Based in Cheltenham, the ‘close-knit team’ at BPE Solicitors LLP showcases ‘depth of knowledge and expertise’ in IP disputes, property litigation, professional negligence claims, contractual disputes and shareholder litigation, amongst others. An ‘extremely effective litigator’, Riyaz Jariwalla leads the team and stands out for his experience in IP disputes, covering the full range of IP rights including trade marks, designs, patents, copyright, confidential information and trade secrets. Philip Radford focuses on professional negligence and contentious probate mandates, while Peter Knibbs handles property, commercial, and corporate litigation. John Carter is ‘incredibly reliable and has encyclopaedic knowledge of his cases’, including professional negligence claims and property litigation. Natalie McMahon, who is ‘efficient and clear in her advice’, is another key contact in the group.
Commercial litigation: Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire in South West
BPE Solicitors LLP
Practice head(s):
Riyaz Jariwalla
Other key lawyers:
John Carter; Peter Knibbs; Philip Radford; Natalie McMahon
Testimonials
‘BPE undoubtedly punch above their weight and have a strong reputation in this field.’
‘Riyaz Jariwalla is an extremely effective litigator. Works hard for his clients to secure the best outcome, without losing sight of the commercial objectives.’
‘A small and adaptable team, capable of punching above its weight.’
Key clients
Malvern Tyres Group
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP showcases ‘expert knowledge’ in contentious insurance disputes, as demonstrated by its successful representation of Greggs in a £150m insurance claim triggered by Covid-19, in addition to shareholder litigation, product liability and financial services litigation. Manoj Vaghela leads the Cheltenham-based team and is noted for his expertise in shareholder disputes, with a strong focus on unfair prejudice petitions and derivative actions. Claudine Morgan provides ‘excellent advice’ in contractual disputes, shareholder litigation, D&O claims and breach of fiduciary duties. ‘Happy to get stuck into any problem and pull his sleeves up on difficult problems’, Ben Moore acts for individual and corporate clients on a broad range of commercial disputes.
Practice head(s):
Manoj Vaghela
Other key lawyers:
Claudine Morgan; Ben Moore
Testimonials
‘Clients wanting solicitors of exceptional calibre for commercial advice and litigation conveniently on hand should look no further.’
‘Claudine Morgan stands out for her excellent manner with clients, ability to distil complex issues, and makes clients feel at ease. She is well-attuned to the commercial realities and gives excellent advice for this reason.’
‘Manoj Vaghela has an experienced and light hand on the tiller, confident that his team are reliable and focused. The powerhouse of the team is Claudine Morgan, whose energy, efficiency and knowledge are enviable.’
‘The team works together as a cohesive and supportive unit, with incredible client focus and excellent outcomes.’
‘Claudine Morgan is a delight to work with. An excellent, client-focused lawyer who always makes herself available and goes the extra mile.’
‘All-round excellent litigation team with expert knowledge in all key areas.’
‘Claudine Morgan is a great communicator and brilliant with clients. Gets to the heart of the case quickly and gives pin-point advice. Ben Moore is always completely on top of the detail and excellent in every department.’
‘Ben Moore is more than happy to get stuck into any problem and pull his sleeves up on difficult problems. Very commercial and clearly thinks though legal issues in a lot of depth.’
Key clients
Greggs plc
Keith Smith
Lango Real Estate Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for Greggs in a claim issued in the High Court. We won a landmark ruling in Greggs’ battle over a £150 million insurance claim triggered by the Covid-19 crisis.
- Obtained an Anti-Suit Injunction for the benefit of our clients, based in Ghana and Mauritius, restraining the Defendant from pursuing its claims against our clients in Ghana in respect of various alleged breaches of a shareholders’ agreement.
- Represented Mr. Smith, a Director of BHS Group Limited in relation to litigation arising from the collapse of the well-known retailer. The Applicants are FRP Advisory LLP (the Joint Liquidators) of BHS Limited and BHS Group Limited.
Croft Solicitors
Based in Cheltenham and London, boutique firm Croft Solicitors maintains a strong track record in high-value disputes before the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, with demonstrable experience in handling cross-border cases. Rupert Croft leads the team and focuses on the full range of commercial litigation, civil fraud cases, financial services litigation, antitrust mandates and property disputes. Laura Nelson has experience in handling a broad spectrum of claims, including secret commission, civil fraud and shareholder disputes. Other key contacts in the group include Tom Blackburn, who specialises in costs litigation and funding, and Edward Hazzan.
Practice head(s):
Rupert Croft
Other key lawyers:
Laura Nelson; Tom Blackburn; Edward Hazzan
Key clients
Group of claimants acting against Yell.com
International Group Limited
Leigh Day
Maitland Court Limited
Oriel Collections
Personal Representatives of Michael Sanders
Stirling Mortimer Global Property Fund PCC Ltd
The Logical Utilities Company Limited
Viorel Micula
Clarke Willmott LLP
Commended as ‘one of the leading firms in the South West, with a reputation for attracting high-value and high-profile cases’, Clarke Willmott LLP stands out for its expertise in the agriculture sector, and counts disputes concerning agri-business, agri-tech, agri-commerce and agri-finance in its caseload. The team is also noted for its capability in handling shareholder and partnership disputes, professional negligence cases, debt recovery and contractual claims. Esther Woolford, who has ‘encyclopaedic knowledge’ in civil litigation concerning agricultural mandates, including property disputes, partnership cases and contentious trusts and probate issues, jointly leads the team alongside ‘great negotiator’ Laura Mackain-Bremner, who was promoted to partner in June 2023. ‘Exceptional’ Polly Ridgway is another key contact in the group.
Practice head(s):
Esther Woolford; Laura Mackain-Bremner
Other key lawyers:
Polly Ridgway
Testimonials
‘One of the leading firms in the South West, with a reputation for attracting high-value and high-profile cases.’
‘Polly Ridgeway was great to deal with and everything ran smoothly.’
‘Clarke Willmott have an outstanding litigation team. They bridge the gap between regional and national, with expert lawyers who can take on everything from planning and property issues in the South West to heavy commercial litigation in London.’
‘Laura Mackain-Bremner continues to impress in commercial litigation, especially in the agricultural sphere. She is a great negotiator, as well as knowing how to achieve success through the courts where necessary.’
‘The team is professional, courteous and acts with integrity. They are always there to support clients with a first-class service.’
‘Polly Ridgeway is best in her field for agriculture, civil disputes and commercial litigation. Polly’s rare qualities make her an exceptional solicitor.’
‘Esther Woolford has encyclopaedic knowledge in commercial agricultural disputes and is the person you want on your side when the going gets tough.’
‘A top firm in the South West with real strength in depth.’
Key clients
Andrew Guest
Henrietta Ingram and Tom Whitfield
The Estate of Albert Henry Winter
Work highlights
- Acting for Andrew Guest in a £3.3m proprietary estoppel claim.
- Acting for Ingram and Whitfield in a High Court case establishing a precedent for claims for want of knowledge and approval.
- Acting The Estate of Albert Henry Winter in relation to various trust and estoppel claims brought by two sons of the deceased.
Harrison Clark Rickerbys
The ‘knowledgeable’ practice at Harrison Clark Rickerbys handles a broad range of commercial disputes, from representing high-street, private and challenger banks, IFAs and brokers in financial services litigation, to handling IP and technology disputes, business protection cases, and contentious trusts and probate mandates. Adam Finch leads the commercial disputes group and is ‘exceptional in delivering high-quality advice’ to national and international clients, shareholders, directors and high-net-worth individuals, while Steven Murray spearheads the contentious IP practice. Head of the banking and financial services disputes team, Jenny Raymond advises on cases concerning misappropriation of confidential information and breaches of post-termination restrictions, and Andrew Walker spearheads the firm’s real estate disputes offering. Other key contacts include legal directors Cris Manuel-Hughes and Ian Seymour.
Practice head(s):
Adam Finch; Jenny Raymond; Steven Murray; Andrew Walker
Other key lawyers:
Cris Manuel-Hughes; Ian Seymour
Testimonials
‘Extremely professional, excellent knowledge, and first-class in responses.’
‘They are knowledgeable, helpful and great value for money. They work to get the best for all their clients and put those clients needs first.’
‘Adam Finch is exceptional in delivering high-quality advice, output and strategy to his clients. He is likeable and easy to relate to and sets out solutions clearly to his clients.’
‘The team at HCR responded quickly and efficiently to our query with sound ideas for how to resolve the dispute. They had an immediate grasp of the issues and dealt with them.’
Key clients
Christopher Golding
Matthew Nicholas Tom
Red Recruitment Group Limited
Quantum Advisory Limited
Mr. Gary Jones
George Houghton and Drumclay Care Village Limited
FTP Group (Telecom) Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for Christopher Golding in respect of a family, shareholder dispute with international aspects. A section 994 petition was issued.
- Acted for Red Recruitment Ltd pursuing an injunction and a subsequent damages claim against a former employee and the new employer for breaches of restrictive covenants.
- Acted for Gary Jones and obtained the first summary judgment in a crypto case from the High Court which secured the return of fraudulently obtained bitcoin, with £1.85m recovered.
RWK Goodman
The ‘proactive’ team at RWK Goodman handles financial services litigation, contractual disputes, professional negligence claims, contentious data protection mandates and health disputes, and counts regional and international companies among its key list of clients. Mei-Ling Huang leads the practice in Bath and specialises in contentious healthcare mandates, while Marianne Johns, who was promoted to partner in May 2023, spearheads the Swindon-based team and handles contractual and tortious claims. Other key contacts in the firm’s Bath office include Nicola Radcliffe, who focuses on professional negligence and shareholder disputes, and Fran Tremeer, who advises on contentious data protection matters.
Practice head(s):
Mei-Ling Huang; Marianne Johns
Other key lawyers:
Nicola Radcliffe; Fran Tremeer
Testimonials
‘Proactive and think around the issue.’
‘The team are impressive, are good with clients and achieve great results.’
Stone King LLP
Counting national charities, educational establishments, corporate entities and high-net-worth individuals in its ‘established and loyal client base’, Stone King LLP is praised for its ‘strong expertise in property and commercial litigation’. Tony Pidgeon leads the team and specialises in real estate disputes, in addition to contractual disputes, breach of fiduciary duties and injunctive relief. Luke Watson is praised as ‘hugely experienced’ in contentious charity legacy mandates, as well as trust and probate disputes, while Dan Carter handles property litigation and professional negligence claims.
Practice head(s):
Tony Pidgeon
Other key lawyers:
Luke Watson; Dan Carter
Testimonials
‘Dan Carter is extremely knowledgeable and pleasant to deal with.’
‘Strong expertise in real property and commercial litigation. Established and loyal client base, particularly of charities, educational establishments and high-net-worth individuals.’
‘Tony Pidgeon is exceptional in compiling the appropriate team and expertise for any dispute. He has a keen sense of the likely pressure points in litigation, and is able to leverage them to the advantage of his clients. He is commercial and user-friendly.’
‘A fantastic firm based in Bath.’
‘Luke Watson, who specialises in contentious trust and probate work, is hugely experienced and a delight to deal with.’
‘A good, strong firm.’
Thrings LLP
Commended for its ‘unique blend of expertise and personalised client care’, Thrings LLP ‘goes the extra mile’ for its roster of clients in financial services litigation, professional negligence claims, shareholder disputes, debt recovering mandates and contractual disputes. Practice leader Ramona Derbyshire ‘approaches each case with unwavering dedication, ensuring thoroughness and precision’ in commercial disputes, financial services litigation and professional negligence claims. Emily Prout spearheads the inheritance and trusts disputes group, and Annahita Roohi, who ‘shines with her exceptional communication skills and strategic thinking’, is another key contact in the team.
Practice head(s):
Ramona Derbyshire
Other key lawyers:
Emily Prout; Annahita Roohi
Testimonials
‘Thrings stands out for its unique blend of expertise and personalised client care. Ramona Derbyshire and Annahita Roohi’s strengths lie in their collaborative approach, strategic thinking, and adeptness in navigating complex legal matters.’
‘Ramona Derbyshire was superb throughout the process. Very efficient, always prompt in her responses and thorough in her work. I would not hesitate to recommend her.’
‘The team always goes the extra mile and have taken really good care with the business.’
‘Ramona Derbyshire has a good eye for detail and quickly understands the issues. Without a doubt, Ramona is one in a million.’
‘The firm were extremely efficient. Their speed of response was excellent, they dealt with matters diligently and thoroughly.’
‘Ramona Derbyshire’s meticulous attention to detail and her ability to grasp complex legal nuances set her apart. She approaches each case with unwavering dedication, ensuring thoroughness and precision in her work.’
‘Annahita Roohi shines with her exceptional communication skills and strategic thinking. Her ability to navigate negotiations and advocate effectively for her clients is unparalleled.’
‘Ramona Derbyshire is a star performer. User friendly and technically very good. Annahita Roohi is a future partner and often leads difficult cases with exceptional skill.’
Key clients
Ultrafine Aluminium Global Limited
Cinepower Ltd
Randek AB
MAN Truck & Bus UK Limited
Bar Council
Openwork Limited
UTAX (UK) Limited
Citipost Limited
Alvan Blanch Development Company Limited
Free Train Sports Limited
DPDS Limited
Extrudakerb (Maltby Engineering) Limited
Stanley Security Solutions Limited
Work highlights
- Advised private individuals in relation to breach of contract and warranties of the construction of their property.
- Advised construction company worth a £30m+ on a director/shareholder dispute.
- Advised two NFU clients in separate proceedings for enforcement of bridging finance involving arguments under the Consumer Credit Act 1974, unfair relationships, hidden commissions and successfully challenging default interest rates of the underlying facility with a declaration as unenforceable penalty clauses.
Willans LLP
The ‘approachable, friendly and knowledgeable’ team at Willans LLP have been kept busy with shareholder disputes and contentious procurement mandates, while also handling property litigation, inheritance and trust disputes, professional negligence claims and intellectual property cases. Praised as ‘precise and detail-oriented, with a talent for identifying areas of possible risk at an early stage’, practice leader Paul Gordon has a strong track record in High Court cases. Nick Southwell is ‘calm and clear in communication’ when handling property-related claims, while James Melvin-Bath acts for clients in the hospitality, retail, technology and logistics sectors.
Practice head(s):
Paul Gordon
Other key lawyers:
Nick Southwell; James Melvin-Bath
Testimonials
‘Excellent commercial approach to litigation with the interests of the client at heart.’
‘Paul Gordon and Nick Southwell continue to provide excellent, clear instructions and ensure that matters are managed in a time efficient manner.’
‘The team are approachable, friendly and knowledgeable in their field. The standard of work is exceptionally high and I can see from the paperwork and the instructions I receive that the every member of the team goes above and beyond for their clients.’
Key clients
Central Services Unit Limited
IM Medical Limited
Pentadel Project Management Limited
Crown House Developments Limited
Dean Electrical Wholesale Limited
Encompass Services Limited
Karan Retail Limited
Excelerate Technology Limited
Kohler Mira Limited
Moog Controls Limited
Work highlights
- Representing the petitioner in a shareholder dispute. Proceeding to trial and successfully establishing unfair prejudice.
- Acting for the third defendant in a claim for trademark infringement and breach of contract, this is an ongoing case allowing for the alleged chain of liability with 4 defendants.
- Defended a professional negligence claim which involved questions of fact and law, involving whether or not an individual was an employee or contractor as well as an issue of quantum.
Maitland Walker LLP
With demonstrable experience in the transport, pharmaceutical, leisure and retail sectors, the ‘first-class’ team at Maitland Walker LLP is noted for its expertise in competition and multi-party litigation, IP disputes, professional negligence claims and property litigation. Based in Minehead, Julian Maitland-Walker handles contentious EU and competition law mandates, while Sheree-Ann Virgin operates from the firm’s Taunton office and has experience in commercial property disputes. Praised as ‘excellent lawyers’, Maitland-Walker and Virgin jointly lead the team.
Practice head(s):
Julian Maitland-Walker; Sheree-Ann Virgin
Testimonials
‘The team is charming, resourceful and cost-effective. They liaise well with counsel making it easy to work for and with them. Their trial preparation is first-class and they provide support readily and promptly when requested.’
‘Julian Maitland-Walker and Sheree-Ann Virgin are both excellent lawyers. They are responsive and careful.’
Key clients
David Boyle and Edward Vermeer
Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club
Luxury Leisure / RAL Limited
British Association of European Pharmaceutical Distributors
Lexon UK Limited
Golf Wales Limited
Work highlights
- Acting on behalf of rail passengers that bought overpriced rail tickets from Govia Thameslink Railway on the Brighton mainline.
- Acting for Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Limited, who were successful at trial, in the Court of Appeal following the trial judge granting permission to appeal to the unsuccessful claimants.
Mogers Drewett LLP
The ‘impressive commercial litigation team’ at Mogers Drewett LLP handles commercial property disputes, contentious trust and probate mandates, shareholder litigation, professional negligence claims and insurance cases. In the firm’s Wells office, John Osman leads the team and handles contentious probate mandates, property disputes, and landlord and tenant matters. Based in Bath, Maeve England has ‘a real eye for detail, coupled with many years of experience’ in real estate and commercial property disputes, in addition to company and partnership commercial cases.
Practice head(s):
John Osman
Other key lawyers:
Maeve England
Testimonials
‘Maeve England is quietly impressive. She has a real eye for detail, coupled with many years of experience.’
‘Mogers Drewett houses an impressive commercial litigation team.’
‘Easily contactable, responsive, clear and logical in all they do. Good, honest advice.’
Simon Burn Solicitors
Praised as ‘approachable and responsive’, boutique firm Simon Burn Solicitors handles directors’ disqualification cases, insolvency litigation and privacy-related disputes, including defamation, breach of privacy and blackmail mandates. The ‘small but mighty’ team is led by ‘exceptional negotiator’ Simon Burn, who has experience in insolvency litigation and continues to receive a growing number of instructions concerning investor fraud. David Magill is noted for his expertise in defamation and reputation management cases, while Mark Ingram ‘combines excellent common sense with an astute eye to finding a commercial and tactical way through litigation’.
Practice head(s):
Simon Burn
Other key lawyers:
David Magill; Mark Ingram
Testimonials
‘The practice is approachable and responsive. The advice given is frank, but positive and supportive.’
‘Simon Burn is extremely knowledgeable, supportive and sympathetic. He will put together a strategy which is helpful and comforting.’
‘This is a small firm, but punches way above its weight. Its individuals have huge experience and dedication, and achieve a significant workload in a calm and efficient manner.’
Key clients
Malvern Tyres Holdings Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised South West business Malvern Tyres on the resolution of a claim against an exiting company director for breach of fiduciary duty.
- Representing Messrs Kewley and Spence, as former directors of A1 Alpha Properties (Leicester) Limited, in relation to a director’s disqualification investigation and discontinuance of a Serious Fraud Office investigation which was halted in less than two years.
- Persuading The Insolvency Service to drop director’s disqualification proceedings against a company director on public interest grounds in just a month from instruction.
Wansbroughs
With demonstrable experience in the real estate, renewables and healthcare sectors, the Devizes-based practice at Wansbroughs is well-placed to handle real estate litigation, in addition to contentious probate mandates, personal injury claims, contractual disputes and data protection cases. ‘Excellent litigator’ and managing partner Oliver Price leads the team and is noted for his expertise in real estate litigation, while Josh Taylor is praised as ‘a leading light in the dispute resolution team, particularly in respect of property-related disputes’. Tim Prees, who spearheads the private client disputes practice, is another key contact in the group.
Practice head(s):
Oliver Price
Other key lawyers:
Josh Taylor; Tim Prees; Jenna Humphries
Testimonials
‘They are pragmatic, professional and always listen to our business needs.’
‘Oliver Price is always professional, friendly and tries to find the best outcome for our business.’
‘Oliver Price is an excellent litigator, with deep experience and understanding. Always takes the call and instills confidence.’
‘They are always available and responsive. Often issues flare up unexpectedly and having the knowledge that such valuable, accurate advice is close to hand is reassuring.’
‘Josh Taylor is a standout partner. He has a wonderful manner with clients and an astute legal mind. Josh has the confidence to conduct cases, including advocacy, with little support.’
‘Jenna Humphries leaves no stone unturned and is efficient in her work. She has a great deal of empathy for her clients and can give realistic advice.’
‘Wansbroughs offers a fantastic blend of top level personal service with modern innovative flairs smartly incorporated in their offering. This results in a firm that provides a service clients will find works for them when they need it.’
‘Josh Taylor is a leading light in the dispute resolution team, particularly in respect of property-related disputes. His advice is always tailored and transparent.’
Wilsons
Counting SMEs, educational institutions, charities, farms and landed estates, and high-net-worth individuals among its key roster of clients, Wilsons handles contractual disputes, shareholder litigation and post-termination restrictive covenant disputes. The Salisbury-based team also counts reputation management, privacy and data protection claims in its caseload. Practice leader Ben Thornton has experience in agricultural tenancy, real property and commercial disputes, while Jenifer Martindale represents clients in commercial contractual disputes. Reputation management expert Debbie Ashenhurst is another key contact in the group.
Practice head(s):
Ben Thornton
Other key lawyers:
Jenifer Martindale; Debbie Ashenhurst
Key clients
Gurr Johns Ltd
Wallgate Limited
Carlton (Civil Engineering) Limited
Greensleeves Homes Trust