Walker Morris LLP > Leeds, England > Firm Profile

‘Top class, client-focused and partner led service. Diverse and well experienced team – can do practical attitude to supporting.’

‘The team has a practical can-do attitude, always get the job done, and work pragmatically and helpfully with other lawyers. Completely dependable on any project I’ve worked with them on.’

‘High quality support and advice matched by in depth understanding of the food manufacturing and retail sectors. All staff very responsive to the clients needs particularly at partner and director level. Given the quality of service, fee levels represent exceptional value in what can be a vastly overpriced sector.’

‘Richard Naish was lead partner on a recent transaction. His knowledge of the sector we operate in was outstanding and provided significant added value, over and above the high level of legal advice, which certainly helped get us to a successful completion of the transaction against a very tight deadline. His calm and thoughtful approach ensured that we were able to overcome the difficult issues which inevitably arise in any transaction.’

‘We worked in particular with Jo Stephenson. Great collaboration, smooth, fast, focusing in finding practical solutions, accommodating to the Client’s needs and particular requests, also fee related.’

‘Oliver Duke works tirelessly to ensure transactions are completed. Helped in pushing difficult issues to conclusion with vendors to keep momentum behind deals. He has been available at all times when deals have been conducted over several time zones to keep all parties fully up to date with progress of any aspects of work he is involved in.’

‘Very approachable and responsive. They have good industry insight and look for solutions to commercial problems.’

‘We have a long standing relationship with the team at Walker Morris and they understand our business, which is key to the delivery of recent major projects. They continue to be engaged and act as soon as they are contacted. Couldn’t ask for more at this point.’

‘Very easy to work with offering great support in competition law matters.’

‘Extremely collaborative team, keen to understand our sector such that they can provide the very best advice.’

‘Efficient and cost-effective.’

‘Trudy Feaster Gee – great team leader.’

‘Gwen Davies has great litigation judgment.’ 

‘Jack Gale – showing early promise.’

‘Trudy Feaster-Gee is very knowledgeable.’

‘Stuart Ponting is strategic and pragmatic and easy to work with.’

‘The team that I have been working with are professional, available at all times and respond quickly to queries.’

‘Walker Morris listen to experts opinions and suggestions, however, they are not afraid to put difficult questions to ensure that the expert is confident in their opinion.’

‘Stuart Ponting and Claire Burrows are in my opinion an exceptional team to work with. They have the ability to quickly grasp difficult technical concepts quickly, which is of great assistance.’

‘Having a clearly articulated plan, agreed up front and testing every action against that plan has been invaluable to us.’

‘Other legal practices have wanted the quickest and easiest solution but Walker Morris have helped us/driven us to take a holistic and insightful strategic approach to getting what we need out of the problems we have encountered and covering/protecting our organisation at every step.’

‘Stuart Ponting is just amazing – he helps us to articulate a clear, well thought out vision and reminds us of this when we want to take quicker/less appropriate actions using his much valued humourous and common sense approach.’

‘Highly respected specialist team covering all aspects of health and safety. The team combines a strong advisory practice with a great deal of litigation experience.’

‘Walker Morris’ banking practice is first class. They have strength in depth and experienced leaders in respect of Philip Scott and Michael Taylor.’

‘Approachable, sensible advice delivered to a budget. Can manage workloads to a tight timescale.’

‘Whilst being regionally based they have a national and international perspective and connectivity.’

‘Client orientated and willing to go the extra mile to support what is needed.’

‘Partner led engagement i.e. a partner leads through all aspect of the entire process whereas with other firms sometimes appoint junior members to that role.’

‘Whilst the firm is largely Leeds based it possesses the scope of disciplines that would compare favourably with that of a national practice.’

‘Consistently high quality. Great capability and strength in depth.’

‘Michael Taylor has deep banking and ABL experience, very knowledgeable and very much protects the client interest but at the same time provide practical and commercial guidance.’

‘Walker Morris has provided a consistently high level of professionalism and a ‘personalised’ service that, in my opinion, would be difficult to better.’

‘Go-to firm for heavyweight insolvency litigation. Top-class firm with a practical and commercial approach to litigation, focussed on achieving results for clients.’

‘Never afraid to give bad news as well as good news, and to advise accordingly, I have developed a high level of trust in the firm.’

‘I have always found the calibre of the staff doing the work is excellent and there is always Partner involvement across the lifetime of a project especially on complex matters.’

‘Duncan Lole – fantastic knowledgeable guy who really goes that extra mile when assisting on cases.’

‘Olivia Robinson – extremely knowledgeable and experienced beyond her years. A real star and an asset to the insolvency team.’

‘Gawain Moore has been exceptional, providing consider, commercial and technically correct advice. Is always available and willing to chat through issues.’

‘Claire Askew delivers excellent service in a user friendly way. She always finds a way to get the deal done.’

‘The team always provides excellent support on commercial property matters in a very flexible way, tailored to commercial needs at any given time. They value relationships very highly and invest in these.’

‘George Bacon is calm under pressure, technically excellent and he understands the commercial aspects of our business. I see George as a colleague, not just as an adviser. He is very much a valued part of the in-house team.’

‘Personable team who really take the time to understand our business, forge relationships with stakeholders and deliver first-class service. We are always made to feel like we are their most important client even if, as I am sure, they are juggling scores of transactions for others at the same time.’

‘We have used Walker Morris now for approaching ten years and have never been let down,. They are all engaging people, top of their profession and provide excellent client service. We do regularly recommend them elsewhere which we believe to be testament to them.’

‘Walker Morris has a first-class construction practice, which holds its own against any city-based or nationwide firm. It has excellent partners with a strong commercial, and practical grasp and real strength in depth in associates.’ 

‘Paul Hargreaves is a force of nature. A tireless work ethic, a keen sense of justice and his considerable acumen as a litigator make him a man you want on your side. Martin Scott is another fearsome partner. He combines huge experience, unrivalled tactical nous and a true commitment to the cause.’ 

‘The team at Walker Morris are affable, which makes clients feel comfortable. This approach is underpinned with excellent legal knowledge that is provided in a very grounded way. They align with our values.’ 

‘Carly Thorpe is our main contact. She is simply amazing. Very approachable and works in a collaborative manner. Carly devises great strategies and her ability to respond efficiently is to be applauded.’ 

‘Hayley Hayes and Tom Peel are first and foremost great people. They genuinely care about their profession, and are always on hand to offer advice or help. They are provide an invaluable service to our business and are my first port of call.’ 

‘Daniel Lyons provides an exceptional service, always considering the commercial and practical aspects in any legal advice provided. I would recommend Dan to any client needing a strong construction lawyer.’ 

‘Alastair Robertson was leading the construction team on behalf of Walker Morris. He was pragmatic and grasped the commercial challenges for the developer early on, made the transaction relatively smooth, co-ordination was particularly strong and the wider team were very supportive and reacted quickly to any issues or client requests.’ 

‘Jules Harbage is exceptionally good with clients and getting to grips with complicated technical issues.  He gives fantastic and pragmatic advice.’ 

‘The team is very experienced, motivated and forensic in their consideration of the detail. The team has a reputation (well earned) for considering all the potential angles in a case and are highly organised, and this is a reflection of their intimate understanding and expertise. Client and consultant relationships are well developed.’

‘Richard Sagar is a fantastic advocate and has superb tactical judgment and a first-rate legal mind.’

‘Walker Morris provides expert and focused planning legal advice, not just from a law and regulatory point of view, but also on strategy and tactics. Their advice is well considered, sophisticated and with a great attention to detail.’

‘Alison Ogley is fantastic and highly knowledgeable. Rob Moore is brilliant and so easy to work with.’

‘Strength in depth and a first-class advocacy service.’

‘Robert Moore is outstanding for his combination of shrewd tactical and strategic advice, coupled with a phenomenal grasp of detail; a very unusual combination as one usually finds one or the other, it’s rare to find both in one individual.’

‘Walker Morris has an excellent reputation in this field and are renowned for their quality of work and proven success rate, all of which I have experienced first hand. They have a forensic approach and leave no stone unturned.’

‘Their partners are always engaged in the process, and never do you find they ‘pitch and ditch’. Highly informed on all legal planning issues, and always able to give an early opinion. I would note that Richard Sagar is the epitome of the firm. Thorough, engaged in the project, highly knowledgeable, accessible and always available. Best summed up as an all round team player.’

‘The firm offers practical, relevant and sound advice on property litigation, putting the client’s objectives first and foremost.’

‘Martin Mckeague is an excellent asset to Walker Morris. His knowledge of property litigation law and the practical application of it, makes him a forerunner in his field. His ability to put our concerns first before his firm’s fees, makes him a lawyer that we enjoy a close working relationship with.’

‘Full-service provider for all property litigation matters, from run-of-the-mill neighbour disputes to large rights of light commercial claims.’

‘Lewis Couth is exceptional. Very clever and knowledgeable, but also diligent, practical and user-friendly. Martin McKeague and David Manda have excellent client contacts.’

‘Excellent knowledge of relevant law, combined with a full understanding of the underlying commercial realities.’

‘Martin Mckeague and David Manda are approachable, responsive and practical.’

‘The team is large and can handle a variety of work. The firm retains client continuity on parties dealing with the client which maintain standards and means the team place importance on getting to know the client to service to the client’s needs.’

‘Martin McKeague and David Manda are easy to work with and client friendly. They both have the quality and depth of knowledge and will quickly get to the heart of an issue. They both listen and take the time to understand the client’s needs and adopt a commercial and pragmatic approach.’

‘Walker Morris has a first-rate sports law practice. Their breadth of experience in acting for a large number of top clients (including a substantial number of Premier and lower league clubs), which extends from running multi-million pound fraud claims in arbitrations to minor contractual disputes, means that they have seen it all and are able to provide a highly effective one-stop shop for clients’ sports and commercial issues.’

‘David Hinchliffe understands clients’ needs and with his commercial and insolvency background, he is able to give comprehensive advice that covers all bases. Alistair McHenry is also excellent. A good lawyer whose clients get on with him well and respect him, and who manages cases very effectively.’

‘Highly commercial team and has real strength in sales and purchases of football clubs.’

‘David Hinchliffe is shrewd, hardworking and finds solutions.’

‘The professional negligence and title rectification team at Walker Morris is excellent – client service is outstanding as the team is friendly, approachable and efficient and the advice provided is clear, comprehensive and of an excellent quality.’

‘The teams work well together and also ensure every member is up to date on the proceedings.’

‘They stand out with their knowledge and attention to detail. I feel they would go above and beyond to get the best result.’

‘I appreciate their honesty, even with the information sometimes as a client you don’t want to hear. I would recommend the team to anyone looking for legal advice.’

‘Paul Hargreaves is fantastic; not only because he is great to work with, but because he doggedly pursues his clients’ interests. I cannot speak highly enough of him.’

‘Gwen Davies is a star individual.’

‘Very strong banking offering entirely at home with complex legal issues.’

‘Walker Morris’ banking litigation team has an enviable blend of legal knowledge and practical know-how. Its lawyers offer the complete package to their banking clients.’

‘Kate Hicks’ extensive knowledge of the sector provides reassurance that complex title rectification matters and professional negligence claims are in safe hands. Advice is always of an exceptionally high quality, considered and comprehensive and matters are dealt with efficiently and resolved swiftly wherever possible. Kate’s friendly, proactive and helpful approach also makes her a delight to work with.’

‘The team is able to bring first class levels of experience to the resolution of financial disputes.’

‘Richard Sanford has a wealth of experience in finance litigation, a keen eye for detail and is always prepared to take a hands-on role.’

‘The team are extremely knowledgeable, professional and efficient in all of their dealings. They are happy to discuss cases with us and offer advice if we are going in the wrong direction and review correspondence to ensure that it is water tight and correct.’

‘Rob Payne – excellent banking litigation partner.’

‘Louise Power – unrivalled experience in mortgage and other consumer banking litigation.’

‘Nick Lees – very responsive and explains advice in a clear and concise manner.’

‘Nick McQueen – understands the needs of the business, astute tactically and clearly able to articulate legal issues in a clear manner which allows the business to take appropriate decisions at the right time. A very solid commercial litigator.’

‘Fantastic team and service.’

‘Very good problem solvers. Gwendoline Davis has been fantastic.’

‘From its base in Leeds, Walker Morris provides a top quality national service in a range of commercial and insolvency work.’

‘Gwendoline Davies is a star individual, with extensive experience of heavy duty commercial litigation.’

‘Their knowledge is excellent. Fast response times. Approachable and easy to understand. Understand business and gives practical advice as well as legal.’

‘The team genuinely take the time to understand the organisational context, what we are ultimately trying to do and how best to navigate through it. They are very accessible and focused on providing a first class service.’

‘Charlotte Smith is fantastic. She has delivered very good work on a multitude of matters at a very sensitive time for our business at the same time as getting to know me and my team. She has built trusted relationships very quickly both locally and internationally.’

‘Leading employment law firm in Yorkshire. Very experienced in acting for employers, employees, unions and in class actions.’

‘David Smedley – first class employment lawyer with years of practical experience.’

‘Andrew Rayment is an excellent forward-thinking employment lawyer.’

‘The team has a very accessible style which is valued by clients. Being able to pull together a product integrating input from other specialists within the firm is another appealing user-friendly feature of this team.’

‘The team at Walker Morris are extremely responsive and approachable. They take a commercial approach to matters and seek to deliver their services in a practical, cost-effective manner.’

‘The Walker Morris pensions practice provides a large number of high quality pensions professionals at a great price. They are well networked within a wider practice who provide a full range of legal services.’

‘Jo Ratcliffe is a very experienced, practical and commercial partner. She is very personable and great to work with.’

‘Ruth Bamforth – very competent and dedicated lawyer.’

‘Approachability, pragmatism and commerciality. In particular individual staff members who go above and beyond to develop and maintain relationships.’

‘Walker Morris consistently provides high quality practical advice at reasonable rates. The team is very responsive and they have been instrumental in helping the business achieve a positive outcome in a wide variety of matters. The team is commercially astute and understands the nature and needs of our business, meaning that we can trust them to be a “safe pair of hands” to progress matters to a successful conclusion.’

‘The lead partner, Ben Sheppard, has immersed himself in our requirements and those of the other stakeholders. This maximises the specific nature of the advice given to us, creating value and supporting the efficient management and development of our projects and their associated contracts.’

‘Brilliant lawyers with excellent knowledge of the industry and very good practical approach.’

‘Judith Pike has strong case management skills and has been able to bring challenging matters to a successful conclusion. She has excellent all-round expertise and provides high quality pragmatic legal advice. Judith is very responsive to the needs of the business and has developed good knowledge of our sites and business.’

‘I have found Walker Morris to be an ideal legal adviser to support the high value projects and contracts I have used them for. With a range of experienced partners, they have the strength of a London firm at the costs and accessibility of a regional practice.’

‘Ben Sheppard, partner and head of energy and infrastructure, is very good.’

‘The team is responsive and dedicated in working towards tight deadlines.’

‘Very approachable and knowledgeable, and supportive teams, good network support.’

‘Very down to earth in approach whilst still providing a very professional service.’

‘The team provides an excellent service and proves that you don’t need to hire a London firm to get top quality legal advice. They provide us with a consistent team of people on transactions who are familiar with our approach / requirements which enables us to have an efficient and streamlined process. Their approach on transactions is to be partner-led, which we particularly value.’

‘We work a lot with Jo Stephenson, a partner in the corporate department. Jo is always available and very hands on, delivering excellent client service. She has a solid knowledge of sector specific issues and routinely comes up with the right approach to move matters forward. Her attention to detail, technical knowledge and focus on client care are second to none.’

‘They’re just excellent. Open, honest, practical and excellent at what they do. Always knowledgeable and approachable. In honesty, a pleasure to work with.’

‘Stuart Ponting and Rachel Turnbull are just marvellous. Nothing is ever too much trouble, they’re on side with what’s in your best interests as a client, they will support you and the business on all levels when needed, whilst maintaining a professional, friendly and approachable attitude.’

‘They have a great understanding of our business and the ability to advise in a commercial and pragmatic way whilst remaining professional at all times.’

‘Sally Mewies is a class act. Hugely talented, tech savvy and gets things done.’

‘Walker Morris have made a huge investment in this space and have recruited the very best talent in the shape of Sally Mewies to lead it. As well as having phenomenal experience and skills, Sally and the team really look to leverage tech to drive how they deliver new products.’

‘Sally Mewies and Luke Jackson have a great communication style, which makes you feel valued and not just another client.’

‘Luke Jackson is a talented tech/digital lawyer, who is a great listener and delivers high quality work on time. He has an easy and relaxed communication style, collaborative approach and is a joy to work with.’

‘The team is very responsive, pragmatic, and has valuable and insightful knowledge of our sector, developments in the market, our organisation and stakeholders.’

‘There are no weaknesses in the Walker Morris team. They have an incredible depth of knowledge, are prompt, practical, efficient, and cost effective. I would match them against any firm in the UK, and trust in their process.’

‘Alan Harper is an IP whiz, creative in his solutions, practical and efficient in his approach, and an adviser I would trust with the most sensitive matters.’

‘The most unique and impressive thing about Walker Morris is the approachable and friendly manner in which the team conduct their businesses. Provides comprehensive, non-jargon explanations and clear advice.’

‘Alan Harper is my main contact for any IP matters. He always responds quickly, explains things very clearly and gives pragmatic solutions.’

‘The team is pragmatic and provides which is commercial and tailored to the client’s needs.’

‘Alan Harper deploys concise and astute litigation strategy to achieve effective commercial results.’

‘Matthew Lingard and Alan Harper are a great team and are always happy to have an initial chat to understand the issue, suggest some outline options before the formal work officially starts.’

‘Alan Harper has been our go-to person at Walker Morris. He has been the linchpin to all intellectual property and broader legal matters, drafting in colleagues and professional services when required.’

‘The sports team at Walker Morris are easily one of the best, most experienced and all rounded I have come across.’

‘David Hinchliffe has an unrivalled knowledge of, and connections with, the football industry. He has advised on many high profile take overs and often carts for premier league and championship clubs.’

‘Hugely experienced team that know the sports sector backwards.’

‘David Hinchliffe is a legend in the sports world.’

‘India Seaton is a brilliant associate.’

‘Excellent on sale and purchase of football clubs.’