Next Generation Partners

Commercial litigation: Essex in South East

Birkett Long LLP

The ‘incredibly diligent and thorough’ team at Birkett Long LLP is particularly well-known for expertise in construction and property litigation, as well as intellectual property, defamation, and public procurement disputes. The team is co-led by Colchester's Carla Jones, who is particularly experienced in matters involving breach of directors’ duties, civil fraud, and professional negligence, and Chelmsford’s Suryen Nullatamby, who also leads the firm’s construction team. Handling a varied caseload that consists of breach of contract and shareholder disputes, Peter Allen is adept at advising on the full spectrum of arbitrations, and court proceedings. Perdeep Grewal is a key contact for contractual disputes, and is noted for his focus on construction disputes involving poor workmanship, and extensions of time issues.

Practice head(s):

Carla Jones; Suryen Nullatamby


Other key lawyers:

Peter Allen; Jacqui McGuirk; Perdeep Grewal


Testimonials

��The team is extremely commercial in its approach and pragmatic in balancing risk against reward. They are client-focused and can be both aggressive and conciliatory as the situation demands. There is attention to detail and a good knowledge of the law.’

‘Perdeep Grewal is extremely hard-working, thorough and well-organised. He really cares about his clients.

‘The team is incredibly diligent and thorough with the advice it provides. Despite handing Birkett Long some complex matters in the last year, they draw on experience from other specialists within their firm to provide concise advice.’

Key clients

Navigator Terminals


Colchester Institute


University of Essex


Writtle University College


Essex County Cricket Club


Engineer.ai Global Limited


Plumpton House Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Navigator Terminals on securing an injunction to prevent protestors from blocking roads or impending vehicles in the wake of a number of fuel protests.
  • Advised Engineer.ai Global Limited on securing an anti anti-suit injunction for trademark infringement and passing off. The underlying claim is currently ongoing and is listed for trial.
  • Advised a commercial landlord on a claim against a tenant for unpaid service charges and rent with the lease not being signed and deemed void.
     
     

Birketts LLP

Birketts LLP advises a varied client roster of individuals, owner-managed businesses, listed companies and international corporates. The team's clientele spans a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, tech, education, defence and transport. Praised by clients for its ‘diverse capabilities and innovative practices’, the team has notable experience in handling fraud-related disputes, housing numerous insolvency experts, including William Arran and Matthew Weston. Arran is a specialist in commercial disputes and the enforcement of judgements in the UK and abroad, while practice head Daden Hunt's primary areas of expertise are professional negligence claims and shareholder disputes.

Practice head(s):

Daden Hunt


Other key lawyers:

William Arran; Matthew Weston


Testimonials

‘The team at Birketts have taken time to understand our needs as a client. We can always talk to someone at different levels.’

‘Birketts distinguishes itself through its client-centric approach, diverse capabilities, and innovative practices. We find their commitment to delivering exceptional results compelling. Their team offers expertise across various practice areas, including litigation, corporate transactions, and intellectual property matters, ensuring comprehensive legal solutions.’

‘Daden Hunt’s meticulous approach to problem-solving, coupled with their strategic vision, consistently yields solutions that surpass expectations.’

‘For us, they are a standout and reliable practice in a world of uncertainties.’

‘Daden Hunt is a well-informed and experienced lawyer with skills to coordinate client expectations with the realities of achieving successful outcomes.’

‘Professional, timely, succinct, common sense responses to all questions.’

‘Birketts LLP are a great, reliable firm in the region. They have fantastic knowledge and deliver excellent service. ’

‘Great people. Fast and reasonable advice.’

Key clients

Frontier


Precision Landcare


Rainham Road South


Brentwood Borough Council


Work highlights


  • Advised Rainham Road South Limited on the recovery of monies from the vendor of a commercial property.
  • Advised Frontier Agriculture Limited on a breach of contract claim.
  • Advised Brentwood Borough Concil on the defence of a contested matter.

Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP

Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP operates across the full spectrum of commercial disputes, exhibiting vast experience in handling matters for clients within the medical, care home and dental industries. In April 2024, Rhian Lowe assumed leadership of the team from Tony Fisher, who frequently acts in partnership and shareholder disputes, and is well-regarded for his knowledge of charity and education law. Lowe is an expert in the full range of insurance disputes, excelling in medical negligence and personal injury matters. Aaron Pottle left the firm in September 2023.

Practice head(s):

Rhian Lowe


Other key lawyers:

Tony Fisher; Joe Sandercock; Billy Smith


Work highlights


Palmers

Housing a team of ‘capable, effective litigators’, Palmers demonstrates proficiency in disputes involving shareholders, partnerships, business sales and fraud as part of its broad offering. The team is jointly led by Patricia Wollington and Luke Morgan. Morgan frequently acts in mediation proceedings, and is well-versed in property-related disputes, and Wollington is noted for her specialism in breach of contract disputes. Jason Borg left the firm in June 2023.

Practice head(s):

Luke Morgan; Patricia Wollington


Other key lawyers:

James Pettit; Erin Duffy


Testimonials

‘Really pleased we chose Palmers Law as my solicitors. Communication was professional and helpful. The whole process has been painless and smooth. Will definitely keep this law firm in mind for any other potential legal advice I might need.’

‘James Pettit gave me a huge amount of support. I would highly recommend him and his team without any hesitation. James explained the process to me, answered all my questions, kept me up to date, was always contactable, very easy to talk to and gave me the reassurance I needed.’ 

‘Capable, effective litigators.’

Tees Law

Tees Law's commercial litigation team is recommended for its handling of property and construction-related disputes, and its notable expertise in professional negligence, corporate recovery and reputation disputes. ‘Seasoned litigator’ and practice head David Perry's varied caseload consists of partnership, commercial property, insolvency, and contractual disputes. Perry is well-supported by Ana James-Pittau , who is adept at company, contractual and insolvency disputes. Bolstering the firm’s expertise in regulatory disputes, Jamie Hare joined the firm in December 2023, contributing his expertise in agriculture, construction and sports sector cases.

Practice head(s):

David Perry


Other key lawyers:

Ana James-Pittau; Jamie Hare; Michael Callaghan


Testimonials

‘Michael Callaghan provided clear and transparent communication throughout our case. He was accessible and promptly responded to our queries. I felt confident when he managed our case, he effectively navigated our complex legal issues and provided creative solutions.’

‘Commercial and pragmatic advice. ’

‘David Perry is a seasoned litigator at Tees. He is astute to the needs of his clients and utilises his team to ensure the clients are well represented in court. ’

‘Very in-depth knowledge and much depth to the team. The advice is always on point with due consideration given to cost:benefit analysis.’

‘Michael Callaghan is top draw, a very experienced litigator who will always be thoroughly prepared and willing to fight a client’s cause to achieve the best outcome possible. ’

‘Highly professional and effective team. Able to punch above their weight in heavyweight commercial litigation.’

‘David Perry is vastly experienced and highly effective.’

‘Tees have strength in depth across all aspects of commercial litigation. They have a team of lawyers who are not only experts in their fields, but efficient and effective litigators with a clear focus on the needs of their clients. It is my experience that their clients (both individuals and corporate) value the expertise and commercial sense that the Tees team bring to the table.’

Work highlights


  • Advised a national food production company in unfair prejudice proceedings worth £6m.
  • Advised on a complex ownership structure dispute worth £5 million.
  • Advised on a multi-jurisdictional dispute, whereby the client held a second charge (by way of a company acting as trustee) over development land overseas.

Jefferies Essex LLP

Jefferies Essex LLP's team in Southend has notable specialism in disputes relating to franchise and motor manufacturer dealership agreements. The ‘outstanding’ Sarah Mitchell leads the team, focusing on personal injury and clinical negligence claims, while Victoria Scott handles a broad array of contractual disputes. Duncan Bennington frequently advises on shareholder and partnership disputes, utilising his vast expertise in property-related conflicts.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Mitchell


Other key lawyers:

Duncan Bennington; Victoria Scott


Testimonials

‘I have been A client of Jefferies for a very long time and have always received the utmost attention and incredible service.’

‘I have dealt with many firms of solicitors over the years in business and personal life and no one else has ever come close.’

‘I deal with Duncan Bennington whose attentiveness and response time are beyond compare.’

Key clients

Toomey Motor Group Ltd


Laindon Holdings Limited


Work highlights


  • Represented a surveyor client company which was involved in disputes relating to JCT Building Contracts in respect of a number of property reinstatement projects.
  • Advised clients on a proposed section 994 petition, on the basis that the affairs of a company appear to have been conducted by the directors in a manner which is unfairly prejudicial to the interests of the clients and other minority shareholders.
  • Advised a national franchise business providing toddler and child football coaching sessions in respect of a breach of restrictive covenants in a franchise agreement by a franchisee, where the franchisee has set up a competing business.

Mullis & Peake LLP

Commercial property litigation is a central area of focus for Mullis & Peake LLP's dispute resolution practice, which is exemplified by practice head Holly Minney, who has a great deal of experience in representing commercial clients in dilapidations claims and forfeiture proceedings. Esther Marshall handles a broad array of employment cases, contractual disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.

Practice head(s):

Holly Minney


Other key lawyers:

Esther Marshall; Martin Trennery


Testimonials

‘Mullis & Peake have a wealth of experience in dealing with a wide array of commercial disputes. They provide great value for the level of service they deliver.’

‘Holly Minney is excellent. She works incredibly hard, is great with clients and has impressive commercial awareness. ’

‘The breadth of the firm’s ability to deal with every issue in-house has taken a great deal of pressure away from very stressful situations.’

‘Their promptness to address issues raised in full detail is excellent.’

‘Each member of the staff is exceptionally good.’

‘Efficient and precise. The legal issues have been dealt with swiftly. ’

‘Esther Marshall is great. And any questions asked are always explained with patience. ’

‘Fantastic knowledge in a wide range of litigation.’

Key clients

Laville Limited


Laser Impex


Rainham Steel


Aquarend Ltd


RCH Care Homes Ltd


Barry Stewart & Sons Ltd


Kerland Pitman Ltd


Rowley Cardrome Limited


Barry Stewart & Sons Ltd


PFC Flooring Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advised a landowner on obtaining possession of commercial premises from a tenant, where the tenant had been in occupation for an extensive period of time.
  • Advised a Company on the recovery of a disputed loan.
  • Advised a landowner on the removal of squatters from a GP surgery premises which had been occupied whilst on the market for rental.

Pinney Talfourd LLP

The ‘terrific’ team at Pinney Talfourd LLP excels in handling disputes arising from insolvencies, advising clients from an array of sectors including financial services, food, construction, and engineering. Noted for his strong knowledge of director, shareholder, and partnership disputes, practice head Nick Hatchett leads the group, regularly acting for insolvency practitioners in recoveries.

Practice head(s):

Nick Hatchett


Testimonials

‘They encourage teamwork and this enables, among other things, better problem-solving solutions and lower risk.’

‘They are professionals and they handle our requests with the proper attention. They always try to find the best solutions on an issue and in addition, they give alternative solutions.’

‘A terrific regional law firm providing excellent  legal advice and support.’

‘Nick Hatchett is a vastly experienced litigator bringing all of the legal and commercial knowledge and savvy you would expect to the table. I cannot speak highly enough of Nick, an outstanding individual and a well-organised and tenacious lawyer. ’

‘The partners have expertise covering property, litigation, restructuring and employment law. Often I am asked to recommend a local solicitor and do not hesitate to put their name forward for good quality advice.’

‘Nick Hatchett gives sound, practical advice and the feedback from clients is always complimentary. In some situations, advice is required urgently and I can always contact someone to add some clarity to the issue at hand.’

‘Small team locally based but always approachable and good understanding of the insolvency sector. ’

‘Nick Hatchett  has a very keen understanding of contentious insolvency litigation.’

Key clients

Astrobank Public Company Limited


AJ Scaffolding Limited


Begbies Traynor


Christian Rose Clothing Limited


FRP Advisory Group Limited


Hellenic Bank


Quantuma Advisory Limited


The Mountain Factor Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised The Mountain Factor Limited, a specialist retailer of outdoor clothing and equipment, on asset protection and recovery following fraud by an accountant.
  • Advised FRP Advisory Limited in relation to contract novation and termination tied to the liquidation of a design business.
  • Advised Cypriot bank Astrobank in relation to the enforcement of foreign judgments in England and Wales together with proceedings to secure and recover assets.

Attwaters Jameson Hill Solicitors

Attwaters Jameson Hill Solicitors' varied caseload consists of landlord and tenant disputes, and construction cases. Practice head Leane Philp handles the full spectrum of civil and commercial disputes, including professional negligence claims and partnership disputes. Prabhi Ghura specialises in property litigation, including cases arising under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, and forfeiture proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Leanne Philp


Other key lawyers:

Prabhi Ghura


Testimonials

‘A very solid choice for landlord/tenant work. ’

‘I would note Prabhi Ghura for a very hands-on approach, leaving no stone of a case unturned. ’

‘Prabhi Ghura is particularly noteworthy for her exemplary attention to detail, combined with her persistent drive to do the best for her clients on every occasion.’

Thompson Smith and Puxon

Thompson Smith and Puxon‘s focus areas include landlord and tenant , building, and breach of contract disputes, as well as professional negligence claims. The ‘tactically astute litigator’ Andrew Breckenridge heads the practice, and is recommended for his expertise in banking disputes, and regulatory issues relating to commercial disputes.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Breckenridge


Other key lawyers:

Laura-Pauline Adcock-Jones


Testimonials

‘Andrew Breckenridge is a seasoned litigator who has acted for an almost infinite number of financial institutions and he continues to this day to do so. He is a tactically astute litigator who has real litigation nous. His clients love him for his hard work, attention to detail and service that he provides.’

‘Cohesive team that works very well together, recognising the individual strengths within the wider team.’

‘Very practical advice, prompt responses’

‘Team play, good meeting to create strategies and find a clear path forward. Always ahead of process giving time to pull things together without rush. Laura-Pauline Adcock-Jones was outstanding in her practical approach to a solution. ’

‘We felt we were in extremely capable hands at all times with excellent communication throughout.’

‘Laura-Pauline Adcock Jones and Andrew Breckenridge have been extremely helpful, informative and supportive throughout. They were both extremely good at explaining things in layman’s terms, and were genuinely nice people to have behind us when things were particularly tough. ’