Gardner Leader LLP

Gardner Leader LLP offers the full range of legal support giving clients trust, value and peace of mind with specialist teams across commercial, residential property, family, dispute resolution and inheritance protection. Gardner Leader has been at the heart of the Berkshire community for over 120 years, with offices across the Thames Valley area. Typical clients are individuals and businesses across and beyond Thames Valley ranging from first time buyers and start-ups to venture capital funds, charities and PLCs.

In 2017, Gardner Leader were proud to be the winner of The Maidenhead & Windsor Business Awards Best SME award and shortlisted for Fast growing business award. They were also shortlisted for The Law Society’s Excellence Award for Law Management, The LawNet Law Firm of the Year Award and Team of the Year Award (Litigation) and were runner-up in The British Legal Technology Team of the Year.

Practice areas
Corporate and commercial: Giving support to businesses in the region and beyond, with corporate commercial matters including mergers and acquisitions, restructuring and reorganisation, lending and refinancing and commercial contracts.

Real estate - Commercial property:The team assist with the full range of commercial property issues and act for a wide variety of national and independent clients on matters including site acquisitions for development, re-financing work and acquisitions and disposals of shops, offices and factories.

Employment: The firm act for individuals and businesses, including representing employees in the employment tribunal and in negotiating settlements. They also work with employers to update contracts and policies, manage HR issues, such as redundancy exercises, performance management, grievance and disciplinary procedures.

Dispute resolution: Gardner Leader represent a wide range of clients from individuals to large organisations in litigious matters and aim to make the process as smooth as possible, whilst achieving the best outcome for their client. Litigation might be around a commercial, property or personal dispute or perhaps in relation to probate issues brought by beneficiaries including family members or charitable beneficiaries.

Managing risk and reputation: Whether due to planned events or unforeseen crisis such as a health and safety incident, clients may on occasion require an adviser to help mitigate against adverse outcomes. The team recognise the value of reputation and work proactively to ensure reputation remains protected. Reputational risk may also be required if an employee has been accused of a criminal offence, and in this regard we are able to offer expertise, reputation and discretion.

Family: Experts in taking clients through often what is a difficult time and tenacious in pursuit of clients’ interests, the team give peace of mind that everything will be done to get the best outcome. The team can advise in relation to pre-nuptial and co-habitating agreements and deal with cases involving complex assets and overseas interests/parties.

Wills, probate and estate planning: Whether you are considering making your own will, need advice on assisting a relative in making one, or are currently dealing with an estate of a deceased loved one, the legal considerations and processes involved can be complex and daunting. Gardner Leader can give you the information and support you need, offering specialist help.

Residential property: The team enjoy working with clients to achieve timely completions, whilst ensuring all issues have been checked and addressed. The team train others on topics such as top tips for first time buyers and tips for those buying property to let.