RPC is well regarded for its commercial contracts work, with a dedicated team advising across strategic supply, distribution, joint venture, franchise and sponsorship agreements. Led by Tom Purton, who is supported by a bench of experienced lawyers including Oliver Bray, Mark Crichard and Paul Joukador, the team handles high-value, complex contracts across sectors including retail, TMT, financial services, sport and hospitality. Leading the firm’s commercial support for digital clients, Bray is the relationship partner for major digital and consumer brands, including market-leading tech companies. IP specialist Ciara Cullen is active in the space, regularly representing retail and consumer brands. Charles Buckworth is also recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Excellent knowledge, proactive and supportive. Grasp matters quickly and are on hand to assist. Excellent communication and client service. Diverse team.’
‘Strong dedication from each of them and clear and effective teamwork.’
‘Great interpersonal skills. A quality team with experience allows each point to be dealt with by an expert. They are timely and commercial while communicating the reason for decisions and are willing to push back if they feel clients' decisions are not well considered. ’
‘Quality in depth, great knowledge and communication skills.’
'The team combines legal excellence with a deep understanding of its clients’ industries. The Commercial team doesn't just advise on the law—they provide tailored, commercially minded solutions grounded in the realities of the client's sector.'
'Very commercially focused and pragmatic, and understand the industries that they are advising on.'
'They are aware of the day to day challenges of how the businesses operate and match these with the commercially focused legal advice.'
'The team are very commercially focused and pragmatic and understand the industries that they are advising on.'
'Unlike many lawyers who default to risk aversion, RPC’s Commercial lawyers focus on helping make informed and balanced decisions. They understand that "zero risk" is rarely a realistic goal, and instead work with clients to find workable, strategic solutions.'
Key clients
- Gist / M&S
- Women's Super League
- Checkatrade
- Shepherd Neame
- Saracens
- Link Scheme Ltd and Link Scheme Holdings Ltd
- PizzaExpress
- BOC
- Dreams Limited
- McArthurGlen
- eClerx
Work highlights
Advised Gist Limited (part of the Marks & Spencer plc group) on strategic advice relating to all of its key commercial relationships and contracts.
Advised Vetted Limited (trading as Checkatrade), one of the UK's leading online platforms and directories, connecting homeowners with approved local tradespeople to assist with a range of key commercial contract matters.
Advised the Women's Super League in relation to all the league's commercial contracts work.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Tom Purton
Other key lawyers
Oliver Bray; Mark Crichard; Paul Joukador; Ciara Cullen; Charles Buckworth