail and good understanding of our priorities and needs. Individual’s willingness to respond and work to our timescales is always impressive and helpful.’
‘Great commercial advice and speed of response.’
‘Terry Fendt and Stephanie Kierans both are exceptional in their client management. They are available 24/7 and always respond as soon as they can’
Key clients
Chokdee Ltd
Menkind Limited
Evapo Ltd
Energie Property (UK) Limited
Foodco UK Franchising Limited
Rituals Cosmetics UK Limited
DBD Distribution Limited
Central City Training Venues (CCTV)
Bright Young Things (BYT)
Fawcett Mead Ltd
AM Coffee Retail Ltd
Thai Tana Ltd
Work highlights
- Our sector expertise in retail gives us the opportunity to work with some very interesting and dynamic clients on transactions where our ability to deliver a quick turnaround can make the difference between a successful and poor financial year.
- Our team advise various clients on matters including purchase of investment properties subject to an occupational tenant. These matters include lease renewals, agreement of leases, tenant substitution agreement, licence to underlet and licence to alter.
- Our team have the skills, experience and size of team to advise our clients on all their property needs including dispute resolution and litigation. In addition, our full-service capability allows us to advise our property sector clients on all aspects of their business, including Corporate and employment advice.
South East > Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx
The dispute resolution team at Sherrards Solicitors LLP specialises in the banking, fraud, recruitment and franchising sectors with much cross-border work in Ukraine, China and French-speaking countries. The team regularly acts for clients in asset finance, banking, insolvency and debt recovery-related litigation while also handling contentious probate and restrictive covenant issues. Paul Marmor heads the department and specialises in cross-border litigation and fraud. Marta Grieve focuses on Ukrainian and CIS-related matters while Karen Dobson handles finance-related litigation. Barney Laurence is well-versed in commercial disputes.Practice head(s):
Paul Marmor
Other key lawyers:
Marta Grieve; Karen Dobson; Barney Laurence
Testimonials
‘Proactive and sensitive to client needs and concerns. Open-minded about thinking outside the box. Prepared to devote all the resources needed to the task and determined to get the best possible result for the clients.’
‘Paul Marmor is partner and head of litigation. Very astute to the commercial realities of the case and sensitive to client needs. Manages the team effectively.’
‘Greg Pooler is very hard-working, bright and conscientious. Lynchpin of the team, and provides the real graft.’
‘Extremely professional at all times and transparent with billing.’
‘Karen Dobson and her assistant Rachel were so tenacious with everything that was asked of them. Total transparency with everything and very efficient.’
Key clients
HBL Bank UK Limited
Aurora Leasing Limited
Cambria Automobiles Limited
Gresham House plc
Winkworth Estates & Lettings
Villa Plus
McGinley Healthcare Limited
Berry Recruitment Limited
International Tin Association
Countrywide Estate Agents
AMUT Ecotech S.p.A.
JAM Vehicles Limited
The Jewellery Channel Limited
ParentPay Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for a major cosmetics business on a recovery claim in fraud against its former directors and suppliers requiring freezing injunctions and asset tracing.
South East > Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx
Operating in St Albans Sherrards Solicitors LLP is an established corporate and commercial team with mergers, acquisitions and disposals at the root of its work. The practice also handles private equity transactions and provides regulatory advice to its clients who are often owner managed businesses. The firm has a particular focus in the franchising, retail, entertainment and hospitality sectors. Co-head Leigh Head has expertise in the music and media industry while fellow head Jean-Paul Da Costa has experience in IP and IT matters. Partner Kiall Bagnell has recruitment and franchising experience.Practice head(s):
Leigh Head; Jean-Paul da Costa
Other key lawyers:
Kiall Bagnell
Testimonials
‘Kiall is very down-to-earth and easy to get on with. He focuses on getting the job done but not at the expense of getting it done properly. Kiall is commercially-minded and pragmatic and doesn’t take positions on issues needlessly. His drafting is good, as are his communication skills.’
‘Sherrards are always available and have the ability to respond quickly where required. The various members of the teams I have dealt with have always understood our requirements and delivered professional advice on time. Sherrards introduced a series of webinars during the pandemic which were a fantastic way to reach out to its clients and keep us informed. Sherrards have the ability to give excellent advice from a brilliantly friendly and professional team.’
‘We are not lawyers and what we need as clients is someone who we can communicate with us in a language we fully understand. Our main contact at Sherrards is Leigh Head who knows our industry and knows us, he knows how to communicate to us and this is extremely important.’
‘Corporate team are excellent.’
‘Kiall Bagnell is first class, understands client’s business and objectives, genuinely friendly, pleasant and competent.’
‘This is a top firm with its feet on the ground. The reason why they are my choice is that they understand people as well as the law and are focused and driven. Tell you as it is and wont let you down.’
‘The corporate and commercial team has in depth experience across multiple sectors and are never phased by a new matter.’
‘Leigh Head is my go to corporate and commercial Lawyer due to his experience, knowledge, excellent advice and always remaining calm.’
Key clients
Winkworth Franchising Limited
Screwfast Foundation Limited
Cambria Automobiles plc
Mediashare (ER Productions) Limited
Dylans
Village Underground
One Sky Flight LLP
Work highlights
- Acted for the main shareholders of HAC Group Limited and Village Underground Holdings Limited in the sale and investment by the Big Issue Invest.
- Worked with the shareholders of Screwfast Foundation Ltd in the sale of the company to Van Elles Plc.
Sherrards Solicitors LLP > Firm Profile
Sherrards is a law firm made up of talented lawyers and an excellent wider team that keeps the whole place running smoothly.
Our philosophy is to keep things straightforward. Advice is pragmatic and cases are handled with little fuss. We find this refreshingly obvious approach attracts clients tired of people making things more complicated than they need to be.
We work out of two offices in London and St Albans and increasingly work from anywhere in the world.
An overview of our departments:
Real Estate: Respected lawyer Terry Fendt leads the Commercial Property team. Commercially savvy solicitors, they handle complex property transactions, including joint ventures and finance agreements, acquisition and disposal of retail and investment property, hotels, restaurants and pubs, property development (commercial and residential) and management work. Asha Ngai and Caroline Vernon lead the Residential Real Estate team, much of which has an international and high-net-worth element.
Corporate and Commercial: Covering a full range of corporate and commercial work, the team has additional expertise in IP, media and entertainment and charity law. Jean-Paul da Costa and Leigh Head lead the team providing a partner-led service, committed to finding a tailored, commercial and cost-effective solution for their clients.
Dispute resolution and litigation: Paul Marmor leads the litigation team which provides responsive services to manage the risks and maximise the strength of their client’s position.
Employment: Mark Fellows leads the team with partner Joanne Perry who supports clients through all stages of the employment relationship with a focus on creating and maintaining a sound legal framework for employers.
Private wealth: The team handles Wills, tax, and probate matters, UK and international succession planning and high-end residential property.
International: Sherrards has an international focus with China and Asia, and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, French and German teams. The teams provide legal services to UK SMEs looking to export overseas and foreign companies and high-net-worth individuals setting up in the UK.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Managing Partner | Alasdair McMillin | alasdair.mcmillin@sherrards.com | 01727 738902 |
Commercial property | Terry Fendt | terry.fendt@sherrards.com | 01727 738922 |
Commercial property | Stephanie Kierans | stephanie.kierans@sherrards.com | 01727 738923 |
Corporate and commercial | Jean-Paul da Costa | JeanPaul.Dacosta@sherrards.com | 020 7478 9018 |
Dispute resolution | Paul Marmor | paul.marmor@sherrards.com | 0207 4789010 |
Employment | Mark Fellows | mark.fellows@sherrards.com | 01727 738976 |
Corporate and commercial | Leigh Head | leigh.head@sherrards.com | 01727 738937 |
Personal tax, trusts and probate | Nicole Marmor | nicole.marmor@sherrards.com | 01727 738989 |
Residential Real Estate | Asha Ngai | asha.ngai@sherrards.com | 02074953035 |
Residential Real Estate | Caroline Vernon | caroline.vernon@sherrards.com | 020 3795 0036 |
Employment | Joanne Perry | joanne.perry@sherrards.com | 01727 738920 |
Property disputes | Michael Lewis | michael.lewis@sherrards.com | 01727 738980 |
Dispute Resolution | Barney Lawrence | barnaby.lawrence@sherrards.com | 01727 738975 |
Dispute Resolution | Karen Dobson | karen.dobson@sherrards.com | 01727 738906 |
Corporate and commercial | Kiall Bagnell | kiall.bagnell@sherrards.com | 01727 738914 |
Corporate and commercial | Laurel Zhang | laurel.zhang@sherrards.com | 02074789916 |
Dispute Resolution | Greg Pooler | greg.pooler@sherrards.com | 01727 738993 |
Immigration | Melissa Vangeen | melissa.vangeen@sherrards.com | 07733 889559 |
Commercial property | Jonathan Peet | jonathan.peet@sherrards.com | 020 7478 9028 |
Employment | Emma Peacock | emma.peacock@sherrards.com | 0203 795 0024 |
Dispute Resolution | Matthew Ball | matthew.ball@sherrards.com | 0207 4789 015 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Matthew Ball | Matthew Ball is a Partner in the Dispute Resolution team and is… | View Profile |
![]() | Jean-Paul Da Costa | Jean-Paul originally qualified as a Barrister in Lincoln’s Inn before moving on… | View Profile |
![]() | Mrs Marta Grieve | Marta joined Sherrards as the Head of The Eastern Europe and Central… | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Charles Hodder | Charles has over 25 years’ experience in commercial property and advises clients… | View Profile |
![]() | Michael Lewis | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Paul Marmor | Partner and head of litigation & dispute resolution, Paul focuses on substantial… | View Profile |
![]() | Alasdair McMillin | Managing Partner of Sherrards since 1995 and instrumental in the major growth… | View Profile |
![]() | Asha Ngai | Partner, Residential Real Estate | View Profile |
![]() | Emma Peacock | Emma is a Partner in the Employment department and is based in… | View Profile |
![]() | Jonathan Peet | Consultant | View Profile |
![]() | Gregory Pooler | Senior Associate | View Profile |
![]() | Gregory Pooler | Senior Associate | View Profile |
![]() | Caroline Vernon | Partner, Residential Property | View Profile |
![]() | Xueying (Laurel) Zhang | London based Solicitor Xueying (Laurel) Zhang heads up the firm’s China and… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 19 Number of other UK fee-earners : 50Languages
Mandarin Chinese Russian French GermanMemberships
IBA The Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) Alliott Global AllianceDiversity
Whether it’s providing legal advice or supporting our team and implementing change, Sherrards is beautifully straightforward.
Our firm is not perfect. But we try to do the right things. We run an active diversity and inclusivity programme and take care to ensure our behaviour has a positive impact on the environment and wider society.
We know that in order to give the best advice to our clients, we need to work with a diverse range of people who each bring their own perspectives and experience to the table.
To make sure we do better (because we can always do better), our current initiatives include:
- To provide a working environment where our people can bring their whole selves to into the workplace.
- Identify areas of the firm that we need to improve diversity and create initiatives to address and implement change.
- Maintaining the gender balance in our partnership which is currently 9:10
- Creation of the Sustainable Sherrards committee which works hard to make the Firm more environmentally sound.
- Support our LGBTQ+ colleagues and community by sponsoring the Hertfordshire Pride festival and ensuring an established Pride network which provides opportunities for collaborating on business development initiatives in the community for our LGBTQ+ staff and clients.
- Establishing a workplace committee to represent a variety of demographics including age, gender, religion, race, disability & LGBTQ+
- The Sherrards book club to focus on black authors in 2022 to ensure representation and build better perspectives on racial disparity.
Client Testimonials
CLIENT: Andy Laurillard
COMPANY/FIRM: Chokdee Ltd t/a Giggling Squid
TESTIMONIAL: “Giggling Squid has grown from one restaurant in 2002 to over 30 and we need a law firm who can keep pace with us. Stephanie Kierans and the rest of the lawyers at Sherrards have done just that. They provide excellent commercial advice and are quick to respond to all our needs”.
CLIENT: Doug Bates
COMPANY/FIRM: Intelligent People
TESTIMONIAL: “Sherrards are a warm and friendly team who not only offer expert advice but execute brilliantly. As a small business, we occasionally have debt to chase or need legal counsel on other matters, we have a 100% record with Sherrards and will continue to use them for the foreseeable future. Highly, highly recommended”
CLIENT: Robert McGregor
COMPANY/FIRM: McConnell Group
TESTIMONIAL: “We have worked with Kiall, Leigh and corporate the team for a number of years and they always provide concise and commercial advice. They have a collaborative; personable approach and we thoroughly enjoy working with them.”
CLIENT: Eve Gonsalves
COMPANY/FIRM: Energie Property UK limited
TESTIMONIAL: “Energie have worked with Sherrards as the business has expanded. The team at Sherrards are down to earth, approachable and on hand to provide assistance where required. They work with us and our franchisees to help make the club acquisition process as seamless as possible.”
CLIENT: Josh B
COMPANY/FIRM: Private Individual
TESTIMONIAL: “Last year my wife and I instructed Sherrards Solicitors as the conveyancer for both house sale and house purchase. They were extremely efficient, gave great advice and kept us regularly updated throughout the whole process. We found them a pleasure to deal with and would highly recommend them.”
CLIENT: Martin G
COMPANY/FIRM: Private Individual
TESTIMONIAL: “I have been very pleased with the service we have received from Sherrards Solicitors in both London and from the St Albans office. As I am domiciled overseas (in far off New Zealand) but have family interests in the UK, Sherrards have been extremely helpful with a property transaction and a trust deed which went very smoothly and achieved an excellent outcome.”
- Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers
Firm Rankings
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx
- Employment > Employment: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx
- Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx