Downs Solicitors LLP’s commercial litigation team, led by Kate Matthews and Chris Millar, is well-versed in complex disputes involving allegations of breaches of confidentiality and fiduciary duties. The team is noted for handling cases involving restrictive covenants and unlawful data use, in addition to advising on contentious demergers.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The company has an outstanding and responsive team to meet client needs. The firm is a full service firm which meets the breadth of services for individual, family and business requirements.’
‘Kate Matthews as a litigation solicitor in the firm is highly skilled in her approach to finding resolutions for her clients. She is responsive and astute in her approach with her exceptional skills she obtains the best outcomes for her clients.’
‘Downs is a lovely firm that has a nice touch and has looked after the same sorts of families and family business through the generations. They are a perfect fit for many of their clients - a good size, but not too big, with most (if not all) civil practice areas covered. The relationship feels like it goes deeper than solicitor/ client. It's a trusted advisor, but also close acquaintance, if not a friend.’
‘Kate Matthews is our only contact. She is always a great support - serious but with the capacity to see the funny side of the occasionally crazy world of litigation.’
Key clients
- The Hoama Group Limited
- Leeway Services Limited
- Barry King
- Rose Greenwood t/a FL Greenwood & Son
- Andrew and Arsal Martin
- Mr Lee trading as Leeway Woodwork
- The British Franchise Association Mediation
- David Cooper
- Vava Baylie trading as VavaGroom
- Geoffrey and Lesley Peyer
Work highlights
Advising a claimant trading as Leeway Woodwork and his company Leeway Services Limited a manufacturer and seller of pet supplies and other animal products on breaches of contract by EBay and issues connected with National Westminster Bank Plc relating to online trading with Amazon (and following Leeway’s successful Court case) during the pandemic 2020 in the London Commercial Court Value £3M +.
Acting for Umbreen David the 50% shareholder in a complex group of companies under the Hoama Group in respect of the division of assets of the Group following dissolution of the previous partnership. The shareholder dispute was deadlocked across 3 companies, requiring innovative ways of dividing assets mindful of tax implications and to prevent devaluing the brand.
Acting for Rose Greenwood trading as FL Greenwood & Son, the sole trader of arable and dairy/beef farming and car business in respect of promissory estoppel claims and potential future inheritance act claims made by members of the family in respect of the farming business and assets of the farm. Value £5M plus.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Kate Matthews; Chris Millar
Other key lawyers
Bryony Palmer; Francesca Turner