Stephenson Harwood stands out for its ‘excellent experience in accountancy negligence matters’. In addition to acting for major accountancy firms in high-value disputes, the team is also skilled in handling professional negligence claims relating to pensions. Roland Foord and Adam Culy co-lead the practice. Foord has a unique niche within the fine art sector, which involves advising auction houses and dealers on allegations of negligent advice. Culy is an expert in defending claims centred around taxes and audits. The ’dependable and knowledgeable’ Paul Hollands is also noted for his experience in advising on cases relating to accountants, legal advisors, and insolvency professionals. Kate Cordery has left the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They have excellent experience in accountancy negligence matters.’
‘Paul Holland is very dependable and knowledgeable.’
‘Adam Culy is an excellent lawyer who goes the extra mile for his clients. He is strong technically and I would not hesitate to use him again.’
'Stephenson Harwood are innovative, creative, and focused on solutions. They have a vast amount of industry knowledge and their advice goes far beyond the purely legal; they give clients valuable strategic advice as well.'
‘Helena Berman is brilliant at professional negligence cases. She has a sixth sense that enables her to find the killer point to win a case. She gives her all to her clients and delivers amazing outcomes.'
‘A strong professional negligence team that are capable of handling large-scale claims with ease.’
‘Andrew Myers is very savvy and robust. Guy Harper is very smart and commercial.’
‘Adam Culy has a deep knowledge of the professional services and accountancy sector. Adam provides excellent and detailed advice. He is always available to discuss things.’
Key clients
- KPMG LLP
- Deloitte LLP
- Mercer Limited
- Christie's
- Sedgwick Noble Lowndes Limited
- Mark Weiss Limited
- BDO LLP
Work highlights
Defending Deloitte in a complex and high-value professional negligence claim for at least £60m brought by a high-profile hedge fund founder relating to tax advice.
Defending Mercer Limited and Sedgwick Noble Lowndes Limited in a £110m complex professional negligence claim issued by the employer and trustees of the Honda pension scheme regarding a range of alleged defective amendments to the scheme between 1986 and 1999.
Defending an accountancy firm in a multi-defendant High Court professional negligence proceedings claim relating to complex inheritance tax planning for a former client's £6m estate.
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Paul Hollands
Practice head
Roland Foord; Adam Culy
Other key lawyers
Paul Hollands; Helena Berman; Andrew Myers; Guy Harper