Acuity Law > Cardiff, United Kingdom > Firm Profile

Acuity Law > The Legal 500 Rankings

Wales > Corporate and commercial Tier 1

Based out of Cardiff but by no means limited to work in the immediate geographical vicinity, Acuity Law provides 'pragmatic and sensible advice' to regional, national and international businesses across a wide range of transactional and commercial contractual matters. Drawing upon an 'innate commercial instinct of when to push and when to keep things in reserve', Christian Farrrow is a popular choice among financial services and energy-based clients, in particular, which are appreciative not only of his 'impressive knowledge of the relevant law and the sector' but also his very effective use of innovative technology to streamline the process. The healthcare sector also remains a fertile source of work for the team, with Beverley Jones, Jon Lawley and Phillip Pugh all regularly engaged in transactions in the space, including advice to care home operators on their M&A activity. Promoted to partner in June 2023, the 'very able' Tom Saunderson is 'totally pragmatic' and continues to gain traction among start-ups, in particular, as they grow their businesses through venture capital funding. Paul Lowe has developed a strong reputation advising on M&A transactions across a range of sectors, including on cross-border matters, and along with firm chair Stephen Berry brings a large measure of institutional knowledge to bear as a result of their many years in private practice. Jones and Farrow co-head the corporate team, while Declan Goodwin  takes the lead on the commercial front.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation Tier 1

The 'partner-led' team at Acuity Law provides a 'commercial service' to local, UK-wide and international corporates across a broad swathe of commercial litigation, ranging from shareholder and commercial contract disputes to public procurement and construction matters. Clients also benefit from access to a range of useful internal products, including Litigation Funding Assist, which affords clients the opportunity to achieve favourable rates via the firm's arrangements with various litigation funders. Swansea-based partner Hugh Hitchcock brings a high degree of commerciality to the table as a result of his vast experience handling both corporate and media-related disputes and is noted for his 'practical, pragmatic and pugnacious' approach. 'Brilliant in the detail and strategy', Cardiff-based Aisha Wardell co-heads the team alongside Hitchcock and is noted for her 'calm and considered approach', including in the context of arbitration proceedings.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 1

Acuity Law's commercial and technology team services a strong and growing roster of clients in the sector across a myriad of their commercial contract and transactional needs. Team lead Declan Goodwin is well versed in advising early-stage as well as mature tech companies, including recently helping a number of greentech companies on the drafting of their commercial contracts with customers. The firm's growing emphasis on servicing start-ups has also led to a separate internal sector team, headed by corporate partner Tom Saunderson, which aims to concentrate resources throughout the firm to help start-ups grow their businesses through funding, assist with their operational needs and advise on any exit strategies, should this be required. Rachelle Sellek advises on a variety of commercial contracts in the sector, particularly supply agreements, as well as data compliance for tech clients.

Employment Tier 2

With instructions flowing either on a standalone ad-hoc basis or via the firm's popular retainer service (Acuity Counsel Service), Acuity Law continues to grow its employer-focused client base, appreciative as they are of the 'offer of City level expertise provided at a regional price point'.  'Exceptional' team head and new firmwide managing partner Claire Knowles has effectively driven the growth of the team over recent years, combining a tireless work ethic and deep overarching employment knowledge with an emphasis upon providing the 'best most practical solution, rather than the simplest'. As well as regularly advising on day-to-day HR/employment matters, the vastly experienced Juliette Franklin  excels in advising on discrimination cases, as well as on matters where employment law overlaps with civil claims. Adam McGlynn is praised for his ability 'to communicate in a very direct, convivial fashion' across a range of contentious and non-contentious matters, and has also been responsible for developing a number of well-received legal technology tools.

Finance > Banking and finance Tier 2

Leveraging the firm's core real estate expertise, Acuity Law continues to develop its lender-side relationships for clients including Julian Hodge Bank and Principality Building Society, regularly advising them on new money and refinancing facilities. Christopher Agius  is adept at advising on development finance and social housing transactions as well as work for lenders seeking to enforce their security in the event of a default. Team head Beverley Jones combines corporate and finance expertise to good effect for both creditors and debtors in the property sphere, as well as general corporate lending and acquisition finance matters.  

Real estate > Commercial property Tier 2

The 'committed, flexible and very knowledgeable' team at Acuity Law provides 'commercially-sensitive and business-focused' advice to stakeholders on development, leasing and regeneration matters in Wales and England. Cornerstone developer client Rightacres continues to inform a significant volume of the Wales-based deal flow, with many of the partners in the group involved in past or current projects for the client. Team head Gareth Baker has been at the forefront of this longstanding relationship and has been the lead lawyer for the developer in relation to its high-profile Central Square regeneration scheme for almost a decade, as well as in other key projects within the capital. Damien Cann has also been very active for Rightacres on the funding front, as well as offering niche experience within the healthcare sector. Appreciated for his 'commercially-focused, clear and timely' advice, which encompasses real estate and planning expertise, Steve Morris has a leading reputation among developers, investors and lenders on the development of commercial and residential schemes in Wales and England. Ben Honour is also recommended, as is recently promoted partner Liz Gibbons, who has 'extensive in-depth knowledge', particularly as it relates to social housing-related work.

Real estate > Construction Tier 2

Acuity Law‘s ‘strong and proactive’ team is well-versed at handling construction matters throughout a project’s life-cycle. In addition, it has been handling more work for funders, where it works alongside the real estate finance offering to ensure the lender’s interests are protected from a construction standpoint. Swansea-based Philip Graham heads up the contentious arm of the practice and has a particular specialism in delay and final account related claims. Former practice head James Williams departed to Clarke Willmott LLP in October 2024.

Real estate > Planning and environment Tier 2

Emphasising ‘a holistic, forward-thinking and team-oriented approach’ which combines real estate and planning expertise, the ‘highly skilled’ team at Acuity Law provides a one-stop-shop service to stakeholders seeking to complete on large-scale developments in the most efficient manner. The ‘exceptional’ Steve Morris has strong ties with a plethora of leading developers, public sector entities and financiers, and is conversant across a range of planning matters as part of his broad-based real estate skill set. Bristol-based consultant James Ryan is 'approachable and knowledgeable' and regularly aids clients in gaining Secretary of State consent for works, as well as advising on contentious matters.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 2

Under the leadership of Jennifer Butcher, the 'first-rate' team at Acuity Law     provides 'very high-quality' advice to a growing and diverse client base that includes developers, landlords and tenants, and high-net-worth individuals. As well as handling a significant volume of conventional disputes, including as these relate to dilapidations, lease renewals and adverse possession, Butcher has been increasingly active in handling Building Safety Act matters relating to fire safety-related latent defects. She also handles work for the firm's impressive roster of housing association clients, as does 'outstanding' consultant partner Neil Morgan, with both handling, inter alia, housing management cases.

Real estate > Social housing Tier 2

Headed by ‘committed, flexible and very knowledgeable’ transactional real estate expert Liz Gibbons, Acuity Law has continued to solidify and enhance its impressive and growing roster of housing associations across Wales and England. Gibbons, who was recently promoted to partner, has handled some major site acquisitions for core client Trivallis to build affordable housing units. The firm also handles a raft of litigation for housing associations, with the vastly experienced Neil Morgan adept at defending clients in disrepair claims, as well as handling housing management matters, including as these relate to anti-social behaviour among tenants.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 2

Overseen by commercial and technology head Declan Goodwin, the ‘knowledgeable, helpful, friendly and professional’ team at Acuity Law provides ‘commercial and clear advice’ to clients from a range of IP-rich industries, ranging from small start-ups through to established corporate entities. Much of the work centres on the commercialisation of IP, although the firm’s broader commercial litigation offering handles a growing volume of IP litigation. As well as providing traditional standalone instructions, clients also benefit from access to innovative products, including the firm’s Acuity Reputation Management online tool, which provides a cost-effective blended rate to clients seeking to exploit, protect and enforce their IPR.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment Tier 2

Spearheaded by Welsh-speaking consultant Angharad Evans and also aided at times by practitioners within the firmwide commercial and technology plus IP teams, Acuity Law is well-positioned to act for clients within the creative industries across a range of commercial contract, financing and IP protection/commercialisation matters. Formerly in-house counsel at S4C, the 'superb' Evans has excellent insight into the Welsh and English TV and film industry, and regularly advises film and TV producers on the terms of rights, financing, co-production, distribution and exploitation contracts.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 7

Cordelia Payne leads the team at Acuity Law with her expertise across an extensive variety of contentious and non-contentious matters. The team more broadly operates across the pharmaceutical, fashion, and automotive sectors, advising a range of clients on a diverse scope of IP mandates, from commercialisation to portfolio management.

Employment > Employment: Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire

Employment > Immigration