Vanderpump & Sykes

Vanderpump & Sykes LLP is a high-profile practice based in Enfield, Middlesex. The firm has strong private client and commercial and property departments, offering commercial and commercial property services to small- and medium-sized businesses in North London and Hertfordshire.

The firm: Vanderpump & Sykes LLP has been established since 1899. There are presently three equity partners, and seven salaried partners, with 12 solicitors in all. The firm converted to LLP status in 2011, in order to take best advantage of the opportunities arising from the new regulations and to enable it to operate under a modem corporate structure. The firm is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and is a member of The Law Society. In 2013 the firm became an alternative business structure (ABS).

The firm aims to offer a quality service, with an approachable and accessible style. It seeks to combine the merits of an established practice with a high reputation in the area with those of a firm which is up-to-date and progressive. It recognises the importance of adapting to a changing environment while sustaining quality confirmed by the firm€’s accreditations, which include ISO 9001:2015 and the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS). Additionally, the Vanderpump & Sykes team of solicitors includes members of STEP, Solicitors for the Elderly, and Resolution.

The firm has maintained a strong reputation over the years, being a member of LawNet and receiving regular feedback from peers in other firms.

Vanderpump & Sykes continues to explore ways of expanding further, either through merger or acquisition, in addition to increasing its own turnover and profitability organically. As an ABS it is also able to consider other types of investors or industries.

Types of work undertaken: Vanderpump & Sykes practice is divided into six profit/cost centres for financial reporting: residential conveyancing, commercial, private client, litigation, matrimonial, and accounting and administration. The two largest practice areas are commercial (property, corporate and commercial litigation) and family (divorce and separation, family finances, child issues, pre- and post-nuptial agreements etc).

The company/commercial department handles all aspects of commercial enterprise in property transactions, and in particular property development, finance, and landlord and tenant matters. The department also has experience in all aspects of company/commercial work including demerger sales and purchases of companies and formation of corporate vehicles. The key partner in the team for these areas is James Porter. James is assisted by Zoe Winfield.

The family department specialises in divorce, separation, family finances, civil partnerships, cohabitation, children, adoption and pre- and post-nuptial agreements. Mark Heselton and Liz Orman  are all experienced family solicitors with many years€’ experience.

Vanderpump & Sykes’ residential conveyancing department handles transfer of equity, remortgages and right to buy, in addition to sale and purchases. James Porter is the person overseeing the department which is run by Zoe Winfield with a full complement of support staff. The residential team also deals with freehold enfranchisement, with lease extensions overseen by James Porter, who is also a notary public.

The wills and probate department is headed by partner Inderjit Ahitan, who has many years experience in advising clients on wills, probate, lasting power of attorneys, inheritance tax and trusts. Inderjit is assisted by Uchenna Obika, and is a member of the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners€’ (STEP) and Solicitors for the Elderly.

The litigation department, which includes landlord and tenants disputes, also handles possession claims, forfeiture claims, trespassers, dilapidation and rent recovery, as well as matrimonial, employment, civil and commercial litigation. Partners Richard Stephens and Gary Beecham  plus solicitor Tim McLeish handle these matters. Richard also handles employment law, with expertise including dismissal, redundancy, TUPE, and disciplinary and grievances, for either employers or employees.

No publicly funded, personal injury or criminal work is undertaken.