Shoosmiths LLP’s practice covers a wide range of commercial disputes, including shareholder and joint venture issues, insurance disputes, and technology-related claims. Practice co-head Jonathon Crook has considerable experience in the banking, financial services, and finance sectors, while fellow co-head Richard Marshall, who has a focus on insurance policy litigation, has recently been focusing on cladding-related disputes following his involvement in the Grenfell Inquiry. Andrew Whalley, who joined the team in November 2023 from DWF, has notable expertise in data breach claims and technology disputes, and Matthew Brown handles insurance policy coverage disputes and building claims. Sylwena Sempa focuses on cases concerning pensions, phone hacking issues and employment disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A compact and dynamic team that punches well above its weight and outpaces larger competitors. A combination of huge drive and experience, with an intensely commercial focus, ensures the best results for its clients.’
‘Richard Marshall - Very accomplished litigator with a very astute eye for the key issues in a case. Matthew Brown - Very capable and incisive. A close eye for the detail in a case that matters, combined with a very sound commercial instinct. Sarah Rigby - One to watch.’
‘The Shoosmiths commercial litigation department in Manchester is excellent. It has particular experience in handling the highest value, most complex commercial disputes arising out of the insurance, construction and property management industries. Its team members are technically excellent, hard-working, tenacious and focused on delivering success for their clients, who are generally leading multi-national corporations. They are also a delight to work with. Richard Marshall and Sarah Rigby are notably outstanding.'
‘Richard Marshall is an outstanding partner who is hugely experienced, technically able, creative and a delight to work with. He exudes authority and experience. He understandably has a great following of loyal clients.'
‘A heavyweight team acting in major disputes for large corporates.’
‘Andrew Whalley - highly experienced, able and pragmatic litigator.’
‘Sylwena Sempa - clever, thorough and responsive.’
‘Jonathon Crook is very personable and knowledgeable. Always able to provide engagement and support in a very clear concise way.’
Key clients
- ProAmpac Group
- Domain Transport Limited
- Continuum Financial Services LLP
- MegaGroup BV
- Amway
- Virgin Media O2
- French Connection
- Hoover Limited
- Extreme E Limited
Work highlights
- Representing AmTrust Europe Limited in the defence of a High Court claim for £17m relating to defective cladding and fire stopping on two tower blocks.
- Representing PSB UK Limited via insurers Chubb at the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry for both phase 1 and 2.
- Representing Hoover Limited (part of Haier plc) as sole UK legal adviser on product liability claims.
Lawyers
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Jonathon Crook; Richard Marshall
Other key lawyers
Andrew Whalley; Matthew Brown; Sylwena Sempa; Lyndsay Crowder-Barton; Sarah Rigby