The commercial dispute resolution team at Freeths LLP acts for international and national businesses and high-net-worth individuals across a diverse range of specialist sectors, with recent work spanning corporate M&A disputes, including breach of warranty disputes, completion account disputes, and allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation, deceit, and conspiracy. The talented team benefits from the joint leadership of Richard Coates, a specialist in contractual and corporate disputes, and Louise Wilson, who has experience in professional negligence claims. Key support in this area is provided by Josh Middleton.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is excellent and can handle large and complex IT disputes. They give solid and realistic advice and are great at including counsel into the legal team.’
‘We collaborated with Freeths' dispute resolution team, led by Louise Wilson, and were confident from the outset that they would meet our high expectations.'
‘It is clear that Louise Wilson created and leads a highly skilled and capable team.'
‘A team led by Louise Wilson, who give consistently good, practical and commercial advice on dispute matters.’
‘Louise Wilson - her approach is seen throughout the team. There is a noticeable team culture.’
‘Excellent commercial acumen; strong eye on value for money.’
‘Richard Coates - steeped in contractual litigation; thinks outside the box.'
'Josh Middleton - energetic, switched-on senior associate.’
'Really experienced, commercially attuned team with unrivalled knowledge.'
'Richard Coates is at the front rank of operators in the commercial litigation market in the Midlands - commercially astute and a delight to work with. The cerebral Louise Wilson provides an excellent foil to Richard Coates.'
Key clients
- Aldi Stores Limited
- AP Racing Limited
- Eurocell PLC
- Lancaster PLC (owner of Jardine Motors Group)
- Lookers Motor Group Limited
- Michelin Tyre PLC
- Motorpoint Limited
- National Federation of Motor Dealers
- Porcelanosa Group
- Tarmac
- The National Exhibition Centre Limited
- The Route - Finance
- Travis Perkins PLC
- Mercedes-Benz UK
- Smartfox GmbH
- Solidus UK Solutions Limited
- Shoby Investments
- Sytner Group Limited
Work highlights
Represented former shareholders in a dispute following the sale of a company, alleging breach of warranty, fraudulent misrepresentation, and deceit, with a counterclaim for failing to follow the completion accounts process.
Advised on the compensation scheme for the sub-postmasters affected by the Horizon scandal.
Handled a dispute between Stobart and a technology solutions provider in relation to the provider’s alleged deceit and misrepresentation.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Josh Middleton
Practice head
Richard Coates; Louise Wilson
Other key lawyers
Josh Middleton