Schofield Sweeney > Bradford, England > Firm Profile

Schofield Sweeney
CHURCH BANK HOUSE
CHURCH BANK
BRADFORD
BD1 4DY
England

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Tier 2

The members of Schofield Sweeney corporate team are appreciated for being ‘balanced and sensible in their approach and working hard to deliver.’ The group has close ties with regional owner managed and family businesses as well as national companies and HNWIs, which it supports in acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures, reconstructions/demergers and forms of equity and debt financing. Due to its close collaboration with the private client team, it can also cover tax and succession planning. David Strachan is well versed on this interface. Managing partner Martin Sweeney has experience in the financial services and automotive sectors. Other prominent practitioners are Steven MillwardKaren Crutchley and associate Lucy Holroyd.

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Schofield Sweeney provide us with a great service, they are balanced and sensible in their approach and work hard to deliver. We use the firm on a regular basis for mid-tier corporate transactions, and recently concluded such a deal with their assistance.’

‘Martin Sweeney is a great lawyer, experienced, balanced, considerate – in essence you are getting a lawyer that could easily be with any of the major local firms but at a much more competitive rate, which is great for us as the client.’

‘Very attentive to detail. Care about the client and the result that we are aiming for. Proactive during deal construction making the process as eay as possible for the client.’

‘We work closely with the corporate team who are always on board with our requirements. Karen Crutchley is exceptional with her attitude, ability to work in compressed time scales and excellent technical capability. World class.’

Key clients

Cubico Group Limited

Greenhous Group Limited

H. Dawson Sons and Company (Wool) Limited

DFDS Seaways Plc

Catfoss Renewables Limited

Business Growth Fund

C4X Discovery Holdings Plc

EMIS Group Plc

Kettlewell Fuels Limited

NDL Software Limited

Millers Oils Limited

Airedale Catering Equipment Group Limited

Copenhagen Infrastructure Service Company Ltd

Elevation Financial Group Limited

AlphaPlus Consultancy Limited

Hempel Special Metals Limited

Marlborough Construction Services Limited

Claritas Solutions Limited

Optima Energy Group

Switalskis Solicitors Limited

JBA Consulting

Brickhunter Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Greenhous Group Ltd on the sale of its reconditioning and storage business “Smart Fleet Solutions” to the online car retailer Cazoo Ltd.
  • Acted for Airedale Catering Equipment Group Ltd and its management team on a private equity investment by Rockpool Investments LP.
  • Advised the Steers family on the sale of their commercial vehicle rental group “Eurotrail” to TIP Trailer Services.

Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 2

Schofield Sweeney‘s team, which is led by Andrew Hurst, specialises in education sector charity work. Its particular areas of expertise include advising on the establishment of charities, the availability of charitable status for NFP organisations, the incorporation of trusts, charitable property law and complex issues of legacies, VAT and tax matters.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Fiona Crothers; Tina Morris; Annie Hui-Gillen; Simon Glazebrook

Testimonials

‘Very professional, reassuring and competent advice was provided. The team were friendly and approachable and provided appropriate advice for the stage of our development as a Community Interest Company.’

‘Tina Morris dealt with our matter, going above and beyond to ensure we got our CIC-registered meeting, meeting both our own requirements and those of the relevant regulatory authorities. All documentation was provided and we were kept up to date each step of the way.’

‘They are very responsive, they work in a very understandable way, and are able to provide clear and concise advice and guidance tailored to the appropriate audience. Very approachable.’

‘We have worked with Fiona Crothers, Tina Morris and Annie Hui-Gillen. All have been very helpful and supportive and guided us through areas in which we have no previous in-house experience or expertise.’

‘A combination of in-depth understanding of client needs, alongside creative thinking and a can-do attitude.’

‘Simon Glazebrook clearly understood what we were trying to achieve and worked with his colleagues to come up with creative solutions that worked for us in the context of broader planning.’

Key clients

Bradford Culture Company Limited

Knaresborough Old Peoples Welfare Association

The Stevenson Charitable Trust CIO

Saloman Foundation

Actually Education

National Children’s Centre

Penny Appeal

Northern Star Academies Trust

Work highlights

  • Advised Knaresborough Old Peoples Welfare Association, an unincorporated charity, on its incorporation as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
  • Advised The Stevenson Charitable Trust CIO on the formation and establishment of a high-value grant-making charity and its registration as a CIO at the Charity Commission.
  • Carried out a governance review for the National Children’s Centre, including a review of and report on the charity’s articles of association.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 2

The private wealth team at Schofield Sweeney is led by Huddersfield-based Ashley Iredale, Bradford-based John Feaster and Leeds-based Simon Glazebrook. Its workload mainly involves advising high-net-worth clients on the administration of trusts and estates; stamp duty land tax; family investment company cases and agricultural and landowning client matters. The team’s caseload often has cross-border complexities regarding trusts and inheritance tax.

Other key lawyers:

Duncan Watson

Testimonials

‘We valued their user-friendly contact, and quick response times. They came across as experts in their fields yet always explained relevant details clearly and simply.’

‘The individuals we dealt with were always easy to contact with direct phone and email options. All were friendly, easy to deal with and gave us great confidence that we had chosen a good firm.’

‘The private client team at Schofield Sweeney is excellent. Dealing primarily with complex and high-net-worth individuals, they have a huge depth of knowledge within the team. We refer all our clients in need of private client advice to them.’

‘Duncan Watson is approachable, knowledgeable and incredibly engaging with clients. He instantly makes clients feel reassured. Simon Glazebrook is an excellent communicator and what he doesn’t know about trusts is not worth knowing!’

Public sector > Education Tier 2

Schofield Sweeneyoffers valuable advice across a range of specialist areas‘ and the team is noted for covering a variety of concerns for local education clients, such as construction documentation, data protection work, employment law, contractual disputes and governance issues. Group head Andrew Hurst has a strong track record in academy conversions, and the formation of free schools and schools redevelopment projects, while Simon Shepherd is an employment law specialist.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Simon Shepherd; Tina Morris

Testimonials

‘They are a high quality team, who always offer valuable advice across a range of specialist areas. Particular specialisms within my knowledge is education and employment law, where their advice has been unfailingly accurate and commercially focused. Response times and customer service are excellent, with their personnel always polite, friendly and eager to assist.’

‘Very personalised, supportive service. Quick response when making contact for advice. Down to earth, supportive. They have worked with us on a range of matters affecting my school over the past few years with successful outcomes throughout. They know the law very thoroughly, preparation is always very thorough and advice is sound.’

‘Simon Shepherd successfully supported the school through an unusual, complex and stressful claim against the school recently. He was outstanding in his calm and knowledgeable approach, made himself available when we needed him and was very reassuring for the staff concerned. A very diligent, kind and humane man.’

Key clients

Carlton Academy Trust

BMAT Education

Wellspring Academy Trust

Moorlands Learning Trust

Attain Academy Partnership

Enhance Academy Trust

Heckmondwike Grammar School

Beckfoot Trust

Oasis Community Learning

Trinity Multi Academy Trust

Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust

The Crossley Heath School Academy Trust Limited

Watergrove Trust

Bronte Academy Trust

St Mary’s Academy Trust

SHARE Multi Academy Trust

Ashville College

Shirley Manor Primary Academy

The Basildon Academies

South Westmorland Multi Academy Trust

The Adnan Jaffery Academy Trust

Peak Edge

AIM Academies Trust

Work highlights

  • Assisted SHARE Multi Academy Trust with the updating of the Articles of Association for the Trust to the latest DfE model documents including the drafting of bespoke Articles requested by the Members to allow for virtual meetings.
  • Assisted St John’s Church of England Voluntary Controlled Infant School in the drafting of a successful appeal submission to the Schools Adjudicator following the decision of Kirklees Council to reject their proposal to become a through school thus jeopardising the financial viability of the school’s future.
  • Assisted Brighter Futures Academy Trust with the transfer of its three primary academies to join a newly formed multi academy trust.

Real estate > Environment Tier 2

Noted for its expertise in environmental compliance matters, Schofield Sweeney brings ‘a unique insight into the technical aspects’ to non-contentious mandates involving waste regulations, permit issues and statutory notices. The team also has demonstrable capability in investigations, prosecutions and regulatory enforcement proceedings concerning waste, water, air pollution and permit issues. Praised as ‘a first choice for environmental litigation’, practice leader Craig Burman’s advice ‘is backed with a commercial edge which benefits clients’ in matters relating to risk management and compliance.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Ian Anderson

Testimonials

‘SS are a great all-round legal firm, who have outstanding knowledge in environmental matters matched with a commercial understanding which is rare.’

‘Craig Burman is an outstanding lawyer. His advice is always backed with a commercial edge which benefits clients and results in sensible solutions.’

‘I’ve worked with the firm on transactions and have found the environmental team to be really knowledgeable about the actual processes involved e.g. on environment permits, bringing together a unique insight into the technical aspects as well as a deep understanding of the regulator’s position.’

‘Craig Burman is a first choice for environmental litigation. He’s a great communicator, with deep insight from the regulator’s position, and a practical understanding of the issues at hand.’

Key clients

Leeds City Council

Greenhous Group (Holdings) Limited

Vocation Brewery Limited

Eliston Homes Limited

Newlay Concrete Limited

BWSC Power Corporation Ltd

Hermes Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised a local flood authority on their powers and rights in respect of a main river flood alleviation scheme, and interrelationship between powers of flood alleviation and rail network management and operation, together with ongoing flood and drainage issues and natural flood management.
  • Advised an internal drainage board in respect of its powers to take enforcement action in relation to non-consented works within its bye-law strip.
  • Advised Greenhous Group Limited on environmental liabilities in connection with acquisitions and sales of business assets and contaminated land.

Real estate > Planning Tier 2

Schofield Sweeney provides strategic planning advice on large residential-led, mixed-use developments, and counts enforcement appeals, S106 planning agreements and compulsory purchase mandates in its workload. ‘Highly professional, yet personable’ practice leader Amanda Beresford is a qualified planner and is noted for her expertise in residential developments and regeneration schemes, as well as in energy and infrastructure projects. A recent work highlight includes assisting national bakery chain, Greggs, in objecting to a residential planning application proposed adjacent to its food manufacturing plant in the North East.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘Amanda Beresford is a leader in the field of planning law in Leeds and the wider city region. Amanda is highly professional, yet personable in her client facing role and her wider involvement with the chambers of commerce (local and national) provides greater insight and influence which is invaluable.’

‘We have worked with Amanda Beresford , who has been quick to understand our issues and to formulate a plan of action. Amanda has consistently met all deadlines and has exceeded our expectations with regard to quality and completeness of work carried out on our behalf. At all times, we have felt expertly guided and options/legal positions have been clearly and carefully explained. She is a standout partner within this firm.’

Key clients

Caddick City Living Limited

Moda Living Limited

Olympia park Developments Limited

Chatsworth Settlement Trustees

Cubico Limited

Greggs plc

Roger Tempest (Broughton Hall Estate)

Bramall Properties limited

Chatsworth House Trust

Greenhouse Group

Adam Morey Limited

Earthline Limited

Falconsone Limited

Delta Park Developments Limited

Work highlights

  • Assisting Greggs plc in objecting to a residential planning application proposed adjacent to its food manufacturing plant in the North East.
  • Representing Cubico Limited in relation to an objection to the Network Rail (Huddersfield to Westtown (Dewsbury) Improvements) Order.
  • Advising Caddick City Living Limited on the £300m residential led mixed-use development in central Leeds.

Real estate > Social housing Tier 2

The Bradford-based team at Schofield Sweeney counts funding and governance matters, acquisitions, development and regeneration projects in its workload. Andrew Hurst leads the practice and is noted for his experience in preparing management agreements between registered social landlords and housing associations. Manjit Virdee acts for lenders in property acquisitions and advises social housing borrowers in facility and security negotiations. Long-serving partner Simon Petchey retired in March 2021.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Key clients

QSH Group LLP

Horton Housing Association

Chartford Housing Limited

Wakefield District Housing

Work highlights

  • Advised Chartford Housing Ltd on acquisition of a development site in North Yorkshire.
  • Advised Chartford Housing Ltd on the purchase of a newly constructed apartment block with ancillary outbuildings.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 3

Schofield Sweeney is noted for having ‘experienced and commercially minded partners who are backed up by able and skilled associates’. Clients from the engineering, waste, healthcare and, increasingly, the alternative energy sectors regularly approach the group, and the team is frequently involved in cross-jurisdictional claims, including those before the Court of Appeal. Group leader James Staton in Bradford supports clients in shareholder disputes, intellectual property claims, passing off issues and regulatory matters, while James Wood takes on commercial fraud and insolvency litigation. Leo Jones-Rowe is ‘excellent in director disputes, and matters concerning breach of confidentiality and restrictive covenants’. Other key team members are Simon Lucas and associate Annie Hui-Gillen.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘The Schofield Sweeney commercial litigation is of market leading quality in West Yorkshire. Experienced and commercially minded partners are backed up by able and skilled associates.’

‘James Staton brings a wealth of experience to his broad litigation practice.’

‘Leo Jones-Rowe (Partner) – excellent in director disputes, and matters concerning breach of confidentiality and restrictive covenants.’

‘Annie Hui-Gillen (Associate) – has a calm manner under pressure and always delivers a high-quality legal product.’

‘This practice is unique because they really do care about their clients and are not on the clock if you have a quick question. Very balanced approach with advice. Excellent at listening then breaking down the issue into pros and cons without being forceful and arrogant.’

‘I always find when calling Schofield Sweeney all members of staff are extremely nice and helpful. When I have needed any support in the past, they have always spoken to me in a friendly manner and been very clear, asking all the right questions to give a clear and honest review.’

‘I have worked primarily with Leo Jones-Rowe. What makes him stand out for me is the extremely personable attitude and approach. Consummate professional who listens to concerns. Extremely effective at diffusing a highly charged emotional situation and rationally cutting through the ‘noise’ to secure the most advantageous situation.’

Key clients

Sanderson Group plc

M&M Contractors (Europe) Limited

Elevation Financial Group Limited

DFDS Seaways Plc

BW Healthcare Limited

Huggon Associates Limited

Closegate Hotel Group

Switalskis Solicitors

Greenhous Group Limited

Wool Room Limited

Work highlights

  • Acted for a 50% shareholder/managing director in defending a multimillion-pound unfair prejudice claim regarding an IT solutions company.
  • Advising a manufacturer of clean alternative fuels in relation to a damages claim for breach of contract, negligence and environmental claims concerning storage of the client’s final product fuel pellets.
  • Advising liquidators on a complex Ponzi scheme fraud valued at c.£70m and involving obtaining freezing injunctions and offshore investigations into missing monies in Dubai and Spain.

Finance > Banking and finance Tier 3

Led by Manjit Virdee, Schofield Sweeney continues to develop its expertise in secured real estate finance, asset based lending, development funding and invoice financing. The group acts for clearing banks, challenger banks and private equity fund specialists across the UK. It also has expertise in acting for private lenders in peer-to-peer lending for new start-ups, as well as real estate bridging finance; Karen Crutchley is the name to note.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Key clients

Santander UK PLC

HSBC Bank UK PLC

Shawbrook Bank Limited

United Trust Bank Limited

Recognise Bank

Key Fund Investments

National Westminster Bank PLC

Fresh Thinking Capital Limited

Svenka Handelsbanken

Lloyds Bank PLC

Rotary Development Limited

Avtar Properties

Work highlights

  • Reported for United Trust Bank on finance for the development of 22 new homes in sea-front location of Bridlington.
  • Acting for Santander UK plc on facilitating loan for business acquisition and working capital.
  • Acting for various banks on various side letter extensions relating to term loans and switch from LIBOR.

Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 3

Schofield Sweeney is best known for its work for insolvency practitioners. Led by Richard Fergusson, the group advises on corporate restructurings, personal insolvency and distressed property related cases. Zoe Oates has particular expertise in personal and property insolvency. Richard Drinkwater has now left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The firm provides London quality legal advice at Yorkshire prices.’

‘A personal, collaborative and considered approach. Working alongside the firm inspires confidence.’

‘Schofield Sweeney delivers an excellent service which combines a user friendly approach with the best legal and commercial advice.’

‘Richard Fergusson is one of the best Insolvency Lawyers in the Yorkshire market. Commercial, effective and my lawyer of first choice in all situations.’

‘Zoe Oates is very capable technically but also has a strong commercial head on her shoulders.’

Key clients

Armstrong Watson LLP

RSM

Begbies Traynor Group

FRP Advisory LLP

Interpath

Walker Singleton

Manolete Partners Plc

Grant Thornton

Bennett Jones Insolvency

Beevers & Struthers

Kroll

Booth & Co

DL Partnership

Poppleton & Appleby

DSI Insolvency

Mazars

Cowgills

Work highlights

  • Acting for FRP Trading Advisory Limited selling the business in a pre-package sale and then settling a claim against the directors.
  • Acted on behalf of the Administrators of DL Partnership – Uttoexeter Properties Limited which was formed as a property ownership vehicle to provide a tax efficient method of providing income.
  • Acted for Manolete Plc, having taken an assignment of any claims that the Company, TS Fashions Limited and its Liquidators had against the sole company director/shareholder and his associates resulting for the sale of the business and assets at an undervalue.

Projects, energy and natural resources (including PFI) > Infrastructure and energy Tier 3

The multidisciplinary team at Schofield Sweeney specialises in small energy sites and acts for its client roster, including developers, investors, landowners and consultants, on wind, solar, biomass, waste to energy and energy storage mandates. Adam Hastie leads the practice and advises on projects involving joint ventures with infrastructure issues. Karen Crutchley, who negotiates commercial agreements for energy plants, is another key member of the team.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Key clients

Sirius Renewable Energy Limited

Snetterton Renewable Power Limited

Forepower Limited

Raleigh Power Limited

Catfoss Renewables Limited

Seamer Power Limited

Doncaster Power (10MW) Limited

Aqua consultants Limited / Lanes Farm Energy Limited

Mark Falshaw

Gascorp Limited

Earthmill Limited

Woodyfuel

Harmony Energy Limited

Tetrogen (Knapton) (UK) Limited

Graphite Resources Limited

Harmony Energy Income Trust PLC

Work highlights

  • Assisting Harmony Energy Storage Limited in relation to site assemblies, funding and sales of battery storage and solar ground array projects.

Real estate > Commercial property: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 3

Schofield Sweeney has demonstrable experience in residential development projects and property finance mandates, and acts for a range of clients across the renewable energy, healthcare, logistics and warehousing sectors. Based in Bradford, practice leader Darren Birkinshaw handles residential acquisitions and developments, regeneration schemes and property joint ventures, while Manjit Virdee focuses on secured property finance matters. In Leeds, other key members of the team include energy expert Adam Hastie, Farooq Zar and Tom Jackson, who joined from Walker Morris LLP in January 2022. Simon Hellewell joined the firm in May 2022 from Ward Hadaway LLP.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘The practice has quality professionals who can go toe-to-toe with the London practices. The staff are highly competent, professional, approachable and friendly. Client service is a top priority as is integrity and the approach employed is totally collaborative.’

Key clients

The Trafford Centre Limited

Santander UK PLC

Hermes Parcel Net Limited

Greenhaus Group

Cubico (UK) Limited

Shearings Group

Park Lane Group of Companies

YPP Lettings & Management Co Ltd

Mayfair Group of Companies

Frank Marshal Group of Companies

Pinnacle View Homes

Horton Housing Association

HSBC Bank PLC

Games Workshop Limited

Rotary Developments Limited

AWD Holdings Ltd/AWD Investments Ltd

Fenwood Estates Limited

Hansons Logistics

Barclay Firth Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised on the £10.29m finance for development of 22 new homes in Bridlington, conducting due diligence.
  • Advised on purchase, development agreement and subsequent sale of a commercial site in Tankersley.
  • Advised on the purchase of the Leeds Mercedes Benz site in Leeds.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 3

Schofield Sweeney’s property litigation team benefits from the expertise and leadership of Richard Jobes, who covers a range of contentious matters, including landlord and tenant conflicts, break options, dilapidations claims, forfeiture, rights of way, recovery of rent arrears and lease interpretation. Jobes also has demonstrable experience in agricultural tenancies, business rates and planning-related disputes. The practice counts investors, landlords, retailers and owner-managed businesses among its key list of clients.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘I am always confident that Richard Jobes delivers clear and concise advice and gets directly to the nub of the question raised by the client. He is very straightforward and excellent to work with.’

Key clients

Games Workshop Limited

Robert and Pauline Lock

Employment > Employment: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 4

Schofield Sweeney‘s employment practice has a strong focus on the education sector, acting for a large number of schools and academies across the country. Practice head Simon Shepherd regularly appears before employment tribunals, handling cases involving discrimination, sexual harassment, whistleblowing and unfair dismissal, while associate Annie Gray has experience defending SEN and disability tribunal claims. Alex Clements left the firm in September 2021 to join Bexley Beaumont.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Schofield Sweeney are a high-quality team who offer expert advice across a wide variety of areas. Their customer service and response times are always excellent, and charges very reasonable in relation to this.’

‘Simon Shepherd is extremely knowledgeable, commercial in outlook, and always responds to requests for advice in a timely manner. He also has a very approachable manner and good sense of humour which is very much appreciated.’

‘The solicitors are very supportive, knowledgeable and approachable.’

Key clients

GMI Construction Group Plc

Wakefield & District Housing Limited

DMC Mining Services (UK) Limited

Wellspring Academy Trust

Beckfoot Trust

Greenhous Group Limited

Alpek Polyester UK Ltd

Eville & Jones (GB) Ltd

Barca Leeds

Torque Retail Services Ltd

TOG24

McCarthy’s Removals and Storage Ltd

Minorfern Limited

Techbuyer Limited

Real estate > Construction Tier 4

Schofield Sweeney frequently acts for claimants and defendants in construction disputes and has demonstrable experience in handling professional indemnity claims, adjudications, as well as non-contentious matters pertaining to procurement issues and preparing contract documents. Practice leader Andrew Hurst and consultant Richard Stockdale, who focuses on construction-related professional negligence cases, are key contacts in the team.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Key clients

Hermes

YPP

Marrtree

Oakapple

Bramall Properties

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 4

Based in Leeds, Schofield Sweeney acts for both suppliers and providers on software licensing matters and contractual arrangements, and is noted for its expertise in e-commerce and data protection mandates. Karen Crutchley leads the practice and advises on a range of IT contracts; former director David Hunter has now left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Key clients

Claritas Solutions Limited

Greenhous Group Limited

C4X Discovery Holdings plc

EMIS Group plc

NDL Software Limited

Copenhagen Infrastructure Service Company Limited

Cubico Group Limited

Campuslife Limited

DFDS Seaways

Advanced Digital Innovation (UK) Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Planet Sport on a new joint venture to create an online betting platform.
  • Advised an educational resource provider on the development and launch of an app for children.
  • Advised an educational resource provider on the development of a new website including e-commerce aspects.

The firm: Schofield Sweeney is a leading commercial law firm offering clear, pragmatic and high-quality legal services. Established in 1998, it quickly earned a strong reputation for its innovative and results-driven approach, investing time in getting to know a client’s business and its people so that advice and solutions can be tailored to meet their commercial needs. Its team of experts offers clear thinking and provides sound commercial advice.

Schofield Sweeney operates a partner-led approach, which means clients have direct access to highly regarded lawyers who have the knowledge and expertise to deal with their case. The firm believes in stability and continuity, providing a no-nonsense, hands-on service and limiting the use of legal jargon to ensure it builds good working relationships with clients.

Schofield Sweeney attracts high-calibre lawyers from large national and/or global practices, which means clients have access to the very best expertise at a realistic cost. Its teams are passionate about what they do and adhere to the highest professional standards. The firm invests in its people through ongoing training and development, so specialists are up-to-date with the latest market developments, trends and changes in legislation.

Types of work undertaken
Commercial property: development work, with a strong regeneration focus; site assembly, including options, overage and infrastructure agreements; PFI and health care sector land transactions; secured lending and development finance matters; portfolio security; commercial landlord and tenant transactions; freehold and leasehold acquisitions; business relocations and disposals for traders and investors; dispute resolution.

Construction & engineering: arbitration; bonds and guarantees; contracts and agreements; dispute resolution; collateral warranties; procurement routes.

Corporate and commercial: acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures and reconstructions/demergers; forms of equity and debt financing; corporate finance transactions; general company and commercial matters; shareholder and partnership issues; contracting structures and public/private company regulation and compliance; governance and contractual matters; in-house training.

Dispute resolution: shareholder and partnership disputes; contract disputes; professional negligence actions; construction and building disputes; intellectual property infringement; regulatory matters; alcohol and entertainment licence applications.

Education: academy conversions from consultation through to academy order; staff transfer, TUPE and pension issues; corporate governance and company secretarial matters; land, property and asset transfer; advising on the financial and funding implications of academies; advising on financial and accounting systems services, including the selection of auditors, project management, commercial agreements, procurement and contracting post-conversion; ongoing legal and HR advice; procurement and governance services; appeals and admissions; design and build contracts post-conversion for academies previously built under PFI or BSF.

Employment: everyday HR/employment law support; advising on misconduct, poor performance and sickness absence issues; disciplinary and grievance procedures; discrimination claims; equal pay; drafting employment contracts and employee handbooks; TUPE; redundancies, reorganisations and changing terms and conditions of employment; restrictive covenants; representation at employment tribunals, employment appeal tribunals and county court; unfair dismissal; whistleblowing.

Environmental & Regulatory: permit compliance; liability for contamination, pollution and waste; environmental licensing; disputes; flooding adn drainage; energy and renewables; shotguns, firearms, taxi, alcohol and entertainment licensing; health and safety regulations; local authority regulations; RSPCA and animal welfare; business crime; money laundering.

Energy & renewables: acquisitions and sales; construction; dispute resolution; due diligence; funding; land assembly; joint ventures; planning; tax.

Private client: will drafting; inheritance tax and succession planning; advice on trusts; trust administration; LPA; administration of estates; residential conveyancing. The firm now has the largest private client team in the region.

Projects: projects and developments involving public, private and third-sector entities; refinancing existing projects and their sale and purchase; vires and governance issues; procurement, state aid and competition law; commercial contracts; funding and corporate finance; ICT and intellectual property.

Property litigation: opposed and unopposed lease renewals under the 1954 Act; disputes in relation to commercial leases, including the exercise of break rights and repairing obligations; dilapidation claims; property related insolvency; easement disputes, rights of way and wayleaves; compensation claims; negligence against solicitors and surveyors relating to property work.

Restructuring and banking: reorganisation of businesses; financial restructuring and turnaround, administrations, liquidations, administrative receiverships, fixed charge receiverships and personal insolvency; company, individual and partnership voluntary arrangements; antecedent transactions, business and asset realisation; director disqualification; director’s duties; security documentation; terms and conditions; seeking to recover monies.

 

DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
Corporate Chris Schofield
Corporate Martin Sweeney
Commercial property Darren Birkinshaw
Commercial Property Manjit Virdee
Commercial property Richard Innes
Commercial property Adam Hastie
Commercial property Rob Hayes
Commercial property Farooq Zar
Commercial property Basharat Ali
Commercial Property Tom Jackson
Commercial property Amraj Boparai
Commercial property Simon Hellewell
Commercial Karen Crutchley
Corporate David Strachan
Corporate Steven Millward
Corporate Angela Cashin
Corporate Daniel Bisby
Corporate Rob Kelly
Corporate Michael Cantwell
Dispute resolution Leo Jones-Rowe
Dispute resolution James Staton
Dispute resolution Richard Stockdale
Dispute resolution James Wood
Dispute resolution Simon Lucas
Education Andrew Hurst
Employment Simon Shepherd
Employment John Robinson
Environmental and Regulatory Craig Burman
Environmental and Regulatory Ian Anderson
Planning Amanda Beresford
Private client John Feaster
Private client Ashley Iredale
Private client Kanika Sohpal
Private client Simon Glazebrook
Private client Rachael Brook
Property litigation, planning Richard Jobes
Restructuring and Insolvency Amar Rashid
Restructuring and Insolvency Richard Fergusson
Restructuring and Insolvency Zoe Oates
Managing partner Graham Sweeney
PhotoNamePositionProfile
Ian  Anderson  photo Ian Anderson Partner
Darren Birkinshaw photo Darren BirkinshawHead of the commercial property team, dealing with a range of property…
Amraj  Boparai  photo Amraj Boparai Partner
Craig Burman photo Craig BurmanPartner
John Feaster photo John FeasterPartner in the private client team advising on tax and lifetime planning…
Andrew Hurst photo Andrew HurstPartner specialising in innovative projects who has recently completed a major schools…
Steven Millward photo Steven MillwardPartner
Amar Rashid photo Amar RashidPartner in the restructuring and banking team. Advising SMEs and individuals on…
James Staton photo James StatonPartner and head of the dispute resolution team. Extensive experience of commercial,…
Martin Sweeney photo Martin SweeneyChief executive. Acts for a wide range of corporate clients, with work…
Manjit Virdee photo Manjit VirdeePartner and leads on secured property finance and banking matters in the…
James Wood photo James WoodPartner  
Farooq Zar photo Farooq ZarPartner
Number of UK partners : 39
Number of other UK fee-earners : 70

Schofield Sweeney strongly believes in the promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion both within the firm and externally to our clients and the local communities in which we work. Our culture and our office working environment allows everyone to have the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their career ambitions, free from discrimination or harassment.

Decisions about work and promotions, are based on merit, and our policies and procedures embed our commitment to diversity and inclusion. We actively promote and engage diversity in our behaviour, communication, marketing, and events that we host or attend.

Through having a diverse array of backgrounds and perspectives, we are better able to understand the needs of our clients, which means that we can relate more easily to their circumstances.

We were delighted to win the FB Hero award for ‘Diversity, Inclusion & Equality 2022’ which celebrates and honours the initiatives that the firm has put in place to be counted as a workplace which welcomes all forms of diversity. We believe that our culture allows colleagues to be themselves, and we passionately feel that everyone should be able to bring their whole self to work.

Alongside our commitment to diversity is our pledge to wellbeing. It is vital that our colleagues feel they have the support and encouragement at work to enable them to give their best and to be happy in the job that they do. Our benefits package was created with wellbeing in mind, and a dedicated Wellbeing Group, made up of colleagues at all levels from across the firm, helps maintain our focus on this area.

We also want our colleagues to have a great work-life balance and our Hybrid Working policy is designed specifically to achieve this. When we are all feeling physically and mentally strong, happy, and engaged, we feel better and give our clients the best service we can.

Our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) committee is also there to actively encourage our colleagues, their families, and friends to participate in charitable work. Whether through volunteering, donations, or fundraising events, we ensure a program of activity every year to benefit our charity of the year and wider charities, and this activity is open to all.

More than law – charitable, social and environmental – Schofield Sweeney More than law – inclusivity and wellbeing – Schofield Sweeney