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England - London • Industry focus
3

Retail and consumer

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Freeths LLP

More information
Noted for their IP, ESG, and regulatory offerings, Freeths LLP has a growing retail and consumer practice group that advises international and UK retailer and brands on a range of matters. The team has particularly focused on e-commerce, strategic acquisitions for property portfolios, IP disputes and marketing and brand strategies, and franchising in the last year. The team is led by Philippa Dempster, the London office’s managing partner and experienced practitioner in commercial agreements, franchising, supply chain and logistics, e-commerce and technology.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Hands on, personal experience with dedicated experts supporting as required - this practice is clearly experienced with advising retailers, which is key!'

  • 'The team has great leadership and are really personable - they adapt to meet the businesses and the legal team's needs. It never feels like it is a 'one size fits all' approach, but very much tailored to the type of business.'

  • 'They are easy to work with. They communicate in an easy-to-follow way.'

  • 'The trust placed in the team by Freeths and the ownership they allow us to take is noted and appreciated.'

  • 'Every communication is easy to follow, informal, succinct and bespoke to the relevant situation. Consistency in approach is vital.'

  • 'Impressive knowledge of the retail sector and the challenges it faces. Excellent communication. Additional resources such as webinars are very useful and the Freeths Horizon Scanning document is an excellent resource that we use widely in our business.'

  • 'Freeths LLP offers a unique and highly effective approach to real estate legal services, particularly in the retail sector. What sets them apart is their genuinely collaborative mindset and deep commercial understanding—they don't just advise on the law, they work as an extension of our internal team, fully aligned with our business objectives.'

  • 'Their approach is notably retailer-led, with a strong focus on the commercial drivers behind a transaction, ensuring advice is always grounded in business reality rather than abstract legal theory. Freeths is especially adept at balancing legal precision with practical insight, helping us progress deals quickly and confidently.'

  • 'Their ability to anticipate challenges, offer strategic input, and tailor solutions to our operational needs makes them far more than legal advisors—they’re trusted business partners. They are also highly responsive, personable, and pragmatic, making working with them not just efficient, but enjoyable.'

  • 'Freeths demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusion and diversity, building a team that is approachable, down-to-earth, and representative of modern values. Compared to more traditional firms, Freeths feels refreshingly aligned with how contemporary businesses operate—agile, commercially sharp, and focused on building long-term value. For clients looking for legal advisors who think and act like part of their business, Freeths offers a distinctive and genuinely impactful alternative.'

Key clients

  • Aldi Stores Limited
  • Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company
  • Frasers Group plc
  • Wickes
  • PVH
  • L’Oréal Groupe
  • Muller UK and Ireland
  • JOSEPH
  • Travis Perkins PLC
  • River Island
  • Flying Tiger
  • Zertus UK
  • ON Running
  • Hotel Chocolat
  • Unilever
  • Paul Smith
  • Poundstretcher
  • MF Brands SA
  • Star Brands ltd
  • Lipton Teas & Infusions

Work highlights

Advising L’Oréal UK on matters of intellectual property infringement risk and advertising clearance.
Advised ON Running in respect of all property matters since their entry into the UK market, including the acquisition of their flagship store on Regent Street, their new UK HQ in the City, and all other retail locations.
Advised EG Group in their sale of 218 KFC franchise restaurants across the UK to Yum! Brands KFC Division.

Practice head

Philippa Dempster

Other key lawyers

Paul Tomkins; Rebecca Howlett; Simon Barker; Iona Silverman; Jessica Matthews; Kaitlin Traynor