With a particular specialism in invoice and asset finance, the group at Bermans acts for a diverse client base of SMEs and private clients. Jonathan Berkson leads the team from Liverpool with a depth of experience in complex commercial disputes and claims for secured lenders, while Andrew Koffman focuses on complex property disputes, professional negligence, and ADR. Having joined from Slater Heelis (Part of Lawfront) in January 2025, Mike Carter acts in professional negligence, property and construction, and contractual matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Exceptional attention to detail, direct and aggressive in their defence - which perfectly suits our needs.'
- 'Jonathan Berkson - Highly reliable, attentive, knowledgeable, and pleasant to work with.'
- 'All the partners are responsive, pragmatic and solution focused. Their ability to turnaround issues / deals is outstanding.'
- 'Their subject knowledge has a real focus and care on obtaining the correct outcomes.'
- 'The members of the Bermans team that I had contact with were all, without exception, outstanding in their individual and group roles. Bermans' consistent, persistent approach made me comfortable in the knowledge that I was in very safe hands. Communication was superb; every deadline was met, even when unexpected changes to the schedule occurred.'
- 'My case was handled by Jonathan Berkson who ensured that we had an accurate, robust and coherent plan in place at all times. Jonathan was always on hand to manage my case as it unfolded, his knowledge of the law and the processes we encountered throughout the case lifecycle left me in no doubt of the final outcome.'
- 'Highly specialist debt recovery team working in the asset based lending sector, particularly in receivables financing.'
Key clients
- Advance Global Capital Limited
- Novuna Finance
- Jardine Norton Limited
- Lloyds Commercial Finance Limited
- Select Invoice Finance Limited
- Environmental Waste Controls Limited
- Agricultural Central Trading Limited
- Performance Finance Limited
Work highlights
Acted for a financier in relation to a challenge under a guarantee following the financier sending a 'comfort letter' to the guarantor. Having initially failed to succeed with statutory demand proceedings before a District Judge, the client was successful in obtaining summary judgment on the claim in the High Court. On the statutory demand based on the judgment, a bankruptcy petition was successful.
Acted for a financier in a claim against a company and individual for tracing trust monies and claims for knowing receipt, unjust enrichment, unlawful means conspiracy and dishonest assistance of over £500k.
Advised a financier on a conditional fee agreement on a claim for recovery of a debt when the debtor had paid the supplier direct in contravention of a notice of assignment. The firm dealt with detailed legal and factual defences and thereafter successfully negotiating settlement by way of the defendant accepting the client’s Part 36 offer.
Practice head
Jonathan Berkson
Other key lawyers
Andrew Koffman; Mike Carter