Trethowans LLP > Southampton, England > Firm Profile

‘Trethowans have an exceptional local presence with a strong team of young and diverse solicitors. We have been consistently impressed with the calibre of their team and the work they have undertaken for us and our clients.’

‘Lucy Gleisner is an experienced and successful practitioner who has led a number of complex transactions for our clients. Her ability to defuse emotional and stressful situations and ensure that clients focus on the right topics to get them the desired result has been invaluable. Lucy is exceptionally well networked in the area and an asset to her organsiation.’

‘The team at Trethowans are an indispensable addition to our internal legal team, supporting us on commercial contracts where there is a significant level of complexity. The team knows our business very well having supported us for a number of years, and strikes the right balance between ensuring we get the best contractual protection while being pragmatic and keeping the business moving.’

‘Jon Stickland is remarkably calm under pressure, and we can count on him to support us on complex matters often with short deadlines. He understands our business and therefore feels like an extension of the in-house legal team, often dealing directly with internal stakeholders.’

‘The firm’s clinical negligence team is stand-out, both on circuit and nationally. The team’s expertise covers complex and difficult cases, including catastrophic injury, military and fatal injury claims. Members of its team are intelligent and commercially astute litigators. It has an excellent reputation for providing a personal, but professional service to its clients.’

‘James Braund is a very smart, diligent, and meticulous litigator. He demonstrates technical ability and is a strong negotiator. He achieves impressive results for his clients.

‘Frances Gillett is an impressive lawyer with very good judgement. She is approachable and pragmatic.’

‘This is a fantastic firm. Clients enjoy first class facilities and legal advice, with experienced and well trained lawyers. They are tireless in getting good results for their clinical negligence clients and handle really big cases with no difficulty.’

‘Trethowans provide a high quality, reliable regional service in clinical negligence. There is good interrelationship between modern well equipped offices in Poole, Southampton and Salisbury to provide facilities local to clients across a wide area. In my experience they operate at the higher end of the regional practices.’

‘Chris Whiteley is hugely experienced and unflappable. He instills confidence in clients and approaches cases with common sense assessments and efficient preparation, which reduces successful outcomes.’

‘James Braund is a very good lawyer – very personable and excellent with clients and experts.’

‘Trethowans continue to be one of the leading clinical negligence team on the south coast. They manage to retain the feel of a local family firm whilst providing the service of a very professional and well organised team, providing excellent work across a whole range of claims.’

‘The personal injury team has strength and depth. It is hard-working and progressive, delivering consistently high-quality client care.’

‘This is a fantastic firm. Clients enjoy first class facilities and legal advice, with experienced and well trained lawyers. They are tireless in getting good results for their personal injury clients and handle really big cases with no difficulty.’

‘Trethowans provide a high quality, reliable regional service in personal injury. There is good interrelationship between modern well equipped offices in Poole, Southampton and Salisbury to provide facilities local to clients across a wide area. In my experience they operate at the higher end of the regional practices.’

‘Chris Whiteley demonstrates sound judgement and excellent case preparation to install client confidence and efficient outcomes. James Braund is a rising star. He has a good nose for a successful argument in a case and is a tenacious advocate for his clients. Frances Gillett is very approachable and supportive of clients.’

‘Chris Whiteley is pragmatic and with good judgement. Not afraid to run with difficult cases.’

‘The team is exceptionally thorough and responsive. Their ability to handle tricky clients is second to none. They are a top quality PI firm.’

‘Fran Gillett. Superb attention to detail backed up by excellent judgement on each case.’

‘Frances Gillett is highly competent and knowledgeable with unparalleled client care. Great communication and good team player.’

‘I have referred lots of my clients to Trethowans, they have always been fantastic and could do no more for the clients. Speed of work and the whole process from start to finish is superb.’

‘Mihiri Gajra – brilliant, always willing to help and prepared to go the extra mile and explain everything so clearly to clients while offering a great service. I have full faith in Trethowans.’

‘The team are young, dynamic and highly collaborative. Their work is both impressive and knowledgeable, and mutual clients have very high regard to the quality of the team.’

‘The individuals are amenable and professional. Despite long careers ahead of them, their senior solicitors and partners are knowledgeable and demonstrate experience beyond their ages.’

‘Knowledgeable and helpful staff.’

‘Friendly, approachable and knowledgeable team who are easy and enjoyable to work with.’

‘In-depth understanding of our business, and conversations with them always helps us learn more about the topic, which is invaluable to our team.’

‘Excellent client communication; excellent focus on the core issues without being distracted by irrelevances; and excellent technical skills and familiarity with Court proceedings.’

‘Objective; straightforward; determined and regularly keep the client up to date.’

‘Great breadth of skills and knowledge.’

‘Richard Cook is very good indeed. Thorough, knowledgeable, practical and punctual.’

‘Kathryn Evans is practically an extended member of our HR team. Her knowledge of our business and our culture is extremely helpful when discussing approach and always gives us the desired outcomes we are looking for.’

‘Trethowans are down-to-earth, no ego; they listen and provide straightforward advice, making them easy to work with. They have a range of expertise which means you don’t have to use several law firms. They communicate well, keep you up to date and create a strong foundation of trust and reassurance for their clients. They are reasonably priced and billing is clear.’

‘Kathryn Evans’ legal expertise and knowledge is second to none. Kathryn quickly gets up to speed with the situation, presents straightforward solutions, and delivers swiftly with laser-like focus – Kathryn gets the job done. Kathryn creates a relationship of trust, inspiring confidence and reassurance, as well as making you feel you are her most important client.’

‘A collaborative, solution-focused team that is quick to engage, curious to get to the real nub of the situation and to then provide practical commercial advice. Very easy to work with and to receive insightful legal advice from across multiple disciplines.’

‘Kathryn Evans is a consummate professional, solution focused and always looking to provide the ideal ongoing resolution rather than simply solving today’s issue. She perfectly understands that employment law situations are as much emotional as they are practical for the affected employee and this is built into her subsequent advice. The fact that this is offered in a down-to-earth, non legalese solution helps the delivery of the message to others within our company.’

‘We would follow Andrew Crudge wherever he went. He’s brilliant. The legal and the HR teams both trust Andrew completely and enjoy working with him. We are yet to fox him with a problem (in spite of some strange ones!). He’s a brilliant laywer, knows our business well and is fun to work with.’

‘The team at Trethowans are always on hand to advise and you know who you are speaking to as you have already created a working relationship. The practice is of the right size to still retain that personal service.’

‘Kathryn Evans – always on hand to advise in a practical and concise way at any time. The advice is timely and tailored to our industry. I would not move my services to any other practice because of the lawyers at Trethowans, especially Kathryn. Impeccable client services.’

‘Good depth in the team and work is undertaken at partner level.’

The banking team, led by Steve Cole, are excellent. They are communicative, commercial, and skilful. They work hard to support the bank where required but also mindful of the client and achieving a successful outcome.’

‘Steve Cole, as with all his team, is communicative and knowledgeable. Steve is also very considered.’

‘Steve’s knowledge of lending and securities is invaluable to helping us achieve sound transaction structures. Harriet Olway has exceptional organisational skills and knowledge of security documents, ensuring we deliver a fast turnaround for our clients.’

‘Trethowans have the impressive ability to deliver high-quality work in tight time frames.’

‘Steve Cole is an exceptional banking solicitor and one of the very best. He has leading technical knowledge and is very personable, maintaining a cool and professional head even when under significant pressure. The team around him mirror this.’

‘The strength of the team at Trethowans, which is no longer the norm in many firms, is that all members have experience of dealing with a the whole range of defendant insurer work, from road traffic collisions and occupiers liability cases, to cross-border claims and complex work site accidents.’

‘Bethany Blamire delivers better results for her clients than anyone I have worked with in the last 20 years. The secret to her success is that she is two steps ahead of everyone else in each case. She achieves this through meticulous preparation and planning, and endless hard work. She anticipates what the opposition will do before they even know they are going to do it. Bethany is generous and thoughtful in dealings with people from all walks of life, which inspires confidence in her that is of immeasurable benefit when interviewing insured persons and witnesses.’

‘Kelvin Farmaner takes in his stride an impressive caseload of high value and complex cases ranging from agricultural accidents, to cross-border road traffic claims and uninsured construction site accidents. Kelvin is able to draw on his extensive experience as a solicitor advocate to realistically advise clients of the risks and benefits involved at all stages of court proceedings.’

‘Grant Cameron is simply excellent. He really goes the extra mile for his clients. He really understands the dynamics of family law.’

‘Throughout the process the team’s communication was excellent. I felt that it was a personal service and that all members of the team took a genuine interest in providing a good service and enabling a favourable outcome. At no time did I get the feeling that I was just another case.’

‘Grant Cameron provided an excellent, personal and professional service. He was always willing to listen to my situation and offered advice with options and potential outcomes based on those options. Throughout the process, Grant was supportive and maintained a good level of communication ensuring that any updates were provided in a timely fashion and outlining the impacts of those updates.’

‘Trethowans are very professional and competent in supporting their clients through the legality of the divorce process. The team are always just a phone call away and very hands on with their clients. They are big on collaborative law and try to accommodate to reach a solution that benefits the client and their new future ahead.’

‘Emma Wilders-Pratt is an outstanding lawyer who, along with depth of knowledge of the law, also has a strong understanding of clients’ needs. She will think outside the box and try to make the best solution for her clients. She has a great team around her and makes sure that you, as a client, feel looked after.’

‘Emma Wilders-Pratt is a fantastic solicitor. I have recommended her to friends. She is hard working, takes no nonsense, and deeply cares about each and every case.’

‘Laura Bell is approachable but straight talking. Clients feel safe with her and trust that she will fight for them. Laura is excellent with nervous and vulnerable people. Her friendly but firm manner leaves clients with no doubt that she is on their side and will do her best for them.’

‘Well established family team that has grown successfully in recent years attracting the best practitioners and now the firm has a formidable and talented team.’

‘An established firm with a very strong regional corporate following in the SW. A very client-focused ethos enables them to provide an efficient and effective service to their loyal following.’

‘Kelvin Farmaner – a level-headed but determined litigator ready to shape a case in whatever way makes best commercial and legal sense to ensure the best possible outcome. A tough opponent.’

‘The team takes the time to understand the business, and is skilled in asking the right questions to gain a full picture.’

‘Kelvin Farmaner knows our business well. He responds to us in the way that we need, which sometimes might be taking the appropriate time to review the detail of a situation, but at other times, to respond quickly and effectively to our needs.’

‘The strength of the team at Trethowans is that all members have experience of dealing with the whole range of Defendant insurer work, from road traffic collisions and Occupiers Liability claims, to cross-border claims and complex worksite accidents.’

‘Bethany Blamire delivers better results for her clients than anyone I have worked with in the last 20 years.’

‘Kelvin Farmaner is able to draw on his extensive experience as a solicitor advocate to realistically advise clients of the risks and benefits involved at all stages of court proceedings. He is in his element managing catastrophic injury claims involving expert reports in their dozens.’

‘Kelvin Farmaner is a very experienced and effective practitioner in personal injury cases, particularly those involving animal accidents and farming accidents. He has good knowledge of the law and is pragmatic. He has a good strategic approach to cases.’

‘They have individual and collective expertise on the whole range of this aspect of work.’

‘Willing to work extremely hard to ensure deadlines were met. Good communication.’

‘We have 100% success rate since using Trethowans! This alone is a green light for anyone looking for a practice. However, if this is coupled with their many other strengths it shows they are a force to be reckoned with. The ongoing support and training they provide is invaluable to the members of my team, and therefore, our business and customers benefit from their increased knowledge.’

‘I would like to mention Elizabeth Ryall specifically. She is a breath of fresh air to talk to and deal with. She is overall very helpful and a pleasure to work with and I feel is an asset to the firm.’

‘They can help shape collection strategies that are targeted and shaped around maximising recoveries, and avoiding unnecessary expenses.’

‘Elizabeth Ryall is a stand-out individual. She brings years of experience and is extremely responsive.’

‘The team is approachable and offer support when you need it.’

‘We were impressed with their track record and scale of operation but also by the quality and experience of the solicitors.’

‘Robust approach to the local authority who we were mainly dealing with on all these matters.’

‘When things became critical our solicitor was available whenever we needed support to get the matter resolved and this was very much valued.’

‘Sarah Wheadon and her team have a remarkable success rate in terms of convictions and subsequent ancillary orders, thereby helping to protect the welfare of the subject animals.’

‘Sarah Wheadon’s strengths are her attentiveness, sharp eye for detail, strong knowledge of criminal procedure and litigation and excellent communication skills.’

‘Julian Hamblin has a great understanding of IT/Digital technology and how it is licenced. Julian has particularly deep knowledge of SAP technology.’

‘Julian Hamblin has a wealth of knowledge and experience. He is straightforward to work with and takes his time to explain complex areas to his clients. Julian also has a professional, amenable and pleasant personality – which makes him very easy to work with.’

‘They are clearly a cohesive team that has a collegiate culture. They work very well together and work to a common purpose: ensuring the best for their client.’

‘Calm, give you convidenance, approachable.’

‘We would follow Andrew Crudge wherever he went. He’s brilliant. The legal and the HR teams both trust Andrew completely and enjoy working with him. We are yet to fox him with a problem (in spite of some strange ones!). He’s a brilliant laywer, knows our business well and is fun to work with.’

‘The firm’s clinical negligence team is stand-out, both on circuit and nationally.’

‘James Braund is a very smart, diligent, and meticulous litigator. He demonstrates technical ability and is a strong negotiator.’

‘Trethowans provide a high quality, reliable regional service in clinical negligence.’

‘Strong team with a range of experience.’

‘James Braund – a really capable lawyer. Gives sound advice.’

‘One of the best clinical negligence outfits in the South West. Manage to retain a personal quality whilst delivering top quality service.’

‘Clare Carter, Partner: One of the hardest workers for her clients. Assiduous and practical and will leave no stone unturned to get the best results possible for her clients.’

‘Trethowans are a really excellent regional law firm. They are probably one of the best law firms in the South West.’

‘Andrew Mercer and Emma Wilders Pratt and both excellent. They have excellent client care skills and really understand family litigation. Dawn Gore’s knowledge of children law is very impressive. She has a natural ability for private law proceedings and her advice is nearly always spot on. Having won paralegal of the year nationally is no surprise.’

‘Well established family team that has grown successfully in recent years attracting the best practitioners and now the firm has a formidable and talented team. Probably one of the best (if not the best) family teams in the South West (Wiltshire, Dorset & Hampshire) with an unrivalled stable of first-rate practitioners.’

‘Large regional firm that offers highest quality service and legal representation backed up by the most up to date use of technology. An excellent team spirit and interaction across the team which enables clients to be have an excellent knowledge base available to them.’

‘Andrew Mercer is a first-rate lawyer. He is a stellar practitioner and the best around. His experience and knowledge of financial remedy law is second to none. He specialises in medium to high net worth financial remedy cases and has dealt with every element of complication in such cases over his many years of practice.’

Dawn Gore is a first-rate private law children lawyer whose knowledge of the law and practice is outstanding. She writes extensively on aspects of children law and, over her long career, has been involved in some of the leading cases in this area of law.’

Emma Wilders-Pratt is a superb member of the team who has many years experience in both financial remedy and private law children cases. She has incredible empathy with clients and they rightfully value the emotional and legal support she gives them.’

‘The team are young, dynamic and highly collaborative. Their work is both impressive and knowledgeable, and mutual clients have very high regard to the quality of the team.’

‘The individuals are amenable and professional. Senior solicitors and partners are knowledgeable and demonstrate experience beyond their years.’

‘Very approachable and knowledgeable team.’

‘Adam Scott is always available to offer timely and professional advice to me personally and to my clients.’

‘The Trethowans team have consistently been a breath of fresh air in the legal sector, providing clients with high quality advice in a no-nonsense manner that is easily digestible and calming to clients going through otherwise stressful scenarios.’

‘Mark Nixon is an approachable and highly capable partner. Mark’s extensive experience and easy manner have been a breath of fresh air, providing detailed and comprehensive advice in a format that is both easily digestible and concise.’

‘An established firm with a very strong regional corporate following in the SW. A very client-focused ethos enables them to provide an efficient and effective service to their loyal following.’

‘Kelvin Farmaner – a level-headed but determined litigator ready to shape a case in whatever way makes best commercial and legal sense to ensure the best possible outcome. A tough opponent.’

‘The team takes the time to understand the business, and is skilled in asking the right questions to gain a full picture.’

‘Kelvin Farmaner knows our business well. He responds to us in the way that we need, which sometimes might be taking the appropriate time to review the detail of a situation, but at other times, to respond quickly and effectively to our needs.’

‘The strength of the team at Trethowans is that all members have experience of dealing with the whole range of Defendant insurer work, from road traffic collisions and Occupiers Liability claims, to cross-border claims and complex worksite accidents.’

‘Bethany Blamire delivers better results for her clients than anyone I have worked with in the last 20 years.’

‘Kelvin Farmaner is able to draw on his extensive experience as a solicitor advocate to realistically advise clients of the risks and benefits involved at all stages of court proceedings. He is in his element managing catastrophic injury claims involving expert reports in their dozens.’

‘Kelvin Farmaner is a very experienced and effective practitioner in personal injury cases, particularly those involving animal accidents and farming accidents. He has good knowledge of the law and is pragmatic. He has a good strategic approach to cases.’

‘The firm’s clinical negligence team is stand-out, both on circuit and nationally.’

‘James Braund is a very smart, diligent, and meticulous litigator. He demonstrates technical ability and is a strong negotiator.’

‘Trethowans provide a high quality, reliable regional service in clinical negligence.’

‘Strong team with a range of experience.’

‘James Braund – a really capable lawyer. Gives sound advice.’

‘One of the best clinical negligence outfits in the South West. Manage to retain a personal quality whilst delivering top quality service.’

‘Clare Carter, Partner: One of the hardest workers for her clients. Assiduous and practical and will leave no stone unturned to get the best results possible for her clients.’

‘They have individual and collective expertise on the whole range of this aspect of work.’

‘Willing to work extremely hard to ensure deadlines were met. Good communication.’

‘The team are young, dynamic and highly collaborative. Their work is both impressive and knowledgeable, and mutual clients have very high regard to the quality of the team.’

‘The individuals are amenable and professional. Senior solicitors and partners are knowledgeable and demonstrate experience beyond their years.’

‘Very approachable and knowledgeable team.’

‘Adam Scott is always available to offer timely and professional advice to me personally and to my clients.’