Rory Mac Neice > Ashfords LLP > Bristol, England > Lawyer Profile

Ashfords LLP stands out for its expertise in the horseracing sector, where it offers comprehensive advice to a range of clients on contentious and non-contentious matters. The team’s disputes work includes frequently representing jockeys in appealing decisions by racecourse stewards, and it also represents trainers and owners in litigation. Cases involving injuries to horses are another area of focus. Beyond horseracing, the practice provides input on employment disputes, sponsorship deals and the development of sport facilities for clients involved in golf, football and cricket. Practice head Rory Mac Neice is a former jockey with deep experience in horseracing, while Andrew Braithwaite handles commercial agreements involving sports clients. Associate Joanne Saye is also a specialist in horseracing matters.

Ashfords LLP acts for companies and private individuals in claims against professionals including surveyors, solicitors and accountants. Rory Mac Neice co-leads the team and also handles the general litigation practice; he handles claims against a range of professionals, with a particular focus on claims against veterinary professionals related to bloodsports. Victoria Bonnet also serves as practice co-head and focuses on disputes related to property transactions, while Stephen Homer handles claims in the construction sector. Senior associate Chris Freeman is noted for his work advising lenders on claims.

Ashfords LLP ‘gives a real feeling of confidence’ to a variety of regional, national and international clients spanning the technology, retail, professional services, sport and financial services sectors; the group also acts in regulatory and risk-related litigation. Rory Mac Neice leads the team and excels in the technology and financial spaces, while Ben Derrington leads the firm’s risk team, which is active in the construction, waste, food and manufacturing sectors, and handles regulatory disputes. Ian Manners joined the team from DAC Beachcroft LLP in late 2021, and Joanne Saye is the key name at associate level.

According to clients, ‘reassurance, promptness and clarity are the main traits’ associated with Ashfords LLP, which is a key name in the market for shareholder and corporate disputes and professional negligence claims, where the team regularly acts for financial institutions. The Exeter-based practice is also developing its expertise in defamation and reputation management work and contractual disputes. Rory Mac Neice heads up the regional department from Bristol, and Andrew Perkins is the go-to name in Exeter; Perkins is particularly adept in shareholder litigation. Senior associate Anusheh Burcher is also singled out for energy sector claims.

Ashfords LLP‘s disputes practice covers contractual issues, emergency relief, contempt of court proceedings, fraud, asset and tracing claims, and company and partnership disputes. The team also assists with claims against company directors, multi-jurisdictional disputes, professional negligence and debt recovery. London dispute resolution head James Crighton is increasingly sought out for contempt of court proceedings; and Rory Mac Neice in Bristol is the firm-wide practice head. Senior associate Chris Freeman is a specialist in professional negligence and technology sector disputes.