‘Able to run a cross-disciplinary case’, Shoosmiths LLP regularly advises clients on matters spanning a wide array of sectors, including retail, financial services, construction, manufacturing, energy and leisure. The firm acts on major liquidations and administrations, including the administration of Wilko Limited. James Keates directs the practice, acting for banks, asset-based lenders, insolvency practitioners and company directors. Noted team member Aaron Harlow advises on administrations, restructurings and distressed acquisitions. Charlotte Duce bolsters the team’s strength in administration matters, advising major financial consultants acting as administrators.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Able to run a cross-disciplinary case, with strength in depth and teamwork which makes working with them very easy.'
- 'The firm is very commercial - able to think laterally and find solutions to tricky legal matters, while being robust in the strength of the advice given to the IPs.’
‘Lee Sennett is very hard working, user-friendly and provider of sage, collected advice. He is calm under pressure.'
- 'Aaron Harlow is extremely commercially minded and comfortable in fast paced negotiation situations which require a cool head.’
'Aaron Harlow is a bright, approachable, commercial operator and a pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
- PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
- Interpath Limited
- Teneo Financial Advisory Limited
- RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP
- Kroll Advisory Limited
- FRP Trading Advisory LLP
- RBS
- Resolve Advisory Limited
- BDO LLP
- Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP
Work highlights
Acted for PwC in their role as administrators of Wilko Limited, Wilko.com Limited, Wilkinson Hardware Stores Limited.
Advised Great Annual Savings Limited, a prominent North-East SME business in connection with a restructuring plan pursuant to part 26A of the Companies Act 2006.
Acted for PwC in connection with the administration of CK Realisations Limited (the company that was the successor business to and traded as Cath Kidston) and the disposal of the intellectual property and brand to Next plc.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
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.
Practice head
James Keates
Other key lawyers
Aaron Harlow; Charlotte Duce; Lee Sennett