‘DLA Birmingham’s Commercial Litigation team is first rate. They are focused, dedicated, efficient and always highly commercial in their approach. A standout trait is their exceptional legal skills – their solicitors are good at researching and applying the law correctly, innovatively, forcefully and effectively to get the best results.’

‘Phillip Kelly – newly promoted head of the Commercial Litigation team. He has everything it takes to succeed in this role: legal acumen, commercial nous, unquestionable integrity, the ability to build and guide a team, understanding of his clients’ needs.’

‘Laura Moorcroft – a powerhouse senior associate who is one to watch for partnership in the years to come. She drives cases forwards, has amazing command of the details, fiercely fights her client’s corner, and always goes the extra mile to win.’

‘A formidable commercial practice with a global reach – they excel at dealing with difficult cases for difficult clients.’

‘Phillip Kelly – an effective partner who understands the weaknesses in an opponent’s case. Laura Moorcroft – an excellent associate who knows her cases inside out.’

‘The litigation team at DLA Piper operates at an elite level. I’ve worked with them a number of times on heavyweight multi-party litigation in the Commercial Court and the Chancery Division, and they always impress. They’re stacked with talent from top to bottom – commercially astute, intellectually rigorous lawyers who are a pleasure to work with.’

‘Neil Bowker has rare strategic insight. He reads a courtroom incredibly well, never loses sight of the big picture, and leaves no stone unturned in fighting his client’s corner.’

‘Team led by Neil Bowker runs a tight ship offering clients excellent lawyers and top-notch services.’

‘Eversheds’ Birmingham practice is a real powerhouse.’

‘Rich Lloyd and Adam Fisher are the stand-out partners. It is rare to find such an impressive combination of technical ability, judgment and commercial focus. They are all serious performers. I would recommend them without hesitation.’

‘Adam Fisher is brilliant to deal with, easy to communicate with, understands the value of relationships and one I’d always want on my side.’

‘The team has deep sector expertise and is good at “right sizing” their input.’

‘Louise Howarth is exceptional – with deep subject matter expertise and an approachable manner.’

‘Good legal and litigation all rounders with excellent client skills – focused on getting the client where it wants to be.’

‘Rich Lloyd and Adam Fisher among the partners are cut from similar cloth – strong legal skills and very strong client skills. Sensible and solid judgment about where to take a case, which points to push and which to play lightly. Always get on top of the client’s industry to understand what is driving the commercial issues behind the legal issue.’

‘The team at Eversheds show exceptional commercial acumen and industry knowledge, approach disputes in a commercial and pragmatic way and are approachable and friendly.’

‘Approachable with good communication, pragmatic commercial advice.’

‘Commercial team is best in Midlands by miles. Very hands on, with top legal minds and tenacious but realistic.’

‘Adam Sturt. Head and shoulders above the others and mega thorough – no stone left unturned.’

‘The team is a heavyweight City-level practice that is able to handle the biggest and most complex cases. They provide a partner-led service that is very commercial in outlook – focused in on our needs and priorities in a dispute and always maintaining strong strategic oversight.’

‘Stephen May is a real leader in the market and a cut above other regional operators. He brings a strategic vision to every stage of a dispute so that the objective and tactics are always clear.’

‘Individual innovative approach combined with professionalism.’

‘Fieldfisher’s practice sets itself apart through its exceptional agility and commitment to client service. Their dedication to collaboration, both internally and with clients, enhances their ability to deliver tailored solutions.’

‘Emma Birch is top of her game. Intelligent, expert and responsive. Delightful to work with.’

The team are diligent, perceptive, strong on legal analysis and commercially minded.’

‘Patrick Arben (partner): cool head under pressure. Unfazed by unexpected developments, difficult opposition. Good at managing client expectations. Commercial outlook.’

‘The dispute resolution practice is strong across the board. They are collaborative, diligent, precise and expert.’

‘Gowlings are all-round excellent litigators. They cut to the chase, ignore distractions, and focus on getting the right result for the client. They give clear and accurate advice about where the case is going and how to win it or, if necessary, get out of it. They are also – without exception that I have found so far – great people to work with.’

‘ Andrew Smith is the standout/superstar among them, and easily one of the best litigators I have worked with anywhere in the country. Sean Adams and Sam Holland are also extremely strong. All focus unerringly on the client’s goals and how best to get there.’

‘Our experience of the Commercial Litigation team in Birmingham is highly positive, due to their understanding of both complex legal issues and business challenges. Their approach is practical and focused, ensuring that legal advice is always aligned with the client’s business goals.’

‘The legal team are distinguished by their excellent legal skills and deep understanding of business contexts. They are very good at making complicated legal matters clear and actionable for their clients.’

‘Richard Coates is delightfully easy to work. Practical and sensible, he can find a solution that works. ’

‘The team have very strong client relationships because they are very good at looking after their interest.’

‘Josh Middleton – a gifted associate who is thorough, well prepared and punches well above his weight.’

‘Louise Wilson – a talented commercial lawyer. Tenacious in defence of her clients best interests.’

‘The team have a pragmatic and common sense approach to litigation, as the Client I feel that they are acting in my best interests and that earning fees is not the main driver.’

‘Louise Wilson and Josh Middleton make an excellent team. Louise provides an overview of knowledge and experience whilst Josh carries out the day to day work whilst also providing sound advice.’

‘Everyone I’ve worked with at Mills & Reeve have been friendly and helpful. They are always on hand to help us with any queries and work very quickly. They are transparent and know the Education sector well.’

‘Simon Garbett was confident and knowledgeable on the matter we required his services on. He was also thorough in his work.’

‘Mills & Reeve’s Birmingham litigation practice punches well above its weight, regularly acting in substantial litigation and arbitration in London and internationally. A superb team.’

‘Preena Lal is a first-rate senior associate. She is all over the detail of her cases and leaves no stone unturned, whilst always having her client’s commercial objectives in mind. A partner of the future.’

‘Very good team that has been strengthened by the addition of Simon Garbett. Cases with an international element are a particular strength, including those in arbitration.’

‘Simon Garbett – Great addition to the team. A rare thing in that he is a partner on top of the detail of a case. Approachable and commercial.’

‘Preena Lal – Extremely diligent. Able to manage and present extremely complex cases in an easy to understand way.’

‘Phil Hutchinson – Brilliant lawyer with great commercial sense. Destined for the very top.’

‘Alex Bishop: She’s marvellous! She’s built the Shoosmiths litigation department into a first-rate litigation team, more than capable of playing in the ‘big league’. She is hugely impressive: she’s hugely hard-working; she leaves no stone unturned; she’s extremely bright, and a very good lawyer; and she knows how best to run a substantial piece of litigation. Absolutely top quality.’

‘Jonathan Smart: He’s very clever, an excellent lawyer, and utterly delightful. Clients trust him implicitly because of his combination of intelligence, practical advice and charm.’

‘Alex Bishop is hugely experienced and has infectious enthusiasm.’

‘Solid, hardworking and very approachable.’

‘Alex Bishop leads the team with style and panache.’

‘Shakespeares are a tour de force in the Birmingham area using their array of quality partners to hoover up the vast majority of the high-quality commercial litigation work within the city.’

‘James Woolstenhulme – he is considered and unflappable with a firm grasp on the intricacies of court procedure and litigation strategy.’

‘James Woolstenhulme provides charismatic and effective leadership to a team brimming with high-quality associates.’

‘The team is extremely pragmatic and doesn’t bog us down in legalese.’

‘Barry Jervis clearly has a wealth of knowledge and experience in his field but always makes it look effortless. I like his down to earth approach even when we are working on a complex matter.’

‘Brilliantly savvy team, full of pragmatic and commercial trusted advisers with their clients’ best interests at heart. Very bright and determined, and also extremely practical.’

‘Barry Jervis – a real doyen of the local market, very experienced and with impeccable judgement of cases and people. Clients love his ability to speak their language. ‘

‘Ben Humphreys – smooth, urbane, super-calm, and fiercely bright. Always right on the law, and very able to have tough conversations with clients.’

‘Sydney Mitchell’s commercial litigation team are excellent. They team is led by the excellent Dean Parnell and there is a very good range of lawyers in terms of experience and skills set. They are very approachable, friendly and you feel they want to get the best result for you.’

‘The expertise and general competence of the team will give the very best litigation teams in the national law firms a run for their money.’

‘Dean Parnell heads up the commercial litigation team and he is an outstanding lawyer and an exceptional problem solver. He has all of the attributes you want from a lawyer – he is extremely bright, tenacious, thinks outside the box, strategic, responsive, approachable and someone who will get the very best result for you. He always fights your corner and he is a very effective negotiator.’

‘The team is great and everyone is always willing to help.’

‘Dean Parnell heads up the team and he is fantastic. He ticks all the boxes you need in a litigation lawyer: he is very bright, has excellent legal knowledge, is brilliant with clients, is an outstanding negotiator and fights his client’s corner.’

‘Ian Sheppard is a senior member of the litigation team and he very good. He is articulate, confident and is excellent with clients. He is very approachable and nothing ever seems too much for him. He always seems in control on the case and this provides much needed reassurance to the client that everything will be okay. I would have no hesitation in recommending Ian to any of my contacts.’

‘The team had an approachable culture that was very reassuring and a professionalism in how they dealt with the complex nature of the case.’

‘We value Sydney Mitchell, who have been exceptional in their approach, providing tailored quality advice, to tight timescales.’

‘Peter Brewer – I was highly impressed by his diligence, aptitude and commercial acumen; he brings a welcome calm to often frenetic litigation.’

‘A small but excellent team who works together.’

‘Paul Griffiths uses his considerable experience to provide commercial solutions for his clients in disputes, seeking to avoid litigation. He instills confidence in his clients by his excellent manner and intellectual ability. Peter Brewer pursues claims with strategic aims which achieve excellent results for his clients.’

‘Irwin Mitchell are the go-to firm for commercial disputes. In particular, Katherine East is always reliable and exceptional – you want her in your corner. Katherine’s handling of factually sensitive and legally complex work makes her a first port of call for difficult cases.’

‘Katherine East is commercially pragmatic, legally realistic and empathetic to the the real concerns of a client.’

‘Katherine East is extremely bright and commercially minded and Katie Byrne brings experience and standing.’

‘Excellent technical and commercial team. Very responsive to client requirements and prides itself on getting a deep understanding of a client’s business to ensure it develops sound strategies consistent with the business objectives. Energetic and dynamic team deals with client’s requirements quickly and efficiently to provide an excellent service.’

‘Katherine East brings a very sharp legal mind, commercial acumen and great drive and enthusiasm to the matters she deals with, such that clients value the service she provides, enjoy working with her and return with repeat work.’

‘Katherine East is highly driven, her commercial awareness and ability to build strong client relationships is impressive.’

‘Quick to distill key issues and provide swift, concise advice.’

‘Simon Thomas is our key contact. Very personable and straight-forward.’

‘A good tight-knit team with a strong reputation for solid work. Loyal client base who trust the whole firm.’

‘Gavin Evans is a very pragmatic and decent man to have on your side in a fight. A sensible but dogged litigator.’

‘Delivers broad and first rate commercial disputes expertise. The team turns its hand easily to a variety of high-profile and high-value disputes. It has strength and depth and all of its lawyers are very competent, approachable and a pleasure to work with.’

‘Mark Surguy is the stand out partner in the commercial disputes team. A seasoned practitioner, he is the first port of call for so many businesses in a dispute. He has an unrivalled strength and depth of expertise and experience amongst his peers.’

‘Jon-Paul Casati is an experienced litigator with broad commercial experience, having practiced both banking litigation and general commercial litigation.’