The practice at Freeths LLP is differentiated in the market due to its ability to combine ‘deep legal expertise with a clear understanding of commercial priorities’ . The ’highly responsive, collaborative, and practical’ team acts on a wide range of complex commercial disputes, with experience handling technology disputes, class actions, financial services disputes, and cross-border matters. James Hartley leads the ‘extremely hardworking’ team and is known for his class action expertise, as well as intricate funding and litigation risk knowledge. Lindsey Clegg is recognised for her aviation dispute experience, and is praised as ’fiercely intelligent and extremely hardworking’. Rhiannon Murphy is ‘consistently exceptional’, while Chloe Oram ’remains calm and composed even against the most difficult of opponents’.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Lindsey Clegg is phenomenal: fiercely intelligent and extremely hardworking, on top of the detail of the case, and very good at strategy. If she is leading the team, the clients are in good hands.'
‘I have recently been working with James Hartley, Rhiannon Murphy and Eleanor Hargraves. Together they make a very effective and responsive team at every level. Between them they cover all the detail in complex matters but also see the bigger picture and advise with an eye to the commercial realities of the case.’
‘We've worked with this team across several complex matters, and what sets them apart is their ability to combine deep legal expertise with a clear understanding of commercial priorities. They don’t just tell us what the law says—they help us decide what to do.'
- 'The team is highly responsive, collaborative, and practical. We value how hands-on the team are and how seamlessly they work across borders and disciplines. Compared to other firms, they offer a more integrated, client-focused approach, which gives us real confidence when navigating difficult issues.'
‘We’ve worked closely with Rhiannon Murphy for several years, and she is consistently exceptional. What sets her apart is their ability to simplify complexity and provide advice that’s not only technically sound but genuinely strategic. Rhiannon brings a calm, assured presence to even the most high-pressure situations and always delivers with clarity and commercial insight.'
- 'What makes Rhiannon Murphy and Freeths different from others we’ve worked with is the combination of deep legal knowledge, real business acumen, and emotional intelligence. Rhiannon is incredibly responsive, proactive, and always focused on finding the best outcome for us — not just ticking the legal boxes.'
‘Rhiannon Murphy stands out as a very competent solicitor who is a delight to work with.’
‘The disputes team is headed up by the extremely experienced and effective Lindsey Clegg.'
'Freeths fly a bit under the radar in that they deserve a far higher profile in commercial litigation than they have. They fight on equal terms against Magic Circle firms.'
'Dedicated to bring justice to their clients. Will leave no stone unturned to achieve that in an ethical, transparent and completely professional way. Well managed, coordinated team, well managed by managing associates.'
Key clients
- Post Office Group Action
- Aldi Stores Limited
- Travelodge Hotels Limited
- Azex Leasing Limited and Atlas International B.V.
- Therium Capital Management
- North East Lincolnshire Council
- R&C Energy (UK) LLP
Work highlights
Appointed by the UK Government (DBT - Department for Business and Trade) to support and advise on the design and implementation of a redress scheme for the circa 500 postmasters involved in the High Court Group Action against Post Office Limited.
Advising Azex Leasing Limited, an Irish domiciled aircraft lessor, and its Guarantor, Atlas International, in Commercial Court proceedings brought by the owner of several commercial passenger aircraft, Alterna, in a dispute involving complex points of law arising in the geo-political context of the outbreak of war and the interaction of the various international sanctions regimes.
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.
Chloe Oram
Practice head
James Hartley
Other key lawyers
Lindsey Clegg; Rhiannon Murphy; Chloe Oram; Eleanor Hargraves