Warners Solicitors > Tonbridge, England > Firm Profile

Warners Solicitors
BANK HOUSE
BANK STREET
TONBRIDGE
TN9 1BL
England

Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 2

Warners Solicitors is a go-to firm for clients in the agricultural and rural sectors seeking advice on a range of matters, including contentious and non-contentious property issues. The team is spearheaded by Steve Colville in Tonbridge. Michael McNally is noted for his expertise in the equestrian industry, and Tim Ryan is recommended for criminal matters relating to farming regulation violations and wildlife offences. Gail Hall is a further standout lawyer, who advises farming families on succession planning, trusts, and inheritance tax.

Practice head(s):

Steve Colville

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The firm is very efficient. There is good expertise within the agricultural law sector. They are approachable with partners able to cover many facets of agricultural law.’

‘Gail Hall has been very helpful, courteous, and willing to listen to full details of the work requested. She was very sympathetic to the issues arising and excellent in dealing with elderly clients. The work was completed in a timely manner.’

‘They are professional, attentive, and have good client relationships.’ 

‘The services provided are efficient and exact. They give good clear advice.’

‘Michael McNally in particular is very efficient and concise. His no-nonsense approach gets the job done. We appreciate his expertise and knowledge of agricultural matters.’

‘They have a strong empathy for the clients mixed with excellent legal knowledge.’

‘They are a friendly approachable firm with an extremely good knowledge of the rural community and challenges that clients may face.’

‘They provide a friendly, knowledgeable, and professional service. Warner’s take the time to understand the community they work in. Stand out partners include Gail Hall, Michael McNally, and Steve Colville.’

Key clients

National Farmers Union

Markel Legal Expenses Insurance

J M Osborne Rural and Sporting Limited

British Hound Sports Association

Work highlights

  • Advised J M Osborne Rural and Sporting Limited in relation to the employment of gamekeepers, grouse moors, shooting estates, and landed estates.
  • Advising Markel Legal Expenses regarding a large number of major farms and landed estates.
  • Advising farms in the Southeast on numerous disputes over trespass, adverse possession, easements, and travellers.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 2

The ‘personable, professional and approachable’ team at Warners Solicitors regularly assists clients with lifetime and estate planning as well as dynastic and landed estate issues, with experience in family trusteeship. The practice is led by Mary Shaw in Tonbridge, and the team was recently bolstered by Arshoo Singh from Weightmans LLP, who is described by clients as a ‘standout lawyer’.

Practice head(s):

Mary Shaw

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Personable, professional and approachable.’

‘Mary Shaw – took time to explain the implications and considerations of the decisions we were making.’

‘Incredibly polite, accurate and patient.’

‘Very helpful indeed.’

‘I have used Warners Solicitors and have found them to be efficient, knowledgeable and helpful on all occasions.’

‘In all my dealings with Gail Hall, I have found her to very approachable, good at explaining complex matters in jargon free and understandable terms, and efficient.’

‘Arshoo Singh is a standout lawyer. Thorough, detail orientated and yet excellent at putting clients at ease. Due to the breadth of her practice she is a trusted adviser to many.’

‘Great team with in depth knowledge in the industry.’

Private client > Family: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 3

Warners Solicitors‘ family team, based in Sevenoaks, ‘go over and above' to support clients, regularly handling financial remedy matters for high-net-worth clients, often handling wealth protection through pre- and post-nuptial agreements. Team head Matthew Aves is experienced in acting for high profile clients, working alongside Charles Tennant who is qualified as a family financial arbitrator and recommended for his ‘pragmatic approach’.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Aves

Other key lawyers:

Charles Tennant; Keith Ungar; Rebecca Massam

Testimonials

‘Charles Tennant is superb, he regularly gets in touch with updates, keeps you well informed regarding requirements from you.’

‘The team at Warners are most importantly, caring human beings. They are approachable and speak everyday language to clients – not legal speak. And from my experience, they listen to – and act upon – individual needs and desires, without compartmentalising.’

‘Keith Unger was a delight to deal with. He was incredibly responsive, very understanding of my situation and slightly unconventional wishes, and promptly and efficiently dealt with my situation. I would not hesitate to recommend Keith – indeed I already have done to a close friend who also received fantastic service. Cannot recommend highly enough. ’

‘I came to Warners as a very underconfident, nervous client. The whole team from the moment I contacted them were extremely understanding and conscientious of my situation. Each member will go over and above to make sure they are doing all they can and to make sure everything is done efficiently and effectively with the upmost care and attention.’

‘Rebecca Massam is a class above the rest in her field. She has an ability to deeply understand her client. She has the ability to communicate with directness and grace which allows for a no nonsense delivery of task in question. Rebecca in short has given me my life back. She will go over and above to help her clients and I was extremely thankful to have found her and would recommend her and Warners to anyone.’

‘Charles Tennant dealt with my divorce proceedings. He has an absolute wealth of knowledge. He was professional, polite and also very realistic in his advice, the process of divorce proceedings and the likely outcome. He reassured me through the whole process and was a great representative when we went to court for financial remedies.’

‘Matthew Aves is one of few solicitors who is still confident to do his own advocacy against experienced barristers. He argues his client’s case and will stand his ground when appropriate. Always living up to his excellent reputation.’

‘Charles Tennant is now a qualified arbitrator as well as a solicitor and renowned for his pragmatic approach.’

Work highlights

Private client > Court of protection Tier 3

The ‘highly regarded’ Martin Terrell heads the team at Warners Solicitors, which deals with a significant amount of deputyship work, as well as complex mental capacity and Court of Protection-related issues. It covers the full range of contentious and non-contentious deputyship matters. The group advises clients ranging from wealthy individuals to those on benefits, as well as covering panel cases following family disputes and financial abuse. Arshoo Singh joined the practice from Weightmans LLP in September 2023.

Practice head(s):

Martin Terrell

Other key lawyers:

Arshoo Singh; Heather Jane West

Testimonials

‘Warners have just acquired Arshoo Singh who is a recognised expert in the Court of Protection field. This new hire solidifies the firm’s reputation in property and affairs cases.’

‘Arshoo Singh also brings an international element to the firm which is rare in this area of law.’

‘Arshoo Singh is a star individual in Court of Protection property and affairs. She commands the trust of clients (including professional clients such as trust corporations) and I have observed that judges rely on her sensible and realistic submissions.’

‘Martin Terrell is a well known deputy and a respected Court of Protection solicitor.’

‘Warners has a strong Court of Protection team and is involved both in running complex deputyships and in representing clients in Court of Protection litigation.’

‘Martin Terrell is a well-known name in the Court of Protection world, and he combines a friendly and understanding manner with an encyclopaedic knowledge of deputyship and related areas of practice. He has an excellent assistant in Heather Jane West.’

‘The team are quite innovative with their thinking. We work with many CoP practices and Warners are by far the most collaborative.’

‘Martin Terrell is supremely professional and a leader in his field. His team follow his lead and represent him admirably. They listen to opinions, seek advice, challenge thinking and generally welcome third parties to be part of their decision making process.’

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 4

With its 'success' down to its people, Warners Solicitors advises clients on a variety of corporate matters including M&A, MBOs, restructuring and private equity. The firm, based in Tonbridge, has a specific focus advising businesses in creative, technology and financial services sectors. The practice is led by the ‘responsive and prompt’, Kevin Sullivan and Andrew Hawkins, who is described as ‘extremely good not only as a solicitor, but also as a business advisor’.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Hawkins; Kevin Sullivan

Other key lawyers:

Jessica Cox

Testimonials

‘The key to success in working with Warners has been the people. The personal service, care and attention given goes a long way. I know I can happily refer work and know it will be considered practically and personably. I can trust that Warners will look after any clients that I send their way.’

‘Andrew Hawkins has shown what having a great individual can bring to a relationship in the legal professional. He balances attention to detail, he is an expert at cutting through legal documents to get to the nub of matters raised.’

‘Andrew Hawkins has acted for me on many occasions, he is extremely good not only as a solicitor but also as a business advisor. His team leadership abilities are second to none. I have recommended him often.’

‘Andrew Hawkins is blessed with a team that works together, put simply they communicate both with themselves and client as it should be!’

‘I would highlight Jessica Cox who was 100% reliable and efficient.’

‘Partner Kevin Sullivan is very responsive and prompt, which makes him stand out from other lawyers. He cares, and he wants the best outcome for us. Jessica Cox has been very efficient in assisting him with the deals.’

‘Andrew Hawkins has been my only contact in this company. He gives me his time, responds to emails quickly and his legal advice is first class. He fully understands my position and works tirelessly to help with my situation.’

Key clients

Infinity Group Holdings Limited

The Keyholding Company Limited

Pro-Activ Publications Limited

Rough Trade Retail (UK) Limited

Beggars Group Limited

Creative Artists Management Limited

Dancesport International Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Infinity Group Holdings Limited on the strategic acquisition of the entire issued share capital of RedkiteCRM Limited.
  • Advised Columba Systems Limited on the sale of all of its business and assets to Aiera, Inc.
  • Negotiated the asset purchase agreement and related transaction documents for Pro-Activ Publications Limited.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 4

The Tonbridge team at Warners Solicitors is headed by Michael McNally, who specialises in contentious matters within the agricultural sector, including boundary disputes and trespassing. Robert Twining is also noted for his experience with nuisance claims and restrictive covenants.

Practice head(s):

Michael McNally

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘They provide comprehensive and clear instructions. Their solicitors are experts in their field. Their client care is excellent; I know my lay clients felt informed and supported on what was a difficult and highly personal property litigation matter.’

‘Michael Smith deals with complex litigation matters with efficiency and knowledge.’

‘They punch well above their weight. They offer expert knowledge with a local touch.’

Key clients

Chevening Estate

Squerryes Estate

National Farmers Union

Markel Legal Expenses Insurance

Work highlights

  • Acting for Markel Legal Expenses Insurance in an ongoing matter relating to insurance policies that affect a large number of major farms and landed estates.
  • Acting for a landowner in proceedings for forfeiture through the courts, among other landlord and tenant disputes.
  • Acting for farms in the Southeast in numerous disputes over trespass, adverse possession, easements, and travelers.

This highly regarded firm delivers private client services to high-net-worth and other individuals and has a focus on significant estates and trusts, as well as family law. Agricultural land is a specialism and corporate and commercial services are provided, with notable experience in intellectual property, property disputes and employment, together with criminal expertise.

The firm: Established in 1785, Warners has served the communities of the South East of England ever since. It has historically been a private client firm, having acted for several generations of the same families for more than 200 years. Over the past 20 years it has expanded to provide commercial services to leading international, London and Kent-based organisations, as well as criminal services.

The practice operates from two modern offices in Tonbridge and Sevenoaks. It is known for the experience and knowledge of its partners, supported by a skilled team of assistants providing a highly responsive and practical service to all clients. Prominent organisations that instruct the firm include 21st Century Technology plc, Bell Identification BV, Black Eagle Estates, Brewin Dolphin, Fuel Oil Holdings, JM Osborne & Co, Masters of Foxhounds Association, RBS Commercial Funding, Svenska Handelsbanken and Tropifruit UK. Regular referrals are received from other law firms.

Types of work undertaken: Private client services include administering a significant number of high-net-worth estates and trusts, as well as advising individuals. Integrated advice is provided on tax and financial matters, using the experience of in-house accountancy professionals, as well as solicitors. The practice has close ties to farmers, landowners and landed estates provide support for its highly rated agricultural practice, from tenancies to land tribunal cases, boundary disputes, land sales and purchases, equine disputes and disputes over sporting rights.

As one of the leading family practices in the South East, Warners offers mediation and collaborative services, as well as court case expertise. It acts for many international clients and advises on cases with multi-million pounds of assets as well as smaller matters with highly complex issues.

Commercial property is a growing focus for national and regional clients. The corporate team specialises in mergers and acquisitions for owner-managed businesses as well as UK-based multinationals. Intellectual property expertise includes software and technology licensing and distribution. Employment is a specialism, with notable expertise in countryside and country sports matters.

All aspects of civil and commercial litigation are handled, including property matters in courts and tribunals. Niche expertise is provided in Japanese knotweed cases. Criminal expertise includes all regular and serious crimes including countryside issues, such as illegal hunting and breaches of animal welfare, as well as environmental issues.

Other offices: Sevenoaks

Department Name Email Telephone
Private Client Mary Shaw [email protected]
Commercial Property Mark Davis [email protected]
Residential Property John McAuliffe [email protected]
Family Law Matthew Aves [email protected]
Corporate, Commercial & IP Kevin Sullivan [email protected]
Criminal & Regulatory Offences Tim Ryan [email protected]
Agricultural Law Steve Colville [email protected]
Employment Louise Brenlund [email protected]
Court of Protection Martin Terrell [email protected]
Number of UK partners : 26
Number of other UK fee-earners : 50
English
ABL
England & Wales Law Society
Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP)
Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE)
Resolution
Resolution Accredited with particular specialisms in Children Law and Private
CILEx
Agricultural Law Association
National Farmers Union
NFU - Legal Panel Member :