The deep bench of specialists at Clarke Willmott LLP ‘sets the team apart in a competitive landscape’, rendering the practice well-equipped to advise trustees, corporate and private clients in the full spectrum of professional negligence matters. In Bristol, practice lead Alex Jakubowski specialises in commercial litigation, with notable expertise in the energy sector; the ’commercially minded’ litigator Darren Kidd represents clients in financial services disputes; Bonita Walters heads the contentious trusts and probate team; and real estate litigation specialist Chris Taylor handles claims arising in property transactions. In Taunton, Esther Woolford leads on civil litigation matters within the agricultural sector, alongside agri-business expert Laura Mackain-Bremner. Laura Robinson, David Stedman and Damian Pits are other names to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The practice stands out for the depth of its knowledge base and the exceptional level of expertise available across the team—well above that typically found at other firms. Clients can expect a highly responsive service, underpinned by precision, efficiency, and reliability. Billing is clear, accurate, and timely, with full transparency and no hidden costs. These qualities, combined with a client-focused approach, sets the team apart in a competitive landscape.’
‘Alex Jakubowski stands out for his direct, no-nonsense approach, which is both refreshing and highly effective. His ability to cut through legal jargon and communicate with clarity made the process significantly more efficient and cost-effective, without ever compromising on the quality of service. His subject matter expertise is outstanding, and he consistently demonstrates sharp focus and determination in pursuing the best possible outcome. These qualities set him apart from competitors and have been greatly valued throughout our engagement.’
‘They are a very well-resourced and excellently capable professional negligence team, but charge regional rates. They assert themselves against any other firm and always do a very good job for their client.’
‘Alex Jakubowski is extremely good at getting rid of any dross in a case and focusing on what is really relevant.'
- 'Darren Kidd is exceptional on all fronts. He is very experienced in professional negligence claims and is completely devoted to getting results for his clients. He works quickly and efficiently and is incredibly able.'
‘The contentious probate team and the property team have extensive experience in acting for claimants in professional negligence claims against solicitors.’
Key clients
- Bristol Polytechnic Enterprises (Developments) Limited
- 1,000+ steelworkers who transferred out of the British Steel Pension Scheme
- Philippa D’Arcy
- Leicester Theatre Trust Limited
- Lyell Trading Ltd (trading as Blackfinch Finance)
- Arbuthnot Latham
- MSP Capital Limited
- UK & IE Flora Group
Work highlights
Acting for around 1,000 steelworkers who were wrongly advised to transfer out of the British Steel Pension Scheme between 2016 and 2018, with over £50 million recovered so far. The disputes involve approximately 100 firms who either provided poor financial advice or were involved in the investment chain.
Instructed by Blackfinch Property to investigate and pursue a claim against Ridge & Partners Ltd for negligence arising from their services as monitoring surveyors in connection with the redevelopment of several properties into luxury boutique hotels.
Advising private client Philippa D’Arcy in a professional negligence claim against Brooks Macdonald Financial Consulting Limited in relation to the advice and recommendations it provided to her to invest in three film partnerships which were later successfully challenged by HMRC as tax avoidance schemes.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Alex Jakubowski
Other key lawyers
Darren Kidd; Bonita Walters; Esther Woolford; Chris Taylor; Laura Robinson; David Stedman; Laura Mackain-Bremner; Damian Pits; James Marshall; Emma Davey; Mamunul Wahid