Blake Morgan LLP > Cardiff, Wales > Firm Profile
Blake Morgan LLP Offices

ONE CENTRAL SQUARE
CARDIFF
CF10 1FS
Wales
Blake Morgan LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Wales > Corporate and commercial Tier 1
Benefiting from a dedicated corporate offering which is co-headed from Cardiff by the 'pragmatic' Robert Cherry and 'exceptional' James Williams, and also able to draw upon the expertise of lawyers from the same office with tax, banking and regulatory knowledge, should the need arise, Blake Morgan LLP has 'excellent strength-in-depth' and is able to provide 'pragmatic and client-friendly solutions' to public and private sector entities across the spectrum of their transactional needs. Williams has strong ties with the local business community and is regularly engaged in transactions across a myriad industry sectors on both the buy and sell-side, while Cherry is perhaps best-known for his work for companies seeking growth through buy and build strategies. The 'commercial and proactive' Richard Jones also continues to develop a strong following in the market, particularly on behalf of management teams on private equity and venture capital-backed deals. Penri Desscan heads up the firm's commercial offering and has an emphasis on long term, complex, high-value services and supplies contracts.
Practice head(s):
Robert Cherry; James Williams (corporate co-heads); Penri Desscan (commercial head)
Other key lawyers:
Richard Jones; Cathy Bryant; James Vaughan
Testimonials
‘The firm has excellent strength-in-depth and is led by very capable partners across all sectors of law that we require.’
‘Pragmatic and flexible approach to the remit enabling quick progress. Also agile in response to changing circumstances, including engagement with other industry advisors in order to determine most appropriate direction.’
‘Hands on and pragmatic, effective advice aimed at a client friendly solutions. Time efficient and flexible.’
‘The impressive team provided great service on an extremely complex transaction, with very tight timescales, while also offering sensible value.’
‘Richard Jones has led projects for me for a decade. His commercial and pro-active approach has produced exceptional results.’
‘James Williams is an exceptional corporate lawyer with well tuned commercial opinions backed by excellent legal credentials.’
‘Their prior experience of crowdfunding was a huge asset.’
Key clients
Capital Green Recycling Ltd
Symrise Limited
Tinopolis Group
Mous Products
Development Bank of Wales
The Thinking Traveller
Fusion Workshop t/a Kagool
Orbis Education & Care
Meridian SAS
Lending Works Limited
Stone Bear Capital Limited
BSN Social Care Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for Meridiam, a long term infrastructure developer, investor and asset manager, which was selected as preferred bidder by the Welsh Government for a major education contract to develop, build, operate and maintain new schools and Further Education colleges across Wales.
- Acting for founder shareholder and management team in connection with £6m Series A investment by BGF, and then for the company in connection with its acquisition of Leeds headquartered digital agency, Delete, for an undisclosed sum.
- Advising Stone Bear on its acquisition of the entire issued share capital of J.O Engineering Limited, a precision engineering manufacturing business.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation Tier 1
Blake Morgan LLP's 'highly experienced' 12-strong team advises private and public sector clients across the gamut of commercial disputes, and has the strength-in-depth to be able to provide a degree of specialism. Lee Fisher is focused on representing private sector clients, both in relation to IP disputes, as well as corporate and shareholder litigation. Promoted to the partnership in May 2020, the 'diligent and commercial' Joanne Thompson heads up the firm's 'very strong procurement disputes practice', which is active for clients challenging failed bids, as well as for the public sector entity putting out the tender. Senior associate Sarah Whittle is also pivotal to the firm's success in the public procurement space, and has handled a substantial amount of work for NHS England in the defence of procurement challenges. Paul Caldicott co-heads the firm's overarching commercial litigation offering and is particularly well regarded for his use of litigation on behalf of office-holders and financial institutions attempting to secure the recovery of assets in an insolvency context.
Practice head(s):
Lee Fisher; Paul Caldicott
Other key lawyers:
Joanne Thompson; Sarah Whittle; Joanna Corbett-Simmons; David Moore; Sophia Farmer
Testimonials
‘The firm has a very strong procurement disputes practice.’
‘The highly experienced team provides excellent client care and confidence that work is being progressed.’
‘The team is very studious, responsive and agile.’
‘Joanne Thompson is excellent. She is diligent and has very sound commercial and legal judgement.’
‘Sarah Whittle provides great support, care and due diligence.’
Key clients
NHS England
The Welsh Ministers
Clarins (UK) Limited
NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (all local health boards and trusts in Wales, along with the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust)
Personnel Hygiene Services Limited (part of the PHS Group plc)
University of South Wales
Circle Nottingham Limited
Future Inns
Tinopolis Plc
Infinite Renewables Limited
Mazars (Cardiff & Bristol & Gloucester)
Deloitte (Cardiff & Bristol)
Begbies Traynor (Cardiff & Bristol)
Work highlights
- Defending three former shareholders (and sellers) of a waste transfer and disposal company in post-completion claims by the purchaser for various alleged breaches of warranty, valued at £1.7m.
- Continuing to represent NHS England in relation to a challenge brought by an unsuccessful bidder to a procurement exercise conducted using a dynamic purchasing system across England for orthodontic services.
- Advising Medical Imaging Partners on the recovery of debts owed by St Josephs Hospital Limited in relation to unpaid rental for medical imaging equipment at the private hospital (being the most hi-tech imaging facility in Wales).
Employment > Employment: Recommended Firms Tier 1
Blake Morgan LLP's 'friendly and knowledgeable' three-partner team provides wide-ranging contentious and non-contentious advice to a balanced mix of private and public sector clients in a standalone context, as well as a corporate support function. In addition to her TUPE-related expertise, team head Joanne Davies has a particularly strong track record advising clients in highly regulated industries, including financial services and health and social care, work which often involves significant interaction with the relevant regulators. Although the 'pragmatic and responsive' Paula Kathrens also has a substantial following among clients within the social housing and education sectors, she is perhaps best-known for her representation of health boards in doctor disciplinary cases. The 'commercial and creative' Matthew Smith is the main contact for complex employment disputes involving private and public sector clients (including on doctor disciplinary work), while on the non-contentious front he continues to regularly advise retail clients, including on Covid-related employment considerations.
Practice head(s):
Joanne Davies
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Smith; Paula Kathrens; Ian Jones
Testimonials
‘The team provides a unique level of continuity, with personal contact available at all times, with sound advice and in depth understanding of very complex issues.’
‘The team offers a depth of knowledge and experience relevant to our sector. I use them for advice on complex subject matter and find their advice to be of a high quality.’
‘The team is friendly, knowledgeable and realistic in everything that we bring to them. They not only advise but coach us for future situations and explain their advice in a manageable and realistic manner.’
‘They offer a quality of service you would expect from London-based firms but with a useful distance from the issues involved and at a better value for money.’
‘Blake Morgan’s employment team is exceptional in understanding our business scenario; our preferred outcome; and any other key factors such as time and resource restrictions before applying their insight and experience to give us the art of the possible.’
‘My work with Matthew Smith combined both high confidence in the technical consideration of the legal issues we were discussing but also impartial advice based on experience. The combination of the two was particularly powerful in navigating the situations I presented the firm with.’
‘Matthew Smith sets the standard when it come to commercial understanding; relationship management; and creative approaches that gives the client control and perspective.’
‘Paula Kathrens is pragmatic and responsive and always balances legal risk with reality of business needs.’
Key clients
PHS Group Plc
Welsh Government
The NHS in Wales
Swansea University
University of South Wales
Gower College, Swansea
Principality Building Society
Russell & Bromley Limited
Trivallis Limited (formerly RCT Homes Limited)
Dolce & Gabbana UK Limited
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Charbonnel et Walker Limited
Wales Audit Office
The Thinking Traveller Limited
Capital Green Recycling Limited
Work highlights
- Continue to assist clients in the social housing sector in relation to the Financial Conduct Authority’s Senior Management and Certification Regime (SMCR).
- Provided employment advice to the Thinking Traveller pursuant to a £7m investment from Piper.
- Representing the Health Board in the case of Agarwal v (1) Cardiff University (2) Cardiff & Vale University Local Health Board. This case is one of the leading authorities about an Employment Tribunal’s jurisdiction to hear cases involving deductions from an employee’s wages, where there is a dispute about the contractual terms on which the employer considers it is entitled to make such deductions.
Employment > Health and safety Tier 1
Blake Morgan LLP‘s Wales health, safety and environmental team includes Claire Rawle, who heads up the defence team; she works with senior associate barrister Tom Walker and experienced consultant Robin Havard, who head up the separate prosecution team.Practice head(s):
Claire Rawle; Robin Havard; Tom Walker
Employment > Pensions Tier 1
Under the leadership of the 'informed and insightful' Gillian McCue, Blake Morgan LLP has 'in-depth knowledge of the sector in south Wales', particularly with regard to public/third sector-related pension work for local authorities, central government, social housing associations and further education institutions. Dividing his time between the London and Cardiff offices, Ron Burgess heads up the firmwide pensions team and advises private sector employers and scheme trustees across a range of ongoing advisory work, as well as in the context of corporate restructurings, mergers and insolvencies.
Practice head(s):
Ron Burgess; Gillian McCue
Testimonials
‘The team’s in-depth knowledge of the sector in south Wales is a particular strong skill set and regularly seek their input on industry matters.’
‘Excellent firm. Always available to assist and advise on matters, sometimes with very little notice.’
‘Gillian McCue is always informed and insightful.’
‘Gillian McCue is exceptionally professional and very helpful.’
‘Gillian McCue is very easy to work with and explains complex pensions issues in a concise, clear manner.’
Key clients
NHS England
Welsh Government
University of South Wales
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Nurture Landscapes Limited
Swansea University Pension Scheme
Michael Weinig (UK) Limited 1990 Pension Scheme
Trivallis Limited
Aberystwyth University Pension Scheme
University of Wales Superannuation Scheme
Work highlights
- Providing pensions support to a council on the completion of a landmark leisure management procurement deal for three leisure centres worth approx £36m.
Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 1
Headed by Paul Caldicott, Blake Morgan LLP's business support and insolvency team receives a steady pipeline of instructions from insolvency practitioners (IPs) in the region, many of which have complex contentious elements, involving inter alia, tracing claims and misfeasance claims relating to tax avoidance schemes. The team also continues to advise on some complex personal insolvency matters including recently successfully arguing on behalf of the trustees in bankruptcy that the Deed of Trust a bankrupt entered into with his wife transferring his interest in their marital home should be unwound, since it was established when he was bankrupt and not, as was argued, several years prior to the bankruptcy. On the creditor front, the firm also regularly advises numerous banks undertaking security review work, evaluation of enforcement and recovery options.
Practice head(s):
Paul Caldicott
Other key lawyers:
Sophia Farmer; Roisin Gallop
Testimonials
‘In difficult working conditions the team was always contactable and approachable for ideas.’
‘Sophia Farmer and Paul Caldicott were always available to discuss matters and how best to take them forward.’
Key clients
Butcher Woods Limited
Butcher Woods Limited – Juno Moneta Group Limited (in Administration)
Asertis Limited
Smith & Williamson LLP
Begbies Traynor
Baker Tilly
Work highlights
- Acting on behalf of the joint administrators to recover circa. £5m from the former directors and associates of the debtor company and two of its subsidiaries.
- Acted for the administrators in respect of the sale of the shares it held in Rainbird & Co IFA Limited for the sum of £650,000. The transaction was subject to the FCA approving the transfer of shares.
- Advised the Joint Trustees in bankruptcy on the validity of a Deed of Trust a bankrupt entered with his wife to transfer his interest in their marital home to her at a time when he was insolvent and facing bankruptcy, and pursued the claim through litigation.
Insurance > Personal injury and clinical negligence; defendant
Wales > Public sector Tier 1
Headed by Eve Piffaretti, Blake Morgan LLP's multi-disciplinary team provides an 'incredibly knowledgeable' service to public sector entities spread across local/central government, health, social housing and education. Piffaretti is one of numerous lawyers at the firm who is steeped in pure public law knowledge, in her case, particularly as it relates to the health and social care sectors. It is this overarching understanding of the political and administrative environment within which public bodies in Wales work, as well as a specific grasp of Welsh devolved powers (both in terms of advice to Welsh bodies but also helping English entities navigate the complexities of interaction with the all-pervasive public sector in Wales) that truly distinguishes the firm in the area. Public procurement-related advice is also a major strength and the 'knowledgeable and approachable' Simon McCann and Penri Desscan regularly help guide public sector clients through the process of tendering for services. Praised for his 'willingness to take time to understand the issue from every perspective', Graham Miles is a cornerstone of the team by dint of his regulatory and public law-related advice within the healthcare/medical sector, in particular. Miles continues to advise the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority across a range of matters, including judicial review litigation and in the context of guidance to licensed clinics relating to the cessation of fertility treatment at the height of the pandemic in order to prevent transmission of the virus. Joanne Thompson 'has very sound commercial and legal judgement', which she imparts on behalf of private sector entities bringing claims, as well as public sector clients defending procurement processes. At an associate level, Sarah Whittle is developing an excellent reputation defending public bodies (particularly within the healthcare sector) against judicial review challenges.
Practice head(s):
Eve Piffaretti
Other key lawyers:
Simon McCann; Penri Desscan; Graham Miles; Claire Rawle; Joanne Thompson; Siân Jones; Sarah Whittle; Joanna Corbett-Simmons; Tomos Lewis
Testimonials
‘The practice is an exemplar of professionalism.’
‘The team is incredibly knowledgeable about our sector and is particularly sensitive at handling difficult, contentious issues that the client is having difficulty dealing with.’
‘Simon McCann is knowledgeable and approachable.’
‘Graham Miles is a cornerstone of the team and brings his vast knowledge and experience to bear. Graham is one of those lawyers who takes time to understand the issue from every perspective, including the human angle, so that he can tailor his advice and deliver it sensitively and with consideration.’
‘Joanne Thompson has very sound commercial and legal judgement.’
Key clients
Welsh Government & The Welsh Ministers
NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (all seven Local Health Boards and all three NHS Trusts in Wales, including the Welsh Blood Service and the NHS Wales Informatics Service
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
NHS England & Improvement
Natural Resources Wales
Transport for Wales
Welsh Language Commissioner
Senedd Cymru/Welsh Parliament
Children’s Commissioner for Wales
Equality and Human Rights Commission (in Wales)
Older People’s Commissioner for Wales
Social Care Wales
Education Workforce Council
Development Bank for Wales
Human Tissue Authority
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service
Work highlights
- Provided the Welsh Government with a broad range of legal support across a variety of legal specialisms including advice on IT infrastructure and Welsh Government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
- Provided legal support to NHS England and Improvement throughout the pandemic.
- Advising a range of public sector clients including regulators such as Social Care Wales, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and the Human Tissue Authority. The firm has provided expert and critical advice to these organisations in response to the pandemic and in readiness for Brexit.
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 1
Led by the 'excellent' Sian Jones, Blake Morgan LLP's team provides a 'highly efficient, engaging and knowledgeable' service to landowners, tenants, developers and property companies across a wide range of disputes, including on the enforcement of covenants, lease renewal proceedings, dilapidation claims and adverse possession matters. Public sector instructions, however, remain a core driver of the practice, including work for the Welsh Government in the defence of CPO claims, from local authorities on lease renewal disputes, and from housing associations across a range of matters, including disrepair claims and anti-social behaviour breaches.
Practice head(s):
Siân Jones
Other key lawyers:
Adam Carbis; Tanya Barrett
Testimonials
‘The team is highly efficient, engaging and knowledgeable.’
‘Sian Jones and Adam Carbis are both excellent at their jobs. Their ease with clients and clear explanation of facts is invaluable.’
Key clients
Welsh Government
Canary Wharf Group
RPS Group
Swansea University
Milford Haven Port Authority
Cardiff University
Wales & West Utilities Limited
Swansea County Council
PHS Group
Royal National Institute for the Blind
Work highlights
- Advising Canary Wharf Group, on its retail portfolio management including challenges to CVAs, rent recovery; implications of regulations introduced as a result of the pandemic.
- Advising a landlord council in opposing the grant of a new lease of a significant local business and subsequent forfeiture of the lease to enable the council to deal with the health and safety issues and keep the site operational.
- Acted for a housing association landlord in successfully contesting a Section 20 challenge to the recovery of roof replacement costs through the service charge for two blocks of flats.
Real estate > Social housing Tier 1
Blake Morgan LLP provides 'competent, prompt and clear advice' to a raft of Wales-based housing associations and a growing number of England-based clients, on housing law and tenant management matters, as well as in relation to their transactional real estate concerns. 'Very attentive' team head Sian Jones provides a 'superb service' to RSLs on their day-to-day housing law issues, in addition to advising on any property litigation which may arise, including on service charge disputes. Jones also has expertise in relation to advising on any anti-social behaviourial issues with tenants and has been particularly active of late providing ongoing training and advice to clients on the ever evolving Covid regulations. The 'exceptional' Louise Howell is the key contact for housing association clients on their transactional property work (including on the acquisition, disposal and refinancing of properties) and is appreciated for her 'outcomes-focused' service.
Practice head(s):
Siân Jones
Other key lawyers:
Louise Howell; Penri Desscan; Tanya Barrett; Kate Howell
Testimonials
‘Blake Morgan provides a first-class service, they always have someone available to give accurate and professional advice.’
‘Sian Jones very attentive and provides a superb service.’
‘The exceptional Louise Howells provides an outcomes-focused service.’
‘ Louise Howell is totally committed, focused and knowledgeable.’
Key clients
ClwydAlyn Housing
Newport City Homes
Cardiff Community Housing
Melin Homes
Wales and West Housing Association
Linc-Cymru Housing Association
Pobl Group
Peabody Group
Midland Heart
Tai Tarian
Vale of Aylesbury Housing Association
Work highlights
- Advised Coastal Housing Group on the property elements of a £250m restructure of its portfolio.
- Acted for Newport City Homes in its purchase of a mixed use city centre landmark site, Olympia House – the former passport office.
- Obtained an emergency injunction for Tai Tarian Housing Association against a tenant for persistent breaches of the Welsh Government’s Covid-19 regulations which included preventing known troublemakers from attending the property.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 1
Blake Morgan LLP's team provides non-contentious and contentious IP expertise for a fairly balanced mix of public and private sector clients, including an increasing number of retail and media entities. Leveraging his broader commercial litigation skills, team head Lee Fisher is adept at guiding clients through the court process, including securing urgent injunctive relief if necessary. Fisher's remit extends beyond litigation, however, and clients also benefit from expert counselling in relation to patent law and comparative advertising. Senior associate Joanna Corbett-Simmons continues to develop a strong contentious IP offering, particularly on behalf of clients bringing or defending claims relating to copyright, trade mark and design rights.
Practice head(s):
Lee Fisher
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Whittle; Joanna Corbett-Simmons
Testimonials
‘Lee Fisher puts the intellectual into intellectual property. He deals with matters very efficiently and is always prompt and keeps us informed.’
Key clients
Tremorfa Limited
Flame and Wax Inc t/a Voluspa
Fortune Woods (UK) Limited
Development Bank of Wales
Hearing Health and Mobility Limited
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Clarins UK
Work highlights
- Advising a leading mechanical and electrical engineering company in injunctive proceedings to protect business worth in region of £5m pa.
- Providing ongoing advice relating to branding and enforcement of Clarins’ Selective Distribution Network.
- Developing and delivering lectures on the subject of Intellectual Property & New Product Development for the University of South Wales Trinity Saint David’s courses.
Dispute resolution > Professional discipline Tier 1
Blake Morgan LLP's 'collaborative, flexible and always available' practice is widely respected for its representation of over 20 professional regulators, particularly in relation to healthcare, legal, education, accountancy and engineering. Overseeing the firm’s contracts with several professional regulatory bodies, London and Reading-based Nick Leale is regulatory business group head; Bradley Albuery, who divides his time between London and Southampton, leads the professional disciplinary offering, consistently managing complex investigations and presenting cases before Fitness to Practise (FtP) and Conduct and Competence committees; and Graham Miles in Cardiff is a client relationship partner for Teaching Regulation Agency, Education Workforce Council (Wales) and Social Care Wales. At legal director level, Delme Griffiths regularly appears as an advocate in fitness to practise proceedings; Antonia Dowgray is a healthcare disciplinary specialist; James Danks has approximately a decade of experience in assisting regulators and respondents with disciplinary proceedings; and Guy Micklewright acts before disciplinary tribunals in the healthcare, accountancy, legal, teaching and engineering sectors. Experienced partner Clare Strickland returned to the firm in May 2021 from the NMC, where she was deputy director of FtP.
Practice head(s):
Nick Leale; Bradley Albuery
Other key lawyers:
Graham Miles; Delme Griffiths; Antonia Dowgray; James Danks; Guy Micklewright; Samantha Hatt; Matthew Corrie
Testimonials
‘The team is collaborative, flexible and always available for discussion on any casework issue.‘
‘One of the strengths of the team is the ability to adapt to increased demand, sometimes at short notice.‘
‘We have particularly valued the positive collaboration with the team at Blake Morgan when dealing with the challenges of progressing casework during the pandemic, and now as we work through our recovery plans.‘
Key clients
Nursing and Midwifery Council
Health & Care Professions Council
General Pharmaceutical Council
General Dental Council
NHS England
Social Care Wales
Teaching Regulation Agency
Education Workforce Council (Wales)
Architects Registration Board
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
General Osteopathic Council
General Optical Council
Security Industry Authority
Royal Institute of British Architects
Work highlights
- Retained by the Nursing and Midwifery Council for several years, following competitive tender processes, for complex investigations of nurse and midwife misconduct.
- Retained by the General Pharmaceutical Council for several years, following competitive tender processes, for complex investigations involving pharmacy professionals.
- Appointed to assist the Health & Care Professions Council with a backlog of fitness to practice investigations, including a large number of serious, complex cases.
Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Hampshire Tier 1
Blake Morgan LLP’s diverse client base regularly turns to the firm's corporate and commercial team for assistance on a range of major acquisitions, disposals, takeovers and restructurings. Practice head James Hawkeswood, a known figure in the SME space, is supported by Mark Hepworth, who chiefly handles corporate transactions for private equity houses, and Stephen Archibald, who is well-versed in institutional equity matters and general advisory mandates. Gemma Spiceley’s practice underpins the team’s reputation in the retail, health and social care sectors, while Mat Wilson is noted for venture capital deals and corporate group restructurings. All named lawyers are based in Southampton.
Practice head(s):
James Hawkeswood
Other key lawyers:
Mark Hepworth; Stephen Archibald; Gemma Spiceley; Mat Wilson
Testimonials
‘Mat Wilson has been fantastic.’
‘Blake Morgan are responsive and attentive. They collaborate internally to address my varied legal needs and take great care to understand my commercial requirements.’
‘A strong team that always delivers.’
‘James Hawkeswood is fabulous.’
Key clients
Utilita Group Limited
Harwood Wealth Management Group plc
Cubic Corporation
Gresham Technologies plc
Be Wiser Insurance Services Limited
Lucketts Holdings Limited
CVS Group plc
DEKRA UK
Hardide plc
Universe Group plc
Work highlights
- Advising Harwood Wealth Management Group plc (Harwood) on its takeover by an entity controlled by Carlyle Global Financial Services Partners III LP.
- Advising the shareholders of Lucketts Holdings Limited on the sale of their shares to National Express. The deal involved complicated earn-out provisions and an extraction of multiple properties to be leased back to the group.
- Advising Gresham Technologies plc on its acquisition of fintech provider Inforalgo Information Technology Limited.
Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 1
Blake Morgan LLP advises on a wide range of transactions, with a focus on banking and technology deals. Simon Staples and Alison Patten-Hall lead the team as corporate and commercial heads respectively. Staples focuses on M&A, private equity and venture capital, and is supported by Tim Coles who advises on restructurings and share options, whilst Patten-Hall specialises in large projects including outsourcing and IT procurements. Elisabeth Bell is another specialist in this area, leading on technology and GDPR matters. Guy Constant is also recommended and is particularly strong in corporate, banking and finance.
Practice head(s):
Simon Staples; Alison Patten-Hall
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The M&A team at Blake Morgan is diligent, professional and highly capable, providing top-notch service at a competitive fee rate.’
‘Guy Constant is very experienced and knowledgeable in his field, yet uncomplicated and easy to deal with.’
‘A combination of expertise, patience and well structured good advice have been the hallmark of working with Alison Patten-Hall and I would not hesitate to recommend her counsel. ’
‘Blake Morgan has a great UK mid-market M&A practice full of highly experienced partners. Every deal is given the fullest care and attention. As a regional law firm, I’d say they provide a comparable City quality service at much more attractive chargeout rates.’
‘The team we work with at Blake Morgan act as an extension of our team rather than a separate legal firm. They take time to understand our mission, vision and objectives and therefore give legal advice which is relevant and collaborative, making red lines very clear rather than leaving it for us to interpret the law.’
Key clients
De La Rue plc
Sutton and East Surrey Water Plc
Dillistone Group Plc
Osirium Plc
Falanx Group
Oxford Pharmegenesis
Vail Williams LLP
Boom Holdings Limited
Recarta IT
Allmakes Limited
Simpson Associates Consulting Engineers LLP
University of Reading
HTEC Limited
NHS England
Villacom Limited
Reading Borough Council
NTT Security UK Limited
Basingstoke and dean district Council
Oxfordshire County Council
Juriba
Wiggle
Work highlights
- Acting for Vilicom on an offshore wind farm project for contractual provisions relating to design, installation and operation of a telecoms network through a Managed Service Agreement.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Hampshire Tier 1
Blake Morgan LLP’s Southampton commercial litigation practice represents international, national and local clients on a range of high-value disputes. Led by intellectual property specialist Jill Bainbridge, the team is particularly well-regarded for its expertise in patent infringement and other IP matters, often where there are cross-border considerations. Susie Dryden handles litigation and mediation for a number of the firm’s IT and health clients, while Richard Portlock is a key figure for litigation and arbitration in the manufacturing sector. Looking beyond its longstanding reputation in the healthcare and public sectors, the arrival of Louise Fuller from Lester Aldridge LLP strengthens the team’s offering in the high-value marine and super yacht sphere. Dan Geddes, who concentrates on restructuring and insolvency, was promoted to partner in September last year.
Practice head(s):
Jill Bainbridge
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Good people and a collaborative approach, very easy to work with.’
‘Susie Dryden is highly knowledgeable, tactically astute, and it was a pleasure to work with her and her team.’
‘Susie Dryden is a class act; clever and very knowledgeable, excellent judgement, commercially astute and a pleasure to be instructed by.
‘Practical, grounded approach in their advice. Always take the time to understand the issues’
‘Jill Bainbridge is very knowledgeable and an excellent communicator, always puts clients at ease!’
‘Dan Geddes is an exceptional commercial litigator. He is tactically astute, calm under pressure and tough in negotiations. ’
‘Reputation is second to none within the central south region. Partners regularly engage with business organisations and support research on matters of interest to the property sector.’
‘Commercial, client facing and very knowledgable. Nothing was too much trouble and all requests were dealt with efficiently and promptly.’
Key clients
Roderic & Margarita Hamilton
Circle Health Ltd
NHS England
IBM UK
Horse Health Limited
Wiggle
MacRoberts LLP
eFlorist
The Tintometer Limited
Red Paddle
Work highlights
- Advising Circle Health in a procurement dispute with Nottingham Rushcliffe CCG relating to the procurement of elective outpatient and day care services at the Nottingham Treatment Centre.
- Advising online florist eFlorist Limited in relation to issues of defamation and harassment.
- Acting for Horse Health, a supplier of equestrian products, in relation to passing off, patent infringement and other IP disputes, a number of which involved cross jurisdictional issues.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 1
The dispute resolution team at Blake Morgan LLP has a strong track record of work on complex commercial disputes. The litigation department is made up of a large team of lawyers who can offer a wide range of sector-specific expertise, covering construction and engineering, insolvency and property. Practice head Chris Potts has specific expertise in fraud and breach of duty claims which often involve worldwide freezing injunctions. For IT and software disputes and warranty claims, Nicola Diggle is recommended.
Practice head(s):
Chris Potts
Other key lawyers:
Nicola Diggle; Aimee Cook
Testimonials
‘Sound commercial advice offering sensible solutions for clients.’
Key clients
Bouygues
Investec Asset Finance
KPMG
CAP HPI and Audatex group of companies
NHS England
Miele Company Limited
Grant Thornton
Hitachi Capital UK plc
Metro Bank
Begbies Traynor
IWG Group Services UK (Regus)
Falanx Group Limited
Griffins
Harwood Wealth Management Group plc
Work highlights
- Advised Harwood Wealth Management Group plc on a £91m scheme of arrangement.
- Acted for Stephen Hunt, as Liquidator of Transworld Payments Solutions UK Limited, in connection with substantial fraud litigation in the Caribbean and the UK.
- Acted for NHS East Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group in a £7.5m breach of contract claim.
Dispute resolution > Debt recovery Tier 1
Blake Morgan LLP handles a high volume of debt recovery mandates, with a particular focus on vehicle finance work. It is also well known for advising clients on applications for injunctions, product liability disputes and litigation before the Financial Ombudsman Service. Sadak Miah handles a varied caseload, which includes numerous debt recovery instructions on behalf of major car manufacturers including Mercedes Benz, and overseeing the use of global substitution orders under the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Associate Elizabeth Bowden stands out for her strong reputation as a debt recovery lawyer in the automotive and real estate industries.
Practice head(s):
Sadak Miah
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They are approachable, knowledgeable and we work together in a very efficient partnership.’
‘Blake Morgan have always dealt with our cases in a swift and concise manner – with good turnaround times.’
‘Elizabeth Bowden and Sadak Miah are approachable, with good attention to detail. We have built a good working relationship with them over the years.’
‘We all work together and it feels like a team. Their staff are approachable, knowledgeable and friendly. They are always on hand and if they have to go away and investigate we know they will come back.’
Key clients
Mercedes Benz Financial Services UK Limited
Toyota Financial Services Plc
DAS Insurance
Work highlights
- Advising Mercedes Benz on its various debt recovery claims and complex fraud claims, including cross-border matters.
- Advising Toyota Financial Services in relation to debt recovery and ‘return of goods’ claims originating in March 2010.
- Advising DAS Insurances in relation to land and tenant possession claims.
Employment > Employment: Hampshire Tier 1
Jointly led by Ron Burgess and Tim Forer from the firm’s Cardiff and Southampton offices respectively, Blake Morgan LLP’s employment team is well regarded for its capabilities in the marine, retail, charity, and education sectors. In addition to the steady new flow of Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS)-related enquires, the team regularly deals with TUPE instructions, post-acquisition support, and general advisory work in collaboration with its clients’ HR departments. On the contentious side, Employment Tribunal disputes including unfair dismissal claims and staff grievances are key work streams. Vicky Schollar handles a range of education sector matters, and is also responsible for Vigil, the firm’s HR employment law support service. Holly Cudbill is recommended for her knowledge of GDPR and experience in unfair dismissal and discrimination claims, acting for the defence. All named lawyers are based in Southampton.
Practice head(s):
Ron Burgess (overall EPBI department head); Tim Forer (head of employment in the South)
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘We have found Blake Morgan very approachable and willing to understand our concerns. They have been very responsive to events as they change and have provided quick and legally solid advice.’
‘Excellent, knowledgeable and prompt advice and support tailored to our needs. As a small charity we do not have an in-house HR or legal department yet still have to navigate tricky employment issues.’
‘Tim Forer has a unique understanding of life in the Royal Navy, both as a serving person and now as a trustee of another Naval Charity. He is therefore extremely well placed to give informed guidance and support to our needs. ’
‘Tim Forer is our go-to employment partner. He has extensive knowledge, a highly approachable style, leads clients by careful methods, gets the results we need and is 100% accessible. I have no hesitation in recommending him wholeheartedly.’
Key clients
University of Reading
DEKRA UK Limited
Oldercare
Gosport Ferry Limited
Insurance providers: providers: ARAG, DAS and Markel
Utilita Energy Limited
HJS Human Resources Limited
Kofax UK Limited
Magdalen College Oxford
The Festiniog Railway Company
Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust
Royal Navy & Royal Marines Children’s Fund (Naval Children’s Charity)
HQ Theatres and Hospitality Limited
Rivers Engineering Company (Winchester) Limited
Portsmouth Grammar School
Cranstoun
Pilgrims’ Friend Society
Carte Blanche Greetings Limited
Twyford HR
Hockley Golf Club
Esotec Limited
Kern Limited
Service Solutions Limited
Asian Art in London
Royal Naval Benevolent Trust
EE Glass
Portsmouth Roman Catholic Diocesan Trustees Registered
Vail Williams LLP
PETA Limited
Randall Parker Foods
Bramley Health Support Services Limited
Horse Health Wessex Limited
L & S Waste Management Limited
Gregg School Trust
Work highlights
- Assisted Utilita Energy Limited with the employment aspects of several acquisitions, including advice in relation to TUPE and collective consultations. Responsible for all ongoing advisory work, including in relation to complex reorganisations and contentious grievance and disciplinary matters.
- Assisted Oldercare, (secure mental health hospitals and a care home), in a particularly difficult year due to COVID-19. Advised on complex senior staff exits regarding misconduct without litigation. Advised on contractual and policy amendments, immigration, maternity and ill-health retirement.
- Advised University of Reading on various dismissal proceedings.
Employment > Employment: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 1
Blake Morgan LLP has offices in Oxford and Reading where the team's long-standing core clients include SME businesses, technology clients, corporations and a number of Oxford colleges. Practice head William Downing is based in Oxford and undertakes high-level mandates including strategic projects and boardroom level matters. Rajiv Joshi is the key practitioner in Reading and has particular expertise in complex discrimination and TUPE matters. Senior associate Paul Hayward is an accomplished litigator and acts in complex multi-issue discrimination claims.
Practice head(s):
William Downing
Other key lawyers:
Rajiv Joshi; Paul Hayward; Madeleine Mould
Testimonials
‘I’ve worked closely with Blake Morgan for a number of years and have achieved a relationship with them which works akin to a partnership. This has enabled a collaborative and mutual working practice to ensure that any advice is not only fit for purpose but best for us as a business too. The impact of Covid has tested this through a number of employment issues which we have faced.’
‘Paul Hayward and Madeleine Mould – together they have supported all requirements ensuring excellent communication. When there has been a requirement to seek further specialist advice they have followed through and ensured a thorough understanding of the situation.’
‘Lockdown has not negatively impacted the service that we get from the Team. Although during this time we have changed our point of contact, the quality of advice – pragmatic and commercial and response times has been very good. The team are a delight to work with – flexible, helpful and responsive.’
‘Very risk-focused – takes the time to understand our business, our attitude to risk; and makes recommendations on that basis.’
‘Rajiv Joshi is happy to act almost as a direct adviser, he is always at the end of a phone and offers immediate support to our business when we need it.’
Key clients
Oxford Biomedica plc
Worldwide Flight Services (UK) Limited
CPI Euromix Limited (a subsidiary of Grafton PLC)
Oxford Space Systems Limited
Westcoast Group
Druva Europe Limited
Anytime Fitness UK
Thames Valley Police
NTT Security
Stanley Black & Decker
Work highlights
- Advised Oxford Biomedica, a key partner for the production of the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, in drafting and implementing an agreement for voluntary, rolling 24/7 shift pattern with shift allowances to enable mass production of the vaccine.
- Provided strategic advice to Worldwide Flight Services (UK) Limited and ongoing assistance with large-scale redundancies and furloughing arrangements following the lockdown and collapse of airline flights.
- Represented Druva in relation to the successful disposal of an employment tribunal claim (race discrimination) – the allegations were very sensitive and involved senior level individuals.
Finance > Banking and finance Tier 1
Blake Morgan LLP is widely acknowledged as a market-leader, with its team showcasing its expertise across a myriad of large and complex transactions. Clients include banks and other institutional lenders, airlines, large corporates, SMEs and social housing providers. Led by Kath Shimmin, the practice excels in areas such as syndicated lending, real estate finance, project finance, structured finance and leveraged finance. Guy Constant has expertise in Islamic finance. Beyond pure banking work, the firm is also able to advise on bonds issuances and other debt finance transactions. Rebecca McCabe-North and Richard Humphreys are among other notable individuals in the group.
Practice head(s):
Kath Shimmin
Other key lawyers:
Rebecca McCabe-North; Guy Constant; Richard Humphreys; Danielle Collett-Bruce
Testimonials
‘All the people I’ve worked with at Blake Morgan have been pleasant, intelligent and diligent. There is a culture of pragmatism generally which means that potentially thorny issues are usually easily resolved to everyone’s satisfaction. This ‘can do’ attitude has been really helpful in creating commercially sound but non-standard financing arrangements.’
‘Kath Shimmin has been a joy to work with over many years. She is smart and to the point, but also great fun. At times she has turned the legal process from a necessary evil to something actually enjoyable. She listens to what the bank and the borrower want/need and works to find solutions that suit both.’
‘We have exceptional engagement with Blake Morgan. This extends beyond partner level with the wider teams engaging with us in a timely, professional way across regardless of weather they are acting for the bank or a customer.’
‘Competitive rates, willing to act in a collaborative manner and always able to meet the deadline – what is not to like!’
‘Blake Morgan provide a banking and finance service that exceeds the fees that it charges and hits as heavy as the larger firms known for their banking and finance practices.’
‘Kath Shimmin provides magic circle-level advice and knowledge and is approachable and commercial. She takes the time to get to know the business at all levels – senior management, in-house legal counsel and the stakeholders at the coalface.’
‘For me they are the easiest firm to deal with in the Thames Valley! Always responsive, good commercial understanding.’
Key clients
HSBC UK Bank plc
Santander UK plc
National Westminster Bank plc
Lawn Tennis Association
Sutton and East Surrey Water plc
Clydesdale Bank plc
Harlequins Rugby Club
Private client > Family: Hampshire Tier 1
Blake Morgan LLP utilises its close ties with the firm’s corporate, commercial and property departments as it advises on a range of complex, cross-border family finance instructions. South coast head Simon Burge helms a team that regularly handles high-net-worth divorces, relationship breakdowns, and Children Act proceedings, - often under acrimonious circumstances. Nuptial agreements also form a growing work stream. Burge, who serves as chairman of Hampshire Resolution, specialises in the financial aspects of high-net-worth separations, while Jennifer Williamson is recommended for her significant experience in wealth management cases and nuptial agreements. Rachel Giles is also noted. All named lawyers are based in Southampton.
Practice head(s):
Simon Burge
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Jennifer Williamson is a stand out professional. Her attention to detail was unparalleled and yet her empathy and confident style helped reassure at the darkest of hours. She made it apparent from day 1 that she was fully committed and by my side.’
‘Simon Burge gives confident, no-nonsense advice. Highly respected in the region and for good reason.’
‘Blake Morgan have a real depth to their family team, with exepertise at all levels. Their reputation is second to none and having worked with this firm for many years, I can see why. ’
‘Simon Burge is calm, measured, and a true expert in the field.’
‘Jennifer Williamson is superb. She is a firm but fair negotiator. She cares deeply about her clients and is always willing to go the extra mile.
‘The Blake Morgan Family Team are exceptional. They would be my first choice if I was engaged in family proceedings myself or had to recommend to a friend or a relative.’
‘Simon Burge and Jennifer Williamson are a formidable team operating at a high level in the high net worth financial remedies arena. They are both very experienced and excellent with the clients. The cases are always meticulously prepared and they never fill the clients with false expectations.’
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Hampshire Tier 1
Blake Morgan LLP fields four specialist teams on the south coast covering the full range of succession and tax services, including estate planning, trust management and probates. Jointly led by Simon Treherne and Paula Shea, the private client group acts for a number of business owners and entrepreneurs with complex estate administration needs. Treherne takes on a comprehensive range of instructions for local private and agricultural businesses. Shea – qualified in England and Wales, and Northern Ireland – handles matters for elderly clients and families with vulnerable children. Jonathan Sleep focuses on inheritance tax mitigation strategies and safeguards for the mentally vulnerable.
Practice head(s):
Simon Treherne; Paula Shea
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Knowledgeable staff who guided us through a complicated process setting up our Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorneys very well, explaining each part of the process with understanding and support. What could have been a very difficult and sensitive conversation turned into a enjoyable process through the team’s good management. We felt fully supported and confident in the decisions we have made to secure the future of ourselves and family.’
‘The team is led by Paula Shea. She is very well respected in her field. She responded in a timely fashion to all queries made of her and replied in the clearest of terms.’
‘ Jonathan Sleep: the speed of his response to a query is impressive. His obvious professional knowledge, together with his positive, no-nonsense and proactive approach in tailoring the proposed solution has been outstanding.’
‘Jonathan Sleep is, without doubt, the best lawyer I have ever had the fortune to work with; in my opinion, he is a credit to the firm and the profession. ’
‘Blake Morgan has detailed experience and expertise in trust and Inheritance Tax matters. They provide a full and professional service and have maintained this throughout the pandemic.’
Public sector Tier 1
Blake Morgan LLP's public sector practice spans three key areas: local government, health and education. The local government team is led by Penny Rinta-Suksi whose specialism is in local authority leisure projects. Under the leadership of Matthew Smith, the team's experience in the education sector includes high-profile and high-value transactional work, litigation and specialist education tribunal work; an area in which senior associate Vicky Schollar has extensive experience, with emphasis on disability discrimination claims. The firm also has a strong health department led by Bruce Potter which has managed health transactions for key client NHSE England throughout the pandemic.
Practice head(s):
Penny Rinta-Suksi; Matthew Smith; Bruce Potter
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Penny Rinta-Suksi has excellent subject knowledge in leisure management contracts. Very practical and down to earth. Understands the commercial impact of contractual drafting decisions. Good fun to work with. ’
‘The team we work with at Blake Morgan act as an extension of our team rather than a separate legal firm. They take time to understand our mission, vision and objectives and therefore give legal advice which is relevant and collaborative, making red lines very clear rather than leaving it for us to interpret the law.’
‘Bruce Potter – always makes himself available for urgent issues and ensures he has an overview of our joint work. His knowledge and practical approach to dealing with difficult issues are invaluable.’
‘Blake Morgan provide an excellent level of customer service. Their webinars have been useful during the past year to provide key insight into emerging areas of risk. ’
‘Blake Morgan has always understood the needs of the local authority and responded accordingly. They provide clear advice and are willing to engage with all levels of the council. ’
Key clients
Reading Borough Council
Amber Valley Borough Council
Wokingham Borough Council
Basingstoke and Deane Council
Hart District Council
Lewisham Borough Council
RB of Kingston on Thames
Chiltern District Council
North Norfolk District Council
Fenland District Council
Oxfordshire County Council
London Borough of Merton
Test Valley Borough Council
Cherwell District Council
Dover District Council
New College, Oxford
Balliol College, Oxford
Magdalen College, Oxford
Oxford Foundation for Theoretical Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence
Universities and Colleges Information Systems Association
University of Portsmouth
Portsmouth Grammar School
Portsmouth Diocesan Trust
University of Reading
NHS England and NHS Wales (Separate)
InHealth Limited
Medical Imaging Partnerships Limited
West Berkshire District Council
Gregg School Trust
Work highlights
- Supporting Reading Borough Council on a complex leisure design, build operate and maintain project to radically improve its mixture of new and existing wet and dry leisure facilities spread across multiple sites and most recently on its preparatory D&B work and the agreement with its current operator, affected by Covid-19.
- Advised University of Reading on proceedings spanning over six years, involving the dismissal for “good cause” of a university professor in accordance with the University’s statute (since repealed).
- Supporting NHS England on the negotiation of a complex commercial agreement with Grail relating to the Galleri blood test which can detect early-stage cancers, to be piloted by the NHS from mid-2021, our support involved negotiating an initial heads of terms together with a full agreement dealing with all aspects of the parties’ relationships including future clinical trials.
Real estate > Commercial property: Hampshire Tier 1
Blake Morgan LLP has a considerable presence in the commercial and residential development sector in the South East, acting for a rich and diverse roster of leading regional and domestic clients. The Southampton-based team is active in the leisure, hospitality and retail sectors, and is regularly instructed by a mix of high street mainstays on store acquisitions, roll-outs and landlord letting matters. Practice head Sean Palka handles an array of commercial real estate instructions, including refinancings, disposals, and transfers for retailers and not-for-profit organisations alike. Oliver Sowton concentrates on commercial development projects, lease renewals, and store roll-outs, while Dan Curtis is regularly engaged on high-value healthcare acquisitions. On the residential development side, Lara Borrett-Lynch advises national and regional housebuilders, as well as housing associations and local authorities. Anna Larbi, who has been a key contact for commercial tenants seeking Covid-related advice, is recommended for her retail and charity experience. Hollie Jones specialises in portfolio management for both landlords and corporate occupiers in the retail and leisure sectors. Alan Harlow retired in November 2020.
Practice head(s):
Sean Palka
Other key lawyers:
Lara Borrett-Lynch; Dan Curtis; Anna Larbi; Oliver Sowton; Debbie Brown; Hollie Jones
Testimonials
‘The team works very well together and provides a quality service.’
‘Highly skilled and motivated staff and a comprehensive approach to every deal. Solution finders!’
‘The level of service across departments is always high. Turnaround time on work is always very quick but with a high standard still maintained.’
‘Anna Larbi and Debbie Brown are commercial, accurate, prompt, efficient, knowledgeable and personable.’
Key clients
Abri
Albion Care Communities
Appleby Castle Grouse Moor
Aster
BAE Systems Plc & BAE group companies
Barker Mill Group of Trusts
Beechcroft
Bellway Homes Limited
Berkeley Homes Plc
Blackmore Group
Bloor
Boatfold Limited
Brian Baker/Watergate Properties Limited
Clydesdale Bank Plc
Cobham Limited
Cobra Coffee Limited
Costa Limited
Coutts & Co
Dalgety Bay
Dandara
David Lloyd Leisure
De La Rue Plc & De La Rue Group companies
Dean & Reddyhoff Limited
Devine
Fitzroy Support
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Forelle Estates Limited
Gada Property Investments Limited
Gentian Development Group
Hamwic Education Trust
Harlequins Football Club
HSBC UK Bank Plc
Incape Family Investments Limited
Kedleston Group
Keebee Marine Developments / Bridge Road Developments
Kent Reliance
Kerry Group Plc & group companies
Marie Claire Jet Style
Maritime & Coastguard Agency
Meadow Partners
Merchant Navy Welfare Board
Metro Bank Plc
MWQ Properties Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for the Port of London Authority in relation to its role in the Oikos Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project at Hole Haven Wharf, Canvey Island.
- Acting for Stratland Estates on a number of residential land development projects, locally and nationwide providing comprehensive development services including sales and acquisitions, options, complex overage provisions and conditional contracts, planning and construction.
- Acting for food retailer Southern Co-op and its subsidiary Cobra Coffee in relation to its convenience store and Starbuck franchise roll-out and asset management of its 230+ combined store portfolio.
Real estate > Commercial property: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 1
Blake Morgan LLP's Thames Valley property group is comprised of a large team of lawyers with specialisms in property litigation, construction, planning and environmental matters. The practice is well known for its wide-ranging sector expertise, acting for major corporate occupiers, institutional investors, charities and faith groups, and clients in the science and technology industries. Practice head Andrew Farmery leads the team in Oxford and Reading and acts as a trusted adviser to major companies alongside Michael Ward. Newly appointed partner George Panteli focuses his practice on high-value pre-lets and freehold acquisitions and disposals.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Farmery
Other key lawyers:
Michael Ward; George Panteli; Rob Lynch
Testimonials
‘The team is impressively responsive with replies to emails and calls being provided expeditiously. As a consequence, we are able to be agile and responsive in commercial matters, which invariably means obtaining the best results quickly.’
‘Outstanding communication, which means someone will always come back to you with the answer you are looking for, whether a legal or simple administrative query.’
‘Great link-up between estates and property litigation teams. You can rest assured that your matter is in safe hands from beginning to end, across the two contentious and non-contentious fields.’
‘Vast experience of dealing with charity retail clients. Is able to draw upon this experience to advise on any special consideration we should be considering on unusual matters.’
Key clients
IWG plc
DX Networks Services Limited (part of DX Group plc)
Anheuser-Busch In Bev
Sorbon Estate Limited
The Methodist Church
Canary Wharf Group Plc
Gigaclear plc
Aldermore Bank plc
Cherwell District Council
XPS Pensions Consulting Limited (part of XPS Pensions Group plc)
Montpelier Estates Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Sorbon Estates Limited on estate management work in respect of its office, retail and industrial premises.
- Advised IWG on a project to negotiate lease restructures of a significant proportion of its 300 plus office leases and completed deals with landlords.
- Advised Montpelier Estates Limited, a healthcare developer, on the development of a large multi-let surgery development in Buckinghamshire.
Real estate > Construction Tier 1
Blake Morgan LLP’s collaborative cross-office approach makes it indispensable to its national and regional clients operating across the private and public sectors. The team takes on contentious and non-contentious mandates for blue-chip corporates, education institutions, utilities providers, and developers. In the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire, cladding and external facade issues have also become a key workstream. The team is led by Richard Wade, a veteran construction lawyer who handles procurement strategies, construction disputes, contracts, and appointment issues. James Bessey is an experienced adjudicator who specialises in major (often international) construction disputes for clients in leisure, infrastructure, and engineering. Dominic Jones focuses on engineering projects and procurement. Wade splits his time between the firm’s Oxford, Southampton, and London offices, while all other named lawyers are based chiefly in Southampton.
Practice head(s):
Richard Wade
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Small, bright and focused.’
‘ I don’t see Blake Morgan as an external team. They are our team.’
‘Dominic Jones is a bright partner, committed to his clients’
‘The team has been helpful and knowledgable on a variety of issues across several sites and projects. Advice is always clear and prompt and billing has been transparent and easy to manage. ’
‘Blake Morgan’s construction team is flexible and creative when it comes to adapting its services and costs to suit its clients – they go to great lengths to agree something that works for you and provide a good level of customer service monitoring it to make sure it is working as intended.’
‘Richard Wade is knowledgeable, attentive and pragmatic. No surprises and risks are never ignored.’
‘The construction team have always been willing and able to work as one with our in-house lawyers and project team to deliver sometimes tricky transactions.’
Key clients
IWG / Regus
Diamond Light Source Ltd
Premier Inns/Whitbread
New College
Oxford University Developments
Gigaclear Plc
Hoare Lea LLP
Sutton and East Surrey Water
Beard Construction
Metro Bank plc
Real estate > Environment and planning Tier 1
Blake Morgan LLP’s highly-regarded practice is recognised for its broad contentious and non-contentious capabilities. The team handles a range of complex development matters for various key public sector players and high-profile corporates, increasingly in the area of marine planning and national infrastructure projects. Urban regeneration schemes, mixed-use developments, and highway agreements are also core competencies. The team is led by London-based legal director Anita Kasseean, formerly the head of planning and environment at Howard Kennedy LLP. Kasseean’s practice encompasses an array of major transport and renewable power infrastructure projects, focusing on environmental liability and mitigation. Keith Lancaster works between the firm’s London, Reading, and Southampton offices, handling a mix of contentious and non-contentious planning matters - including enforcements - for public sector investors, developers, and high-net-worth individuals. Also based in London, Sadie Pitman is noted for her experience in highway planning negotiations and Section 106 agreements. Australian-qualified Julian Wolfgramm-King, who specialises in sustainable development sector work, is a further key addition to the team.
Practice head(s):
Anita Kasseean
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Personal contact and communication together with excellent support services ensure that the client is never left waiting for answers. Clear, no nonsense understandable advice is offered and acted upon. Overall very efficient.’
‘Specialist knowledge of subject and pragmatic approaches to solutions.’
‘Highly collaborative team, working with stakeholders across any particular project to get the best outcome for clients. Extremely diligent – looks at risk from all angles.’
‘Anita Kasseean is a hugely enthusiastic environmental lawyer, with terrific focus on minimising risk. She is someone that always protects the client’s interests.’
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 1
Blake Morgan LLP serves high profile national and international clients from the retail, sports, higher education and charities sector, assisting with all issues relating to trade mark and patent enforcement prosecution and disputes. The group, led by Jill Bainbridge, has also developed expertise in complementary areas such as competition law and defamation. Ben Evans, dual qualified as a trade mark attorney and a solicitor, focuses on trade mark prosecution, while also developing particular expertise in IP as it relates to social media. In July 2020, Chris Williams departed the firm to join Clyde & Co LLP.
Practice head(s):
Jill Bainbridge
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Good team run by Jill Bainbridge – wide experience, commercial approach’
‘Jill Bainbridge is extremely experienced, practical, knowledgeable, commercially minded and a delight to work with. Ben Evans is more junior but has the same attributes’
‘I think the stand out features of the Blake Morgan team – and which I think in-house peers would wish to know – include not just what you would expect which is top notch expertise and timely responses, but practical and pragmatic advice and – the following is hard to describe – but the sense that your files are important to Blake Morgan which is something that is often lost instructing larger law firms. It is an all round pleasant experience instructing and working with them, from your largest to smallest file.’
‘The stand out individuals for us are Jill Bainbridge, Ben Evans and Claire Bowers. They are, without exception, pleasant to deal with and if they do not have an immediate answer, they will come back promptly.’
Key clients
Kerry Group PLC
Charles Tyrwhitt
Red Paddle Company
Wiggle
Feelunique
Be Wiser Insurance Services Limited
Nokia
University of South Wales
Horse Health Limited
Harlequins F.C.
Work highlights
- Advise WiggleCRC in respect of its international trade mark portfolio and enforcement, including litigation in Canada and various proceedings before the UK and EU IPOs.
- Acting for Horse Health in relation to passing off, patent infringement and other IP disputes.
- Advising Red Paddle Co on the enforcement of its ‘Compact’ patent and related passing off/unfair competition issues.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 1
Blake Morgan LLP's tech offering is truly comprehensive; the team works with tech developers looking to commercialise their products and companies from various sectors seeking to procure and intergrade IT solutions into their businesses. On the non-contentious side Elisabeth Bell and Alison Patten-Hall are the go-to names and provide expertise in complex procurement contracts and licensing agreements. Susie Dryden focuses on disputes, most notably in relation to IT contract disputes and healthcare related issues, as does Jill Bainbridge, who handles cross border IP litigation and arbitration.
Practice head(s):
Alison Patten-Hall; Susie Dryden
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
NHS England
HTEC
Cloudhouse Technologies
Osirium Technologies PLC
inHealth Limited
NTT Security UK Limited
Westcoast Group
Druva Europe Ltd
Juriba
The Model T Finance Company (trading as GB Bank)
Wiggle
Work highlights
- Advised Westcoast on numerous contentious employment matters and large scale workforce restructuring.
- Acted for the shareholders of CNL Software Limited on the sale to Everbridge Inc.
- Advised Audioscenic Limited on a further equity funding round.
Finance > Banking and finance Tier 2
Blake Morgan LLP remains very active in the regional market for clearing/challenger banks and borrowers, including corporates and not-for-profits. 'User-friendly and solution-oriented' team head Paul Duggan provides a versatile service, which encompasses bilateral as well as syndicated facilities and is particularly recognised for his debt finance work within the healthcare, hospitality and leisure sectors. As well as handling a considerable volume of work for HSBC, including as it relates to Covid-related funding, Duggan recently advised Zip World on a £4.4m development finance facility to support its expansion into south Wales.
Practice head(s):
Paul Duggan
Testimonials
‘The banking team is always available and approachable and works hard to get the job done. ’
‘Paul Duggan is a rare thing among banking lawyers – a thorough professional combined with a user-friendly lawyer, who is experienced enough to find solutions which are both watertight and commercial. We always look forward to working with Paul as he really knows his stuff. ’
Key clients
Zip World
Julian Hodge Bank
HSBC UK Bank
Santander
Metro Bank
Meridiam
Work highlights
- Advising Zip World in connection with their development finance facility from Cardiff Capital Region to support the expansion of the Zip World business into Rhondda Cynon Taf in south Wales.
- Advised HSBC in relation to a number of high-profile matters arising from their Wales Corporate Business Centre, including Celtic Holiday Parks Limited and our ongoing role in relation to HSBCs funding and support of the Orbis Group.
Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 2
Although lacking a standalone Wales-based charity law offering, numerous practitioners within Blake Morgan LLP's Cardiff office assist the firm's Reading team (led by Ben Brice) across a myriad commercial, property and governance matters impacting many Wales-based charities and not-for-profit organisations. Eve Piffaretti is particularly well-versed at advising care and education services-related charities on a wide range of issues specific to their internal policies and procedures, including as it relates to safeguarding issues. Claire Rawle, as head of the professional regulatory team, also handles a significant volume of charities-related mandates, including safeguarding compliance and HSE-related investigations.
Practice head(s):
Ben Brice
Other key lawyers:
James Egan; Eve Piffaretti; Claire Rawle
Key clients
Cardiff & Vale College
Swansea University
Cardiff University
University of South Wales
Hafal
St John Cymru
Tenovus
Merthyr Tydfil County Council
Chwarae Teg
The Methodist Church
The British Red Cross Society
The Big Issue Foundation
The Association for Project Management
Girls Friendly Society
Pilgrims’ Friend Society
The Ebico Trust for Sustainable Development
National Counselling Society
Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation (DRWF)
Work highlights
- Advising Cardiff and Vale College in the context of its role as sole trustee of subsidiary scheme charity to secure Charity Commission’s consent to issue a new scheme (by way of cy-près application) to permit a change of use of trust property for mixed motive investment purposes.
- Advising a high-profile Welsh charity established by statute on the ability for trustees to delegate powers in accordance with its statutes, and drawing up policies to reflect such delegation.
- Advising a high-profile Welsh charity on the principles of good governance in context of sensitive whistleblowing and grievance claims.
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 2
'Always very professional and knowledgeable', Blake Morgan LLP's team is a 'safe pair of hands' for private clients, including many high-net-worth individuals, on their wealth planning requirements. Team head Lisa Davies provides 'insightful and clear advice' on high-value estate administration and estate planning, often involving cross-border assets. 'Professional and conscientious' senior associate Nicky Sherrard displays a 'personal touch', which reassures clients going through the often difficult and emotional probate process.
Practice head(s):
Lisa Davies
Other key lawyers:
Nicky Sherrard; Ben Coulson
Testimonials
‘Conscientious and prepared to go the extra mile. Good communication – they kept us informed.’
‘The team is always very professional and knowledgeable.’
‘Lisa Davies is a fearsome advocate for our clients, and provides insightful and clear advice.’
‘Nicky Sherrard ably guided me and my eldest brother through the probate process following the death of our mother. She helped us to manage the expectations of our three siblings, and it was a great comfort to us to know that matters were being dealt with by Nicky.’
‘Nicky is professional and conscientious, and has a personal touch so important in this area of work.’
Real estate > Commercial property Tier 2
With a core group of five real estate partners based out of Cardiff and also closely integrated with the firm’s construction and banking teams, as well as uniquely having access to several in-house surveyors, Blake Morgan LLP is able to provide a ‘commercially-minded and expedient professional service‘ to a range of private and public stakeholders across the full life-cycle of their projects and developments. ‘Personable and responsive’ team head James Egan has an excellent local profile and exemplifies the firm’s varied workflow, being involved as he is on a number of major development matters, joint ventures and property transactions for both public and private sector clients. ‘Very knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile‘, Geoff Reed has an excellent track record in relation to major development projects, while Nigel Griffiths continues to handle a significant volume of London-based retail leasing work as a result of his longstanding and ongoing relationship with Canary Wharf Group.
Practice head(s):
James Egan
Other key lawyers:
Geoff Reed; Philip Jardine; Nigel Griffiths; Louise Howells; Daniela Smith; Dawn Smith; Gareth Howlett; Charlotte Whitehead
Testimonials
‘The exceptional team provides commercially minded and expedient advice.’
‘James Egan is personable and responsive.’
‘Philip Jardine provides strong support when required.’
‘Dawn Smith is friendly, thorough and knowledgeable.’
‘Geoff Reed is very knowledgeable and will go that extra mile.’
‘Gareth Howlett provided good commercial advice on some important acquisitions.’
Key clients
Canary Wharf Group Plc
Welsh Government
Cardiff Parkway Developments Limited
Cardiff University
NHS Wales
The Royal National Institute for Blind People
Rightacres Property Company Limited
Transport for Wales
Newport City Homes
HSBC
Linc Cymru Housing Association
Work highlights
- Advising Cardiff Parkway Developments on the development of a new £120m train station on the outskirts of Cardiff with an associated business park which could potentially employ 5,000 people.
- Acting for Newport City Homes on the acquisition of Olympia House the landmark former passport office in Newport city centre.
- Continued portfolio management and new leases/re-gears for longstanding client, Canary Wharf Group, owners of the Canary Wharf Estate.
Real estate > Construction Tier 2
Benefiting from 'vast construction contract and procurement-based knowledge', Blake Morgan LLP is well-positioned to advise contractors and developers, particularly in relation to major national and UK-wide projects. The 'exceptional' Joanna Rees takes the lead on most of this work, including on behalf of Tranport for Wales, which she continues to advise across a range of contractual and procurement-related matters. Senior associate Kate Howell is 'very easy to work with' and is gaining a particuarly strong reputation for her skill at handling a range of construction and engineering disputes for public and private sector clients.
Practice head(s):
Joanna Rees
Other key lawyers:
Simon McCann; Kate Howell
Testimonials
‘The team is a pleasure to deal with and truly collaborates with other lawyers involved in the transaction.’
‘Competent, prompt and clear advice. Very easy to work with.’
‘The unique difference with Blake Morgan is the degree of technical understanding of construction delivery, how that blends with legal processes and mostly importantly, how it can be translated into something that is commercially sound for all parties.’
‘Jo Rees is an exceptional legal advisor and approaches problems with a highly dynamic and pragmatic approach leading to well negotiated outcomes.’
‘Kate Howell is a rising star in my opinion, someone with the maturity and experience that comes with a previous career.’
‘Kate Howell is very easy to work with.’
Key clients
Transport for Wales
Meridiam
City of Cardiff Council
Premier Inns/Whitbread
Welsh Government
Cardiff University
NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership – Specialist Estates Services
Andrew Scott Ltd
The Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames
Work highlights
- Worked with the TfW procurement team on the preparation of construction contracts for the Infrastructure Delivery Partners for the Wales and Borders Rail Service and South East Wales Metro.
- Appointed to advise Meridiam the successful bidder for the Welsh Education Partnership under the Welsh Government’s Mutual Investment Model PPP Programme and are now acting for WEPCo Limited (the Development company progressing the works.)
- Continue to advise Whitbread on its issues regarding tall buildings and ACM cladding following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
Public sector > Healthcare Tier 2
Blake Morgan LLP 's team helped support the NHS response to Covid-19 by advising on matters such as managing UK drug supply and PPPs supporting the development of new drugs. It also continued its longstanding work advising on national inquiries, such as the Infected Blood Inquiry, and advising on complex healthcare transactions. Practice co-lead Bruce Potter focuses on PPPs, transactions, and complex commercial drug procurement deals. In Wales, Eve Piffaretti advises on the statutory interpretation of health and social care, regulatory law, as well as human rights and equality law. She is also an expert in mental capacity and mental health law. Consultant Richard Jones is a key contact for matters concerning mental health and community care law.
Practice head(s):
Bruce Potter; Eve Piffaretti
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Oxford Academic Health Sciences Network
NHS Wales
NHS England
InHealth Limited
Medway Community Healthcare
Medical Imaging Partnerships Limited
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
Work highlights
- Supported NHS England on the negotiation of a complex commercial agreement with Grail relating to the Galleri blood test which can detect early stage cancers through a simple blood test, which is to be piloted by the NHS from mid 2021.
- Advised the NHS Wales informatics service on a new multi-million-pound contract that will see hospitals in Wales benefit from a hi-tech digital-monitoring system for patients in intensive care units in hospitals in Wales.
- Advised and represented NHS England in relation to a judicial review brought by individual claimants relating to NHS England’s approach towards NHS critical care treatment and services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The claimants assert the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and/or NHS England should have formulated and published a policy to govern the prioritisation of patients for access to NHS critical care treatment and services.
Transport > Travel
Blake Morgan LLP is well equipped to handle personal injury and regulatory work and counts household names including Axa and Air France among its clients. The ‘calm and unflappable‘ Daniel Scognamiglio leads on the personal injury front from the Southampton office and has been advising on accidents across the EU, US and Latin America, mostly involving catastrophic injuries. He is supported by associate Katherine Ettridge. Turning to regulatory and commercial work, Ian Skuse is a respected name for commercial disputes as well as fraudulent claims involving ticketing. His particular strengths are in airline and travel trade issues.Practice head(s):
Daniel Scognamiglio
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excellent knowledge of cross-border issues and great client care.’
‘‘Daniel Scognamiglio has first-rate client handling skills, and is charming and experienced.’
‘The firm has a good history of working in this field and some very effective practitioners. Daniel Scognamiglio is a well-known practitioner in this area and a very effective one.’
‘Their travel knowledge is second to none. Ian Skuse is an outstanding font of knowledge on the practical application of travel law.’
‘A great team. Unusual in that they genuinely do work on both sides (claimant and defendant), and both at a high level.’
‘Daniel Scognamiglio is the real deal – he is calm and unflappable, and knows the area like the back of his hand. ’
‘Blake Morgan are a highly experienced firm of solicitors specialising in international injury work. Their client care is second to none, and they are communicative and know the sector inside out.’
‘Daniel Scognamiglio is very experienced – a safe pair of hands for high-value complex litigation. He’s versatile, with knowledge of a number of different sub-specialisms. ’
Key clients
Air France
KLM
Omega World Travel
Altour International Inc.
Ovation Travel
Ickenham Travel Group plc
Great Canadian Railtour Company (Rocky Mountaineer Railway)
Sunset Travel Limited
Meon Valley Business Travel
Healthy Holidays
Travel Talk Adventures
GlobalStar Travel Management
Ski Basics
Work highlights
- Advised the victims of a road traffic accident in Mexico.
- Advised in relation to a road traffic accident in France.
- Defending an insurer against a skiing holiday claim concerning an injury suffered in Austria.
Insurance > Professional negligence Tier 2
The Southampton professional negligence team at Blake Morgan LLP represents individuals, NGOs, companies, and trustees regarding sensitive and confidential matters involving a wide range of professions, including solicitors, financial advisers, and construction and property professionals. Richard Portlock leads the team on all matters, extending to areas involving financial professionals and solicitors. He is joined by legal director Michael Colledge and senior associate Heather Welham, who is known for her work relating to regulatory matters, and associate Stephen Cannell.
Practice head(s):
Richard Portlock
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Michael Colledge handled my case and was professional and tenacious throughout the long-drawn out process.’
Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 2
The Southampton team at Blake Morgan LLP advises both local and international clients on all matters related to agriculture and estates, including agricultural finance, estate planning, and land diversification into renewable energy sectors. Team leader Oliver Sowton acts for landed estates on commercial development and renewable energy-related matters. Senior associate Caroline Lindon-Morris deals with agricultural tenancies, as well as the purchase and sale of farms and agri-businesses. 'Top quality' legal director James Realff joined the team in September 2020.
Practice head(s):
Oliver Sowton
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Blake Morgan were an early adopter of technology in reaction to Covid and this has led to brilliant communication, that has helped deal flow. The quality and availability of partners really cannot be faulted.’
‘James Realff is top quality. He has a practical approach which really helps get deals done.’
Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 2
Blake Morgan LLP has longstanding relationships with high-profile charities, not-for-profits, and local South East charities, advising on a broad range of matters such as governance and safeguarding, creation of Royal Charters, and collaborations between charities and third parties. The team frequently draws on the wider firm's resources in practice areas such as employment, property, and tax to advise clients on the full range of charity-related work. Legal director Ben Brice has significant expertise advising charities on governance and commercial matters, while senior associate Kirsteen Hook has a sgtrong track record of work with not-for-profits.
Practice head(s):
Ben Brice
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excellent knowledge of charity law and in particular the incorporation of a charity into a CIO.’
Key clients
Oxfam
The Methodist Church
The British Red Cross Society
The Big Issue Foundation
The Mary Rose Trust
Basingstoke Rape and Sexual Abuse Crisis Centre
Girls Friendly Society
Age Concern Newbury & District
Pilgrims’ Friend Society
Association for Project Management
The Ebico Trust for Sustainable Development
National Counselling Society
Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation (DRWF)
Project Turn-Over
Sailors’ Society
Response Organisation
CLEAPSS
Nekton Foundation
Work highlights
- Advised a former trustee of a high-profile charity regarding statutory inquiry to ensure fair and accurate representation of facts published in an inquiry report.
- Provided governance and commercial advice and negotiations for the Mary Rose trust relating to the establishment of a joint venture vehicle to act as ticket selling agent for entry to attractions at Portsmouth History Dockyard.
- Advised trustees of Basingstoke Rape and Sexual Abuse Crisis Centre (BRASACC) on options available to them to ensure continued compliance with trustee duties and protection of beneficiaries in light of loss of funding, and advising on merger with local charity to ensure seamless transition of operations.
Private client > Family: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 2
Blake Morgan LLP's family team is well known for its expertise in resolving financial fallout from divorce, cohabitation disputes and private law children matters. James Davies leads the Oxford team, acting primarily in complex and valuable financial remedies on divorce matters which often involves owner-managed businesses. Senior associate Catherine Morgan works closely with Davies on financial remedies cases and is also experienced in private law children work. Consultant Christine Plews is an accredited mediator adept at dealing with matters with an international element and business interests.
Practice head(s):
James Davies
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is strong. I have particular experience of Christine Plews, James Davies and Catherine Morgan. The firm is well organised, strong in inter-departmental support and technologically innovative. ’
‘The family division was excellent from the start. They assured me of my position and explained all the legal rights I had. Furthermore their team was clear about their services and costs and understood my financial position. They allocated the right level solicitor to handle my case from the early start and only when required did they escalate to more senior solicitors when required.’
‘I have worked with the firm for all my personal requirements for around 10 years and found them to be professional, efficient and have the capability to deal with any situation that has arisen.’
‘An excellent setup. I felt I was listened to and advised correctly. Blake Morgan can call on various other staff within their organisation for outside advice.’
‘Christine Plews has very long experience and always comes to a case looking for a sensible and practical solution that is fair to both parties. James Davies has an eye for detail and an ability to dig out the truth forensically. Both of them are excellent communicators and provide wonderful client service.’
‘Catherine Morgan – extremely personable and lovely with clients. Knowledgeable about the law but also has a sensitive appreciation of the difficulties faced by clients.’
‘James Davies is absolutely excellent. He is exceptionally hard-working and an excellent tactician.’
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 2
Blake Morgan LLP's private client team offers a full range of traditional succession and tax services, including wills, powers of attorney, estate planning and complex estate administration that incorporates foreign assets and/or business interests. Susannah Treherne leads the team and has considerable expertise in handling issues related to clients' mental capacity and making applications to the Office of the Public Guardian and the Court of Protection. James Greig specialises in trusts, high-end probate and inheritance tax planning. Senior associate Kathryn Woodward acts for the trustees of a local charity on a pro bono basis. Alison Craggs left the firm to join The Burnside Partnership in September 2020.
Practice head(s):
Susannah Treherne
Other key lawyers:
James Greig; Kathryn Woodward; Stephen Evans; Thomas Djan-Krofa
Testimonials
‘Easy interaction. A minimum of fuss and bother to the client.’
‘I have been struck by the friendliness, expertise, efficiency and effectiveness of the individuals at Blake Morgan Oxford with whom my wife and I have interacted during the past year: James Greig, Thomas Djan-Krofa and Kathryn Woodward. ’
‘James Greig is very good at attention to detail.’
‘Good cooperation with the update of our wills and putting together LPAs.’
‘As executors, we decided to ask Blake Morgan to help us through a complicated process after my parents’ deaths and prior to probate. Stephen Evans has been a delight to work with: professional, thorough, accessible, calm and kind when the circumstances have been extremely challenging and upsetting for us, and extremely patient when explaining with clarity the detailed legal situation we have been dealing with. He has taken a lot of care to be transparent about costs throughout and the firm’s attitudes towards billing have also been exemplary.’
‘Susannah Trehearne stands out – she is very thorough and empathetic.’
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 2
With offices in Oxford, Reading, and Southampton, Blake Morgan LLP has a sizeable presence in the South East. Its property litigation practice is seen as a go-to among well-known developers and occupiers in the telecoms, retail and social housing industries, as well as the third sector. Reading-based partner Zoe Wright is experienced in matters such as dilapidations claims, lease renewals and exits, tenant defaults and insolvencies. She is particularly noted for her telecoms sector expertise, as is Southampton-based legal director Simon Pestell. Claire Lamkin, who splits her time between the firm’s London and Oxford offices, handles a wide range of contentious land development and asset management matters. Also based in Oxford is senior associate Thomas Djan-Krofa, who is a key contact for property disputes in the social housing sector.
Practice head(s):
Zoe Wright; Claire Lamkin; Simon Pestell
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The important strength of this practice is the seamless link between the departments which is very reassuring from the clients point of view. Communications by telephone and email ensures rapid transfer of information and significantly speeds up the process.’
‘The property litigation was carried out by Simon Pestell, the legal director. His answers to queries were concise and promptly received and his response to left messages was always timely.’
‘Blake Morgan has worked with us for more than 20 years and understands our business. It offers expert advice and assistance proactively and in a timely manner.’
‘Prompt, professional pragmatic service. Claire understands our business and provides excellent guidance.’
‘Sound knowledge combined with obvious experience of property litigation matters.’
‘Simon Pestell was very responsive and proactive when the matter we were dealing with was stalling.’
Key clients
Sorbon Estates Limited
Global Knowledge Network Training Limited
DX Network Services Limited
Wireless Infrastructure Group
Marine & Coastguard Agency
David Lloyd Leisure
The Southern Co-Operative Limited
IW Group Services (UK) Limited
Canal & River Trust
Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust
Oxfam GB
The British Red Cross
Hilltop Medical Practice
EW Pinchbeck & Sons Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for an intermediate tenant in a complicated possession action against an occupier of rooms in a medical practice where the freehold owners were seeking vacant possession. Settlement reached with occupiers agreeing to vacate.
- Issued proceedings in the High Court on behalf of a tenant seeking an order for specific performance requiring the Defendant Landlord to complete a reversionary lease pursuant to the terms of an agreement. Case settled with new lease being granted.
- Obtaining possession of a public house on behalf of the landlord which had been tenanted to a company which had been dissolved. This involved obtaining a Notice of Disclaimer from the Bona Vacantia department and dealing with the director’s claims that he had become the tenant in place of the former company. Case settled with the director vacating and a deal was agreed for the landlord to retain the fixtures and fittings.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment Tier 2
Blake Morgan LLP's media work is primarily an offshoot of its excellent IP practice, though the team also has expertise in various other matters such as defamation, publishing ethics and competition law. The group works with clients from the higher education, retail and public sectors on trade mark registration and disputes, while it has also developed a specialism in assisting academic publishers. Practice head Jill Bainbridge focuses on cross-border contentious issues, with defamation being an area of particular focus. Christopher Williams departed the firm in July 2020 to join Clyde & Co LLP.
Practice head(s):
Jill Bainbridge
Other key lawyers:
Ben Evans
Testimonials
‘Really good team with cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills. Great practical experience.’
‘Jill Bainbridge – A fantastic solicitor with great skills and practical experience to go with her impressive knowledge of the area. Always good to work with.’
‘The team is well led by the excellent Jill Bainbridge, well backed up especially by Ben Evans ’
‘Jill Bainbridge- very experienced, knowledgeable, commercial, efficient, delightful to work with. Ben Evans, less experienced, but otherwise with those same characteristics’
‘We use Blake Morgan for technology and media. The team is very responsive and knowledgeable. They are, without fail, a pleasure to deal with and our go-to firm in the UK.’
‘The individuals we always go to in this area are Jill Bainbridge and Ben Evans. If they do not handle the matter directly, they will pass us to a colleague. Jill is an outstanding lawyer and gives excellent advice. Ben is a very able partner and we like working with him. He is clearly a rising star within the firm.’
Key clients
Kerry Group PLC
ATG Media
Hay Festival of Literature
Critical Mass Studios
eFlorist Limited
Harlequins
Nokia
The Company of Biologists
Nosy Crow Limited
The Welsh Government
Work highlights
- Advised eFlorist in relation to defamation and harassment issues.
- Advising a variety of publishing clients on ethics and copyright matters.
- Advising a local authority in relation to a defamation and malicious falsehood claim.
Transport > Shipping Tier 2
Marine law specialist Louise Fuller joined Blake Morgan LLP from Lester Aldridge LLP in April 2020. With the firm mainly undertaking matters concerning yachts and superyachts, Fuller specialises in sales and purchases of yachts, as well as disputes. Elsewhere, the group advises on commercial contracts issues and casualty-related matters such as salvage and the recovery of yachts.
Practice head(s):
Louise Fuller
Key clients
Red Paddle
Oyster Yachts
Premier Marinas
Theyachtmarket.com
Work highlights
- Handling the worldwide trade mark portfolios and brand protection work for a number of clients in the marine sector, including infringement claims and copyright and passing off matters and patent infringement involving competitors with a cross-border dynamic.
Corporate and commercial > M&A: smaller deals, up to £50m Tier 3
Led by the 'impressive' Martin Kay, Blake Morgan LLP's London M&A practice focuses on private acquisitions and disposals for a range of corporate clients. Stojan Essex focuses on high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs and owner-managed businesses, while Lawrence Phillips specialises in handling acquisitions and disposals for owner clients and board members. Clients rate Michelle Davenport for her broad transactional expertise, with recent highlights including various cross-border transactions in the financial services and leisure sectors. Sports and corporate finance specialist Dov Katz joined from Greenwoods GRM.
Practice head(s):
Martin Kay
Other key lawyers:
Lawrence Phillips; Michelle Davenport; Dov Katz; Stojan Essex
Testimonials
‘The team cover a wide range of sector experiences, giving pragmatic, considered and commercial feedback to challenges and issues raised.’
‘I have worked with Stojan Essex on several commercial deals, and the level of understanding regarding what level of detail is important, how the communication flow works and the risk/reward metrics that I am likely to find acceptable makes the process much more progressive.’
‘Dealing with Blake Morgan was an entirely positive experience. They offered clear, concise advice on a timely basis and were excellent to deal with.’
‘Martin Kay was a pleasure to work with. His work was excellent and delivered on schedule.’
‘We have always found Blake Morgan’s services to be excellent. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Michelle Davenport’s legal expertise for management buyouts, shareholder agreements, EMI share options, sale and purchase agreements, or any other aspect of mergers, acquisitions and exit strategies.’
‘Michelle is in a different league. Michelle is always very efficient and thorough, whilst explaining every step of the legal process in positive and precise, user-friendly terms.’
‘Dov Katz is a good lawyer, very attentive to the client and also personable.’
Key clients
Air France KLM
Alexander Associates Technical Recruitment Ltd
Altour Limited
Babylon Park UK Play & Entertainment Ltd
Blackbird plc
Cogora Group Limited
CVS Group Plc
Empiribox Limited
Foster Denovo Group
Globe Invest Limited
KCR Residential REIT plc
Kerry Group plc
Marketcom Technology Limited
Olivetti SpA
Optimal Ltd
Osirium Technologies plc
Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited
Sustainable Harvest, Inc.
Telecom Italia SpA and its subsidiaries
Virtual Clarity Limited
Work highlights
- Advised MG Hotels on the share sale of The Red Lion Hotel (Henley) Limited.
- Advised the shareholders on the share sale of Arlington Insurance Services Limited.
- Advised Inspirata Europe Limited and Inspirata Inc. on the sale of various assets and personnel transfers to Fujifilm UK Limited.
Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 3
Blake Morgan LLP acts for some of the largest charities, not-for-profit and social enterprise organisations in the UK alongside some smaller local charities. With offices in London, Thames Valley, the South Coast and Wales, the team is well-equipped to advise on a range of complex issues from governance and safeguarding advice to grant making and securitisation. Other areas of expertise include advising on the creation of or amendments to Royal Charters as well as advising on joint ventures and collaborative working arrangements between charities and third parties. Ben Brice leads the team.
Practice head(s):
Ben Brice
Other key lawyers:
Kirsteen Hook
Testimonials
‘A good sized provincial firm offering quality advice for the Charity sector. Ben Brice was really good to deal with. Very approachable. Responded quickly’.
‘Very easy to talk to, billing was regular and kept us regularly up to date with fees and did not exceed the agreed fee without contacting us‘.
‘The team is impressively responsive with replies to emails and calls being provided expeditiously. As a consequence we are able to be agile and responsive in commercial matters, which invariably means obtaining the best results quickly. Very approachable team. We have no issues with picking up the telephone to discuss a matter. Always friendly and helpful and able to update you immediately with current state of play on a particular matter, notwithstanding the number of other matters they are dealing with. Great link up between estates and property litigation teams. You can rest assured that your matter is in safe hands from beginning to end, across the two contentious and non-contentious fields. In depth knowledge of landlord and tenant law and always up to speed with new developments relevant to our business‘.
‘In regard to the application of relevant Charity Law it demonstrated in depth understanding. The company had been recommended to us by a friend/contact of ours who also is a qualified solicitor. Kirsteen Hook was our main solicitor, until maternity leave, and she always responded promptly and helpfully‘.
‘The team is technically knowledgeable and understands the HE sector‘.
Key clients
Oxfam
The Methodist Church
The British Red Cross Society
The Big Issue Foundation
Association for Project Management
Girls Friendly Society
Pilgrims’ Friend Society
The Mary Rose Trust
Basingstoke Rape and Sexual Abuse Crisis Centre
Langley House Trust
Age Concern Newbury & District
The Ebico Trust for Sustainable Development
National Counselling Society
Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation (DRWF)
Project Turn-Over
Sailors’ Society
Response Organisation
CLEAPSS
Nekton Foundation
Various Oxford Colleges
Work highlights
- Advised the former trustee of a high profile charity in connection with statutory inquiry to ensure fair and accurate representation of facts published in inquiry report.
- Advised Girls Friendly Society on the successful application for release of permanent endowment funds held by subsidiary trust to enable implementation of long term fundraising strategy.
- Advising Pilgrims’ Friend Society in connection with transfer of engagements from a registered society including property forming part of an independent living scheme.
Public sector > Education: institutions Tier 3
Blake Morgan LLP's HE and FE team is widely recognised for its advice on regulatory issues, with governance work, administration issues, education law and charity regulations as key areas of strength. The practice also handles corporate and IP commercialisation work, employment and pensions issues, estate management mandates, health and safety work and student discipline issues, with a niche in advising on overseas campuses. Practice head Matthew Smith has extensive experience in dealing with employment matters, defending claims of unfair dismissal, alleged discrimination and whistleblowing, and TUPE transfers.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Smith
Testimonials
‘Practical approach, cutting to the key issues.’
‘Very approachable and very responsive.’
‘We work with a wide range of individuals within Blake Morgan, all of which are very knowledgeable within their field and are always available when needed. Nothing is too much trouble and no level of urgency is not met.’
‘Blake Morgan have worked with the University for a number of years and are incredibly knowledgeable of the sector and the University and its processes. They are easy to talk to and are always available to assist the University with any legal requirement with speed and expertise.’
‘Excellent knowledge of legal aspects of education in supporting the college to become a single academy and then multi-academy trust.’
Key clients
New College, Oxford
Balliol College, Oxford
Cardiff University
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Oxford Foundation for Theoretical Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence
St Dominic’s Sixth Form College
Portsmouth Diocesan Trust
University of Reading
Christ Church College, Oxford
Brasenose College, Oxford
University College, Oxford
University of Winchester
University of Chichester
Hereford Sixth Form College
Swansea University
Magdalen College, Oxford
University of South Wales
Universities and Colleges Information Systems Association
Work highlights
- Advised New College on procurement approach, appointment of its design team and construction contracts in relation to its proposed redevelopment of a new quadrangle within the College estate.
- Advised University of Reading on proceedings spanning over six years, involving the dismissal for “good cause” of a University Professor in accordance with the University’s statute.
- Advised Cardiff University on all the procurement, contractual and commercial aspects of its 10-year IT Network Refresh Project (valued in the tens of millions).
Employment > Pensions Tier 3
Blake Morgan LLP assists employers and trustees with schemes of various sizes. Ron Burgess specialises in handling major transactions and pension scheme restructuring projects, while Rupert Graham-Evans handles benefit changes, mergers and security arrangements.
Practice head(s):
Ron Burgess
Other key lawyers:
Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 3
Blake Morgan LLP acts for nearly all of the insolvency practitioners operating in the Thames Valley region, as well as those in London, Bristol, Milton Keynes and Southampton. In addition, the firm's client roster includes banks, directors and investors. Practice head Katie James has extensive expertise in the gamut of formal and informal insolvency arrangements. In 2020, she led the advice to Begbies Traynor as the proposed administrators of a carpentry business on a pre-pack sale. Elsewhere, James has particular expertise in distressed care homes, having previously dealt with the administration of eight different care home groups. The firm also generates insolvency and restructuring work in connection with various other industries, including retail, leisure, manufacturing and utilities. Senior associate Andrew Murphy recently joined from Ogier.
Practice head(s):
Katie James
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Critchleys LLP
Rollings Butt LLP
Quantuma Advisory Limited
Manolete Partners
Begbies Traynor
Turpin Barker Armstrong
Fox Linton Limited
KPMG
Griffins
Shaw Gibbs Corporate Recovery
Work highlights
- Advised Quantuma on the validity of security, a deed of priority and the appointment of administrators. The firm was then instructed to advise on the sale of subsidiary SPV’s valued at £14m. However, administrators were then appointed in respect of the SPV’s, which was successfully challenged.
- Acted on the appointment of Turpin Barker Armstrong as administrators and the sale by the administrators of the business and assets of three public houses. This was a company that owned and operated seven pubs, but due to COVID had to close. Three of the pubs were considered to be salvageable, but the remaining four had to be closed. Advice was given in relation to the employees, furlough, licences to occupy, deeds of surrender, assignment of the leases as well as the sale and purchase agreement.
- Advised Fox Linton Limited on the various options available to it with the aim of negotiating a surrender of its lease at Chelsea Harbour in London. The firm worked with BDO to review the financial position of the company and consider a sale of its assets to its parent company by way of a pre-liquidation sale. However, the landlord engaged in a negotiation process and a compromise was reached so that the liquidation was no longer necessary.
Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 3
Blake Morgan LLP advises on estates and trusts relating to international issues, as well as on wills copying with Islamic law, high-value trust disputes, and contentious legacy matters relating to charities. Clients include universities, hospitals, and charities. Oxford-based practice leader Stephanie Walls is described as having 'a firm approach with opponents and a good manner with clients' - she specialises in complex Inheritance Act claims and disputes related to discretionary trusts. In London, Arshoo Singh focuses on trusts and succession matters, will compliance with Islamic law, as well as mental capacity issues.
Practice head(s):
Stephanie Walls
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I worked with this team on a difficult 1975 Act claim, with a difficult client and opponents. They handled the client well and were strong and forceful with the opponents.’
‘Stephanie Walls has a firm approach with the opponents and a good manner with the client.’
‘Blake Morgan have a useful position being the one of the main contentious probate teams in the Thames Valley/Oxford area, assisted through having merged with smaller local practices and therefore having access to to will banks etc.’
‘Stephanie Walls has very impressive technical knowledge.’
Real estate > Social housing Tier 3
Public sector > Education: schools Tier 4
Blake Morgan LLP handles a wide range of issues, encompassing transactional matters, litigation, and specialist education tribunal work, acting for maintained, academy, free and independent schools. Areas of expertise include academy conversions, governance issues, M&A and funding arrangements. Sector group head Matthew Smith is a key name for employment work, defending claims of unfair dismissal and discrimination, and whistleblowing proceedings; he also advises on TUPE transfers.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Smith
Other key lawyers:
Tim Forer
Testimonials
‘Specialists in the field of education. Hugely accessible, top quality advice and guidance.’
‘Very good client engagement. Responsive. Open to discussion.’
‘Responsive personal service from partners and their teams who understand our needs. Desire to provide pragmatic solutions.’
‘We feel they always have us covered.’
Key clients
Magdalen College School
King Edward VI School
St Swithun’s School, Winchester
Capital City Academy Trust
University of Chichester Multi-Academy Trust
The Portsmouth Grammar School
St Marylebone Church of England Academy
Portsmouth Catholic Diocesan Trust
Stockley Academy
The Cherwell Academy
Winchester Diocesan Board of Finance
Solent Academies Trust
The Gregg School
The Gallery Trust
Hamwic Education Trust
Villiers High School
Portsmouth Grammar School
Hereford Sixth Form College/Heart of Mercia
Work highlights
- Providing a full legal service to the Gallery Trust, an academy trust company which is a Multi Academy Trust and which is dedicated to improving outcomes for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in Oxfordshire.
- Acted for the Portsmouth Roman Catholic Diocesan Trust in all areas of law including employment, charity, real estate and litigation and across the Diocesan Curia, parishes, and schools.
- Acted as legal advisers to the professional conduct panels of the TRA (and prior to that, the General Teaching Council for England) in relation to disciplinary proceedings against teachers.
Real estate > Planning Tier 4
Blake Morgan LLP's planning and environment practice is in a period of growth, expanding into new practice areas including marine planning, DCOs and environmental law. Anita Kasseaan joined the firm from Howard Kennedy LLP in May 2020 to head up the department; her experience of planning and environmental law issues includes the management of environmental liabilities and risks. The team, which also includes legal director Keith Lancaster and Guthrie McGruer, is also strong in heritage, highways, and town and country planning.
Practice head(s):
Anita Kasseean
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I have found them to be very helpful and knowledgeable in relation to construction contracts, Section 104 agreements etc.’
‘The environment and planning team punches way above its weight, regularly undertaking (so-called) ‘Magic Circle’ category work – but better executed: “exceptional” is BM’s ‘norm’.’
‘Its unique quality is that it is simultaneously low-key and exceptional. It has a wide client base, does complex work, and advises practically and commercially at every turn. It is ostensibly and naturally diverse where others have to strive to be so.’
‘Anita Kasseean is the star partner of the BM Team: most charming, measured, and steely in equal measure, she is devastatingly effective in delivering her clients’ objectives. Intellectually nimble, together with her tireless resourcefulness, commercial pragmatism, and extensive legal knowledge base, she is immensely valued by all clients.’
Key clients
Cooper Estates Strategic Land Limited
Meadow Residential (and subsidiaries)
Lidl Great Britain Limited
Berkeley Homes (Southern) Limited
Peabody Housing
Metro Bank
Welsh Government
Justin Homes / Joseph Homes
Hyde Group
Stratland Estates
Hollybrook Homes Limited
Bougyues
Sutton and East Surrey Water
Dorrington Plc
Agudas Israel Housing Association
Investec
Calthorpe Estates Limited
Boatfolk Marinas
FJB Hotels Group
Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust
Bellway Homes Limited (Thames Valley)
Methodist Church
Abri HA (ex Radian and Yarlington)
Development Bank of Wales
Aster Group
RNIB
Sunley Estates Limited
Newport City Homes Limited
West Wales HA
Work highlights
- Acting on behalf of the Welsh Government on a number of national infrastructure transport and compulsory purchase projects to assist Wales’ post-Brexit infrastructure investment plans.
- Advising Meadow Residential, an American backed property investment developer and funder in relation to various high-value build to rent schemes across a number of London sites.
- Advising and representing landowners of the most critical site affected by the Aquind Interconnector DCO encompassing issues relating to the impact of Brexit, EU funding rules, transport, environmental impacts of the scheme, ancient woodland, compulsory purchase, the Communications Act 2003 and the Electricity Act.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: mid-market Tier 5
Blake Morgan LLP undertakes heavyweight litigation that frequently involves Russia and CIS-based clients. Sarah Rees leads the London commercial litigation team, which includes 'star partner' Justin Weare. Legal director Lucy Edwards leads the practice's insolvency litigation and Proceeds of Crime Act workload. Alex Shirtcliff (previously admitted in the BVI as well as England and Wales) returned to the firm as legal director in 2020 after five years at Kobre & Kim, and subsequently made partner in May 2021.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Rees
Other key lawyers:
Justin Weare; Alex Shirtcliff; Lucy Edwards; Conor Daly
Testimonials
‘Great for their knowledge, dedication, judgement and hard work at all hours.‘
‘The team is small, but nimble and able to accommodate all aspects of clients’ needs – not just litigation, but also getting input from colleagues dealing with corporate transactions.‘
‘Direct partner involvement, great tactical skills and efficient matter management – punches above its weight and price band for City firms.‘
‘Sarah Rees is a clever lawyer- not only the manager of a project team but personally involved in the legal discussions and drafting of documents.‘
‘Justin Weare is a star partner, who goes above and beyond for his clients.‘
‘Justin Weare is a perfect team player, attending to the client’s needs, and ensuring that everything in the litigation goes smoothly (or as smoothly as possible).‘
‘Justin Weare is pragmatic and hands-on, with a keen eye for tactical advantage in litigation.‘
‘Alex Shirtcliff is superb with clients and tactics.‘
Key clients
The Kerry Group
Robert Simon Terry
South American Aircraft Leasing
Grant Thornton UK
Stephen Hunt (of Griffins)
Media Entertainment NV
Desmond Reeves
Maxwell Audley
Awendale Resources
Buyer’s Dream
Work highlights
- Defended Desmond Reeves and Maxwell Audley against a £50m-plus claim, arising out of the liquidation of TMO Renewables.
- Acting for Stephen Hunt (as liquidator for Transworld Payments Solutions UK) in high-value matters connected to First Curacao International Bank in the Caribbean, and arising from the bank’s involvement in a major fraud.
- Acting for Awendale Resources in UK proceedings arising from a Russian property development joint venture, and related cross-border litigation.
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 5
Blake Morgan LLP has a particular emphasis on structuring advice relating to the holding and acquisition of UK residential property and owner-managed businesses. It is frequently instructed to advise on tax-efficient structures for property holdings, both from an investment and development standpoint. The team is also skilled at advising on the administration of complex, cross-border estates and trust structures. Helen Bunker leads the team. Arshoo Singh is now at RadcliffesLeBrasseur LLP.
Practice head(s):
Helen Bunker
Testimonials
‘Personal service at partner level with back-up at appropriate associate level and the consequent reasonable charges is a particular strength of this team. Helen Bunker is an intelligent, knowledgeable and empathetic private client lawyer. She makes clients feel listened to and wins their trust giving them the confidence to share with her their personal and sensitive family and personal matters’.
‘Helen Bunker is a stand out partner from its London office’.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 5
With a particular focus on the technology sector, Blake Morgan LLP is regularly retained by clients from start-ups to multinationals to assist with financial services and IP issues. In addition, the firm has a strong data protection practice. Simon Stokes advises clients on outsourcing arrangements, data protection and software licensing; he is also well-regarded for supporting clients with technology transactions. Associate Charles Mallows is also a core member of the team, having worked on secondment for IBM and Deutsche Bank.
Practice head(s):
Simon Stokes
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Simon Stokes brought a commercial attitude alongside his excellent data IP knowledge. The outcome was as good as we could have hoped for.’
Key clients
Wiggle Limited
STS Payments
TEG MJR
Etrading Software
Work highlights
- Advised Wiggle regarding the outsourcing of the company’s paid search activity to an international third party supplier.
- Advising card payment software provider STS Payments on projects with major payment providers.
- Advised TEG MJR in relation to technology and e-commerce matters.
Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 6
Blake Morgan LLP's financial services compliance team works closely with the firm's corporate and banking departments to advise on new financial products, as well as applications and registrations with the FSMA, PRA and FCA. The group is led from Oxford by Richard Humphreys, who specialises in regulations pertaining to equipment finance leases and motor vehicle finance. Legal director Felicity Rowan, who draws on experience in the FCA's enforcement division, regularly advises clients on their interactions with the regulators, as well as on new financial legislation.
Practice head(s):
Richard Humphreys
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Ex-regulator Felicity Rowan, is insightful, proactive and trusted by the regulator.’
Key clients
Investec Asset Finance Ltd (IAF)
Metro Bank Plc
Hitachi Capital UK Plc
Virtual Lease Services Limited
Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: white-collar crime (advice to individuals) Tier 6
Blake Morgan LLP is adept at representing senior executives and high-net-worth individuals in relation to allegations of bribery and corruption, money laundering and conspiracy to defraud, among others; its investigations work often involves agencies including the SFO, the FCA and HMRC. The practice has additional expertise in confiscation and asset forfeiture matters. Recently promoted partner Mark Jones is the key white-collar crime practitioner in the team, which sits within the wider commercial litigation department led by Sarah Rees.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Rees
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Mark Jones is an impressive individual. He is always thoughtful and measured in his responses to clients facing a crisis. He is very emotionally intelligent, essential for dealing with individuals at the very worst times in their life. He has a wealth of experience dealing with regulators and law enforcement and is a very safe pair of hands.’
‘The team have a growing reputation in representation of individuals who are suspects or defendants.’
‘Mark Jones leads a niche practice within Blake Morgan which brings strength and depth to the firm’s strong reputation in disciplinary and financial services matters. Mark has a strong white-collar fraud background and has taken Blake Morgan’s team forward into this field. He has some impressive instructions including a high-profile anti-competition investigation.’
‘This team is relatively new to the market with Mark Jones really setting it up. It has been able to draw on its internal commercial clients but as a result of Mark attracted individual clients outside of this sphere. They have really stepped up in this area; Mark Jones is a real feather in their cap.’
‘Synergy of legal expertise. Creative thinking. Commitment to client.’
‘Sarah Rees is a leader in field. True expert. First-class client care. Makes a difference.’
‘Mark Jones was outstanding. Mark was highly knowledgeable, able to advise on difficult matters where disappointing news had to be delivered, and empathetic to my needs and challenges.’
‘Mark Jones is a very experienced white-collar crime practitioner, with a calm manner, great judgment and tactical nous, and top-level client care skills.’
Private client > Family Tier 6
Flora Grossman is a Resolution accredited specialist in high-net-worth cases and heads the department at Blake Morgan LLP. Grossman receives instructions from various high-profile individuals from the world of sport and film as well as professionals and business owners. The team also receives a steady flow of instructions on Children Act matters. In addition Grossman is a member of the Law Society’s Children Panel.
Practice head(s):
Flora Grossman
Testimonials
‘The team is impressive, well coordinated and client focused. Flora Grossman is exceptional. She is meticulous. Her attention to detail is phenomenal. In finance cases she is always several steps ahead in her analysis of accounts and totally in charge. Her client management skills are second to none. She is patient, advises skilfully, carefully bringing the client with her. She works tirelessly to secure the best outcome for her clients‘.
‘One of the key things that sets Blake Morgan apart from other family firms is the additional resources it can utilise as a result of being part of a full service law firm. The firm’s property and succession and tax departments enable clients to swiftly access these additional services that are often linked to relationship breakdowns. The support offered by the corporate and commercial teams also make Blake Morgan the perfect firm for company owners and entrepreneurs who are looking to protect their business interests following a relationship breakdown‘.
‘Flora Grossman is a fantastic lawyer whose empathetic nature and sound legal knowledge swiftly puts clients at ease and reassures them that they are in good hands. Flora is always looking for the fastest route to resolution and offers clients practical and pragmatic advice. Flora represents a wide range of clients from high net worth entrepreneurs and business owners to homemakers, all of whom are grateful for the additional support Flora offers as they try to navigate their way into this new phase of their lives‘.
‘Flora always goes above and beyond for her clients. Since Flora joined as the Head of the Family Team in London in 2017 the team has gone from strength to strength, building a good base of clients, including some high profile individuals, and making an excellent name for the team both internally within the firm and within the wider family law community‘.
‘The family team in London led by Flora Grossman is excellent and is responsive to the needs of the client during the pandemic. The team deals with financial and children cases very well and is also good value compared to other city firms’.
‘The stand out team member is Flora Grossman who is as capable of dealing with complex children and financial cases. She is also very collaborative and nice to deal with‘.
‘This practice is unique in that it has access to all areas of law and practitioners. While my matter was essentially a family matter, it was multi-jurisdictional involving 4 potential jurisdictions and Blake Morgan was able to obtain expertise in international law as it pertained to the matter and ensure we had experts in all of the very different aspects such as finance, international law, matrimonial, etc. Further, the team quickly identified the complexity of the matter to ensure that it was handled in the most appropriate court fitting its complexity‘.
‘I worked with Flora Grossman, who is a partner at Blake Morgan. From day one, she was amazing and grasped all of the legal and factual concepts and complexities extremely quickly, ensuring our matter was placed at the outset in the correct court, and the preparatory and important applications were made promptly. Flora did her research thoroughly in recommending appropriate Counsel at QC level to address the applications to be made before the Court. Her analytical skills and her forethought were absolutely critical in ensuring that my matter was successful and reached the conclusion that was fair and desired. I found Flora’s advice accurate and reliable, making me confident of the likely result in my matter. I found Flora very quick in her response and advice, including addressing issues on the weekend as may have been necessary. I would most definitely recommend Flora Grossman‘.
Real estate > Property finance Tier 6
Blake Morgan LLP is on a number of lending panels for clearing banks, investment banks, private banks and non-institutional financiers. The team handles development and agricultural finance and secured and portfolio lending, and has a developing Islamic finance offering thanks to legal director Sophie Shaladi's expertise in the area. Practice head Tony Coyne has strengths in acting for banks, public and private sector clients, and clients based in the Far East.
Practice head(s):
Tony Coyne
Other key lawyers:
Work highlights
- Acting for a client in a joint venture between a UK developer and an equity investor regarding the £55m refinancing of a site in London, which is being developed to provide over 140 new homes.
Dispute resolution > Mediators
Real estate > Commercial property: investment
Blake Morgan LLP’s investment practice is led by Tony Coyne who provides distinguished expertise in secured lending; the team is able to provide a full-service and often involved in transactions with both a development and investment element.
South East > Real estate > Social housing Tier 3
South East > Employment > Employment: Hampshire
Jointly led by Ron Burgess and Tim Forer from the firm’s Cardiff and Southampton offices respectively, Blake Morgan LLP’s employment team is well regarded for its capabilities in the marine, retail, charity, and education sectors. In addition to the steady new flow of Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS)-related enquires, the team regularly deals with TUPE instructions, post-acquisition support, and general advisory work in collaboration with its clients’ HR departments. On the contentious side, Employment Tribunal disputes including unfair dismissal claims and staff grievances are key work streams. Vicky Schollar handles a range of education sector matters, and is also responsible for Vigil, the firm’s HR employment law support service. Holly Cudbill is recommended for her knowledge of GDPR and experience in unfair dismissal and discrimination claims, acting for the defence. All named lawyers are based in Southampton.
Practice head(s):
Ron Burgess (overall EPBI department head); Tim Forer (head of employment in the South)
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘We have found Blake Morgan very approachable and willing to understand our concerns. They have been very responsive to events as they change and have provided quick and legally solid advice.’
‘Excellent, knowledgeable and prompt advice and support tailored to our needs. As a small charity we do not have an in-house HR or legal department yet still have to navigate tricky employment issues.’
‘Tim Forer has a unique understanding of life in the Royal Navy, both as a serving person and now as a trustee of another Naval Charity. He is therefore extremely well placed to give informed guidance and support to our needs. ’
‘Tim Forer is our go-to employment partner. He has extensive knowledge, a highly approachable style, leads clients by careful methods, gets the results we need and is 100% accessible. I have no hesitation in recommending him wholeheartedly.’
Key clients
University of Reading
DEKRA UK Limited
Oldercare
Gosport Ferry Limited
Insurance providers: providers: ARAG, DAS and Markel
Utilita Energy Limited
HJS Human Resources Limited
Kofax UK Limited
Magdalen College Oxford
The Festiniog Railway Company
Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust
Royal Navy & Royal Marines Children’s Fund (Naval Children’s Charity)
HQ Theatres and Hospitality Limited
Rivers Engineering Company (Winchester) Limited
Portsmouth Grammar School
Cranstoun
Pilgrims’ Friend Society
Carte Blanche Greetings Limited
Twyford HR
Hockley Golf Club
Esotec Limited
Kern Limited
Service Solutions Limited
Asian Art in London
Royal Naval Benevolent Trust
EE Glass
Portsmouth Roman Catholic Diocesan Trustees Registered
Vail Williams LLP
PETA Limited
Randall Parker Foods
Bramley Health Support Services Limited
Horse Health Wessex Limited
L & S Waste Management Limited
Gregg School Trust
Work highlights
- Assisted Utilita Energy Limited with the employment aspects of several acquisitions, including advice in relation to TUPE and collective consultations. Responsible for all ongoing advisory work, including in relation to complex reorganisations and contentious grievance and disciplinary matters.
- Assisted Oldercare, (secure mental health hospitals and a care home), in a particularly difficult year due to COVID-19. Advised on complex senior staff exits regarding misconduct without litigation. Advised on contractual and policy amendments, immigration, maternity and ill-health retirement.
- Advised University of Reading on various dismissal proceedings.
South East > Employment > Pensions
Blake Morgan LLP assists employers and trustees with schemes of various sizes. Ron Burgess specialises in handling major transactions and pension scheme restructuring projects, while Rupert Graham-Evans handles benefit changes, mergers and security arrangements.
Practice head(s):
Ron Burgess
Other key lawyers:
Blake Morgan LLP > Firm Profile
At Blake Morgan, we have a reputation for building life-time relationships with our clients helping them to navigate through the commercial affairs and business challenges that affect their organisation as well as advising them on a range of personal issues. As a full service law firm with offices across the UK and a wealth of expertise with over 100 partners and 700 staff, we use our unique blend of technical expertise, broader experience and commercial realism to get the best results possible for our clients – be they small businesses, corporates, individuals, families, government, or not-for-profits. We are trusted by many of the leading players within the areas in which we specialise. This includes international and national corporate organisations, 20 local authorities, central government departments as well as devolved regional government, four major high street and corporate banks, leading supermarkets, and four of the top ten house builders. We also advise over 100 schools, academies and universities on a wide range of legal issues.
Contacts
Administrative and public law: Eve Piffaretti
ADR: Susie Dryden
Agriculture and estates: Oliver Sowton
Banking: Kathryn Shimmin
Charities: Ben Brice
Competition: Richard Portlock
Commercial litigation: Jill Bainbridge (Regions), Sarah Rees (London)
Construction: Richard Wade
Corporate and commercial: Robert Cherry, Alison Patten-Hall
Data protection: Simon Stokes
Debt recovery: Sadak Miah
Education: Matthew Smith
Employment: Joanne Davies
Environment law: Anita Kassean
Family law: Simon Burge
Financial services: Kathryn Shimmin
Government: Penny Rinta-Suski
Health and safety: Claire Rawle
Health and social care: Bruce Potter
Insolvency and business recovery: Paul Caldicott
IP: Jill Bainbridge
IT: Simon Stokes
Judicial review: Joanne Thompson
Mental health: Eve Piffaretti
Outsourcing: Simon McCann
Partnerships: Andrew Miscampbell
Pensions: Ron Burgess
Planning: Anita Kassean
Private client: Helen Bunker
Procurement: Simon McCann
Professional regulatory: Bradley Albuery
Public law: Eve Piffaretti
Publishing: Simon Stokes
Real estate: Philip Jardine
Real estate litigation: Zoe Wright (England), Siãn Jones (Wales)
Retail and leisure: Oliver Sowton
Residential property: Mark Scott
Social housing: Siãn Jones
Tax: Cathy Bryant
Travel: Daniel Scognamiglio
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Managing partner | Mike Wilson | ||
Chair | Kath Shimmin | ||
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Paul Caldicott | Paul is a specialist corporate restructuring and insolvency solicitor in our Business… | View Profile |
![]() | Robert Cherry | Robert leads Blake Morgan’s Corporate team. He has a broad range of… | View Profile |
![]() | Joanna Corbett-Simmons | Joanna is a Senior Associate in the Litigation & Dispute Resolution team… | View Profile |
![]() | Lisa Davies | Lisa is respected by her colleagues, other professionals and clients alike for… | View Profile |
![]() | Joanne Davies | Jo is a partner in the Employment, Pensions and Immigration group. She… | View Profile |
![]() | James Egan | James is a real estate partner with experience of large-scale development work,… | View Profile |
![]() | Lee Fisher | Lee is a partner in our Commercial Litigation team based in Cardiff… | View Profile |
![]() | Nigel Griffiths | Nigel is an experienced real estate partner, covering the full range of… | View Profile |
![]() | Robin Havard | Robin specialises in regulatory and professional conduct work, acting for public and… | View Profile |
![]() | Louise Howells | Louise is an experienced commercial property lawyer based in our Cardiff office… | View Profile |
![]() | Alison Huckle | Alison is an Associate in our Regulatory team in Wales. She has… | View Profile |
![]() | Richard Jones | Richard is a partner in the corporate and commercial teams based primarily… | View Profile |
![]() | Siân Jones | Siân is a partner in our dispute resolution team and a specialist… | View Profile |
![]() | Paula Kathrens | Paula is a partner in the Employment law team, advising key clients… | View Profile |
![]() | Emyr Lewis | Emyr covers public and constitutional law as well as heavyweight commercial transactions… | View Profile |
![]() | Simon McCann | Simon specialises in public and utilities procurement and major projects including construction,… | View Profile |
![]() | Eve Piffaretti | Eve is Head of Office in Wales and heads our Public Law… | View Profile |
![]() | Claire Rawle | Claire is a Partner who leads the Health, Safety and Environmental team… | View Profile |
![]() | Geoff Reed | Geoff leads the Real Estate team based in Wales. He has extensive… | View Profile |
![]() | Joanna Rees | Jo has worked closely with developers, government and public sector teams and… | View Profile |
![]() | Nicky Sherrard | Nicky is a senior associate private client solicitor based in Cardiff. She… | View Profile |
![]() | Matthew Smith | Matthew heads our national Education Sector practice. Matthew also provides employment advice… | View Profile |
![]() | Joanne Thompson | Joanne is a Partner in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Team based… | View Profile |
![]() | Tom Walker | Tom specialises in criminal, regulatory and professional disciplinary law. Tom provides specialist… | View Profile |
![]() | Tina Whitman | Tina specialises in working with the public sector, primarily undertaking defendant personal… | View Profile |
![]() | James Williams | James is a partner in the Corporate team in South Wales with… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 100 Number of other UK fee-earners : 464Client Testimonials
CLIENT: Sean Taylor
COMPANY/FIRM: Zip World
TESTIMONIAL: “I was delighted with the expertise and advice provided by Blake Morgan who continue to deliver high quality advice, support and commitment to the Zip World group at every stage of the process. I was particularly impressed with their ability to deliver effective and pragmatic advice ensuring that the deal completed within the agreed timescales and it meant that I had confidence that all of the important legal aspects of the deal were being dealt with effectively. I would happily recommend Blake Morgan to others.”
CLIENT: Sean Owen
COMPANY/FIRM: RNIB
TESTIMONIAL: “Having taken the role as Head of Property for RNIB, I decided to continue to use Blake Morgan solicitors – they had provided legal support to the organisation in all property matters for a number of years before that. The support given to me by James and his team as I established my role, was exemplary. They fully understood how RNIB worked, provided clear, pragmatic and timely advice consistently, and were always available to discuss ideas and ad hoc issues. I can only offer the highest praise to James and his team for the support provided to me and RNIB.”
CLIENT: Christine Parsloe
COMPANY/FIRM: London Borough of Merton
TESTIMONIAL: “On building projects such as this, combined with the complexities of incorporating a new facility into an existing and improved operational contract it is essential to have a legal team that provides all of the specialisms required. Blake Morgan provided this, ensuring responses were appropriate, timely and ‘right first time’ so we could keep every element of this project running on time and to budget. Merton now have a new facility and a much improved contractual arrangement with the operator as well as a Family Friendly leisure centre that all our community with love end enjoy for many years to come.”
CLIENT: Calum Ewing
COMPANY/FIRM: Metrobank
TESTIMONIAL: “Blake Morgan acts as one team to deliver the requirements of our ambitious store roll out programme, providing property, construction, property litigation and planning assistance advice that is always on point. They are commercial, pragmatic and have aligned themselves with our values and vision. They are great team players”
CLIENT: Paul Metselaar
COMPANY/FIRM: Ovation Travel Group
TESTIMONIAL: “The team at Blake Morgan were consummate professionals who demonstrated strong commercial awareness of the travel industry that ensured the transaction was efficient and completed against a tight deadline. This was an important deal for Ovation and I would like to thank them for getting it across the line.”
CLIENT: Terry Musson
COMPANY/FIRM: Amberon Group
TESTIMONIAL: “We have recently worked with Blake Morgan on two separate occasions and in each case we received excellent advice and support one would expect during both transactions. Well done Blake Morgan.”
Diversity
At Blake Morgan, our aim is to make a difference for our clients, our people and our communities. We work to ensure that we recognise, support and promote the wide-ranging talents we have within our business, through ensuring that our environment is one that listens, and one where everyone can reach their fullest potential. Our job is to remove barriers to success, and create a platform that enables our people and their talents to drive forward the success of our firm.
That’s why we pledge to:
- Contribute to a working environment that is without discrimination, accessible, comfortable, healthy, well maintained, welcoming, and free of harassment, victimisation and bullying.
- Demonstrate and share a commitment to valuing equality and diversity, and develop attitudes and behaviours that support this.
- Challenge what is considered to be unacceptable behaviour, be pro-active with regard to diversity, and take personal responsibility to promote good practice and create change.
- Identify individual and firm-wide learning and development needs on equality, diversity and inclusion issues continuously, and undertake relevant training to maintain and improve knowledge and contribute to the learning and development of others.
- Consider what may be offensive to others.
- Recognise that it is unacceptable to withhold information and knowledge necessary to allow others to undertake their duties.
Student (The Lex 100 )
The Lex 100 Verdict
Blake Morgan is a ‘national firm with a strong presence across the UK’. From its offices in Cardiff, London, Southampton, Reading and Oxford, the firm has a ‘diverse range of clients’ and offers a ‘breadth of training opportunities’ thanks to the array of practice areas on offer. Several trainees mentioned the ‘enjoyable vacation scheme’ and the ‘friendly and personal approach’ experienced at interview, and thought that ‘Blake Morgan seemed kinder than some of the larger, more commercial firms’. There is a ‘community spirit across the offices’ and ‘everyone is always willing to help, from associates to partners alike’. Despite the scale of the firm, the personal touch remains: ‘they really take an interest in you as an individual and your career as a whole’. Some trainees feel that ‘the pay is not on par with other similar-sized firms and doesn’t reflect the living costs of the area’. This was raised in relation to the Oxford and London offices in particular. Another concern was the ‘limited diversity at senior levels’ despite the firm’s clear commitment to diversity and inclusion. Nevertheless, trainees really enjoyed ‘leading on a client call’, ‘working on a commercial project directly relating to the government’s COVID-19 exit strategy’ and ‘a client secondment to the Nursing and Midwifery Council’. For many recruits, the worst thing has been having to work from home for a large part of their training contracts but at least Blake Morgan has ‘provided a lot of guidance to ensure that new trainees are well supported’. For a friendly firm with a good work/life balance, lots of responsibility and very high-quality work, consider Blake Morgan.- Corporate and commercial
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation
- Employment > Employment: Recommended Firms
- Employment > Health and safety
- Employment > Pensions
- Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery
- Insurance > Personal injury and clinical negligence; defendant
- Public sector
- Real estate > Property litigation
- Real estate > Social housing
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property
- Dispute resolution > Professional discipline
- Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Hampshire
- Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Hampshire
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40
- Dispute resolution > Debt recovery
- Employment > Employment: Hampshire
- Employment > Employment: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40
- Finance > Banking and finance
- Private client > Family: Hampshire
- Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Hampshire
- Public sector
- Real estate > Commercial property: Hampshire
- Real estate > Commercial property: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40
- Real estate > Construction
- Real estate > Environment and planning
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Finance > Banking and finance
- Private client > Charities and not-for-profit
- Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate
- Real estate > Commercial property
- Real estate > Construction
- Public sector > Healthcare
- Transport > Travel
- Insurance > Professional negligence
- Private client > Agriculture and estates
- Private client > Charities and not-for-profit
- Private client > Family: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40
- Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40
- Real estate > Property litigation
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment
- Transport > Shipping
Firm Rankings
- Corporate and commercial > M&A: smaller deals, up to £50m
- Private client > Charities and not-for-profit
- Public sector > Education: institutions
- Employment > Pensions
- Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery
- Private client > Contentious trusts and probate
- Real estate > Social housing
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: mid-market
- Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms
- Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory
- Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: white-collar crime (advice to individuals)
- Private client > Family
- Real estate > Property finance
- South East > Real estate > Social housing