Debenhams Ottaway > St Albans, England > Firm Profile

‘The team at Debenhams Ottaway is very strong indeed. They have an enigmatic leader in Helen Young who is always spot on with her approach. They have a great team ethic.’

‘Helen Young works like a Trojan, has an excellent forensic eye and thinks several strategic moves ahead at all stages. She has incredibly good client care; delivering no-nonsense but empathetic advice.’

‘Natalie Lester is excellent. She understands the psychology of cases very well and uses this to shape cases in ways that optimises client outcomes. It also helps her maintain excellent trusting relationships with difficult clients in difficult cases whilst at the same time ensuring that they are able to make fully-informed strategic decisions.’

‘Annabel Andreou is excellent. Her grasp of financial matters is deep and well-beyond her years. Annabel very swiftly laid my fears to rest. Not only was she highly professional, but very courteous, friendly, empathetic. Her legal work is impressive, she is very clear about our aims and next steps, and handled the other party with diplomacy and tact. I would never have gotten anywhere without her help.’

‘Natalie Lester is incredibly dedicated, she listens to my points of view and provides sound and fair advice She is always calm and kind even under pressure and in difficult circumstances. I have no hesitation in recommending her to others seeking a family law solicitor.’

‘Natalie Lester is exceptional at looking at the bigger picture, linking seemingly separate matters together to ensure we have a holistic strategy to move forward with. I cannot recommend her highly enough.’

‘Helen Young heads a gifted team of highly motivated, client-focused and pragmatic lawyers at Debenhams Ottaway.’

‘I am impressed with Natalie Lester’s thoughtful and unflappable approach, her willingness to seek advice on difficult matters and her pragmatism. Natalie is intelligent, resourceful, practical and very able. Natalie deals with mediation professionally, carefully, calmly and ably and brings about a sensible compromise.’

‘Generally knowledgeable, helpful, and get back to you in a reasonable time frame.’

‘Debenhams Ottaway looks after my high-net-worth clients. I have always been extremely impressed with the team, and have only ever received positive feedback from clients. I would say that their strongest points are attention to detail, empathy, and client service.’

‘Susan Glenholme is magical. Her calm manner settles your nerves even in the most complex of situations.’

‘Barry Griffin and Rachel Hyndman are both excellent.’

‘I have never worked with more caring and considerate lawyers. They go the extra mile to ensure you understand everything that is being discussed.’

‘James Brawn is always giving decent, honest and straightforward and well thought out advice. James’s understanding of our client’s needs and goals has been invaluable in helping us navigate complex legal issues and make informed decisions. His willingness to go above and beyond is truly exceptional.’

‘James Brawn and Andrew Yates are sensible and pragmatic lawyers who are also clearly very good at what they do. They have an eye for the detail and technical aspects of the work, while also working hard to ensure that transactions are completed smoothly and efficiently for all involved.’

‘JamesBrawn, Andrew Yates and the team approach matters in a collaborative and pragmatic manner so help all involved achieve their aims. It is always a pleasure dealing with them.’

‘Strong team culture, with lawyers who are committed to their work and their clients. This leads to a more collaborative and supportive environment for clients. In-depth knowledge of law covering a wide range of specialist areas.’

‘James Brawn and his team provide excellent legal services. I am consistently impressed with James’ professionalism, expertise, and attention to detail.’

‘Debenhams Ottaway provide a full service. The partners are always efficient and knowledgeable, and have gone out of their way to help us. I can highly recommend them.’

‘Andrew Yates has excellent knowledge of his field, particularly corporate structures. James Brawn has wide ranging knowledge, is efficient, and always very helpful.’

‘Juliet Schalker and Alex Neale run a very capable ship. They are all very bright and pragmatic solicitors who work collaboratively.’

‘Juliet Schalker leads the team, she is an inspiration. Super bright, pragmatic, and a delight to have on the opposing bench. She is fabulous with even the most difficult of clients.’

‘Alex Neale is pragmatic and has empathy and a kindness that is rarely seen whilst always striving to achieve the very best for his clients.’

‘Robyn Adams is up and coming, and thoroughly excellent. Robyn is pragmatic, commercially minded and efficient. She is a formidable opponent and is able to cut through the issues to focus the parties on the real crux of a dispute.’

‘This team has the perfect recipe – perfect depth, excellent breadth, and a great team dynamic, headed by the dynamic Juliet Schalker.’

‘Juliet Schalker is a formidable opponent and an inspirational figure.’

‘Andrew Carter has an excellent grasp of Chancery commercial litigation.’

‘Louise Attrup is very professional and provided excellent practical advice on how to take things forward. Louise always found time to explain how to progress with the case.’

‘I cannot thank Michael Kerrigan enough and unreservedly recommend him; his knowledge, his professionalism and his care, and attention to his clients is indisputable.’

‘The team is knowledgeable and take the time to understand our business and challenges in how they advise and deal with our cases.’

‘The team is extremely passionate and knowledgeable and their interpersonal skills are above any firms I have worked with, they genuinely care about their clients and the outcomes.’

‘This practice is unique in the quality of the advice given. Always high quality, but at the same time pragmatic and well reasoned.’

‘Louise Attrup is a brilliant employment lawyer who always delivers well thought out advice.’

‘Debenhams Ottaway have a strong team with a wide range of expertise, meaning they are well placed to assist on a range of routine and complex projects for a range of client types.’

‘They are responsive, diligent and make sure we are kept informed of progress.’

‘Every contact I have had with this firm has been dealt with promptly and efficiently by all team, from the initial taking of the calls and receptionists to the prompt response of someone in the team if the lead solicitors engaged elsewhere.’

‘Neil Mercer has been the solicitor who has taken responsibility for our charity and his advice, attitude and experience has been exceptional.’

‘I would thoroughly recommend Neil Mercer and wholeheartedly recommend him and his team as an example of solicitors at their best.’

‘Neil Mercer is diligent with the work he undertakes, always ensuring that their position is fully protected given their charitable status.’

‘Neil Mercer is very knowledgeable, has an excellent manner and explains things very well. He will always make time to discuss issues and ensures work is carried out to a high standard.’

‘Good competent team who get it, and just get on with transactions whilst providing good feedback. Great advice and help when needed.’

‘Their individuals make up a terrific team covering a range of law practice. They all perform to the highest standard and our clients have always been well looked after.’

‘I have worked with Ruth Boulton and Neil Mercer for many years and consistently recommend them to our clients.’

‘We have worked with this practice for many decades. The practice has progressed very well – we are always kept up to date, all communication has always been transparent.’

‘Ruth Boulton and Kat McDonagh have always maintained professionalism while being friendly.’

‘Would rate them as a five-star team. Neil Mercer and his team have an in-depth knowledge of property law which together with understanding our requirements have resulted in excellent outcomes. Highly recommended.’

‘Neil Mercer has excellent understanding of clients’ needs. He is easy to contact and provides quick responses.’

‘They all seem approachable regardless of who you see or who answers the phone. Every client is dealt with promptly.’

‘Alexander Neale is extremely capable, bright, great to deal with, and very pragmatic when working collaboratively with his opposing solicitor to achieve realistic outcomes for his clients.’

‘Debenhams Ottaway offers an excellent service across the firm.’

‘Alex Neale is an outstanding lawyer who gives clear legal and commercial advice at all times and is a joy to work with. Alex excels at mediation and in addition to his formidable legal skills is all over the numbers in forensic detail. He is an excellent litigator, who understands the nuances of presenting the best case while navigating a commercial conclusion for all stakeholders.’

‘Juliet Schalker and Alex Neale are an excellent and well-balanced team. They understand the pressures of our industry and are willing to commit to a matter for the long haul.’

‘Alex Neale is a top-class solicitor. He is clever, diligent and always goes the extra mile for clients. He is also a pleasure to deal with and handles the cut and thrust of litigation with maturity and a cool head.’

‘Robyn Adams is smart, hardworking and a great lawyer.’

‘Juliet Schalker is a fantastic leader and an excellent lawyer and negotiator.’