Cripps > London, England > Firm Profile

Cripps
2ND FLOOR
80 VICTORIA STREET
LONDON
SW1E 5JL
England

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

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.

Dispute resolution > Debt recovery Tier 3

Recommended by clients for its ‘positive and exceptional service’, Cripps‘ debt recovery team in Horsham is led by legal manager Gina Hope, and is overseen by William Angas, who leads the wider commercial litigation department. Angas is especially experienced in advising clients from the factoring, invoice finance and asset-based lending arenas.

Practice head(s):

William Angas; Gina Hope

Testimonials

‘Gina Hope is unflappable in any situation, and it is good to know our cases are in the hands of such a capable team.’

‘They go to great lengths to ensure to provide a positive and exceptional service, where they deliver great client service on all levels that is consistent, time efficient and cost effective.’

‘Gina Hope deals with all our debtor litigation cases on a day-to-day basis. She goes above and beyond her role, giving valuable advice and delivering great service.’

‘Obviously, these folks are professional, so they know all the steps. More than that, though, they ooze experience and wisdom which means they know when to apply which measures and what the likely effects will be.’

‘Gina Hope is excellent. She is fastidious, proactive and just “on it”. She gets results.’

‘Prompt, accurate, impactful service from a friendly local business.’

‘Their knowledge of invoice finance is exceptional.’

‘We have worked with them for a few years now, they have always been very efficient and professional.’

Key clients

ABN AMRO Commercial Finance

eCapital Commercial Finance Limited

Pulse Cashflow Finance Limited

WeDo Invoice Finance Limited

EPerformance Limited

Bibby Financial Services

Ecoserv Group Limited

Innovation Finance Ltd t/a Muse Finance

Time Invoice Finance Limited

Enterprise Services Group Limited

Colbridge Engineering Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised ABN AMRO Commercial Finance on recovering over £1.2m from debtors of a glazing company.
  • Recovering full payment in excess of £28,000 from a defence activities company for Colbridge Engineering Ltd.
  • Recovering in excess of £22,000 from a property maintenance company for Enterprise Services Group Limited.

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.’

Finance > Asset based lending Tier 4

Horsham-based firm Cripps has excellent traction among lenders and borrowers providing and seeking finance utilising ABL products, primarily in a domestic setting. Factoring and invoice finance discounting remains the firm’s staple workflow, with Dawn Shadwell successfully securing panel relationships with a number of new funders. The vastly experienced Noel Ruddy co-heads the team alongside Shadwell and is noted for his transactional prowess (on a new money and refinancing context), as well as handling work in the context of corporate and M&A work in the space.

Practice head(s):

Noel Ruddy; Dawn Shadwell

Other key lawyers:

Chehraz Fox; Ruth Clinton; Sian Webber; Victoria Jackson; Oliver Parsons

Key clients

ABN AMRO Asset Based Finance N.V.

Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending Ltd

Bibby Group

Breal Zeta CF Limited

BNP Paribas Commercial Finance Limited

Pulse Cashflow Finance Limited/Pulse Cashflow Finance (MK) Limited (ex Calverton Business Finance Limited)

Close Invoice Finance Limited

FSE Group

Investec Group

Nucleus Commercial Finance Limited

Pulse Outsource Limited

Growth Lending Group of Companies (including Boost Finance)

Satago Financial Solutions Limited

Advantedge Commercial Finance Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised the financier with the refinance of a company specialising in groundworks, roads and sewers for national builders/developers.
  • Advising CAF Bank Limited on their biggest ever single transaction, lending to a charity supporting homelessness in England.
  • Advising the financier with the financing of a company specialising in the supply of concrete products and piling services to the construction industry for the purpose of further growth and working capital.

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 Glanville is known for her work concerning enfranchisement disputes in the residential sector. Elena Chrysostomou has particular expertise supporting high-net-worth individuals with party wall disputes.

Practice head(s):

Laura Southgate

Other key lawyers:

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

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

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

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. In early 2024, the firm merged with Horsham-based firm PDT Solicitors, which added the expertise of Noel Ruddy, Rebecca Glazebrook, Ian Lindley and Sian Webber.

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; Noel Ruddy; Rebecca Glazebrook; Ian Lindley; Sian Webber; Chehraz Fox; Victoria Jackson

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’. In early 2024, the firm merged with Horsham-based firm PDT Solicitors, which added the expertise of William Angas, Ben Ashworth and Justin McConville to the practice.

Practice head(s):

Ed Weeks; Philip Youdan

Other key lawyers:

Tom Bourne; Joanna Ford; Hannah Proctor; Gemma Pearmain; William Angas; Ben Ashworth; Justin McConville; Gail Morris; Tiffany Anderson

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.’

‘William Angas is very commercial with excellent insolvency knowledge and lots of experience in fraud and directors’ duty claims. Ben Ashworth is very good at getting to grips with detail.’

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. In early 2024, the firm merged with Horsham-based firm PDT Solicitors, which added the expertise of Laura McMaster to the practice.

Practice head(s):

Camilla Beamish

Other key lawyers:

Melanie Stancliffe; Emma Saunders; Holly Milne; Laura McMaster

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. In early 2024, the firm merged with Horsham-based firm PDT Solicitors, which added the expertise of William Angas, Dawn Shadwell, Ian Lindley and Craig Burton.

Practice head(s):

Joanna Ford

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

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. Another key lawyer to note is the ‘superb’ Helen Fisher.

Practice head(s):

Alex Davies

Other key lawyers:

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 and Camilla Hooper 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. Nick Gova is 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. 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. 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. In early 2024, the firm merged with Horsham-based firm PDT Solicitors, which added the expertise of James Clewlow, Holly Goacher and Oliver Parsons.

Practice head(s):

James Lee; Miles Paffard

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. In early 2024, the firm merged with Horsham-based firm PDT Solicitors, which added the expertise of James Clewlow, Jane Bowden and Craig Burton.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Hedley

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. In early 2024, the firm merged with Horsham-based firm PDT Solicitors, which added the expertise of Gail Morris, Craig Burton, James Clewlow and James Clewlow.

Practice head(s):

Miles Paffard

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. In early 2024, the firm merged with Horsham-based firm PDT Solicitors, which added the expertise of Noel Ruddy and Dawn Shadwell to the practice.

Practice head(s):

Craig Bowers

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.’

‘Well-formed team, reactive with good subject knowledge.’

‘Experienced partners and knowledgeable associates who respond quickly and efficiently to queries and negotiations.’

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 knowledgeableSally 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:

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

The firm: Cripps is a top 100 UK law firm providing corporate, real estate, litigation and private client services to a wide range of businesses and individuals. With offices in London, Horsham and Tunbridge Wells, the firm offers an integrated team of more than 500 people. Cripps is B Corp™ certified, part of a global community of businesses aligning profit and purpose to create a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

Cripps is committed to delivering exceptional client service, solving their problems, championing their ambitions and making a positive and lasting impact on the communities it serves.

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.

Department Name Email 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
Photo Name Position Profile
Simon Donald photo Simon Donald Simon is a partner in the family team with over 15 years’…
Victoria Fairley photo Victoria Fairley Victoria is a partner in the private wealth team based in London.…
Anna Favre photo Anna Favre Partner in the residential real estate team specialising in all aspects of…
Amy Jackson photo Amy Jackson Amy is a partner in the residential estates team supporting landlords and…
John McGeough photo John McGeough John is a partner in the real estate team. He helps clients…
Beth Myers photo Beth Myers Managing associate in the commercial real estate team specialising in commercial landlord…
Laura Southgate photo Laura Southgate Laura is a partner in the real estate dispute resolution team specialising…
Jason Tann photo Jason Tann Jason is Head of the Commercial Real Estate team, specialising in development,…
Photo Name Position Profile
Laura Blackwell-Shaw photo Laura Blackwell-Shaw Laura is a partner in the residential estates practice, advising landlord and…
Jeremy Curtis photo Jeremy Curtis Jeremy is a partner in the Private Wealth team specialising in all…
Zainab Dakhil photo Zainab Dakhil Zainab is a partner and head of the London residential transactions team.…
Dominic Ribet photo Dominic Ribet Dominic is an managing associate in the private wealth team at Cripps.…
Melanie  Stancliffe photo Melanie Stancliffe Melanie is partner in the employment team where clients value her practical,…
Number of UK partners : 67
Number of other UK fee-earners : 162
Afrikaans
Arabic
Danish
Dutch
English
French
German
Gujarati
Hebrew
Hindi
Italian
Norwegian
Polish
Portuguese
Punjabi
Romanian
Spanish
Tagalog
Tamil
Turkish

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: 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.”

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.