Cripps > Tunbridge Wells, England > Firm Profile
Cripps Offices

NUMBER 22
MOUNT EPHRAIM
TUNBRIDGE WELLS
Kent
TN4 8AS
England
Cripps > The Legal 500 Rankings
Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 1
Cripps’s corporate and commercial team has been taking on an increasing number of acquisition mandates from large corporates. Cross-border transactions have become an increasing focus, ranging from the US, France and Spain to Canada. The team has a booming PE offering, led by Salim Somjee with support from Helen Garner. James Beatton is highly experienced in M&A transactions and has a strong expertise in the insurance sector. The ‘highly intelligent’ Julie Hughes has significant expertise in banking and finance and leads firm’s health and care offering, as well as building a reputation in the childcare sector.Practice head(s):
Julie Hughes; Kathryn Rogers
Other key lawyers:
James Beatton; Salim Somjee; Helen Garner; John Kirkwood
Testimonials
‘Strong team with good sell and buy-side expertise. The legal team we worked with was predominantly women, who built strong relationships with our internal teams who were working closely on the project with them. We were able to pull resources from across their business to work on everything from lease negotiations to the SPA.’
‘Flexible, hard working vast knowledge and expertise.’
‘They adopted a very commercial approach when negotiating agreements which helped speed up the process to completion.’
‘The team has experience in dealing with North American parties and is able to manage cultural expectations. Also adopted a pragmatic attitude to getting issues resolved.’
‘Easy to deal with and you are always confident that any challenges that arise in a deal solutions are provided and the deal can complete. A great combination of professionals that can empathise with clients and offer rounded advice even if its not what the client wants to hear!’
‘We had consistent partner contact with Julie Hughes, which was great – and was required owing to some of the challenges we faced on our acquisition. She remained calm, collected and on top of the ever changing situation, and guided our opposite lawyers through the process. She is highly intelligent and was a great sounding board to run through pertinent points on the deal.’
‘Julie Hughes – Nothing is to much trouble and her connection with clients is exemplary, putting them at ease from day one and creating a level of trust that helps right the way through any deal.’
Key clients
B.P. Marsh & Company Limited
Mobeus Equity Partners LLP
Desktop Metal, Inc
Chapel Down Group plc
The Universal Tyre Co (Deptford) Limited
Harrow International Schools Limited
Uniguest Holdings, Inc
Brazilian Nickel plc
Jarvis Securities plc
DG3 UK Intermediate Holdings Limited
Adept Technology Group plc
Bapchild Motoring World (Kent) Limited (Big Motoring World)
Ocean Infinity
Haynes Brothers Limited
Adept Technology Group plc
Alphastream
Electroneum
Work highlights
- Advised Mobeus Equity Partners on its VCT investment in Connect Childcare Group Limited.
- Advised on the sale of Universal Tyre Co (Deptford) Limited to Halfords Auto Centres
- Advised HiiROC Limited on its Series B funding round with investment from Centrica, Cemex, Hyundai, Kia, HydrogenOne (INEOS) and Melrose Industries plc
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Kent, Surrey and Sussex Tier 1
Based in Tunbridge Wells, the Cripps commercial disputes team, led by Ed Weeks, and specialist disputes team, headed up by Russell Simpson, have a combined bench of 40 lawyers, including 13 partners. The team has significant expertise across a number of commercial and corporate disciplines, as well as sectors including tech, food and drink, real estate, and private client. Weeks, who has more than 20 years’ experience, has strong expertise in shareholders’ disputes and directors’ duties. Joanna Ford has particular expertise in disputes involving high value restructuring and insolvency matters, including claims against former directors. Tom Bourne has a particular interest in the food and drink sector.
Practice head(s):
Ed Weeks (commercial dispute resolution team); Russell Simpson (specialist dispute resolution team )
Other key lawyers:
Joanna Ford; Tom Bourne; Hannah Proctor
Testimonials
‘The quality of lawyer at Cripps is exceptional and they routinely appear in cases where the opposition legal team are one of the glamour firms in the City. This is high praise indeed and reflects the level of firepower that they bring to their cases.’
‘Very practical and effective. Ed Weeks is excellent.’
‘Individual members of the team build good relationships with clients, and recommend colleagues in the team whose expertise is in other areas. Between them they appear to have relevant knowledge and experience to deal with a wide range of issues.’
‘Tom Bourne, with whom we have worked in the past, has always taken a genuine interest in our organisation, and has gone the extra mile to support us through some very complicated legal issues. Back-up support from other members of the team has also been made available when needed.’
‘Joanna Ford is tenacious litigator who gets results. Very commercial, extremely clever and always a pleasure to work with. Hannah Proctor has a great grasp of the law. She is one to watch for the future. Ed Weeks is a seasoned lawyer who runs a very tight ship.’
Key clients
Eurotunnel / The Channel Tunnel Group
University of Kent
Holiday Extras
The Wates Group
Bank of St Helena
Cadogan Estates Ltd
Fridays Ltd
Spink & Son Ltd
Noksel Çelik Boru Sanayi A.S
Panini Spa
Work highlights
- Acting for a Turkish company, Noksel Çelik Boru Sanayi A.S to achieve a multi-million pound judgment after an eight day reported commercial court trial.
- Acted for the Defendants in a widely reported 5-day High Court trial concerning breach of directors’ duties.
- Acting for a German renewable energy company in relation to various disputes concerning the UK’s biggest solar farm.
Employment > Employment: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 1
Cripps’s ‘very commercially minded’ employment team in Tunbridge Wells is highly experienced in managing both contentious and non-contentious employment matters with a ‘very human approach’, while the firm is highly invested in employing technology to provide better client service. Team head Rhona Darbyshire is particularly active in the advertising, technology, retail, hospitality and food and drink sectors. Camilla Beamish has substantial experience in general advisory work, corporate support work and a particular interest in litigation. Patrick Glencross has particular expertise in the areas of TUPE transfers and Employment Tribunal litigation.Practice head(s):
Rhona Darbyshire
Other key lawyers:
Camilla Beamish; Patrick Glencross; Melanie Stancliff
Testimonials
‘Cripps Pemberton Greenish provides legal advice through very human lawyers who care about their clients’ businesses.’
‘Cripps Pemberton Greenish have a very human approach to their advice. They are also very commercially minded and provide highly pragmatic advice, which keeps the company legally compliant. I really value the HR Director’s Forums which they facilitate for their clients.’
‘Responsive, professional, expert advice provided.’
‘Rhona Derbyshire was outstanding throughout. She displayed at all times the correct level of support, strategic thinking and commitment to caring out the sometimes “gutty” day to day running of the matter. Not only did we feel that she was on our side but that she genuinely cared about the matter. Rhona would stand out in any firm and it is a personal regret that she doesn’t work for us ! Her availability was excellent. Her written work was great. Her care and support for us was outstanding’
‘Camilla Beamish is very responsive, professional, has a good understanding of our culture and organisation.’
‘Both Camilla Beamish and Patrick Glencross have given fantastic advice. Both are incredibly pragmatic and very human in their approach. They consider more than just the legal implications of queries and also consider reputational risks and human impact of any decisions made. I also feel that are really considerate of company budgets and are always willing to offer solutions within my budgeted spend. They are always available at short notice to answer any queries I may have.’
‘Melanie Stancliffe is a valuable employment lawyer to partner with. She is highly responsive, pragmatic and immensely detailed and knowledgeable. She provides detailed advice and recommendations, with a thorough overview of risks to enable effective decision making and optioneering, with a commercial lens.’
Key clients
Gatehouse Bank plc
Desktop Metal Operating Inc.
Bapchild Motoring World Limited
Canterbury Christchurch University
Absolutely Couriers
Holiday Extras
Chapel Down Group
Harrow School
Rémy Cointreau
Work highlights
- Advised Chapel Down Group plc, England’s leading winemaker, on the employment related matters linked to its the disposal by its subsidiary, Curious Drinks Limited of its business and assets.
- Supported Holiday Extras Limited with the management of HR issues relating to the Covid-19 pandemic and the gradual reopening of the travel sector over the past 12 months.
- Represented Gatehouse Bank plc in an Employment Tribunal case on a high-value unfair dismissal claim which arose out of a reorganisation project.
Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 1
Cripps focuses on contentious work in addition to advisory, turnaround, restructuring and transactional mandates. The contentious matters range from advice on antecedent transactions and acting in winding-up petitions to directors’ duties claims and general insolvency applications. The team also regularly acts for companies in relation to administrations, liquidations and company voluntary arrangements. Practice head Joanna Ford is well-versed in handling claims against directors including misfeasance and wrongful trading. John Kirkwood advises on the corporate aspects of the insolvency process while Hannah Proctor focuses on contentious mandates.Practice head(s):
Joanna Ford
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team’s foundations are built on commerciality and the legal advice given follows that general rule. The advice is clear and logical with consideration to the specifics of the matter. The firm also has a full breadth of legal services with clear sector focus and all of the solicitors I have instructed approach their work with consideration to the commercial aspects of the matter being advised.’
‘Joanna approaches her work with a clear commercial focus that filters down to the rest of her team. Her advice is thoroughly thought out, takes into account peripheral matters and adds value. Joanna is very personable with strong communication and negotiation skills. Her approach is always appropriate to the circumstances. I would not hesitate to recommend her.’
‘I have been extremely impressed with Cripps and their management of a complex, ongoing case. They have given careful, practical advice to their client and guided them through every step of what have been some unique challenges of the particular matter. They have taken a thoughtful and creative approach which has positioned the client well in advance of the forthcoming hearing.’
‘Tania Clench is an outstanding partner. She has been very hands on, despite her busy practice, and has always made time to attend key calls and meetings. Her experience and insight has been invaluable to the client.’
‘Accessibility, commercial approach, reasonable fees and communication.’
‘I have found the Cripps Pemberton Greenish team extremely knowledgeable within the insolvency sector. Not only do the partners lead from the front and by example, they are very commercial and willing to assist wherever they can.’
‘I find Jo extremely approachable and nothing is too much.’
‘I have recommended Jo on several occasions to other clients who are looking for similar excellent service.’
Key clients
The Conduit
Crowe U.K. LLP
Quantuma LLP
Cadogan Estates Limited
Greenbox Recycling (Kent) Limited
Chapel Down PLC
Oval Money Limited
Moore Kingston Smith & Partners LLP
FRP Advisory Trading Limited
Smith & Williamson LLP
Milk Visual Effects Limited
Work highlights
- Advised on the administration and subsequent business and asset sale of fintech company Oval Money Ltd together with its Spanish subsidiary.
- Advised Chapel Down on the disposal of the business and assets of its Curious Drinks brand.
- Acted for the Defendants in a reported 5-day High Court trial concerning breach of directors’ duties.
Insurance > Professional negligence Tier 1
Cripps deals with high-value claims both regionally and nationally, with a focus on negligence claims against solicitors, surveyors, architects and similar professionals. Russell Simpson is in charge of the Tunbridge Wells-based team, bringing with him more than 25 years of experience in the field of professional negligence. Pradeep Oliver focuses on mis-sold or mismanaged financial arrangements. The team is supported by associate Tristam Razzell, who also has a focus on financial services claims.Practice head(s):
Russell Simpson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Willing to collaborate one to one. Professional on the issues and helpful on every step.’
‘Tristam Razzell took my issue and was able to resolve it satisfactorily.’
‘High level of specialised advice provided.’
‘Ability to lead in complex situations.’
‘Cripps has a longstanding reputation for excellence in professional negligence work, both acting for claimants and defendants.’
‘Russell Simpson is a particular star. He has vast experience and is a very knowledgeable and dependable figure to have holding the tiller in any dispute. A reassuring presence and expert in his field.’
Work highlights
- Advised six groups of approximately 300 clients on bringing professional negligence claims against their conveyancing lawyers.
- Represented executors in a professional negligence claim against two previous firms of solicitors and a land agent.
- Advised on an ultra-high net worth individual who is bringing a claim against his accountants/tax advisors for failing to declare 1) the income within an offshore trust structure and 2) the benefit of a tax-free loan on his tax returns over eight years.
Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 1
Cripps‘s Tunbridge Wells-based practice is led by the ‘tenacious and dedicated’ Sally Firby, who specialises in high value residential property work, regularly dealing with sales of country houses and farms. She is supported by experienced senior associate Kit Mordaunt; Kate Arnold leads the private wealth team, while Paul Fairbairn deals primarily with succession and tax planning. Property specialist Rebecca Hughes was recently promoted to the partnership, while Victoria Fairley joined from RadcliffesLeBrasseur LLP.Practice head(s):
Sally Firby
Other key lawyers:
Kit Mordaunt; Kate Arnold; Paul Fairbairn; Rebecca Hughes
Testimonials
‘Sally Firby is a tenacious and dedicated solicitor, I know our clients are in safe hands when she’s handling their transactions. Her expertise and insight when dealing with high-value residential property sales and purchases is second to none.’
‘The team, headed by Sally Firby, are first and foremost very professional but what makes them excel is their availability, communication, forward thinking and efficiency. They are always a pleasure to work with.’
‘Sally Firby has been an industry leader for many years and she isn’t letting up. Constantly in demand, she is an excellent property lawyer.’
Key clients
Chapel Down
Evremond Estates Ltd
Mably Dairies Ltd
Rauceby Farms
Wayfarer Wines LLP
Work highlights
- Acted for existing clients on the purchase of a stud farm which had been in the seller’s ownership for about 100 years.
- Advised a father and son in farming partnership on succession and Inheritance Tax planning.
- Acting for a high net worth individual on the first registration and subsequent sale of a large estate in the Lake District.
Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 1
The 'excellent out-of-London practice' at Cripps advises a range of prestigious clients on charity law and governance. Well-regarded Tunbridge Wells–based practice leader Kate Arnold works alongside managing associate Dominic Ribet, who is praised for 'providing practical solutions to knotty problems'. Arnold is head of the private wealth team; both advise on wealth planning, supported by a team of lawyers with expertise in other areas including employment.Practice head(s):
Kate Arnold; Dominic Ribet
Testimonials
‘They work very closely with clients and work hard to accommodate client requirements. Happy to engage openly and transparently on fees and billing.’
‘Partners are always available and easy to deal with across a range of subjects. Dominic Ribet is a stand-out charities lawyer. His advice is always clear and (for a charity/trusts lawyer) commercial in the sense that he is looking to provide practical solutions to knotty problems.’
‘The team worked with the IP team to give a great overview and helpful insights into the charitable aspects and relevant factors within our negotiations. It is a very collaborative firm’
‘An excellent out of London practice. It can cover nearly all aspects of private and commercial activities. High level practitioners, competent and user friendly staff. I have used them in them charity, probate and wills and professional negligence areas – the partners have all been highly competent efficient and personable.’
‘Can highly recommend Kate Arnold in the field of charities and wills. She goes the extra mile. She is highly competent and effective. Easy to work with. A team player with leadership abilities. Very personable.’
Key clients
John Lyon’s Charity/Harrow School
English National Ballet
URC Thames North Trust
The London Diocesan Fund
University of Kent
Canterbury Christ Church University
Goodenough College
The Dorothy Kerin Trust
EKC Group
The Movarian Union
Work highlights
- Advising URC Thames North Trust on the ongoing management of the portfolio as well as advice about purchases, sales and leases of the properties on behalf of the local churches and the Synod.
- Represented Canterbury Christ Church University in a range of employment matters since 2017.
- Advised a heritage charity on a merger with another similar charity.
Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 1
The practice at Cripps – one of the strongest teams in the area of practice outside of London’ – handles high value trust disputes involving significant assets across different jurisdictions. The team of ‘hugely capable partners‘ who are ‘very knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with‘, is led by Philip Youdan, who specialises in trust and will disputes, supported by Myles McIntosh. Russell Simpson deals with high value probate and inheritance and trust disputes. Senior associate Dino Sikkel is another key name.Practice head(s):
Phil Youdan
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Cripps have a specialist trusts and estates team that regularly acts with and against larger London firms at a reduced price. They also regularly act on conditional fee agreements where appropriate.’
‘Phil Youdan has a great feel for cases and is commercial in his approach. Dino Sikkel is a calming presence who is really good at explaining cases in simple terms.’
‘This is one of the strongest teams in the area of practice outside of London. I highly recommend them and often refer cases to them.’
‘Myles McIntosh, Phil Youdan and Russell Simpson are all hugely capable partners, very knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with.’
‘They were very approachable and efficient. All work was done in a very timely manner and goals were clear. Advice was well prepared and limitations were clearly presented. Businesslike but personal approach’
‘Experienced team, straightforward and sensible. Will always listen and help clients navigate through sometimes highly emotionally charged family situations, achieving resolutions and good results for their clients.’
Work highlights
- Acting for widow in successfully defending at trial a high profile claim by 2 adult children for financial provision from their father’s multi million pound estate under the Inheritance Act.
- Acting for professional executors in relation to various claims concerning the administration of a high value estate and advising them, as trustees, upon to responding to substantial claims under the Inheritance Act.
- Representing the defense in a claim under section 50 Administration of Justice Act 1985 for the removal of our client as executor of his late brother’s estate and resolving a connected dispute concerning valuable partnership assets.
Private client > Family: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 1
Cripps' ‘professional and caring’ family team often advises high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals both in the UK and abroad, including members of the British aristocracy, celebrities, politicians and businessmen. In particular, the team have a wealth of experience in dealing with the complex issues that arise during the separation of unmarried couples. Team head Alex Davies has received an increasing number of instructions to advise on nuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements, while Vanda James deals with complex financial cases which typically include large pensions or significant business and trust assets. Managing associate Helen Fisher is also singled out as ‘outstanding in her understanding and assistance‘.Practice head(s):
Alex Davies
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The family law team at Cripps have been extremely knowledgeable, helpful and accommodating during the trying time of my divorce.’
‘A first class service and specialists in the field of both private children and finances arising from divorce. A very approachable firm with associates and partners who really care about their clients and will go the extra mile for them.’
‘Cripps is a firm that can be trusted implicitly to deliver the highest service for individuals. Genuinely Magic Circle firm attention to detail and knowledge at regional prices. Excellent cohesive team.’
‘Cripps are the most professional and caring law firm I have come across. I highly recommend them. They assisted me during difficult times with their work which I am grateful for.’
‘Helen Fisher has been outstanding in her understanding and assistance, when having had to deal with a very awkward and difficult case. I have felt most comforted by her, and her team’s, support.’
‘Vanda James ensured she was available to deal with difficult and complex issues at all times. I will never be able to thank her enough for help, care and professional advice.’
‘Alex Davies and Vanda James are outstanding. Incredibly knowledgeable, hard working and advise on how to get the best for the client without increasing temperature of litigation or legal costs. I appreciate their sound advice and excellent organisation.’
Work highlights
- Acting on behalf of a Middle Eastern businessman to defend an application for avoidance of disposition order in case with assets of approximately £20m.
- Acting on behalf of a 32 year old to prepare a pre-nuptial agreement to protect his substantial inheritance held in various trust structures and valued in excess of £20m.
- Acted on behalf of a local business man in respect of injunction proceedings with the family and criminal court, financial provision application, child maintenance tribunal and possession proceedings.
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 1
Cripps’ Tunbridge Wells private wealth team advises clients beyond core succession and tax planning issues, with expertise in trust and estate administration, accounting work, and philanthropic giving. The team also works closely with the contentious private wealth team on trust and estate disputes and professional negligence claims, including the niche area of financial services negligence. Team head Kate Arnold, who is known for her ‘friendly and relaxed approach and ready availability’, has extensive experience supporting clients who have an international element to their affairs, with a particular focus on UK/French succession planning. Senior associate Clare Savory is also an active team member.Practice head(s):
Kate Arnold
Other key lawyers:
Paul Fairbairn; Jessica Jamieson; Stephen Horscroft; Clare Savory; Dominic Ribet
Testimonials
‘Well informed and knowledgeable about their practice area, responsive, unstuffy, positive in their approach and offer good value for money.’
‘We work with Kate Arnold whose friendly and relaxed approach and ready availability enhances the delivery of her undoubted expertise.’
‘Paul Fairbairn is an excellent private client lawyer. Not only is he technically excellent, he’s responsive and he has a genuine empathy for clients.’
‘Partners Jessica Jamieson and Dominic Ribet have provided particularly helpful advice and a high quality of service. Jessica is highly experienced and knowledgeable on tax, wills, estates and trusts. Quick to understand and assess issues and suggest ways to address them. Agreed steps are dealt with efficiently and promptly. Excellent rapport with all of them.’
‘Cripps has a broad range of in house expertise and depth of resource at all levels able to advise on and deal with my relatively complex personal affairs. High quality, personal service led by partners. I can call on the firm’s other private wealth services as required.’
Work highlights
- Advising on the complex tax aspects of a disputed estate.
- Advising an entrepreneurial family on complex succession and inheritance tax planning issues for business and property assets.
- Advised on a £20m estate with assets across multiple jurisdictions, as well as further IHT planning taking into account the domicile and asset position of the surviving spouse, including offshore trusts.
Public sector Tier 1
The bulk of the workload for the versatile practitioners at Cripps is made up of asset management and property dispute resolution work, acting for government departments with large occupied estates. The team has a broad public sector client base, including central government bodies, local authorities and utility companies. In relation to local government work, the group was retained recently to assist Slough Borough Council with a large regeneration scheme. James Lee heads up the construction practice and Miles Paffard is head of the property dispute resolution team; the pair jointly lead the overall practice, which also includes Beth Gascoyne.Practice head(s):
James Lee; Miles Paffard
Other key lawyers:
Beth Gasgoyne
Key clients
The Home Office
Crawley Borough Council
Canterbury Christ Church University
Ashford Borough Council
Runnymede Borough Council
Sevenoaks District Council
Slough Borough Council
South East Water
Town and Country Housing
University of Kent
Work highlights
- Advised Slough Borough Council in relation to its £1bn urban regeneration with its development partner Morgan Sindall.
- Acting for Sevenoaks District Council in the negotiation of a s106 agreement in connection with an application for 340 dwellings, land for a 4FE secondary school, land for a community facility and improvements to the town railway station.
- Advising Runnymede Borough Council in relation to the development of a mixed-use urban regeneration scheme known as Egham Gateway West, with the intention to create a new cultural quarter in Egham Town Centre.
Real estate > Commercial property: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 1
Cripps’s Tunbridge Wells real estate team, jointly led by Stephen Hedley , Sarah Ferguson , and Richard Blackman , is a multidisciplinary practice which comprises lawyers in property, planning, development, construction and dispute resolution. Hedley has expertise in commercial real estate, investment work (sales and purchases), portfolio management (leases, lease renewals, landlord and tenant), and property finance. Ferguson has strong expertise in the affordable housing sector. Ed Fowler has expertise in acting for luxury UK and international retailers and restaurateurs breaking into the UK market.Practice head(s):
Stephen Hedley; Sarah Ferguson; Richard Blackman
Other key lawyers:
Ed Fowler; Ben Johnston; Elizabeth Robertson; Lorna Young
Testimonials
‘The organisation is always receptive to new challenges adopting a methodical and well structured approach to each project. Ability to look at the task as a whole with good networking connections with other professional advisors.’
‘Richard Blackman gets our work done quickly, always exceeds our expectations and meets our deadlines for transactions.’
‘The most important thing about working with Cripps Pemberton Greenish is the consistency of work across the whole team so that levels are maintained across the full array of fee earning levels. Emails and recommendations are presented in a consistent manner which saves client time in reviewing and instructing.’
‘Ben Johnston has been fantastic – he gives well considered, commercial, advice on complex leasing and investment transactions.’
Key clients
AEW
AroundtownSA
Cadogan
Federated Hermes
Fender Musical Instruments Europe Limited
Gopuff
J Clubb
Kennedy Wilson
The Prudential Assurance Company Limited
The Zetter Group
Work highlights
- Negotiating the lease to help Fender expand on their existing presence in East Grinstead.
- Acting for the grocery delivery start-up Godija (now Gopuff) in January 2020 as their sole real estate property advisors, securing twelve sites across London In August 2021.
- Acting in the sale of the assets of the Zetter Hotel Group including their luxury boutique premises.
Real estate > Construction Tier 1
Based in Tunbridge Wells, Cripps fields a strong construction team with experience acting for clients in sectors including education, property development, and infrastructure. Nitej Davda heads the contentious practice, where he is experienced in disputes including insolvency, development litigation, and property and construction-related professional negligence. He is supported by senior associate and dispute resolution specialist Marcus Angell. Non-contentious team head James Lee acts for property developers, local authorities, and utility companies, and runs the firm’s in-house construction precedents and know-how committee. The non-contentious offering was further strengthened in 2021 by the hires of senior associate Jane Janney in October and legal director Iain Benson in November, from Howard Kennedy LLP and Galliford Try respectively.Practice head(s):
James Lee; Nitej Davda
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I have been thoroughly impressed with the work that Cripps have done on a complex ongoing case with which I have been involved. They have brought together specialist construction and insolvency knowledge to prepare and manage the case efficiently and effectively. The client has been very much assisted by the clear, concise and correct advice that Cripps have given throughout.’
‘I have worked with Marcus Angell on a number of occasions. Marcus is a calm, measured and reassuring presence. He always has a detailed grasp of the matters on which he is instructed and has excellent client care skills. He is always responsive, and communicates clearly and effectively with those he is instructing and with lawyers on the other side.’
‘They offer very simple clear advice and are able to turn things around quickly.’
‘Marcus Angell is a thorough, hardworking and extremely knolwedgeable associate in the construction team. His assistance on what is fundamentally an insolvency case has been invaluable, as have his tireless efforts in pursuing relevant points. His initial advice to the client was thoughtful, well researched and clearly expressed.’
‘They are extremely responsible and have the patience to understand the clients needs and then to advice and sometimes with a commercial view .’
‘Nitej Davda has been extremely helpful in getting our construction disputes resolved without having to go to court.’
‘Friendly approachable and down-to-earth people.’
‘Marcus Angell is an excellent lawyer with a great manner with clients.’
Key clients
Cadogan
Slough Borough Council
South East Water
Federated Hermes (owner of centre:mk)
Harrow School (part of John Lyons Charity)
English National Ballet
Crossrail
M&G Real Estate (formerly PRUPIM)
Liberty Property Trust UK
Runnymede Borough Council
Kennedy Wilson
Endurance Land
Gold Property Construction Limited
Work highlights
- Advising the Cadogan on its estate in relation to a mixture of development agreements, agreements for lease, building contracts, consultant appointments and collateral warranties relating to new build facilities and the refurbishment of their existing property portfolio in and around Chelsea and Knightsbridge.
- Advisers to Slough Borough Council in relation to their massive urban regeneration project called Slough Urban Renewal with its development partner Morgan Sindall.
- Advising South East Water on their construction documents, professional appointments and building contracts relating to the upgrade and maintenance of their water treatment works, main pipes, reservoirs, boreholes, pipework, drainage systems and other infrastructure.
Real estate > Environment and planning Tier 1
Cripps' environment and planning team acts for clients from developers and land promoters to local authorities. Planning work includes long-term strategic advice and negotiating section 106 and development deals. On the environmental side, the firm’s lawyers are increasingly well equipped to handle complex matters involving nitrate and phosphate neutrality and biodiversity net gain. Beth Gascoyne recently moved up to team lead and has notable experience with complex judicial review and appeals cases, in addition to her development work. Her predecessor as head of team, Jason Towell, remains fully active, and handles large urban extension projects as well as advising on leisure and retail schemes.Practice head(s):
Beth Gascoyne
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The whole Cripps team is excellent. Very knowledgeable and very responsive. I would give them a ten out of ten.’
‘Jason Towell. Excellent attention to detail and focus on a legal document that delivers the best commercial outcome for the client. Prepared to go above and beyond to meet deadlines set by an Inspector and meet the challenges presented by covid in getting signed documents delivered to deadlines.’
‘Strength in depth with a thorough knowledge of the law paired with a personable approach. Cripps work as exceptional and collaborative team members, providing proactive and timely laser sharp advice. Their loyal client base is testament to the excellent delivery of their services.’
‘Jason Towell’s knowledge of planning law is exceptional. He provides clear, unambiguous and high quality advice with natural charm and charisma. He works brilliantly with clients whether they are experienced or need more of a ‘guiding hand’.’
‘Beth Gascoyne is an excellent planning lawyer. She is very attentive to her clients’ needs and has deservedly built a loyal client base. She combines a personable approach with a deep knowledge of planning law and is a pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
Barratt Homes
Berkeley Homes (Eastern Counties) Limited
Bulwark Limited
Cadogan
F C Stark Limited
F D Attwood & Partners
Federated Hermes
KD Attwood & Partners
Kennedy Wilson Europe
Persimmon Homes Limited
Redrow Homes Limited
Sevenoaks District Council
Trenport Investments Limited
Wates Developments Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Wates Developments and Redrow Homes’ Section 106 agreement for 1,500 dwelling garden town development in Bicester.
- Advising Hillreed Homes and Ward Homes Limited on development of 1,360 dwellings as part of a mixed-use urban extension of Aylesham Village near Dover.
- Acting for Sevenoaks District Council in the negotiation of a s106 agreement in connection with an application for 340 Dwellings, land for a 4FE secondary school, land for a community facility and improvements to the town railway station.
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 1
Cripps fields a large and well-regarded property dispute resolution team from its office in Tunbridge Wells, handling the range of matters for clients in the South East, across the country, and beyond. Practice head Miles Paffard is especially well regarded for his expertise in investment work and insolvencies, while Mike Scott leads on matters including high-value insurance and right to light claims. Nitej Davda acts on matters relating to leasehold enfranchisement and land registration disputes, as well as issues arising from Covid-19 shutdowns in the commercial sector. Richard Housley‘s specialisms include commercial landlord and tenant issues, property insolvencies, and real property work. Adam Osieke and Anna Toynton are also recommended.Practice head(s):
Miles Paffard
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
M&G Real Estate (Prudential Assurance Company)
Federated Hermes
Kennedy Wilson Europe
Wates Group
AEW Europe
Park Holidays UK Limited
South East Water
The Dulwich Estate
Legal & Contingency
ERGO Versicherung AG and AEGIS Syndicate 1225 (ERGO)
Work highlights
- Providing advice, assistance and support to a number of clients in connection with an ever increasing number of retailer insolvencies, valued at £20m.
- Acting for ERGO on a multi-million pound rights to light claim relating to a major development in the heart of London.
Finance > Banking and finance Tier 2
Cripps is an established practice with strong capabilities in real estate on bridge loans, development finance and mezzanine finance. The team also has expertise across the spectrum of a fund’s life cycle from structuring, operating and exiting alternative investment structures. Craig Bowers leads the team and has experience in acting for banks including Santander and Close Bros. Victoria Symons advises on collective investment schemes and alternative investment funds. Julie Hughes is well-versed in acquisition finance matters.Practice head(s):
Craig Bowers
Other key lawyers:
Victoria Symons; Julie Hughes
Testimonials
‘We used this practice for the conveyancing ad due diligence in order to sell our business. Julie provided a detailed fixed fee quote and any extras were clearly communicated. I found Cripps the best solicitors I have worked with having used numerous firms in the past.’
‘Julie Hughes headed the business sale legal matters and was excellent in moving the sale forward and negotiating the various stages towards completion. I can’t speak highly enough regarding the service I received from Cripps.’
Key clients
TBH Property Holdings Ltd
Chapel Down Group PLC
Adept Technology Group Plc
CH1 Investment Partners LLP
HiiROC
Perry Ellis Group
Sahara Holdings Limited
Close Brothers Limited
Knowledgemotion Ltd
Bioclips
Paydens
Brazilian Nickel Plc
Santander
Work highlights
- Advised TBH Property Holdings Ltd on a £44M refinance which involved a complex group of companies and properties.
- Advised Chapel Down Group on its new finance facility and equity fundraising campaign.
- Provided CH1 Investment Partners LLP with regulatory and structuring advice on numerous alternative investment fund structures for high net worth investors.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 2
Experts in the commercialization of IP, Cripps manages policies and procedures, disputes, audits, and due diligence for its clients’ IP portfolios. Irfan Baluch heads the team and advises clients on a wide range of non-contentious issues both domestically and on the international plane. The ‘incredible and supportive‘ Pete Kenyon handles a wide range of portfolios, but has particular expertise in IP assets in software. Phil Bilney walks the intersection of IP and IT and has particular expertise in IP pertaining to creative works.
Practice head(s):
Irfan Baluch
Other key lawyers:
Pete Kenyon; Phil Bilney; Elliot Fry
Testimonials
‘Pete Kenyon – very commercially astute and able to easily convey complex legal principles to all stakeholders. Phil Bilney – reliable and efficient. Great support helping us work through agreements.’
‘The Cripps Pemberton Greenish team took the time to get to grips with an extremely complex issue offering advice on the basis of a range of factors including an understanding of the personal factors as well as the purely legal ones. The team works well together and uses a range of expertise to cover all bases. The teams supported us with billing where possible – again understanding our particular circumstances.’
‘Pete Kenyon supported our organization with thoroughness and understanding. Supporting the complex negotiations with tact and clarity. This was really helpful through a very challenging period.’
‘Irfan Baluch is the most stand-out individual for me. He is utterly expert in understanding the nuances our sector and helping cut to the chase to support closing the deal. Irfan has helped us commercially drive contracts to conclusion.’
‘They have a wide team of experts who focus on getting straight to the point.’
‘Elliot Fry is a pleasure to work with. He is an expert with contracts and has a vast range of knowledge. He makes the work he does for us easy to understand and editable so we do not have to keep coming back for changes or asking questions.’
‘Pete Kenyon has been incredible and supportive throughout our interactions, providing us with highly informed advice on issues that are critical to our business, but that we know little about. He has given us the trust to be able to proceed knowing that he has our best interests at heart.’
‘The firm has extremely quick turnaround times and is very well versed in the areas we have used them for. Overall they are a great company and we would highly recommend.’
Key clients
Rule13
Thortful
Berry Gardens Growers Limited
Harrow International Schools Limited
Remy Cointreau UK Ltd
Alpha 311 Ltd
Qube Automotive Ltd
Electronuem Ltd
Risk Solved Ltd
RiskFin Tech
Work highlights
- Advising Berry Gardens on a range of IP matters including patent licenses, plant varieties, and joint ventures.
- Advising Alpha 311 on IP ownership and confidentiality issues regarding the development and commercialisation of its novel vertical axis wind turbine.
- Advising online greetings card company Thortful on contentious and non-contentious issues pertaining to copyright, image rights, and trade marks.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 2
Cripps is led by Pete Kenyon and advises emerging companies on cutting-edge matters such as NFTs, AI-based solutions, and cryptocurrencies as well as handling data protection issues and outsourcing. Kenyon is a specialist in commercializing software and issues arising out of online business models. He is supported by Kathryn Rogers who has expensive expertise in data protection and privacy regulations. A team leader in this aspect is associate Elliot Fry, who in a recent highlight advised Deltatre on the licensing of its its proprietary software platforms.Practice head(s):
Pete Kenyon
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Deliver a great mix of practical/commercial thought processes to achieve our desired outcomes.’
‘Both Elliot Fry and Pete Kenyon ensure they spend time defining what final state ‘success’ would look like – through deeply understanding our business and viewpoints of our customers.’
‘The team at Cripps Pemberton Greenish gives excellent advice on complex matters within tight deadlines. They are incredibly responsive and very often respond sooner than the deadlines we give. It is not – this is what the law is, do with it what you want. It is always targeted to our business and how our business should interpret the law.’
‘Elliot Fry and Kathryn Rogers are both excellent they work very well together or individually. The standard of work remains high and both are equally responsive.’
Key clients
Alphastream
OSTC Ltd
Deltatre
HiiRoc
Electroneum
StoneX Financial
Risk Solved
Winchester Consulting
Nikec
Tahora
Work highlights
- Advising Alphastream on a range of issues relating to the commercialization of its artificial intelligence hyper-personalisation platform into the banking and finance sector.
- Advising Hiiroc on its negotiations with energy companies to commercialize its technology which produces fuel grade hydrogen from various sources, including waste products from the gas industry.
- Advising Electroneum on the evolution and restructuring of their AnyTask platform which aims to enable low-income individuals to participate in the digital economy.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment Tier 2
Cripps counsels media companies on M&A, joint ventures, corporate restructurings, fundraising, commercial, and employment matters. Formerly in-house in the advertising and media space, Nigel Stanford co-heads the team and focuses his practice on M&A transactions. Pete Kenyon leads alongside Stanford and advises clients on the intersection of media and IT.Practice head(s):
Nigel Stanford; Pete Kenyon
Testimonials
‘Understand our industry and are a pleasure to work with.’
‘The Cripps Pemberton Greenish team took the time to get to grips with an extremely complex issue offering advice on the basis of a range of factors, including an understanding of the personal factors as well as the purely legal ones. The team works well together and uses a range of expertise to cover all bases. The teams supported us with billing where possible – again understanding our particular circumstances.’
‘Pete Kenyon supported our organization with thoroughness and understanding. Supporting the complex negotiations with tact and clarity. This was really helpful through a very challenging period.’
‘We have received excellent care and support with the entertainment and media practice – relying on the team for advice and expertise in a number of arenas.’
‘The individuals always treat us as individuals, with our own issues that are unique and not a one size fits all response and solution package.’
Key clients
Local Planet International
Deltatre
DG3 UK Intermediate Holdings Limited
BOAT International Media
Craft Media
PHD Media
Knowledgemotion Ltd/Bioclips
Sahara Presentation Systems
Milk Visual Effects Limited
The owners of Dreamtek Inc and Dreamtek Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Local Planet International Limited on its joint venture agreement with Making Science and Making Science’s equity investment into Local Planet International Limited.
- Advised the owner and managers of Dreamtek on its acquisition by System One.
- Advising Deltatre on various commercial matters with sports federations and broadcasters, concerning the licensing and development of Deltatre’s proprietary software platforms.
Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 3
Based across offices in Tunbridge Wells and London, Cripps serves a host of clients which include developers and housebuilders, banks, and real estate investors. Stephen Hedley heads the overall real estate practice at the firm, while Jason Tann leads the commercial real estate team and advises landed estates, property companies, private high net worth investors, and offshore investors. Corporate occupiers remains one of the core areas of focus in the firm. Led by Oliver Morris, who has over 20 years’ experience in advising clients on large-scale head office relocations in the professional services, financial services, advertising media, and technology sectors, the team also advises occupiers on domestic and international expansions, negotiating new lease terms, disputes, and relocations.Practice head(s):
Oliver Morris
Other key lawyers:
Ed Fowler; Beth Myers; Kate Robinson
Key clients
Capitolis
Cojean
Cadogan
Endurance Land
Evolito
Fender
Gambado
HBA
Infosys Limited
Koto
Maje Stores Limited & SMCP UK Limited
Mazars LLP
M&G Real Estate
Mott MacDonald Limited
Novator
Ocean Infinity Group
Panaya
PSK Surveyors
Punter Southall
Sovereign Capital Partners
Spink & Sons
Stormharbour
Tabula Investment Management
Tradedoubler
Wayne Mcgregor
Yasa
Work highlights
- Advising leading design agency, Koto Studio Limited, on the acquisition of new office space at The Woolyard Bermondsey.
- Advising iconic US guitar manufacturer, Fender Musical Instruments, on the acquisition of their new London headquarters in a Grade II listed building in Covent Garden.
- Advising Essex Court Chambers leading barristers chambers on the renewal of the London offices.
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 3
Cripps has expertise across the practice, with the team advising on contentious matters relating to residential leasehold enfranchisement, residential management, investment and portfolio asset management, property insolvency, real estate insurance claims and high value rights to light claims. The team is led by both Miles Paffard and Kerry GlanvillePractice head(s):
Miles Paffard; Kerry Glanville
Other key lawyers:
Laura Southgate
Testimonials
‘Personable approach to litigation backed up with a strong grasp of the law.’
‘Laura Southgate provides a firm yet considered view on contentious matters, whilst keeping a commercial perspective on the matter in dispute. The partners are backed up by strong junior solicitors.’
‘The team comprises expert litigators and is also strong on diversity.’
‘Laura Southgate is thorough and efficient.’
Key clients
Cadogan
The Crown Estate
The Dulwich Estate
ERGO
The Eyre Estate
Federated Hermes
The John Lyon’s Charity
M&G Real Estate (Prudential Assurance Company)
The Portman Estate
Sloane Stanley Estate
Work highlights
- Acted for ERGO on a multi-million pound rights to light claim relating to a major development in London.
- Advised Federated Hermes, M&G Real Estate, Kennedy Wilson Europe and AEW Europe in connection with an ever increasing number of retailer insolvencies.
- Advised on a variety of claims for Legal & Contingency, ranging from absence of easement claims to restrictive covenant claims and absence of planning permission or building regulations claims, valued at £1-3m.
Real estate > Residential property Tier 3
Cripps fields a highly respected residential property team that acts for wealthy individuals when they are buying or selling high-value private residences and land. It is also well-regarded for its advice to these clients when they are buying or selling farms, rural and landed estates. The team has been busy too advising private investors who have substantial residential portfolios as well as house builders and developers. Under the joint leadership of Kerry GlanvillePractice head(s):
Kerry Glanville; Fiona McIntosh
Other key lawyers:
Zainab Dakhil; Amy Jackson; Kit Mordaunt; Anna Favre
Testimonials
‘I am a long standing client of Cripps and I have always been totally satisfied with their professionalism, efficiency and help. Zainab Dakhil, who is a partner, is an exceptional legal practitioner who specialises in residential property. She is easy to approach, efficient and very thorough in her work, she saved me from an impending pitfall in October 2021 when I was about to purchase a new home. I will always wish to remain her client’.
‘They have a very strong team of residential property specialists who have acted for the great estates for many years, and can apply the acquired knowledge to acting for private landlords and tenants. They have seen just about every issue there is in leasehold enfranchisement, and can provide technical solutions which most firms would not even understand. Amy Jackson, recently promoted to partner is very knowledgeable, experienced and user friendly. She takes great care to get things right.’
‘They are long standing practice with great experience in dealing with residential property, particularly enfranchisement. Amy Jackson – very bright, efficient, personable and a joy to work with’.
‘Kit Mordaunt is a highly regarded and trusted professional with over 20 years experience. He values long-term client and business relationships and gives practical common-sense advice, thereby simplifying complicated legal problems, always displaying a calm demeanour’.
‘Zainab Dakhil is a well-known property professional with a depth of experience of specialising in high value transactions. She is technical and always searches for practical solutions using her positive and highly competent approach‘.
‘The Residential Property team has a wealth of experience with particular expertise in enfranchisement. Having acted for the main London Estates for many years there are few if any other firms that have such experience’.
‘Kerry Glanville has a no-nonsense approach to real estate litigation, and is a tough and savvy litigator and heads up the real estate litigation team at CPG. Anna Favre is a true expert in enfranchisement work under both the Leasehold Reform Act 1967 (dealing with houses) and the Leasehold Reform (etc.) Act 1993 dealing with flats and blocks of flats. There is nothing she does not know in these areas’.
Work highlights
- Advising a London landed estate in relation to the correct construction of a valuation assumption to be made in the context of a freehold claim made under the provisions of the Leasehold Reform Act 1967 which is currently proceeding in the Court of Appeal.
- Acting for a newly incorporated SPV looking to expand its property portfolio by purchasing 20 apartments within a new complex in London.
- Advised a Landlord on a Right to Manage Claim on a mixed use building containing 74 high value flats and commercial units to reject the claim as the Building did not qualify for a Right to Mange as the non-residential part of internal floor area of the Premises exceeded 25 percent.
Employment > Senior executives Tier 4
The ‘detailed, thorough and clear‘ Melanie Stancliffe is head of the Cripps senior executives practice and handles a range of disputes and negotiations in the area. The firm counts senior employees, C-suite executives and professionals among its clientele and provides them with expertise in contract renegotiations, joining and leaving issues, and discrimination and whistleblowing matters.Practice head(s):
Melanie Stancliffe
Testimonials
‘Excellent team, using all resources within to ensure clear, timely and effective support to clients. Knowledge, focus on the main issues of concern, producing specific advice to address.’
‘Melanie Stancliffe is detailed, thorough and clear in what can and can’t be challenged, taking a very holistic approach to deal with the issues in question.’
‘They have gone above and beyond to help me during a very difficult process.’
Work highlights
- Acted for an owner manager of a technology company in relation to Tribunal claims for Constructive Unfair Dismissal and breach of contract and in conjunction with his shareholder dispute.
- Advised a senior employee in the education sector on claims of Constructive Unfair Dismissal, Age Discrimination, Harassment and Victimisation, obtaining a good settlement, just prior to the Tribunal hearing in September 2021.
- Acted for 12 employees made redundant by retailer Joseph, regarding their respective rights regarding redundancy and TUPE on the transfer of their work from Joseph’s London Distribution Centre to an external third party based in the North of England.
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 4
Jeremy Curtis heads the department at Cripps that advises UK and international UHNW and HNW clients on various complex and wide-ranging personal matters. A large proportion of its clients are London based or have sizeable interests in London whether as substantial London landed estates or as international clients and investors. Clients include members of the British aristocracy and judiciary as well as leading business people and celebrities. Victoria Fairley is also recommended.Practice head(s):
Jeremy Curtis
Other key lawyers:
Victoria Fairley; Dominic Ribet
Testimonials
‘Very client-friendly and willing to support beyond just legal advice. Very clever and incisive. Stand-out senior associate is Dominic Ribet’.
‘ The advice I am given and the updates on the family trust are always very clear and even though I am not legally trained at all, I am always ‘kept in the picture’. When there have been difficulties/disputes with family members these have been dealt with in a sensitive but firm manner. My queries – usually by email – are dealt with promptly’.
‘ Jeremy Curtis -I have valued his measured but firm approach to problems that have arisen. He has always responded to my emails and given me confidence in how I approach my duties as a Trustee. He takes an impartial approach when problems erupt within the family he deals with and his in-depth knowledge of the legal aspects of the matters that arise help to resolve the insolvable!’.
‘The team offers a range of specialist advice. Jeremy Curtis – his work for us has been very thorough and thoughtful with excellent communication and clear conclusions. Some of the work required liaison with our attorney in another country: this was carried out very efficiently and ensured that the legal requirements of both countries were met and dove-tailed. (They worked well together and the feedback from our other Attorney was very positive)’.
‘The team were impressive in achieving all that was desired. Jeremy Curtis led on this’.
Work highlights
- Advising on the administration of a complex estate worth in the region of £200m.
- Review of UK and Brazilian legal systems to advise on inheritance tax saving.
- Acting for the trustees of a substantial London settled estate and providing both property, trusts and private wealth advice to the trustees and the principal beneficiaries regarding the administration of the underlying property portfolio and the wider trusts.
Real estate > Commercial property: development Tier 5
Based across offices in Tunbridge Wells and London, Cripps serves a host of clients which include developers and housebuilders, banks, and real estate investors. Stephen Hedley heads the overall real estate practice at the firm, while Jason Tann leads the commercial real estate team and advises landed estates, property companies, private high net worth investors, and offshore investors. Corporate occupiers remains one of the core areas of focus in the firm. Led by Oliver Morris, who has over 20 years’ experience in advising clients on large-scale head office relocations in the professional services, financial services, advertising media, and technology sectors, the team also advises occupiers on domestic and international expansions, negotiating new lease terms, disputes, and relocations.Practice head(s):
Jason Tann
Other key lawyers:
Beth Myers; James Lee
Testimonials
‘They are a brilliant outfit from trainee all the way up to partners. There’s no hierarchy or grandstanding when advice is needed and partners are on-the-ball with all issues. Absolutely wonderful to work with.’
‘Jason Tann – available, accessible and understandable!’
Key clients
Baylight Properties Limited
Birchall Properties Limited
Crossrail Limited
English National Ballet
Endurance Land (AG EL LWB B.V.)
Eyre Estate
Hermes Real Estate Investment
Harrow School
Home Office
John Lyon’s Charity
Liberty Property Trust UK Limited
M&G Real Estate (formerly PRUPIM)
Niveda Group
Cadogan
The London Diocesan Fund
The Sloane Stanley Estate
Francis Holland Schools Trust
Work highlights
- Advising Birchall Properties as a landowner and developer on all aspects of a £400m development of the Peak Resort lesiure scheme in Derbyshire.
- Advising on construction for the development of Harrow School’s 300-acre estate including development of a new-build accommodation block and a new build science block.
- Advising Cadogan in relation to its commercial and residential developments across Chelsea.
Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 5
Based across offices in Tunbridge Wells and London, Cripps serves a host of clients which include developers and housebuilders, banks, and real estate investors. Stephen Hedley heads the overall real estate practice at the firm, while Jason Tann leads the commercial real estate team and advises landed estates, property companies, private high net worth investors, and offshore investors. Corporate occupiers remains one of the core areas of focus in the firm. Led by Oliver Morris, who has over 20 years’ experience in advising clients on large-scale head office relocations in the professional services, financial services, advertising media, and technology sectors, the team also advises occupiers on domestic and international expansions, negotiating new lease terms, disputes, and relocations.Practice head(s):
Jason Tann; Stephen Hedley
Other key lawyers:
John McGeough; Beth Myers
Testimonials
‘Approachable at any hour and willing to move quickly to get me the desired result. Non-combative in arguing with their opposite number but firm in setting parameters and no-go zones.’
‘Jason Tann is a class act. An uncanny ability to find his way through the knottiest of issues – and usually with good humour!’
Key clients
AEW
AroundtownSA
Baylight Properties Ltd
Cadogan
The Eyre Estate
Emirates National Bank of Dubai
Federated Hermes
Fender Musical Instruments Europe Limited
Gopuff
Kennedy Wilson
The Prudential Assurance Company Limited
The Sloane Stanley Estate
SRG Holdings
The Academy of Medical Sciences
The Zetter Group
Work highlights
- Advising Birchall on all aspects of the development of the Peak Resort – a £400m mixed leisure, health, sport and education scheme on the edge of the Peak District.
- Acting for a private investor in prime central London for £80m hotel/leisure investments, dealing with financings, acquisition, construction and planning issues and potential joint ventures.
- Acting for the grocery delivery start-up Godija/Go Puff as their sole real estate property advisors, securing twelve sites across London.
Real estate > Property finance Tier 6
Cripps > Firm Profile
The firm: Cripps is one of the country’s leading legal practices serving corporate, real estate and private clients. With offices in Kent and London, the firm offers a dedicated, integrated team of more than 430 people to deliver exceptional service to clients. As a top 100 law firm, Cripps puts its clients at the heart of all its does – solving their problems, championing their ambitions and helping them plan for the future.
Cripps provides a fully integrated offering for high-net-worth individuals and families, national and international privately-owned businesses, and non-profit organisations. The firm has one of the UK’s largest private client teams helping individuals and families to maximise their assets, making their lives easier by taking the burden out of managing their personal affairs.
The firm’s multi-award-winning corporate team supports many of the UK’s most exciting businesses from innovative start-ups to global brands, fulfilling all the legal service needs a business has during its lifecycle. Cripps’ 120-strong team of real estate lawyers cover every aspect of the property lifecycle, working with private and institutional owners/investors, developers, lenders, private equity, landed estates and major occupiers.
Cripps doesn’t just do the right thing by its clients, the firm is committed to doing it the right way. With the best talent and the right balance of technology, creativity and imagination, Cripps aims to make a lasting difference for clients, people, communities and planet.
Principal areas of work
Corporate: With decades of experience, Cripps’ award-winning corporate team offers a wealth of knowledge and advice to entrepreneurs and businesses, locally and globally. Whether starting out, expanding or maturing, the team help clients to identify opportunities, explore options and manage risks. Expertise include: banking and finance; commercial contracts; corporate advisory; employment; investment and funds; mergers and acquisitions; restructuring and insolvency.
Dispute resolution: The firm’s large team of tenacious dispute resolution solicitors work with trust, tact and diplomacy to resolve clients’ disputes as painlessly as possible. The team covers: commercial; employment; family; inheritance; professional negligence; property and shareholder disputes.
Real estate: Cripps has one of the best known, multi-disciplinary real estate teams in the South East. Its 120-strong team of specialist property lawyers span multiple real estate sectors and disciplines. The team works across retail, leisure, food and drink, creative industries, housing and logistics. With construction, planning, property finance and dispute resolution teams, clients appreciate Cripps’ joined up capabilities. Clients include the UK’s largest institutional investors, landed estates and residential developers as well as high-end luxury retail brands and technology companies.
Private client: Cripps highly skilled private client team supports individuals and their families, both in the UK and abroad, in their personal and professional lives. The team helps clients to protect, grow, share and enjoy their wealth. Trusted for their expertise in high-value complex cases, Cripps’ lawyers are noted for their discretion and integrity. Expertise include: residential property; family law and disputes; supporting the vulnerable; tax advice; wealth structuring; succession planning; wills, trusts and probate.
Sectors: Over the years, Cripps has built a strong track record in providing legal services in several industry sectors; charities and non-profit; creative industries; commercial real estate; retail, leisure, hospitality and technology. The firm has built a multi-disciplinary team focusing on these sectors, who understands the market trends and the issues clients are facing. Drawing on the experience of lawyers who have spent time working in-house, on secondments and days spent on site, Cripps truly understands the client environment and perspective.
Recruitment: Cripps lawyers are either home-grown through the firm’s comprehensive training contract programme or join from other high-quality, city, national and regional firms and are complemented by high-quality business support professionals. The firm recruits people from all walks of life, who share its values: to care, imagine, enjoy and achieve. The firm believes strongly that the best ideas come from working with each other, not for each other regardless of seniority.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Managing partner | James Beatton | ||
Senior partner | Mike Scott | ||
Corporate | Victoria Symons | ||
Private client | Myles McIntosh | ||
Real estate | Stephen Hedley | ||
Commercial | Kathryn Rogers | ||
Corporate transactional team | Julie Hughes | ||
Commercial dispute resolution | Ed Weeks | ||
Employment | Camilla Beamish | ||
Family | Alex Davies | ||
Private wealth | Kate Arnold | ||
Tax, trust & estates | Richard Mencner | ||
Plot sales | Laura Godsalve | ||
Residential conveyancing | Fiona McIntosh | ||
Residential transactions | Zainab Dakhil | ||
Specialist dispute resolution | Philip Youdan | ||
Property dispute resolution | Miles Paffard |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Sally Ashworth | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Ed Auger | Ed deals with a variety of real estate work but specialises in… | View Profile |
![]() | Irfan Baluch | Irfan acts for a range of clients including software developers, large corporates,… | View Profile |
![]() | James Beatton | James is a partner in the corporate practice. He has considerable experience… | View Profile |
![]() | Phil Bilney | Phil is a managing associate in the commercial team. He advises on… | View Profile |
![]() | Richard Blackman | Richard heads up the corporate real estate team. He acts for both… | View Profile |
![]() | Craig Bowers | Partner specialising in mergers and acquisitions, banking and finance, joint ventures and… | View Profile |
![]() | Garry Brett | Strategic land for housebuilders, regeneration schemes and residential/commercial development generally, Build to Rent… | View Profile |
![]() | Nitej Davda | Nitej’s specialist areas of practice are construction disputes (including disputes arising out… | View Profile |
![]() | Alex Davies | Alex heads up the family team at Cripps. He has more than… | View Profile |
![]() | Paul Fairbairn | Partner specialising in advising both domestic and international families on their succession… | View Profile |
![]() | Dominic Filleul | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Helen Fisher | Helen is an experienced family solicitor. She advises on a full range… | View Profile |
![]() | Joanna Ford | A Partner in the commercial dispute resolution team, Joanna has particular expertise… | View Profile |
![]() | Elliot Fry | Elliot is a managing associate in the commercial team. He is experienced… | View Profile |
![]() | Beth Gascoyne | Beth is a managing associate in the planning team, specialising in all aspects… | View Profile |
![]() | Katie Haylock | Managing Associate in the corporate team specialising in a wide range of… | View Profile |
![]() | Julie Hughes | Partner in the corporate team specialising in a wide range of corporate… | View Profile |
![]() | Kate Hughes | KAte is a partner in the real estate team advising real estate… | View Profile |
![]() | Ben Johnston | Ben is a partner in the real estate team acting for clients… | View Profile |
![]() | Lowri Jones | Lowri is a partner and head of the transaction services team (TST),… | View Profile |
![]() | Pete Kenyon | Pete is a partner and heads up the advertising technology and media… | View Profile |
![]() | John Kirkwood | John is a partner in the corporate finance team. He has significant… | View Profile |
![]() | James Lee | James is a partner in our construction and engineering group specialising in non-contentious… | View Profile |
![]() | Paul Lester | Paul specialises in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, partnerships and… | View Profile |
![]() | Fiona McIntosh | Partner and head of residential conveyancing, handling all areas of non-contentious residential… | View Profile |
![]() | Myles McIntosh | Partner and head of private client group since 2008, specialising in will,… | View Profile |
![]() | Richard Mencner | Richard is a partner and heads up the tax, trusts and estate… | View Profile |
![]() | Glenn Miller | Specialises in residential and commercial development work, including site acquisitions, planning and… | View Profile |
![]() | Miles Paffard | Partner specialising in property litigation – commercial and residential; landlord and tenant… | View Profile |
![]() | Kathryn Rogers | Kathryn is a partner in the corporate division specialising in non-contentious commercial… | View Profile |
![]() | Nick Rowe | Partner dealing with a range of commercial and other non-contentious property work,… | View Profile |
![]() | Peter Scott | Consultant; tax and financial planning for UK domiciled and international clients (individual… | View Profile |
![]() | Dino Sikkel | Dino is a managing associate in the specialist dispute resolution team. He… | View Profile |
![]() | Russell Simpson | Russell leads the Specialist Disputes team at Cripps. The team’s principal areas… | View Profile |
![]() | Nigel Stanford | Head of the corporate transactions team, Nigel has expertise in corporate and… | View Profile |
![]() | Claire Tollefson | I am a Managing Associate in the family team and I have… | View Profile |
![]() | Philip Youdan | Philip specialises in resolving disputes concerning money and other assets left on… | View Profile |
Solicitor Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Kate Arnold | Partner in the private client advisory group providing bespoke succession and inheritance… | View Profile |
![]() | Tom Bourne | Tom is a partner in the commercial dispute resolution team. Tom’s focus… | View Profile |
![]() | Sarah Ferguson | Partner specialising in investment acquisitions and disposals, commercial leasing and residential and commercial development including site… | View Profile |
![]() | Sally Firby | Partner specialising in high-value residential property sales and purchases, and also non-contentious… | View Profile |
![]() | Ed Fowler | As a partner in the real estate team, Ed deals with all… | View Profile |
![]() | Helen Garner | Partner with particular experience advising on mergers and acquisitions and private equity… | View Profile |
![]() | Stephen Hedley | Partner and head of real estate, dealing with investment transactions and day… | View Profile |
![]() | Stephen Horscroft | Stephen is a Partner in the Private Wealth team who advises on… | View Profile |
![]() | Richard Housley | Richard is a partner specialising in property litigation, including commercial and residential… | View Profile |
![]() | Rebecca Hughes | Partner who deals with all aspects of residential conveyancing and specialising in… | View Profile |
![]() | Vanda James | Vanda is a partner in the family team. She specialises in complex… | View Profile |
![]() | Jessica Jamieson | Jessica is a partner in the non-contentious private client group providing bespoke… | View Profile |
![]() | Olivier Morel | Partner, Head of International French and English dually-qualified corporate lawyer with over… | View Profile |
![]() | Oliver Morris | Specialises in real estate investment and asset management with the retail, office… | View Profile |
![]() | Natalie Mulholland | Legal director in the Commercial Real Estate team, dealing with all aspects… | View Profile |
![]() | Pradeep Oliver | Partner with particular expertise in financial services negligence involving the mis-selling or… | View Profile |
![]() | Kate Robinson | Partner in the Real Estate Division. Leads a team acting for retail… | View Profile |
![]() | Simon Schipper | Simon works with a variety of clients including major funds, listed property… | View Profile |
![]() | Mike Scott | Senior partner with extensive experience in property dispute resolution, dealing with a… | View Profile |
![]() | Mike Scott | Senior partner with extensive experience in property dispute resolution, dealing with a… | View Profile |
![]() | Salim Somjee | As a partner in the corporate team, Salim specialises in corporate transactions… | View Profile |
![]() | Victoria Symons | Partner and Head of Corporate with particular expertise in alternative investment structures… | View Profile |
![]() | Ed Weeks | Ed has been resolving high level disputes for over 20 years. He… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 67 Number of other UK fee-earners : 162Languages
Afrikaans Arabic Danish Dutch English French German Gujarati Hebrew Hindi Italian Norwegian Polish Portuguese Punjabi Romanian Spanish Tagalog Tamil TurkishClient Testimonials
CLIENT: Holiday Extras
COMPANY/FIRM: Cripps
TESTIMONIAL: “[I] continue to be impressed and reassured by having the Cripps team on hand as our legal partner. We have used them on a variety of areas from M&A to commercial and property based projects/deals. They understand our business, give pragmatic advice and become one of the project team seamlessly. We are expertly client managed by Pete [Kenyon] and they are our go-to firm for advice/support and counsel.”
CLIENT: A technology business client
COMPANY/FIRM: Cripps
TESTIMONIAL: “Over the last decade and more, the Cripps team have been on call to give us the support we need, when we needed it and to help us realise our vision. Because of their in-depth understanding of our business and technology and like-minded approach to delivering innovative solutions and managing risk, we regard them as a key strategic partner who continue to make a very valuable contribution to our business.”
CLIENT: A private client (family law)
COMPANY/FIRM: Cripps
TESTIMONIAL: “In such difficult times, you need to have friends. You have made me feel that I was not only dealing with a professional solicitor but with a caring friend that I could count on the support of. For this and for everything you have assisted me with, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
CLIENT: A private client
COMPANY/FIRM: Cripps
TESTIMONIAL: “They adopt a very modern, human approach to areas of technical legal complication. They make it easy and straightforward for a private individual to understand, interpret and fundamentally make important decisions.”
CLIENT: A real estate developer client
COMPANY/FIRM: Cripps
TESTIMONIAL: “Cripps are very happy to spend time with us before receiving a formal instruction, to discuss and plan our requirements, to ensure we achieve the best possible outcome, in the right time frame for our customers and our business.”
CLIENT: A real estate lender client
COMPANY/FIRM: Cripps
TESTIMONIAL: “The nature of the transactions are often time critical and require legal expertise across a wide range of legal disciplines. At short notice Cripps have provided a dedicated team to work with the bank and our clients in providing a top quality professional service.”
- Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Kent, Surrey, Sussex
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Kent, Surrey and Sussex
- Employment > Employment: Kent, Surrey, Sussex
- Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery
- Insurance > Professional negligence
- Private client > Agriculture and estates
- Private client > Charities and not-for-profit
- Private client > Contentious trusts and probate
- Private client > Family: Kent, Surrey, Sussex
- Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Kent, Surrey, Sussex
- Public sector
- Real estate > Commercial property: Kent, Surrey, Sussex
- Real estate > Construction
- Real estate > Environment and planning
- Real estate > Property litigation
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Finance > Banking and finance
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment