Firm Profile > Shakespeare Martineau LLP > Solihull, England
Shakespeare Martineau LLP Offices
HOMER HOUSE
8 HOMER ROAD
SOLIHULL
B91 3QQ
England
Shakespeare Martineau LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Debt recovery Tier 1
Shakespeare Martineau LLP covers the full spectrum of debt recovery work on a regulated and unregulated basis. Led by practice head Jayne Gardner, the team advises on matters governed by the Consumer Credit Act and Financial Conduct Authority, as well as credit management and property-related work. Gardner works with Alan Hamblett and Eddie Flanagan; the three partners collectively have more than 73 years of debt recovery experience. The team acts for clients operating in sectors such as food, financial services, energy and automotive.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘I have worked with the debt recovery team at Shakespeare Martineau now for three years, they have always gained great results in all our cases and always given us great advice. They are extremely professional and I would recommend them to anyone looking for this service.‘
‘Alan Hamblett: Very prompt support and consultation to finding a pragmatic cost effective solution. Martin Noble: Always available (even out of hours) and has handled complex contract amendments in a very timely manner. Commercially-minded and sound advice.‘
‘The team reacts quickly to any matter presented, responding with sound advice and analysis. Always happy to go the extra mile. Demonstrates a sound knowledge of insolvency, realisation of security, and court process. Costs are very reasonable compared to other firms.‘
‘Eddie Flanagan leads the team from the front, yet remains permanently available for calls and discussion. He has broad experience in asset finance and commercial finance. Grace Strawford is very competent in consumer credit and dispute resolution, and provides clear and comprehensive explanations of her reasoning.‘
Key clients
National Grid
Marston Group
Hook Norton Brewery
Europcar
Newriver Retail Ltd
University of Warwick
Bournemouth University
UPS
UPS SCS
Institute of Chartered Accountants for England and Wales
McIntyre Hudson
Education Tier 1
Shakespeare Martineau LLP fields 'excellent lawyers, who are knowledgeable about the sector' and assist higher education institutions with a range of issues including capital projects and estate master planning work, governance matters, educational partnerships, employment work and dispute resolution. Practice head Smita Jamdar 'exudes education knowledge' with particular expertise in governance mandates, student-related work and constitutional matters. Joanna Forbes and Geraldine Swanton are singled out for their experience in drafting and advising on student regulations, academic collaborations and data protection issues. Employment partner David Browne is also of note.Practice head(s):
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‘Excellent lawyers, knowledgeable about the sector, pragmatic. No “noise” – they are straightforward – they do what they say they will do and they get to the key issues quickly and without fuss. They always meet and usually exceed expectations.’
‘Very knowledgeable around the whole conversion process to academy status. Advice given was clear and reassuring, in a form that we understood.’
‘Smita Jamdar – always responsive, calm, competent and approachable. Very capable and gets to the key issues fast, huge knowledge of the sector and climate.’
‘Geraldine Swanton – always responsive, calm, very capable, gets to the key issues fast, knows her stuff.’
‘Smita Jamdar exudes education knowledge and understanding that can only come from being fully committed to the sector, listening and understanding her clients needs.’
Key clients
King’s College London
University of Derby
Goldsmiths College
University of Cambridge
University of York
North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College
Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 1
Shakespeare Martineau LLP's dedicated team has four full STEP members. It advises on a broad spectrum of wealth, tax and succession planning matters for families, landed estates, entrepreneurs and business owners. Key clients include ultra-high-net-worth individuals including some national lottery winners and landed aristocrats as well as entrepreneurs and senior business leaders. All partners regularly act as professional trustees, executors and administrators and are skilled at elderly client advice, frequently advising on capacity issues, powers of attorney and Court of Protection matters. The firm also acts as registrar for the Diocese of Birmingham. Anne Tromans is the group chair and Lesley Davis is another well-known member of the team.
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‘The response times are very good and important concerns are dealt with expertly and efficiently. Sensitive matters have been dealt with in an understanding way and with humanity. Considered opinions are given with expert precision. This gives me confidence in what have been difficult times‘.
‘I have always found Anne Tromans incredibly easy to deal with and have trusted her judgement and expertise. There is a great surety for me in her guidance through the legal jungle of probate, wills, p o a and pensions. Verity Kirby is also efficient and helpful‘ .
‘The lawyers explain everything and I always feel they really care‘.
Agriculture and estates Tier 2
The team at Shakespeare Martineau LLP is known for its breadth of expertise. The nimble team acts on the full range of matters from planning and taxation advice to advising on renewable energy schemes and agricultural tenancies. Other strengths include advising on health and safety breaches on a farm that often involve serious injury or death. Increasingly the team has been advising on contested will cases regarding farms. It regularly acts on large-scale agricultural inheritance disputes and has particular expertise in proprietary estoppel claims. Head of team Peter Snodgrass is widely experienced and is well thought of for his expertise on agricultural tenancies and farm partnerships alongside his work on property transactions. Snodgrass frequently advises on matters as diverse as promotion agreements to farm purchases and HS2 claims.
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‘Peter Snodgrass and Nicky Beach are personable, efficient, quickly grasp the brief, give sound advice and keep to deadlines‘.
‘Peter Snodgrass – we were struck by his commitment and compassion and we definitely feel that he is the right professional person to be helping us through what is proving to be a very challenging time‘.
‘Peter Snodgrass has always acted with my best interests at heart, he does this whilst keeping his eye on the main objective, and does so in a calm and informed manner, but always imbues you with the feeling that he is acting as if it were his own transaction‘.
Key clients
National Farmers Union
National Grid
Banking and finance Tier 2
Shakespeare Martineau LLP handles banking work of the utmost complexity and significance for more than 40 funders, and it also undertakes borrower-side mandates as well. Naomi Tudor heads up a team focusing on corporate banking, while Mohammed Saqub leads a group that is active in Islamic finance and real estate finance transactions. Helen Readett has more than 30 years of experience of corporate and property finance, as well as general banking work. In 2019, Tudor and Readett acted for Alyjiso Limited on the negotiation of a £28m Loan Market Association (LMA) facilities agreement and related security.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘I value the accessibility, speed of response and wide-ranging knowledge on all aspects of the law.‘
‘It is always a pleasure working with Helen Readett. I find her very accessible and her speed of response sets her apart from other firms I have worked with.‘
Key clients
A.I.B. Group (UK) Plc
Santander UK Plc
Shawbrook Bank
The Charity Bank Limited
Al Rayan Bank Plc
Habib Bank AG Zurich
Handelsbanken
Leumi ABL
United Trust Bank Plc
Aldermore Bank Plc
Gatehouse Bank Plc
Bank of Punjab
Charities and not-for-profit Tier 2
The charities and not-for-profit team at Shakespeare Martineau LLP is best known for its wide-ranging work in the social housing and education sectors. The team acts for a number of noteworthy educational charitable bodies. It is also adept at advising charities on legacies as well as on corporate and governance issues. Leicester-based Andrew Wilkinson heads the team. Anne Tromans heads the private client team and acts for a number of charities advising both on their initial establishment and on their ongoing administration. In addition Tromans regularly acts as a professional trustee and provides advice to lay trustees on their reporting obligations and their trustee duties. Rachel Gwynne leads the social housing team and routinely advises social housing clients on various charity law matters.
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‘The team is a national team and has an increasing reputation for acting for national charities‘.
Key clients
St Martins’ Trust
Diocese of Birmingham
The ExtraCare Charitable Trust
Commercial litigation: Birmingham Tier 2
Shakespeare Martineau LLP is well-equipped to handle the breadth of corporate and commercial disputes and counts manufacturing, finance, IT and telecoms among its sector specialisms. The group has a strong West Midlands presence, which is primarily based in Birmingham and also includes offices in Solihull and Stratford-upon-Avon. Mark Beesley has particular experience in claims for injunctive relief and leads the practice alongside Barry Jervis. Beesley, Jarvis and James Woolstenhulme have similarly broad commercial litigation experience, while Andrew Adams and legal director Claire Burrows are highlighted for their energy and rail sector expertise, respectively.
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Key clients
Henkel Nederland BV
Henkel Ltd
nPower
General Dynamics UK Ltd
TNA Europe Limited
Hayward Tyler Limited
Knorr-Bremse Rail Services (UK) Limited
Staffordshire University
Bamford Trust Plc
Addmaster UK Limited
Alliance Surgical Plc
Don-Bur (Bodies & Trailers) Ltd
Commercial property: elsewhere in the West Midlands Tier 2
Shakespeare Martineau LLP is recognised for its strong presence in the Midlands' real estate market. It fields a 'diverse team with a range of experiences' and is also singled out for its credentials in residential and commercial developments, finance and investment matters, and property portfolio management issues. Practice leader Caroline Irvine is 'astonishingly quick and reliable' and is supported by associate Elizabeth Wright.
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Testimonials
‘Shakespeare Martineau has a diverse team with a range of experiences that responded to all of my property purchase/development/letting/sale needs and I will continue to utilise and recommend them going forward.’
‘Excellent team communication. If one team member is away, a colleague will pick up the traces without delay. Very good at rapid response. None of the usual conveyancing delays, excuses and prevarication.’
‘Caroline Irvine (partner): astonishingly quick and reliable. Excellent client communications. Has a talent for galvanising the other side’s legal team into much prompter action than they are used to!’
‘Elizabeth Wright went beyond what was either required or expected to ensure that nothing was going to derail the transaction.’
Key clients
Reflex Folio
Horizon
Kellaway
Age UK
Wago Ltd
Avon Boating
Corporate and commercial: Birmingham Tier 2
Shakespeare Martineau LLP's team includes Richard Wrigley, who is often sought out in complex restructurings and transactions involving a cross-border component. Wrigley is also noted for his energy sector expertise. Kavita Patel heads up the firm's investment funds practice and leads the corporate finance group. Patel assisted Mobeus Equity Partners LLP with a £58m fundraise involving four established venture capital trusts. Adam McGiveron and Emma Bryant (who was promoted to partner in 2019) are other names to note. Keith Spedding is also recommended.
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‘A trustworthy, reliable and very competent law firm‘
‘I have known Adam McGiveron for some 15 years. He is very professional, cost-efficient and highly attuned to the complex legislative framework in M&A and wider disciplines of law. He provides high quality and business friendly input‘
Key clients
National Grid Plc
Express & Star Newspapers
Alliance Automotive
Foresight Group LLP
Mobeus Equity Partners LLP
Lexon Holdings
British Independent Retail Association
British Independent Utilities
Sunderland of Scotland
Acorn Automotive
Energy, project finance and PFI Tier 2
Andrew Whitehead leads the energy practice at Shakespeare Martineau LLP, which focuses on renewable mandates, particularly solar and battery projects, and gas and electricity matters. The group counts the National Grid, Grain LNG and Last Mile Infrastructure Group among its clients. Whitehead has 'great insider industry knowledge' along with Andrew Adams and Peter Dilks, who are recommended for their expertise in dispute resolution and real estate matters, respectively. The team bolstered its bench strength in energy construction with the arrival of Ian Griffiths in late 2019 from an in-house position at Horizon Nuclear Power.
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‘Andrew Whitehead – great insider industry knowledge.’
‘The practice were able to draw on highly qualified resources to meet our needs in a most pragmatic and cost-effective way.’
Key clients
National Grid
UK Battery Industrialisation Centre
Grain LNG
Cadent Gas
Npower
Last Mile Infrastructure Group (formerly Energetics)
Statera Energy
Certas Energy UK
British Independent Utilities
Family: Birmingham Tier 2
Head of department at Shakespeare Martineau LLP is the highly respected Mary Kaye. Kaye is a Children Law panel solicitor and deals with complex children matters. She also conducts a lot of her own advocacy. Helen Bowns deals with all aspects of financial remedy cases involving farms, overseas assets, complex partnership disputes as well as cases where there are complicated business structures. Key clients include wealthy families and often high-profile footballers, business professionals and CEOs. Zahra Pabani and Fiona Farrell have left the team to join Irwin Mitchell.
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Testimonials
‘I found the team very helpful and approachable. Someone was always available at the end of a phone to answer any questions I had. I was always kept updated with my case and everything was explained to me clearly‘.
‘Mary Kaye is outstanding‘.
‘Helen Bowns is incredibly experienced and builds a fantastic rapport with clients‘.
‘Helen Bowns is the star of the firm and the region‘.
Immigration Tier 2
The immigration team at Shakespeare Martineau LLP acts for businesses across a wide range of sectors with particular expertise in the education sector. It represents numerous UK universities and further education colleges on sponsor licence management issues so that these institutions can recruit people from abroad and prevent illegal work practices in the UK. Head of team Tijen Ahmet, who divides her time between Birmingham and London, has extensive experience of the UK’s points-based system and acts for a range of clients from multinational companies to high-net-worth individuals and their families under the investor route. Other strengths include advising clients in the healthcare and technology sectors.
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Testimonials
‘Tijen Ahmet – we have always found her straightforward and clear approach welcome. She is excellent at responding quickly to queries we may have and provides the required information and advice without delay‘.
‘The team is able to offer legal advice and support that fits with our business culture and needs. Friendly and creative approach to all our business needs’.
Key clients
A Russell Group university
A post-1992 university client
A further education college
Intellectual property Tier 2
Shakespeare Martineau LLP is a 'very well regarded all-round IP firm' in the Midlands, with a depth of experience in trade mark enforcement work and design and patent infringement disputes. In the non-contentious space, the team is instructed by universities to advise on the IP implications of strategic partnerships with overseas universities, the registration of trade marks and licenses and the drafting of IP rights policies. Patent litigator Nicholas Briggs is 'exceptionally strong across the board', as is Mauro Paiano, who represents clients in IP litigation.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘The IT team are really on top of current law and practice, they are true specialists, and they are practical in their advice and maintain a commercial perspective.’
‘Very well regarded all round IP firm.’
‘Mauro Paiano is great to work with, leads his team well, knows his industry well and is just a really pleasant reasonable guy.’
‘Mauro Pianano – capable of advising across the whole range of IP, patents, trade marks, copyright, designs.’
‘Nicholas Briggs is exceptionally strong across the board.’
Key clients
Marflow Engineering
Poundland Ltd
Multi Access Ltd
Salts Healthcare
Mzuri Ltd
Volumatic Ltd
Professional negligence Tier 2
Shakespeare Martineau LLP is currently acting for claimants in numerous professional negligence cases, many of which are funded using conditional fee arrangements. These claims range in value from tens of thousands of pounds to millions of pounds. The types of defendant include solicitors, accountants and barristers as well as independent financial advisers and pension trustees. Mark Beesley heads the team and is an established and well-regarded name in the Midlands. Beesley has a wealth of experience in dealing with complex professional negligence claims primarily for the claimant but he has also defended some claims. Michael Young is currently leading the firm’s efforts in building new lower value claim instructions via the Lime brand for volume and consumer business.
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Testimonials
‘Very thorough and very determined.’
‘Shakespeare Martineau stands out in the field of professional negligence for the excellent and specialist service which it delivers in a field which spans every possible industry. The team draws upon a wealth of experience amidst the talented lawyers which make it up. Any client who has instructed Shakespeare Martineau starts from a position of distinct advantage.’
‘Michael Young is an intelligent and talented lawyer. He has a strong commercial instinct and steers his clients through litigation with sound and pragmatic advice, though can be relied upon to fight a client’s corner fearlessly when needed. Michael has a keen eye for the tactical advantage and is a true asset to any client.’
Key clients
Ansell RUS LLC
National Grid plc
Garner Investments Ltd
Starston International Ltd
Mr and Mrs Pointon
Direct Line plc
BDW Trading Ltd
Mr Jonathan Bird
Diffusion Alloys Ltd
Property litigation Tier 2
At Shakespeare Martineau LLP, Martin Edwards is involved at all court levels, acting in commercial, property management and development disputes across a range of sectors. The team is also at the forefront of novel issues in telecoms litigation, where it is representing landowners against major telecoms operators. Disputes arising from residential and commercial projects, energy litigation and higher education sector claims are other areas of speciality. James Fownes is recommended for landlord and tenant disputes involving lease forfeitures, dilapidations and lease renewals.
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‘The team are very strong team in Birmingham with a national reputation and reach. They are very good at servicing in-house teams, with a practical approach and a keen eye for costs issues.’
‘James Fownes – always professional. Very capable and reassuring to deal with.’
‘Martin Edwards – a national leader in property litigation known throughout the market in England and Wales. He provides clear and appropriate advice, and is outstanding at getting the resources in place to get the job done.’
‘James Fownes stands out as a rising star beyond Birmingham.’
Key clients
Goldsmith’s, University of London
Galliford Try
National Grid Plc
Workspace Group Plc
Blue Arrow Plc
Vision Express (UK) Ltd
Commercial property: Birmingham Tier 3
The real estate practice at Shakespeare Martineau LLP is led by Adrian Bland, who is an expert in the acquisition and disposal of property, asset management issues and commercial development and regeneration work. James Gooch acts for developers and landowners on all stages of the development process, including strategic land work, site assembly issues, pre-lets and forward funding mandates. Debbie Irwin is recognised for her experience working with housebuilders and promoters on residential and mixed-use developments, and Andrew Mellor also contributes his expertise to the practice.
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Testimonials
‘The teams are professional, diligent and, most importantly, have a keen understanding of commercial realities and work hard to balance their advice accordingly.’
‘James Gooch is hard-working, knowledgeable about all aspects of law relating to commercial property and always extremely responsive to delivering projects on required timescales. Moreover, he has excellent communications skills and a personable manner which allows matters to be discussed openly and clearly. One of his biggest attributes is his ability to recognise commercial realities and pitch legal recommendations and advice accordingly.’
‘A total commitment to our work and an approach to getting matters completed.’
Key clients
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
Al Rayan PLC
BDW Trading Limited (Barratt Homes West Midlands)
Gatehouse Bank PLC
Hillwood Group
Construction Tier 3
Shakespeare Martineau LLP undertakes a variety of non-contentious and contentious construction work, with niche expertise in managing risk in bespoke procurement matters. Clients praise the group, which is led by Ruth Phillips, for 'spanning the gap between legal advice and practical project delivery'. Phillips is noted for her expertise in drafting and negotiating all forms of building contracts, collateral warranties, performance bonds and parent company guarantees. Kate Onions specialises in construction disputes, acting for clients including developers, employers, contractors and subcontractors, while also handling professional negligence claims.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘The team we deal with are all individual experts and approachable at all times with a common goal of providing the advice required to determine the required outcomes.’
‘The team spans the gap between legal advice and practical project delivery. The team is grounded in the reality of construction projects; their advice is sound, robust and delivered without abstract points of law.’
‘Ruth Phillips is a stand-out in the team, providing expert and practical advice. Her experience is varied and a tenacious negotiator… but always securing the really important points rather than spinning out discussions needlessly.’
‘Kate Onions stands out as a lawyer I’d be happy to give work to at any time. She is genuinely interested in our business; she constantly seeks feedback – and listens/acts on that feedback. She shares information and knowledge collaboratively.’
‘A great team, practical and commercially driven. Provides London quality work at Birmingham prices.’
‘We work mostly with Ruth Phillips and find her to be very responsive and efficient.’
Key clients
Citizen Housing Group Limited
Wiltshire College
Staffordshire University
Max Barney Developments Limited
PSG Global Limited
Walsall Housing Group
Corporate and commercial: elsewhere in the West Midlands Tier 3
Shakespeare Martineau LLP's clients are well-served by the firm being able to leverage its resources nationally in complex mandates. Andrew Smith heads up the team in Stratford-upon-Avon, which is active in mid-market M&A, MBOs and MBIs, joint ventures, group reorganisations and restructurings. It also advises on corporate governance issues. The group acts for clients in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, energy, agriculture, charities and social housing. Clients range in size from start-ups to multinational companies.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘Very helpful and responsive, takes time to understand the business and specific issues and keep up to date on what is happening. Always offers a valued opinion and happy to help.’
‘I have been dealing with Andrew Smith. He has been very professional, prompt to respond and is quite prepared to discuss and give good advice. I would not consider another practice given the level of service I have received.’
‘Always available and able to translate business issues into appropriate legal parameters and back again, so that we understand what is required. I have always found that I get straight answers, even if they are not what I want to hear, which is not always the case with solicitors. They have taken the time to clearly understand my business.’
Key clients
Whitworth Bros
Document Insights
UK Battery Industrialisation Centre
Idea Catalyst Partners LLP
Cheviot Holdings
Hylands House Care Ltd
The Extracare Charitable Trust
Walsall Housing Group
Orbit Group
Employment Tier 3
Shakespeare Martineau LLP has particular strength in the education sector. Over the last year the team has continued to advise on diverse matters such as international collaborations between UK universities and partners overseas as well as on large restructuring exercises and on senior management departures at major universities. David Browne is the lead employment partner for the majority of the firm’s education clients and has an excellent reputation in this sector as has Tom Long. The team is also known for its expertise across other sectors such as logistics, manufacturing and insurance. Michael Hibbs is another name to note. In addition the practice has a flourishing ‘third sector’ client base and is also known for its successful handling of employment tribunal litigation.
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Testimonials
‘The team can be relied upon to provide timely, accurate and common sense advice across the full range of HR challenges. Advice provided is clear, supported by documented evidence and is particularly people friendly. The stand-out qualities are reliability and approachability‘.
‘The practice is outstanding in terms of both speed and agility of response. The quality of advice and its appropriateness are of the highest order. Geography (Birmingham/London) has posed no barriers to swift arrangements for meetings in person where they have been required‘.
‘David Browne and Tom Long are at the top of their game and both translate highly complex legal situations into a dialogue that is understandable by those of us not legally qualified. They instill confidence and have demonstrated time and again that their advice and counsel are sound‘.
‘Tom Long provides excellent individual support but ensures his team matches his exacting standards‘.
‘Tom Long – always responsive, calm, competent and approachable. Clear and pragmatic advice and good with non-legal colleagues. Same comments re David Browne‘.
‘Michael Hibbs – quickly understands the issue. Understands our business. Humanistic in approach. Explains even the most complex issue in simple and understandable terms and thoroughly explains the options‘.
‘Emma Oliver and Michael Hibbs – they are pragmatic but diligent and explain the why as well as the what. They listen, and understand not only our culture, but also people generally and the range of characters that make up an average workforce so their advice equips me with absolute confidence to move forward with whatever issue I am dealing with‘.
Key clients
The University of Warwick
The University of Cambridge
The Royal College of Art
The University of Birmingham
Acorns Children’s Hospice Trust
Staffordshire University
Liverpool John Moores
Optalis
Health and safety Tier 3
Shakespeare Martineau LLP operates across a wide swathe of sectors encompassing areas as diverse as transport, agriculture, education and manufacturing through to healthcare, retail and engineering. It has the capability to deal with all aspects of enforcement actions that are taken by the HSE, local authorities, the Environment Agency and other bodies such as the CQC and the police. Julia Messervy-Whiting leads the practice that regularly represents businesses and individuals on a broad range of investigations and prosecutions such as PACE/police interviews as well as at inquests. David Ollivere has a good track record of successfully defending prosecutions.
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‘Valued qualities of partner (Julia Messervy-Whiting) were her tact and procedural diplomacy that were effectively used to resolve a tricky situation’.
‘I have always found the advice and assistance provided to be of consistently high quality, delivered swiftly and in a professional but friendly manner. Julia Messervy-Whiting’s attention to detail and the comprehensive nature of her advice on legal matters (particularly in this case HSE enquiries/prosecutions) have proven invaluable in swiftly assessing and developing tactics in the best interests of our customers‘.
‘Julia and her team’s strength was offering us a view of the best way forward having carefully conducted an investigation into historic events that determined where the situation was currently. At all times Julia Messervy-Whiting has communicated with us in layman’s terms and kept us fully informed of progress‘.
‘A particular strength of the team was the clarity of the guidance given – Julia Messervy-Whiting showed care and compassion in how she handled things‘.
Key clients
Community Union
Cardiff University
University of Kent
Direct Line Group
Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 3
Andrew Taylor leads the team at Shakespeare Martineau LLP, which advises insolvency practitioners, lenders and corporates on a broad cross-section of transactional, advisory and contentious issues; its expertise includes restructurings and turnarounds, formal insolvency issues and directors' conduct. Taylor and Sheena Tandy are acting for Moore Stephens as the liquidators of The NMB Group Limited. Helen Readett is a licensed insolvency practitioner with 30 years of restructuring and insolvency experience.
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‘Andy Taylor runs a tight ship and skilled team‘
‘Andy Taylor and Sheena Tandy stand out as highly knowledgeable‘
‘Shakespeare Martineau LLP takes a very commercial approach to legal matters and finding commercial solutions to issues. Other firms will often focus on just the issue, rather than helping find a solution‘
‘Our relationship is primarily with Andy Taylor at Shakespeare Martineau. He is pragmatic in his approach, is willing to give rapid advice (which is needed in the scenarios in which we operate) and is willing to work alongside other advisors. He and his team will always make themselves available at short notice‘
‘Andrew Taylor. Excellent knowledge. Strong and decisive when providing advice. Very commercial‘
Key clients
Lloyds Banking Group
RCapital
KPMG LLP
PwC LLP
FRP Advisory
Mazars
BDO
RSM
Leonard Curtis
Grant Thornton
Planning Tier 3
With a well-established presence in the West Midlands, Shakespeare Martineau LLP impress with its 'strength in depth across the whole range of real estate and related work'. Key areas of work include development consent orders, Section 106 agreements, compulsory purchase matters and judicial reviews. The firm is also a regularly instructed by national housebuilders and public sector clients in the education, energy and healthcare sectors. Group head Simon Stanion represents landowners,developers and local planning authorities in contentious development proposals.
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‘Strength in depth across the whole range of real estate and related work, covering not just planning but also environmental disputes and real property matters. Great knowledge of the residential sector and also of CPO matters.’
‘Shakespeare Martineau have a well respected legal team within the town planning industry. They deliver high quality timely advice at a reasonable cost. ‘
‘Simon Stanion has for many years been one of the very best planning solicitors. Great judgement and wonderful with clients.’
Key clients
University of Warwick
Gallagher Estates Ltd
Barratt Homes West Midlands
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
North West Leicestershire District Council
Social housing Tier 3
At Shakespeare Martineau LLP, real estate head Louise Drew specialises in the acquisition and sale of a wide range of affordable housing assets and assists registered providers with all operational issues arising in relation to housing stock. Retirement living is a key area of experience, with the team involved in drafting bespoke leases; the group also has expertise in shared ownership matters, buy-backs and large-scale asset disposals in this area of the market. Rachel Gwynne handles complex corporate projects including mergers, stock transfers and diversification matters.
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‘All very approachable.’
‘Always available for face-to-face meetings where required and prepared to visit the schemes they are providing legal services on.’
Key clients
Midland Heart
Citizen
Honeycomb Group
Orbit Group
Stonewater
Bromford Housing Group
Walsall Housing Group
Personal injury and clinical negligence: claimant Tier 5
Shakespeare Martineau LLP acts for a wide range of clients who are seeking compensation in the aftermath of personal injury arising out of accidents. Such accidents range from relatively minor whiplash claims to military, catastrophic injury and group actions. Tony Hannington is the main contact. Hannington regularly deals with a myriad of catastrophic injury claims and fatal accident cases as well as dependency claims on behalf of a deceased’s family. He frequently advises on cases where there has been an amputation of limbs/fingers in addition to brain injury claims. The practice also advises on cases where there is post-concussion syndrome and pain syndromes such as conversion disorder, various complex pain issues and fibromyalgia.
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‘Shakespeare Martineau’s PI department is efficient, well-organised and effective, as one would expect from a large and well-respected law firm. It attracts good-quality work and, in my experience, invariably provides clients with an excellent service‘.
‘It does a great deal of heavy PI work and has real expertise‘.
‘Tony Hannington is extremely capable, well-organised and affable. He is a strategic and tenacious negotiator. He brings clear-minded common sense to each claim. He has excellent communication skills’.
‘Tony Hannington was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and always on the end of the phone if needed‘.
‘Vicky Blodwell is a very experienced solicitor who has a proven track record in complex PI claims. She deals with chronic pain cases which are very complex and involve multi-discipline experts. She is tenacious and always fights for her client’.
‘Vicky Blodwell – hardworking and caring for her clients. Amazing how many of her clients end up sending thank you cards after the claim is concluded. Tony Hannington – very experienced and good with the big claims’.
Charities and not-for-profit Tier 1
Shakespeare Martineau LLP has a strong charities and not-for-profit practice, with significant expertise in administering grant-making charities and government-funded charities. The firm has a well-established presence in animal welfare and the education sector. A notable highlight for the firm saw it act for the League Against Cruel Sports in a landmark case on veganism. Andrew Wilkinson heads up the practice.
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‘Mark Dunkley has advised our family for many years on wills, PoA and Trust matters. He is very knowledgeable and good to deal with.’
Key clients
Battersea Dogs’ and Cats’ Home
League Against Cruel Sports
Commercial property: elsewhere in the East Midlands Tier 1
Shakespeare Martineau LLP's 'efficient' Leicester-based team has an expansive real estate practice, with it fielding specialists in residential promotion and development, commercial development, project finance and portfolio acquisitions. Louise Ingram focuses primarily on land promotion and strategic land schemes for residential or mixed-use projects. Martin Jones has a strong track record in commercial developments and infrastructure projects, which includes advising clients on construction and engineering contracts, as well as project finance transactions. Kate Hall has a wealth of experience advising high-net-worth individuals on acquiring, funding and managing investment properties. In addition, she also has expertise in insolvency issues in the property sector. Associate Holly Lockley is also recommended.
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Testimonials
‘Generally speaking, the team is efficient and effective, and deals with our work in a capable manner.’
Key clients
Parker Strategic Land Limited
Wilson Enterprises Limited
Summix Limited
Mattioli Woods PLC
Winvic
Trustees of the Drummond Estate
CODE Students
Everards Brewery Limited
Bromford Housing Limited
Commercial property: Nottingham and Derby Tier 1
With particular expertise in the energy and healthcare sectors, Shakespeare Martineau LLP's Nottingham team acts for all parties in commercial projects in a full-service capacity. The firm is also well-placed to advise banks, funds and venture capitalists in relation to acquisitions, secured lending and development funding. Peter Dilks has a wealth of experience in energy and infrastructure projects. In a recent highlight, the team advised Garner Holdings on the development and sale of Denby Hall Business Park, comprising a 108,000 sq ft warehouse with offices, parking and other facilities.
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Testimonials
‘Generally speaking, the team are efficient and effective and deal with our work in a capable manner.’
Key clients
Last Mile Asset Management Limited
Shoby Properties Limited
Charterpoint Developments
Brackley Property Developments Limited
Zone Developments
Graystacks Castle Boulevard Limited
Garner Holdings Limited
Wilson Bowden Developments Limited
The Johal Family
Education: institutions Tier 1
Shakespeare Martineau LLP is 'excellent' for advice on matters concerning the higher education sector. Led by 'go-to lawyer' Smita Jamdar, the practice has considerable experience of advising university clients on a myriad of issues, such as real estate, employment law, disputes and regulatory matters. In Birmingham, Geraldine Swanton has expertise in various student-related issues, and she advises on the Equality Act and human rights law. David Browne is the key employment lawyer in the team, who is noted for his experience of terminations, sexual misconduct claims and major restructuring mandates. Tom Long is also recommended.
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Testimonials
‘Excellent both legal and sector knowledge. Stands out from other firms in giving really pragmatic, well thought through advice. Always able to help and very responsive. Plus team members are a pleasure to work with. Employment advice always excellent.’
‘Whilst Smita has a very high profile – she is well supported by a great team of colleagues who provide clear and good advice as well as their regular education sector blog which has been particularly helpful during the current crisis with their wide range of webinars.’
‘Smita Jamdar, in particular, is really excellent, incredibly well-informed and engaged commentator on the legal implications of higher education law, regulation and practice. Her twitter is prolific and her regular contributions to conferences and events across the higher education sector are both entertaining and informative maker her the “go-to” lawyer for most in the higher education sector.’
‘Geraldine Swanton is exceptional. Such a reassuring voice at the end of the phone.’
‘A very well co-ordinated team which is able to provide expertise promptly in all the legal areas which arise within the Higher Education context.’
‘Very strong sector knowledge and experience allows the team to understand requirements quickly and tailor their approach to needs. This also allows them to respond quickly and in meeting requirements.’
‘Always responsive, approachable, knowledgeable about the sector, straight to the point. They use senior-level lawyers (partners or legal directors) as the primary contact and I don’t feel like our work gets pushed down to the most junior lawyer so that they can make a bigger margin. Instead, the work is dealt with efficiently. This firm’s model is different and it definitely works with an in-house legal client.’
Key clients
King’s College London
Roehampton University
Goldsmiths College
University College London
University of West London
Royal Veterinary College
Wiltshire College
Oxford Brookes College
Point Blank Music School
Italia Conti
Family Tier 1
Shakespeare Martineau LLP has a well-established presence in the family law arena. It demonstrates strong capabilities in complex financial disputes arising from divorces, and also advises on nuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements. The practice has a growing presence in advising family businesses. Practice head Katherine Marshall heads up the team in Leicester, while Caroline Elliott leads the Nottingham-based group. Clients describe Elliott as a 'great source of expertise' and praise the team's 'high-quality work'. Sonia Bachu is another key individual.
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Testimonials
‘Caroline Elliott was an inspiration and a great source of expertise and wisdom, and provided me with great advice over a long standing and difficult period. Her personal attention to my situation was greatly appreciated. I would recommend her services to anybody requiring legal assistance with issues pertaining to divorce proceedings.’
‘My solicitors were Katherine Marshall and Stephanie Kyriacou, who both addressed my case with such care and attention that I felt reassured every step of the way. They both showed such compassion and care and I really feel went above and beyond to ensure not only that I was successful in my divorce settlement but also that my mental wellbeing was accounted for. I feel very lucky to have had the pleasure of having two great solicitors working on my case.’
‘I have worked with Sonia Bachu for almost five years. Throughout she has demonstrated not just a high standard of expertise and professionalism, but also a high degree of emotional intelligence as we navigate through a difficult and stressful situation. She has always been highly responsive and I have never had to chase her for a response.’
‘The team works harmoniously together, with good infrastructure and support. Response times to emails and calls are good and the approach is friendly yet professional at all levels. Good top tier management with a wealth of knowledge therefore a reputation for high quality work. Always a cohesive presence at networking events.’
Personal injury and clinical negligence: claimant Tier 1
Shakespeare Martineau LLP handles matters involving brain injuries, spinal injuries, amputations, multiple injuries, fatal accidents and respiratory diseases, including asbestos-related conditions. The team has significant niche expertise in dealing with negligence cases against gynaecologists and GPs. Key growth areas include claims against GPs, dentists and elderly persons' care homes. Robert Rose and Steven Baylis jointly head up the Leicester team, while Kathryn Hart leads the team in Nottingham.
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Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 1
Shakespeare Martineau LLP demonstrates notable expertise in advising high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs and families whose wealth is inherited. Clients also include lottery winners and farming clients. The firm advises on matters ranging from wealth management and strategic tax planning to high-value deputyships and trust administration. The firm is increasingly sought out to advise on family investment companies. Suzanne Leggott and Virginia Harvey lead the practice from Leicester and Nottingham respectively. Sarah Brack is also noted.
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Testimonials
‘Virginia Harvey has a very friendly manner and excellent professional skills, clearly explaining the procedure and offering good advice. I can only say I had a very good experience with excellent service and full confidence in their work.’
‘Personal and effective, reliable service. Always professional but friendly and understanding.’
‘Everyone I have worked with at the firm provides the highest degree of service.‘
‘The whole private client team at Shakespeare Martineau are personable, friendly and reliable. They provide an informed, professional service.’
Sport Tier 1
Shakespeare Martineau LLP advises on a broad cross-section of sports-related matters for a diverse client base, including individual sporting associations, elite athletes and governing bodies. It also provides in-house legal counsel for large organisations across a wide range of sporting disciplines. The team's work includes advice on the exploitation of commercial rights, governance and regulation, and dispute resolution. Team head Ed Wright works with Rhys Wyborn, who leads the employment side of the practice.
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Testimonials
‘Good in-depth knowledge of the technology area.’
‘I have worked with Ed Wright and Duncan James over a number of years. They really do understand what drives an SME in the technology space and they are very good value. They always under-promise and over-deliver which I find refreshing in a legal firm, and if there are any overspends/variation in the work they get them pre-approved before undertaking those additional activities.’
‘Friendly and open, honest approach.’
‘Explains complex legal issues in simple to understand terms. Personable approach, service driven approach to doing business and doesn’t feel clinical.’
Key clients
British Orienteering
Commonwealth Games England (CGE)
My mHealth Ltd
Ping Europe
RoadtoHealth Group Limited
Sheffield and Hallamshire Football Association
Replay Maintenance
Incus Performance
Commercial litigation: Nottingham and Derby Tier 2
Shakespeare Martineau LLP's Nottingham practice handles a broad range of cases for claimants and defendants, including professional negligence, shareholder and insolvency disputes. Tim Speed focuses primarily on the energy sector and has particular expertise in insolvency and bankruptcy litigation. Steven Skiba has notable expertise in shareholder and director disputes. Kendal Litherland specialises in professional negligence claims involving solicitors, accountants and financial advisers.
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Key clients
Npower Limited
West Coast Trains Limited t/s Virgin Trains
Certas Energy (UK) Limited
West Bromwich Commercial Limited
Rise and Recline
Sun Chemical Limited
Community R4C Limited
Conspare Limited
Clements Limited
HLB International Limited
Construction Tier 2
Based in Nottingham, Shakespeare Martineau LLP predominantly advises developers on all aspects of construction projects. The team's further expertise includes handling disputes before the TCC and through mediation and arbitration. Alex Smith specialises in drafting all forms of construction documents, including standard and bespoke forms of contract, collateral warranties and parent company guarantees, with a particular focus on the healthcare and higher education sectors. Brendan Walsh has notable expertise in large-scale real estate projects, including renewable energy and regeneration initiatives.
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Key clients
Aimrok Investment Leicester Limited
Shoby Properties Limited
Graystacks Radmarsh Road Limited
Upperton Road Leicester Limited
6 Balfour Place Limited
Leicester Lettings (Leicester Lettings (2016) Limited
Code Students Limited
Everards Brewery Limited
Zone Developments (Leicester) Limited
Pre (Leicester) Limited
Romo (Holdings) Limited
Rotherhill Developments Limited
Jessops Construction Limited
Garner Holdings Limited
Maber Associates Limited
EdgePS Limited
Wilson Bowden Developments Limited
Contentious trusts and probate Tier 2
Shakespeare Martineau LLP covers the full range of contentious trusts and probate work for clients, including disputes involving trusts, wills and power of attorney issues, as well as contested Court of Protection applications. Also notable is that the firm has a growing presence in charity work. It regularly advises and defends key client Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in legacy disputes. Practice head Andrew Wilkinson is 'a fantastic source of knowledge and expertise' and clients describe the wider team as 'a formidable force'. Legal director Debra Burton is also a key member of the team.
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Testimonials
‘Andrew Wilkinson – he heads up the CT&P and is good at driving forward and getting results.’
‘Ably headed by Andrew Wilkinson, the team is a formidable force and an undisputed leader in contentious trusts and probate in the Midlands.’
‘Andrew Wilkinson is a specialised litigator with extensive experience in the field. He is loved by clients for his excellent bedside manner, sound judgment and clear and pragmatic advice. Debra Burton is tenacious and unflappable and always puts her clients’ interests first.’
‘Andrew is a fantastic source of knowledge and expertise. Whilst I have not had the pleasure of his services personally he has given me significant help and assistance on a professional basis.’
‘The team lead by Andrew Wilkinson is extremely well regarded in the market place in the East Midlands and increasingly nationally. The firm is known for being innovative and forward-thinking. The team deal with the whole range of contentious trust and probate matters and are increasingly picking off national charities from the likes of Withers and Wilsons for legacy dispute work. The team is flexible and well resourced.’
Key clients
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
Corporate and commercial: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 2
Shakespeare Martineau LLP advises clients in the fields of professional services, energy, healthcare, veterinary, hospitality and IT on a range of corporate and commercial matters. Practice head Mark Thompson has expertise in the buying and selling of companies, while also providing commercial support to businesses. His clients include family businesses and others in the hotels and leisure, construction, and IT sectors.
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Key clients
AC PLC
Focus Hotels Management Limited
Blue Chip Customer Engineering Limited
GIA Surveyors
Light Indemnity Solutions Limited
XY Media Limited
Shulman PSC Limited
Corporate and commercial: Elsewhere in East Midlands Tier 2
Noted for its particular focus on supporting SMEs, Shakespeare Martineau LLP's 'well informed and reliable' practice advises clients on group restructurings and reorganisations, sales and acquisitions. It also handles a broad range of commercial matters, including joint ventures, service provision contracts, IP rights and outsourcing arrangements. The team also has a niche in the education sector, where it advises universities on their business needs. Roy Botterill has over 25 years of experience assisting owner-managed businesses with transactions and the structuring of their operations. Martin Noble has significant expertise in IP law, data protection and commercial contracts.
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Testimonials
‘Responses are timely and information provided is clear with the offer of further support if and when required.’
‘The team is very approachable and works well under pressure.’
‘Martin Noble will go above and beyond to guide clients through important transactions.’
‘Roy Botterill is extremely approachable and friendly and when I have worked with him on specific legal projects his work has been excellent.’
Key clients
Coba International Limited
Shield Engineering (Syston) Limited
Furnley house Limited
Rotherwood Healthcare
Truframe Limited
Langdale Group
Dudley & Halesowen Colleges
Growth Partners Limited
Corporate and commercial: Nottingham and Derby Tier 2
With a clear focus on the healthcare, life sciences and logistics industries, Shakespeare Martineau LLP advises clients on sales, acquisitions, and a broad range of commercial agreements. The firm has particularly strong expertise assisting clients with IP agreements and enforcement proceedings. Duncan James advises regional entrepreneurs and growing businesses on M&A, structuring and succession issues. Ed Wright is known for advising a diverse range of clients, including businesses and universities, on all areas of IP. Roger Harcourt leads the firm's dedicated healthcare group.
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Testimonials
‘The partners are well informed, accessible and reliable, providing a professional service to all clients in the market.’
‘Responses are timely and information provided is clear with the offer of further support if and when required.
‘They are very approachable, easy to talk to and reliable.’
Key clients
Future Health
BPR Medical
JTF Marketing
Common Wealth Games England
Cambridge Weight Plan
Whitworth Bros.
Cenex
University of Nottingham
Vision Express
Employment Tier 2
Shakespeare Martineau LLP has a well-established reputation for handling Employment Tribunal litigation, with its varied workload including complex discrimination and whistleblowing cases. On the non-contentious side, the team regularly advises on the employment-related aspects of corporate and commercial transactions. Practice head Philip Pepper is the national head of employment and he also leads the East Midlands team. In 2019, Chris Kisby departed for Gateley Plc, although the practice was bolstered by the arrival of Rhys Wyborn from Geldards LLP. Highlights included Wyborn representing the League Against Cruel Sports in a high-profile veganism claim. Legal director Sandeep Leighs is also recommended.
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Testimonials
‘Very communicative style with an insightful knowledge of our particular issues and concerns.’
‘Rhys Wyborn has been our lawyer for several years now, dealing with particularly tricky cases, one of which made the headlines. He has really put every effort into our cases, generously given discounts and pro-bono work and works very well with out team.’
‘This team headed by the supremely affable, down to earth and hard working Phil Pepper are a lean litigation machine.’
‘Very commercial and give sound advice in tricky and sometimes emotional situations.’
‘Our main contact is Sandeep Leighs and she has found a solution to every problem that we have discussed with her, including some incredibly challenging HR cases.’
‘Great understanding of the dynamics within the business and working with us to achieve required objectives.’
Key clients
Iceland Foods Limited
MTR Crossrail
The Chartered Institute of Marketing
Karcher
NEBOSH
Toyota Materials Handling (UK) Limited
Everards Brewery Limited
Pall-Ex UK Limited
Valeo Confectionery Limited
Thorntons
Virgin Trains
Commonwealth Games England
Nmcn Plc
League Against Cruel Sports
Natilik Limited
Motion Picture Solutions Ltd
ForceDry Ltd
Curio Ltd
EA Products Ltd
H T Godfrey & Sons
Greenwood Academies Trust
Fisher German Limited
Becketts Foods Limited
Whitworth Bros. Limited
Ford & Slater Limited
The Bridge (East Midlands)
Leicestershire Action For Mental Health Project
Jelson Limited
Shield Engineering (Syston) Limited
Carrs Flour Mills Limited
Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 2
With sector specialisms that include energy, financial services and education, Shakespeare Martineau LLP's team advises all parties in insolvency proceedings, including trustees and administrators. 'Experienced and amenable' partner Sean Moran is equally capable in insolvency litigation and restructuring mandates, in which he advises directors and insolvency practitioners. Legal director Sheena Tandy has a notable strength assisting distressed businesses with liquidating their assets. Legal assistant Khatija Patel is also recommended.
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Testimonials
‘The team operate on the same page, seamlessly working together on assignments with no overlap or duplication whilst operating at the highest level.’
‘Sheena Tandy brings a carefully considered and commercial approach to her advice.’
‘Sean Moran dealt with a particularly difficult and vexatious litigant with good grace and humour.’
‘Sean Moran’s attention to detail and commercialism are excellent.’
Key clients
KPMG LLP
FRP Advisory LLP
BDO
Mazars
RSM
Duff & Phelps
Bridgewood
Smith Cooper
Leonard Curtis
Begbies Traynor
CBA Business Solutions Limited
F A Simms & Partners Limited
Assist Business Consulting
Horsfields Limited
Intellectual property Tier 2
Shakespeare Martineau LLP provides 'personalised and professional advice' across a broad range of intellectual property issues, and has a particularly strong IP litigation capability. On the non-contentious side, the firm acts for clients operating in a range of sectors, including manufacturing, telecoms, media and broadcasting. The team also undertakes a significant amount of IP work for universities. Ed Wright heads up the team's non-contentious IP practice. Martin Noble has specialist expertise in policing online infringements (including social media websites).
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Testimonials
‘Personalised and professional advice. The team key strengths are understanding our business needs but also sharing their knowledge and insights of the industry as a whole, in our case MedTech and Healthcare technology sectors.’
‘Ed Wright provides professional advice but also offers genuine insights that support our business needs from the smallest technical questions to larger contractual and legal advice. He remains a long term supporter of our business and an appreciated advisor that remains close to our business.’
Key clients
Future Health
This Is Creative t/a Nuom digital
BPR Medical
Concrete Preservation Technology
JTF Marketing
Common Wealth Games England
Cambridge Weight Plan
Whitworth Bros.
Cenex
University of Nottingham
Emma Bridgewater
EBuyGumm Limited
Kagool
Vision Express
Midland Caliper Centre Limited
JDS Foods
IT and telecoms Tier 2
Shakespeare Martineau LLP has a high level of expertise in IT and handles contentious and non-contentious matters. The firm has significant expertise in handling matters for clients in the education sector, and it acts for several leading UK universities, including Nottingham University, Exeter University and Warwick University. Elsewhere, the firm has a strong profile among clients in the technology and telecoms sectors; its workload includes advice on acquisitions of telecoms businesses, licensing and outsourcing agreements, drafting contractual suites and terms of use for technology companies. Ed Wright heads up the team's non-contentious practice, while Martin Noble leads the team's contentious offering.
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Testimonials
‘The Shakespeare Martineau team are great – they’re personable and don’t talk legal language to business people who don’t understand. The approach is very transparent which helps for budgeting, relationships and importantly making progress.’
Key clients
TheCarerooms Ltd
Parcelhub
RoadtoHealth Group
Ecommonsense
Mylocummanager
Financechain – trading as Software Escrow Solutions
Quensus
Kagool
Cognito iQ
Prime Principle
Purpose Media
Skeleton Productions
TMB GeoMarketing
Panoptics
Blacklight Systems
Real Edge
nuon digital
Planning and environment Tier 2
Shakespeare Martineau LLP's 'efficient and supportive' planning team, with offices in Nottingham and Leicester, provides a full-service offering to developers and house builders engaged in residential and commercial projects, which includes representing clients before local planning authorities and in judicial reviews. Leicester partner Simon Stanion is an expert in contentious development proposals, in which he is known to advise landowners, developers and local planning authorities. Paul Wakefield, based in Nottingham, frequently handles planning applications and appeals, with a particular focus on urban extensions and infrastructure projects. Richard Thurling recently joined Gowling WLG.
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Testimonials
‘A highly professional and informed team with exceptional knowledge of current planning legislation as well as the local market.’
‘Practical approach and a very good knowledge of the law.’
‘Excellent in depth knowledge of the S106 process and claims.’
‘The partners are very hands on, knowledgeable and supportive.’
‘Paul Wakefield has always given me clear concise thoughts and appraisals of the scheme in question. He’s also a seriously good negotiator and always gets me the result I need.’
Key clients
Wildgoose Homes
Blewbury Court Limited
Rainier Developments
Court Collaboration Limited
Waters Homes Limited
David Wilson Homes Limited
Orbit Homes (2020) Limited
BDW trading limited
Redrow Homes
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Tatton Hall Homes Limited
Larkfleet Homes
The Lindhurst Group
W Westerman Limited
Warmflame Developments Limited
Blockwork
Brackley Property Developments Limited
North West Leicestershire District Council
Professional negligence Tier 2
Shakespeare Martineau LLP acts for both claimants and defendants in professional negligence cases. On the defendant side, clients include solicitors, accountants, barristers, independent financial advisers, pension trustees and SIPP operators. The main contact in Nottingham is legal director Kendal Litherland, who specialises in claimant-side professional negligence work, and is praised for his 'attention to detail' and 'professional' approach.
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Testimonials
‘The partners I have worked with are clearly at the top of their game. The attention to detail and thoroughness is refreshing. In particular Kendal Litherland has demonstrated all of these qualities.’
‘Kendal Litherland unlike any other solicitor I’ve come across has an in depth understanding of the subtle points of my case. He is professional and highly knowledgeable of his specialist area of law.’
‘This practice seems very efficient, approachable and friendly to us, and we recommend them to others.’
Family: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 3
Shakespeare Martineau LLP provides a niche practice in family law, covering a range of matters such as family wealth management, wills, and commercial property, with experience in mediation, private dispute resolution, and arbitration. Practice leader Jane Charlton deals with high-value and complex financial cases, including pre and post-martial agreements, inherited assets, and pensions and trusts. She also has experience in complex children matters, including abuse cases.
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Testimonials
‘Jane Charlton is vastly experienced. Her particular strength is quite simply the nature of her approach: she offers straightforward, sensible advice. She has a knack of breaking down any given problem to its key components – which she then sets about resolving – promptly and with the minimum of fuss. Clients love her.’
‘Jane Charlton helped with a separation to a very high standard. I felt totally at ease with her process and the outcome.’
‘The company was always prompt with replying and dealing with queries. Its staff were always helpful particularly when my main contact was not available.’
‘Jane Charlton stayed on the case throughout the lengthy divorce process and was always available to give sensible and helpful advice.’
‘I like the way the practice feels like a family; I am happy to use them for all my legal needs (family law, conveyancing, wills etc). Everyone is approachable, professional, ethical and thorough. I have seen how the lawyers behave and respond on the other side and am so thankful they are not working for me.’
‘My family lawyer Jane Charlton is exceptional and I am still working with her post divorce to resolve some matters. She continues to be a delight to work with: empathetic, caring and insightful, yet incisive and decisive in her thinking. She writes extremely well, getting to the heart of the matter in a clear, concise and logical way. She inspires me with confidence and is a very safe pair of hands who makes her clients feel valued and supported. I have recommended her to others and will continue to do so.’
‘Jane Charlton is an experienced and well respected lawyer who is head and shoulders above other family lawyer in the area. She is extremely knowledgeable, does not create unnecessary tension in what are often difficult circumstances and she gives practical advice.’
Islamic finance Tier 3
Shakespeare Martineau LLP is increasingly winning work from new clients, including The Charity Bank Limited, Leumi ABL and Shawbrook Bank. Mohammed Saqub, who established the Islamic finance team, is also the head of the real estate finance practice, and is one of a number of practitioners who advise on the financing of investment and development transactions. Clients include commercial and Islamic banks, borrowers and investment managers.
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Testimonials
‘Shakespeare Martineau has a highly respected banking and finance practice.‘
‘Mohammed Saqub – partner – is the Islamic Finance partner. He has exceptionally close relationships with leading Gulf and Middle Eastern banks.‘
Key clients
A.I.B. Group (UK) Plc
Santander UK Plc
Shawbrook Bank
The Charity Bank Limited
Al Rayan Bank Plc
Habib Bank AG Zurich
Handelsbanken
Leumi ABL
Punjab National Bank
Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) Tier 4
Shakespeare Martineau LLP has a longstanding relationship with the National Grid, which is led by practice head Andrew Whitehead; Whitehead divides his time between the London and Birmingham offices and is ably supported by Mark Bartholomew and director Chandni Ruparelia, with Sushma Maharaj also joining the firm from Lux Nova Partners Limited in early 2021. The team is also instructed to advise on electricity interconnectors between the UK and Europe and on the growing area of electric vehicles.Practice head(s):
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Key clients
Bryt Energy
National Grid – Electricity System Operator Business
Grain LNG
BritNed Interconnector
NemoLink Interconnector
Octopus Energy
Robin Hood Energy
Shell Energy Retail
SUNEL
Severn Trent Green Power
Highway Stops Retail Limited
Innogy UK
Western Riverside Waste Authority
North Sea Link Interconnector
Commercial litigation: mid-market Tier 5
Shakespeare Martineau LLP is 'a medium-sized firm with a solid and professional commercial litigation department'. It handles complex litigation for sovereign states, state-owned entities, banks, property investment funds, financial services institutions, family offices and UHNW individuals. Practice head Kamran Rehman specialises in commercial and banking disputes, as well as professional negligence actions. The team also includes experienced partner David Vaughan.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘Kamran Rehman is one of the leading partners in the commercial litigation. He is a very efficient, realistic and commercially-minded litigator. The firm as a whole is great value for money.’
‘Very committed to the cause of their clients. Very hard working and capable associates.’
‘Kamran Rehman is totally committed to his client’s corner. Always pushing his team to explore the potential of every argument and every shred of evidence. A street-fighter with real grit and determination.’
‘George Fahey is a superb young solicitor. Hard working and real judgment. Always showed both an understanding of the bigger picture and a real grasp of its granular detail. A star of the future.’
‘The firm provides a good service at competitive prices, with particular expertise in property litigation, professional negligence and insolvency.’
‘David Vaughan is an experienced and bright lawyer, who has excellent people skills and adopts a commercial approach to litigating. He is often instructed on interesting or novel cases.’
Key clients
United Republic of Tanzania
Air Tanzania Company Limited
Ministry of Works of Tanzania
Tanzanian National Roads Agency
Ministry of Transport of Tanzania
Attorney General of the United Republic of Tanzania
Monex Europe Limited
Capreon (UK) Limited
Precision Engineering Plastics Limited
Falcon Investment Management Limited
Argus Vickers American Equity Research Limited
Formation Group Plc
Hope Capital
Central Bridging Loans
Banca Intesa San Paolo
Simit Sarayi UK Limited
South Bank Hotel Management Limited
United National Bank
Kaushal Corporation
Keele Residential Funding Plc
Rhea Capital Partners
Fiducium
Social Money T/A BridgeCrowd
FundingSecure Ltd (In administration)
Venture capital Tier 6
Praised for its 'strong technical capabilities and highly commercial approach', Shakespeare Martineau LLP displays 'deep sector expertise and knowledge of the VCT market and growth capital investments' from its London and Midlands offices. Team head Kavita Patel 'talks the language of a fund manager' and excels at advising on early stage investments involving tax considerations, including matters relating to the EIS.
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Testimonials
‘They talk the language of a fund manager, not many advisers can do that.’
‘Over the years we as a company have had to deal with many legal firms and individuals within those firms, but what makes SM unique is that their service levels are at a much higher level than other firms. You can talk to the team and they deal with your needs efficiently and quickly and work with you to develop the right solution.’
‘Deep sector expertise and knowledge of the VCT market and growth capital investments.’
‘Kavita Patel can think through a problem quicker than any adviser i know, really impressive to deal with at all levels of a project.’
‘Strong technical capabilities and highly commercial approach.’
Key clients
Foresight Group
Octopus Investments
Earthworm Group
Mobeus Equity Partners
RCapital
Secure Retail Limited
Property finance Tier 7
Shakespeare Martineau LLP advises on property investment and development finance, and has a growing reputation for handling Islamic finance mandates, counting Al Rayan Bank as a key client on these matters. Mohammed Saqub, who divides his team between Birmingham and London, leads the practice and is an expert in sharia-compliant investment and development financing.
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Testimonials
‘Extremely pragmatic with a strong, can-do attitude.’
‘Shakespeare Martineau have a powerful niche in representing Islamic finance lenders.’
‘Mohammed Saqub gives good, practical advice on complex matters, particularly on Islamic finance.’
Key clients
A.I.B. Group
Santander UK
Shawbrook Bank
The Charity Bank Limited
Al Rayan Bank Plc
Habib Bank AG Zurich
Handelsbanken
Leumi ABL
Punjab National Bank
Shakespeare Martineau LLP > Firm Profile
Forward thinking, client-centric and ambitious are the thee words that sum-up what we stand for
We have an enterprising spirit and clear ambition to do things differently. For us it’s all about mindset. It’s a way of thinking and behaving that fits not only with our vision but also our clients. It’s about collaborative working and a partnership ethos.
We’re intent on shaking up our profession for the better, building something different…for our clients and our people.
We recognise that the world is changing and law firms need to catch up that’s why we are heavily investing in ensuring our client experience is the best it can be.
Who we are: We are a Top 55 law firm that brings creativity, commerciality and clarity to the challenges our clients face. We work with a wide range of clients – entrepreneurs, family businesses, charities, medium sized businesses and global household names. From advising local owner managed businesses to multi-national corporates; blue-chip companies to high street brands and individuals across the world.
It’s our business to understand yours. That’s why we’re committed to being just as driven, dynamic and diverse as our clients. Our multi-disciplinary team combines pragmatic advice and deep market expertise. This means experts that collaborate together to think bigger about your strategic goals and how to get there.
Our approach is to think beyond just legal solutions. As trusted advisers, clients trust us to advise on what’s possible, what’s prudent, and what’s coming around the corner.
We pride ourselves on protecting and growing our clients’ businesses and personal wealth. It’s our energy and entrepreneurial flair that have helped us become one of the country’s fastest growing legal services providers and our national presence through our geographic footprint provides us with a broad and deep market insight.
What makes us different? All firm’s say they are different but we believe we are. Our people make us different. They bring their personality and ambition to work every day and ensure that our clients benefit from that energy. Being experts in the law is a given – our people are also commercially savvy advisors with their finger on the pulse of the markets in which you operate.
Our approach: Although the work each of us does will vary, the way we work does not. It’s fast paced and exciting. We thrive on the active; what’s happening and what’s about to happen.
We work as a team. We play to our strengths to ensure that you get the best results possible.
Listen to some of our positive, passionate people >>
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Partner | Andrew Whitehead | andrew.whitehead@shma.co.uk | 0121 214 0528 |
| Chief Executive Officer | Sarah Walker-Smith | sarah.walker-smith@shma.co.uk | 0121 237 3013 |
| Chief Financial Officer | Paul Bird | paul.bird@shma.co.uk | 0121 214 1251 |
| Chief Transformational Officer | Karen Walker | karen.walker@shma.co.uk | 0115 945 3745 |
| Chief Marketing & People Officer | Ben Buckton | ben.buckton@shma.co.uk | 0115 945 4613 |
| Managing Director - Life & Business | Victoria Tester | victoria.tester@shma.co.uk | 0121 631 5371 |
| Managing Director - Litigation Services & Dispute Resolution | Mark Beesley | mark.beesley@shma.co.uk | 0121 631 5363 |
| Managing Director - Infrastructure & Specialist Markets | Alex Smith | alex.smith@shma.co.uk | 0115 945 4616 |
| Head of Wealth | Anne Tromans | anne.tromans@shma.co.uk | 0121 631 5332 |
| Head of Corporate | Adam McGiveron | adam.mcgiveron@shma.co.uk | 0121 214 0659 |
| Head of Corporate | Duncan James | duncan.james@shma.co.uk | 0115 945 3752 |
| Head of Commercial, IP & Employment, | Phil Pepper | philip.pepper@shma.co.uk | 0116 257 4405 |
| Head of Lime | Tony Hannington | tony.hannington@limesolicitors.co.uk | 0121 631 5355 |
| Head of Corclaim | Mark Merrell | mark.merrell@shma.co.uk | 0121 214 1272 |
| Head of Restructuring | Andy Taylor | andrew.taylor@shma.co.uk | 0121 631 5326 |
| Head of Litigation & Restructuring | Barry Jervis | barry.jervis@shma.co.uk | 0121 214 1212 |
| Head of Managed Legal Services | Emma Porter | emma.porter@shma.co.uk | 0207 264 4360 |
| Head of Commercial Property & Development | Peter Dilks | peter.dilks@shma.co.uk | 0115 945 4614 |
| Head of Building Communities | Louise Drew | louise.drew@shma.co.uk | 01789 416 417 |
| Head of Residential Developments | Neil Gosling | neil.gosling@shma.co.uk | 0121 227 5586 |
| Regional Head - West | Joanna Deffley | joanna.deffley@shma.co.uk | 0121 631 5395 |
| Regional Head - South | Kavita Patel | kavita.patel@shma.co.uk | 0121 214 0645 |
| Regional Head - East | Duncan James | duncan.james@shma.co.uk | 0115 945 3752 |
| Office Head - Milton Keynes | Mark Thompson | mark.thompson@shma.co.uk | 01908 300 714 |
| Office Head - London | Kamran Rehman | kamran.rehman@shma.co.uk | 0207 264 4521 |
| Office Head - Nottingham | Roger Harcourt | roger.harcourt@shma.co.uk | 0115 945 4629 |
| Office Head - Leicester | Roy Botterill | roy.botterill@shma.co.uk | 0116 257 4431 |
| Office Head - Stratford | Andrew Smith | andrew.smith@shma.co.uk | 01789 416 518 |
| Office Head - Solihull | Neil Gosling | neil.gosling@shma.co.uk | 0121 227 5586 |
| Office Head - Birmingham | Richard Wrigley | richard.wrigley@shma.co.uk | 0121 214 0586 |
| Deputy Office Head - Birmingham | James Woolstenhulme | james.woolstenhulme@shma.co.uk | 0121 631 5306 |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
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Joanna Deffley | Partner & Regional Head (West) | View Profile |
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Barry Fisher | Partner | View Profile |
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Neil Gosling | Partner & Head of Residential Development | View Profile |
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Jayne Leedham | Associate | View Profile |
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Ben Sharp | Associate | View Profile |
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Alan Sinnett | Partner | View Profile |
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Hannah Tait | Partner | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 125 Number of employees : 850Memberships
Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Solicitors Agricultural Law Association Associated European Energy Consultants (AEEC) ELA (Employment Lawyers Association) Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL) ILPA (Immigration Lawyers Practice Association) INTA - International Trademark Association Multilaw National Farmers Union Resolution Solicitors for the Elderly Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP)Student (The Lex 100 )
The Lex 100 Verdict
National firm Shakespeare Martineau 'works for businesses and individuals' and offers training contracts in the West Midlands, East Midlands and London. Several trainees applied because they had 'really enjoyed' working at the firm as paralegals. There are 'ample opportunities to get involved in good projects' and recruits are 'encouraged to network' from an early stage, which makes for a 'much more hands-on experience'. One trainee particularly enjoyed 'meeting and chatting to the players of the Leicester Tigers backstage after a business event – I am a massive fan!' and 'running completions on my own'. But recruits are certainly not exempt from the stresses of 'time recording and billing', 'late nights' or 'trying to file documents electronically at court for the first time at 3pm on a Friday afternoon'. Shakespeare Martineau places a 'real focus on personal as well as professional development' and is 'very open to you taking control of your career and seeking out opportunities'. A 'very inclusive culture' pervades, thanks to a 'diverse range of backgrounds' among the staff and a 'really approachable CEO'. The staff at Shakespeare Martineau received the highest praise; they are 'passionate about law and about providing fantastic client service' and recruits find it 'inspiring to work with and learn from those people'. Social life and inclusiveness have won the firm two Lex 100 Winner awards. Trainees would like to see 'improved benefits' and referred to 'some cultural differences within the firm's teams due to past mergers'. For a 'relaxed and unpretentious culture' in a 'rapidly-growing firm with exciting opportunities', research Shakespeare Martineau.Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Debt recovery
- Education
- Personal injury and clinical negligence: defendant
- Personal tax, trusts and probate
- Charities and not-for-profit
- Commercial property: elsewhere in the East Midlands
- Commercial property: Nottingham and Derby
- Education: institutions
- Family
- Personal injury and clinical negligence: claimant
- Personal tax, trusts and probate
- Sport
Firm Rankings
- Agriculture and estates
- Banking and finance
- Charities and not-for-profit
- Commercial litigation: Birmingham
- Commercial property: elsewhere in the West Midlands
- Corporate and commercial: Birmingham
- Energy, project finance and PFI
- Family: Birmingham
- Immigration
- Intellectual property
- Professional negligence
- Property litigation
- Commercial property: Birmingham
- Construction
- Corporate and commercial: elsewhere in the West Midlands
- Employment
- Health and safety
- Insolvency and corporate recovery
- Planning
- Social housing
- Personal injury and clinical negligence: claimant
- Commercial litigation: Nottingham and Derby
- Construction
- Contentious trusts and probate
- Corporate and commercial: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx
- Corporate and commercial: Elsewhere in East Midlands
- Corporate and commercial: Nottingham and Derby
- Employment
- Insolvency and corporate recovery
- Intellectual property
- IT and telecoms
- Planning and environment
- Professional negligence
- Family: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx
- Islamic finance
- Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables)
- Commercial litigation: mid-market
- Venture capital
- Property finance