Commercial litigation: Dorset, Devon and Cornwall in South West

Ashfords LLP

Housing a ‘strong commercial litigation team’, Ashfords LLP handles director and shareholder disputes, corporate investigations, contractual claims, defamation and reputation management mandates, insurance litigation and professional negligence proceedings, among others. Key clients include start-ups, national and multinational corporations, in addition to private equity investors and other entrepreneurs. Practice leader Andrew Perkins has ‘a wealth of experience’ in shareholder litigation and disputes relating to commercial contracts, while Anusheh Burcher is noted for her expertise in energy cases and insurance litigation, in addition to judicial reviews and procurement challenges. Liam Tolen, who handles reputation management and harassment mandates, is another key contact in the group.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Perkins


Other key lawyers:

Anusheh Burcher; Liam Tolen


Testimonials

‘A very strong commercial litigation team, with plenty of experienced practitioners who provide unrivalled value for money.’

Andrew Perkins has a wealth of experience and impressive litigation strategy.’

Key clients

Film & Foil Solutions Limited


Douglas Seaton Limited


Fuel Ventures Limited


Construction Materials Certification Organisation


Avinash Tiwari


Susan Boyce


Progressive Systems Ltd


Brand Architekts PLC


HASU Biotech Limited


Former Cabinet Minister


Work highlights


  • Representing the founder of My Voucher Codes, Mark Pearson, in relation to injunctive proceedings against former partner relating to the deployment of confidential information and documentation to third parties and national media outlets.
  • Represented Brand Architekts PLC in proceedings brought against them by a joint venture counterparty (celebrity hairdresser Jamie Stevens).
  • Advised a former Cabinet Minister in relation to defamatory statements published by two national newspapers. Secured retractions and apologies.

Ellis Jones Solicitors LLP

Praised as ‘personable, efficient and excellent with clients’, Ellis Jones Solicitors LLP showcases demonstrable experience in contract disputes, professional negligence claims, property litigation, banking and financial services disputes, insolvency mandates and defamation proceedings. ‘Extremely knowledgeable, client-friendly and experienced in commercial litigation’, Lauren Day jointly leads the team alongside ‘heavyweight litigator and excellent strategistWilliam Fox Bregman, who specialises in banking and financial services litigation. Paul Kanolik is commended as a ‘preeminent lawyer in betting and gaming disputes in Dorset’, while Victoria Riddleston handles contentious trust and probate mandates. With an ‘exceptional reputation for advocacy in the county courts’, Conor Maher is another key contact in the group.

Practice head(s):

Lauren Day; William Fox Bregman


Other key lawyers:

Paul Kanolik; Victoria Riddleston; Conor Maher; Florence Newton; Tim McMahon; Henrietta Frew


Testimonials

‘Ellis Jones house a very strong team of commercial and property litigators. They are personable, efficient and excellent with clients.’

‘Florence Newton is extremely diligent in her preparation of a case and punches above her weight. Her property knowledge is excellent.’

‘Lauren Day is extremely knowledgeable, client-friendly and experienced in commercial litigation.’

Lester Aldridge LLP

Lester Aldridge LLP provides ‘excellent advice’ to clients across the healthcare, IT, telecoms, marine and financial services sectors, with demonstrable experience before the High Court and in arbitral proceedings. The team also acts in high-value claims brought on behalf of companies in formal insolvency procedures. Chris Evans leads the team and handles contract disputes, financial services litigation, professional negligence claims and insolvency proceedings. Both Kate Stewart and Rachel Gimson are noted for their expertise in property litigation, while Ben Kerley acts for and against insolvency practitioners in a broad range of claims.

Practice head(s):

Chris Evans


Other key lawyers:

Kate Stewart; Rachel Gimson; Ben Kerley


Testimonials

‘The team take a thorough and careful approach to case preparation, and the commercial aspects of the litigation are not overlooked when considering the legal merits.’

‘I have received excellent advice and support from Chris Evans, the head of the dispute resolution team, and his enthusiastic colleagues.’

‘Excellent advice, with often complex issues presented in a pragmatic and relatable manner.’

Michelmores LLP

With demonstrable experience across the financial services, consumer, private wealth and technology sectors, Michelmores LLP handles a broad range of corporate and commercial disputes, often involving cross-border, regulatory, reputation management, insurance and intellectual property issues. Praised for his ‘methodical and pragmatic approach’, practice leader Jonathan Kitchin handles contractual disputes, director or shareholder litigation, insurance cases and professional negligence claims, amongst others. Sara Chisholm-Batten is always ‘equipped to deal with any unexpected potholes along the road of litigation’, and Jayne Clemens is noted for her expertise in reputation management disputes. Other key contacts in the group include Alice Daniels, who handles contentious trusts and fraud mandates, Charles Courtenay and Andrew Oldland KC. Hannah Venn-Munns joined the practice from Wollens in August 2024.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Kitchin


Other key lawyers:

Sara Chisholm-Batten; Jayne Clemens; Alice Daniels; Andrew Oldland KC; Charles Courtenay; Emily Aggett; Hannah Venn-Munns


Testimonials

‘Alice Daniels and Sara Chisholm-Batten are both highly experienced.’

‘When Sara Chisholm-Batten is on a case, you know you are in safe hands. She works extremely hard and is more than ready and equipped to deal with any unexpected potholes along the road of litigation.’

‘Jayne Clemens is client focused and extremely approachable, but will fight hard for her clients.’

‘The team is very knowledgeable and that knowledge runs deep; it is not confined to the top tier of the pyramid. The team is very responsive, able to meet tight deadlines and to keep to promised delivery dates.’

‘Forward-thinking, innovative, approachable and honest.’

‘Jonathan Kitchin is knowledgeable, friendly, pro-active, a practical thinker and provides pragmatic advice.’

‘Michelmores always take time to understand the commercial drivers at play, to deliver practical and measured advice, and assist in working towards an acceptable outcome for the business.’

‘Jonathan Kitchin’s methodical and pragmatic approach to delivering acceptable outcomes to, what can often be, complex disputes whilst carefully managing costs remains his key stand out attributes. Notwithstanding Jonathan’s experience and reputation, he is extremely personable and easy to work with.’

Key clients

Burbage Realty Limited


CRUX Asset Management Limited


Daily Mail & General Trust plc


The Forestry Commission


Harper Wedding Venues (formerly Bijou Wedding Venues)


Intelsat


LifeSearch


Mike Burton Group


Norfund


Oceanfish


Octopus Property (a division of Octopus Investments)


Peter Jones Investment Group


SABA Parking


Schools Company Trust


Succession Wealth


Sycurio


Work highlights


  • Acting in a litigation with an international slant including a $250m fraud claim regarding an investment in an African bank; a $50m joint venture dispute in the CIS region; a trans-atlantic patent trial and worldwide debt recovery for a satellite company.
  • Bringing and resolving a £50m profit share and fee claim on behalf of an owner-managed business in relation to a UK based nationally significant infrastructure project valued at £1bn.
  • Advising national financial services firms, platforms and secured lenders on FCA regulatory investigations, past business reviews, PII policy coverage disputes, professional negligence claims, data subject access requests, reputation management and termination of IT projects.

Steele Raymond LLP

Housing a ‘strong team of dedicated individuals’, Steele Raymond LLP has demonstrable experience across a range of disputes, from construction cases, contractual claims and shareholder litigation to professional negligence proceedings, debt recovery and fraud mandates, amongst others. ‘Exceptional’ practice leader Amelia Williams handles a broad scope of commercial disputes, with notable expertise in professional negligence claims and experience across the real estate and construction, retail, IT, telecommunications and employment sectors. Peter Rolph continues to showcase a ‘depth of experience and broad knowledge’ in construction disputes and contentious employment mandates.

Practice head(s):

Amelia Williams


Other key lawyers:

Peter Rolph; Taylor Anderson; Bella Rolph


Testimonials

‘Amelia Williams is an exceptional lawyer, whose recent promotion to partner is well-earned. Amelia works tirelessly for her clients and is a creative thinker, often coming up with innovative ways to seek to settle disputes for clients.’

‘Stand out performers are Amelia Williams and Bella Rolph.’

‘Peter Rolph’s depth of experience and broad knowledge is greatly appreciated.’

Key clients

Selwood Limited


Sydenhams Ltd


HMS Property Management Services Limited


Goadsby


Merlo UK Limited


Jenningsbet Group


Edenbeck


Muc-off Limited


Just Shutters Limited


Stephens Scown LLP

Praised as ‘one of the strongest, all-round commercial litigation teams in the South West’, Stephens Scown LLP handles a broad range of corporate and commercial disputes, with demonstrable experience across the leisure and tourism, charity and manufacturing sectors. Based in Exeter, Catherine Mathews focuses on contractual disputes, while continuing to build her caseload of cyber fraud mandates, and Richard Slater handles shareholder, director, and partners disputes. Toby Claridge spearheads the practice in Truro, and has experience in shareholder and partners litigation, as well as civil fraud cases, while ‘astute litigatorStephen Wray leads the team from Taunton.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Wray


Other key lawyers:

Catherine Mathews; Richard Slater; Toby Claridge


Testimonials

‘Catherine Mathews is an experienced and effective litigator.’

‘One of the strongest, all-round commercial litigation teams in the South West.’

‘Richard Slater is intelligent and perceptive.’

Key clients

Thatchers Cider Company Limited


Foot Anstey

The team at Foot Anstey has experience in banking and financial services litigation, breach of confidentiality claims, contractual disputes, professional negligence claims and shareholder litigation, in addition to contentious fraud and data protection mandates. Peter Singfield acts for national and international media and retail clients, boasting demonstrable experience in intellectual property and brand protection disputes, while Steven Richards focuses on fraud matters, corporate disputes and contentious insolvency cases. Bristol-based Mark Rhys-Jones leads the team.

Practice head(s):

Mark Rhys-Jones


Other key lawyers:

Peter Singfield; Steven Richards


Testimonials

‘Peter Singfield has a good commercial sense and overview.’

‘Really strong presence regionally, but with the skills of a London firm.’

Key clients

Dwr Cymru Cyf (Welsh Water)


Mitsubishi HC Capital UK Plc T/A Novuna Business Finance


Bank of Ireland


Skew Base Investments SCA RAIF (a fund) and Skew Base s.a.r.l (its General Partner)


Ahli United Bank (UK) Plc


FRP Advisory Trading Limited


Manolete partners Plc


Allsop LLP


Ebury Partners Plc


Hambro Perks


Becton Dickinson UK Ltd


Holland & Barrett Retail Ltd


Admiral Group Plc


Work highlights


  • Acting for Skew Base companies (Luxembourg based funds) in two Commercial Court claims valued at a total exceeding £55m and 15 different parties.
  • Acting for Hambro Perks and Dominic Perks in litigation in relation to a breach of confidence and use of confidential information claim.
  • Acting for Welsh Water in multi party claims brought by 100s of claimants against all of the major water companies for compensation exceeding £150m relating to historic water searches.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Well-placed to leverage the firm’s international footprint to represent clients in cross-border corporate and commercial disputes, Trowers & Hamlins LLP handles energy-related cases, IT litigation, shareholder disputes, fraud claims and contractual issues. Alexander Sharples handles multi-party and cross-border disputes, with demonstrable experience across the energy, IT and technology sectors, while Katie Farmer specialises in contentious insolvency mandates. Charisse Crawford leads the team and Maria Dunn, who acts for clients in the health and social care sectors, is another key contact in the group.

Practice head(s):

Charisse Crawford


Other key lawyers:

Alexander Sharples; Katie Farmer; Maria Dunn


Key clients

Project Abacus (435 claimants in group action)


Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP

With ‘considerable experience in heavyweight litigation’, the Plymouth-based team at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP handles energy disputes, financial services litigation, construction cases and insolvency proceedings, often in collaboration with the firm’s other offices in the UK. Bristol-based Stephen Dilley jointly leads the practice alongside Luke Holmes, who was promoted to partner in July 2023. Holmes showcases ‘impressive experience’ in the energy and financial services sectors, advising on breach of contract and tort claims.

Practice head(s):

Luke Holmes; Stephen Dilley


Testimonials

‘Considerable experience in heavyweight litigation.’

‘Luke Holmes brings impressive experience, a fine and careful sense of judgment and an informed and sensitive appreciation of the clients’ aims.’

‘Luke Holmes has a very good grasp of the issues and has demonstrated sound judgment on the tactical considerations. He is also very pleasant to work with.’

Key clients

Quilter


Scottish Power


PayPal


Wizz Air


Hutchison 3G


British Gas Trading Limited


Lloyds Banking Group


AIG


LV=


Renewable Energy Assurance Limited


Begbies Traynor


Utmost International


Folk2Folk


Capital Home Loans


Civil Aviation Authority


Work highlights


  • Continuing to defend Scottish Power against an £8m claim following the sale of a subsidiary to Drax.

Blanchards Bailey LLP

Commended as ‘efficient and transparent, with a great depth of knowledge’, the Blandford-based team at Blanchards Bailey LLP stands out for its expertise in the agriculture sector, with demonstrable experience in handling property litigation and private client disputes. ‘Outstanding’ managing partner Paul Dunlop is noted for his expertise in agricultural cases and probate claims, while ‘second to noneBen Jones specialises in real estate litigation and company commercial disputes. Dunlop and Jones jointly lead the team.

Practice head(s):

Paul Dunlop; Ben Jones


Testimonials

‘Excellent communication and depth of knowledge across the spectrum of legal and associated disciplines.’

‘Ben Jones is second to none, providing clear and practical advice.’

‘Paul Dunlop has been a stand out professional.’

‘Ben Jones has been responsive and helpful.’

‘The team are outstanding. They have an innovative approach and work collaboratively with partner organisations where it is appropriate to do so. They are experts in their field of work and I have absolute faith in their ability to manage any challenge that arises.’

‘Paul Dunlop’s knowledge is outstanding and ability to deal with any matter that I send his way, he ensures that he, or a member of his team deal with it and I am enormously grateful.’

‘The team are very efficient and transparent, with a great depth of knowledge.’

‘Ben Jones is professional and knowledgeable; a safe pair of hands.’

Key clients

Tomorrow’s Forests Ltd


Woodbridge Bespoke Ltd


Gillies Agricultural Contracting Limited


Charles Upton


C B Exports Limited


Dorchester Agricultural Society


Mike Bamber


Work highlights


  • Acting in a claim for Dorchester Agricultural Society arising from a claim against third-party contractor engaged in defective supply of utilities to an agricultural show, resulting in arguments relating to financial damages and damage to reputation.
  • Advising on a contentious conversion and return of goods claim for Gillies Agricultural Contracting Limited, relating to machinery and plant removed by former employee against background of probate estate and eventual trusts interest.
  • Litigated a contract dispute for Tomorrow’s Forests, which was successfully settled at 95% of the debt owing to our client and the withdrawal of the defendant’s counterclaim.

Frettens LLP

Housing a ‘strong commercial litigation team’, Frettens LLP handles a range of cases, from landlord and tenant claims, construction disputes and leasehold issues to negligence mandates, shareholder litigation and breach of contract matters. Practice leader Michelle Hayter’s ‘knowledge is fantastic’ in contractual disputes, property litigation and professional negligence claims, while Anna Curtis is praised as ‘client focused and driven to get the best for all of her clients’ in property and leasehold disputes, in addition to landlord and tenant issues.

Practice head(s):

Michelle Hayter


Other key lawyers:

Anna Curtis; Olivia Parkinson


Testimonials

‘Michelle Hayter and Anna Curtis are excellent lawyers, providing clear and accurate advice. Their attention to detail and diligence demonstrates their commitment to their clients.’

‘Olivia Parkinson was brilliant in dealing with our tenant possession cases, and absolutely rapid in getting started which is hugely important in cases such as these where time is of the essence. No fuss and nothing was too much trouble.’

‘Frettens have always had a strong commercial litigation team and stand out in the region for their quality and expertise.’

Key clients

Paradise Farms Limited


Scott Ford Limited


All Phase


Eric Cole and David Evans


John Reid and Sons (Strucsteel) Ltd


Peachee Limited


Carlos Pereira


St George’s Hospital Limited


Work highlights


  • Assisting Scott Ford Limited in various property related disputes, including landlord and tenant, lease dispute advice, section 20 consultation advice and possessions.
  • Acting for Paradise Farms Limited in defending an unfair prejudice petition brought by former director.
  • Represented Bloom Housing CIC in respect of numerous evictions and housing advice over the past 12 months.

Laceys

Outstanding firmLaceys is noted for its expertise in commercial claims, landlord and tenant disputes, and contentious probate matters. The Bournemouth-based team is also well-placed to collaborate with the firm’s wider property and corporate departments in cases. Commended for his ‘knowledge, professionalism and calmness’, Brendan Herbert handles corporate and intellectual property disputes, and jointly leads the practice alongside Mark Timberlake, whose ‘extensive knowledge is invaluable’, particularly in landlord and tenant cases.

Practice head(s):

Brendan Herbert; Mark Timberlake


Other key lawyers:

Lizzy Tasker


Testimonials

‘Laceys has proved to be an outstanding firm, providing first-class legal advice to our clients in a very efficient and timely manner.’

‘Mark Timberlake is extremely knowledgeable and experienced. He comes up with practical solutions to complex problems and his extensive knowledge is invaluable.’

‘The team at Laceys communicated well throughout my dealings with them. They were contactable and responsive, and most importantly provided practical and pragmatic advice, together with reasoning.’

Work highlights


  • Acting for a family trust in relation to a dispute with a local authority and development company.
  • Acting for an international clothing company in relation to a dispute with one of its distributors, and then in relation to a claim against one of its directors in a breach of duty claim.
  • Acting for an individual in a dispute relating to a fraudulent will executed in Greece, and securing a beneficial settlement of the entire claim for the UK estate.

Paddle & Cocks LLP

Paddle & Cocks LLP handles a broad range of cases, from shareholder litigation, contractual disputes, professional negligence claims and contentious insolvency mandates to landlord and tenant issues, and possession claims. Praised as a ‘star of commercial litigation in the South West’, Verona Cocks leads the team in Truro and has ‘unrivalled experience’ in contractual claims, partnership disputes, banking and financial services litigation, and fraud cases.

Practice head(s):

Verona Cocks


Other key lawyers:

Justine Benbough


Testimonials

‘Verona Cocks is a dynamic and determined solicitor, who can explain complex legal matters in plain, easy-to-understand language.’

‘Verona Cocks has unrivalled experience as a litigator for major banks and financial institutions, as well as strong roots in the Dorset, Devon and Cornwall area.’

‘Verona Cocks is a stand-out litigator and leader. She is tenacious and business-minded. An incredibly impressive lawyer.’

‘Verona Cocks is a star of commercial litigation in the South West. Verona is the President of the Association of South Western Law Societies, and a major presence in dispute resolution. She is calm, calculating and always effective for her clients.

‘Justine Benbough is a very experienced and shrewd litigator, able to identify the key issues and drive them home.’

‘This firm exemplifies what it means to put your client first. They have an outstanding team of professionals covering a huge and diverse range of services. They will not settle for second best and are always striving to do and be better.’

‘Verona Cocks is an outstanding solicitor.’

‘Verona Cocks shows great passion, dedication and meticulousness, coupled with expert knowledge, skills and an extensive network.’

Key clients

Fahey’s Concrete Ltd


Gnome World Caravan Sales Ltd


Heligan Development Ltd


Brian Etherington Meat Company Ltd


PKF Smith Cooper Ltd


Budeful Ltd


Elite Wealth Management UK Ltd


Redleaf Limited


Logical Choice Group Ltd


Marlbrook Auto Centre Limited


Wollens

The team at Wollens showcases a ‘wealth of knowledge’ in shareholder and partnership disputes, property litigation, contentious probate mandates and contractual disputes, in addition to breach of restrictive covenant and confidence claims. Simon Bean leads the practice and handles a range of commercial disputes, from shareholder litigation and negligence proceedings to contractual claims and insolvency cases, among others. Craig Smith spearheads the firm’s inheritance and wills disputes department.

Practice head(s):

Simon Bean


Other key lawyers:

Craig Smith


Testimonials

‘The team is professional, on the ball and ready to engage; they assure you of a professional approach to whatever legal problem you may have. Thorough and competent.’

‘Simon Bean has a wealth of knowledge and an unwavering amount of patience with cases.’

‘Simon Bean is easily contactable, personable and works well with counsel.’

‘Wollens is a firm with a wealth of knowledge and support.’

Work highlights


  • Representing an individual in a contractual claim against a major construction contractor for loss/non-payment of an agreed profit share linked to a construction project overseas.
  • Acting for a client in a shareholders’ dispute concerning a family business spanning different sectors from tourism, to retail amongst others.
  • Advising an individual shareholder and director in relation to breaches of shareholders’ and cross option agreements following an acquisition of shares in 2020, leading to a claimed loss of £3m+.

Bright Solicitors

With an established reputation for going the extra mile’, Bright Solicitors handles shareholder disputes, contractual claims and injunctions relating to insolvency cases, in addition to contentious estates mandates and property litigation. Praised as ‘reliable for sensible, pragmatic advice, balanced with a commercial viewpoint’, Alex Jeffery leads the practice and is noted for his expertise in breach of director’s duties claims, as well as defending clients facing unfounded insolvency actions.

Practice head(s):

Alex Jeffery


Other key lawyers:

Georgina Whitton


Testimonials

‘The litigation team is headed by an experienced partner, with an established reputation for going the extra mile.’

‘Alex Jeffery and the team are proactive, professional and reasonable when handling cases. They are transparent with costs and endeavour to achieve the best outcomes for clients.

‘The team is very responsive, considerate of the clients’ personal circumstances and are knowledgable.’

‘Georgina Whitton has been very responsive to all my questions. She has always given consideration to my personal circumstances and is very knowledgable.’

‘Very helpful and approachable.’

‘Alex Jeffery is always reliable for sensible, pragmatic advice, balanced with a commercial viewpoint.’

‘Georgina Whitton’s expertise and professionalism is of a high standard and she was always available to answer my questions.’

‘The people make Bright Solicitors’ commercial litigation team; down to earth, friendly, with a focus on practical commercial solutions.’

Key clients

Cornwall Timber Build Limited


Hoist Hire Services Limited


Plymouth Albion Rugby Football Club


Work highlights


  • Represented Plymouth Albion Rugby Football Club 2016 Limited and their majority shareholder in defending a claim by a former shareholder.

Coodes Solicitors

With demonstrable experience in the rural, food and drink, hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors, the ‘empathetic and responsive’ team at Coodes Solicitors acts for its roster of clients in contractual litigation, shareholder proceedings, rural business disputes and secret commissions relating to financial mis-selling. ‘Professional and hardworkingAbi Lutey leads the Truro-based practice and handles partnership disputes, shareholder and director cases, and contractual disputes, with considerable experience in the rural sector.

Practice head(s):

Abi Lutey


Other key lawyers:

Kayleigh Whitman


Testimonials

‘Abi Lutey is professional and hardworking.’

‘Great customer service.’

‘Abi Lutey and her team are down to earth, empathetic and very responsive.’

GA Solicitors

Based in Plymouth, the ‘excellent’ team GA Solicitors handles contractual disputes, breach of a shareholder agreement claims and franchise cases, in addition to contentious trusts and probate mandates. ‘Experienced and knowledgeable litigatorIeuan Jones leads the practice and represents clients in shareholders and directors cases, professional negligence claims, in addition to disputes relating to franchise agreements and enforcement of restrictive covenants. Matthew Ellis is another key contact in the group.

Practice head(s):

Ieuan Jones


Other key lawyers:

Matthew Ellis


Testimonials

‘Ieuan Jones is a total professional. His guidance and communication all the way through was first-class.’

‘Everyone I have liaised with in the team have been absolutely excellent. They have been so helpful, efficient and knowledgeable.’

‘Whilst you may be dealing with one key contact, there is a superb support staff system in situ, which means you are constantly being taken care of.’

‘All of the solicitors are very pleasant and have been encouraging through a complicated case.’

‘Matthew Ellis has provided excellent, clear and thoughtful advice from the start and I have felt well-supported during a stressful time.’

‘Good regional practice.’

‘Ieuan Jones is an experienced and knowledgeable litigator.’

‘Matthew Ellis is an able and versatile solicitor.’