Butcher & Barlow LLP > Northwich, England > Firm Profile

‘One of the partners has a farm that he is also involved in running, so he really does understand agricultural issues.’

‘Really good, well-managed team, whose attention to detail is excellent. Very good client skills and ensure they do their upmost for their clients. very proactive growing team, but have not forgone client service for growth.’

‘Good client service, attention to detail, very proactive and responsive.’

‘Mike Bracegirdle gives a fantastic personal service and is an expert in his field.’

‘The team comprises highly experienced and qualified staff. They provide an efficient and quality service. They are always contactable and responsive. They deal with work in a timely manner and communicate through the whole process.’

‘This team is always available to help when we need it. The agricultural partner is from farming background and this helps tremendously with our issues related to our farming business. I would recommend this firm to other farming associates.’

‘Mike Bracegirdle is extremely knowledgable regarding the agricultural sector. He is always available when we need him and he has been a great support.’

‘Butcher Barlow has a team that works seamlessly to provide an exceptional level of service. The billing is always transparent and fair, there appears to be a good level of diversity in the team. The knowledge within their sector is good, and the advice they give is always relevant, whether you want to hear it or not!’

‘Bridging the gap between a city centre/national firm on the one hand, and a small but local practice on the other, is not easy, but Butcher & Barlow manage it naturally. As a client or fellow professional adviser our contacts at the firm have given us full attention and availability. Confidence that grows from experience in a particular field becomes evident as the instruction develops, rather than loudly advertised at the outset.’

‘Contact with senior partners down to associates and trainees is always personal, professional, and clearly team led. Jonathan Aldersley has been a dependable but dynamic port of call over many years, and Rebecca Jepson is attentive, erudite and driven.’

‘They know what they are doing and ensure that they offer practical advice at all stages. They don’t prevaricate, but instead get to the point and make things happen. They have always been available to discuss any matters.’

‘We have dealt with Rebecca Jepson on several deals and can’t speak highly enough of her. She is open and transparent, keeping you informed on all matters, timescales, giving you the good news along with the bad, but always trying to find solutions to possible problems.’

‘I’ve worked with James Hodgson consistently for a few years now, having used various other solicitors elsewhere beforehand. He is extremely detail orientated and knowledgeable, regularly highlighting points of potential risk when exploring different avenues of approach. I always feel very confident that any transaction with James at the helm is being undertaken with a level of diligence that gives us the comfort of knowing nothing has been overlooked or omitted.’

‘Butcher & Barlow was recommended to us by experts in the matter. The way they dealt with us by giving us guidance is nothing short of utmost professionalism, always with our interest at heart and as top priorities. I truly believe that we have come away with the best outcome because of Butcher & Barlow!’

‘Butcher & Barlow are phenomenal; they are co-ordinated, communicative and appear to hold the same values of honesty, speed, professionalism and friendliness with a clear emphasis on client satisfaction. From the receptionist through to the partners, they are all premium quality individuals. This naturally provides a strong sense of security and trust – often an underrated quality, but a vital element for the client. […] I will remain loyal to Butcher and Barlow for the rest of my life since I know that I will never receive such impeccable service anywhere else.’

‘Daniel Woodcock immediately springs to mind as an individual that very much stands out. He is clearly the consummate professional – having dealt with numerous (rather complicated) property transactions very efficiently and diligently for me over the years. His style is friendly, yet straightforward, and he keeps to the point of which I am always grateful for during my time-restricted days. Any documentation and contracts are always speedily prepared (without mistake) and he always follows my instructions to the letter. However, he is not afraid to advise if he feels it may not be the right way to go. I always know that I am in safe hands with Daniel.’

‘Butcher & Barlow have a very welcoming and efficient team at Gadbrook Park. Combined with this attribute they have a knowledgeable and understanding staff, both in terms of solicitors and legal secretaries. The firm’s billing is clear and concise.’

‘Our main contact is with Jonathan Aldersley, who is highly efficient, knowledgeable and has a very considerable understanding of our needs and requirements. This makes him an outstanding person and solicitor. His work ethics are exceptional, with the time he puts in going way beyond the normal working day.’

‘I have an excellent relationship with Justin Kelly who stands out due to his in-depth knowledge of the law, particularly in employment issues and ability to communicate and explain the law in practical terms. Butcher and Barlow’s overall professionalism is a hallmark of this practice.’

‘Partners, such as Jonathan Aldersley, are very approachable and possess the ability to translate complicated legal nuances into everyday examples that we, as lay people, can understand. Jonathan always responds to requests to get in touch and has been known to address our urgent issues, even whilst he has been on his annual leave.’

‘I have worked with Justin Kelly and Jonathan Aldersley on numerous projects and found them both to be very approachable and accessible should I need to seek advice or query contract terms. They also have a desire to keep projects moving along and swiftly dealing with roadblocks which have the potential to stall things.’

‘Communication, timeliness, value for money and in particular thoroughness are second to none.’

‘The support of Jonathan Aldersley continues to be an invaluable asset to my companies and his proactiveness, calm demeanour, opinions and expertise in managing often fairly complex M&A projects is highly appreciated. Justin Kelly is also worthy of recognition in particular for the commercial judgement applied to employment matters and the negotiations he undertook.’

‘Butcher & Barlow listen and understand quickly the nuance of our business and issues faced. They deliver a highly professional service.’

‘Accessible high street practice, but part of a larger network of offices throughout the region, giving it good back-up.’

‘I have a number of contacts across the practice and have always found them to be extremely professional and they have a good range of expertise within the practice.’

‘Samuel Dale is fantastic in the probate department.’

‘The practice is regionally in the North West-based, but feels like more locally involved with its clients. There is a personal touch not always associated with larger firms.’

‘I deal mainly with Philip Jennings who is extremely personable and empathetic towards his clients. He makes them feel at ease and explains sometimes complex matters in an understandable way.’

‘A very professional team that provides clients with tremendous reassurance.’

‘Chris Hopkins is very down to earth in his approach and explains matters in a simple and straightforward manner.’

‘I would rate Alexander Sandland as extremely capable and someone you would want on your team when in a tight spot. He is pragmatic, concise and gets to the heart of issues and provides clarity and inspires confidence. I would rate Alexander as an exceptional litigator.’

‘Gregory Porter has a very good manner with clients; putting them at their ease and explaining the issues in their case succinctly.’

‘Gregory Porter is fantastic to work with, it’s clear he wants the very best for his clients and is diligent in working to achieve it.’

‘Gregory Porter is extremely thorough and takes care and time over the analysis of cases. He is very approachable and has a relaxed manner with clients putting them at ease.’

‘Anthony Higham is very proactive and has excellent relationships with client’s and experts alike.’

‘The team is headed by the managing partner, Anthony Higham, who has thirty plus years dealing with serious injury and clinical negligence cases at the highest level. He is efficient, deals with clients very ably and is a robust, but realistic negotiator.’

‘Gregory Porter’s professionalism and knowledge was second to none. He guided me thoroughly throughout the whole process and made me feel at ease. Greg was able to utilise his expertise to ensure that I got the best result possible.’

‘Anthony Higham in particular has persevered for years on our complex case and deserves extra credit.’

‘I can’t find any fault with Butcher & Barlow LLP. My dealings were with Sam Dale and I feel he went above and beyond in dealing with a stressful period. I have had nothing but exceptional service from Butcher & Barlow.’

‘Sam Dale is professional and extremely knowledgeable with a friendly personality, he responded very quickly to any correspondence and offered a five star service. Sam explained everything in a way that we could fully understand and was extremely sensitive to the situation we were in. I would highly recommend Sam to anyone.’

‘The team has very strong individuals who understand the commercial realities and who have a very clear focus on key issues.’

‘Anthony Higham has a strong immediate grip both of a case and what can be achieved.’

‘Excellent communication and proper delegation through the team to make costs reasonable and proportionate in an area of law which can soon see costs run away from themselves. Great links between the contentious and non-contentious teams whilst again managing costs, but providing a first rate service.’

‘This is a very strong and knowledgeable team. That knowledge extends not just to the law, but also to strategic decision making and client care. In every case they strive to identify the correct approach to achieve the desired goals and regularly wrong-foot the other side due to a superior tactical approach.’

‘Greg Porter is extremely knowledgeable and always willing to strive for the client. Excellent legal analysis combined with a realistic and strong tactical approach. Brilliant client rapport.’

‘Samuel Dale is very smart with a good understanding of complexities.’

‘Caroline Cockill-Guy was very impressive. Great command of case, and of a difficult client. She appeared to have given clear and sensible advice at the very outset of the case and managed the client’s expectations carefully throughout.’

‘Open, approachable and collaborative team who works well together and who is available to provide assistance at short notice. High levels of empathy without losing sight of the need to effectively and appropriately advise.’

‘Caroline Cockill-Guy has impressed me as a meticulous and thorough practitioner who adopts a methodical approach to her cases.’

‘Kevan Hankinson is an effective and very competent solicitor. His caseload is significantly complex and he is able to find the nuances in the evidence which he uses to piece together an effective case for his client.’

‘This is a professional and caring firm whose primary focus is the best interests of their clients. They have a good reputation across the industry and are well respected by other professionals they work with on cases. Members of the family team are accredited and on the relevant panels and therefore have considerable experience and expertise in family matters.’

‘Nicola Wingfield is hard-working and conscientious and goes above and beyond for her clients. Nicola is a great listener and is committed to understanding the needs of her clients to provide them with the best possible outcome available to them. She demonstrates empathy with her clients and works hard to find solutions, maintaining professionalism at all times. Nicola is passionate about family law and I cannot recommend her highly enough.’

‘Nicola Wingfield and her team are extremely helpful. They summarise complex information for me which makes my job easier. She is very knowledgeable, approachable and friendly.’

‘Sound, professional team.’

‘Alex Sandland takes a bullish approach to litigation, no nonsense straightforward person to deal with.’

‘Absolutely brilliant people – hold your hand through litigation.’

‘Alex Sandland is just amazing at what he does.’