At Wedlake Bell LLP, the group pairs its expertise in bankruptcy proceedings with obtaining judgements in High Court. High Court Enforcement Officers’ agencies form a key part of the client base and the group handles matters up to the Supreme Court, collaborating with local authorities when necessary. Notably, Graham Smith has a track record over several years of acting in County Court. In addition to the group’s core strength in commercial debt recovery, its client roster is also formed heavily of energy suppliers and therefore engagement in claims relating to energy charges remains at the forefront of the group’s mandates. Group leader Charles Robinson is head of utilities debt, a niche area of debt recovery expertise for the group. Elsewhere, Steven Elsey stands out for his versatility, with expertise across litigation, insolvency and debt recovery.
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Key clients
- British Gas
- E.ON Next Energy
- Npower Commercial Gas & Power
- Orsted Energy
- Corona Energy
- United Gas & Power
- Smartestenergy
- Local Government
Work highlights
Acted for British Gas in a claim for assessed charges for electricity supplied to a meter which had been tampered with, obtaining a full recovery of over £118,000.
Assisted E.ON UK plc and Npower Commercial Gas with a High Court judgment for over £850,000 for electricity charges, striking out a counterclaim of over £5 million.
Assisted British Gas with obtaining a £96,000 judgment for gas and electricity charges in a claim against landlords of a residential development where separate unit metering had not been installed.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Steven Elsey
Practice head
Charles Robinson
Other key lawyers
Steven Elsey; Graham Smith