Freeths LLP provides expert advice to clients throughout Yorkshire and across the UK, with focus on corporate restructuring and insolvency across sectors including retail, banking, hospitality, construction, energy, and technology. The practice is praised for its ‘excellent’ advice on matters related to enforcing securities and recovering distressed assets, and is also well-versed within commercial dispute resolution, high-profile business rescues, and complex restructurings, including those involving court proceedings. Helen Bates and Oliver Jackson jointly lead the practice from the Leeds and Sheffield offices, respectively. The ’extremely good’ Bates is regarded for her wide range of experience, working on both contentious and non-contentious corporate and personal insolvency matters; while the ‘knowledgeable’ Jackson supports clients in high-profile cases, particularly in contingency planning and restructuring.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'The team is very knowledgeable from partner level down. They move at speed to find solutions to complex matters and as a result deliver outstanding results for their clients. They have outstanding insolvency knowledge and I would not hesitate to work with the team again.'
- 'The team we were engaged with included Ollie Jackson, Hal Roberts and Tom Childs. They made a stressful, complex situation fun. I always felt we were getting the best advice. I valued their honesty and expert advice.'
‘Freeths are a great firm. I work with a number of insolvency firms and I find Freeths diverse, supportive and approachable. The experience within the firm allows collaboration between departments when required.'
'I have worked with Helen Bates for a number of years. Her willingness to help, attention to detail and knowledge stands her apart from other insolvency lawyers. She is polite, helpful and extremely good at what she does. She can firmly get a point across in a pragmatic way and thinks outside the box.'
'We use Freeths for primarily insolvency work but also commercial work generally. Very efficient and prompt in responding. Advice is excellent relative to other firms.'
'Oliver Jackson is extremely knowledgeable on insolvency law and always quick to respond to me. Has a proactive approach.'
'Team acts promptly on client instruction and understand client needs.'
'Oliver Jackson always provides high quality advice with an equal amount of consideration given the practical implications, which is highly important in our world. Ollie is approachable and is able to cut through politics to arrive at the right solution.'
Key clients
- Grant Thornton UK LLP
- Interpath Ltd
- DB LLP
- FRP Advisory Trading Limited
- Breal Capital
Work highlights
Advised Liberty Bar and Restaurant Group Limited (part of Breal Capital and Calveton Group) on the pre-pack acquisition of TGI Fridays from administrators, preserving 51 restaurants and nearly 2,400 jobs.
Advised the Mayor and Burgesses of the London Borough of Newham (“LBN”) in their capacity as creditor owed substantial sums by its tenant, trading as the Hampton by Hilton hotel in London Docklands.
Advised CC Stim UK Holdco Ltd (part of the Rekom UK group) on the appointment of joint administrators, culminating in a pre-pack sale of 14 nightclubs and saving 498 jobs.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Oliver Jackson; Helen Bates
Other key lawyers
Hal Roberts; Thomas Childs