Hill Dickinson LLP is a leading force in Manchester’s disputes market, handling complex, high-value litigation. The team’s recent work underscores its trial expertise, particularly in contractual breaches, procurement challenges, and injunction petitions. Team head Sharon Williamson specialises in high-stakes contract disputes, often involving major financial services providers. Andrew Little excels in shareholder and M&A litigation, while Duncan Hope is a go-to expert for urgent injunctive relief. Moya Clifford offers niche expertise in negligence claims, and Laura Scott is pivotal in shareholder and pension disputes. Alex Smith is a standout litigator with deep knowledge of confidential information and restrictive covenants.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘I found both Alex Smith and Dan Taylor impressive. They always kept the bigger picture and strategic considerations in view.'
- 'Duncan Hope is a first-class commercial litigator: he puts the client first, works closely with counsel, and every case that goes to court is a case that is well prepared, ready to go, and in the best position to win.’
- 'David Oram is a supremely experienced commercial lawyer and problem-solver. He uses litigation as a lever to obtain the best commercial solution.'
- ‘Andrew Little has a national client base and routinely acts on large commercial claims in Manchester and London. He is excellent with clients, very well prepared, and great for counsel and experts to work with. He has a track record of successful litigation and outcomes for commercial clients.
- ‘Hill Dickinson’s commercial litigation department in Manchester is a regional powerhouse with national standing and has several outstanding partners.'
- 'I understand that this team has a particular reputation/expertise in NHS work, in addition to its reputation for commercial work generally — and I think that is something which sets them apart from other firms in Manchester and the North West.’
Key clients
- NHS England
- NHS Derby and Derbyshire ICB
- Transport for Greater Manchester
- Xeinadin Group & Others
- 2020 Living and Others
- DL Invest Group PM S.A.
- Ambulance Transfers Limited
- Alpha Schools (Holdings) Limited
- Creditfix Limited
- Jorvik Design Group Limited
- Management Information Centre Ltd
- John Black Solicitors Limited
Work highlights
Advised NHSE in High Court litigation in an £8 million claim brought by Boots.
Advised Xeinadin in a £multi-million claim for unlawful conspiracy.
Instructed to defend proceedings in the High Court for payment allegedly due under a financing agreement.
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.
Alex Smith
Moya Clifford
Laura Scott
Practice head
Sharon Willamson
Other key lawyers
Andrew Little; Duncan Hope; Iain Campbell; Moya Clifford; Alex Smith; Laura Scott