Michelmores LLP

Adam is a Partner and Barrister, with broad legal and practical experience, and a focus on delivering bespoke advice, strategic direction, and novel drafting, in cases and deals which involve complex interrelationships between diverse areas of law. He works with interesting and progressive clients in a range of sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, public service, and food and beverage. He still appears in Court, before Arbitrators, and the Tribunals and particularly enjoys rent reviews, public law challenges, and cases which blend public law and private rights. Adam also has a busy advisory practice, particularly advising rural arbitrators. He was Chair of the Firm’s Litigators’ Committee for six years, during which time Adam redrafted retainers, wrote a number of policies, responded to consultations on behalf of the Firm, and delivered three conferences for 80 talented litigators. Expertise Agriculture Environment Natural Capital Natural Capital Natural Capital for Development Natural Capital for Funders & Investors Natural Capital for Land Managers Natural Capital for Local & Central Government Sustainable Economy Recent experience Guiding Freshways Dairy through their financing of, and merger with Medina Dairy, and coordinating with corporate, commercial, competition, Real Estate, and Finance colleagues across the Firm. Advising a non-ministerial departmental government body on statutory powers and objects in connection with land ownership, access to land, and property transactions. Acting as a legal assessor to an Arbitrator appointed by the President of the RICS to determine an agricultural landlord and tenant dispute. Leading advice to the Clinton Devon Estate on their Lower Otter River regeneration project, constructed on behalf of the Environment Agency, with LEDER funding, providing new intertidal habitat and significant natural capital. Litigating a dispute over the title to a significant amount of highly valuable malt whisky, where the vendor exercised a lien upon the basis of perceived failure to comply with duty regulations.

Adam Kean

Senior Associate in BPE's Corporate team. Adam's clients range from local, national and international clients on mergers and acquisitions, restructuring and reorganisations, private equity investments and equity and capital markets transactions. Adam specialises in private equity, venture capital transactions and early stage fundraising. He has extensive experience within the renewable energy sector, assisting with all corporate aspects across all technologies, including on-shore wind, biomass, solar and energy storage. He has also acted for some of Europe’s leading renewable energy funds, including Next Energy Capital, Blackfinch Investment, Anesco and Rockfire Capital.His clients range from owner managers through to global companies and private equity houses. Adam’s clients include Blackfinch Investment, Boultbee Finance Limited, Howard Tenens Limited and Hieta Technologies Limited.

Alan Tate

I’m a Consultant in Michelmores’ Construction & Engineering team. I am a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building. I advise companies and public sector bodies on the transactional side on both the procurement and construction of projects and developments. Before re-training as a Solicitor, I worked in the construction industry for 20 years as a quantity surveyor for a number of well-known national and regional construction companies. This provides me with a detailed knowledge of the construction sector. Whilst I do act for some building contractors, many of my clients are those businesses and public bodies who are commissioning complex and high value construction projects. These projects include: advising on off-site modular projects; renewable energy projects, one-off, high value projects; new hospitals; housing developments and specialist advice on engineering projects. I have previously advised within the rail sector and am currently advising a number of airport clients. I also provide due diligence advice on the sale, acquisition or funding of a portfolio of projects. I work with a fantastic team of colleagues in our Construction and Engineering team. On the transactional side, our job is to draft, advise and negotiate the construction documentation within the context of the project. To achieve this we often advise on the use of the various published forms of contract such as the JCT, NEC and engineering contracts. We also advise on consultant’s appointments and sundry documents such as collateral warranties and bonds etc. All of this advice is provided to meet the project program. The team provides on-going advice on such topics as the Building Safety Act and ESG. Expertise Construction & Engineering Health Sector Alan Tate - Consultant - Specialist Real Estate Team | Michelmores

Alexa Payet

I am a specialist trusts and estates litigator, with particular expertise in disputes focusing on trust and probate claims and contentious Court of Protection matters. I act for a wide range of clients based nationally and internationally, including beneficiaries, trustees, personal representatives, and charities. I frequently advise on high value and/or complex probate and estate disputes, including invalidity claims, capacity and construction issues, as well as claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. I advise in a broad range of trust related actions, including trustee-beneficiary disputes and applications for the removal of trustees. I also advise families regarding the potential financial consequences of assisted suicide and applications for relief from forfeiture under the Forfeiture Act 1982 and have acted in for the successful Claimants in the landmark decisions in Ninian v Findlay [2019] EWHC 297 (Ch) and Morris v Morris [2024] EWHC 2554 (Ch). I am sensitive to the needs of my clients and always strive to marry high-quality and pragmatic legal advice with a thoughtful and personable manner. I am a full member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists, a full member of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers, an Affiliate member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, and a qualified solicitor advocate. Expertise Assisted Dying and Relief from Forfeiture Challenging the Validity of a Will Charity Legacy Administration Disputed Wills & Estates Estate Disputes Inheritance Act Claims Mental Capacity Personal Disputes Private Wealth Proprietary Claims Trust Disputes Alexa Payet - Partner - Disputed Wills & Estates | Michelmores

Alexandra Watson

I’m a Partner in the Corporate team. I specialise in giving commercial, pragmatic advice to corporate clients with a focus on investments, M&A, fundraising and project finance for private equity and corporates in the sustainable economy who share similar values when it comes to operating their businesses in a responsible way. Within that sector, I have particular experience with energy and waste infrastructure projects, financial services and natural capital. I joined Michelmores in 2013, having spent the previous nearly ten years at national firm TLT. Expertise Corporate Energy Environment Legal Services in Asia Natural Capital Natural Capital for Development Natural Capital for Funders & Investors Natural Capital for Land Managers Natural Capital for Local & Central Government Sustainable Economy Alexandra Watson - Partner - Corporate | Michelmores

Alice Daniels

I am a Partner in the Litigation and Regulatory Disputes team. I work closely with trustees, beneficiaries (including minors and their litigation friends) to advise them on disputes relating to the administration of estates, off-shore trusts and professional negligence. I also assist individuals and companies to navigate a range of domestic and international disputes, enforce judgments and make financial recoveries in the UK, Europe and Africa. I have particular experience in advising on cases involving complex fraud where I assist my clients to progress their investigations and assess the risks of investigating and tracing the recovery of assets. This work often involves urgent interim remedies such as asset freezing injunctions and disclosure orders. I joined Michelmores in 2007, starting as a paralegal at the Firm whilst completing my legal studies, and then being supported to progress my career to Partner level. Expertise Civil Fraud & Asset Recovery Commercial & Regulatory Disputes International International Private Wealth Private Wealth Trust Disputes Alice Daniels - Partner - Commercial & Regulatory Disputes | Michelmores

Andrew Baines

I am the Head of Michelmores’ Specialist Real Estate team, and the leader of the Property Litigation team. I have over 26 years’ experience of coming up with the answers to property-related problems, and helping clients fight, or navigate their way through them. Clients particularly value my judgment, my negotiating skills, and my ability to resolve their disputes outside litigation. But when litigation is involved, my experience covers all forums: from mediation, to arbitration; expert determination, the property tribunals and court action. I have been involved in a number of notable, reported cases in the High Court and Court of Appeal. I have a first-rate team of lawyers to assist me. We pride ourselves on delivering the highest standard of service, and pragmatic and constructive advice. Expertise Agriculture Banking & Finance International International Private Wealth Landlord & Tenant Personal Disputes Professional Negligence Real Estate Trust Disputes Wealth Management Andrew Baines - Partner - Specialist Real Estate Team | Michelmores

Anna Wood

I’m a Partner in Michelmores’ Construction and Engineering team. I work with developers, contractors and consultants to help deliver exciting and often complex new projects. I also specialise in dispute resolution, advising clients on the legal and commercial strengths and weaknesses of their position so that they are best placed to achieve the outcome that is right for them. My clients and their projects are based all over England and Wales, but I have a strong connection with Gloucestershire and the South West. I have worked with many of my clients and referrers for over a decade but still enjoy forging new relationships with both private individuals and representatives of organisations of all sizes. Whilst I enjoy supporting clients on long term projects, I am perhaps best known for being able to react quickly to urgent situations, whether that be a speedy review of a building contract or letter of intent, or responding to a threat of imminent legal action. I love the adrenaline that this urgency brings and work hard to quickly get to grips with the key legal and commercial issues and then bring calm to the situation for my client. I joined Michelmores in January 2022 having spent over a decade developing my practice at a Gloucestershire-based firm. I was drawn to Michelmores because of its culture of collaboration and aiming to make the world a better place through our work. It is an exciting place to work and I believe that our clients truly benefit from this positivity. I am also proud to sit on the Board of Constructing Excellence South West. This role really helps me to keep abreast of the issues and challenges faced by the sector which in turn means I am better able to give truly commercial advice. Expertise Construction & Engineering Anna Wood - Partner - Specialist Real Estate Team | Michelmores

Anne Todd

I am a Partner in the Commercial team, based in London. I advise a diverse range of clients, ranging from start-ups and SMEs to multi-national corporations. I lead the London Technology & Innovation practice and am a member of the data protection and intellectual property groups. I am a former in-house lawyer and General Counsel including at Balfour Beatty, BT, Sodexo, Storm Telecommunications, Tesco and Vodafone. I use my extensive in-house experience to provide practical day-to-day ‘outside general counsel’ legal advice and to build long-term relationships with my clients. I have an LLM in Communications & Computer Law and have been advising clients in the communications, technology and digital sector for over 25 years. I advise on all kinds of commercial contracts in this sector, including communications services, IT outsourcing and managed services, software licenses, cloud computing, SaaS and data centre services. I act on behalf of providers and enterprise buyers. I am especially interested in emerging technologies, during my career I have been involved in the launch of new technologies which have become essential to our lives, including mobile communications, public internet services, smart-phones, and mobile apps. I am fascinated by the opportunities and challenges of AI technology. My experience also includes energy, financial services, hotels and hospitality, consumer brands and franchising. I advise businesses on international expansion, international supply chain, distribution arrangements and joint ventures. I am keenly interested in matters relating to ESG and how this can be addressed in supply chain relationships to ensure sustainability and diversity. As a co-founder of a private equity backed international telecoms business which grew rapidly, I enjoy supporting early-stage businesses. I am a member of the Michelmores team supporting MAINstream and MiVentures. I am a member of the Society for Computers & Law, Women in Telecoms and Technology and the International Association of Privacy Professionals. Expertise Accelerated M&A Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Commercial Consumer Brands Data Protection & Privacy Energy Entrepreneurs FinTech Intellectual Property International MAINstream MiVentures Sustainable Economy Technology & Innovation Venture Capital & Early Stage Fundraising Anne Todd - Partner - Commercial | Michelmores

Ashley Pigott

I am a Partner in the Construction and Engineering team based in Exeter. I joined in May 2024. I was Articled at Macfarlanes and joined Wragge&Co (now GowlingWLG) on qualification in 1986. I am experienced in all forms of dispute resolution on all types of construction and engineering contracts. I have been an Adjudicator on TeCSA’s panel for over 20 years and regularly act as an Adjudicator which helps my clients when presenting their cases. I have represented parties in some of the leading cases in construction law I acted for the successful claimant in Harmon CFEM v House of Commons (the leading procurement case), for Morrison Construction in the first Adjudication enforcement case (Macob), for the JV of contractors building the M6 Toll Road in a series of Adjudications, three TCC cases and one Court of Appeal (a leading case on Equivalent Project Relief in a PFI contract), Hyder on adjudication enforcement versus Carillion (leading authority on what constitutes a decision) and Interserve v Safeway (no greater liability in collateral warranties). Other notable projects I have acted on include New Sadlers Wells Theatre, Spinnaker Tower, and the Olympic Stadium in London. I have been listed as a leading practitioner in the Who’s Who Legal: Construction 2024 report, which provides in-depth analysis to the world’s elite construction lawyers and experts. I am a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, The Society of Construction Law, and TeCSA Expertise Construction & Engineering Ashley Pigott- Partner - Specialist Real Estate | Michelmores

Ben Sharples

Ben is a partner in Michelmores renowned Agriculture team. He specialises in resolving disputes arising from the use and ownership of rural land and has a wide-ranging expertise across the entire sector. He is dual qualified as also a Chartered Surveyor and Valuer and provides clients with pragmatic legal advice avoiding disputes wherever possible. He regularly acts as a legal assessor to arbitrators and am a member of both the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) Arbitrators and Mediators Panel. Ben also heads up the Michelmores Natural Capital team advising clients on issues relating to carbon sequestration, payments for environmental services and sustainability. This mix of contentious expertise and environmental experience is of particular relevance in this new and rapidly developing market where agreements need to be flexible enough to embrace as yet unknown future opportunities, and sufficiently clear so as to avoid disputes. Expertise Agriculture Environment Natural Capital Sustainable Economy Ben Sharples FRICS FAAV FCIArb - Partner - Agriculture | Michelmores

Ben Hogan

I’m a Partner in Michelmores’ Projects team. I advise a broad range of clients in connection with infrastructure projects, commercial projects and major outsourcings in a variety of sectors, including health, education, electronic identification, defence and waste & resource management. My practice has three key areas of focus: advising investors, lenders and service providers in relation to a broad range of new project finance and commercial projects; advising some of the UK’s leading investors, service providers and public sector bodies in relation to operational PPP and waste & resource management projects; and advising on infrastructure secondary markets transactions. I enjoy building strong and lasting relationships with our clients and take great satisfaction from helping those clients to develop and maintain sustainable infrastructure facilities or technology solutions that deliver wider public benefits. I joined Michelmores in 2014, having previously worked in London, Manchester and New Zealand. Expertise Emerging Markets Energy Environment Joint Ventures Projects & Infrastructure Real Estate Sustainable Economy Ben Hogan - Partner - Projects | Michelmores

Catherine Davis

I have worked in transactional construction for nearly 20 years, gaining experience in London and Birmingham before joining Michelmores in 2017. During those years I have gained experience of all major standard forms of contract, from NEC to JCT to FIDIC and everything in between, working for clients including banks, developers, contractors, sub-contractors and professional consultants. I have a particular interest in construction management procurement in the energy and development sectors, and have been able to help clients save time and cost using this under-used methodology. I’ve always enjoyed working in construction law – it is great to be involved right at the inception of a project which you then get to see ‘in the flesh’ when it’s finished. I like to go with my clients to visit their sites pre-contract where possible – that gives me a much clearer insight to potential contractual or site-driven issues than just looking at plans or pictures in the office. The best thing about the team here at Michelmores is its collaborative working approach. We have some market-leading lawyers but the team has fostered a culture in which everyone can ask questions and ask for others’ opinions. We can often be found discussing a difficult clause or talking through some complex drafting in order to make best use of everyone’s talents to get our clients a great outcome. Michelmores’ agile working approach also gives me the time to fulfil my voluntary work as an on-call rescuer and search dog handler with Dartmoor Rescue Group. Knowing that I can (where client commitments permit) re-schedule my working hours if a call-out comes in is invaluable – both to me and to those I am called out to assist. Expertise Construction & Engineering Energy Catherine Davis - Consultant Solicitor - Specialist Real Estate | Michelmores

Charles Courtenay

I am a Partner in Michelmores’ Commercial & Regulatory Disputes team, focusing on intellectual property and other complex disputes, with particular emphasis on cross-border, technology, and finance matters. I am dual qualified as an English barrister and a California attorney. I have litigated and advised in many major IP matters (including patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret cases), along with a number of important contract disputes in software and other technology and finance industries. I have taken key matters to trial and arbitration both in England and the United States, winning a number of important and valuable decisions. Before joining Michelmores, I led the European Intellectual Property Disputes team at Latham & Watkins, London, and spent time in-house at JP Morgan. Previously, I worked for eight years with Latham in Los Angeles, litigating for a number of the world’s leading technology firms. I am also the 19th Earl of Devon, and in 2018, I was elected to the House of Lords as a Crossbench Hereditary Peer, where I champion the interests of Devon and speak on Technology, Heritage, Agriculture, and the Environment. I am a member of the Intellectual Property All Party Parliamentary Group as well as the AI APPG. I chair conferences on technology and AI-related matters for the Westminster Forum and am also a board member of the British American Parliamentary Group. My legislative work is unrelated to my legal practice. Independent of my role at Michelmores, I am also the owner and steward of the Powderham Estate, near Exeter. Powderham is a mixed estate combining arable, pasture, forestry, and foreshore, and is centred on the ancient Courtenay family home of Powderham Castle. Expertise Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Commercial Commercial & Regulatory Disputes Intellectual Property International International Private Wealth Natural Capital Natural Capital for Development Natural Capital for Funders & Investors Natural Capital for Land Managers Natural Capital for Local & Central Government Private Wealth Sustainable Economy Technology & Innovation Charles Courtenay - Partner - Commercial & Regulatory Disputes | Michelmores

Charlotte Curtis

I am a Partner in the Property Litigation team at Michelmores and act for a wide range of clients advising on a diverse mix of property related disputes and management issues. I regularly act for commercial landlords and tenants including on lease renewals, dilapidations, service charge liability, break options, possession, rent review and forfeiture. I also work closely with landowners, developers, estates, education providers, private individuals and charities advising on restrictive covenants, rights of light, telecoms, boundary disputes, trespass, easements, trusts of land claims and adverse possession. I joined Michelmores in 2018 attracted by the strength and reputation of the Real Estate team. As a litigator, I am experienced in taking claims before the court or tribunal, but I particularly enjoy working with our clients to identify pragmatic solutions to property issues; be it in the context of acquisition, disposal or development. Expertise Asset Management Landed Estates Landlord & Tenant Private Property & Landed Estates Real Estate Charlotte Curtis - Partner - Specialist Real Estate | Michelmores

Charlotte Razay

I’m a Senior Associate in the Agriculture team, having qualified into the sector in 2014. I specialise in all aspects of contentious agricultural work but with a particular focus on agricultural tenancies, farming partnerships and real property disputes. I have a keen interest in recovering possession of development land, succession, proprietary estoppel claims and advising on complex residential disputes, including regulated and protected tenancies. Not only do I act for individuals and farming businesses, but also estate clients who are based nationwide. From a junior lawyer I have been involved in some of the team’s most high profile cases at the cutting edge of the law. I have had vast experience acting in Court proceedings (up to the Court of Appeal and applications to the Supreme Court), Tribunal and Arbitration proceedings. I have experience in drafting complex settlement documentation as well as drafting a wide range of deeds and agreements relating to the letting of land, succession planning and partnership agreements. Expertise Agriculture Farming Partnerships Land Use & the Environment Landlord & Tenant Sustainable Agriculture & Agri-Tech Sustainable Economy Charlotte Razay - Senior Associate - Agriculture | Michelmores

Chloe Howard-Smith

I am a Partner in the Transactional Real Estate team specialising in residential and commercial development. I help clients on all aspects of complex development projects and in securing land opportunities. My clients are national and regional developers, housebuilders, land promoters and local authorities with a strategic housing delivery programme. As well as large scale housing schemes, I advise on mixed-used schemes and niche developments with a more unique focus. I am with clients on their journey from the acquisition of sites through the development phase and to their ultimate disposal. I head up the site set up and new homes teams in the South West and also oversee the team delivering the bulk sales of units to affordable housing providers. Experience on the site set up and sales side has given me a valuable understanding of how legal and technical issues encountered at the acquisition stage may impact on sales. I always work as part of a team and I am valued by clients for that collaborative approach. I am proud of working in a highly experienced and brilliant development team at Michelmores. I started my career in London, training and working for one of the so-called magic circle firms, Linklaters. I moved back to my home county and joined Michelmores in 2007. Expertise Commercial Development New Homes Real Estate Residential Development Chloe Howard-Smith - Partner - Transactional Real Estate | Michelmores

Chloe Vernon-Shore

I’m an experienced Partner in Michelmores’ Commercial team. I advise a wide range of clients on a spectrum of commercial issues that affect their businesses. My clients operate in diverse sectors with a focus on the data, intermediary platforms and digital and technology solutions spaces, but I particularly relish working with start-up and scale-up companies in the ecology, sustainability and agri-tech arena. Not only is it an area I feel passionately about personally, but I really enjoy helping these companies develop their ideas with a legally solid foundation, exploring the potential of what they’ve created, and ensuring everything is commercially sound. It’s a privilege to see a business from its infancy, and to support its growth and success; you really feel an integral part of the process, and are able to advise with a comprehensive understanding of the organisation and its people. That’s one of the reasons why I’m so proud of my involvement with MAINstream – a network created by Michelmores in 2019 which connects business angel investors with high-growth, early-stage companies based in the Southwest, and in Michelmores being recognised by the UKBAA as the Best Legal Team for Early Stage Deals. I’ve been part of the team at Michelmores since 2015, having previously trained and worked at a London firm. Expertise Commercial MAINstream MiVentures Natural Capital Natural Capital for Development Natural Capital for Funders & Investors Natural Capital for Land Managers Natural Capital for Local & Central Government Sustainable Economy Technology & Innovation Chloe Vernon-shore - Partner - Commercial | Michelmores

Daniel Eames

I am highly experienced in all aspects of Family Law and I am recognised nationally as an expert in International Family Law including recognition by independent legal directories – Chambers & Partners as a top tier practitioner in their High Net Worth Guide and by the Legal 500 UK. I have particular expertise in acting for High Net Worth clients in complex financial disputes and matters involving an international aspect. I regularly advise on issues of International Family Law and I act as a consultant to other family lawyers on international issues. My cases involve foreign nationals in the UK, expats and foreign assets, and I handle cases throughout the EU, the US, Australasia, Far East and the Middle East. I also frequently act in cases involving businesses and trusts. I am highly experienced at advising on jurisdictional disputes, enforcement against foreign assets, financial claims in England after a foreign divorce and international children cases. I am the chair of the International Committee of Resolution (the national organisation of family lawyers) and a fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers. I was Resolution’s spokesperson on the impact of Brexit on International Family Law and was the only solicitor to give evidence to the Justice Select Committee on this issue, and regularly advise the MoJ as a result. I am a member of Lord Justice Moylan’s International Family Law Committee and was an elected member of Resolution’s National Committee for eight years. I am the examiner for Resolution’s accreditation for International and European Family Law, and an author of Resolution’s International Online Guide and Practical Law’s guidance on the impact of Brexit on International Family Law. I have long-standing expertise in drafting pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, and have successfully resolved a number of complex collaborative law cases. Expertise Divorce Family International International Children Law International Divorce International Divorce Maintenance International Family Law International Private Wealth Personal Disputes Private Wealth Tax, Trusts & Succession Daniel Eames - Partner - Family | Michelmores

David Thompson

I am a Partner in Michelmores’ Commercial team. I am also responsible for leading the Firm’s cross-office multi-disciplinary Consumer Brands team, as well as heading-up the Firm’s Intellectual Property team. My practice encompasses a wide range of commercial work, acting for a broad spectrum of clients, from start-ups and entrepreneurs though to international household names. I value the long-term relationships which I have fostered with many of my clients, built on delivering practical and, where necessary, pragmatic advice. I have a particular passion for advising clients operating in the Food & Drink sector. A number of my key clients are certified B-Corps, which has served as a fantastic education for me – recognising that a client’s desired outcomes may not be purely based on financial metrics. I joined Michelmores fresh from law school just over 20 years ago. It has been a privilege to mature as a lawyer and build a practice in tandem with the Firm’s growth over the past two decades. I hold a Post-Graduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law from Nottingham Law School. Expertise Accelerated M&A Commercial Consumer Brands Entrepreneurs FinTech Intellectual Property Legal Services in Asia Sustainable Agriculture & Agri-Tech Sustainable Economy Technology & Innovation David Thompson - Partner - Commercial | Michelmores

Dhana Sabanathan

I am a Partner in the Tax, Trusts and Succession team in London, part of the Firm’s Private Wealth team. I joined Michelmores in 2023 from Winckworth Sherwood, where I was a Partner in the Private Business and Wealth team for over five years, and prior to that I was a Partner at an international law firm. My experience is in the private client and wealth management sector, where I specialise in working with high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals, family offices, entrepreneurs, corporates and owner-managed businesses. I advise significant family offices and in addition to UK based clients, I act for clients based in Europe, the US, Asia and the Middle East. I regularly write articles on tax and trust updates (published in the Financial Times) and enjoy speaking at conferences, including hosting an annual conference for our intermediary contacts. Expertise Entrepreneurs Family Business International International Private Wealth Legal Services in Asia Private Wealth Property Tax, Trusts & Succession Dhana Sabanathan - Partner - Tax, Trusts & Succession | Michelmores

Edward Porter

I am a Partner in the Private Wealth team. I undertake a broad range of private client work, including estate planning often involving trusts, tax, powers of attorney and wills for wealthy individuals and families. My experience includes trust and probate administration and charity matters, including creating charities and governance. I offer the role of trusted advisor to many clients who I have acted for over many years, and across generations and different branches of one family. I am a member of the Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners. Expertise Charity Law Private Wealth Tax, Trusts & Succession Trust Creation & Administration Wealth Management Edward Porter - Partner - Tax, Trusts & Succession | Michelmores

Elizabeth Newson

I am a Partner in Michelmores’ Real Estate team. I have worked across the full spectrum of commercial property in my time as a transactional real estate lawyer but in more recent years I have focussed my practice around residential development and strategic land. I advise land promoters, regional and national housebuilders, local authorities, landowners and landed estates. By acting “on both sides of the fence” I am able to bring to bear insights that are gained acting for developers when acting opposite them, helping to push transactions to a successful conclusion. My expertise includes advising on the acquisition and disposal of land for development, conditional contracts, option agreements, promotion agreements, collaboration agreements and overage arrangements. Housing is a key part of any political agenda and with many current issues impacting the sector including climate change, zero carbon, nutrient neutrality and biodiversity net gain, it is an exciting and technically challenging area within which to practice. Expertise Real Estate Residential Development Strategic Land Elizabeth Newson - Partner - Transactional Real Estate | Michelmores

Emily Aggett

I’m a Senior Associate in the Commercial and Regulatory Disputes team. I advise local, national, and international clients on a wide range of commercial and contractual disputes, high court litigation and alternative dispute resolution. Alongside my general commercial litigation work, I specialise in advising clients on data protection law and compliance issues, in relation to complex Subject Access and Freedom of Information Act requests, data breach situations and data sharing arrangements including as part of due diligence for corporate and property transactions. I am a French speaker and experienced in French law having studied Law with French at University including a year studying law at university in Bordeaux. Once a qualified lawyer, I worked on several occasions in the Paris office of a global, commercial law firm. At Michelmores, I am involved with maintaining and strengthening the relationship with our best friend firms in France. Outside of work, I volunteer with the National Youth Advocacy Service as an Independent Volunteer Visitor which involves being a trusted friend for a young person in care in Devon. I am passionate about raising the profile of Volunteer Visiting amongst the business community in order to recruit more Visitors for looked after children in our county. Expertise Commercial Data Protection & Privacy Education International Arbitration Partnerships/LLPs Professional Negligence Public Sector Technology & Innovation Emily Aggett - Senior Associate - Commercial & Regulatory Disputes | Michelmores

Emma Honey

I’m a Partner in Michelmores’ Transactional Real Estate Team and Head of the Real Estate Department. My work is primarily focussed on development, principally residential development but also mixed use and commercial development but I have extensive experience of all types of commercial property transactions including buying and selling land and acting for both landlord and tenants on leasehold arrangements. I work with developers, promoters and landowners and advise on sale and purchase contracts conditional on planning, option agreements, promotion agreements in relation to both immediate land requirements and strategic land. I have a particular interest in sustainability issues in development such as biodiversity net gain and nutrient neutrality. I enjoy working with my clients on a long term basis, getting to know them and getting to understand their business and priorities. Through this I am able to give commercial and strategic advice and support my clients in finding solutions. My clients are based across the country but my focus is primarily within the South West region. Over the years I have worked with a number of further and higher education institutions and I education and the development of others is a passion of mine. I was our training principal for many years with responsibility for trainee solicitors and I have an ongoing interest in training and supporting the next generation. I have worked with Michelmores since 2000, joining the Firm after relocating from my home city, London, where I trained and then qualified with a large city firm. I love the collaborative and entrepreneurial culture of the Firm which continues to sit at the heart of all we do even though the firm has grown and evolved in so many ways. Expertise Commercial Development Education Property Real Estate Residential Development Strategic Land Sustainable Economy Emma Honey - Partner - Transactional Real Estate | Michelmores

Francesca Hubbard

I am a Partner in Michelmores’ Corporate team. I advise on a full range of private company matters, specialising in mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments and MBOs. I work closely with a broad range of clients, from individuals through to institutions and large enterprises, who value my calm and pragmatic approach and see me as an extension of their team. My clients operate across a wide variety of sectors, however my particular sector focus and passion is working with Consumer Brand clients (from early-stage, fast-growth businesses to household names) and clients in the financial services space. I am the Corporate team co-lead for the Consumer Brands sector. I am proud to have been part of the Michelmores team for over ten years, having joined the Firm as a trainee in 2012. Expertise Consumer Brands Corporate Corporate Finance Mergers & Acquisitions Private Equity Francesca Hubbard - Partner - Corporate | Michelmores

Hannah Slater

I am a Senior Associate with over 10 years’ experience advising on a variety of PFI and PPP infrastructure projects. I advise public sector bodies and project companies and have particular expertise in working closely with infrastructure investors and NHS Trusts. I have a broad array of experience and a particular focus on the healthcare sector. I am passionate about working in such an important sector and being able to assist in healthcare development. Hannah Slater - Senior Associate - Projects | Michelmores

Harriet Grimes

I am a Senior Associate in Michelmores’ Planning and Environment Team. I am also a member of the Firm’s Natural Capital Sector. I advise on a broad range of planning and highways matters with experience acting for both public and private sector clients including local authorities, landowners and developers. I have extensive experience drafting and negotiating section 106 planning agreements. My experience working “on both sides of the fence” means I am well versed in navigating the complexities of section 106 agreements including obligations for affordable housing, open space, biodiversity net gain and nitrate mitigation. My expertise extends to dealing with infrastructure agreements for highways and sewer adoptions, stopping-up orders, certificate of lawfulness applications, changes of use and supporting our transactional teams with planning due diligence on complex sites, including renewables, hotels and large scale residential development. In my spare time, I am a Director of a small property development company. I am a member of UK Environmental Law Association and Women in Property South West branch. Expertise Energy: Property & Land Aspects Environment Planning Law Residential Development Harriet Grimes - Senior Associate - Specialist Real Estate | Michelmores

Harry Trick

I am a Partner in our Corporate team and a Michelmores ‘lifer’, having trained with the firm. I act for scale-up companies on all stages of their equity fundraising journey through to exit, and also regularly advise those who invest in them – including angel investors, venture capital funds, family offices and private equity. My clients span across all sectors, but I have a particular interest in working with consumer brands clients and am a member of the firm’s Consumer Brands sector group. The best part of my job is building trusted long-lasting relationships with my clients and supporting ambitious entrepreneurs as they grow their business and realise their ambitions. I also enjoy being the co-lead of MAINstream, our UKBAA registered angel network that we set up in 2019 in order to connect angel investors with scale-up companies. Expertise Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Capital Markets & Public M&A Consumer Brands Corporate Entrepreneurs Finance & Investment Funds MAINstream MiVentures Sustainable Economy Technology & Innovation Venture Capital & Early Stage Fundraising Harry Trick - Partner - Corporate | Michelmores

Helen Hutton

I am a Partner in Michelmores’ Planning and Environmental team. I deal with all aspects of both Planning and Environmental law, acting for a wide range of clients, including developers, landed estates and other landowners, other private individuals, trusts, not for profit organisations and corporate entities. In relation to planning matters, my work includes negotiating complex planning agreements, advising on planning applications and appeals (including providing advice on EIA and CIL), submitting Judicial Review and other Court challenges, acting in enforcement cases, advising on historic buildings and landed estate/agricultural matters, assisting clients with permitted development and other rights and acting on compulsory purchase/DCO schemes. The above are in relation to large-scale housing and other developments, energy matters (including renewables and hydrocarbons), data centres, arboricultural, wildlife, biodiversity, sustainability and conservation issues, landed estates and farms, hotel and leisure operations, care homes and infrastructure projects such as Crossrail. I also advise on planning issues arising in corporate and financing transactions and property purchases and sales. On the environmental side, I advise on contaminated land, environmental liability and other issues arising in property and corporate transactions and on asbestos and other potentially harmful substances. I joined the Michelmores Planning and Environmental team in April 2022, having worked previously at Slaughter and May and then Charles Russell/Charles Russell Speechlys Expertise Agriculture Consumer Brands Energy Finance & Investment Landed Estates Private Property & Landed Estates Private Wealth Real Estate Strategic Land Sustainable Economy Technology & Innovation Helen Hutton - Partner - Specialist Real Estate | Michelmores

Henry Taylor

I am a Partner in the Corporate team at Michelmores, advising on a range of corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, MBOs and private equity/venture capital investments, both in the UK and cross-border. I lead our Corporate team and sit on the Firm’s Board and Management Group, dealing with both operational matters and the strategic direction of the firm. I joined Michelmores as a trainee in 2006 and became a partner in 2016. In that time, many things about the firm have changed as we have evolved and grown, but our approach to the most important things – the quality of our advice, our culture, our ambition – has remained the same. As co-head of our International Committee, I am responsible for Michelmores’ international strategy and for maintaining the network of firms that we have across the globe. I am also an officer of the International Bar Association (IBA). Expertise Accelerated M&A Corporate Finance & Investment Impact Investing International International Private Wealth Legal Services in Asia Private Equity Secured Lending Sustainable Economy Henry Taylor - Partner - Corporate | Michelmores

Ian Holyoak

I am a Partner in Michelmores’ Commercial team, collaborating on a diverse range of matters for businesses across the UK and further afield. I focus on advisory work for large corporates and investors, including in the energy sector, as well as having a specialism in competition and related areas of law. Increasingly, our investor clients are focussed on sustainability, which has led recently to work for me within the nascent markets for credits derived from (for example) biodiversity net gain, nutrient neutrality and carbon sequestration. My previous experience in documenting arrangements for funding underpinned by credits created under the UN’s Clean Development mechanism (often then sold into the EU emissions trading scheme) has been put to good use. I trained, qualified as a lawyer (on the same day as our first fax machine was delivered) and worked on corporate transactions for several years in London in private practice, before a very interesting few years as General Counsel and latterly Company Secretary of a listed mining, minerals and chemicals group, operating globally. I then joined Michelmores, at that time located in very traditional offices opposite Exeter Cathedral; helping out on a ‘temporary’ basis on a particular project, while I looked for a longer-term role. 19 years later, I continue to be part of a remarkable journey for the Firm, which is now around five times as big as when I joined, although no longer in possession of a fax machine. Expertise Antitrust & Regulatory Asset Management Commercial Competition, Regulatory Compliance & Investigations Energy Funds Legal Services in Asia Merger Control & National Security Sustainable Economy Ian Holyoak - Partner - Commercial | Michelmores

Ian Binnie

am Head of the Capital Markets team and based in the London office. As an experienced corporate partner, I am recognised by Chambers & Partners for UK capital markets – AIM, and by Legal 500 for Equity Capital Markets and M&A up to £50 million. I provide pragmatic legal advice across the full range of corporate transactions working with a client base that extends to investment banks, public and private companies as well as funds and family offices. My sector expertise extends to mining and metals, oil & gas, clean-tech, healthcare, fin tech and consumer-orientated businesses. Many of my transactions have an international element – particularly Africa and other emerging economies. I have extremely strong relationships with the India business community, gained from many years leading the South Asia group at my previous firm. Expertise Accelerated M&A Capital Markets & Public M&A Corporate Corporate Finance Emerging Markets Finance & Investment Ian Binnie - Partner - Corporate | Michelmores

Iwan Williams

I am a Partner in Michelmores’ Tax, Trusts and Succession team. I deal with all aspects of estate and succession planning and have extensive experience of advising high net worth individuals and business-owning families in relation to a wide range of succession and tax matters. In particular, I work closely with landed estate owners, their trustees and professional advisers in relation to a range of taxation, trust and succession planning advice – it is always a privilege to be part of an advisory team that can help guide, preserve and enhance hugely significant and historic estates. I also advise rural business owners and wealthy entrepreneurs on tax and estate planning issues, including passing assets to the next generation tax efficiently while retaining proper provision and control for the current generation. My practice has grown significantly in recent years to encompass specialist taxation and succession planning advice for landowners engaging in natural capital and BNG schemes – I much enjoy helping my clients plot a course through thorny issues in this evolving sector. I am proud to say that I was named one of eprivateclient’s Top 35 Under 35 in 2020 and that I was awarded the Silver award in the “Lawyer of the Year – Partner” category at the Citywealth Future Leaders Awards 2022. I am named as a key lawyer in Legal 500 2023 for Agriculture and Estates, ranked as Recommended in the 2023 Spear’s Tax Lawyers Index, and I am a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. Expertise Agriculture Natural Capital Natural Capital for Development Natural Capital for Funders & Investors Natural Capital for Land Managers Natural Capital for Local & Central Government Private Wealth Tax, Trusts & Succession Iwan Williams - Partner - Tax, Trusts & Succession | Michelmores

James Baker

My practice as an Employment law specialist leads me to deal with highly complex, often very sensitive litigation and/or investigations concerning allegations of discrimination, protected disclosures (whistle-blowing), harassment and victimisation. I advise a varied client base including private and public sector organisations and am most commonly instructed by Boards/NEDs or Trustees and high net worth individuals. The vast majority of my work requires complete discretion and utmost dedication, and I am known for providing a client service that is second to none, across the United Kingdom. I have worked for Michelmores for over 20 years, including a brief spell in Virginia (USA). Expertise Accelerated M&A Agriculture Data Protection & Privacy Employment Employment Entrepreneurs Health Sector Maintained Schools & Academies Public Sector James Baker - Partner - Employment | Michelmores

James Frampton

I am a Partner in Michelmores’ Tax, Trusts & Succession team. I advise individuals and families in the UK and abroad on ways to protect and pass on assets from one generation to the next. This can range from preparing a client’s Will or lasting power of attorney to advising on trust structures, family partnerships, advising on UK tax issues or helping those coming to the UK to navigate our tax system. A large part of my practice is assisting clients with US connections with their estate planning including preparing Wills and reviewing and advising on the UK tax consequences of US trusts. As my wife and sons are US citizens, I have had to grapple with issues facing US citizens living in the UK and so understand the frustrations that clients in a similar position face. I also advise families and trustees who own land and estates by working closely with colleagues in our Agriculture and Property teams. As a director of Michelmores Trust Corporation Limited I also oversee a number of UK trusts and estates. I regularly advise trustees and beneficiaries both in the UK and abroad on trust and UK tax issues and am part of the Firm’s Trust Advisory Group. I trained and worked at a well-known London firm before moving to Michelmores in 2014. I am a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (TEP). Expertise International International Private Wealth Landed Estates Partnerships/LLPs Private Property & Landed Estates Private Wealth Tax Tax, Trusts & Succession US/UK Estate Planning James Frampton - Partner - Tax, Trusts & Succession | Michelmores

Jasmine Ivory

I’m a Senior Associate in Disputed Wills & Estates team. I am a specialist litigator with a focus on inheritance and estate-based private wealth disputes. Litigation in this sector should be thoughtful, decisive and outcome focused. With this ethos in mind, I strive to balance sensitivity with strategy led practical advice which has solid legal foundation. I act for a wider range of clients, who are typically private individuals, executors, trustees, beneficiaries and national charities. My instructions are typically high value and/or complex disputes relating to the validity and construction of a Will, the management and handling of trusts and estates and/or in relation to claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 and proprietary estoppel. I have specific experience in handling inheritance disputes which involve historic abuse, alcoholism, bi-polar affective disorders and suicide. I work alongside Cancer Research UK as their appointed preferred legal supplier for contentious probate matters. I am proud to support their legacy team in defending the charitable legacies kindly donated to them together with working closely with many national charities in relation to the extensive litigious issues which arise within the legacy sector. I support Alexa Payet in advising families regarding the potential financial consequences of assisted suicide and applications for relief from forfeiture under the Forfeiture Act 1982. I enjoy sharing knowledge in the contentious probate and charity sectors. A personal highlight and real privilege was to speak at the International Workshop on Legacy Giving in South Korea with Tony Cockayne to share best practice in legacy disputes.

Jayne Clemens

I am a Partner in the Commercial & Regulatory Disputes team. I lead Michelmores Reputation and crisis management practice. My portfolio includes a wide range of matters covering high value complex contractual disputes and particularly those with a technology or IT focus. I have a niche practice in defamation, with a particular focus on the removal of libellous material from websites and social media. I work with a number of landed estates, commercial organisations and very high net worth individuals to discreetly manage, bring and defend claims in libel and privacy. I have been at Michelmores for 11 years and have developed our practice in defamation and crisis management over the course of that time. It is important to me to stand with and support clients when navigating what can be their most vulnerable time. My clients include senior executives, investors, high profile professionals and high net worth individuals. Our speed of service and absolute discretion to secure the removal of defamatory material are key to our success in this area and why our clients trust us time and time again, trust which we never take for granted. Expertise Commercial & Regulatory Disputes Data Protection & Privacy Defamation & Reputation Management for Businesses Defamation & Reputation Management for Individuals Education Energy Health Sector Legal Services in Asia Professional Negligence Social Media Technology & Innovation Jayne Clemens - Partner - Commercial & Regulatory Disputes | Michelmores

Jo Spalding

I am a Senior Associate in the Projects team at Michelmores. I have over 10 years’ experience advising both the private and public sector and have been individually recognised by Legal 500 UK as a Rising Star in my practice area and region. I advise on a variety of PFI and PPP projects and have experience across various central and local governmental departments, other public sector bodies, including universities and NHS Trusts, as well as private sector service providers with an increasing focus on the facilities management sector. My work with private sector entities includes advising ISS Mediclean Limited (part of the ISS Group) in relation to its UK PFI projects, particularly within the healthcare sector. I provide ongoing support to ISS on a variety of its long-term PFI projects on a range of complex issues, including payment disputes, service reconfiguration and variations. I also advise Barking, Havering & Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust in relation to its PFI Project Agreement with Catalyst, particularly in relation to its programme to achieve operational savings from its existing PFI and commercial contracts. This advice is varied and has recently included advising the Trust in relation to its market testing of the soft facilities management services provided to the Hospital and its negotiations with its service provider in order to agree an extension of the current contractual arrangements. These projects are crucial to the ongoing provision of clinical services at the various hospitals and my contribution to this work, which involves working as an extension of our clients’ internal teams, provides me with a sense of pride, given the fundamental nature of these public services. I am also very proud of the relationships I have built and developed during my time with Michelmores and constantly strive to build on and nurture these relationships. Expertise Projects & Infrastructure Sustainable Economy Jo Spalding - Senior Associate - Projects | Michelmores

Jonathan Kitchin

I am Head of our Commercial & Regulatory Disputes team, leading a group of talented lawyers who help clients to navigate complex or sensitive disputes and investigations where their commercial, reputational and international interests are at stake. Areas of expertise includes high value contractual disputes, the breakdown of director or shareholder relations, warranty and indemnity claims or earn-out disputes following corporate transactions, obtaining injunctions to protect confidential information or mitigate fraud, professional negligence and insurance coverage issues. A significant proportion of my experience relates to financial planning and investment management firms regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Specifically, dealing with employee misconduct, team moves, M&A activity, FCA investigations, s.166 skilled persons reports, professional indemnity insurance coverage and reputation management – often leading multi-disciplinary teams with specialist insolvency, employment and regulatory expertise. Whilst most disputes conclude by way of negotiated settlement, I have litigated several reported cases to trial in the High Court, at the Court of Appeal and via international arbitration (see further below). I am keen to bring sustainability to the fore in business, and in the conduct of dispute resolution, realising the positive social and environmental impact that the legal profession can have on its clients and the communities and sectors we work in. Expertise Banking & Finance Commercial & Regulatory Disputes FinTech Finance & Investment International Arbitration Personal Disputes Private Wealth Professional Negligence Sustainable Economy Trust Disputes Jonathan Kitchin - Partner - Commercial & Regulatory Disputes | Michelmores

Josie Edwards

I am a Partner in Michelmores’ Agriculture team. I come from a farming background in South Wales and have had the privilege of working as an agricultural solicitor since qualifying in 2010. I joined Michelmores in 2012, on the opening of the Bristol office. I act for a broad range of landowners and occupiers, as well as agricultural businesses and local authorities. My practice is predominantly non-contentious; I am experienced in drafting a wide variety of deeds and agreements relating to the letting of land and farming business structures, with a particular specialism in farming partnerships, succession planning and complex tenancy re-structures. I am passionate about the environment and the role the agriculture sector can play in addressing the climate and biodiversity crises. I have a growing practice in Natural Capital and the long-term management of land for biodiversity and environmental gains, with a developing specialism in conservation covenants. I also have a busy advisory practice, assisting clients in relation to specialist landlord and tenant matters (both agricultural and rural residential), with a particular interest in Agricultural Holdings Act succession rights. I lecture regularly to the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers and am a joint editor of the RICS e-learning portal (ISurv) for rural landlord and tenant matters. Expertise Agriculture Environment Farming Partnerships Landlord & Tenant Natural Capital Natural Capital for Development Natural Capital for Funders & Investors Natural Capital for Land Managers Natural Capital for Local & Central Government Partnerships/LLPs Sustainable Economy Josie Edwards - Partner - Agriculture | Michelmores

Julie Sharpe

I am a real estate lawyer with a particular focus on complex residential development and the strategic land sector. I work for both private landowners and developers and regularly deal with promotions, collaboration agreements, pre-emptions, phased development management agreements, title issues, options, overage and other complex land agreements. My experience covers advising on Natural Capital arrangements as part of both the development of schemes and in generating value from land holdings. My clients include landed estates, farming families and other family businesses, charities and institutional landowners. I am also experienced in every aspect of investment portfolio work including day to day property management for both corporate and private clients. My breadth of real estate experience enables me to help clients prepare and realise maximum value from land and property. I joined Michelmores as a partner in December 2022 having previously been at Charles Russell Speechlys since 2013. Expertise Banking & Finance Natural Capital Natural Capital for Development Natural Capital for Funders & Investors Natural Capital for Land Managers Natural Capital for Local & Central Government Property Julie Sharpe - Partner - Transactional Real Estate | Michelmores

Karen Williams

I am a Partner in Michelmores’ Banking Restructuring and Insolvency team and lead our banking and finance offering. I am a finance specialist advising in connection with domestic and international banking transactions as well as debt restructuring transactions. I have a diverse practice acting for clearing banks, alternative lenders, funds, social enterprises, private investors and borrowers in relation to development and bridging finance, project finance, secured lending and impact investment. I have a particular specialism and passion for social impact investment and have advised impact investment institutions making a broad range of investments both domestically and internationally across the emerging markets. Having had a background in restructuring, my clients value my pragmatic approach to ensuring that the appropriate safeguards are in place should issues arise in the future, and also my straightforward and decisive advice. I joined Michelmores in 2011 and am proud to have progressed to Partner in a such a dynamic and ambitious Firm where our fantastic culture is at the heart of everything we do. Expertise Banking & Finance Energy Natural Capital Natural Capital for Development Natural Capital for Funders & Investors Natural Capital for Land Managers Natural Capital for Local & Central Government Restructuring & Insolvency Sustainable Economy Karen Williams - Partner - Banking Restructuring & Insolvency | Michelmores

Laura Bond

I am a Senior Associate in Michelmores’ Family team. I advise clients in relation to all aspects of private family law. I strongly believe in supporting my clients, and their families, to reach their goals as amicably and cost-effectively as possible via an out of court settlement or agreement. However, I acknowledge this is not always possible and, where Court proceedings are necessary, I represent my clients in a robust way. I advise in relation to divorce and related financial claims, cohabitation disputes, applications under Schedule 1 of the Children Act and have considerable experience in drafting marital agreements. I have also built a strong private law children practice, both in international and domestic matters, and regularly represent applicants and respondents in injunction cases. I trained at a top ranked firm in London and qualified into their family department in 2009, focusing predominantly on High Net Worth matters, often with an international element. I relocated to the South West (where I grew up) in 2013 after a career break in Switzerland and New Zealand during which I trained as a ski instructor. I joined a leading regional firm and continued to build my experience in matters involving complex and high value financial arrangements, farm businesses, family companies, trusts and occupational pensions amongst others. I joined Michelmores in September 2022. I believe in building strong relationships with my clients and always aim to balance pragmatic proactive advice with sensitivity at what is always a difficult time for people. Expertise Family Family Law Laura Bond - Senior Associate - Family | Michelmores

Lucy Smallwood

As head of our Residential Development team I work closely with an exciting range of developers and landowners who are involved at all key stages in the housebuilding process. This means that I and my team are involved throughout the life cycle of our client’s developments, from the initial pre-planning strategic stage, through the planning and land acquisition process, to delivery of the new homes and plot sales. Seeing things from the start through to the finished product is hugely rewarding. The new homes sector is facing a time of exceptional change and this is resulting in exciting opportunities. Sustainability is becoming a key focus. The insights that my team have in the sector mean we can create structures to address issues related to habitat biodiversity, energy efficient infrastructure and nutrient neutrality. I enjoy helping my clients navigate these changes and scan ahead for challenges coming down the line. Alongside land acquisitions and disposals, I deal with joint venture and collaboration agreements, and the range of structures that enable the delivery of strategic land to development stage, including promotion agreements. I am often involved in large multi-phase development sites involving multiple landowners and complex payment arrangements. My clients range from top five PLC developers, to individuals. I am very proud of the initiatives we support for collaboration across the sector, such as the Michelmores Property Developers Club, and the Michelmores Property Awards. Opportunities to discuss current issues with our clients are really valuable and we actively seek out ways to provide forums for clients to link up with each other, share market insights and celebrate their successes. Expertise Mixed Use Developments New Homes Private Wealth Property Real Estate Residential Development Strategic Land Sustainable Economy Lucy Smallwood - Partner - Transactional Real Estate | Michelmores

Lydia Robinson

I am an Associate in the Specialist Real Estate team at Michelmores. My practice areas include property, planning and public law. I advise a wide range of clients on contentious and non-contentious aspects of property and planning related work, including lease extensions (statutory and non-statutory), boundary disputes, possession proceedings, title advice and dilapidations claims. I advise generally on planning matters, including on applications and appeals for certificates of lawful use, permitted development rights, and the drafting and negotiating of section 106 agreements. I also enjoy working on matters of public law, particularly where they overlap with planning and property issues. I have experience in judicial review, compulsory purchase and advising on compliance with statutory duties. During 2022, I undertook a secondment to a public limited company on a part-time basis, assisting the company’s in-house legal team on a broad spectrum of commercial and property focussed issues. This was a fantastic opportunity to really get to know the business and understand how I could provide best-value. Having in-house experience allows me to better understand the environment of public and private companies and the unique challenges they face. I enjoy getting to know my clients to understand how I can best assist. I appreciate the importance of being contactable and endeavour to minimise the difficulties of litigation as much as I can, by explaining the steps, undertaking the legal legwork and advising on strategy, so that my clients feel empowered to make the right decision for them. I joined Michelmores in 2018, having obtained a first-class honours degree in Human Geography (BA) from the University of Exeter and distinctions in both the GDL and LPC (LLM) from the University of Law in Guildford. I am a member of the Property Litigation Association. Expertise Planning Law Property Property Litigation Real Estate Lydia Robinson - Associate - Specialist Real Estate | Michelmores

Maria Greener

I am a Partner in the Construction and Engineering Team at Michelmores and am primarily based in their Bristol office. I joined the team from Clarke Willmott in September 2024 and prior to that worked at Burges Salmon for over 15 years. I advise property developers, contractors, housebuilders, funders, public authorities, occupiers, investors and consultants and specialise in all aspects of non-contentious construction and engineering law, real estate development and real estate finance. I have extensive experience across a broad range of construction project procurement including design and build, traditional and construction management, as well as the various standard forms including the JCT and NEC. My work ranges across a broad range of projects and sectors including mixed-use commercial developments, offices, retail, leisure housebuilding and education and covers both national and regional projects. I have been an active member of Constructing Excellence South West, where I previously sat on their Leadership Council and Procurement Working Group where I co-authored their “Top Ten Principles of Procurement” guide. I have previously chaired the SW branch of the National Association of Women in Construction and am also a member of the Forum for the Built Environment. Expertise Construction & Engineering Mixed Use Developments Maria Greener - Partner - Construction & Engineering | Michelmores

Marie-Louise King

I am a Partner in Michelmores’ Commercial and Regulatory Disputes team. I advise and represent a wide range of domestic and international companies, as well as private individuals, on a broad range of issues that affect their lives or businesses. I understand that issues that give rise to the need for litigation, and litigation itself, can have profound personal and commercial effects. Longstanding clients appreciate my commitment to their causes and I am proud that my clients are in no doubt that I advise always in their best interests. My clients operate in diverse sectors, including renewable energy, transport, retail, tech and manufacturing. Whether acting for shareholders, directors, or companies, I really enjoy using my knowledge of the business to deliver creative solutions to problems. I have extensive experience of acting for private individuals and businesses in reputation related matters, and crisis management. I have a particular interest in ESG issues, and the value and risk of ESG reputations, from the perspectives of directors and stakeholders. I’m proud to be a Partner in a truly collaborative Firm like Michelmores, where regardless of our team designation, where our clients’ needs are concerned, we are one team. Expertise Alternative Dispute Resolution Banking & Finance Commercial & Regulatory Disputes Data Protection & Privacy Defamation & Reputation Management for Individuals Energy International International Private Wealth Projects & Infrastructure Public Sector Disputes Restructuring & Insolvency Wealth Management Marie-Louise King - Partner - Commercial & Regulatory Disputes | Michelmores

Mark Howard

I am a Partner, Head of the Environment team and Head of Planning Law. My team covers specialisms across a range of technical and exciting legal disciplines. I personally specialise in advising on environmental, commercial and regulatory matters. I also advise on planning and regeneration projects. I work with property developers and public sector clients to facilitate the development of real estate, advising across a range of environmental, regulatory and planning matters. My environment practice includes advice on contaminated land, asbestos, waste, water, invasive species and Environmental Permits. I have also previously conducted defence work and advocacy for regulatory, environmental and planning prosecutions. However, I now commonly find that Environmental Enforcement Undertakings are more popular. I have led on a range of commercial infrastructure projects including Crossrail, the procurement of a materials recycling facility, the construction of a power station, and the creation of the Supreme Court on Parliament Square. For the Supreme Court matter I acted as a “Roll B” Parliamentary Agent at Select Committee at the House of Commons. Expertise Agriculture Data Protection & Privacy Energy: Property & Land Aspects Environment Public Sector Public Sector Disputes Residential Development Sustainable Economy Mark Howard - Partner - Specialist Real Estate | Michelmores

Natasha McKeever

I am a Partner in Michelmores Disputed Wills & Estates team. Over the last 15 years I have had the privilege of acting for families, individuals, trustees, beneficiaries, insurers and charities on a wide range of Will, Probate and Trust disputes. I regularly deal with multi-million-pound estates involving assets in various jurisdictions. I specialise in Will challenges and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act (1975), including those with domicile issues. I have a keen interest in proprietary estoppel, professional negligence and claims under the Forfeiture Act (1982). My experience also extends to Court of Protection cases, particularly in respect of Statutory Wills, financial abuse and freezing injunctions. I pride myself on taking the burden and stress away from my clients. I need to navigate them through the difficult litigation process, while they are often still grieving the death of a loved one. I thrive on building extremely close relationships with my clients to truly understand the history of the dispute and ensure I know exactly what they want to achieve. Expertise Challenging the Validity of a Will Charity Legacy Administration Disputed Wills & Estates Estate Disputes Mental Capacity & Court of Protection Private Wealth Proprietary Claims Trust Disputes Natasha McKeever - Partner - Disputed Wills & Estates | Michelmores

Nathaniel Lane

I am an Associate in Michelmores’ Commercial team who is based in our London office. I am also part of the cross-practice Technology & Innovation and Data Protection and Privacy groups. I have an MBA from a top-30 American MBA program and over 20 years’ experience in advising suppliers and both private and public sector end-user clients in the ICT, e-commerce, cybersecurity and financial services sectors. My experience includes acting for a range of local, national and international clients in relation to large scale ICT projects, outsourcings, procurements, standard supply terms and conditions and service level agreements, software licensing, website development and hosting terms and conditions, system development agreements. I also have advisory and transactional experience regarding (i) commercial contracts and (ii) data protection and freedom of information issues. I have spent time on secondment at three of Michelmores’ award-winning clients. I hold the ISEB Certificate in Data Protection. I was an accomplished long distance runner, medalling in both the Commonwealth Ultra Distance and World University Cross Country Championships. I have been at Michelmores since 2010, having trained and worked at a well known regional firm. Expertise Betting & Gaming Commercial Data Protection & Privacy Energy FinTech Intellectual Property Public Sector Technology & Innovation Nathaniel Lane - Associate - Commercial | Michelmores

Neil Mason

I am a Senior Associate in Michelmores’ Construction and Engineering team. I specialise in resolving construction disputes during the procurement, design, construction or the management of buildings and infrastructure. I have acted for employers (both public and private sector) and contractors and subcontractors in a variety of sectors. I have worked on disputes relating to residential developments, hotels, warehouses, car parks, hospitals, prisons and landscaping. The disputes I help to resolve often concern defective design or workmanship (including structural, mechanical and engineering), delay, payment and professional negligence. I achieve dispute resolution through negotiation, mediation, adjudication, litigation or arbitration – to force a resolution where necessary. These disputes are complex, and I enjoy assembling and working with teams of experts to ensure clients receive the right advice to get workable solutions for their businesses. I often work collaboratively with Michelmores’ Projects, Property Litigation, and Commercial teams to ensure I get the remedies my clients need. Michelmores’ commitment to helping clients achieve their ESG ambitions means I am looking forward to resolving construction disputes arising from breaches of environmental obligations, such as those relating to controlling carbon emissions, which increasingly feature in construction contracts. Expertise Construction & Engineering Professional Negligence Neil Mason - Senior Associate - Specialist Real Estate Team | Michelmores

Noel Beale

I enjoy advising clients across the full spectrum of UK competition law and economic regulatory matters, from the smallest questions to very complex and detailed matters which are business critical. I provide practical and constructive advice that enables clients to get on with achieving their goals, minimising the time and effort they need to spend on the legal process. I have an LLM in European law and an MSc in Economics. Over more than 25 years I have gathered experience advising a wide variety of private and public sector clients in a diverse range of different sectors. I started at Ashurst in London was seconded to the OFT (the predecessor to the Competition and Markets Authority) and spent six years at Ofwat (the water sector regulator with concurrent Competition Act enforcement powers) where I was Director of Legal Services. My interests cover advising clients on: M&A: advising domestic and international clients on obtaining UK merger control and National Security & Investment Act clearances from BEIS (particular expertise includes failing firm assessments, de minimis arguments and local market analysis in the transport, retail and other sectors); Commercial contracts: competition issues arising from contracts such as distribution frameworks and complex joint ventures involving information sharing between competitors; Compliance: implementing effective and tailored competition and regulatory compliance and training programmes for businesses; Investigations (including cartel, antitrust, dominance, market and regulatory investigations): defending clients’ positions, making leniency applications and negotiating commitments to avoid infringement or contravention findings, with a view to minimising fines and other negative consequences including time costs and reputational issues; Regulatory (including price reviews): specialist regulatory matters including compliance with statutory duties (by companies and regulators) and licences, including matters such as infrastructure investment and sustainable urban development particularly in the water sector. Expertise Antitrust & Regulatory Competition & Markets Competition, Regulatory Compliance & Investigations Merger Control & National Security Noel Beale - Partner - Commercial | Michelmores

Peter Sigler

I am a Partner and from 2019 to 2024 was Head of the Private Client Department at Michelmores. Prior to joining Michelmores in 2009, I was a senior partner in the Commercial Litigation team of Nabarro for 27 years. Aside from my role in connection with the Private Client Department, I specialise in commercial litigation, having handled a wide variety of corporate and commercial litigation, including banking and insolvency disputes, with particular experience in acting on complex disputes with an international element. I have been a member of the International Bar Association (IBA) for over 30 years and was recently Chair of the Senior Lawyers Committee of the IBA. Expertise Commercial & Regulatory Disputes Defamation & Reputation Management for Businesses Defamation & Reputation Management for Individuals Personal Disputes Trust Disputes Peter Sigler - Partner - Private Client | Michelmores

Philippa Collison

Pippa Allsop

I am a Senior Associate in the Family team and a member of the Firm’s Private Wealth Sector. I have worked at Michelmores for over ten years, joining as a trainee in 2012 and qualifying into the Family team in September 2014. I act for a wide range of clients. The majority of my work is advising in relation to high net worth matters with a focus on wealth protection in the context of a relationship breakdown. I also deal with a large number cases where difficulties have arisen in relation to the appropriate arrangements for children after separation. My clients often have very complicated and/or sensitive personal and financial matters to address in the context of their family matters. I take great pride in being able to assist with navigating people through the difficulties which may arise on their path to resolution. My primary objective in every case is to develop a bespoke strategy from the outset which is focussed on ensuring my clients’ interests are protected. I am also a qualified Family Mediator, which means that I can assist separated couples in reaching their own tailored solution in relation to the issues they are facing. Expertise Defamation & Reputation Management for Businesses Defamation & Reputation Management for Individuals Divorce Family International International Children Law International Divorce International Divorce Maintenance International Private Wealth MiVentures Private Wealth Pippa Allsop - Senior Associate - Family | Michelmores

Rachael Lloyd

I am a Partner in Michelmores’ Employment team. I build strong relationships with companies and organisations, sharing their HR workload and helping them to create powerful, culture-driven workforces that thrive. I take the time to understand a business’s focus, ethos and ambitions, and tailor the support accordingly, from the implementation of forward-thinking HR policy infrastructure to responsive guidance on day-to-day queries and the management of employee disputes and litigation. I partner with clients in both the public and private sectors, from quasi-governmental organisations to niche start-ups, but have a particular focus on scale-up businesses, where I enjoy shaping the nature and outlook of a company as it grows. One of the best aspects of my role is being able to foster long-lasting rapports with clients and integrating with their organisations so that I work seamlessly with members of their HR and senior management teams. Getting to know the people behind the company is what I enjoy most. I have been part of the team at Michelmores for over ten years, having trained and qualified here. Expertise Data Protection & Privacy Employment Employment Rachael Lloyd - Partner - Employment | Michelmores

Rachel O’Connor

I am a Partner in the Agriculture team. I advise on a broad spectrum of rural matters including property disputes, partnership disputes, landlord and tenant disputes, professional negligence, and contractual disputes. My expertise includes Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 tenancies; in particular, I advise and act in connection with succession matters. I also have a focus on regenerative agriculture and technology and innovation which aims to tackle food security issues and the environmental impact of our food production. In recognition of my contribution to and spearheading of the Michelmores’ Sustainable Agriculture practice, I was named in The Lawyer Hot 100 for 2020. My fascination with how insects could provide many of the solutions to the challenges in our food system has led to the development of a niche expertise in the law relating to insects as feed and food. I am one of the very few legal experts in this area and I led the team at Michelmores that advised on the legislative aspects of the WWF Roadmap to Accelerating Insect Protein in UK Feeds The_future_of_feed_July_2021.pdf (wwf.org.uk) I am very privileged to form part of the organising panel for the UK’s annual Insects as Food and Feed Conference, in association with the Royal Entomological Society and ADAS. I am a member of the Agricultural Law Association and the Property Litigation Association, and regularly lecture on agricultural and environmental issues. Expertise Agriculture Natural Capital Natural Capital for Development Natural Capital for Funders & Investors Natural Capital for Land Managers Professional Negligence Sustainable Agriculture & Agri-Tech Sustainable Economy Rachel O'Connor - Partner - Agriculture | Michelmores

Richard Cobb

I have been a Corporate Lawyer for more than 30 years and am now the Head of Corporate at Michelmores. I am also privileged to be the elected Senior Partner of the Firm. As a Corporate Partner, I have a wide range of experience from working on over 500 transactions. After reading law at St John’s College, Cambridge, I worked in London at a renowned corporate media and technology firm, where I advised on a lot of technology IPOs and M&A deals, as well as deals in the property and leisure sectors. I have always enjoyed supporting entrepreneurs and, having taken one tech client from early stage to listing on the FTSE stock market, I joined them as Head of Legal and Company Secretary. That company was taken over by a NASDAQ buyer a few years later, and I chose to work as a Partner at a leading National law firm before joining Michelmores in 2010. Before becoming Senior Partner, I was head of our Private Wealth sector, and work hard to ensure that all of our people and clients are aware of our unique proposition to integrate our business advice and our private client advice in a client-focused way. My current clients range from larger listed PLCs and some of the largest trading businesses in the UK or with a presence here, down to SMEs and early-stage entrepreneurs and HNW individuals. I am closely involved in MAINstream, our business angel network and MiVentures, our incubator programme. Expertise Capital Markets & Public M&A Corporate Entrepreneurs Legal Services in Asia MAINstream MiVentures Private Wealth Tax Technology & Innovation Venture Capital & Early Stage Fundraising Richard Cobb - Senior Partner - Corporate Lawyer | Michelmores

Richard Walford

I am a Partner in the Real Estate Team and bring vast experience in working with private and public sector clients, helping them to resource and manage their legal work and resources efficiently. I specialise in corporate occupier, infrastructure and development work and has particular expertise in managing large property portfolios and handling complex transactions/restructurings and refinancing. My experience and interests include strategic land, sustainable development and future mobility. In the transport sector, I have experience undertaking policy advisory work and my background includes sitting on industry working groups. Expertise Health Sector Real Estate Strategic Land Sustainable Economy Richard Walford - Partner - Transactional Real Estate | Michelmores

Sacha Pickering

I’m a Partner in the Banking, Restructuring & Insolvency team and a member of the Firm’s International Trust Advisory Group. I’m ranked as a notable practitioner in Chambers and Partners, and a leading individual in The Legal 500. I have over 20 years’ experience as a specialist insolvency and restructuring solicitor. I deal with all types of restructuring and insolvency issues, including business and asset sales and purchases, antecedent transaction advice and recovery, and all aspects of appointment holders’ and directors’ duties, powers and responsibilities. I advise on the full range of insolvency procedures from administrations through to complex individual voluntary arrangements and bankruptcy. I advise both insolvency practitioners and directors, companies and other stakeholders. In addition, I advise high-net-worth individuals, trust funds and corporates in relation to financial distress, pre-emptive structuring and contingency planning. I have advised office holders generally (including KPMG, PwC, BDO, Duff & Phelps and FRP Advisory) in relation to many matters including business and asset sales including by way of pre-pack; realisations by trustees in bankruptcy; directors’ duties; extensions and exits from administrations; recovery of significant and complex book debts; and misfeasance proceedings against directors. Expertise Accelerated M&A International Restructuring & Insolvency Sacha Pickering - Partner - Banking, Restructuring & Insolvency | Michelmores

Sally Rice

I am a partner in the Banking, Restructuring and Insolvency team and specialise in Real Estate Finance. I have worked at Michelmores for almost twenty years and undertake secured lending transactions for a broad range of clients including offshore lenders, alternative lenders and LEPS. I also act for Insolvency Practitioners in relation to sales as Law of Property Act Receivers and Trustees in Bankruptcy. A significant proportion of my work is undertaken for “repeat clients” and I really enjoy ensuring that I, and other colleagues working for those clients , really understand their business and objectives so that we can deliver the best possible service to them. This is a continual and dynamic process and involves us in adapting our processes and priorities to meet their needs, the challenges they face and the ever changing legal and commercial landscape. I love the fact that whatever legal issue arises for one of my clients there is someone within the firm who has the expertise to advise them. Expertise Asset Management Banking & Finance Finance & Investment Maintained Schools & Academies Property Public Sector Restructuring & Insolvency Secured Lending Wealth Management Sally Rice - Partner - Banking, Restructuring & Insolvency | Michelmores

Samantha Billingham

I am a Partner in the Michelmores’ Corporate team with over 30 years’ experience advising both private and public sector clients. I am also frequently brought in as lead advisor managing special projects for key clients that require a multi-disciplinary knowledge of business matters. I am experienced in M&A work, joint ventures, demergers and business reorganisations, structuring complex transactions and negotiating all relevant agreements including acquisition agreements, investment terms, shareholder and management arrangements, articles of association, partnership and LLP agreements. By developing strong working relationships with our clients’ management consultants and financial advisors, and as lead advisor on special projects, I ensure we deliver significant value and drive closings often while working under considerable time pressure. Expertise Accelerated M&A Corporate Mergers & Acquisitions Partnerships/LLPs Professional Practices Samantha Billingham - Partner - Corporate | Michelmores

Sandra Brown

I am a partner in the Private Wealth team in the Bristol office. I have over 30 years’ experience across a range of private client services, and is renowned in the legal directories and amongst my peers for my knowledge of wealth management and personal tax and trusts. I specialise in advising clients on preserving their personal wealth and how best to provide for themselves and their families in the future. I have a particular interest in the use of trusts in tax planning, including offshore trusts, and have a wealth of experience in matters that involve a foreign element, with many of my clients being domiciled outside the UK. I also act for a growing number of entrepreneurs and individuals with business interests. I am a member of the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners. Expertise Agriculture Defamation & Reputation Management for Businesses Defamation & Reputation Management for Individuals International Private Wealth Private Wealth Tax, Trusts & Succession Trust Creation & Administration Sandra Brown - Partner - Tax, Trusts & Succession | Michelmores

Sara Chisholm-Batten

I’m a Partner in Michelmores’ Disputes team, representing a variety of clients including high net worth individuals, family offices, multi-national businesses, development finance institutions and professional fiduciaries. Prior to joining Michelmores I worked for a major global law firm. I’m an experienced litigator and tactician, and aim to resolve disputes efficiently (and robustly, where that is in my clients’ interests). The majority of my caseload involves disputes where parties or their assets are based offshore, in Europe, Africa, Asia, India, North and South America, and many other parts of the world. I work closely with lawyers in other jurisdictions to ensure that clients receive advice that is seamless and that the tactics we deploy are informed by essential local knowledge. I’m a specialist in cross border enforcement measures, and have a wealth of first hand international experience in this area (including in Emerging Markets). Over a number of years, I attended the negotiation of the 2019 Hague Convention (HCCH) on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters as an observer for the International Bar Association (IBA). It has been a privilege to be involved in such an important project, which promises to stream-line international enforcement measures for clients whose business or personal interests cross borders. I continue to be an observer for the IBA at the new HCCH Jurisdiction Project working group, and I’m an officer on the IBA’s Litigation Committee. Expertise Civil Fraud & Asset Recovery Commercial & Regulatory Disputes Emerging Markets International International Private Wealth Personal Disputes Private Wealth Technology & Innovation Trust Disputes Sara Chisholm Batten - Partner - Commercial & Regulatory Disputes | Michelmores

Sarah Green

I’m a Partner in Michelmores’ Family team. My client base is diverse and includes high net worth individuals, entrepreneurs, high-profile people and farming families based both in the UK and internationally. Family legal issues cover a broad spectrum of life events, and I recognise the benefit and value of tailored legal advice at all stages of a relationship, in particular to ensure the protection of family wealth wherever possible. My approach is constructive and collaborative. Where possible, I always try to resolve issues without litigation. I regularly advise in relation to complex financial arrangements on divorce and cohabitation breakdown, to wealth protection, pre and post marital agreements and arrangements for children. My cases often involve complex assets, businesses and international elements. Recently, I have seen an increase in cases involving coercive and controlling behaviour, narcissistic traits and personality disorders, and my approach is tailored to ensure these cases are handled sensitively and carefully. I have extensive experience in complex children cases, including allegations of sexual abuse and parental alienation. I have experience of advising and representing in cases where capacity is an issue. An active member of Resolution (the national organisation of family justice professionals), I sit on the Bristol Resolution Committee, having been an elected board member of the National Committee and chair of the National YRes Committee, for a number of years. I enjoy strong links with the local business and legal communities and was a Bristol Law Society council member for five years. Expertise Entrepreneurs Family International Children Law International Divorce International Divorce Maintenance International Family Law Mental Capacity & Court of Protection Personal Disputes Private Wealth Tax, Trusts & Succession Sarah Green - Partner - Family | Michelmores

Sarah Reardon

I am an Associate in Michelmores’ Planning Team, having joined the Firm as a Trainee. I specialise in advising on highway and sewer adoption matters, along with points on general infrastructure. I am also involved in a number of strategically important schemes for regional and national house builders, advising on technical matters to tight deadlines. I have considerable experience in negotiating S106 Agreements, Deeds of Variation and related Deeds of Discharge for a variety of clients including developers, landed estates, local authorities, national house builders, other government bodies and landowners, enabling me to anticipate issues that may arise from all angles. My advisory experience extends to supporting a broad range of clients on matters of listed buildings, community infrastructure levy and permitted development rights. I recently provided listed buildings advice to a large public sector client on the sale of a historical building. I also provide planning input into due diligence reports for the Firm’s corporate and real estate clients, notably recently providing input and advice into re-purposing a large site for battery storage for an up-and-coming energy sector developer/operator. I was recently a panelist at the Thomson Reuters Women’s Industry event, inspiring junior women to voice their opinions, help build their confidence and fulfil their potential. In my spare time, I enjoy pursuing a variety of outdoor activities, including wakeboarding, surfing and hiking on Dartmoor. Expertise Agriculture Energy: Property & Land Aspects Planning Law Private Wealth Public Sector Real Estate Residential Development Sustainable Economy Sarah Reardon - Associate - Specialist Real Estate | Michelmores

Stephen Newson

I’m a Partner in the Real Estate team based in Exeter. I joined Michelmores from the Real Estate division of City firm Herbert Smith Freehills LLP in 2012 and have since developed my core commercial property practice both nationally and locally, as well as growing the team’s Real Estate Energy offering. I have extensive experience in investment, development and asset management of commercial real estate. A particular focus is high-end landlord and tenant work acting for institutional investors, leading property companies and investment funds in the UK. I routinely act for corporate occupier clients, primarily on the relocation of headquarters or the acquisition of additional space. I also act for property developers both in the South West and further afield on forward funding, forward purchase and development agreements. I am lead partner in the Real Estate Energy team providing real estate support to significant energy investment funds and managers across a range of asset types (EV, solar, wind, battery storage etc.). We work closely with our Commercial Energy team and have developed an innovative pricing mechanism with a menu of due diligence services to allow clients to tailor the energy due diligence work we undertake to their needs. Michelmores has proved to be an excellent opportunity and environment within which to build on my existing traditional commercial property experience and to push into new areas whilst always delivering strong personal client service. Working collaboratively with talented lawyers across the Firm’s practice areas and offices is a real highlight for me and reflective of Michelmores’ ambitious, joined-up and entrepreneurial ethos. Expertise Asset Management Consumer Brands Corporate Occupier Energy Energy: Property & Land Aspects Funds Property Real Estate Sustainable Economy Stephen Newson - Partner - Transactional Real Estate | Michelmores

Stephen Morse

Stephen is a Partner in Michelmores’ Corporate team, specialising in M&A, Private Equity and straight talking commercial common sense. He is top ranked in the legal directories for Corporate and M&A work and has experience across most sectors. Stephens tends to focus mainly on private equity and investment work. Key sectors are the financial, technology and food sectors.

Tom Torkar

I am a Partner and head of Michelmores’ Commercial team. I also lead the cross-practice Technology & Innovation group at Michelmores. I have many years’ experience advising clients on all aspects of digital and data law. My clients range from large house-hold names to disruptors and tech entrepreneurs. My work has enabled me to develop deep experience of the range of issues affecting the technology, gaming, data, media and financial services (fintech) sectors. Businesses seek my advice to help navigate compliance and commercial issues in order to innovate, evolve and ultimately succeed. It is my responsibility to listen to my clients and develop an in-depth understanding of their business and their commercial drivers. While their businesses often give rise to complex and novel issues, my clients value my ability to provide clear and pragmatic advice to help them to achieve their goals. I support in the drafting and negotiation of agreements – usually with a technology component, for major projects, business critical outsourcing arrangements, software and systems licensing, and development agreements. I also advise on regulatory and consumer compliance issues including data protection and other data laws and financial services regulation. I have been part of the Michelmores team since 2009 when I joined from a leading London technology and media firm. In addition to client work, I have been a Guest Lecturer at the University of Exeter (MA Creativity: Innovation and Business Strategy) and I also help to train and mentor businesses at SETSquared innovation centres as an Advisor in Residence. Expertise Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Betting & Gaming Commercial Consumer Brands Data Protection & Privacy FinTech Intellectual Property Legal Services in Asia MAINstream Manufacturing MiVentures Sustainable Economy Technology & Innovation Venture Capital & Early Stage Fundraising Tom Torkar - Partner - Commercial | Michelmores

Tony Cockayne

I am a Partner at Michelmores and head of the Disputed Wills & Estates team as well as head of the Charity Sector. I joined the Firm in 2002 and I am proud to be part of the success story that is Michelmores. I work with either private individuals or leading national charities, advising on a wide range of private client litigation matters. This involves acting for clients where there is a dispute in relation to a Will or a trust. I also act in contentious Court of Protection matters. Disputes regarding Wills arise in a number of circumstances for example where the testator’s mental capacity is being challenged or where there is an allegation of undue influence. I have developed a particular specialism in advising in claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. including a number of high profile and high value claims A further common area of law where I have acted on a number of matters is the doctrine of proprietary estoppel claim. I recognise that embarking on a dispute can be extremely challenging for my clients and like to develop a collegiate working relationship to achieve the best possible result. I thrive on developing and maintaining the relationships with clients during what is generally a stressful time. My role acting for a member of national charities primarily involves advising in a wide range of issues arising out of the legacies gifted in Wills. I am also an experienced mediator and have been mediating disputes for over 15 years. I have attended well over 100 mediations and enjoy bringing my pragmatic approach to helping people find resolutions to complex situations. I sit on the national committee for the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists. Expertise Assisted Dying and Relief from Forfeiture Challenging the Validity of a Will Charity Legacy Administration Defamation & Reputation Management for Businesses Defamation & Reputation Management for Individuals Estate Disputes Personal Disputes Private Wealth Proprietary Claims Tony Cockayne - Partner - Disputed Wills & Estates | Michelmores

Vivienne Williams

I head up the Agriculture team at Michelmores and I advise on a broad range of contentious agricultural matters, helping clients to navigate their way through difficult issues in a constantly evolving sector. My expertise includes agricultural property disputes, contractual disputes, co-ownership and trust disputes. I have particular expertise in landlord and tenant, succession and farming partnership disputes and my practice also covers estoppel claims, rights of way, possession claims, natural capital issues, issues relating to the potential development of land, agricultural banking and insolvency. I am often brought in to provide strategic advice at the outset, but in more heavily contested matters I attend mediations and take cases through arbitration, Tribunal or court proceedings. The experience that I have gained in advising on contentious matters leads me to have a unique insight into advising on the pitfalls to avoid when dealing with partnership formation and dissolution, the grant or surrender of tenancies and complex restructurings including the division of land as family businesses evolve. My client base is broad and spread across England and Wales. I act for farming businesses, entrepreneurs, land owners, estates, lending institutions, receivers and local authorities. Expertise Agriculture Farming Partnerships Land Use & the Environment Landlord & Tenant Partnerships/LLPs Vivienne Williams - Partner - Agriculture | Michelmores

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