Trethowans LLP > Poole, England > Firm Profile

‘They get things done and their communication is outstanding.’ 

‘Attention to detail and willingness to look outside the box!’

‘Personal service as well as their expertise on the wide range of subjects arising; there is a good culture as well as personal flair.’

‘Trethowans punch well above their weight and I always tell my clients that they have the firepower of a large London law firm but with a regional presence’

‘Well led, very pragmatic, find solutions to thorny problems.’

‘Marcus Thorpe – hugely knowledgeable and will find a way.’

‘What makes the practice stand out is the commercially minded individuals in the team as well as its client care, every client can be assured that you are going to receive a Rolls Royce service and quality every time you instruct them. The practice is also full service so its clients can feel assured that they are fully covered in any litigious problem that may arise. The practice is very commercial in its nature and punches way above its weight in the type of client it acts for.’

‘Excellent grasp of the prospects of the commercial realities by a competent and ongoing assessment of cost benefit analysis as the case develops to optimise the timing of any offers to settle if considered advisable.’

‘I have worked with Trethowans for over 12 years and they remain my first place of call for contract and litigation services. Good all round knowledge, good practical input and great in depth understanding.’

‘Karl Cameron leads the team and is dynamic, innovative and fantastic at dealing with clients. High quality commercial and private-client-related commercial work.’

‘The firm seems to take a team approach to litigation. Both Karl Cameron and Jennifer Bowes are outstanding with excellent organisational skills and knowledge of the procedural requirements for complex claims.’

‘Karl Cameron is highly attuned to the commercial objectives of clients and fantastic at dealing both with clients and opponents.’

‘The outstanding Karl Cameron who heads the litigation practice is a force to be reckoned with. He is the real deal when is comes to dealing with complex matters particularly arising out of property and construction disputes. Any client would be lucky to have him on their team. Jennifer Bowes is an excellent lawyer and her ability to identify the issues of the case and then use her technical knowledge and strong commercial awareness to drive the case forward for the clients is outstanding.’

‘I have worked with Richard Cook throughout the 12 years that I have been with Trethowans. Great practical advice and a good skill set makes him my preferred relationship at Trethowans.’

‘Trethowans is a very reputable firm of highly professional solicitors who act as a team to support the business and create great working relationships.’

‘Kathryn Evans is a highly professional and commercially focused adviser to our business. She takes the time to get to know the firm and the people and is available and responsive to our needs.’

‘Always supportive and on hand to discuss any topic on which you need employment law advice.’

‘Kathryn Evans – extremely collaborative & insightful approach that helps you consider the possible options before advising on the implications of the path chosen. All of this is delivered with an engaging & commercial attitude regardless of the topic itself potentially being a complex minefield to the uninitiated.’

‘Key team strengths are responsiveness, proactivity, simplification, situation knowledge and expertise. Each member of the team provides all of the above. It truly feels as if you are working in partnership with them. They have a non-judgemental approach to each issue and provide the highest quality advice that is practical to our situation, size and type of business.’

‘Kathryn Evans (partner) – common sense, practical advice based on extensive experience. Has provided great continuity following a team change a couple of years ago. The transition was seamless. Understands our business extremely well and seeks to continue her learning of what we do.’

‘Trethowans is a large practice but still retains a personal service. We only used the employment law side initially. However, we have been so impressed with the level of service, that we have used them for our commercial side of the business too.’

‘I deal with Kathryn Evans at Trethowans with regards to Employment Law. Kathryn has advised me for many years and she explains the process in a clear and understanding manner. Kathryn is light hearted but focused at the same time. I would strongly recommend Kathryn and her team!’

‘An engaging and pragmatic team of lawyers who provide concise and understandable communication throughout a process. Communication is key and that comes frequently which is hugely helpful. Additionally small things like weekly billing updates are very helpful.’

‘Steve Cole is a valuable addition to the Trethowans team and Nick Gent leads from the front. They are ably supported by a team of knowledgeable banking lawyers who are able to translate the complex into understandable clearly and concisely. You feel you can pick up the phone at any time and ask questions that maybe you feel you should know the answer to and you will be supported fully. Steve is a respected partner and I like the way he protects the banks and therefore our customers position robustly where needed.’

‘Marcus Thorpe, Emma Earpe and Amanda Inch are quick to respond, commerciality and good at working with other firms.’

‘Any time the Trethowans team are acting on a case, there is a singular focus on getting the best result for the client, and doing so without allowing the case to get sidetracked or bogged down. Whether they are dealing with a straightforward case or complex cross-border litigation, they are laser-focussed and strategic from the very start.’

‘Kelvin Farmaner deals with a wide range of insurance backed cases, on the claimant and defendant side. He is a true pragmatist who does not suffer fools, and clients appreciate his ability to cut through complex cases quickly.’

‘The team work efficiently together. The admin support team are well briefed and knowledgable.’

‘Kelvin Farmaner has been our main point of contact for a significant number of years, and has always dealt quickly and effectively with our cases.’

‘All key members of the team have longstanding experience of a wide variety of personal injury and related litigation, including high value and catastrophic injury claims, claims with a foreign element, and costs issues. A strength which is not found in all other firms is continuity of case handling as the team is well-established with low turnover of staff. The firm has embraced the increased use of technology that has recently been precipitated by the pandemic, ensuring prompt and efficient progress of cases.’

‘Bethany Blamire is unparalleled in her organisation, planning and tactical management of cases; she sets the pace in litigation such that she is never playing catch-up.’

‘Kelvin Farmaner’s wealth of experience as a litigator and an advocate means he is unphased by a caseload comprising high value and complex High Court cases. He is quick to distinguish between battles that are worth fighting and issues which, in the client’s interests, need to be resolved by a more tactical or constructive approach.’

‘Kelvin Farmaner’s extensive expertise and knowledge of relevant law and how it impacts our business, has been invaluable.’

‘Trethowans are the “go to” family firm in the area. They give their clients practical solutions in difficult solutions. Matters are always well prepared and their service is excellent.’

‘Trethowans are one of the best full service firms of solicitors in Hampshire. They have long experience and a strong regional presence due to their various offices. They are an exceptionally well run and resourced firm and highly respected.’

‘I have found the team always to be helpful and quickly responsive. When the instructed fee-earner was not available, there was always somebody else on hand to respond to queries. The admin staff were always excellent.’

‘Andrew Mercer is a first class head of team; leading by example. He is bright, extremely personable and clients, staff and other practitioners warm to him immediately. He is well used to dealing with medium to high net worth individuals in financial remedy cases and has excellent judgement. Emma Wilders-Pratt is a partner in the firm and whilst eminently approachable is a tough litigator and does all she can to achieve the best outcomes for clients.’

‘Grant Cameron is exceptional. He has a wealth of legal expertise which he combines with an abundance of empathy and emotional intelligence. He can, however, be tough when it’s required but remains professional and respectful at all times.’

‘Emma Wilders-Pratt is an extremely competent and talented solicitor. Clients are in the very best of hands with Emma and she goes above and beyond to ensure that the court process is as easy to manage for them as possible. She is unfailing kind and genuine when dealing with difficult and traumatic circumstances, and her human touch does not go unnoticed by clients who sometimes find themselves in awful situations. Emma is highly knowledgable but also pragmatic – a rare combination. Emma stands out above the rest in Hampshire and Wiltshire.’

‘Kimberley Davies is a highly respected and very experienced family finance solicitor who brings great good sense to all that she does. She is very practically minded and will not allow a client to spend money unnecessarily on a case. She works extremely hard both to forge good relationships with a client and to achieve the best possible results for them’

‘I instructed Emma Wilders-Pratt because I had absolute confidence that she understands domestic abuse and the challenges that this presents in divorce cases. I had previous experience with another reputable law firm, the difference between the two was stark. I recommend anyone who is going through a divorce to escape an abuser to use Trethowans and Emma.’

‘Always available and willing to give advice on difficult and complex matters.’

‘What Trethowans consistently provide is an efficient and reliable service particularly in relation to sales, acquisitions, agreeing leases and a multitude of other property management related issues.’

‘Excellent client support, great communication and really good advice.’

‘Personable and easy to deal with and extremely good at getting the job done efficiently. There are a number of solicitors within the practice which I have had a positive experience of dealing with but I have predominantly dealt Juliet Biddle (now Partner Trethowans) over recent years who has consistently provided excellent advice and work.’

‘Accessibility and concise advice in real time.’

‘Juliet Biddle has been a breath of fresh air. Her service has been excellent, willing to go the extra mile, think outside the box to get a better solution. She always delivers what she says, when she says and for what she said it would cost. An experience that often fell short when dealing with other lawyers!’

‘Mark Nixon is an excellent communicator and has an extremely commercial approach.’

‘We have been with Trethowans for many years utilising skills and knowledge from many departments whether it be property conveyancing, Corporate legal and personnel/employee advice. With a consistent Partnership/Senior Management team who look after our business the team have developed a very good knowledge and understanding of our business which means that when we present a challenge to Trethowans the team are able to pick up the issues quickly.’

‘Mark Nixon understands our business and as a result is able to add significant value as part of any legal process he is involved in. Mark is very approachable and communications whether it be via email or verbal are clear and concise.

‘The quality of service provided by the clinical negligence team is stand-out. Cases are dealt with sensitively and with real care.’

‘Dedicated, hard working, committed to excellence, approachable. They’ve got it all!’

‘Trethowans provides a high quality service. They are in the ‘premiership’ of provincial firms.’

‘A talented and dedicated team who provide great representation, usually to clients in their locality, but who are developing an enhanced national reputation. A friendly but very able team.’

‘James Braund is very effective on complex medical issues and tactically astute.’

‘Claire Carter has excellent knowledge, conscientious, very user friendly, great outcomes.’

‘James Braund is an extremely intelligent and diligent litigator who is experienced in both clinical negligence and personal injury. He always has a great relationship with clients, and I know that every case I receive from him will have been extensively investigated and well prepared. An exceptional lawyer.’

‘There cannot be many people that work as hard as Clare Carter. Clare is so determined to get the best for her clients and never lets them down.’

The team are excellent. They really care about the client and care about the outcome.’

‘Grant Cameron is incredible. He gives excellent advice and is very approachable.’

‘Dawn Gore has been with the firm for many years and really understands what clients what and need.’

‘They are all excellent lawyers in the team, a number of whom are mediators and collaborative family lawyers.’

‘Andrew Mercer – very experienced in handling complex financial cases. Constructive and pleasant to have on the other side. An excellent litigator but also gives realistic advice and knows when to settle.’

‘Kimberley Davies – hard working and talented family lawyer both on children and money cases. She is also an excellent mediator.’

‘Whilst Trethowans is a large firm, the service always feels exceptionally personal, whilst remaining wholly professional. The Family Law team is close-knit and there was always reliable continuity.’

‘Communication was always clear and exceptionally prompt, with consideration given to the implication on costs meaning that communication wasn’t ever excessive or unnecessary.’

‘Personal service and a culture to care for the client.’

‘Depth of knowledge; Friendly professional service.’

‘Very approachable. Always happy to give initial advice to my clients before proceeding to fee paying business. Feels like a personal service with the resources of a larger firm.’

‘The practice is forward thinking and is constantly looking to arrange client focused events which support their pressing needs.’

‘It is very clear that the team at Trethowans are friendly and welcoming, and most of all very knowledgeable about their chosen areas of law.’

‘Adam Scott is always available for legal support in a timely fashion with vast knowledge of his subject area, all of which is passed on to clients in a very friendly and down to earth manner.’

‘We have worked with Trethowans in the past and recently on various property related purchases and the odd ad hoc work, it has always been dealt with in a swift and professional manner.’

‘We have worked with James Kidner many times and he has always been helpful and gone out of his way to ensure all our legal matters have been dealt with properly.’

‘I cannot speak highly enough of Trethowens. We have a 100% success rate, but the journey to arrive at that point is so professional. I attribute this to their customer care, excellent communication, outstanding knowledge, training and advice given and care given to every aspect of the process!’

‘Elizabeth Ryall is a true master of her trade. I can wholeheartedly trust that she will see each project through to fruition.’

‘The quality of client service is simply first class.’

‘Elizabeth Ryall is bracing technology change that is resulting in clients getting a better service at a lower all-in cost. Having had the privilege of working with Elizabeth, I cannot envisage instructing a different firm.’

‘A small team, but with a good level of knowledge, and the ability to simplify complex matters and provide pragmatic advice. Very good experiences of working with this team to date.’

‘Julian Hamblin provides excellent detailed advice and has a wealth of knowledge in this field. Susie Sanusi is very capable and her style of advice is very well suited to our business stakeholders.’

‘In-depth knowledge of complex IT agreements.’

‘I have worked closely with Julian Hamblin and Susie Sanusi. They are a great team and provide excellent support, knowledge and availability as a team.’

‘They are both technically astute, assertive when needed in negotiations and pleasant to work with. They are open and friendly, which makes spending time with both of them much easier when tackling tough areas and protracted negotiations.’

‘Julian Hamblin has a wealth of experience and shares his knowledge in a way that encourages dialogue and an understanding of the greater context of the technical legal points. He is patient and takes time to make sure I as a client understand his rationale for his advice. Susie Sanusi is clearly excited about data protection and privacy, it is clear she actively keeps up to date with privacy matters and shares practical context for her advice. They are a commercially savvy and approachable team.’

‘They display strong client empathy and actively seek to understand the client and their aims.’

‘Julian Hamblin – availability and willingness to go the extra distance to resolve problems.’

‘The team at Trethowans truly understand our business, and can act as a genuine extension of the in-house legal team which is extremely valuable. The advice is prompt, commercial and good value.’

‘I have experienced a high level of support. Knowledgable professionals who are very helpful & willing to offer advice that is beneficial to all.’

‘Very strong corporate team well placed to advise on a very wide range of M&A transactions.’

‘The Trethowans team tailor complex legal solutions to my business requirements. Their engagement and effort is exceptional.’

‘Professionalism, thoughtful, considerate and approachable.’

‘Trethowans consistently deliver a great customer service as well as high quality, practical advice and solutions.’

‘Nick Gent is an exceptionally strong adviser, with an ability to provide practical guidance and reassurance through the most challenging of transactions.’

‘There are specialists available in other licensing matters where required. Upcoming changes that affect our business are always forewarned.’

‘They have a personal touch, are reliable and not rigid in their communication. It feels like a collaboration and it feels like they are part of our team.’

‘Trethowans provides London firm quality of service across the south coast.’

‘Chris Whiteley is a highly experienced and unflappable personal injury litigator, who inspires confidence in clients and has good judgment of the strength and value of a claim. John Hall is a very experienced asbestos disease litigator with outstanding subject knowledge and sound case preparation.’

‘Trethowans has an enviable presence in Hampshire/Wiltshire. They are well known as one of the biggest players in the South. They have good geographical reach for the clients that want to see their solicitor in person. Their offices are outstanding for client facilities. The PI/Clin neg team is comprised of friendly and outstanding lawyers who go the extra mile for clients.’

‘James Braund, Gavin Lane and Claire Carter are all extremely experienced in their fields and I have worked with them all for nearly 20 years. I value their judgement and experience.’

‘Trethowans is a firm of national competence providing a local personal injury/clinical negligence service. They are well resourced and full of well trained and experienced litigators. Salisbury and Southampton are the main offices where Chris Whiteley is managing partner. Key litigators there include Clare Carter, partner in clinical negligence field and Frances Gillett.’

‘Clare Carter is meticulous in her approach to cases, no stone being left unturned. I can recommend Clare’s approach and desire to ensure her clients damages are maximised. Frances Gillett is a dogged litigator, happy to play hard ball against defendant insurers.’

‘A strong local presence and an inside knowledge of the particular courts, which is invaluable.’

‘A strong Southampton outfit. Impressive in both clinical negligence and catastrophic PI. They are a market leader on the south coast with an impressive caseload and reputation.’

‘Make themselves available. Put themselves in the client’s shoes and not their own when advising. I would particularly recommend Nick Gent and Mihiri Gajraj.’

‘The personal service as well as the all round expertise of the subjects on which advice is sought. It is a matter of ‘culture’ as much as personal character and performance’

‘Make themselves available. Put themselves in the client’s shoes and not their own when advising. I would particularly recommend Nick Gent and Mihiri Gajraj.’

‘The personal service as well as the all round expertise of the subjects on which advice is sought. It is a matter of ‘culture’ as much as personal character and performance’

‘Trethowans are the “go to” family firm in the area. They give their clients practical solutions in difficult solutions. Matters are always well prepared and their service is excellent.’

‘Trethowans are one of the best full service firms of solicitors in Hampshire. They have long experience and a strong regional presence due to their various offices. They are an exceptionally well run and resourced firm and highly respected.’

‘I have found the team always to be helpful and quickly responsive. When the instructed fee-earner was not available, there was always somebody else on hand to respond to queries. The admin staff were always excellent.’

‘Andrew Mercer is a first class head of team; leading by example. He is bright, extremely personable and clients, staff and other practitioners warm to him immediately. He is well used to dealing with medium to high net worth individuals in financial remedy cases and has excellent judgement. Emma Wilders-Pratt is a partner in the firm and whilst eminently approachable is a tough litigator and does all she can to achieve the best outcomes for clients.’

‘Grant Cameron is exceptional. He has a wealth of legal expertise which he combines with an abundance of empathy and emotional intelligence. He can, however, be tough when it’s required but remains professional and respectful at all times.’

‘Emma Wilders-Pratt is an extremely competent and talented solicitor. Clients are in the very best of hands with Emma and she goes above and beyond to ensure that the court process is as easy to manage for them as possible. She is unfailing kind and genuine when dealing with difficult and traumatic circumstances, and her human touch does not go unnoticed by clients who sometimes find themselves in awful situations. Emma is highly knowledgable but also pragmatic – a rare combination. Emma stands out above the rest in Hampshire and Wiltshire.’

‘Kimberley Davies is a highly respected and very experienced family finance solicitor who brings great good sense to all that she does. She is very practically minded and will not allow a client to spend money unnecessarily on a case. She works extremely hard both to forge good relationships with a client and to achieve the best possible results for them’

‘I instructed Emma Wilders-Pratt because I had absolute confidence that she understands domestic abuse and the challenges that this presents in divorce cases. I had previous experience with another reputable law firm, the difference between the two was stark. I recommend anyone who is going through a divorce to escape an abuser to use Trethowans and Emma.’