Cripps > Tunbridge Wells, England > Firm Profile
Cripps Offices

NUMBER 22
MOUNT EPHRAIM
TUNBRIDGE WELLS
Kent
TN4 8AS
England
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Cripps > The Legal 500 Rankings
Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 1
Based in Tunbridge Wells, the corporate and commercial team at Cripps regularly assists with cross-border mandates across a range of industries. The team is headed up by corporate law lead Julie Hughes, who handles healthcare and childcare instructions, and commercial law lead Kathryn Rogers, whose clients include digital media and data management agencies. Leading the growing private equity offering is Salim Somjee, who has experience in M&A, crowdfunding and capital markets work. ‘Go-to partner’ Helen Garner is a ‘star’ and also noted for her capital markets expertise. Expanding the firm’s presence in the insurance broking M&A space are James Beatton and Lowri Jones. Nigel Stanford leads on advertising, media and technology related matters.Practice head(s):
Julie Hughes; Kathryn Rogers
Other key lawyers:
Salim Somjee; Helen Garner; James Beatton; Lowri Jones; Nigel Stanford; Pete Kenyon; Lauren Romo; Katie Haylock; Andreea Rusu
Testimonials
‘Good understanding of our business, fast paced responses and personable people and lawyers including Pete Kenyon and Kathryn Rogers.’
‘Julie Hughes and her team are unique in what they do. As a business broker I come across countless law firms on both the buy and sell side and I feel Cripps are the best at what they do. Cripps manage their client’s efficiently and effectively. Julie has the perfect balance of support and direction which enables the deals to progress smoothly. They are efficient across the various departments within Cripps which also helps to keep a deal moving. I can’t recommend them enough.’
‘Julie Hughes and Lauren Romo have the perfect balance of knowledge, expertise and empathy which makes them so successful in what they do. Julie understands people which is invaluable to this role. That combined with her professionalism and knowledge make her a reliable and consistent lawyer.’
‘They have a highly professional and knowledgeable team, offer interdepartmental and third-party communication and their team working skills are faultless. They are not afraid to challenge on points thought to be unfair or unreasonable. No holdups in the process on their side. Sector knowledge and previous experience of the buyer side is invaluable. The team members included Julie Hughes, Katie Haylock, Lauren Romo and Andreea Rusu.’
‘Cripps represent a quality-led and reasonable cost corporate law firm by virtue of being in Kent with good links to London.’
‘Julie Hughes and Lauren Romo in particular provide practical advice and a very diligent work-ethic to get deals done in the timelines set out and focus on the key issues.’
‘The team offers high quality regional transactional lawyers.’
‘Helen Garner is a star and our go-to partner. She is very bright, has seen it all and a top-class trusted adviser.’
Key clients
Chromalloy Gas Turbine, LLC
Chapel Down Group plc
Modulous Limited
Berry Gardens
Mirovia UK Limited / Lyvia Group
B.P. Marsh & Company Limited
Uniguest Holdings, Inc
REL Solutions Limited / Arcapix
Cadogan Estates Limited
Dreamtek Inc / Dreamtek UK
EKC Group
Soho Capital SAS
Brazilian Nickel plc
iprism Underwriting Agency Limited
HiiROC Limited
Kent County Cricket Club
Harrow International Schools Limited
Work highlights
- Advised private equity-backed Chromalloy Gas Turbine LLC on the sale of its machining businesses in the UK and France, as well as the pre-sale reorganisation.
- Advised Modulous Limited on its £16m series A fundraising round.
- Advised Berry Gardens on the sale of its sales, packaging and distribution business to Driscoll’s.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Kent, Surrey and Sussex Tier 1
The ‘skilled and practical’ team at Cripps in Tunbridge Wells handles complex disputes for UK and international clients, companies and business individuals across several sectors including the advertising and media, technology, food and drink, and property industries. Recent work has involved litigation related to commercial contracts, insolvency and restructuring matters, professional negligence claims and post-transactional disputes. Heading up the team is Philip Youdan and the ‘fantastic, efficient, sensible and wise’ Ed Weeks, who is well-known for his expertise in shareholders’ disputes and directors’ duties issues. ‘Go-to lawyer’ Joanna Ford has a specialism in handling restructuring and insolvency matters as well as shareholder disputes concerning IT and technology contracts. Also of note is Tom Bourne, who has a particular interest in the food and drinks sector, with experience in commercial and post-transactional disputes. Hannah Proctor is well versed in misfeasance claims and breach of contract disputes, praised as a ‘successful litigator’.Practice head(s):
Ed Weeks; Philip Youdan
Other key lawyers:
Tom Bourne; Joanna Ford; Hannah Proctor; Gemma Pearmain
Testimonials
‘The Cripps commercial litigation team is skilled and practical. It achieves results without complication and efficiently. It is clearly the go-to team for medium/large commercial disputes in SE England outside London.’
‘Ed Weeks is fantastic, efficient, sensible and wise. Joanna Ford and Tom Bourne are also very good indeed.’
‘I am based in SE Asia, and I am often asked to recommend a law firm in the UK and without hesitation I recommend Cripps. I have recommended them multiple times recently.’
‘Joanna Ford is my go-to lawyer. I have worked with her for years and she always helps finds me the right person. Cripps are an excellent firm, and I would go nowhere else.’
‘Ed Weeks was outstanding in terms of understanding the commercial drivers of the dispute, responsiveness and acting pragmatically.’
‘Cripps is obviously well run and well organised. It delivers a City standard service at Tunbridge Wells prices. As a group they are pleasure to deal with and have been helpful in ways that went beyond their obligations. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to others.’
‘I have worked with Hannah Proctor who has all the skills required of the successful litigator: an ability to get the job done, an ability to make realistic assessments of the merits and to look for the quickest way to resolve the client’s problem. She is also personable and fun to work with.’
Key clients
Eurotunnel / The Channel Tunnel Group
FRP Advisory Trading Limited
Holiday Extras
The Wates Group
Close Brothers
Cadogan Estates Ltd
Fridays Ltd
Spink & Son Ltd
Noksel Çelik Boru Sanayi A.S
Panini Spa
Work highlights
- Acted 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 Greenbox Recycling Limited, a waste management company, and one of its directors defending a misfeasance claim estimated to be worth millions of pounds in the High Court, including a subsequent appeal in the Court of Appeal.
- Acted for a wealthy London family in defending a multi-million pound claim and injunctive proceedings issued by a non-domiciled family member alleging fraud and forgery relating to a company and a number of London properties.
Employment > Employment: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 1
The team at Cripps in Tunbridge Wells adopts an ‘incredibly pragmatic and commercially focused’ approach when advising high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and business owners in cross-border advisory and litigation work, including providing general employment advice, acquisition-related employment advice, changes in contracts, holiday pay issues and TUPE matters. ‘Exceptional’ and ‘fantastic’ practice head Camilla Beamish provides ‘commercially focused, pragmatic and trusted advice’ and is particularly focused on disputes between shareholders and directors and the enforcement of restricted covenants. Melanie Stancliffe has experience in advising clients in the financial services, retail, healthcare, legal and technology industries. Rhona Darbyshire and Patrick Glencross, who is now at Furley Page Solicitors, departed from the firm in September 2022 and October 2022 respectively.Practice head(s):
Camilla Beamish
Other key lawyers:
Melanie Stancliffe; Emma Saunders; Holly Milne
Testimonials
‘An excellent experience with a sensitive and tricky exit as a board member. Their advice was not only accurate and helpful but also provided me with the tools and confidence to handle conversations in the right way. My principal contact was senior associate Camilla Beamish, who was exceptional and worked on my matter with a partner. Their co-ordination was seamless throughout the matter.’
‘The team offer trust and integrity when dealing with something as personal as your employment and reputation. I felt we were given more than just advice, the team was genuine and supportive. Our experience with other law firms is too often purely transactional, this was anything but that.’
‘The Cripps team continuously goes above and beyond to support my team. We are based in another country, and to have a highly knowledgeable team supporting us in our new expansion to the UK has been nothing short of great.’
‘I work closely with Emma Saunders, who has always shown a deep understanding of my employment questions, as well as taking the time to explain the reasoning and best practices. I am beyond thankful for her support and assistance with our HR team. I had every confidence in Emma and her team.’
‘They react quickly to requests for information and support. They offer clear, unambiguous and practical advice and very good client service levels and support. Camilla Beamish provides stand out service. Melanie Stancliffe was very responsive, clearly knew her stuff and achieved the right result.’
‘The people I deal with across the firm are professional, consistent, supportive and know their stuff! They are creative, reactive and good to work with.’
‘I find the team at Cripps incredibly pragmatic and commercially focused in their approach.’
‘Camilla Beamish is fantastic to work with. She is always happy to talk through employment law issues at short notice and provides me with commercially focused, pragmatic and trusted advice.We consult the team for serious and more nuanced matters and Camilla gives concise and clear parameters, enabling business decisions to be made.’
Key clients
Cadogan Estates
Uniguest
Berry Gardens
iprism
Chromalloy Gas Turbines LLC
Work highlights
- Supported Cadogan in relation to its acquisition of membership interest in The Draycott Hotel LLP which involved providing advice on employment status/IR35, agency workers, holiday pay and TUPE.
- Acting as legal adviser for Uniguest, an acquisitive private equity-backed US technology company. Recent work has involved negotiating the employment contracts relating to Uniguest’s acquisition of MediaStar Systems and a change of role and terms and conditions for a senior employee.
- Provided employment advice to Berry Gardens in relation to the sale of its sales, packaging and distribution entity, Berry Gardens Limited, which was acquired by Driscoll’s.
Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 1
In Tunbridge Wells, Cripps houses a ‘highly technical‘ team, which regularly assists clients with pre-insolvency matters in addition to pre-sale restructurings, solvent schemes of arrangements, and voluntary arrangements of companies. The practice advises a diverse client roster, which includes waste management, fintech, and manufacturing companies. Praised for her ‘attention to detail‘, Joanna Ford leads the team, often acting in claims of misfeasance and wrongful trading against directors, in addition to assisting companies in financial difficulty. With ‘considerable experience and knowledge‘, John Kirkwood focuses on the corporate elements of the insolvency process, and has a great deal of knowledge surrounding the selling and acquisition of insolvent businesses, while senior associate Hannah Proctor primarily focuses on contentious insolvency matters, often appearing before the High Court.Practice head(s):
Joanna Ford
Other key lawyers:
John Kirkwood; Hannah Proctor; Katie Haylock
Testimonials
‘Cripps have a very connected team. They pull in experts across the practice as needed and are very clear where their specialisms stop.’
‘Joanna Ford understands the challenges of stakeholder management. Her advice was clear and concise. Joanna’s attention to detail saves time and keeps things moving. I would have no hesitation in recommending or using Cripps again.’
‘The team provide exceptional client service and are highly responsive. They are highly technical but able to explain complex concepts in an understandable and practical way.’
‘Joanna Ford and John Kirkwood play an integral part in achieving successful outcomes.’
‘Joanna Ford and John Kirkwood put considerable time and effort in to get very complex transactions over the line. Their considerable experience and knowledge is vital to ensure all the hurdles to completing sales are overcome in a very short time. As well as the work itself, it was a pleasure working them, they were very driven, friendly and accessible.’
‘Katie Haylock is fantastic. Extremely personable and knowledgeable, super responsive and diligent, a pleasure to work with and just all round positive character.’
‘Personal, efficient practice which works well together. Would recommend particularly for large, complex commercial projects.’
Key clients
Crowe U.K. LLP
Cadogan Estates Limited
Greenbox Recycling (Kent) Limited
FRP Advisory Trading Limited
Quantuma LLP
BDO LLP
Davidson Roberts Holdings Limited
Moore Kingston Smith & Partners LLP
Hillborough Properties Limited
Evelyn Partners LLP
Work highlights
- Advised on the administration and subsequent business and asset sale of fintech company Oval Money Ltd, together with its Spanish subsidiary.
- Acted for Greenbox Recycling Limited, a waste management company, and one of its directors, defending a misfeasance claim estimated to be worth millions of pounds in the High Court, including a subsequent appeal in the Court of Appeal.
- Acted for Chromalloy Gas Turbine LLC on a complex international reorganisation as a precursor to the sales of Trac Mexico Limited to Walbar Engine Components (US) and Trac Group Limited to RCapital (UK).
Insurance > Professional negligence Tier 1
Cripps is often engaged in professional negligence disputes concerning architects, accountants, financial advisors, solicitors, and surveyors. The ‘highly experienced’ Russell Simpson leads the team, while Pradeep Oliver and Tristam Razzell are noted for their expertise of financial negligence. Harriet Robertson splits her time between Tunbridge Wells and London and is knowledgeable of investment and pension mis-selling. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Tunbridge Wells, unless stated otherwise.Practice head(s):
Russell Simpson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very experienced in professional negligence claims.’
‘They have the breadth to pull expertise across all areas I have needed.’
‘Cripps have a very personal approach where you are actively encouraged to discuss all aspects of the legal matter.’
‘Pradeep Oliver is very experienced, good on process, calm and solid.’
‘Tristam Razzell has an exceptional approach showing empathy and providing relevant and well targeted advice over very difficult financial matters.’
‘Russell Simpson – clear, robust, gives time where needed and tactful’.
‘Russell Simpson is highly experienced and a very safe pair of hands. He is shrewd and sensible and negotiates prudently.’
‘Russell Simpson is a standout individual. A canny litigator who has seen it all before. Very experienced and dedicated with a good commercial sense.’
Work highlights
- Instructed by approximately 300 clients to bring professional negligence claims against solicitors and licensed conveyancers.
- Acted for executors in a professional negligence claim against two previous firms of solicitors and a land agent.
- Acted for a group of 87 clients in a claim against a mini-bond provider for the misselling of a mini-bond.
Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 1
Leveraging support from the firm’s Kent and London offices, Cripps caters to commercial, corporate, and real estate issues for an assortment of grant making charities. Kate Arnold leads the team, while Joanna Ford is noted for her thorough expertise of insolvency. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are based in Tunbridge Wells.Practice head(s):
Kate Arnold
Other key lawyers:
Joanna Ford; Victoria Fairley; Harriet Page
Testimonials
‘The team is very client focused and manages to go out of their way to de-mystify charity law. They are happy to use new technologies where appropriate to the client’s needs.’
‘I would happily recommend them to others.’
Key clients
John Lyon’s Foundation / Harrow School
John Lyon’s Charity
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
Work highlights
Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 1
Often working in conjunction with the firm’s non-contentious private client department, Cripps helms contentious trust and probate mandates for domestic and international high net worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and family businesses. ‘Top quality partner’ Philip Youdan leads the team, while the ‘outstanding’ Myles McIntosh oversees the firm’s private client practice. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Tunbridge Wells.Practice head(s):
Philip Youdan
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A very experienced team who are highly regarded. Certainly, they are equal to any of their competitors.’
‘Cripps are a leading contentious trusts and probate practice in the South East.’
‘The team at Cripps has true expertise in the area of contentious trusts and probate work.’
‘Myles McIntosh is outstanding. From the initial interview it was clear there was going to be a pragmatic approach geared towards settlement with an understanding of the emotional/human element of our case.’
‘Myles McIntosh provided wise and measured counsel and most importantly delivered an excellent commercial result.’
‘I found Myles McIntosh to be approachable, down-to-earth and efficient.’
‘Philip Youdan was very friendly and professional. He gave clear advice which was easy to understand – excellent communication skills.’
‘Philip Youdan is a top-quality partner who achieves a lot for his clients and is always mindful of how to get to a commercial settlement.’
Work highlights
- Acted for adult children in successfully concluding a substantial claim by a widow from a second marriage under the Inheritance Act.
- Acted as an independent administrator with the purpose of protecting the assets of an estate pending the outcome of the legal dispute.
- Acted for siblings in pursuing a claim against their brother concerning the legal and beneficial ownership of a number of high value properties, the titles for which are held in his sole name.
Private client > Family: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 1
The ‘well-established’ practice at Cripps in Tunbridge Wells is ‘one of the best’, with ‘a practical and approachable team’ that seeks ‘constructive solutions’. The family team has a reputation for acting in financial remedy cases and children and cohabitee disputes which involve high-value assets and international issues, and is regularly instructed on financial proceedings under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989. Collaborating with the private wealth, property and corporate teams, the group has alternative dispute resolution options and acts for clients from a range of backgrounds including politicians, businessmen and celebrities. Team head Alex Davies, who is noted as a ‘brilliant lawyer, a great communicator and an excellent strategic mind’, advises ultra and high-net-worth clients on nuptial and cohabitation agreements. The highly praised Vanda James is ‘constructive in matrimonial matters’ and financial cases, particularly those involving multi-jurisdictional elements. Another key lawyer to note is the ‘superb’ Helen Fisher.Practice head(s):
Alex Davies
Other key lawyers:
Vanda James; Helen Fisher; Camilla Hooper; Nick Gova
Testimonials
‘A great team with a very good range of expertise and all lawyers are able to assist each other. Alex Davies, Camilla Hooper and Vanda James are outstanding. We can trust them implicitly and know that they will fight hard for our case.’
‘The team is approachable and professional and seek to offer constructive solutions. Vanda James and Nick Gova are particularly constructive in matrimonial matters.’
‘Alex Davies is a brilliant lawyer, a great communicator and an excellent strategic mind. Helen Fisher is another brilliant lawyer who brings a careful and measured eye to a case, looking out for strengths and weaknesses and ensuring the client is aware of any potential pitfalls early on. Nick Gova is a great lawyer who works incredibly closely with clients and provides a first-class service. Vanda James is a great lawyer All the lawyers I work with at Cripps are incredibly hard-working and do their utmost to get the best outcome for the client while keeping the temperature down if at all possible.’
‘Cripps are a very approachable friendly firm while being incredibly professional and you can see they work tirelessly for the client.’
‘A practical and approachable team with very good response times that genuinely had my best interests at heart.’
‘The team at Cripps has strength in depth. The team works closely together and there is a huge knowledge and experience base from which to draw. In my opinion the Cripps family team is one of the best. From the top partners to the most junior solicitors, they know their stuff.’
‘Alex Davies is empathetic and yet objective and clearly an expert in his field. I feel really confident in his advice and judgement. He’s always quick to respond and understands the stresses clients experience dealing with family law matters. He handles difficult issues adeptly and quickly gets to the heart of an issue. Vanda James is responsive and easy to deal with and her advice is clear and focused. An excellent family law team who have advised on complex matters.’
‘Helen Fisher did a superb job. She is approachable, available and her advice always focused on enabling me to achieve a cost effective and sensible outcome. She listened to my viewpoints and didn’t seek to drag the matter out or incur costs which weren’t necessary. She is also very easy to communicate with.’
Work highlights
- Acting on behalf of a client to prepare a prenuptial agreement to protect a substantial inheritance in excess of £22m, including a number of trust interests.
- Acting for a regional vice president of a global company in relation to a divorce and financial provision which involved the division of assets of multi millions of pounds and income in excess of £1m per year.
- Acting for one of the parents in a dispute regarding arrangements for children. The case involved allegations of harm to children, parental alienation and concurrent criminal proceedings against the backdrop of mental health difficulties within the family.
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 1
Acing for professionals in the legal and financial sectors, business owners, agriculture and estate owners and families with inherited wealth, the ‘professional, extremely competent and practical’ team at the Tunbridge Wells hub of Cripps regularly handles wealth and tax planning work and succession planning issues. Increasingly acting on multi-jurisdictional matters, the team is led by Kate Arnold, a member of STEP and Charity Law Association, who specialises in supporting entrepreneurs, family business owners and individuals with significant land assets and focuses on UK and French succession planning including philanthropic aims within these plans. Also noted in the market is Paul Fairbairn, who specialises in advising ultra-high-net-worth families on how to structure wealth using trusts, tax efficient structures and heritage properties. Also a member of STEP is key lawyer Clare Savory, who supports with the set up and governance of grant-making charities.Practice head(s):
Kate Arnold
Other key lawyers:
Paul Fairbairn; Clare Savory; Stephen Horscroft; Jessica Jamieson
Testimonials
‘The team are very user friendly and great to have on your side. Paul Fairbairn in particular is a pleasure to work with and very practical in his approach.’
‘The team at Cripps are professional, extremely competent and practical.’
‘Technically strong, but practical and good communicators.’
‘Good coverage of key legal specialities, and good communication between the different groups. The Private Client department has a good reputation, among other law firms as well as from clients. Very good and timely responsiveness to queries and contacts.’
‘We consulted Clare Savory, a senior associate, seeking advice about our estate planning and particularly how to minimise inheritance tax. She rapidly digested our background information. She made herself readily available and was happy to speak on the telephone at short notice when needed. She showed remarkable retentiveness of the background and of her communications with us. This meant that she was often able to provide very well-informed advice or comments without the delay that would have occurred if she had had to go through all our papers again. She produced an admirably clear report about our situation and the options open to us. She explained and justified her recommendations, with references where needed, in a way that gave us added confidence.’
‘This is an extremely knowledgeable team with client care at its forefront.’
‘Stephen Horscroft is a brilliant lawyer catering to every need of the client.’
‘We sought advice regarding our wills and our LPA’s. The manner in which the solicitor at Cripps conducted the meeting with the family and the manner in which she applied herself to our needs was faultless and of considerable comfort to us. Our solicitor showed patience, calmness and considerable knowledge in the advice given.’
Work highlights
- Advising a high-net-worth individual on how to manage his £20m share of proceeds of sale of his business from an estate and tax planning perspective.
- Advising a high-net-worth client on legal affairs, including estate planning and trusts.
- Advising on a high-net-worth individual’s multi-jurisdictional estate with assets in the UK and US worth approximately £18.5m.
Public sector Tier 1
Cripps is sought out by a broad range of clients from the public sector, including central government bodies, local authorities and universities. The team is especially well versed in asset management, property dispute resolution, development and regeneration work. James Lee heads up the construction practice and specialises in non-contentious transactional work for a range of high-profile clients, while Miles Paffard leads the property dispute resolution team, and stands out for handling complex high-value landlord and tenant matters. Head of the planning team Beth Gascoyne is well equipped to work on an array of complex planning matters, such as Section 106 agreements for regeneration and development projects.Practice head(s):
James Lee; Miles Paffard
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘This team is always available when I need them, friendly and approachable.’
‘The solicitors are our ‘go-to’ lawyers.’
Key clients
Home Office
Crawley Borough Council
Canterbury Christ Church University
Ashford Borough Council
Eastbourne Borough Council
Runnymede Borough Council
Sevenoaks District Council
Slough Borough Council
Lewes District Council
South East Water
Town and Country Housing
University of Kent
Work highlights
- Advised Slough Borough Council on its Urban Renewal Project alongside development partner Morgan Sindall; provided construction and property litigation advice for the creation of a new library and football stadium, four new leisure centres, school refurbishments, housing and infrastructure projects and advised on contentious employment matters.
- Acting for Sevenoaks District Council on the negotiation of a s106 agreement in connection with an application for 340 dwellings, land for a four-form entry 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
With strong expertise in commercial and residential properties, the ‘very well run team’ at Cripps in Tunbridge Wells includes ‘hardworking, intelligent problem solvers’ and regularly advises property investment companies, housing associations, corporates, retail parks and warehouse owners. Practice head Stephen Hedley provides ‘excellent advice’ and has recently handled the acquisition of logistics sites and disposals of retail assets. Sarah Ferguson is particularly experienced in the affordable housing sector, while Ed Fowler has a specialism in acting for luxury UK and international retailers and restaurateurs. Another key lawyer is Ben Johnston, who specialises in landlord and tenant matters, retail property and asset management work, and shopping centre investments.Practice head(s):
Stephen Hedley
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very well run team, efficient handling of work and go the extra mile to get deals done.’
‘Hard working, intelligent problem solvers that are always on the end of a phone call.’
‘We use Stephen Hedley at Cripps and we get excellent advice and his response is always very quick.’
‘Stephen Hedley has an excellent understanding of our portfolio and deals with everything quickly and in a sensible way. We enjoy working with him.’
Key clients
Cadogan
Convivia Homes
Federated Hermes
Greymoor Homes
GoPuff
Kennedy Wilson
Peer Group
The Sea Hive Limited
Tristan Capital Partners
SMCP UK Limited
Work highlights
- Acted in connection with Kennedy Wilson’s £230m acquisition and funding of a portfolio of 20 UK urban logistics assets.
- Negotiated on behalf of the client, Golding Homes Limited, with the Council and other stakeholders on the development of affordable housing within a mixed-use scheme, including obligations regarding biodiversity and open space.
- Advised Gopuff on a pipeline of acquisitions of high street retail stores and industrial warehouses for its online grocery delivery service.
Real estate > Construction Tier 1
Headed up by Nitej Davda, Cripps’ construction group specialises in handling mixed-use regeneration projects and complex infrastructure schemes for housebuilders, property investors, and government departments. The firm has particular expertise in assisting clients from the science research and development industries, boasting notable clients such as Cadogan and Kadans Science Partner in that space. Tunbridge Wells-based Davda is an expert in construction disputes, along with landlord and tenant claims. James Lee is the key contact on the non-contentious side, and regularly advises on construction contracts and development agreements.Practice head(s):
Nitej Davda
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very responsive to client needs. Good knowledge of the law and very commercial in their approach.’
‘Nitej Davda – excellent client relationships, good knowledge of the law.’
Key clients
Cadogan
Harrow School
Federated Hermes (owner of thecentre:MK)
Kadans Science Partner
Kennedy Wilson
M&G Real Estate (formerly PRUPIM)
Peer Group
Redrow Homes
Runnymede Borough Council
South East Water
Tristan Capital Partners
Wates Construction
Work highlights
- Instructed as main construction advisers on the development and maintenance of Harrow School’s 300-acre estate in Harrow-on-the-Hill.
- Advising Cadogan on a range of construction projects across its London estate.
- Instructed as main advisers to South East Water on its construction and engineering contracts relating to the repair, maintenance and upgrade of water treatment works, main pipes, reservoirs, boreholes, pipework, drainage systems and other infrastructure.
Real estate > Environment and planning Tier 1
Known for its vast expertise in the house-building sector, Cripps’ team has recently expanded its remit to cover environmental matters, including water neutrality and biodiversity net gain. Operating out of the Tunbridge Wells office, Beth Gascoyne leads the group, bringing in-depth knowledge of handling section 106 agreements to support large scale development projects to the group. Nicole Cameron has over 10 years’ experience as a planning lawyer in local government and private practice. Jason Towell retired from the practice in October 2022.Practice head(s):
Beth Gascoyne
Other key lawyers:
Nicole Cameron; Rebecca Crosdil
Testimonials
‘A collaborative team that puts their clients’ needs absolutely front and centre of what they do. Their knowledge of the LPAs within which we deal is second to none.’
‘Beth Gascoyne and Rebecca Crosdil are both second to none and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend their services.’
‘While it is a very large multi-disciplinary law firm, it is always about the individuals you deal with and the service they deliver.’
‘The practice has produced two very complicated S106 agreements for me.’
‘Beth Gascoyne’s key strength is understanding what is required and delivering what the client wants commercially within that framework. Beth is completely at ease whether taking instructions from the client, a planning consultant or a KC, and being a robust advocate in all of those circumstances. Not just a problem finder but a problem solver.’
‘Always able to get hold of who I need to. Very knowledgeable and diverse.’
‘Conscientious and go the extra mile in providing advice.’
‘I rely on Rebecca Crosdil for her attention to detail, reliability and competence. I can’t thank her enough for the times when she has gone out of her way to take instructions at short notice. I personally would not instruct anyone else!’
Key clients
Cadogan
FD Attwood and Partners
Danescroft Land
Golding Homes
Redrow Homes
Kennedy Wilson
Millwood Designer Homes
Persimmon Homes
Sevenoaks District Council
Town and Country Housing
Wates Developments
Work highlights
- Advised on the section 106 agreement for a major a new garden village incorporating 1,400 residential dwellings including care homes, affordable housing, schools and leisure facilities.
- Assisted with a section 106 agreement for a major new residential-led, mixed-use development providing 1,500 homes through the allocation of the site in the adopted Ford Parish Neighbourhood Plan and Arun District Local Plan.
- Advised on a development of 159 dwellings and the provision of ecology mitigation in order to ensure sustainability of the site, including advising on biodiversity net gain which stipulates that all planning permissions granted in England will have to deliver at least 10% biodiversity net gain from November 2023.
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 1
Counting major property investors, HNWIs, and local authorities amongst its key clients, Cripps’ property dispute resolution team has extensive expertise in property insolvency and residential leasehold enfranchisement. Operating out of Tunbridge Wells, Miles Paffard leads the team, deploying his ‘encyclopaedic knowledge’ to work on opposed business lease renewals, service charge disputes, and dilapidations. Mike Scott is a ‘first-rate litigator’, regularly handling contract disputes and development agreement issues, while Nitej Davda concentrates on residential and commercial landlord and tenant disputes. Having been promoted to partner in May 2022, Richard Housley focuses on issues concerning easements and covenants.Practice head(s):
Miles Paffard
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘We have been dealing with the firm on various matters for many years and found all the practitioners to be extremely talented in their various fields. Their strength also lies in the fact that they are very responsive and commercially minded. Billing is very transparent to avoid any confusions in fees, a problem which we have never had with the firm.’
‘I found Richard Housley to be very responsive, reliable, prompt and with excellent commercial knowledge in the field and with a commercial mindset when giving advice to avoid undue legal costs. His communication was easily understood.’
‘Cripps are far and away the number one property team in the South East. Their property litigation knowledge is second to none and that is combined with a commercial sensibility which focuses on the best outcome for the client. Beyond that, they are without exception a really nice group of people to deal with. From a professional perspective everyone is respected and listened to, and although they can be tough in negotiations, they are never anything but professional and courteous.’
‘Miles Paffard is an exceptional lawyer with an encyclopaedic knowledge. His acumen is first class and he always brings a clear tactical focus to cases.’
‘Mike Scott is a first-rate litigator and his client care skills are peerless. He is also a first rate lawyer who always gets to the central issue of a case and focuses on the best outcome for the client.’
Key clients
Wates Developments
Federated Hermes
ERGO Versicherung AG
M&G Real Estate
Cadogan Estates Limited
Kennedy Wilson Europe
AEW Europe
Aroundtown SA
Various Borough Councils
Park Holidays UK Limited
Work highlights
- Advised numerous real estate investment trusts on Covid-related rent arrears, as well as on retailer and leisure insolvencies at shopping centres and retail parks.
- Acting for the insurer ERGO on a right to light claim relating to a major development in the heart of London.
- Acting for the applicant tenant in an arbitration under the Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Act 2022.
Finance > Banking and finance Tier 2
Based in Tunbridge Wells, the team at Cripps houses a diverse practice, which assists clients with development, mezzanine, and asset financing issues. Craig Bowers heads up the practice with his broad experience in acting for borrowers, while Julie Hughes predominantly handles acquisition financing matters for borrowers in the real estate sector. Victoria Symons is particularly experienced in advising family offices and high-net-worth individuals on collective investment schemes, asset backed lending work, and collective investment schemes. The highly experienced Nicholas Fisher joined the team in April 2022.Practice head(s):
Craig Bowers
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Great range of expertise, well organised through key account management, adaptable and understanding of your business needs, risks and priorities – strong problem-solvers.’
‘Very personable and solutions focused -feel like they “own” the challenge with you as part of your team, not just advisers – and workout what other advice needed alongside their own.’
Key clients
CH1 Investment Partners LLP
Peer Real Estate
Peer Freeholds Limited
Convivia Homes Holdings
Close Brothers Limited
Modulous
Holiday Extras
HiiRoc
Santander
Work highlights
- Advised Peer Group plc on the refinancing of two of its subsidiaries’ existing facilities with The Royal Bank of Scotland plc and Santander Bank plc.
- Advised Convivia Homes Holdings Limited on the negotiation of two separate facility agreements for the separate property owning SPVs along with security and other finance agreements.
- Advised CH1 Investment Partners LLP on regulatory and structuring matters concerning numerous alternative investment fund structures for high-net-worth investors.
Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 2
Cripps is led by the ‘passionate, driven and extremely knowledgeable‘ Sally Firby who is proficient in matters pertaining to estates, farms and high-value London properties. Kate Arnold is entrusted by clients with structuring their business arrangements and property ownership. Kit Mordaunt splits his time between London and Kent and has over two decades of experience in agricultural property. All of the individuals that have been mentioned in Tunbridge Wells, unless stated otherwise.Practice head(s):
Sally Firby
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I have worked with Sally Firby for many years. She is passionate, driven and extremely knowledgeable in her field.’
‘Sally Firby leaves no stone unturned and has great attention to detail. Sally is always responsive to clients needs and thinks outside the box to come up with sensible and practical solutions.’
Key clients
Chapel Down
Evremond Estates Ltd
Mably Dairies Ltd
Rauceby Farms
Wayfarer Wines LLP
Work highlights
- Assisted a HNW client purchasing a significant estate comprising of over 20 cottages and over 1000 acres of land spread across a number of farms.
- Handled the administration of a £20million estate of the deceased where the primary asset was a Lincolnshire estate, of which the deceased was sole owner and sole trader.
- Acted on the purchase of a boutique country estate and organic farm.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 2
Cripps often undertakes due diligence of IP on corporate transactions, in addition to IP audits, disputes, and ownership and protection issues. Head of the team Irfan Baluch assists clients with blockchain, cryptocurrency and NFT portfolios, while Pete Kenyon has over two decades of experience in this sector. Phil Bilney is also noted and is based in Tunbridge Wells alongside Kenyon and Baluch.Practice head(s):
Irfan Baluch
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Cripps always ensure that our intellectual property and related rights are adequately protected in contractual documentation when engaging/negotiating with customers and suppliers.’
‘It is very reassuring that Cripps have so much knowledge about us, what we do, why and how we engage and deliver our service. They just seem to ‘get us’ and it is brilliant for us to have access to them when needed.’
‘A string team of high-flying associates. They are client focused and very responsive.’
‘The practice was willing to adapt an existing foreign agreement and showed a flexible approach.’
‘Phil Bilney is very easy to get on with, friendly and always has a smile on his face. It’s always a pleasant experience when working with him.’
‘Phil Bilney has excellent client skills and is also very able.’
‘Phil Bilney and Irfan Baluch gave me confidence that the company was stable and the personal were settled and competent.’
Key clients
Studio Wayne McGregor
Thortful
Berry Gardens Growers Limited
Harrow International Schools Ltd
Remy Cointreau UK Ltd
Alpha 311 Ltd
Spink and Son Ltd
Electronuem Ltd
Risk Solved Ltd
Kit & Caboodle
Work highlights
- Advised Studio Wayne McGregor on the creation of a new augmented reality technology built within Niantic’s development platform.
- Advised Spink on their construction of a world-leading and innovative auction lot package comprising original photos, NFT’s and associated intellectual property licensing rights.
- Advised Electroneum on the evolution of the innovative AnyTask platform which enables buyers and sellers to purchase and sell digital tasks in fiat currency.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 2
With expertise in AI, Fintech and Healthtech, Cripps is led by Pete Kenyon who is often engaged in matters concerning the commercialisation of software and online businesses. Kathryn Rogers is knowledgeable of e-commerce, data protection, outsourcing, and SaaS agreements, while Irfan Baluch is proficient in blockchain, cryptocurrency, NFTs and data-protection. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Tunbridge Wells.Practice head(s):
Pete Kenyon
Other key lawyers:
Kathryn Rogers; Irfan Baluch; Elliot Fry
Testimonials
‘Cripps always ensure that our intellectual property and related rights are adequately protected in contractual documentation when engaging/negotiating with customers and suppliers.’
‘It is very reassuring that Cripps have so much knowledge about us, what we do, why and how we engage and deliver our service. They just seem to ‘get us’ and it is brilliant for us to have access to them when needed.’
‘The team offers comprehensive data protection advice on a range of data protection matters. They are on hand for detailed discussions and drafting, as well as for quick calls to double check a point.’
‘They are experts in UK GDPR and are an important resource for the UK team.’
‘We work with Kathryn Rogers who provides clear and commercial advice.’
Key clients
Alphastream
RDT
Deltatre
Electroneum
Modulous
Risk Solved
Winchester Consulting
Maytech
Habicus Group / SilverDoor
Flawless Holdings Limited
Berry Gardens Growers Ltd
Chromalloy Gas Turbine, LLC
Work highlights
- Advised Holiday Extras on contracts for their IT-based services from a sales and procurement perspective.
- Advised RDT on strategic licensing and support issues for their international rollout of a managed service solution.
- Advised Electroneum on regulatory compliance, commercial and technical issues.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment Tier 2
Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 3
Operating out of London and Tunbridge Wells, Cripps is praised for ‘delivering an exceptional service’. The team is also well-regarded for its expertise surrounding mixed-use developments, as well as the logistics, offices, retail, and hospitality sectors. Oliver Morris has over two decades of experience in large-scale head office relocations; Ed Fowler leads the retail, leisure, and hospitality team, while Nitej Davda oversees the construction department and James Lee provides the team with experience in construction and engineering projects. Elizabeth Robertson is noted for her activity in the retail and London office market and Nicole Cameron is adept in town and country planning law-related matters. John McGeough and Stephen Hedley are knowledgeable of asset management and Beth Myers excels in acquisitions, disposals, and leasehold transactions. Alex Gallyer has acted for several landed estates on high-value commercial lettings and acquisitions.Practice head(s):
Oliver Morris
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Oliver Morris is prepared, experienced, available and flexible. It was a real pleasure to work with Oliver, he has all the qualities needed for a successful transition.’
‘Commercial real estate advisers.’
‘The team at Cripps combine a personable approach with a clarity of process. Partners, associates, paralegals and support staff work together to provide a holistic service that learns from what we do and how we want to do things.’
Key clients
Beach Point Capital
Cojean
Cadogan
Econic Biosciences Limited
Fender
Go Puff
HBA
Infosys Limited
Jimmy Fairly
Koto
Maje Stores Limited & SMCP UK Limited
Mazars LLP
M&G real estate
Mott MacDonald Limited
Novator
Ocean Infinity Group
Pearson Ham Consulting Limited
Perkins + Will
PSK Surveyors
Punter Southall
Sloane Stanley Estate
SMCP Group SAS
Tabula Investment Management
Wayne McGregor
Wildstone Estates Limited
Yasa
Work highlights
- Acted as a sole legal adviser to Jimmy Fairly on acquiring the leases of 12 stores in key destinations across London.
- Advised Advanz Pharma on the lease of their new London HQ including the negotiation of ESG/green-related clauses.
- Acted for Yasa on a lease of a new unit at Catalyst Bicester.
Real estate > Residential property Tier 3
Cripps fields an excellent team which services U/HNW individuals on a broad range of issues. It is adept at handling freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, advising on new build warranties, alterations and refurbishments, as well as planning matters. The practice has also developed a solid reputation for its work on enfranchisement. Zainab Dakhil’s clients include established large London estates and wealthy individuals, developers, professional landlords and lenders. Anna Favre specialises in residential landlord and tenant law and leasehold enfranchisement. Amy Jackson and Fiona McIntosh are both well-regarded, while Laura Southgate excels in property dispute resolution.Practice head(s):
Zainab Dakhil; Anna Favre; Amy Jackson; Fiona McIntosh
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Zainab Dakhil – Exceptional, hard-working solicitor, regularly available for updates. She has great communication skills and gets things done, which is very reassuring when passing her details onto our clients, family and friends’.
‘The expertise of the team is second to none in the residential property sector. However, they are also all incredibly approachable, good-humoured and always a pleasure to work with’.
‘Laura Southgate for her ability to grasp and analyse complex legal issues and deal with difficult clients. Anna Favre for the experience she brings to cases‘.
Work highlights
- Won a competitive tender in February 2022 to be sole legal adviser to one of the most elite private developments in London which owns and manages 37 super prime residential apartments serviced by Four Seasons, with sale prices ranging from c.£20m-c.£60m.
- Advising ultra-high net worth individuals in relation to a complex collective enfranchisement claim on a Prime Central London building with an aggregate value of circa £40m, enabling the acquisition of the freehold and intermediate interests.
- Acting for a newly-incorporated SPV looking to expand its property portfolio by purchasing 12 apartments within a new complex in London off plan.
Employment > Senior executives Tier 4
Cripps handles a range of regulatory work, as well as assisting with the negotiation of exit packages and acting in disability discrimination disputes. 'Exceptional' team head Melanie Stancliffe has a particular focus on whistleblowing and misconduct allegations. The team was bolstered by the arrival of Sarah Glockler from Memery Crystal in February 2023.Practice head(s):
Melanie Stancliffe
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Melanie Stancliffe is exceptional and very responsive.’
‘Excellent communication and clear and concise advice.’
‘I have been dealing with Melanie Stancliffe for many years now and her knowledge of employment law and specific attention to the pertinent questions needed to be answered is spot on.’
‘Very personable and individually tailored service.’
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 4
Victoria Fairley heads the department at Cripps, which is recommended for its work with a variety of wealthy clients ranging from those who have inherited wealth, national and international business owners and directors, through to agriculture and estate owners. In addition, it acts for a significant number of clients with cross-border interests. Jeremy Curtis covers all aspects of estate planning, including UK and international tax and succession. He also excels in advising on issues relating to heritage property, business succession and court of protection matters.Practice head(s):
Victoria Fairley
Other key lawyers:
Dominic Ribet; Jeremy Curtis; Greg Fletcher
Testimonials
‘A close involvement with clients leaves the firm well able to understand what the client wants and how to achieve it. Dominic Ribet is clear-thinking and practical’.
‘Jeremy Curtis has very broad experience with a variety of clients nationally, building long-term relationships and inspiring confidence in other professionals’.
‘Work is generally undertaken by individuals with appropriate skills, knowledge and experience for the client and the particular matter. The firm is very well-managed and has invested in sophisticated systems to offer a very efficient service. Fees are competitive’.
‘Jeremy Curtis – his practice has expanded in recent years with clients referred by a number of retiring well known private client solicitors. He is ably supported by Victoria Fairly who joined the firm from Radcliffe Le Brasseur with her practice who I have known for many years’.
‘Dominic Ribet is the senior associate who has been acting for me on various complex and sophisticated trust matters requiring close consultation with trustees and beneficiaries with tact and an ability to explain complex issues’.
‘Always a professional service and excellent response times. Friendly, efficient and professional in my experience…..’.
‘The private client team consistently provide a very high level of service to our clients. The team are very quick to answer correspondence with clear and concise legal advice or direction. The fees for the work done seem very reasonable for a London legal practice. They are a joy to do business with. Victoria Fairly, Greg Fletcher‘.
Work highlights
- Advised the trustees of two long standing family trusts with substantial assets, about a structural reorganisation and specialist advice pursuant to an application being prepared under the Variation of Trusts Act regime.
- Appointed Executor and Trustee of a large estate which comprised of a substantial share portfolio which the deceased managed himself through a trading platform, property in England and in Scotland, chattels, and a significant Lloyds underwriting business.
- Acting for four UK resident and domiciled individuals who have inherited a third of the shares in a foreign holding company. Advising on the most tax efficient way to hold the shares and in particular whether they can be held through the individuals’ own personal holding companies.
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 4
Cripps works for some of the largest property investors and occupiers in the country, acting as the go-to firm for leasehold enfranchisement issues and other disputes in the residential, retail and leisure sectors. 'Master of her field' Laura Southgate leads the team, specialising in all aspects of commercial and residential landlord and tenant disputes. Kerry GlanvillePractice head(s):
Laura Southgate
Other key lawyers:
Kerry Glanville; Lesley Robinson; Elena Chrysostomou
Testimonials
‘Lots of very good lawyers working together to make a good real estate team.’
‘A sophisticated, specialist team and good designation of responsibilities.’
‘Elena Chrysostomou is pragmatic, experienced and shows good client care.’
‘Experts in their field providing incisive and effective advice.’
‘Laura is a thoughtful master of her field and uses her knowledge effectively in the best interests of her clients.’
‘We were very impressed with the determination, dedication and originality shown by Elena Chrysostomou throughout the matter she acted for us on.’
Key clients
Cadogan
The Portman Estate
Landsec
Sloane Stanley Estate
ERGO
The John Lyon’s Charity
M&G Real Estate (Prudential Assurance Company)
The Crown Estate
Federated Hermes
The Eyre Estate
Work highlights
- Advised numerous London Estates with Company Voluntary Arrangements and insolvency processes for household name retailers, negotiating rent concessions during the pandemic and recovery of rent from commercial tenants.
- Acting on a multi-million-pound right to light claim relating to a major development in the heart of London.
- Advised on a dispute between freeholder and the recognised residents’ association representing long leaseholders concerning the management of a mixed-use building in west London.
Real estate > Commercial property: development Tier 5
Operating out of London and Tunbridge Wells, Cripps is praised for ‘delivering an exceptional service’. The team is also well-regarded for its expertise surrounding mixed-use developments, as well as the logistics, offices, retail, and hospitality sectors. Oliver Morris has over two decades of experience in large-scale head office relocations; Ed Fowler leads the retail, leisure, and hospitality team, while Nitej Davda oversees the construction department and James Lee provides the team with experience in construction and engineering projects. Elizabeth Robertson is noted for her activity in the retail and London office market and Nicole Cameron is adept in town and country planning law-related matters. John McGeough and Stephen Hedley are knowledgeable of asset management and Beth Myers excels in acquisitions, disposals, and leasehold transactions. Alex Gallyer has acted for several landed estates on high-value commercial lettings and acquisitions.Practice head(s):
Nitej Davda
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Cripps is committed to delivering exceptional service.’
‘Our dealings with the company have been efficient and productive.’
‘Everyone is committed to delivering exceptional service. Cripps team take charge, make the difference, delivering a successful outcome.’
Key clients
Birchall Properties Limited
Cadogan
English National Ballet
Eyre Estate
Federated Hermes
John Lyon’s Charity
Kadans Science Partner
M&G Real Estate (formerly PRUPIM)
Peer Group
Sloane Stanley Estate
Wates
Work highlights
- Advising Harrow School on the development and maintenance of their 300-acre estate.
- Acting for Cadogan on public realm works for the development of a ‘green boulevard’ along Sloane Street.
- Advising a private property investment company on all of its investment and development projects including refinancing a proportion of its portfolio to provide funding for a future residential scheme.
Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 5
Operating out of London and Tunbridge Wells, Cripps is praised for ‘delivering an exceptional service’. The team is also well-regarded for its expertise surrounding mixed-use developments, as well as the logistics, offices, retail, and hospitality sectors. Oliver Morris has over two decades of experience in large-scale head office relocations; Ed Fowler leads the retail, leisure, and hospitality team, while Nitej Davda oversees the construction department and James Lee provides the team with experience in construction and engineering projects. Elizabeth Robertson is noted for her activity in the retail and London office market and Nicole Cameron is adept in town and country planning law-related matters. John McGeough and Stephen Hedley are knowledgeable of asset management and Beth Myers excels in acquisitions, disposals, and leasehold transactions. Alex Gallyer has acted for several landed estates on high-value commercial lettings and acquisitions.Practice head(s):
Stephen Hedley
Other key lawyers:
Oliver Morris; Ed Fowler; Nitej Davida; James Lee; Elizabeth Robertson; Nicole Cameron; John McGeough; Beth Myers; Alex Gallyer; Kay Evans
Testimonials
‘Not only are they hard-working, practical and knowledgeable, but they are also approachable and helpful. They are happy to go above and beyond what is required and will take the time to talk through any questions you may have.’
‘Beth Myers is an excellent solicitor. She is practical and really listens to her clients. A breath of fresh air in the legal industry.’
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
Sloane Stanley
SRG Holdings
The Academy of Medical Sciences
The Zetter Group
Work highlights
- Advising Birchall Properties on all aspects of the development of the Peak Resort scheme in Derbyshire.
- Advising an investment and development client on three mixed-use acquisitions in central London including retail offices and residential units.
- Acting for a German investor owner on the letting of 4 London hotels to an established aparthotel operator.
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 |
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Sally Ashworth | Partner | View Profile |
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Ed Auger | Ed deals with a variety of real estate work but specialises in… | View Profile |
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Irfan Baluch | Irfan acts for a range of clients including software developers, large corporates,… | View Profile |
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James Beatton | James is a partner in the corporate practice. He has considerable experience… | View Profile |
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Phil Bilney | Phil is a managing associate in the commercial team. He advises on… | View Profile |
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Richard Blackman | Richard heads up the corporate real estate team. He acts for both… | View Profile |
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Craig Bowers | Partner specialising in mergers and acquisitions, banking and finance, joint ventures and… | View Profile |
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Garry Brett | Strategic land for housebuilders, regeneration schemes and residential/commercial development generally, Build to Rent… | View Profile |
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Nitej Davda | Nitej’s specialist areas of practice are construction disputes (including disputes arising out… | View Profile |
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Alex Davies | Alex heads up the family team at Cripps. He has more than… | View Profile |
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Paul Fairbairn | Partner specialising in advising both domestic and international families on their succession… | View Profile |
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Dominic Filleul | Partner | View Profile |
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Helen Fisher | Helen is an experienced family solicitor. She advises on a full range… | View Profile |
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Joanna Ford | A Partner in the commercial dispute resolution team, Joanna has particular expertise… | View Profile |
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Elliot Fry | Elliot is a managing associate in the commercial team. He is experienced… | View Profile |
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Beth Gascoyne | Beth is a partner in the planning team, specialising in all aspects… | View Profile |
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Katie Haylock | A legal director in the corporate transactional team, specialising in pragmatic, commercial,… | View Profile |
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Julie Hughes | Partner in the corporate team specialising in a wide range of corporate… | View Profile |
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Kate Hughes | KAte is a partner in the real estate team advising real estate… | View Profile |
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Ben Johnston | Ben is a partner in the real estate team acting for clients… | View Profile |
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Lowri Jones | Lowri is a partner and head of the transaction services team (TST),… | View Profile |
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Pete Kenyon | Pete is a partner and heads up the advertising technology and media… | View Profile |
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John Kirkwood | John is a partner in the corporate finance team. He has significant… | View Profile |
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James Lee | James is a partner in our construction and engineering group specialising in non-contentious… | View Profile |
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Paul Lester | Paul specialises in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, partnerships and… | View Profile |
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Fiona McIntosh | Partner and head of residential conveyancing, handling all areas of non-contentious residential… | View Profile |
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Myles McIntosh | Partner and head of private client group since 2008, specialising in will,… | View Profile |
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Richard Mencner | Richard is a partner and heads up the tax, trusts and estate… | View Profile |
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Glenn Miller | Specialises in residential and commercial development work, including site acquisitions, planning and… | View Profile |
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Miles Paffard | Partner specialising in property litigation – commercial and residential; landlord and tenant… | View Profile |
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Kathryn Rogers | Kathryn is a partner in the corporate division specialising in non-contentious commercial… | View Profile |
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Nick Rowe | Partner dealing with a range of commercial and other non-contentious property work,… | View Profile |
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Peter Scott | Consultant; tax and financial planning for UK domiciled and international clients (individual… | View Profile |
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Dino Sikkel | Dino is a managing associate in the specialist dispute resolution team. He… | View Profile |
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Russell Simpson | Russell leads the Specialist Disputes team at Cripps. The team’s principal areas… | View Profile |
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Nigel Stanford | A partner in the corporate team. Advises both public and private companies,… | View Profile |
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Claire Tollefson | I am a Managing Associate in the family team and I have… | View Profile |
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Philip Youdan | Philip specialises in resolving disputes concerning money and other assets left on… | View Profile |
Solicitor Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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Kate Arnold | Partner in the private client advisory group providing bespoke succession and inheritance… | View Profile |
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Tom Bourne | Tom is a partner in the commercial dispute resolution team. Tom’s focus… | View Profile |
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Sarah Ferguson | Partner specialising in investment acquisitions and disposals, commercial leasing and residential and commercial development including site… | View Profile |
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Sally Firby | Partner specialising in high-value residential property sales and purchases, and also non-contentious… | View Profile |
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Ed Fowler | As a partner in the real estate team, Ed deals with all… | View Profile |
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Helen Garner | Partner with particular experience advising on mergers and acquisitions and private equity… | View Profile |
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Stephen Hedley | Partner and head of real estate, dealing with investment transactions and day… | View Profile |
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Stephen Horscroft | Stephen is a Partner in the Private Wealth team who advises on… | View Profile |
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Richard Housley | Richard is a partner specialising in property litigation, including commercial and residential… | View Profile |
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Rebecca Hughes | Partner who deals with all aspects of residential conveyancing and specialising in… | View Profile |
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Vanda James | Vanda is a partner in the family team. She specialises in complex… | View Profile |
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Jessica Jamieson | Jessica is a partner in the non-contentious private client group providing bespoke… | View Profile |
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Olivier Morel | Partner, Head of International French and English dually-qualified corporate lawyer with over… | View Profile |
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Oliver Morris | Specialises in real estate investment and asset management with the retail, office… | View Profile |
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Natalie Mulholland | Legal director in the Commercial Real Estate team, dealing with all aspects… | View Profile |
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Pradeep Oliver | Partner with particular expertise in financial services negligence involving the mis-selling or… | View Profile |
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Kate Robinson | Partner in the Real Estate Division. Leads a team acting for retail… | View Profile |
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Simon Schipper | Simon works with a variety of clients including major funds, listed property… | View Profile |
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Mike Scott | Senior partner with extensive experience in property dispute resolution, dealing with a… | View Profile |
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Mike Scott | Senior partner with extensive experience in property dispute resolution, dealing with a… | View Profile |
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Salim Somjee | As a partner in the corporate team, Salim specialises in corporate transactions… | View Profile |
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Victoria Symons | Partner and Head of Corporate with particular expertise in alternative investment structures… | View Profile |
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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 TurkishDiversity
At Cripps, we put people at the heart of what we do – our clients, our colleagues and the people in our communities. Together, our purpose is to be the difference. This means using our collective energy, empathy and expertise to make a positive and long-lasting impact on people’s lives and businesses. We realise that actions are more important than words and we make our purpose a reality by channelling our actions through four key ‘pillars’ – our people, clients, planet and community.
Diversity
We embrace diversity, celebrating the different backgrounds and experiences our people bring to work. Understanding that the best ideas come from working with each other, not for each other.
We have active programmes around encouraging and nurturing diversity and inclusion, and have had a longstanding track record on ensuring equality. We treat everyone we work alongside with dignity and respect and our policies on harassment, maternity and paternity leave, help uphold the importance of equality and inclusion in our culture.
The diversity of our team makes us more capable, responsive and, above all, human. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer – our diversity enables us to better serve our clients and to create better solutions for them.
We are fully committed to fostering a truly diverse business that reflects the community and society we inhabit. To underline this commitment, we have signed the Law Society’s Charter on Diversity, which promotes diversity and equality across the entire legal profession.
Read our 2020/21 gender pay gap report.
Protecting the planet
We’re committed to protecting the most valuable resource we have: this remarkable planet we’re all fortunate enough to inhabit. As part of this effort, we’re working towards becoming a net zero business to help build a more sustainable future.
We have an independent assessment and audit of our energy usage, industrial process and travel expenses under the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) and report on our energy consumption and associated greenhouse emissions under the SECR regulations. Each year our energy consumption continues to decrease as we introduce new initiatives. Find out more about our environmental initiatives.
In the community
It’s our greatest privilege to use our skills and resources to help support the communities within which we live and work and share our good fortune. We want our actions to have a positive impact on our communities and contribute to causes that matter to our business and our people. Each year, our people support a range of initiatives designed to give back to our communities – from supporting our Charity of the Year, to pro bono work and volunteering for worthwhile causes on our ‘be the difference days’. Find out more about how we make a difference in our communities.
Client 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.”
Student (Future Lawyers )
The Legal 500 Future Lawyers Verdict
‘Leading law firm in the south east' Cripps has offices in London and Kent, and boasts a ‘specialism in real estate law’ and ‘good training’. The ‘brilliant private wealth team’ also drew in trainees. The firm has a ‘big focus on people and teams’ and a ‘culture of treating everyone as an individual’ leading recruits to ‘feel valued as a trainee and employee’. Cripps trainees are given ‘responsibility on complex tasks and encouraged to have early client contact’; they are ‘always challenged, and encouraged to express opinions and ask questions’. What’s more, recruits are ‘never turned away from partners or other fee earners; there is always an open door’. To top it all off, ‘the hours at Cripps are not crazy; you can sometimes be working later when needed but this is not the norm’. When asked for the worst thing about the firm, several trainees mentioned the pay, which they feel ‘could be more competitive’, especially for a ‘top 100 law firm located just outside London’. Some recruits, however, feel that a good work/life balance and high levels of client contact is a trade-off for the lower salary. Other grievances are the ‘limited equipment given to trainees to work from home’, and that the ‘hybrid working model can make it difficult to approach supervisors/have enough supervision’. Best moments include ‘leading a client meeting alone for the first time, and being the person that clients trust to answer their questions’, and ‘attending a five-day trial at the Royal Courts of Justice’. For lots of responsibility, a friendly group of trainees who are ‘encouraged to mix together’ and plenty of exposure to high-quality work, take a closer look at Cripps.- 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 > 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
- Private client > Agriculture and estates
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment