Commended as ‘one of the leading firms in the South West, with a reputation for attracting high-value and high-profile cases’, Clarke Willmott LLP stands out for its expertise in the agriculture sector, and counts disputes concerning agri-business, agri-tech, agri-commerce and agri-finance in its caseload. The team is also noted for its capability in handling shareholder and partnership disputes, professional negligence cases, debt recovery and contractual claims. Esther Woolford, who has ’encyclopaedic knowledge’ in civil litigation concerning agricultural mandates, including property disputes, partnership cases and contentious trusts and probate issues, jointly leads the team alongside ‘great negotiator’ Laura Mackain-Bremner, who was promoted to partner in June 2023. ’Exceptional’ Polly Ridgway is another key contact in the group.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘One of the leading firms in the South West, with a reputation for attracting high-value and high-profile cases.’
‘Polly Ridgeway was great to deal with and everything ran smoothly.’
‘Clarke Willmott have an outstanding litigation team. They bridge the gap between regional and national, with expert lawyers who can take on everything from planning and property issues in the South West to heavy commercial litigation in London.’
‘Laura Mackain-Bremner continues to impress in commercial litigation, especially in the agricultural sphere. She is a great negotiator, as well as knowing how to achieve success through the courts where necessary.’
‘The team is professional, courteous and acts with integrity. They are always there to support clients with a first-class service.’
‘Polly Ridgeway is best in her field for agriculture, civil disputes and commercial litigation. Polly's rare qualities make her an exceptional solicitor.’
‘Esther Woolford has encyclopaedic knowledge in commercial agricultural disputes and is the person you want on your side when the going gets tough.’
‘A top firm in the South West with real strength in depth.’
Key clients
- Andrew Guest
- Henrietta Ingram and Tom Whitfield
- The Estate of Albert Henry Winter
Work highlights
- Acting for Andrew Guest in a £3.3m proprietary estoppel claim.
- Acting for Ingram and Whitfield in a High Court case establishing a precedent for claims for want of knowledge and approval.
- Acting The Estate of Albert Henry Winter in relation to various trust and estoppel claims brought by two sons of the deceased.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Esther Woolford; Laura Mackain-Bremner
Other key lawyers
Polly Ridgway