Gateley Legal > Nottingham, England > Firm Profile

Gateley Legal > The Legal 500 Rankings

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: elsewhere in the East Midlands Tier 1

Employment Tier 1

Gateley Legal is sought after by large corporates, including several global household names, on the full range of employment law issues, with a niche in advising on the cross-over between employment law and insolvency, which is Andrew Macmillan‘s area of expertise. The former head of employment at Shoosmiths LLP‘s Nottingham office, Helen Burgess joined the team in May 2022, expanding the practice’s offering in collective issues and consultations involving trade unions, c-suite and senior executive exits, TUPE transfers, as well as complex disciplinary and grievance processes. For tribunals and High Court litigation, Chris Kisby is the key contact, and senior associate Helen Webster is recommended for executive terminations and projects.

Finance > Banking and finance Tier 1

Anna Mayfield is the leading figure in Gateley Legal‘s finance team and has over 20 years of experience in the local markets, attracting instructions from both direct fund lenders and borrowers with multiple facility types and in multi-lender financing. Mayfield is noted for acquisition, corporate and real estate finance transactions, with many involving offshore entities and complex structures involving offshore trusts. Associates Megan Kirby and Alicia Bradburn provide support in all transactions.

Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 1

Gateley Legal combines the skills of the firm's corporate, banking, litigation and restructuring lawyers, with a track record in acting for national and regional secured lenders and accountants, debt and equity funds. Lead partner in the Nottingham office Chris Radford handles security enhancement and enforcement, turnarounds, contingency planning, directors’ duties, and solvent and insolvent acquisitions and disposals.

Real estate > Commercial property: Nottingham and Derby Tier 1

Handling all aspects of work in the real estate market, Gateley Legal has considerable expertise in investment and development matters, as well as asset management, real estate finance and distressed property. Additionally, the firm is particularly experienced in the healthcare, residential development and pensions sectors. Adam Youatt leads the team, specialising in property investment and development work. Simon Taylor is an expert in development matters, including strategic land, logistics and urban regeneration. Steven Plummer acts for house builders, developers and land promoters dealing with residential development sites.

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

In 2022, Gateley Legal acquired Adamson Jones, part of Gateley Legal, an East Midlands-based patent and trade mark attorney firm housing one of the region’s largest specialist patent, design and trade mark teams covering the full spectrum of IP, from filings, to enforcement, commercialisation and advice in relation to advertising and media. John Buckby chairs the national intellectual property and sports department. Patent and trade mark attorneys Simon Cooper and David Gwilliam have a keen interest in medical devices and healthcare sector. For portfolio management and enforcement actions, associates Natasha Walker and Paven Munder are recommended.

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

On the corporate side, Gateley Legal acts on behalf of an impressive client portfolio that includes major Thames Valley players. Headed up by Andrew Peddie, the team has deep expertise in private equity, buy and build processes and early stage VC investment work – particularly in the technology and TMT sectors. Mark Metcalfe is a go-to corporate lawyer for all things private equity. Co-practice leader Mailin Bala heads the commercial division, with emphasis on copyright, digital, data and media.

Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 1

Working out of Reading, the ‘very pragmatic and solution-driven‘ team at Gateley Legal often advises banks, construction companies and distressed investors on portfolio sales and administrations. The ‘brilliantly well-rounded‘ and ‘outstanding‘ Nicola Kirk has a great deal of experience in acting in turnaround, restructuring, and dispute resolution matters; and Ken Titchen frequently assists insolvency practitioners and directors with both solvent and insolvent restructurings. Jenny Grange left the team to an in-house role in July 2022.

Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 1

Gateley Legal team of ‘excellent communicators’ has extensive experience in handling both the contentious and transactional aspects of insolvency and restructuring. On the contentious side, headed by Mark Wilson, the firm has undertaken recent work that includes auditor liability, fraud claims and risk work, as well as actions against insolvency practitioners and officers. On the transactional side, headed by ‘true market-leader’ Daniel French, the firm handles a variety of matters, including, but not limited to, security structures, regulatory issues and director’s duties matters. Its spectrum of clients ranges from equity funds, accountants, secured lenders and creditors. Victoria Portman adds to the depth of the team with her litigation expertise.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Nottingham and Derby Tier 2

Maintaing its busy corporate and commercial practice, Gateley Legal specialises in private equity, M&A, Employee Ownership Trusts, as well as joint ventures, refinancings and general corporate advisory. The team is led by Beth Mather, ‘an excellent technical lawyer‘ in M&A, buyouts and disposals, with a focus on private equity, with the support of corporate finance partner Mark Rutherford and head of corporate Victoria Elliott.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Nottingham and Derby Tier 2

The team at Gateley Legal handles a variety of disputes, though has a particular focus on professional negligence claims and contentious trusts work. Following a merger with the firm’s Leicester office, the Nottingham dispute resolution team at was bolstered by the arrival of a number of experts in the field, including new team head Claire Herbert, who specialises in reputation management and contentious probate and inheritance claims. Natalie Reed is another key name to note, particularly for professional negligence and data protection claims.

Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 2

With support from the firm’s national private client team, Gateley Legal deals with a variety of contentious matters throughout the East Midlands market. This includes family provision claims, rectification matters and professional negligence claims arising from defective trust instruments. Claire Herbert leads the team from Nottingham, where she regularly works for beneficiaries, executors and professional trustees.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Manchester Tier 2

The corporate and commercial team at Gateley Legal is ‘client-centric, pragmatic and provides clear concise advice’. In addition to acting on private equity transactions, the practice advises on significant M&A deals in sectors including leisure, healthcare and energy. The team is headed by Charles Glaskie who works with a client roster of both private and public companies. Rebecca Grisewood routinely handles disposals and joint ventures with a particular focus on private equity. Paul Jefferson advises on fund formation for a range of private and institutional investors.

Dispute resolution > Banking litigation Tier 2

Employment Tier 2

Possessing an impressive roster of clients operating in the sport, transport and logistics, food and drink, retail and financial services sectors, Gateley Legal engages in substantial employment projects alongside in-house training and support with large corporates. Often collaborating with its experienced colleagues in the commercial department, the team also regularly advise on employee contractual matters arising from mergers and acquisitions, TUPE transfers, and IR35 issues. Chris Thompson has an extensive contentious and non-contentious practice and has been particularly active in Covid-19 and pay entitlement Employment Tribunal claims and senior executive dismissals, while also wielding a wealth of knowledge regarding compliance and risk management. Avril England is highly experienced in the health sector, regularly undertaking investigatory work on behalf of employers and complex cross-border mandates. Emma Butterworth specialises in both contract drafting and negotiations and UK regulatory compliance, while Lorna Harris is principally noted for her acumen defending whistleblowing, discrimination and unfair dismissal claims.

Employment > Pensions Tier 2

Gateley Legal provides services to pension schemes at the middle and smaller end of the market with expertise in the development of pension bonds. Patrick Kennedy heads the practice and works on sole trustee appointments and co-trustee cases. Stuart Evans is well-versed in drafting pension scheme deeds and advising employers and trustees of occupational pension schemes. Sarah Sabin is experienced in professional negligence issues and rectification of pension scheme documentation.

Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 2

‘Standout partner’ Andrew Buchanan, who has expertise handling complex restructuring assignments as well as advising key bodies on directors’ duties and trading issues, is at the helm of Gateley Legal‘s ‘exceptionally skilled’ offering. The team frequently advises its notable portfolio of clients on high-value matters, many of which are multi-jurisdictional in nature, such as its management of the interests of secured creditors’ in connection with the failure of the Domus Group. It advises across the range of industry sectors, including energy, construction and healthcare. Stuart Tait has particular experience realising and maximising values for clients in distressed situations. Legal director Aneesh Prasad is considered ‘outstanding’.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 2

Gateley Legal handles a mix of public and private sector work, with clients including a number of technology suppliers, The aviation sector is also a key area of strength. The team is led by Andrew Rankin, a specialist in systems integration and outsourcing projects who has experience of both buyer and supplier side work. Commercial IT contracts specialist Tom Hughes and the highly experienced Peter Budd are also key.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 2

Gateley Legal provides a range of large organisations in the sporting world including City Group, the British Amateur Boxing Association and Sport and Recreation Alliance with ongoing advice on regulatory compliance, corporate governance and sponsorship agreements. Stadium development in the elite football space is also a major area of strength for the group. Nick Murrills is an experienced sports litigator and reputation management expert. John Burns has since left the firm.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Birmingham Tier 2

Steered by Birmingham corporate head Tom Rush, Gateley Legal is instructed by a wide array of corporates for its capabilities in cross-border M&A and reorganisations. Paul Cliff, national head of the equity capital markets practice, continues to handle mid-market transactions for clients in the consumer goods, life sciences, and insurance sectors, among others. Andrew Cowan, head of transaction services, regularly works with a host of owner-managed businesses, PE houses, and corporates – most recently in the professional services and healthcare sectors. Recent highlights for Max Moore, who joined the practice from Gowling WLG in April 2022, include multi-million-pound deals working with national property developers. Former practice head Tom Durrant left to join Squire Patton Boggs in January 2023.

Employment Tier 2

The ‘professional and practical’ team at Gateley Legal receives plaudits for its ‘solutions focused’ advice. Under the leadership of the ‘commercially minded’ Benedict Gorner, the group receives a steady flow of  high-value and complex instructions. It continues to advise on a number of large-scale projects involving proposed site closures and on complex restructuring deals. Merran Sewell regularly supports clients with complex discriminatory and grievance issues and on change management programmes. Senior associate, Joanne Duck, continues to operate across a broad spectrum of industries including logistics, finance, retail, healthcare, manufacturing, construction and education.

Employment > Health and safety Tier 2

The nationwide team at Gateley Legal provides a ‘one-stop’ fatal accident, major incident and crisis management service to a national client base. It deals with all aspects of crisis management - the Birmingham team is led by Ruth Armstrong. The practice has a strong reputation across a number of sectors including transport, waste management and leisure. It acts for a number of the top 20 housebuilders in the UK as well as blue-chip companies, SMEs and owner managed businesses. Kate Oliver  specialises in the defence of all types of accident investigations and regularly attends the Coroners Courts.

Employment > Pensions Tier 2

Gateley Legal is led by Michael Collins who has a vast array of experience in all aspects of pensions matters. The group regularly advises trustees and employers on their duties and liabilities. In addition, it continues to be busy supporting companies on a vast array of pension matters as they arise during corporate transactions. The team is recommended for its advice on DB schemes with substantial assets, on occupational pension schemes, contract-based schemes as well as on SSASs and SIPPS.

Finance > Banking and finance Tier 2

Gateley Legal is vastly experienced in the areas of private equity and acquisition finance, as well as acting for various asset-based lending (ABL) funders in the market. Team leader Andrew Madden is involved with structured finance and corporate lending deals, including leveraged buy-outs, project finance and restructuring. Chris Jones handles a variety of financing transactions, being particularly experienced in real estate and structured finance among other areas, while senior associate Alison Davidson-Cox specialises in acquisition, corporate and leveraged finance. Senior associate Sharon Malhi advises on corporate banking transactions, with an emphasis on real estate and development finance transactions.

Real estate > Commercial property: Birmingham Tier 2

Gateley Legal’s real estate practice encompasses numerous areas of expertise, including residential and commercial development, property finance and portfolio management, to name a few. Its wide-ranging client roster includes industrial landowners, corporate occupiers and retailers. The practice is jointly led by Callum Nuttall, who specialises in residential developments, routinely acting on urban extensions and large-scale regeneration schemes, and Rebecca Sherwin, who is well versed in real estate finance, counting banks and funders among her clients. Tim Ledger’s experience in advising on national-scale regeneration projects strengthens the practice, while Richard Pettifor is sought out by clients for his expertise in the industrial and logistics sector. Chris Adams is particularly experienced in handling residential tower, industrial and retail development projects.

Real estate > Environment Tier 2

The regulatory and business defence group at Gateley Legal is well regarded for its capacity to handle high-profile investigations, particularly relating to serious pollution, and trials at both the Magistrates' Court and Crown Court. The practice is spearheaded by Ruth Armstrong, who is recognised for her environmental regulatory experience, evidenced by her engagement in matters involving the Environment Agency and local authority EHO teams. Legal director Kate Oliver specialises in defending clients in environmental investigations and subsequent prosecutions involving an array of regulatory bodies.

Dispute resolution > Banking litigation Tier 2

Gateley Legal’s banking litigation group, which forms part of the firm’s wider commercial dispute resolution team, acts for a wide range of banks, building societies and other finance providers. It is well-versed in a variety of financial disputes, including recovery actions, asset finance disputes, and regulatory matters. The team is led by Andrew Johnson, while Roger McCourt is noted for his experience in handling contractual disputes, professional negligence claims, and fraud-related matters.

Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 2

Gateley Legal‘s business restructuring team is based in Leeds and led by Matthew Brown. The team has specialist expertise regarding distressed debt and equity work, alongside a strong insolvency litigation practice. ‘Fantastic’ Matt Leech manages the team’s principal bank relationships, and was promoted to partner in May 2022. Associate Kulsam Mulla has a particular focus on dishonesty and fraud work, including multi-jurisdictional carousel fraud.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > PATMA: Patent attorneys Tier 3

In January 2022 Gateley Legal acquired Nottingham-based patent and trademark specialist firm Adamson Jones and, in October the same year, also took on life science-focused patent attorney firm Symbiosis. The resulting business, Adamson Jones & Symbiosis IP, part of Gateley now has a well-rounded offering for clients, covering patent drafting, UK and European and international patent filings, patent opposition and revocation. The team, jointly led by Simon Cooper, Nicholas Ferrar, Robert Docherty and Julie Myint, has particular experience in acting for universities and linked spin-outs and start-ups, and has the ‘ability to render complex legal questions into clear advice that is relevant to businesses.’

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Manchester Tier 3

Gateley Legal‘s commercial litigation practice has extensive experience in corporate and shareholder disputes, as well as healthcare and sports-related litigation. Reputation management is another strength of the team, providing multi-jurisdictional solutions for clients. Sarah Sabin is the head of the team, advising on a wide range of commercial and corporate disputes. ‘Stand out partner  Nick Murrills plays a key role in the team, acting for corporate clients and high net worth individuals.

Real estate > Commercial property: Manchester Tier 3

The practice at Gateley Legal‘s has is well-equipped to handle the full spectrum of commercial property matters, though its workload consists in large part of high-value and regionally significant residential developments, an example being its assisting Bloor Homes Limited in the acquisition of land for a substantial new development. Legal director Nick Molloy leads on this project. Leanne Murray is another name to note for her specialism in this area. Darren Hughes and Louise Ilhan co-head the team.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 3

Gateley Legal‘s intellectual property practice is headed by digital technology expert Andrew Rankin. He is supported by the ‘incredible‘ Robert Lye, who has a high level of experience in design rights and patent infringement litigation, both in defending claims and in enforcement actions. Consultant Jonathan Moakes is also key. Notable clients in the region include New Mills based sweet manufacturer Swizzels and Cheshire camera manufacturing company Harman Technology. John Burns has since left the firm.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment Tier 3

Real estate > Commercial property: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 3

Gateley Legal‘s Thames Valley-based residential team is headed up by Andrew Wilson and Callum Nuttall , and has carved out a niche representing land promoters, regeneration specialists, registered providers and large-scale landowners in selling land for residential development. Well-respected practitioner Delphine Mehouas joined the team from BDB Pitmans in 2022.

Dispute resolution > Banking litigation Tier 3

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Birmingham Tier 3

‘Very strong on legal matters’, Neil Warner leads the team at Gateley Legal alongside Stephen Goodrham, which is active in representing clients across several sectors, with expertise in manufacturing, retail, charities, pensions, sport, and recruitment. The department also regularly co-ordinates with the firm's other offices in Leeds and London. Kate Canning is a senior associate to note.

Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 3

Gateley Legal carries out work nationally for individual clients, banks, executors, trustees, deputies and beneficiaries on the full spectrum of issues relating to claims involving wills.  Other areas of focus include dealing with Court of Protection matters where there is financial abuse and issues surrounding the removal of deputies. The former head of department, Gavin Faber has left to join Roythornes Solicitors and Andrew McManus is now the key contact. McManus has a varied trusts and estates practice.

Employment > Health and safety Tier 3

Operating out of Leeds, Gateley Legal has particular strengths in fatal and major accidents, with capabilities in crisis management for such instances. It has an established presence in a number of sectors, namely housebuilding, but also construction more generally, transport, utilities, food, and retail. Ruth Armstrong heads the national practice, while Pauline Munro operates out of Leeds, working with major corporate clients regarding fatal accidents and compliance issues.

Real estate > Commercial property: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 3

Gateley Legal maintains both an active commercial real estate group and a distinct specialist residential development team, with both teams forming a practice that is capable of advising on the full spectrum of property matters. The team particularly excels in advising developers and investors, which instruct the team on financings, acquisitions, lettings and disposals in the context of major development and regeneration schemes. The commercial real estate team encompasses highly recommended partners James Sargent and Barbara Rollin. The development team, meanwhile, is led by John Kiff, a key contact for residential projects who oversees the development work of key contacts Keelie Evans and George Parker-Fuller. Philip Gregory left the team in May 2023.

Real estate > Environment Tier 3

Gateley Legal‘s environmental offering is catered towards clients seeking advice on regulatory complaints and Environment Agency investigations. Accordingly, the team works with a number of housebuilding and manufacturing clients facing accusations related to non-compliance on pollution, biodiversity and waste issues. Pauline Munro, who leads the team and offers extensive experience advising on contentious matters, maintains close relations with clients including Collins Earthworks and the Vistry Group.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > PATMA: Trade mark attorneys Tier 4

Following their tie-up in January 2022, Adamson Jones, part of Gateley Legal is now home to an expanding trade mark attorney group which can draw on support from a network of offices across the UK, including London, the East Midlands, Yorkshire and Wales. The practice offers advice on all aspects of trade marks, including registrability, applications in the UK and overseas, international trade mark portfolio management and oppositions against conflicting trade mark applications, as well as the negotiation of coexistence agreements. Pharmaceutical and medical devices specialist David Gwilliam provides ‘invaluable‘ advice to clients, jointly heading the team with John Buckby, who covers all contentious and non-contentious aspects of intellectual property work.

Real estate > Construction Tier 4

Real estate > Planning and environment Tier 4

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 4

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 4

Gateley Legal‘s offering encompasses banking litigation, working closely with clients in the financial services sector, and on financial disputes for corporate and commercial entities. The commercial litigation practice is complemented by the asset finance disputes and financial service regulatory practices of the firm. Andrew Johnson leads the ‘strong, capable, and very client team,’ that consists of ‘excellent litigator’ Roger McCourt who has expertise in contractual disputes, professional negligence, fraud, and risk management.

Employment > Employment: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 4

Gateley Legal operates a broad practice across a range of sectors, including logistics, financial services, rail, air, construction, engineering, and charities, and the group works with corporate clients locally, nationally, and abroad. Paul Ball heads the practice in Leeds, providing ‘sound, commercial and pragmatic advice’ for a range of clients, with discrimination, business transfers, and in-house client training being areas of particular activity.

Finance > Banking and finance Tier 4

Gateley Legal‘s Leeds-based banking and finance team is headed up by Anna Mayfield. The group also fields noted practitioner Kerry Gibbons, whose workload ranges from real estate finance to acquisiton finance, as well as general banking transactions. The team works with clients from major national banks to real estate developers, with the ability to support clients’ wider needs through the firm’s strong real estate and corporate offerings.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 5

Catering to banks, financial institutions and investment funds, Gateley Legal operates across a broad array of fraud, misconduct and corruption matters, including those with fintech, blockchain, offshore fraud and asset recovery elements. The team is co-headed by Richard Healey and Mark Wilson and is often active in matters pertaining to CIS, Ukraine, Hong Kong, Gibraltar and Singapore.

Dispute resolution > Mediators Tier 5

Real estate > Construction

Real estate > Commercial property

Investment fund formation and management > Private funds

Finance > Banking and finance

Dispute resolution > Debt recovery

Real estate > Planning

Real estate > Construction

Real estate > Construction

Yorkshire and the Humber > Finance > Banking and finance

Gateley Legal‘s Leeds-based banking and finance team is headed up by Anna Mayfield. The group also fields noted practitioner Kerry Gibbons, whose workload ranges from real estate finance to acquisiton finance, as well as general banking transactions. The team works with clients from major national banks to real estate developers, with the ability to support clients’ wider needs through the firm’s strong real estate and corporate offerings.