The disputes team at Brabners LLP works with large commercial clients on contentious matters covering insolvency, debt recovery, medical negligence and contentious probate. The practice also acts for clients in high-value international arbitrations and High Court defamation matters including the infamous “Wagatha Christie” trial. The team is headed by Paul Lunt who focuses on media, sports, shareholder and professional negligence disputes. Jennifer Lockhart specialises in insolvency matters, misfeasance and breach of duty claims with support from Graeme McParland. Helen Otty works on high-value international arbitrations while Matthew Moy advises on commercial contract disputes.
Commercial litigation: Liverpool in North West
Brabners LLP
Practice head(s):
Paul Lunt
Other key lawyers:
Jennifer Lockhart; Graeme McParland; Helen Otty; Matthew Moy
Testimonials
‘Practical realistic advice which helps client make judgements on the approach to litigation and the adoption of strategic advice to mitigate the cost and time taken to achieve a successful outcome.’
‘Paul Lunt, whilst latterly more well known for his representing Coleen Rooney in the Wagatha Christie case and for acting for England cricketers in disciplinary or criminal matters, has a deep and longstanding experience in minority shareholder litigation, in which his judgement and expertise are highly valued.’
‘There is a great deal of focus on mitigating the risk to the client and not simply racking up fees for the sake of it.’
Key clients
Coleen Rooney
Wayne Rooney
Michael Vaughan
Pharmaceuticals Direct Limited
TJ Morris Limited (t/a Home Bargain)
Dr Riccardo Frati
Lynn Cannell and LCA Jobs Limited
UK Meds Direct Limited
Ben and Deborah Stokes
Work highlights
- Defended Coleen Rooney in libel proceedings issued against her by Rebekah Vardy.
- Instructed by the interested party in these judicial review proceedings that relate to the awarding of two contracts, worth £102.6 million and £29.8 million respectively.
- Instructed by cricketer Ben Stokes and his mother in connection with their invasion of privacy claim against News Group Newspapers Limited.
DWF
DWF covers a wide variety of sectors with particular expertise in the retail, food and drink, telecommunications and financial services. The firm has multiple areas of disputes expertise including professional negligence, judicial review, competition, contentious probate, arbitration and injunctions. Andrew Whalley is known for his work in the field of telecoms regulation and co-heads the practice with Matthew Stoll who focuses on professional negligence and property-related disputes. Chris King is well-versed in warranty claims while Lyndsay Crowder-Barton works on cross-border contractual disputes.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Whalley; Matt Stoll
Other key lawyers:
Chris King; Lyndsay Crowder-Barton
Testimonials
‘Depth of knowledge of the operation of businesses they advise and represent, and the consequent positive effect on the firm’s navigation of the practicalities of litigation.’
‘Chris King is a results-oriented lawyer, and great at identifying and pressing on the weak points of the opposition’s case.’
Key clients
Virgin Media O2
Crown Pains Limited
giffgaff Limited
BT Group plc / EE
DAS Legal Expenses Insurance Company Limited
Lloyds Bank Plc
Liverpool Airport Limited
ACC Liverpool Group Ltd
Allianz Insurance
Teneo Plc
Palm Recycling Limited
Stateside Foods Limited
Work highlights
- Acted on behalf of a national bank in respect of a portfolio of overvaluation claims regarding historic property valuations.
- Acted on behalf of a food manufacturer in respect of a wide spread contamination issues impacting several customers and related third parties.
- Acted on behalf of Oak National Academy (Interest Party) in the high profile judicial review proceedings of national importance to education sector.
Hill Dickinson LLP
The commercial litigation team at Hill Dickinson LLP is experienced in a range of areas including shareholder and partnership disputes, professional negligence, breach of contract claims and commercial fraud. The practice is also well-versed in data protection breach claims, freezing injunctions and competition law matters. Fiona Parry handles high-value contentious trusts and probate disputes in addition to negligence claims. Paul Walsh has expertise in respect of claims arising on termination of contracts and leads the Liverpool practice alongside Nina Ferris, who works on corporate disputes including tax claims with support from Karen Hope.
Practice head(s):
Nina Ferris; Paul Walsh
Testimonials
‘Fiona Parry is very experienced and level-headed with high value shareholder disputes.’
‘Adept at dealing with multi-faceted litigation – identifying various means and routes to achieving the client’s goals and then executing them.’
‘Fiona Parry stands out as being both a dab hand at guiding clients through litigation and, where necessary, a fearless pursuer of her client’s interests in the heat of a dispute. She is particularly skilled at addressing tricky situations which may arise when there have been missteps prior to her and her firm getting involved.’
Key clients
Extrude Hone GmbH
Terra Solutions Limited
Charan Naidoo
Condair Limited
Mast Group Limited
Ksure
Dr Jude Mahadanaarachchi
Global Reach Partners Limited
Paul Bell
Work highlights
- Acted for Extrude Hone GmbH in relation to a dispute with Dyson Manufacturing Sdn Bhd in Malaysia concerning the alleged termination of an agreement between the parties.
Provenio Litigation
Provenio Litigation handles a range of commercial disputes relating to shareholders, private equity investors, misfeasance and property investment schemes. The practice is headed by Mark Goodwin who has a strong track record of advising on IT and outsourcing disputes, professional negligence claims, disputes under commercial contracts and M&A transactions. Hannah Catterall represents clients across several sectors including sports, hospitality, manufacturing, property development and aviation. Emma Charnock, who made partner in November 2022, is experienced in investment disputes and professional negligence claims.
Practice head(s):
Mark Goodwin
Other key lawyers:
Hannah Catterall; Emma Charnock
Testimonials
‘Mark Goodwin, Emma Charnock and Hannah Catterall are all excellent.’
‘Mark Goodwin is the key founder of the firm and is rock solid as a litigator. Emma Charnock also stands out.’
‘An exceptional, client-focused litigation boutique that is the stand out operator in the North West but with a national presence too. The team is partner led so clients benefit from senior involvement throughout a case. The practice is modern and forward thinking.’
Work highlights
- Acted for an investor in the defence of a £160 million commercial court claim in relation to the sale of a portfolio of hotels in central London.
- Acting for the founders and significant shareholders in the business in a dispute with a private equity investor.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper UK LLP is known for its expertise in corporate matters, regularly acting for private equity and corporate clients on major shareholder disputes. The team is often involved in contentious proceedings in relation to schemes of arrangements and capital reductions. Andrew Smith co-leads the practice with Christina Sharma who has a diverse client base consisting of pension funds, banks, local governments and football clubs.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Smith; Christina Sharma
Other key lawyers:
Danielle Carter; Harriet Michael
Testimonials
‘Hugely approachable and sensible lawyers.’
‘Christina Sharma is brilliant at client management; realistic with sound judgment. You know exactly where you stand.’
‘DLA Liverpool is a first class outfit. Everything they do is to a high degree of professionalism. They are a pleasure to work with.’
‘Christina Sharma is a charming and persuasive lawyer who fights fiercely for her clients’ interests.’
‘Christina Sharma is brilliant at client management; realistic, sound judgment; you know exactly where you stand. Harriet Michael is very sound.’
‘Christine Sharma is a City-standard litigator with great commercial nous, energy and sophisticated client skills. She holds her own against the biggest law firms in the world. In the matter I worked with her on recently, she was very well supported by Harriet Michael.’
‘Harriet Michael is a highly efficient and organised solicitor, who is a pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
OBN Private Jet Limited & Mr Nasser
The Reply Group
The Liverpool Football & Athletic Grounds Limited (LFC)
ScottishPower Energy Retail Limited
Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited (USS)
Yan Liu, Jie Shen, Easi Global Limited & Chongqing Meikelaifuyireer Technology Co. Ltd (EASI Defendants).
Shareholders and directors of Sportpesa Global Holdings Limited
Duracell UK Ltd
IHG Hotels Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for the EASI Defendants in the highly publicised English Proceedings brought by HungryPanda following the sale of EASI’s fast food business in Australia to HungryPanda.
- Acted for OBN Private Jet Limited and Mr Naser in the High Court in proceedings valued at USD 30 million in relation to the purchase and financing of a private jet.
- Acted for a number of shareholders and the directors of Sportpesa Global Holdings Limited (SGHL) in a highly publicised dispute which has led to a consolidated Part 7 claim and Part 8 unfair prejudice petition.
Weightmans LLP
Weightmans LLP has a well-established commercial litigation team which acts for a broad mix of clients ranging from large corporates, local authorities, education institutions, owner managed and SME businesses. The team specialises in commercial contract disputes and trade mark infringement matters, amongst other areas. Sarah Conroy heads the team with experience in governance and constitutional issues. Andrew Roberts regularly acts for manufacturers in relation to contentious matters. Michelle Connor left for CG Professional in May 2023.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Conroy
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Roberts
Testimonials
‘Weightmans LLP have a very customer centric approach. They work cooperatively and constructively with other firms. Their strategic approach is most refreshing and provides an added edge when compared to other firms.’
‘The Weightmans team operates with utmost commitment and they are very approachable. Andrew Roberts has been able to quickly gain understanding of our requirements and his ability to understand our business has proven invaluable in our working relationship.’
‘The commercial dispute team at Weightmans is reliable and efficient.’
‘Professional and hard working team who went above and beyond on a demanding case.’
‘Really excellent team, particularly acting for public sector clients in large scale litigation.’
Key clients
Fenland District Council
Imagen Therapeutics Limited
Polaris Medical Services Limited
Sovini Construction Limited /Sovini Commercial Limited
Landmarc Support Services Limited
Northside Truck & Van Limited
Anglesey County Council
S Norton & Co Limited
Bertazzoni S.p.A
Ventcroft Limited
Empower Housing Association Limited
Gentoo Group Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for Northside Truck and Van Limited throughout their successful defence of High Court proceedings brought against them by Green GRP Logistics Limited.
DTM Legal LLP
DTM Legal LLP's team includes experts in resolving disputes involving contracts, finance, intellectual property, construction, restrictive covenants and breach of duty claims. Practice head Jim Morris has particular experience in contentious construction cases while Kate Roberts works on finance litigation and insolvency. Richard Harris focuses on intellectual property and shareholder disagreements.
Practice head(s):
Jim Morris
Other key lawyers:
Kate Roberts; Richard Harris
Testimonials
‘DTM offer a commercial litigation team that is the match of any other team in the region and beyond. Their approach is founded on the unrivalled experience of their founding partners and a business outlook to managing and obtaining their clients objectives in litigation.’
‘The team is very capable in dealing with a wide range of commercial disputes. Each member of the team is a safe pair of hands and responsive. The team offers excellent value for money.’
‘Kate Roberts is outstanding. She is razor sharp in all of her fields of expertise and is a brilliant strategist. She is very commercial in her approach to legal disputes and is extremely responsive.’
Key clients
The Atmore Group
Funding Circle Group
Rotex Europe Limited
Foundation For Art and Creative Technology t/a FACT
Elements (Europe) Limited
Begbies Traynor
Edge Recovery
Clancy Consulting Limited
Zodeq Limited
Pen-Y-Bryn EMI Ltd
Global Baggage Solutions
Carpenter Build Ltd
Swishfund Limited
Sterling Services
Consultant Clinic Aesthetics Limited
Grant Thornton
CCI Credit Management Ltd
Ellison Europe Limited
Willan Group Ltd
MSoft eSolutions Ltd
Vectorex Construction Limited
Luxlite Ltd
Legat Owen
I Data Com Limited
Esterform Packaging Limited
Blackrock Medical Recruitment Limited
Thomas Storey Fabrications Limited
Simon Phipps
Net World Sports Limited
Marine Specialised Technology Limited
Nightfly Limited
Azzurro Associates Limited
Formwork Direct International Limited
The Liberal Democratic Party
Mercia Asset Management PLC
Leonard Curtis
Woolton Hall Limited
Lillycross Homes Limited
Matthew & Rebecca Rowen
Harrogate Consultants Limited
Greenbank Drive Surgery
NTF Financial Solutions Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for the Liberal Democratic Party in relation to an extremely urgent injunction application by a former member seeking to be re-admitted to stand in upcoming elections.
- Acted for Simon Phipps in relation to High Court proceedings issued involving a complex shareholder dispute.
Excello Law
The lawyers at Excello Law are often instructed in disputes relating to shareholders, insolvency, sports and contracts. Dominic McGinn acts for a mix of companies, individuals, property developers and fashion wholesalers. Sarah Nolan specialises in general commercial litigation with issues including director disqualifications and injunctive relief.
Practice head(s):
Dominic McGinn; Sarah Nolan
Testimonials
‘Work collaboratively as a team with different areas of expertise and bring in appropriate specialist advice, e.g. from counsel, surveyors, planning experts etc. Very customer and result focused.’
‘All very knowledgeable, very friendly and approachable and with good people skills and customer relationships.’
‘The individuals are self-motivated and attentive to the clients, and I’ve noticed work being passed between persons more suitable, so despite their decentralised model, they work well as a team.’
‘Sarah Nolan stands out as exceptional. She is excellent at putting her clients at ease, and she understands very well the division of labour between solicitor and barrister. She is unusually effective to work with.’
‘Sarah Nolan was committed to achieving the best outcome and took the time to give attention to the detail required whilst retaining a view of the bigger picture. Her advice was central to securing the outcome.’
‘Streamlined service.’
Key clients
World Sports Advisers S.L
Apollo Care (Franchising) Limited
Lineroom
Parkin S Booth Ltd
Atlas Business Group of Companies Limited
China Information Corporation (UK) Limited
Multi Connex Network Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for 6 minority shareholders (including the founder and ex CEO) in unfair prejudice proceedings brought against private equity investors/shareholders in a multi-million-pound technology company.
- Acted for a distributor on the defence of a £2 million pounds claim by a manufacturer and a cross claim for damages for four million pounds.
- Acted for the coaching staff of an ex-premier league club in a claim for damages of £1.8 million against the club.
Napthens LLP
Napthens LLP handles a range of disputes from contract and construction litigation to professional negligence and shareholder disputes. The practice is headed by James Stephenson who has particular expertise in disputes relating to the sale of goods, supply of services and insolvency proceedings. He also handles insolvency matters, both bankruptcy and winding-up proceedings.
Practice head(s):
James Stephenson
Other key lawyers:
Anna Abell
Testimonials
‘I have always found the advice, communication and general service provided by Napthens to be second to none. I am always confident that I am always given the best advice to allow me to reach a satisfactory outcome.’
‘I have worked with James Stephenson who was impressive with his mastery of the details in a very complex engineering dispute.’
‘Napthens LLP proved themselves to be very reliable, efficient and effective company. I recognise Napthens to be very strong in providing variety of services and excellent industry awareness.’
Key clients
Cristex Limited
Michael Davies & Associates Limited t/a Staci
Borwick Developments Limited
Heritage GB Plc
KW Designed Solutions Limited
Logik Developments Limited
Reward Finance Limited
Steiner Hops Limited
Livesey Contracting & Maintenance Limited
Work highlights
- Advised a limited company involved in large scale property developments projects in relation to an alleged breach of contract claim valued at £9million.
- Advised two private individuals in relation to an appeal following an application by a French bank to register a French Notarial Deed in England as a judgment in the King’s Bench Division of the High Court of Justice.
- Advised a limited company in relation to a procurement challenge in respect of a tender process and subsequent contract valued at £20million.