Clarke Willmott LLP is especially active in advising on breach of duty claims against directors, employee benefit trusts matters, and civil recovery claims. The team also has experience assisting liquidators and corporates with insolvencies, including asset transfers. Martin Askew and Ken MacLennan jointly lead the team from the firm’s Bristol office; Askew is adept at insolvency litigation and misfeasance-related claims, while MacLennan has experience handling complex pre-packs, CVAs, and restructuring plans. Ruth Hartnell-Thorne brings further experience in contentious insolvency mandates, where she often pursues claims on behalf of officeholders. Senior associates Stephanie Hambridge and Sonal Crocker are also noted, as is associate John Mackinnon.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Exceptional lawyers - Martin Askew is my go-to guy. His knowledge is exceptional.’
‘The team at Clarke Wilmott are exceptional at dealing with complex matters efficiently and at keeping the client updated at all stages.’
‘Ken MacLennan and Stephanie Hambridge are both excellent at condensing complex matters into focused correspondence which enables parties to clearly see the issues. They are always accessible and quick to respond to queries.’
‘Strong and dynamic. High level of commerciality. Junior team particularly impressive.’
‘Martin Askew - pugnacious and persistent. A very capable litigator.'
‘The team is very experienced in insolvency and also are lovely people to deal with.’
‘Martin Askew, Ken MacLennan and the Bristol Restructuring team are one of the few in the sector that provides a fully collaborative working experience. They are never too busy to take instructions, discuss issues or develop a collaborative, sensible and commercial approach to any office holder's case issues.’
‘Ken MacLennan for his excellent legal advice, consistent availability and willingness to deliver on a timely and commercial basis.’
Key clients
- Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP
- Evelyn Partners (formerly Smith & Williamson)
- Grant Thornton UK LLP
- Interpath Ltd (t/a Interpath Advisory)
- Leonard Curtis Business Solutions Group
- Mazars LLP
- Menzies LLP
- MHA MacIntyre Hudson
- Quantuma LLP
- The Insolvency Service
Work highlights
Acting on the purchase of five cinema sites that were formerly part of the Empire Cinemas group from companies in administration and/or fixed charge receivers.
Advising the Rugby Players Association and its members (professional rugby players) on the high-profile insolvencies of former English Premiership clubs Wasps, Worcester and London Irish and obtaining critical protective awards for the players via the courts.
Acting for the liquidator (from Moore Kingston Smith) in pursuing claims against in excess of 60 respondents in respect of their use of a complex NIC and PAYE avoidance scheme with a case value of £3.5m.
Lawyers
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
Martin Askew; Ken MacLennan
Other key lawyers
Ruth Hartnell-Thorne; Stephanie Hambridge; Sonal Crocker; John Mackinnon