Blake Morgan LLP > Oxford, England > Firm Profile

Blake Morgan LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Hampshire Tier 1

Blake Morgan LLP houses a strong team in Southampton, which includes Stephen Archibald, Gemma Spiceley, and Mathew Wilson. Archibold has a range of experience advising clients across different sectors including the technology, financial services, and recruitment spaces; Spiceley focuses on the acquisition and disposal of private companies; and Wilson routinely advises on M&A, joint ventures, and private equity investments. Jasmin Taylor is also noted for her assistance with various corporate matters, including shareholder agreements and restructurings. The team regularly acts for corporates, shareholders, and directors. The practice is led by Simon Staples in Reading. James Hawkeswood left the firm in May 2023.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 1

Praised for being a ‘highly experienced and solution focused team that provides practical commercial advice’, Blake Morgan LLP is noted for its expertise in handling complex, multi-faceted matters across the technology, healthcare, charity and education fields. Commercial lead Alison Patten-Hall possesses a wealth of experience in advising a multitude of clients on outsourcing and IT procurements, while corporate lead Simon Staples harnesses his vast expertise in M&A, private equity and IPOs to assist public and private companies, financial advisers and brokers. Other key contacts in the team include Elisabeth Bell, who deploys her extensive knowledge of innovative technologies within the financial services and healthcare sectors, and experienced practitioner Penny Rinta-Suksi, a commercial partner who is particularly active in franchising, energy contracts and telecoms. Timothy Coles is recommended.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 1

Trusted by international and national corporations, owner-managed businesses, and financial institutions, Blake Morgan LLP pairs its wide-ranging experience with technical know-how to assist with multi-faceted contractual, insolvency, employment and asset finance disputes, among others. The practice is led by Chris Potts, who is well-versed across litigation, arbitration and mediation, while commercial lawyer Nicola Diggle‘s wide-ranging expertise includes software, shareholder and commercial contract disputes. Thomas Middlehurst leads the contentious trusts and estates team, contributing his knowledge across all facets of private wealth and succession disputes.

Dispute resolution > Debt recovery Tier 1

Blake Morgan LLP‘s practice is capable of assisting clients from a variety of industries, with particular emphasis on motor finance, B2B, and landlord and tenant. Noted for its ‘depth of industry knowledge’, the group handles both pre-legal and legal recoveries, and is led by the ‘exceptional’ Sadak Miah, who is an expert in debt collection within the vehicle finance sector, often handling conversion claims, injunctions, and fraud cases. Specialising in finance matters, Hannah Smith-Herne leads the firm’s complex litigation team, handling the full range of small to multi-track claims.

Employment > Employment: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 1

Praised by clients for their ‘very efficient and professional’ nature, Blake Morgan LLP is noted for its prowess in the litigation sphere. The group additionally advises clients on a range of senior level grievances, director exits, and the employment and pension aspects of corporate acquisitions and disposals. Noted for being ‘astute, commercially savvy and very knowledgeable’, practice head Rajiv Joshi is routinely entrusted by clients in the tech, health, and social care sectors. Another key team member is ‘highly efficient’ Madeleine Mould, who is experienced handling a variety of discrimination claims before the Employment Tribunal.

Finance > Banking and finance Tier 1

Known for providing ‘very sound guidance’ and taking ‘a commercial approach’, the banking and finance team fielded by Blake Morgan LLP is vastly experienced across a broad suite of lending arrangements including corporate refinancing, acquisition finance, real estate finance, development finance, asset based lending, asset finance, syndicated finance and inter-creditor arrangements. Thames Valley-based Paul Duggan jointly leads the practice alongside esteemed banking and finance practitioner Kath Shimmin, who works out of the firm’s office in Southampton. Duggan primarily represents clearing banks, lending institutions and corporate borrowers, while firm chairman Shimmin advises on the entire gamut of lending and finance transactions as well as securitisations and capital markets transactions.

Private client > Family: Hampshire Tier 1

The Southampton based team at Blake Morgan LLP is characterised by its ‘breadth of knowledge at all levels‘, assisting clients with issues relating to complex financial remedy involving business assets and pensions, to private Children Act matters. Practice head Simon Burge has notable expertise in high-net-worth relationship breakdown cases, and also advises on international child relocation. Jennifer Williamson is particularly sought after for work regarding menopause and family law. ‘Outstanding associate‘ Rachel Giles acts as a mediator, and often advises on pre- and post-nuptial agreements, cohabitee matters, and domestic violence matters.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Hampshire Tier 1

Described as a ‘highly professional firm with a first-class reputation’, Blake Morgan LLP offers a broad range of tax and succession planning services, including advising on foreign assets that are located outside the UK. Spearheading the team in Southampton, Paula Shea has two decades of experience advising high-net-worth individuals on wills and taxes. Darren Price and Jonathan Sleep are also integral members of the team; Price routinely acts for trustees, executors, and beneficiaries and handles matters relating to asset protection issues, trusts and the administration of estates, while Sleep is an expert in handling will and inheritance disputes.

Public sector Tier 1

Blake Morgan LLP is well-equipped to handle the full range of mandates across the education, health, and local government sectors. Leading the team, which is highlighted by clients for ‘unrivalled knowledge’ of public sector leisure procurement, Penny Rinta-Suksi advises leisure authorities and private sector contractors on all aspects of private partnering projects (PPP). Matthew Smith heads the education group, and specialises in dealing with employment matters, including industrial relations and strikes, and issues of equal pay. Procurement expert Bruce Potter leads on the healthcare side, and is particularly experienced in complex system management and major health organisational mergers. Vicky Schollar left the firm in January 2024.

Real estate > Commercial property: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 1

Real estate > Construction Tier 1

Blake Morgan LLP houses strong constructions teams in both Oxford and Southampton, which regularly act for clients across a broad range of sectors, including retail and leisure, real estate, and education. Richard Wade is known for his longstanding experience, routinely advising developers, contractors, and suppliers. James Bessey is skilled at handling construction disputes, particularly in relation to building defects. Noted for his expertise in the transactional components of construction projects, Edward McMullen routinely assists with building contracts, warranties, and consultant appointments. Simon Lewis is also recommended for handling both contentious and non-contentious construction mandates.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 1

Blake Morgan LLP's technology group has a strong presence in the South East and represents both supplier and customer clients, including both private and public companies, and charities. Fintech sector work, including issues arising in the context of crypto-assets, is a growing specialism of the team which is jointly headed up by Elisabeth Bell and Alison Patten-Hall in Reading, and Michael Colledge in Southampton. Bell is a key contact for technology and GDPR issues, whilst Patten-Hall specialises in large projects including outsourcing and IT procurements.

Dispute resolution > Professional discipline Tier 1

With ‘deep knowledge of cases and the needs of regulators’, Blake Morgan LLP is consistently mandated to act in professional discipline matters involving education, healthcare, accountancy and legal professionals. The team routinely advocates for regulators before Conduct and Competence and Health Committees, as well as before Fitness to Practise Panels and in the High Court. Healthcare sector expert Clare Strickland leads the practice, which includes regulatory group leader Bradley Albuery, who acts for regulators from the healthcare, legal and accountancy sectors, and Graham Miles, who predominantly focuses on fitness to practise matters. The practice further comprises James Danks, who acts for both regulators and respondents in disciplinary proceedings; Delme Griffiths, whose ‘knowledge of regulatory law is encyclopaedic’; and Antonia Dowgray, whose track record encompasses cases for the General Medical Council (GMC), General Dental Council (GDC), and General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Also key are barrister Tania Dosoruth, a former Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) senior lawyer; Alison Wood, who has notable healthcare and accountancy sector experience; and Lisa Clark and Sarah Price, who both represent professional regulators in fitness to practise matters.

Wales > Corporate and commercial Tier 1

Leveraging the expertise of 'consummate professionals', including many who have been at the forefront of the South Wales corporate market for a number of years, Blake Morgan LLP is a popular choice among corporates, owner-managed businesses and SMEs, which are appreciative of the firm's 'refreshing work ethic and pragmatism'. Drawing upon strong local business ties corporate head James Williams  leads from the front and is well-placed to provide a 'responsive and very efficient' service to clients from a range of industries on their most pressing transactional needs. Richard Jones is also central to the firm's success and continues to provide forward momentum to its private equity/venture capital offering, with the Development Bank of Wales and LDC regularly instructing him on their investment activity. James Vaughan also continues to impress, handling a range of transactional work for high-net-worth individuals, owner-managed businesses and large corporates. Penri Desscan heads up the commercial practice group and excels in servicing both private and public sector clients, including as it relates to drafting long-term supply contracts.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation Tier 1

The 'very professional' team at Blake Morgan LLP provides 'high-quality advice' to private and public sector clients across a myriad disputes. Lee Fisher takes the lead on much of the private sector work, both across corporate/shareholder litigation, as well as IP matters, including on the enforcement of patents and trade marks. Joanne Thompson co-heads the team alongside Fisher and is best-known for her procurement defence work for contracting bodies in challenges made by unsuccessful bidders. She is also one of many in the team who have considerable experience handling major public inquiries, including her work for NHS England in the Covid-19 inquiry. Sarah Whittle is also pivotal to the firm's success for public sector clients (particularly within the health sector), including as it relates to public procurement and judicial review challenges. Joanna Corbett-Simmons maintains a good balance of public and private sector instructions and 'has a very bright future ahead of her'.   

Employment Tier 1

Drawing upon a 'collaborative spirit' both directly within the employment team, as well as throughout the broader firm, Blake Morgan LLP's partner-led offering excels in providing 'pragmatic, flexible and solutions-oriented advice' across a broad swathe of contentious and non-contentious matters. The 'always approachable' Matthew Smith  is a popular choice among both education clients (including universities) and retailers, which are appreciative of his ability to provide 'balanced but resolute advice' in the context of often highly complex litigation. Paula Kathrens  has broad knowledge of the nuanced needs of a range of public sector entities, including within the health, education and social housing sectors, and has niche expertise in relation to internal disciplinary proceedings involving doctors in NHS Wales. 'Extremely knowledgeable' team head Joanne Davies ' non-contentious practice spans both the public and private sectors, including corporate support work, as well as advice on TUPE matters both when dealing with procurement and outsourcing in the public sector, and on corporate transactions and group restructurings.

Employment > Health and safety Tier 1

Housed within the firm's business regulatory group, which is headed by Claire Rawle , Blake Morgan LLP's diverse health and safety offering encompasses both prosecution and defence work, ensuring that the team has an excellent perspective from both sides of the "v". Rawle is particularly accomplished at handling defence work in the health and social care space, regularly handling standalone cases brought by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or the police, as well as supporting the firm's strong public inquiries offering. In addition, the firm continues to grow its offering in relation to product liability advice and food safety-related work, regularly acting for food manufacturers and consumer/electrical product manufacturers in relation to product recalls and civil litigation. Senior associate and barrister Tom Walker has been responsible for developing the aforementioned aspect of the practice, although his primary focus remains on handling prosecution work, including for the HSE. Consultant Robin Havard is vastly experienced across both the defence and prosecution front; he continues to be retained to assist the HSE, often  in liaison with the CPS, relating to corporate and gross negligence manslaughter investigations.

Employment > Pensions Tier 1

Working on its own as well as often forming part of a multi-office offering, the 'very approachable and knowledgeable' team at Blake Morgan LLP provides 'first-rate pensions advice' to Wales and England-based clients across the gamut of advisory, contentious and transactional work. 'Very knowledgeable' team head Ron Burgess, who splits his time between Cardiff and London, provides 'fantastic advice' on standalone matters (including advice to trustees on their ongoing fiduciary duties associated with running private sector pension schemes), as well as on the pensions implications associated with corporate and finance transactions. Drawing upon 'extensive technical knowledge', Gillian McCue also provides pensions advice pursuant to corporate transactions, although her principal area of expertise relates to public sector pensions.

Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 1

Drawing upon 'deep insolvency expertise' on both the contentious and non-contentious front, Blake Morgan LLP provides 'sound commercial advice' to creditors and officeholders, striking 'a good balance between empathy with the other side and achieving the desired outcomes'. Team head Paul Caldicott  is a 'very safe pair of hands' whose expertise on both formal insolvency matters and restructuring mandates is recognised both by IPs and banks as creditors. The team also includes Sophia Farmer, who as well as continuing to advise trustees in bankruptcy on personal insolvency matters, also continues to develop her corporate insolvency expertise, acting on a number of pre-pack administration sales.

Wales > Public sector Tier 1

Leveraging extensive pure public law expertise, from both a UK perspective and in the context of Welsh devolved powers, and also drawing upon more broad-based public sector prowess across the firm's full-service offering, Blake Morgan LLP offers 'sound legal advice' to a myriad public sector bodies (including at local and central government level), ensuring it can provide a tailored service addressing issues unique to entities in the space. 'Calm and incredibly friendly' team head Eve Piffaretti  is a reassuring presence to Welsh public sector and UK regulators in the context of health and social care law matters, including when responding to safeguarding issues and advice relating to adults at risk (areas which have an added layer of complexity due to their adherence to secondary legislation which is Welsh specific). The vastly experienced Graham Miles  is also very active in the health and social care sectors, both as it relates to his work for regulatory bodies investigating fitness to practice, as well as his niche expertise in the area of human fertilisation (where Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority is a cornerstone client). Public procurement-related work also continues to generate a substantial amount of work, with Penri Desscan  and Simon McCann  noted for their expertise on behalf of contracting authorities, including in the context of long term, complex, high-value services and supplies contracts. Litigator Joanne Thompson takes the lead in the event of procurement challenges and is also at the forefront of the firm's public inquiries offering, which includes continued representation of NHS England in the Covid-19 inquiry. Sarah Whittle is also very active in the healthcare sector and as well as being involved in the aforementioned inquiry, is regularly engaged in procurement challenges in the sector. Trish D'Souza excels at work at the intersection of public and education law, regularly advising, inter alia, on disciplinary matters and judicial review challenges. 'Approachable and highly communicative' associate Daniel Taylor  is also gaining market recognition, particularly among local authorities, for his aptitude at handling complex Court of Protection-related litigation matters.

Real estate > Construction Tier 1

Acting on its own as well as often forming part of a multi-office group with lawyers based out of the firm’s offices in South East England, Blake Morgan LLP provides ‘clear legal advice’ to public and private sector clients in contentious and non-contentious matters spanning Wales and the wider UK region. As part of her broad construction practice, which includes a substantial volume of public sector work, Joanna Rees is ‘very knowledgeable about the NHS methodology of procurement and construction contracting’. In more general terms, Rees is also highly adept at advising on large infrastructure and energy projects, where her expertise runs the gamut of the project lifecycle, from tender through to build phase. On the contentious front, the recently promoted and ‘exceptionally capable and experienced’ Kate Howell ‘manages complex construction disputes with great skill and efficiency’.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 1

At Blake Morgan LLP, team head Siân Jones has vast property litigation experience, particularly as it relates to commercial and residential landlord and tenant disputes. Jones is also noted for her work in the social housing space, including from a risk management perspective in relation to the recently enacted Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. Senior associate Tanya Barrett is also key to the social housing practice, regularly acting for residential social landlords (RSLs) in possession and antisocial behaviour cases. As part of his varied property litigation workload that also includes, inter alia, conventional dilapidation claims and lease renewal proceedings, Adam Carbis also has niche expertise in advising the Welsh government on compulsory purchase compensation matters.

Real estate > Social housing Tier 1

Leveraging deep industry expertise, Blake Morgan LLP excels in providing ‘pragmatic’ and ‘jargon-free advice’ across a range of advisory, transactional and contentious matters for a loyal roster of Welsh housing associations and a growing number of English registered social landlords (RSLs). ‘Very knowledgeable‘ team head Siân Jones is a ‘safe pair of hands’ on housing management-related advice and has also led the firm’s efforts on the significant legal changes to residential landlord and tenant law brought in by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. The ‘exceptional’ Louise Howells excels in handling commercial property mandates in the sector, with work ranging from the day-to-day management of stock to development, acquisitions, commercial leases, sales and refinancing.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 1

Continuing to regularly act for universities and health boards, as well as increasingly active for media and retail companies, Blake Morgan LLP has strong public and private sector traction across a wide spectrum of intellectual property rights (IPR), including trade marks, copyright and patents. Although he also handles some advisory/commercial work (including advice on the management of large trade mark portfolios), team head Lee Fisher is best-known for his contentious work, including developing enforcement strategies and utilising injunctive relief, if necessary. Joanna Corbett-Simmons is also a formidable IP litigator who handles trade mark and design right infringements, and Sarah Whittle is particularly well-placed to advise health sector clients on IP issues, having herself spent a period on secondment at the Department of Health.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Hampshire Tier 2

Blake Morgan LLP regularly handles commercial litigation across a variety of sectors, including the sport, retail, and utilities industries. Based in Southampton, Dan Geddes leads the team; he is recommended for shareholder and contract disputes as well as contentious insolvency matters. Richard Portlock advises on professional negligence and judicial review cases. Described as ‘exceptional’, Michael Colledge and Vikki Sidaway are further standout members of the team; Colledge handles disputes relating to insurance coverage and pensions, while Sidaway regularly assists clients with a range of commercial litigation matters. Jill Bainbridge left the firm in April 2023.

Employment > Employment: Hampshire Tier 2

Described as ‘efficient, responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive’, the team at Blake Morgan LLP advises on a breadth of matters spanning health and safety regulations, immigration issues, and pensions. The team is headed up by Rajiv Joshi, who splits his time between Southampton, Reading, and Oxford. Joshi has extensive experience in the field of employment law; he regularly advises on employment contracts, staff handbooks, unfair dismissals, and discrimination claims. The team in Southampton was strengthened by the arrival of Louis Howlett from DC Employment Solicitors in March 2024, and Jane Biddlecombe from Paris Smith LLP in April 2024. Vicky Schollar left the firm in January 2024.

Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 2

Blake Morgan LLP acts for an array of insolvency practitioners, as well as a broader client base comprising banks, landlords, investors, and directors of distressed companies. Practice head Katie James is based in Reading and specialises in all forms of insolvency law, spanning corporate, personal, contentious, transactional and advisory work. Dan Geddes is another important contact for contentious matters in the space.

Insurance > Professional negligence Tier 2

Blake Morgan LLP has a team based in Southampton that routinely handles claims of professional negligence relating to construction, tax planning, and legal advice. Co-heading the team, Richard Portlock has more than three decades of experience handling professional liability disputes, including matters relating to pension schemes. Fellow co-head Michael Colledge is recommended for cases involving accounting and conveyancing professionals. Stephen Cannell is also noted for his experience assisting with high-value disputes, including mis-selling claims.

Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 2

The ‘excellent service’ offered by Blake Morgan LLP’s lawyers spans the spectrum of charity law issues, from governance and risk management to joint ventures and grant-related issues. Its clientele includes charities focused on healthcare, childcare, human rights and emergency services. Leading the practice, Ben Brice advises charities on their commercial projects and joint ventures, as well as any governance and regulatory matters. Gina Cheetham, who joined the firm in January 2023, focuses on advising clients on the registration and constitution of charities and on grant and funding matters. Laura Sherratt is another noted member of the practice, specialising in commercial advice to charities.

Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 2

Blake Morgan LLP‘s contentious trusts and estates team in Oxford routinely collaborates with the firm’s private client and commercial litigation groups to assist clients with Inheritance Act 1975 and property ownership disputes, proprietary estoppel claims, and court of protection work, in addition to representing charities in relation to contentious legacies. Practice head Thomas Middlehurst is an expert in mental capacity issues and claims against executors. Abbie Coleman left the firm in June 2023.

Private client > Family: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 2

Consisting of ‘the very best individuals in their field’, Blake Morgan LLP's Oxford-based team of experts has notable experience in complex financial disputes and sensitive children matters, in addition to offering alternative dispute resolution methods. Laura Bennett is a qualified mediator, and Christine Plews retired in October 2023. Practice head James Davies regularly acts for high-net-worth individuals in complex litigation, often internationally, and is a key name for cohabitation disputes. Catherine Morgan is recommended for her deep knowledge of nuptial agreements.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 2

With particular capabilities in overseas assets and multi-jurisdictional mandates, the ‘well-rounded’ team at Blake Morgan LLP has a varied practice that encompasses will work, estate planning and estate administrations that incorporate foreign assets. Susannah Treherne steers the practice, advising a diverse roster of clients on both contentious and non-contentious work, alongside notable expertise in cases involving diminished mental capacity. James Greig is noted for his ability to handle tax and succession planning for those with complex family structures, inheritance tax and literary estates, while Kathryn Woodward principally focuses on wills, inheritance tax planning issues and administering high-net-worth estates. Stephen Evans is also recommended.

Real estate > Commercial property: Hampshire Tier 2

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 2

The property litigation team at Blake Morgan LLP regularly represents retailers, local authorities, educational institutions, and both commercial and residential developers. Located in Reading, Zoe Wright is well-known for her distinctive focus on property litigation within the telecom sector, and her broad knowledge of restrictive covenants, easements, and site clearance issues. The ‘tactically astute’ Simon Pestell regularly advises on right to light claims, lease renewals, and dilapidation claims. Thomas Djan-Krofa is another key member of the team based in Oxford, whose areas of experience include rent arrears, disrepair claims, injunctions, and anti-social behaviour actions.

Transport > Shipping Tier 2

Public sector > Education: institutions Tier 2

Blake Morgan LLP‘s education offering spans transactional work, litigation and specialist education tribunal work, also covering a wide range of student matters, such as EU student tuition fees, implications of Brexit, exclusions or disciplinary matters, as well as in sensitive cases, such as sexual misconduct and discrimination cases and advice on regulatory issues. Matthew Smith leads the department from Cardiff and handles both contentious and non-contentious employment advice. Penri Desscan handles procurement and broad commercial matters, while Eve Piffaretti ‘s broad practice covers public, regulatory and governance law, as well as mental health and capacity law. Paula Kathrens handles employment-related litigation and Joanna Rees is the key contact for contentious and non-contentious construction matters. Alison Patten-Hall assists with commercial agreements including IP licensing and procurement. Other key members of the team are Trish D’Souza, Rachel Sales, Natalie Lawley and Laura Sherratt.

Public sector > Healthcare Tier 2

Acting for a broad array of regulatory authorities, Blake Morgan LLP acts in judicial reviews, public inquiries, and mental health-related issues. Practice co-head Bruce Potter is noted for his longstanding experience in major public procurement projects, and his knowledge of commercial drug access issues and medicines logistics. Eve Piffaretti works out of the Cardiff office and is well-known for her strong regulatory knowledge. Piffaretti is particularly adept at handling social care matters, often advising on safeguarding and human rights issues. Co-head David Hill joined the group in September 2023 from DAC Beachcroft LLP, contributing his distinctive focus on NHS governance and medicine supply chain mandates.

Transport > Travel

The Southampton-based group at Blake Morgan LLP is formed of ‘very experienced travel lawyers’. Daniel Scognamiglio oversees the PI side of the practice, and is considered by clients as ‘a superstar of the travel PI world’ with experience in acting for both claimants and defendants in complex claims, as well as in advising on the impacts of Covid-19 and Brexit. The team is well-placed to bring claims for victims involved in complex, severe, or fatal matters, ranging from winter sport incidents to RTAs, against tour operators and insurers; such work is the specialism of both Katherine Ettridge and Iqval Dale. It is also equipped to represent defendants in policy coverage disputes. Scognamiglio also heads up the commercial and regulatory side of the practice, wherein Stojan Essex is equipped to advise on sale and acquisition matters relevant to the travel industry, and Reading’s Katie James has experience handling hotel and travel-related insolvencies.

Finance > Banking and finance Tier 2

Blake Morgan LLP provides 'commercially pragmatic' advice to creditors and debtors across a range of bilateral and syndicated facilities for working capital, general corporate lending and refinancing needs. The team also regularly leans into complementary practice areas such as real estate and corporate, including on development finance and private equity-backed acquisition finance mandates. Team head Paul Duggan is 'very experienced and easy to work with', and is adept at structuring mandates utilising debt throughout the capital structure.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 2

The 'experienced' team at Blake Morgan LLP demonstrates 'great attention to detail' across a myriad complex private client matters from referring professionals, as well as directly from often high-net-worth individuals. Much of the work is marked out by its complexity, whether it be succession planning for clients with business and/or agriculture assets or on estate administration involving multi-jurisdictional considerations, where it is distinguished by a willingness to 'think outside the box'. 'Pragmatic' team head Lisa Davies sets the tone for the rest of the practice, displaying a 'very thorough' approach that combines the personal touch of a high street firm, with the commercial instincts and ability to leverage the broader expertise of a full service offering. Senior associate Nicky Sherrard is also a pivotal member of the team and provides 'thoughtful and considered advice' on both lifetime trust and will planning matters, as well as on the administration of estates.

Real estate > Commercial property Tier 2

Drawing upon ‘good strength-in-depth’ at both partner and associate level, the ‘knowledgeable’ team at Blake Morgan LLP provides ‘a results-focused service’ to a balanced mix of stakeholders in the private, third and public sectors across a range of commercial property matters. Here, clients also benefit from access to the firm’s own in-house quantity surveyors, ensuring it is able to provide a full “cradle to grave” offering. Team head James Egan provides ‘advice in a clear and simple way’, including to local Welsh health boards and GP practices on their property needs. Nigel Griffiths has vast experience in the market, particularly in the context of retail leasing and development work where he continues to advise long-term client Canary Wharf Group on the management of its retail portfolio. Daniela Smith is also key to the Canary Wharf Group relationship, as well as handling a considerable amount of work for corporate occupiers. Other key members of the team include Louise Howells, who ‘provides commercial and practical advice’ on social housing-related commercial property matters, and Dawn Smith, who is ‘truly exceptional’ at handling development and regeneration projects. Geoff Reed retired from the partnership to become a consultant in 2023.

Employment > Pensions Tier 3

Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 3

Real estate > Environment and planning Tier 3

Corporate and commercial > M&A: Smaller Deals, £10m-£100m Tier 3

Specialising in public and private M&A transactions, corporate restructuring, and tax, the corporate team at Blake Morgan LLP is capable of handling complex cross-border deals. The group is active across a diverse selection of industry sectors including technology, media, engineering, and financial services. Martin Kay heads up the team and is noted for his expertise in capital restructuring, equity fundraises, and M&A. The department also benefits from the aptitude of Stojan Essex, who is frequently instructed by entrepreneurs, investors, and managed businesses. Michelle Davenport concentrates on exit strategies, M&A, shareholders’ agreements, and joint ventures, while Karen Foong focuses on acquisitions and disposals, venture capital investments, and corporate restructuring.

Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 3

Ben Brice heads the practice at Blake Morgan LLP, which acts for some of the largest household name charities, not-for-profit, and social enterprise organisations in the UK, alongside a number of smaller local charities. The charities team advises on a wide range of issues, from registering new charities to advising on mergers and restructurings. The team regularly advises on many other matters, such as international charity matters, and on establishing effective safeguarding measures. With offices in London, the Thames Valley, the South Coast, and Wales, it is well-equipped to advise charities across the UK.

Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 3

While lacking much core pure charities law expertise in Wales, practitioners in a number of practice areas at Blake Morgan LLP ‘s Cardiff office, including real estate, public sector and litigation, regularly interface with the firm’s strong national South East England-based charities team across a range of contentious and non-contentious issues. An exception to this is Trish D’Souza who does handle some charities work on her own (as well as alongside practitioners from Reading) in the context of her education practice, including advice on governance, commercial and regulatory matters for registered charity Swansea University. Reading-based Ben Brice heads up the firm’s national charities practice and regularly works on matters with a Welsh nexus. Rebecca McCarthy joined the group in June 2024 from Hugh James.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: mid-market Tier 4

‘A go-to firm that always delivers outstanding results’, Blake Morgan LLP‘s London practice represents high-profile individuals, financial institutions, and national and international corporations in heavyweight litigation. London commercial litigation head Sarah Rees routinely acts for clients from CIS countries and former Soviet Union states. 'Standout partner' Justin Weare litigates fraud claims, as well as shareholder and boardroom disputes, while Alex Shirtcliff focuses on pursuing and defending assets in civil fraud contexts. Conor Daly is a commercial and insolvency litigation expert.

Public sector > Education: schools Tier 4

Blake Morgan LLP’s education practice offers charity, employment and governance advice, including misconduct, exclusions, reorganisations, and school conversions, school expansion, as well as data protection. Matthew Smith leads the department and has extensive experience in employment tribunal cases. Joanna Rees leads the Cardiff-based construction team, advising on new secondary schools in Cardiff. Legal director Trish D’Souza assists schools with a range of issues, such as special educational needs and student admission issues, while legal director Ben Brice heads the department’s charity work in the education sector.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 5

Blake Morgan LLP provides the full range of traditional succession and tax services, and is well-equipped to handle matters with overseas assets. Practice head Helen Bunker does a considerable amount of complex advisory work for both UK and non-UK domiciled individuals, trustees, and estates. She also acts as a professional executor, trustee, attorney, and deputy for a number of families. Thomas Middlehurst is another important contact.

Public sector > Administrative and public law Tier 5

Blake Morgan LLP has a strong team located in Wales, which is headed by Eve Piffaretti. With her in-depth knowledge of health and social care, Piffaretti has extensive experience advising the NHS and the Welsh Government. David Hill, Bruce Potter, and Penny Rinta-Suski co-led the practice in Reading. Both Hill and Potter are experts in handling matters in the healthcare sector, while Rinta-Suski is skilled with large procurement projects.

Real estate > Planning Tier 5

Often acting for private clients on objections to planning applications, Blake Morgan LLP is knowledgeable in development projects in the capital. With over three decades of experience, the ‘exceptional’, Amardip Healy oversees the practice and is particularly focused on the residential sector.

Real estate > Property finance Tier 7

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport

Wales > Private client > Charities and not-for-profit

While lacking much core pure charities law expertise in Wales, practitioners in a number of practice areas at Blake Morgan LLP ‘s Cardiff office, including real estate, public sector and litigation, regularly interface with the firm’s strong national South East England-based charities team across a range of contentious and non-contentious issues. An exception to this is Trish D’Souza who does handle some charities work on her own (as well as alongside practitioners from Reading) in the context of her education practice, including advice on governance, commercial and regulatory matters for registered charity Swansea University. Reading-based Ben Brice heads up the firm’s national charities practice and regularly works on matters with a Welsh nexus. Rebecca McCarthy joined the group in June 2024 from Hugh James.