Taking a ‘savvy and sensible approach’ to litigation, FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is capable of handling disputes that involve aspects of insolvency, company law and real estate. The team also has considerable experience of advising agricultural and rural clients on property-related matters. Charlotte Clode leads the team, possessing broad expertise that includes intellectual property disputes while key contact Guy Birkett is experienced in handling high-value cases, and Gareth Ruddock handles a range of complex commercial and insolvency litigation matters. Senior associate Elisabeth Glover‘s wealth of experience includes commercial contract disputes and commercial debts, among other areas and Laura Vernon joined from Trowers & Hamlins LLP in August 2022
Commercial litigation: elsewhere in the West Midlands in West Midlands
FBC Manby Bowdler LLP
Practice head(s):
Charlotte Clode
Other key lawyers:
Guy Birkett; Gareth Ruddock; Laura Vernon; Elisabeth Glover
Testimonials
‘The firm is a commercial outfit that prides itself on working in partnership with its clients to ensure the provision of commercial, innovative and cost-transparent legal advice that adds value and uncomplicates the legal process.’
‘They appear to make legal services more accessible to clients and aligned with clients’ needs. They are approachable and offer outstanding client service.’
‘In my experience of them, they are efficient and knowledgeable in contentious trusts and probate. However, they are also very easy to deal with in the sense that they create something of a “family atmosphere” which makes clients feel supported. They seem really to care about the fact that litigation is a difficult experience for people to go through, and so makes that experience less painful.’
Key clients
Whitlock & Lowe Limited
Dudley Building Society
Tipton & Coseley Building Society
Accurate Laser Cutting Limited
Total Construction Supplies Limited
LXA Construction Limited
Andrews Sykes Group Plc
Wedge Group Galvanising Limited
DDC Engineering Solutions Limited
Leonard Curtis Business Solutions Group Limited
Savills (UK) Limited
Work highlights
- Acting in a contested £4m probate dispute between siblings that focused upon the family’s significant agricultural holding and business.
- Representing the administrator of a manufacturing business which entered insolvency following a fire at their factory premises to bring a claim of at least £6m in value against the company’s insurance broker, insurance company and sub-contractor against a decline to cover the financial losses caused by that fire (in the case of the former) and against the negligence which caused the fire (in the case of the latter).
- Advising on a dispute with the Secretary of State for Transport over the valuation of land (worth £4.3m) following the compulsory purchase of that land for the HS2 development. Taking the dispute through the protocol process and ADR processes and otherwise pursuing in the Upper Chamber of the Lands Tribunal. The case settled in October 2022 following a multi-day mediation for a substantial seven-figure sum.
George Green LLP
The ‘attentive and client-focused’ George Green LLP‘s commercial litigation team regularly represents national and international clients in complex cases. The team is capable of handling matters in a variety of sectors, such as healthcare, accountancy and journalism. Practice head Morgan Rees specialises in high-value and complex litigation, while Neil Williams has recently handled a procurement dispute and a conspiracy to defraud claim. Liam Owen strengthens the team with experience in acting for shareholders, directors and companies.
Practice head(s):
Morgan Rees
Other key lawyers:
Neil Williams; Liam Owen
Testimonials
‘Morgan Rees is a quality act. An excellent lawyer who is an astute litigator and very tech savvy. Great for media disputes.’
‘Good understanding of our industry and business.’
‘Ability to provide good, concise and pragmatic commercial advice.’
Key clients
thyssenkrupp Materials (UK) Limited
Sims Group UK Limited
Medequip Assistive Technology Limited
Saltus Partners LLP
TIA (GB) Limited
Olive Communications Solutions Limited
Inenco Group Limited
Jeeves Estates Limited
Argus Fire Protection Company Limited
Handicare Accessibility Limited
Work highlights
- Represented Medequip Assistive Technology Limited in very substantial public procurement proceedings. The case is likely to be listed for a lengthy trial in 2023/4.
Harrison Clark Rickerbys
Handling shareholder disputes, indemnity claims and commercial agreements, Harrison Clark Rickerbys is able to lead on a broad range of litigation matters for national and international clients. Alongside this, the firm is also experienced in dealing with disputes pertaining to defence and security, healthcare and agriculture. The practice is jointly led by Worcester’s Elizabeth Beatty, who advises both domestic and international clients in the medical recruitment, retail, automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors, with Hereford’s Richard Morgan specialising in defence and security disputes. In addition, Wye Valley-based co-chair Hefin Archer Williams’s strengths lie in partnership disputes and breaches of shareholder agreements, among other areas. Legal director Tom Williams, active in the firm’s Worcester office, advises on a broad range of litigation.
Practice head(s):
Richard Morgan; Elizabeth Beatty; Hefin Archer Williams
Other key lawyers:
Tom Williams
Testimonials
‘They are accessible outside normal working hours. We worked together on this project as equal partners, not as parent child.’
‘Specialist advice which is technically strong and commercially realistic.’
‘The leading commercial litigation firm in Worcester and Worcestershire.’
‘Particularly strong in shareholder disputes.’
‘Elizabeth Beatty and Tom Williams are clam, experienced and commercially astute.’
Key clients
Pertemps Medical Group
Quantum Advisory Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Pertemps Medical Group regarding harassment and serious allegations, which was defended in the High Court.
- Acting for Quantum Advisory Limited on an SPA dispute.
Thursfields Solicitors
Thursfields Solicitors fields ‘a top-rate team that oozes confidence’ and is capable of advising on an array of matters, with significant expertise in shareholder disputes alongside a newly strengthened offering in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors. ‘Superb team leader’ Stephen Rome often advises on disputes involving breach of fiduciary duty, authorised push payment (APP) fraud and misrepresentation for clients in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. The ‘outstanding’ Georgia Morris has an array of experience, including in professional negligence and insolvency matters.
Practice head(s):
Stephen Rome
Other key lawyers:
Georgia Morris
Testimonials
‘A dedicated and talented team whose size allows them to provide clients with an entirely personalised service across a range of litigation.’
‘They punch very much above their weight, and have the kind of heavyweight litigation that city centre firms would dream of.’
‘The charismatic and creative Stephen Rome leads the team with a great combination of technical acumen and business nous.’
Key clients
Kingsford Caravan Park Limited
Bewdley Caravan Sales Limited
Ivy and Alldey Loveridge
Ward Sheldrake Consultancy
Network Catering (Engineers) Limited
Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP
Work highlights
- Advising an individual in respect of claims worth in excess of £50m arising out of the collapse of an investment business.
- Advising the majority shareholders (Ivy and Alldey Loveridge) of five limited companies (net worth of approximately £35m) in relation to defending an unfair prejudice petition and just and equitable winding up petition, culminating in the successful strike out of the petition in its entirety by the Court of Appeal.
- Advising two high-net-worth individuals in relation to defending a claim for £32m regarding breach of duty and conspiracy to cause loss, involving claims against the individuals, their former legal advisors and a multinational bank.
Wright Hassall LLP
Wright Hassall LLP’s ‘highly experienced’ and ‘well-resourced’ commercial litigation team has expertise in relation to technology disputes, restrictive covenants, and disputes in the financial sector. The team is helmed by the ‘superb’ Nathan Talbott, who has a wide array of expertise including advising on mis-sold or negligently implemented financial products, unfair prejudice disputes and breach of warranty claims. Luke Moulton‘s expertise lies in the advanced manufacturing and engineering, technology and media sectors. Jennifer Rhind‘s capabilities include handling costs budgeting and recovery, whilst Parminder Takhar is well versed in a variety of disputes, such as those involving commercial contracts and insurance.
Practice head(s):
Nathan Talbott
Other key lawyers:
Luke Moulton; Parminder Takhar; Jennifer Rhind; Susan Hopcraft
Testimonials
‘The team is extremely client-focused. It provides clear, realistic advice, and prepares thoroughly and effectively for litigation.’
‘Nathan Talbott is commercially astute, and a good predictor of how litigation will pan out.’
‘Great team who all work very collaboratively. Excellent use of technology and always on top of the law.’
Key clients
MG Motors Group
Wind Farm Equipment Limited
Epwin Group
WASPS Holdings Limited
Computer Systems International Limited
Keller Group plc
British Showjumping Association
Medstrom Limited
Specialist Building Products Limited
British Parachute Association Ltd trading as British Skydiving
Work highlights
Band Hatton Button LLP
A notable strength for the ‘proactive and client-oriented’ Band Hatton Button LLP team is property litigation, with other strengths including insolvency disputes and other business-related litigation. ‘Skillful litigator’ John French leads the practice with particular expertise regarding contracts disputes, and neighbour and boundary disputes. Jon Wilby is vastly experienced in advising on commercial property and construction matters, with Malcolm Thomas‘s specialisms including disputes arising from wills and lifetime trusts, business ownership, easements and restrictive covenants. Associate Raman Dhillon‘s expertise on privacy claims strengthens the team.
Practice head(s):
John French
Other key lawyers:
Jon Wilby; Malcolm Thomas; Raman Dhillon
Testimonials
‘Consistently high-quality and commercial legal services. An impressive breadth of work, from high-value complex litigation to lower value disputes – a team that seems to be the first choice for many clients and industry sectors.’
‘Jon Wilby is a very level-headed, approachable partner who always has the confidence of his clients as he guides them through complex disputes. John French is an excellent partner who works tirelessly for his clients, however large or small the dispute. He lives their case. Raman Dhillon is an incredibly able senior associate with an impressive and experienced grasp of commercial litigation.’
‘The team is very organised, pro-active and client orientated. They are able to address client concerns and seek to achieve the outcome that clients want.’
Key clients
Matrix Machine Tool (Coventry) Limited
Bluebells Incorporated Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Matrix Machine Tool (Coventry) Ltd in a dispute over defective machinery supplied. The alleged losses involved are more than £1m.
- Advised Bluebells Incorporated Ltd on a claim in respect of breach of contract; the claim was worth near £1m.
- Advised the Property Development Company in a dispute over the termination of a sale of hotels. The claim is worth up to £4m.
Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited
The ‘professional’ and ‘personable’ Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited handles contractual, partnership and shareholder disputes in a broad range of sectors, such as IT, pharmaceutical and insurance. Insurance litigation, including professional negligence claims, is a key focus for the practice. ‘Extremely knowledgeable’ managing director Harminder Sandhu leads the team with extensive experience in handling complex commercial disputes, including those related to fraud and negligence issues, among other areas.
Practice head(s):
Harminder Sandhu
Testimonials
‘They are a professional but very personable team. Not just the partners, but this resonates down to all the employees at every level.’
‘Harminder Sandhu will absorb information quickly and knows what questions to ask to ensure she gives the fullest advice possible. This is always totally honest and comprehensive, even if it’s not what I want to hear but definitely what I need to be told.’
‘The individuals are very proactive and up to date with solutions to problems. Always return phone calls and then e-mail to confirm the advice given.’
‘Strong relationships with its clients.’
‘Hawkins Hatton are very professional and attend to all matters in a businesslike manner.’
‘Harminder is extremely knowledgeable and helpful and keeps the cost to a minimum, which is rare with solicitors.’
‘The practice is unique in its ability to get straight to the issue in hand and offer an agreeable to resolution. They have extensive of knowledge of all areas of corporate law and are always on hand to give advice.’
‘All the partners and associates are approachable and always available to discuss any matter you ask them to. Sometimes you just want to run an issue by them to get a second opinion, and they are always on hand to advise.’
Key clients
4 Ashes Property Holdings Limited
R & RW Bartlett Limited
Lisega Ltd
Computors Limited
Service Sector Consultants Ltd
Inshore Support Limited
Celloglas Limited
Arca Living Limited
P.A.B Coventry Ltd
Conway Packaging Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for a specialist haulage company in a multi-party dispute involving complex legal arguments about contractual terms and liability.
- Acted for the UK division of a German-based company which is a world leader in the supply of pipe support in its $3m dispute with a competitor arising out of a failed joint venture where the end customer is state owned.
- Attended an all-day mediation on behalf an IT company in its longstanding dispute with a customer where the complication was that the main part of the project had been contracted to a third party contactor.
Higgs LLP
Higgs LLP‘s ‘well-organised and comprehensive’ practice advises on an array of issues, ranging from shareholder and partnership disputes to commercial and IT contracts. The department often acts for manufacturing businesses, alongside working for clients in retail, logistics and a number of other sectors. ‘Diligent’ practice head Julia Lowe has particular expertise in dealing with IP disputes, commercial contract claims, corporate disputes, and product liability issues. Matt Dudley’s strength lies in commercial contract claims, M&A claims, reputation management and employee competition matters.
Practice head(s):
Julia Lowe
Other key lawyers:
Matt Dudley
Testimonials
‘Higgs has a well-organised and comprehensive litigation team. Their size and coverage of specialist litigation services makes them a top go-to practice for litigation in the West Midlands.’
‘Matt Dudley is experienced, sensible and outcomes focused.’
‘Julia Lowe has a well-established reputation for being a very safe pair of hands. She is efficient, diligent and maintains a commercial focus throughout.’
Key clients
Palletline Limited
The Old Station Nursey Limited
Arlo Living Limited
Springdene Nursing and Care Homes Limited
Saint-Gobain Group of Companies
Systems ADI Group
Work highlights
- Acted for Luv One Luv All Promotions Limited and Winston Thomas in the successful defence of an action for passing off relating to the mark “Luv Injection”, the mark of a Jamaican Sound System.
- Acted for Springdene Nursing and Care Homes Limited in respect of a contractual dispute with a catering supplier who had abandoned its services across a number of care homes, which ultimately was resolved pre-action on favourable terms at mediation.
Lanyon Bowdler
Lanyon Bowdler‘s ‘knowledgeable and reliable’ team has notable strengths in the areas of manufacturing, construction and agriculture. The department is able to act for a range of clients, from local to multinational companies. Andrew Pegg spearheads the practice, with considerable experience in acting on commercial disputes for clients in the manufacturing sector, as well possessing specialist expertise in relation to agricultural dispute resolution. The ‘fantastic’ Claire Yardley strengthens the team with capabilities in negligence claims, breach of contract claims and property disputes, to name a few.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Pegg
Other key lawyers:
Claire Yardley
Testimonials
‘They are effective. Reasonable and competent.’
‘Claire Yardley has been extremely good at working with me on settling my litigation. I have valued her advice enormously. She is competent and responded promptly to my e-mails with helpful suggestions.’
‘Good range of diverse expertise within the partnership.’
‘Easy to talk to and contact.’
‘We found the team to be friendly and professional.’
‘A fantastic company to deal with.’
‘Claire Yardley was fantastic.’
‘Knowledgeable and reliable.’
Key clients
Patricia Pain
Wynnstay (Agricultural Supplies) Limited
Thomas & Jennifer Martin
West Mercia Air Conditioning Limited
Work highlights
MFG Solicitors LLP
A practice that is commended for its ‘stability, resilience and consistency’, MFG Solicitors LLP covers an array of issues, including contractual, shareholder and financial services disputes, to name a few. The team has also recently been involved in handling issues surrounding the Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Act 2022. ‘Commercially astute’ practice head Tom Esler regularly acts for shareholders and directors of owner-managed businesses, while the ‘very capable’ Samuel Pedley is experienced in crisis and reputation management, as well as contentious insolvency and bankruptcy work.
Practice head(s):
Tom Esler
Other key lawyers:
Samuel Pedley; Rachel Chambers
Testimonials
‘They have a breadth of commercial litigation expertise and are often a firm that we refer work to when we cannot undertake that work ourselves. The team is capable, approachable and proactive in its commercial litigation work.’
‘Samuel Pedley is a very capable litigator. He is down to earth, clear in his communications and he commands confidence in his abilities. He stands strong for his client, respects that we will do likewise but never loses his focus on the objective.’
‘Stability, resilience and consistency.’
Key clients
Butcher Woods Limited
Tim Heaselgrave – Timothy James Partnership
Dale Firkins and Roland Robertson – Solace for Children Limited
West Midland Safari Park Limited
Global Property Centres Limited
C. Bechstein Centre (Manchester) Limited
Benacre Properties Company
Work highlights
- Acting for Trustee in Bankruptcy and liquidator Butcher Woods Limited against a former director / group company in commencing a preference, transaction at an undervalue and transaction to defraud creditors action, a related shareholder dispute and enforcement action.
- Acting for C. Bechstein Centre Manchester Limited, a Tenant of a substantial commercial premises in Manchester against its landlord and building contractors in relation to breach(es) of contract, warranties and indemnities.
Talbots Law
A 'trusted name in the local legal scene’, Talbots Law expanding commercial litigation practice routinely advises clients on disputes that often involve shareholders and partnerships. ‘Tenacious’ practice head Jagdip Bains has recently handled matters that include elements and allegations of fraud and has been involved in some cases that have received national coverage. Josh Millichamp adds value to the team with his strength in the property sector. In addition, the team was bolstered in April 2022 when Adam Pike joined the team from Ansons.
Practice head(s):
Jagdip Bains
Other key lawyers:
Josh Millichamp; Adam Pike
Testimonials
‘A diverse range of legal skills in the team really helped with our case. Talbot’s strong ethical perspective was in sync with our own.’
‘This practice is unique as they are customer focused and clearly care about their customer. We tried four different firms around the country, and they were the most helpful with the onboarding process, whereas other firms made it the most complicated, onerous process.’
‘Jagdip Bains is one of the best team leaders in the business. She manages a high workload and delivers high-quality and commercial advice. Clearly has the confidence of her clients. We have worked together on injunctions recently, and each time delivered the clients results, often against the odds.’
‘Talbots Law have a strong and excellent and well-resourced litigation team. Very enthusiastic and very able. When they instruct me as counsel, I always know that I am going to receive a detailed and well-prepared brief.’
‘Jagdip Bains is hardworking and tenacious and heads an excellent and able team.’
‘A trusted name in the local legal scene, who cover a range of work at all levels in a cost-effective way.’
‘Adam Pike is a talented individual, with good commercial judgment, excellent technical ability and a very composed personality.’
‘I have worked on a number of matters with Jagdip Bains and Josh Millichamp. They are both very effective litigators who are keen to get the best for their clients. They are very smart and switched on and get to know a client’s case quickly and thoroughly.’
Work highlights
- Advised on a reported matter dealing with court failures to seal a claim form, resulting in a claim served out of time, in which the claimant’s appeal was nonetheless refused.
- Acted as defence at a contested hearing regarding a trustee in bankruptcy who sought to argue beneficial interest in four properties on behalf the bankrupt party in order to increase the value of the estate.
Ansons
The ‘very approachable’ Ansons has key expertise in areas such as breach of directors' duties, and property and shareholder disputes. Its client base ranges from healthcare providers to property developers. Martin De-Ridder and Jason Alcock helm the practice, with the former specialising in commercial litigation, shareholder and insolvency matters. Adam Pike departed the firm for Talbots Law in March 2022.
Practice head(s):
Martin de Ridder; Jason Alcock
Other key lawyers:
Louise Palmer
Testimonials
‘Very approachable, great quality of taking the time to explain the full situation and offering advice.’
Key clients
Moore Insolvency
Seconique Limited
St Philips Care Limited
Walter Tippers (building suppliers)
Walton Homes Limited
Wirquin Limited
Wright’s Pies
Work highlights
- Assisting Seconique Ltd in copyright claims against various parties seeking to infringe their intellectual property rights.
- Assisting Gainlive Ltd in matters arising following local sports facility entering receivership.
Enoch Evans LLP
At Enoch Evans LLP, the commercial litigation team typically handles injunctions and shareholder issues, as well as property disputes involving boundaries, and general landlord and tenant matters. Practice head Stephen Nixon is also well-versed in professional negligence claims and IP cases, while Lauren Smith has strong transactional experience. Other areas of focus include debt recovery and construction-related proceedings.
Lodders Solicitors LLP
Lodders Solicitors LLP is capable of advising on a number of contentious matters, such as warranty, commercial contract disputes, and mediation, arbitration and litigation. The ‘very personable’ Michael Wakeling leads the team, with the capacity to address issues such as sale of goods and breach of contracts for businesses as well as private individuals, while the ‘exceptional’ Andrew Wylde became partner in July 2022 and strengthens the team with his vast experience in handling matters before the Business and Property Courts.
Practice head(s):
Michael Wakeling
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Wylde
Testimonials
‘Very much partner led.’
‘Lodders is a good-sized firm with lots of capabilities, which is at the same time extremely accessible and friendly for a family business.’
‘Michael Wakeling has always given us concise, timely and to the point litigation advice. Excellent communication with opposing parties, taking a firm but fair approach to resolving issues without the need to go to court.’