The ‘highly approachable’ team at Addleshaw Goddard provides ‘excellent clearly articulated advice’ for its clients, routinely acting on big-ticket cases. In addition to mainstream commercial disputes, specialist areas including procurement and judicial review, fraud, professional negligence, and energy are also key focuses of the firm, along with pensions, tax, IT, and intellectual property. Bill Gilliam, commended for his ‘first class judgement’ leads the team, alongside Mark Molyneux. ‘First-rate’ Louise Dobson is key to the team, with vast experience across commercial disputes, procurement challenges work, and health and pharmaceutical sectors. Samantha Wragg joined the firm as a legal director from 3volution in January 2023.
Commercial litigation: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire in Yorkshire And The Humber
Addleshaw Goddard
Practice head(s):
Bill Gilliam; Mark Molyneux
Other key lawyers:
Louise Dobson; Gareth Jones; Samantha Wragg
Testimonials
‘Superb team that went out of their way to deliver for us. The team assembled at short notice and responded to our every need on a highly complex case. Excellent clearly articulated advice and guidance. Particularly proficient in helping provide clear and well guidance on next steps and strategy. Regular costs updates. Stuck closely to costs estimates. Had a bank of specialists and counsel who were brought in and assimilated into the team quickly. Really friendly hard working and engaging diverse team who worked closely with the client team and build strong and trusted relationships. Cannot fault the quality of service and the efforts made to achieve the best possible outcome for us.’
‘Developed strong personal relationships – very personable friendly and approachable and willing to go out of their way to check in beyond the day job. Felt like we were all part of the same team and very united. The lawyers seemed as vested in the outcome as the client team. Whilst the team worked hard you could see each members well being was of importance to the lead partner. The team were well prepared and thought ahead and well planned so the need last minute requests was minimised. Highly approachable team that made the client team and in particular witnesses feel at ease and well prepared.’
‘AG is an exceptionally well-resourced firm with strong individuals from top to bottom. It is particularly experienced in the management of large and complex cases.’
Paul Rowley is a committed adviser and excellent strategic thinker.
‘Louise Dobson thinks outside the box; she brings her deep knowledge of public law to bear; she is first rate.’
‘Gareth Jones is a stand-out performer.’
‘The team speak in plain English and are easy to work with and understand, making law make sense for non legal professionals. They work quickly and are easy to get hold of and work in a collaborative manner to achieve good results. They have a wide variety of experiences so you can always get an expert in any field as per your matter requirements.’
‘Louise Dobson – great communicator, translates complex areas of law into simple English. An expert in the area. Ryan Geldart is a great communicator, translates complex areas of law into simple English’
Key clients
RPS Group Plc
Entain Plc
Equitix EEEF Biomass 2 Ltd
Nexus
Specialist Aviation Services
Work highlights
- Advising Entain plc in relation to a c. £50m dispute involving claims brought by Robert Tchenguiz before the Courts of Gibraltar and including allegations by Mr Tchenguiz of conspiracy, breach of contract, breach of statutory duty and breach of fiduciary duty.
- Acting for Specialist Aviation Services in relation to proceedings arising from the termination of a helicopter services agreement, including claims for damages for breach of contract, disputes as to intellectual property ownership and a threatened interim injunction.
- Acting for RPS in relation to its dispute with Hitachi regarding the failed implementation of an ERP system. RPS’ claim includes claims for breach of contract for lacking and failed functionally and associated damages caused by the resulting disruption caused, whilst defending Hitachi’s claim for unpaid invoices.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper‘s Leeds-based team frequently acts on cross-border disputes, benefitting from the firm’s offices both further afield in the UK, and internationally. The team has specialised expertise across technology, working closely with IT and telecoms clients, transport, construction, professional negligence, investigations, trusts, and pensions-related litigation. Deutsche Bank, Lloyds Banking Group, and PwC are all clients instructing the team. Simon Kenyon, head of the firm’s UK technology disputes practice, and David Young, a litigator focusing on complex commercial, pensions, and trust litigation, lead the team. Sohail Ali and associate Kathryn Ford are key names to note.
Practice head(s):
Simon Kenyon; David Young
Other key lawyers:
Sohail Ali; Kathryn Ford
Testimonials
‘Simon Kenyon is a standout partner.’
‘David Young – top rated from my perspective. Knows the law, applies it brilliantly and has exceptional client skills.’
‘Simon Kenyon provides the perfect mix of personal involvement and delegation. His strategic skills are second to none.’
‘They have the ability to deliver a quality output at pace, especially within complex commercial scenarios. They also go the extra mile when required for the client to meet key deadlines and achieve the optimum departmental outcome.’
Key clients
Adobe
ANZ Bank
Atos
Bank of Ireland
Cyient Limited
Casperlabs LLC
CWT UK Limited
Department for Transport
Deutsche Bank
Dentsu Aegis
GE Capital
HCL
Investec Bank plc
Leeds Building Society
Lloyds Banking Group (including Bank of Scotland)
Manx Telecom Limited
LCH Limited (a London Stock Exchange Group company)
OneTrust Technology Limited
Placing Platform Limited
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Provenir Inc
PwC
WNS Global Services
Visa Europe Limited
Mphasis
Infosys
Cynergy Bank
IAG
WTW
Work highlights
- Represented Deutsch Bank in successfully defending unpaid commission claims
- Defending Visa Europe in a French Law claim brought by Midi France Telecom SAS in the High Court, relating to alleged non-contractual entitlement to damages, or mistakenly paid fees in the alternative.
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
The ‘excellent, first class litigation practice’ at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP acts on some of the most complex disputes across Leeds and the UK, regularly instructed by some of the largest corporates in the region. In addition to extensive experience across pure commercial, public procurement, TMT, and energy disputes, the team is commended for its ‘comprehensive understanding of large scale and complex international arbitrations.’ ‘Commercially savvy’ Richard Matthews leads the team, with expertise in commercial disputes and European product liability, playing a leading role in the firm’s contentious procurement practice. ‘Standout partner’ James Hyde specialises in high-value litigation and arbitration, while Gary Pellow remains a key senior figure.
Practice head(s):
Richard Matthews; James Hyde
Other key lawyers:
Deborah Polden; Mark Howarth; Alex Cook; Peter Shervington; Adam Fisher; Ridah Iqbal; Luisa Zukowski; Gary Pellow
Testimonials
‘Deborah Polden, Mark Howarth, Alex Cook and Peter Shervington are all excellent’
‘Of the firms I work with the team at Eversheds are a winning combination of being able to grapple with complex technical detail but also are pragmatic and listen to their client’s commercial objectives.’
‘Matt Chapman is absolutely excellent and a rising star – very technically minded, great to work with and practical. James Hyde and Adam Fisher are both standout partners – on top of the detail and have good relationships with the clients. Ridah Iqbal is wonderful to work with – gets on top of complex detail quickly and commercially minded.’
‘Comprehensive understanding of large scale and complex international arbitrations.’
‘Mark Howarth is wise beyond his years. A great strategic thinker he is always maximizing his clients interests.’
‘Extremely well organised with motivated and high performing team members’
‘Luisa Zukowski is very able and experienced’
‘Excellent, first class litigation practice.’
Key clients
Director of the Serious Fraud Office
National Iranian Oil Company
Department for Transport
DXC
McCain
Johnson Matthey plc
Specsavers
WeWork
Arco
DHL
Stewarts Law LLP
Stewarts Law LLP has ‘fantastic strength and depth in heavy commercial litigation’, acting on high-profile and high-value claims, with expertise in corporate and commercial litigation, civil fraud, cartel damages, and IT disputes. Blue-chip clients including Marks & Spencer frequently instruct the team. ‘Fantastic lawyer and great leader‘ Mo Bhaskaran is the head of the team, specialising in fraud cases. ‘Super litigator’ Kate Pollock is a key practitioner within the team, acting on some of the highest-value competition damage claims nationally.
Practice head(s):
Mo Bhaskaran
Other key lawyers:
Kate Pollock; Nick Haworth; Ed Holmes; Pia Mithani; Hannah Jones; Stuart Carson; Matthew Tighe; Martin Walsh
Testimonials
‘Fantastic strength and depth in heavy commercial litigation, running a massive civil fraud case with elements spanning multiple jurisdictions.’
‘Mo Bhaskaran has excellent strategy, leadership and commercial judgment. Martin Walsh is a first-rate lawyer on top of the case and with excellent drafting. Nick Haworth and Pia Mithani are dedicated team players robustly promoting the client’s interests. Ed Holmes is a very experienced and technically excellent associate. Kate Howard and Hannah Jones work tirelessly as junior associates with amazing organisational skills.’
‘One of the strongest teams in the North – they have an excellent mix of partners and associates with in-depth expertise in both general commercial litigation and competition litigation, and can call for back-up from the London team where necessary. Very collegiate atmosphere among the team. They are brilliant at constructing a case – whether large-scale group litigation or acting for individual corporates/individuals.’
‘Kate Pollock is a superb litigator -she has great commercial acumen and is an A1 communicator. She always has the client’s confidence.’
‘Stuart Carson is a fairly new partner but always on top of the detail and builds a very good rapport with both clients and counsel.’
‘Matthew Tighe is very diligent and personable, and knows his way round all the minutiae of civil procedure.’
‘Pia Mithani is excellent with great judgment and real attention to detail. Mo Bhaskaran is also very astute and commercially minded.’
‘Mo Bhaskaran is the team leader – he is a fantastic lawyer and a great leader. Martin Walsh and Nick Haworth are also excellent.’
Key clients
Marks and Spencer
Asda Stores Limited
Argos (now owned by Sainsbury’s)
Wm Morrisons Supermarkets plc
Centrica plc, British Gas
QVC
LaFargeHolcim Limited
Gemalto NV and others
Public Institution for Social Security, Kuwait
Work highlights
- Represented ASDA, Argos and Morrisons in the £500m high-profile and long-running interchange fee litigation against Mastercard.
- Acting for Gemalto in €multi-hundred million claim following the European Commission’s €138m fine against Infineon, Philips, Samsung and Renesas.
- Acting for Marks and Spencer in follow-on damages claim relying on European Commission’s imposition of €3.73bn fines on truck manufacturers for cartel operations.
Walker Morris LLP
The ‘astute commercial litigation practice’ at Walker Morris LLP acts frequently for leading national and international food and drink manufacturers, energy and infrastructure, heavy industry, and retail clients. The team acts on cross-border disputes, instructed by many leading UK and global companies. In addition to the bench strength of the pure commercial disputes, the practice is complemented by the banking, construction, and real-estate litigation teams of the firm. ‘Highly skilled, impressive and pragmatic‘ Gwendoline Davies leads the team, with expertise in litigation, arbitration, and ADR. Managing partner Malcolm Simpson has an impressive practice, representing global US headquartered firms and FTSE 100 clients. Nick Lees is also a key experienced figure in the team. Director Lynsey Oakdene remains a key player, handling a broad range of commercial disputes.
Practice head(s):
Gwendoline Davies
Other key lawyers:
Malcolm Simpson; Nick Lees; Nick McQueen; Stuart Ponting; Lynsey Oakdene
Testimonials
‘Astute commercial litigation practice able to advise on a range of commercial disputes from inception through to mediation/adjudication.’
‘Nick McQueen – excellent judgement on merits and risks and good letter drafting skills.’
‘The Walker Morris team have been a constant point of contact for us throughout a number of very technical and complex disputes. They have consistently been available to offer support, advice and guidance whenever needed, frequently on short notice and outside of normal working hours. This has been invaluable given the time difference between the various jurisdictions involved (UK, US and China), allowing us to make real progress in short timescales.
‘Not only does the team have impressive technical knowledge and legal skills, but they offer practical, commercial advice that is easily accessible to us and our global legal teams. It has been a real team effort and the support of Walker Morris has made all the difference in ensuring we achieve the best possible result in incredibly challenging circumstances. The right advisors have been available to provide the advice we need, whenever we need it. We have lawyers instructed worldwide, but the Walker Morris team have been the focal point, driving things forward for us. It can sometime be daunting instructing foreign lawyers, but the entire process, from the start to date has been effortless and consistent with Walker Morris.’
‘Gwendoline Davies, Partner and head of the Commercial Dispute Resolution team at Walker Morris. Gwendoline is a highly skilled, impressive and pragmatic lawyer who has been constantly available in fluid circumstances, despite the various jurisdictions involved in the dispute matters. Gwendoline clearly has vast technical knowledge and an impressive legal skillset, but the main thing we’ve needed throughout the process is practical commercial advice and that is exactly what we receive every time we pick up the phone to Gwendoline. We have, throughout this entire process, felt in the best and most capable of hands with Gwendoline, who is constantly live to all considerations and engages with the complexities of difficult and unusual circumstances. Gwendoline has also worked closely with our third party advisors (in UK, US and China), providing crucial input on issues that form part of a wider piece of work, ensuring we receive the highest levels of service.
‘Stuart Ponting is a partner in the Regulatory and Compliance team at Walker Morris – Stuart has worked with both our US and Chinese advisors to ensure we effectively demonstrate compliance with UK specific product safety legislation in particular relating to personal protective equipment supplied to the UK government during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stuart’s expertise as a consumer safety lawyer has allowed us to respond efficiently and effectively to requests from the Department of Health and Social Care’s technical assurance team. Also, his understanding of the complexities of medical device regulation together with his experience as a defence advocate ensures his sound legal and commercial advice is consistently of the highest quality.’
‘This is a really commercially astute practice with pragmatic commercial and disputes advice that works really well with in-house teams to deliver advice that the client wants.’
‘Shout out to Nick McQueen – an excellent lawyer and person. His friendly and direct communication style puts the client at ease. Strategic advice is supported by excellent experience and commercial knowledge.’
Key clients
Mobile Broadband Network Limited
SmartestEnergy Limited
Caterpillar Group (International)
Avant Homes
British Steel
Hallmark
Lucozade
ENGIE / EQUANS
Drax Group (Drax Power, Drax Energy Solutions, Opus)
Kier Group
Arla (UK and Netherlands)
Bupa
Starbucks
Precision Cast Parts
Evri (formerly Hermes)
Work highlights
- Acted for Arla in order to obtain urgent pre-emptive injunctive relief, from the High Court in London, against protestors who intended to disrupt the dairy industry for a period of several weeks.
- Acted on a substantial transaction related litigation arising out of an M&A deal by which a national car park maintenance provider was acquired in a private equity backed deal.
- Acted on a partnership and shareholder dispute centred around a family farming and construction business.
Clarion
The team at Clarion has expertise in shareholder, technology-related disputes, judicial review, and multi-million pound contract and supply chain disputes. International disputes are another mainstay of the practice, courtesy of ‘best friend’ relationships with overseas law firms. Simon Young, founding partner of the firm, is the head of the team, with vast experience advising and international clients. ‘Commercial, efficient and astute’ David Williams is a name to note. Legal director Kayleigh Fantoni handles high-value claims, leading the firm's financial litigation offering.
Practice head(s):
Simon Young
Other key lawyers:
David Williams; Aby Milner; Dominic Higham; Kayleigh Fantoni
Testimonials
‘Clarion is an excellent firm. Clients particularly like their relaxed and informal approach, but also the excellent legal advice and commercial approach to everything they do. They do very high value cases but always keep costs in mind. And have a great team atmosphere which makes clients feel comfortable and always receiving top work product. David Williams and Aby Milner are particularly excellent.’
‘David Williams is highly experienced, an excellent lawyer, very laid back but also commercial, efficient and astute.’
‘Good clear and concise advice. The Clarion team take time to listen to what you wish to achieve and then build the legal strategy and approach around this.’
‘Dominic Higham is approachable and takes time to understand the business. This sets him apart from competitors who merely want to ‘earn the fees’. Dominic has taken the time to understand our company’s solutions and even visited one of our customer sites to see our facilities in operation. This enables him to understand our issues through the lens of our strategic objectives.’
Key clients
Intersystems
Sports Direct
Continental AG and Dunlop Oil and Marine
Fraser Group
Evri/Hermes Parcels
Redcentric plc
LNT Group
Caddick Group Plc
The Shard
SBFM
RN Restaurant Group
Troy Food Salads Ltd
Vanguard Healthcare Solutions
Work highlights
- Advising the Continental AG on issues arising under various contracts to deliver sub-sea hoses and related service for $multi-billion liquid natural gas projects off the coasts of Western Australia, Brazil and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Freeths LLP
Freeths LLP is noted for having ‘a strong team of commercial litigators who are able to master any commercial claim efficiently and effectively.’ Group actions, competition litigation, international arbitration, and shareholder disputes form much of the work of the team, who also have a wealth of experience in professional negligence claims, pensions disputes, and banking and financial services disputes. ‘Incisive and quick to get down to business’ James Hartley is the head of the team that consists of ‘exceptional’ Lindsey Clegg, ‘excellent project manager’ Imogen Randall, and senior associate Chloe Oram, noted for her ‘excellent attention to detail and strategic judgement’.
Practice head(s):
James Hartley
Other key lawyers:
Lindsey Clegg; Imogen Randall; Chloe Oram
Testimonials
‘A strong team of commercial litigators who are able to master any commercial claim efficiently and effectively.’
‘James Hartley is incisive and quick to get down to business.’
‘Lindsey Clegg is an exceptional lawyer, strong determined with serious experience and knowledge of arbitration and litigation. Clients from many spheres count themselves lucky to have Lindsey on their side.’
‘Lindsey Clegg – a commercially minded and astute litigator, who has handled a difficult and demanding client very well.’
‘I have worked on numerous cases with Freeths over the years. I would distill the best features of working with Freeths by focusing on three main areas: collaborative approach with counsel, client care and engagement, and diversity of the team.’
‘James Hartley (Partner): Very commercially astute. Makes big and important calls under pressure and in a manner that is calming for a client.’
‘Imogen Randall (Director): Excellent project manager of a case. Even in the most difficult and sprawling of cases, she’s able to substantively be across all issues and run a team in an efficient and effective manner.’
‘Chloe Oram (Senior Associate): Chloe is a pleasure to work with. As she has been taking on more responsibility for running cases in her own right, she continues to exhibit excellent attention to detail and strategic judgment, whilst always being attuned to her client’s needs every step of the way.’
Key clients
Post Office Group Action and current work with UK Government on Scheme design
Mayfly GWR Offshore Containers Industria e Commercio LTDA
Wealth at Work Limited
MGS Technical Plastics Limited
Aldi Stores Limited
Travelodge Hotels Limited
A-Safe HQ Limited
Azex Leasing
Atlas International B.V.
Work highlights
- Representing Mayfly GWR, the Brazilian subsidiary of a UK manufacturer in a complex, multi-jurisdiction, multi-contract dispute arising out of the breach of minimum purchase obligations.
- Appointed by the UK Government to support and advise on the design and implementation of a compensation scheme for the circa 500 postmasters involved in the High Court Group Action against Post Office Limited.
- Advising Azex Leasing Limited, an Irish domiciled aircraft lessor, and its Guarantor, Atlas International, in Commercial Court proceedings brought by the owner of several commercial passenger aircraft, Alterna, in a dispute involving complex points of law arising in the geo-political context of the outbreak of war and the interaction of the various international sanctions regimes.
Pinsent Masons LLP
The team at Pinsent Masons LLP acts for eminent domestic and international companies on a wide range of cross-border work, including shareholder disputes and civil fraud, complex contractual disputes, corporate brand protection, restrictive covenant enforcement, and brand preservation litigation. Tech and IT disputes, pensions litigation, environmental, and university disputes are all key areas of focus of the team. James McBurney is the head of the team, with experience leading on high-value, complex corporate litigation. Along with senior associate Lindsay Lawton, the pair is commended for ‘their calm, friendly but highly efficient and outcome focused approach to dispute resolution’.
Practice head(s):
James McBurney
Other key lawyers:
Julian Sladdin; Lindsay Lawton; Stephanie Badrock
Testimonials
‘A firm full of great lawyers and friendly people, who are client committed and provide an excellent service.’
‘James McBurney and Lindsay Lawton us with a complicated dispute in respect of unpaid invoices by a party which eventually went into administration. There were a number of issues raised and various dispute resolution processes in place at the same time. What makes James and Lindsay stand out is their calm, friendly but highly efficient and outcome focused approach to dispute resolution. Rather than get involved in aggressive tactics and mud slinging, they focus on the hard facts and achieving the most positive commercial solution for the client.’
Key clients
London Borough of Lambeth
Verizon Sourcing LLC
Forterra Building Products Limited
Imagination Technologies Limited
United Utilities plc
University College London
JD Wetherspoon plc
London Borough of Lambeth
London School of Economics and Political Science
The Resort Group plc
Work highlights
- Advising or acting for eight leading or Russell Group universities in proposed group litigation brought by Asserson Law Offices and Harcus Parker Limited on behalf of students and former students who allege that their universities were in breach of contract due to cancellation or the moving online of teaching and learning in 2018-21 due to industrial action and the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Acted for London Borough of Lambeth in two claims in the High Court arising out of an alleged data breach in 2015.
Squire Patton Boggs
The ‘very commercial, always responsive and client focused‘ team at Squire Patton Boggs acts on complex and high-value disputes and ‘are very skilled not just at litigation strategy, but also commercial strategy’. Clients of the team derive from the financial services, utilities, IT, manufacturing, and retail sectors. ‘Great all rounder‘ Jason Blakey leads the team out of Leeds alongside David Holland. At associate level, ‘very sound litigator’ Matthew Campbell and ‘stand-out performer’ Jenny Broderick are noted.
Practice head(s):
Jason Blakey; David Holland
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Campbell; Jenny Broderick
Testimonials
‘SPB bring an excellent mix of US and UK legal skills under one roof.’
‘Jason Blakey has remained engaged throughout on our recent litigation case. Excellent judgement and always available. Works well with Counsel.’
‘The team are very skilled not just at litigation strategy, but also commercial strategy. In litigation, this is key to understanding why the client wants or requires a certain outcome. Other firms can miss the mark on this and SPB Leeds certainly did not.
‘Their knowledge on specialist areas (food automation) was second to none and it is refreshing to see a practice with such a diverse range of experience in different areas. E-discovery was particularly smooth with everything done remotely and securely.’
‘Jason Blakey is a great all rounder, great negotiation strategy skills and experience. Friendly, personable and able to get the other side to the table and talking. Always available and very easy to have a frank discussion with.’
‘The stand out performer is Jenny Broderick. An outstanding lawyer who really gets to what her clients are trying to achieve.’
‘Matthew Campbell – very sound litigator, tactically minded with an appetite to get the win for his clients. Gets to the route of the subject matter giving him the edge in any proceedings. Keeps very tight costs budgets, maintaining regular updates and availability second to none.’
‘Our main contact was Jenny Broderick, Senior Associate. Jenny was outstanding in being able to communicate to us what was required, why it was required and Project Managed us from start to finish. I would have no hesitation in recommending Jenny to other colleagues.’
Key clients
Chiltern Capital LLP
Kwik Fit
Quartzelec Limited
Hexadex Group
CPP Group PLC
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Clipper Logistics PLC
InTechnology PLC
Komori UK Limited
Electricity North West Limited
Euronet Worldwide Inc
Compass PLC
Northern Gas Networks
Laybuy Holdings (UK) Limited
Bright Station Group
MTech IT Solutions
Burton’s Foods Limited (t/a Burton’s Biscuits)
3volution Limited
3volution Limited‘s offering encompasses professional negligence, pensions litigation, contractual and shareholder disputes, financial services related litigation, construction disputes, contentious trusts and probate, defamation, and IP litigation. The firm is commended for taking ‘a very individual and pragmatic approach to each client,‘ the likes of span a wide range of industries. Tim Stone, co-founder of the firm, is the head of the team, with expertise in business agreement-related disputes, corporate transactions, shareholder disputes, and claims against professional advisers. Associate Jessica Bennett is a key name, with particular expertise in the energy sector. Samantha Wragg left the firm in January 2023, joining Addleshaw Goddard.
Practice head(s):
Tim Stone
Other key lawyers:
Jessica Bennett
Testimonials
‘The firm has some very specialist areas of litigation (eg trust/ probate) that many firms do not have or they do have but do not work with clients in the same empathetic way that we do. There is not a one size fits all approach – each client is dealt with in a very individual and pragmatic way.’
‘They are very available and accessible and know their stuff. They take a very individual and pragmatic approach to each client. I would go as far as saying they think outside the box and look for the best course of action for each client.’
‘I worked closely with Tim Stone who I also rate very highly.’
Key clients
Omega Atlantic Limited
Global Tech Sourcing Limited
Nexus Vehicle Management Limited
Jacobs & Turner Limited t/a Trespass
Tech Search Associates Limited
Uncle Nova Ltd
Yorpower Limited
Isokron Limited
Osamudiamen Abraham
Bath Spa University Students’ Union
Bramley Baths and Community Limited
Hur.Hair Limited
Brownlee Cale Limited
TSA Service Limited
Uncle Nova Ltd
Lisburn Caravan Centre Ltd
SureCore Limited
Dransfield Novelty Company Limited
Designer Software Limited
Recova-19 Limited
IJT Enterprises Ltd
Mackie’s Limited
Tetro Energy Limited
Willows Pre-School Limited
Aagrah Group of Restaurants (A Firm)
The Ilkley Brewery Company Limited
Jayne E Verity Limited
General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous (Great Britain) Limited
Macopharma Limited
Anthesis Energy UK Limited
Fourayes Farm Limited
The Trustees of the Bannister family Trusts
Work highlights
- Acted for a private individual in his defence of a claim and counterclaim relating to a number of property joint ventures spanning back to 1998.
- Acting for a corporate finance company in pursuit of its claim estimated in the region of £2.6 – £2.8M.
- Acting for a retail brand in a ~£1m claim against its utility broker.
Schofield Sweeney
Schofield Sweeney advises clients on across the region, nationally, and cross-borders, with clients from the manufacturing, energy, waste, education, healthcare, and professional services sectors. Bradford based James Staton is the head of the team, regularly advising on a range of commercial disputes, including shareholder disputes, intellectual property, and regulatory matters. ‘Intuitive’ senior associate Annie Hui-Gillen is also key. Other notable figures in the team include Simon Lucas and Leo Jones-Rowe.
Practice head(s):
James Staton
Other key lawyers:
Annie Hui-Gillen; Simon Lucas; Leo Jones-Rowe
Testimonials
‘Contract dispute resolution was calm and reasoned. So reasoned it couldn’t be argued against.’
‘Annie Hui-Gillen: firm yet reasoned and polite. Intuitive.’
Key clients
Sanderson Group plc
M&M Contractors (Europe) Limited
Elevation Financial Group Limited
DFDS Seaways Plc
BW Healthcare Limited
Huggon Associates Limited / Gillian Benning
Closegate Hotel Group
Switalskis Solicitors
Greenhous Group Limited
Wool Room Limited
Work highlights
- Acted on behalf of successful appellant, a Californian based businessman, in the Court of Appeal case of LA Micro Group (UK) Ltd & Anor v LA Micro Group, Inc & Ors [2021] EWCA Civ 1429, following a hearing in July 2021.
- Acting for the two sellers of a popular online vehicle trading business in defending a £4million claim commenced by their former business partner alleging that the Defendants were guilty of intimidation, causing loss by unlawful means and conspiracy to injure the Claimant by unlawful means during his time as their fellow shareholder which illegitimately pressured the Claimant into selling his shareholding to the Defendants at a supressed value in 2016.
- Acting for one of the Defendants in a £284 million civil fraud claim from the administrators of the Arena group of companies.
Shoosmiths LLP
The ‘experienced and reliable litigation team‘ at Shoosmiths LLP acts for businesses, financial institutions, non-public sector entities, and private individuals, largely on contractual disputes. David Farnell and Jonathan Mills both lead the team, specialising in high-value, complex finance disputes, often acting for banking and financial service providers. Mill joined the team from Addleshaw Goddard in July 2022.
Practice head(s):
David Farnell; Jonathan Mills
Testimonials
‘Knowledgeable team’
‘Shoosmiths have an experienced and reliable litigation team that delivers excellent results for reasonable fees.’
‘We have worked primarily with David Farnell. David made a strong impression by getting efficiently involved in a case and delivered an excellent result.’
Key clients
Capita PLC
United Group Housing Limited
Geo Quarries Limited
Paragon Development Finance Limited
Pace Properties Limited
Shawbrook Bank Limited
The Motoring Organisation Limited
Bibby Factors Limited
Bibby Financial Services Limited
Bibby Leasing Limited
Bibby Trade Factors Limited
Tyr
The team at Tyr has a ‘collection of high-quality litigation lawyers’ that provides ‘high level litigation advice across all areas at competitive regional rates’. Complex class actions and alternative funding models across sectors are a strength of the team. ‘No nonsense tough litigator’ Matthew Fidler leads the team alongside Alistair Kennedy, with the two noted as ‘a pleasure to work with’.
Practice head(s):
Alistair Kennedy; Matthew Fidler
Other key lawyers:
David Cook; Rebecca Birkby; Nigel Brook
Testimonials
‘A collection of high quality litigation lawyers. Tyr delivers the very best litigation advice and claims handling service but NOT at the prices charged by the national firms.’
‘The people are great to work with: collaborative and positive at all times. They include a diverse range of individuals but also work well as a team.’
‘Nigel Brook stands out as particularly strong. He is hard-working and thorough. He knows when to pick up the phone and make direct contact.’
‘Matthew Fidler is a no nonsense tough litigator who gives quality commercial advice with honest prospects of success. Great at putting together an over arching strategy. Nigel Brook is a cunning litigator with unbelievable perseverance’
‘Matthew Fidler and Alistair Kennedy are a pleasure to work with. They are highly responsive and are able to advise on highly complex matters in a manner that also factors in the commercial and practical issues at play. Their ability to turn around complex and highly technical advice within a short time frame is exceptionally impressive.’
‘The firm has high standards where recruitment is concerned. Alistair Kennedy continues to be the driving force with a highly analytical brain coupled with shrewd tactical ideas.’
‘High level litigation advice across all areas at competitive regional rates; a personal approach, tailored specifically at business needs; very commercial and responsive.’
‘Matthew Fidler is the person I’d trust to litigate for me personally if I was paying the bill; all round expertise in all things litigious, great tactician, collegiate in his approach, instils confidence in senior management, unflappable, seriously trusted, great value for money.’
Key clients
Logistics Plus Inc.
Closegate Hotel Group
A major company in the energy sector
Ravestein BV
Professional Representative Beneficiary
Cormorant House and Crane Court Investor Group of 160 investors
Work highlights
- Acting for Logistics Plus Inc, a leading global logistics company, headquartered in the USA, as the claimant in respect of a multi-million supply chain dispute related to PPE supplied to the UK during the early stages of the Covid 19 Pandemic.
- Representing 2 major shareholders in a large corporate which operates leading Tofu brand in dispute with the other major shareholder, a Japanese corporate.
- Acting for an Energy Company in successfully obtaining an urgent protestor injunction against persons unknown arising from protests by Just Stop Oil which received significant press coverage.
DAC Beachcroft LLP
DAC Beachcroft LLP acts on complex disputes across sectors including oil & gas, retail, health, manufacturing and engineering, and professional services. Particular expertise of the firm includes sports-related disputes, public procurement, international arbitration, technology, civil fraud and asset recovery, and corporate and M&A related claims. ‘Dedicated and thorough litigator’ Tim Pickworth is the head of the team that consists of associate Steve Barnitt. Edward Williams joined the team from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP in July 2022.
Practice head(s):
Tim Pickworth
Other key lawyers:
Steve Barnitt; Ed Williams
Testimonials
‘Hard working and good expertise’
‘Tim Pickworth – dedicated and thorough litigator.’
‘The team worked with us on a recent dispute, their knowledge of our sector was so helpful. The team understood our organisation’s objectives and goals for the dispute which made the documents they drafted and their advice exactly what we needed. The team responded to our queries quickly and efficiently, and they challenged our instructions which helped us see an alternate point of view which was really important.’
Key clients
Asda Stores Limited
Bellway Homes Limited / Bellway PLC
United Living
Structuretone Limited
International Procurement & Logistics Ltd
NHS England
Home Group Limited
St James’ Place
Sika Limited
Sika Automotive AG
Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board
Work highlights
- Advised a leading Premier League Club in resisting a multi-million pound breach of contract claim.
- Successfully defended a challenge to the decision to award a £100m contract for the provision of patient transport services.
- Advising an international engineering business in bringing multi million dollar ICC proceedings relating to a major energy project.
Gateley Legal
Gateley Legal‘s offering encompasses banking litigation, working closely with clients in the financial services sector, and on financial disputes for corporate and commercial entities. The commercial litigation practice is complemented by the asset finance disputes and financial service regulatory practices of the firm. Andrew Johnson leads the ‘strong, capable, and very client team,’ that consists of ‘excellent litigator’ Roger McCourt who has expertise in contractual disputes, professional negligence, fraud, and risk management.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Johnson
Other key lawyers:
Roger McCourt
Testimonials
‘A strong, capable and very client friendly team’
‘Roger McCourt is an excellent litigator. He is knowledgeable, dogged, committed and extremely practical and easy to work with.’
Gordons LLP
Gordons LLP impresses with its expertise in retail, food and drink, gaming, automotive, and utilities litigation, acting for many of the most prominent names in these sectors. The team is commended for its ‘levels of expertise and experience’ as well having a ‘very good commercial grasp focused on the objectives of the client.’ Stephen McVey, ‘bona fide heavyweight’ leads the team, alongside Mark Jones and Graeme Davy. Associates Catherine Woodward and ‘outstanding’ Lauren Barclay are names to note.
Practice head(s):
Stephen McVey; Mark Jones; Graeme Davy
Other key lawyers:
Catherine Woodward; Lauren Barclay
Testimonials
‘High levels of expertise and experience, with more personable service and pricing.’
‘Stephen McVey is a bona fide heavyweight commercial litigation experience, including multi-jurisdictional.’
‘Catherine Woodward has great client care skills and a brilliant eye for picking out important details from masses of documents.’
Key clients
Sky Betting and Gaming
Molson Coors Brewing Company (UK) Limited
Cox Automotive
BDO LLP
Safestyle UK plc
Moss Bros Group plc
BASF
Wren Kitchens
Cloud Nine Hair and Beauty
Vianet plc
Dualit Limited
British Garden Centres
B&M
Hermes Parcelnet Limited
Victorian Plumbing
Integra Insurance Solutions Limited
Buy It Direct Limited
Roberts Mart Limited
Bull Brand Limited
Solicitors Regulation Authority
Ocado Retail Ltd
Whole Foods Market
T.J. Morris Ltd (t/a Home Bargains)
JCT600 Limited
LCF Law
The team at LCF Law are skilled at ‘shaping effective litigation strategies for their clients’, with expertise in advising high net-worth individuals. ‘Extremely capable, competent, and commercial’ Charles Abraham leads the team, who is ‘excellent at thinking around the problem to find a commercial solution for his clients‘. ‘Effective litigator’ Roger Raper and ‘quick thinking’ Andrew Donaldson are key to the team.
Practice head(s):
Charles Abraham
Other key lawyers:
Roger Raper; Andrew Donaldson
Testimonials
‘This team are all excellent at “thinking out of the box” and shaping effective litigation strategies for their clients.’
‘Charles Abraham is a standout individual – extremely capable, competent, commercial – able to give clear advice, fight hard for his clients and also mediate and reach mutually acceptable compromises.’
‘Charles Abraham is excellent at thinking around the problem to find a commercial solution for his clients. Roger Raper is an effective litigator. Andrew Donaldson is quick-thinking.’
Key clients
The Salvation Army
BHP LLP
MKM Building Supplies
South Western Trains
Mabey Hire Ltd
Work highlights
- Advising the seller of a business in the defence of a cross border dispute involving an issued claim for more than £10 million arising from alleged breach of warranty and claims of deceit.
- Advising a utilities company in respect of a long standing Ofgem investigation for alleged breaches of the Standard Licence Conditions.
- Advising a UK based limited company on multi-million pound claims arising from earn out provisions in a sale and purchase agreement involving an international purchaser.
McCormicks
Harrogate-based McCormicks‘ offering includes contractual and construction disputes, debt recovery, professional negligence, and contentious probate. The firm has specific expertise in sports litigation, with notable clients including the Premier League, Leeds United Football Club, and Wycombe Wanderers Football Club. David Birks leads the team, having joined the firm from Newtons Solicitors Limited in November 2022. Peter McCormick OBE is a key name.
Practice head(s):
David Birks
Other key lawyers:
Peter McCormick OBE
Key clients
The Premier League
Rudding Park Ltd
Leeds United Football Club
GMI Construction Group PLC
Oracle Finance Limited
DFS Furniture Company Limited
Solicitors Indemnity Fund Limited/Legal and Professional Insurance
The Isthmian League (Bostik League)
InTechnology PLC
The Estate of the late John Strutt and associated trusts
Wycombe Wanderers Football Club
Long Mountain Shoot
Work highlights
- Represented Leeds United Football Club Limited in relation to the investigations and eventual charges brought by the FA and EFL respectively.
Raworths
The team at Raworths is a ‘leading regional practice’ lauded for their ‘excellent service to clients’. The Harrogate based office acts for clients across the ‘golden triangle’ that encompasses Leeds, York, and Harrogate, often on disputes with international elements. Matthew Hill leads the team, with a focus on commercial and real estate litigation. Jonathan Mortimer has a wealth of experience in commercial litigation, and is noted for his ‘outstanding analytical mind’. At associate level, ‘knowledgeable but approachable‘ Adam Colville-Robins is a key figure.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Hill
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Mortimer; Adam Colville-Robins
Testimonials
‘Raworths have a calm and concise approach to litigation issues. Their advice is sound and they do not fall for distracting nonsense from opposing solicitors.’
‘Their care and caution is beneficial to their clients and avoids unnecessary costs and delays.’
‘Their legal knowledge and grasp of case law is accurate and considerable and they work well with Counsel.’
‘Jonathan Mortimer deserves a special mention for his steady and knowledgeable conduct of litigation.’
‘Jonathan Mortimer has an outstanding analytical mind.’
‘Raworths is a leading regional practice, widely known for their excellent service to clients. Although the firm is reasonably small, it provides a broad and adaptable range of services for both individuals and businesses. Cases always appeared to be well managed and well-resourced with regular client communication. They provide exceptional value for clients compared to other firms. I worked with the dispute resolution team, who offered me a unique and innovative collaboration with other specialists for my case.’
‘I worked with Adam Colville-Robins (Associate) for over 2 years on a complex case with a large number of high profile defendants. Adam was exceptional. He is highly capable and knowledgeable, but also approachable, and explains legal processes clearly in “layman’s terms” to ensure the client has a good understanding of what to expect .
‘Adam Colville Robins is very able, with a good and clear grasp of all relevant applicable principles. He is astute in finding common sense solutions to difficult practical problems.’
Bevan Brittan LLP
Bevan Brittan LLP acts for private companies, lenders, high net-worth individuals, public sector clients, and public bodies in complex disputes nationally. Leeds practice head Judith Hopper has experience in professional negligence, and is praised for being ‘excellent at finding a solution to complex issues’. Associate Kyle Duggan is ‘an excellent contentious procurement litigator’ with extensive experience in public procurements. Commercial finance is another key focus for the team, with James Teagle a key name in this area.
Practice head(s):
Judith Hopper
Other key lawyers:
Kyle Duggan; James Teagle
Testimonials
‘Bevan Brittan’s contentious procurement team is extremely strong. They are real subject-matter experts and know the practice and procedure in these claims inside out.’
‘Kyle Duggan is an excellent contentious procurement litigator. He is clever, conscientious, thoughtful, and really easy to work with.’
‘Bevan Brittan have an excellent record of advising in commercial litigation matters, particularly to the public sector. The BB team work closely and collaboratively with clients and clients feel they are part of the BB team and not on the periphery.’
‘Judith Hopper, an exceptional partner. Very down to earth, able to vary communication delivery to interact with any party at the appropriate level. Judith is excellent at finding a solution to complex issues even when stakeholders on the same side have differing views and agendas.’
Key clients
Children’s Ark Partnership Limited
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
West One Limited
Aura Finance Limited, West One Limited and Strettons Limited
West One Limited
Elecnor Group
Work highlights
- Represented Children’s Ark Partnership in a case that went to the Court of Appeal and when the judgment is released will attract significant interest in the legal market because of the commentary on the interpretation and enforcement of dispute escalation procedures.
Blacks Solicitors LLP
Blacks Solicitors LLP handles the full range of commercial litigation for its clients, ranging from banking and financial disputes to charity proceedings and trustee disputes. Luke Patel leads the team, whose ‘advice and knowledge is absolutely first class,’ with particular experience in dealing with complex charity and director/shareholder disputes. ‘Cerebral litigator’ Darren Morgan ‘consistently achieves excellent results’ for his clients.
Testimonials
‘What makes Blacks Solicitors unique are the people. The members of the Commercial Litigation department I have had the pleasure of working with have been on hand as and when needed; meeting tight deadlines and ensuring the client is fully appraised of any issues arising. As Counsel, I know that the team at Blacks Solicitors will pull together in times of pressure; and the client’s interests are at the forefront of everything they do.’
‘Luke Patel- His advice and knowledge is absolutely first class’
‘Darren Morgan is a cerebral litigator who consistently achieves excellent results.’
‘There are two stand-out individuals I feel it is necessary to mention. I have had the pleasure of working with both Andrew Morgan and Darren Morgan as part of the legal team on a recent trial. It has been clear throughout my time working with them that the client feels entirely at ease with each of them – they are trusted and have a way of ensuring the client is fully re-assured, whilst retaining an understanding of the issues at hand. From Counsel’s perspective, both individuals have retained a heavy involvement in the litigation and it has been rewarding to work with both individuals as part of a strong legal team.’
‘Luke Patel is highly experienced in a range of disputes, often property-related. Darren Morgan brings a very calm air to matters, such that clients have great confidence in his unruffled manner. Yat Wong is particularly experienced in professional negligence matters. Aimee Hutchinsn has a wide range of experience including in judicial review matters arising in a commercial context. Stand out associates Andrew Morgan is very much up and coming.’
‘The one I work with is Luke Patel. His advice and knowledge is absolutely first class’
‘A strong team with good knowledge and good inter-discipline co-operation within the firm. When main fee-earner was on paternity leave the matter was taken upstairs to head of department.’
‘Luke Patel is stand out. Very ‘savvy’. Sound judgment. On top of the issues. Deploys commercial outlook. Excellent client dealing skills.’
Key clients
Pavilion Physiotherapy Clinic Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Pavilion Physiotherapy Clinic Limited in relation to wrongful termination of contracts by Yorkshire County Cricket Club Limited following the allegations of institutional racism by a former player, Azeem Rafiq.
Harrowells Solicitors
Simon Black leads the ‘extremely creative and innovative’ team at Harrowells Solicitors in York, acting on a range of complex property and construction-related disputes. Agricultural disputes and contentious probate work are also a mainstay of the firm. ‘Tenacious litigator’ Paul Burkinshaw is commended for being ‘analytical, thorough, and having good judgement.’ Richard Hugill is a ‘serious litigator and very good tactician’.
Practice head(s):
Simon Black
Other key lawyers:
Paul Burkinshaw; Richard Hugill
Testimonials
‘Engaging, talented and tenacious.’
‘Paul Burkinshaw. Analytical, thorough and good judgment.’
‘Richard Hugill is a serious litigator and very good tactician who sees the kernel of the dispute and is an excellent judge of litigation tactics and moves.’
Ramsdens Solicitors LLP
Ramsdens Solicitors LLP is praised for its ‘deep expertise and masterful tactics in litigation’ with the team commended for being ‘highly knowledgeable and confident in its advice’. Nick Armitage, a ‘highly effective commercial property litigator’ leads the team that includes Paul Booth, ‘knowledgeable and efficient’ Hilary Garnett, and associate Emily Walker, cited as a ‘skilled and personable litigation solicitor’.
Practice head(s):
Nick Armitage
Other key lawyers:
Paul Booth, Hilary Garnett; Emily Walker; Dean Hill
Testimonials
‘I have worked with members of this team and other solicitors at Ramsdens for 20 years. They are some of the best solicitors I have ever worked with. The team is well organised, reasonably priced for the clients, highly knowledgeable, confident in its advice and offers sensible Yorkshire pragmatism in all the business I have done with it.’
‘Paul Booth, extremely knowledgeable, understanding from a client perspective and has the ability to listen, and delivery / meet our immediate expectations.
‘We have been represented by Dean Hill for several years now, and have recommended him to many contacts. Dean and his team are incredibly supportive, patient, candid, and professional, taking as much time as is necessary to explain the intricacies of the law and its processes. Ramsdens have been supportive and understanding in regard to billing and have provided a wonderful service.’
Ward Hadaway LLP
Ward Hadaway LLP‘s team has experience across the healthcare, technology, energy, industrial manufacturing and engineering, and food and drink sectors. The ‘dedicated and disciplined’ team is led by Robert Thompson with Jonathan Pollard and Adrian Ballam, both key names in the Leeds office.
Practice head(s):
Robert Thompson
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Pollard; Adrian Ballam; Kate McLean; Olivia Brown
Testimonials
‘High profile commercial firm based in Leeds. Modern bespoke offices. Large well resourced team. Real strength in depth. Real experience in high value commercial dispute resolution.’
‘The team I have dealt with are always available be it via mobile phone or email. They are fast to respond.’
Key clients
Allied London
RFM Group
Solingen Private Equity Limited
ASD Lighting Plc
Mercia Technologies
Harrogate Cashmere Limited
DataArt Technologies
Ansys, Inc.
Peter Jackson & Sons Limited
Suncrop Produce Limited
Salus Controls Plc
Cardale Asset Management
Weightmans
Weightmans has an established practice that has expertise across complex contract disputes, tech-related disputes, shareholder and unfair prejudice disputes, cyber-related litigation, professional negligence, and insolvency-related litigation. The team, led by Andrew Cox, is praised as ‘approachable, quick to respond, and very thorough’. Key contacts include ‘very professional, commercial, and strong communicator’ Anthony Rance, ‘robust but commercially-minded’ associate John McWilliams, and ‘excellent’ James Peel and Charles Boyne.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Cox
Other key lawyers:
Anthony Rance; John McWilliams; James Peel; Charles Boyne; Mark Reeves
Testimonials
‘Weightmans has a talented multi-disciplined team of legal professionals who have demonstrated their agility to work cohesively to deliver solutions to complex commercial transactions’
‘James Peel was extremely professional, assisted by Charles Boyne. The process was delivered in a kind manner and we were comforted by their approach.’
‘Anthony Rance – partner – very professional, commercial and a strong communicator Mark Reeves – associate’
‘We experienced a very positive and excellent service with the team at Weightmans who have broad and professional legal expertise. They have a wide range of specialists who bring expertise to the different aspects of a case where needed. We had transferred our case to Weightmans from another firm who had failed to make any headway and yet generated high costs for little progress. This previous experience contrasted in every way to the highly professional, legally strategic, and caring approach of Weightmans and we cannot praise them highly enough.’
‘The team consistently deals with high quality work and deals with that work in a very high-quality manner. They are approachable, always quick to respond, and are very thorough. When I am instructed by the team as counsel, I know I will be receiving a very good brief, with very good instructions.’
‘John McWilliams, Principal Associate in Leeds, stands out. He is exceptionally thorough, and always fights hard for his clients. His oral and written communication with counsel, clients and opponents is always impressive. He is robust but remains commercially minded.’
‘The Weightmans team are pragmatic with their approach to an issue while also being able to think outside of the box to find the best and most effective solution. The approach they take allows for me to easily review documents and to collaborate with them, where appropriate, to ensure that the work is carried out in the most effective way, thereby saving time and money. The systems provide detailed billing so that I can see exactly what work has been carried out within the period which is essential when tracking actual time and costs versus budgeted time and costs.’
‘Anthony Rance in particular has always gone above and beyond in all aspects of work that he has undertaken. No matter what time day or night, if an urgent issue arose, or a deadline was fast approaching, he would always do whatever was required to get the job done in his usual professional and diligent manner.’
Key clients
Tanfield Group Plc
Leeds City Council
Sovini Group
Peterborough City Council
Work highlights
- Acting for AIM-listed Tanfield Group plc in a multi-million pound professional negligence claim against a major UK firm and a US based firm.
- Defending multi-million pound Part 20 proceedings in a case that involved allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation.
- Acting for a local authority in a tri-partite dispute with a FTSE 250 company and a commercial landlord