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England - Yorkshire • Finance
4

Insolvency and corporate recovery

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McCormicks

More information
McCormicks regularly acts on behalf of both debtors and creditors across a variety of insolvency matters at different stages, with particular expertise in the national sports sector. The Harrogate-based practice is led by David Birks, who handles matters related to defending directors in tax avoidance, fiduciary breach, and misfeasance claims. The ‘exceptional’ Peter McCormick is well-regarded for his football sector knowledge.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘From the first time I contacted them, the team had no hesitation in listening to our problems. From the outset they were conscious of the potentially high financial cost to us as individuals of pursuing our case and took steps to keep costs down by delegating proceedings to less senior members of the team wherever possible.'

  • ‘They were down to earth, friendly and approachable. Always welcoming, patient and supportive.’

  • ‘Peter McCormick's team are excellent and really lovely.’

  • 'David Birks has an in-depth understanding of insolvency legislation and is able to provide practical commercial advice quickly to ensure the best outcomes in some very challenging situations.'

  • ‘Peter McCormick is exceptional. Knows the football space like few others.'

Key clients

  • The Premier League
  • Solicitors Indemnity Fund Limited/Legal and Professional Insurance
  • DFS Furniture Company Limited
  • Oracle Finance Limited
  • Leeds United Football Club Limited
  • Walsh Taylor Business Support Group (now Wilson Field)
  • Rudding Park
  • Wycombe Wanderers Football Club

Work highlights

Advised the Premier League with recent insolvency related matters, representing the client in a landmark challenge to the Football Creditor Rules and representing the client in arbitration proceedings brought by Leyton Orient in relation to West Ham’s move to the Olympic Stadium.
Advised the Premier League in proceedings threatened by its former landlord pursuant to an Authorised Guarantee Agreement, providing insolvency advice as to the tenant’s status throughout.
Advising Wycombe Wanderers on its 8-figure claim in the insolvent estate of Derby County Football Club (in Administration), involving complex insolvency law and contract law considerations as well as detailed knowledge of the EFL and FA position on insolvent football Clubs.

Practice head

David Birks

Other key lawyers

Peter McCormick