Cripps > Tunbridge Wells, England > Firm Profile

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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.’

‘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’.

‘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.’

‘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’.

‘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!’

‘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!’