Joanna Ford > Cripps > Tunbridge Wells, England > Lawyer Profile

Acting in winding-up petitions, directors’ duties claims, general insolvency applications and corporate restructurings are among the core currencies of the ‘very commercial and practical’ insolvency team housed by Cripps. Practice head Joanna Ford is regarded as ‘excellent’ and recognised for her work on both contentious and non-contentious high-value restructuring and insolvency matters. John Kirkwood has a particular focus on providing advice on selling and acquiring insolvent businesses and accelerated M&A transactions.

The commercial dispute resolution practice at Cripps has experience acting on a range of contentious matters, often with a cross-border element, with particular strength in the retail, technology, financial services and real estate sectors. The practice is led by Joanna Ford, based in Tunbridge Wells, and William Angas in Horsham, who recently joined the firm as part of its merger with PDT Solicitors. Ford is renowned for her expertise dealing with insolvency and restructuring related litigation, including director duties, as well as acting on behalf of lenders in enforcement proceedings. Angas is regarded for boosting the firm’s capacity in asset-based lending disputes, as well as shareholder disputes, along with Ed Weeks, who additionally focuses on director’s duties. Tom Bourne is increasingly involved in disputes arising around mergers and acquisition, including retention account disputes, and Hannah Proctor is noted for her experience in misfeasance claims against directors, breach of contract and insolvency proceedings.

Cripps offers the full spectrum of support to charities and not-for-profits, advising on governance, formation, incorporation, risk management, investigatory and liability matters. Its experience includes advising clients in the art, education, religion and social housing sectors. The firm can also assist charities on commercial and real estate matters through its broader expertise. The firm merged with PDT Solicitors in February 2024, bringing James Clewlow, Chehraz Fox, Holly Goacher and Ian Lindley into the fold. Kate Arnold heads the practice, with expertise in the commercial activities of charities. Joanna Ford is also noted for her experience in trustee duties and insolvency matters.