Wedlake Bell LLP > London, England > Firm Profile
Wedlake Bell LLP Offices
71 QUEEN VICTORIA STREET
LONDON
EC4V 4AY
England
Wedlake Bell LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Dispute resolution > Debt recovery Tier 1
Wedlake Bell is renowned for its work in the utilities and finance sectors, acting for debt buyers and lenders as well as insurers, landlords, government departments and local government. Frances Coulson has over 30 years’ experience in contentious insolvency, covering all forms of debt, with particular expertise in cases involving fraud and injunctive relief. Coulson co-heads the sizeable practice with Charles Robinson, a leading figure in the utilities debt arena, where he developed a specialisation in countering fraud including phoenixism, ‘creditor avoidance’ and commodity theft. Graham McPhie acts in disrepair claims and other legal services for social housing.Practice head(s):
Frances Coulson; Charles Robinson
Other key lawyers:
Graham McPhie
Testimonials
‘Industry knowledge is second to none.’
‘Exceptional understanding of the industry I work in.’
‘The team are incredibly knowledgable with regard to our industry and provide really thorough advice when needed. Their pleadings and general drafting is of the highest standard.’
Key clients
British Gas Trading Ltd
E.ON UK plc
Npower Commercial Gas
Orsted Energy Sales UK Limited
Corona Energy
Smartestenergy
Work highlights
- Advised British Gas in respect of a variety of unpaid electricity charges.
- Prosecuted petition for costs for BGC Partners LLP against debtor who deployed debt breathing space and foreshadowed further breathing space relief.
- Advised E.ON Energy in respect of a variety of unpaid electricity charges.
Corporate and commercial > M&A: Smaller Deals, £10m-£100m Tier 2
Variously praised as ‘efficient, collaborative’ and ‘pragmatic’, the corporate team at Wedlake Bell LLP for its capabilities across the gamut of corporate transactions, particularly in the technology, financial services, insurance and leisure sectors. The team has most recently been bolstered by the arrival of Mark Tasker and Stephen Callender in May 2022; Tasker draws on over 30 years of experience advising clients on on corporate transactional work, while Callender is noted for his focus on M&A and UK capital markets matters. The wider practice is led by Adam Lynch, who regularly handles corporate finance and M&A transactions - both domestic and cross-border. Nigel Taylor is recommended for his expertise in advising on downstream private equity and private equity-backed transactions. Janice Wall retired from the firm in February 2023.Practice head(s):
Adam Lynch
Other key lawyers:
Edward Craft; Nigel Taylor; Julian Matthews; Mark Tasker; Stephen Callender; Kamalprit Lally
Testimonials
‘Nigel Taylor makes a partner-led offering work well and is supported by excellent associates and related disciplines available to assist. Nigel has a unique experience and insight in to our sector and extensive transaction experience with us. He is able to take a pro-active stance throughout with his knowledge of our appetite for risk etc.’
‘Friendly, efficient, collaborative, pragmatic and solutions based approach to transactions which works well for us as we build our brand as a major acquirer in our sector.’
‘Real industry experience and knowledge at partner level and thorough understanding of issues and our position from associates.’
‘Personalised service that makes a difference and old fashioned partner-led communication. As a CEO, it’s the perfect level of support.’
‘My partner is exceptional is offering options and alternative solutions, but also pragmatic depending on the matter.’
‘Wedlake Bell team was great at solving complex problems and distilling them to simplified achievable solutions. Their approach is very professional and strongly focused on what is best for the client.’
‘Stephen Callender is one of, if not the best solicitor I know. His calm and composed manner always helps find the best solution to any complex problem. He has my interest at heart every single time and always focuses on doing the right thing.’
Key clients
Athora UK RE Log Holdco 1 Limited
Global Risk Partners Limited
The shareholders of Activate Solutions Group Limited
Miha Holdings B.V (trading as Re-Vision)
Belimed AG
The shareholders of Zeigo Ltd
Org Holdings Limited
Schneider & Cie. AG Internationale Transporte
The shareholders of the Banana Tree Restaurant Group
The shareholders of Ufford Park Limited
The shareholders of Surefoot Solutions Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Athora UK RE Log Holdco 1 Limited in relation to the sale of the entire issued share capital of Athora UK Re Log Property 21 Limited and Athora UK Re Log Property 12 Limited.
- Advised Global Risk Partners, one of the leading independent insurance intermediaries in the UK and an operating unit of Brown & Brown, Inc.’s Retail Segment, on its acquisition of CC Flint and Company Ltd (Flint Insurance).
- Advised the shareholders of Activate Solutions Group Limited (Activate), the parent company to a group of specialist field sales solutions businesses including Field Sales Solutions (FSS), on the sale of the entire issued share capital of Activate to private equity backed and France-based Impact Field Marketing Group (IFMG).
Private client > Art and cultural property Tier 2
The art and luxury market is a growth area for Wedlake Bell LLP, which recently recruited its two new department heads Tim Maxwell and Rudy Capildeo from Charles Russell Speechlys LLP. These highly regarded partners advise artists, private collectors as well as international art galleries on a whole host of issues relating to artists’ rights and high-value title disputes. The group also represents clients in the recovery of artworks that were lost or misappropriated during the Nazi era, and is well equipped to advise on the purchase, sale and financing of art and luxury assets. Senior associate Petra Warrington is another seasoned practitioner.Practice head(s):
Rudy Capildeo; Tim Maxwell
Other key lawyers:
Petra Warrington; Tamara Wakeford
Testimonials
‘Following its recruitments, Wedlake Bell has one of the top art and cultural property practices in London. They are excellent from top to bottom, have a genuine understanding of the market and seem to know everyone who matters in the art and cultural sector’.
‘Tim Maxwell has an excellent strategic mind, and is unfazed by whatever is thrown up in the course of colourful litigation. Rudy Capildeo has a way with clients, and opponents, which enables dispute solutions to be magicked out of thin air. His knowledge of the art market is unparalleled’.
‘Petra Warrington is a reassuring and calming presence in even the most eventful disputes. She is clearly a partner of the future, and a pleasure to work with. Tamara Bell is impressive beyond her relatively junior years, and one to watch for the future.’
Key clients
Design & Artists’ Copyright Society
The Artist Collecting Society
Work highlights
- Represented not-for-profit entities, the Design & Artists Copyright Society (DACS) & the Artists’ Collecting Society (ACS), the two collecting societies responsible for collecting resale royalties on behalf of artists and artists’ estates. DACS and ACS filed a claim seeking the disclosure of information relating to sales of artworks which qualify for resale right royalties.
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 2
Wedlake Bell LLP fields a ‘strong team’, which covers the full range of issues facing UHNW and HNW individuals in the UK and overseas. Its UK and internationally focused team provides excellent advice to families and private business owners. The group is well placed to advise on numerous complex, cross-jurisdictional matters involving tax and tax regularisation, corporate and contentious issues as well as complicated trust structures. Other areas of expertise include providing tax planning advice for UK and international private collectors, charities and landed estates. In addition, it frequently acts for artists and galleries with heritage assets and other collectibles. Camilla Wallace, Jenny Cutts and Matthew Braithwaite are the practice heads. Andrew O’Keeffe excels in a broad range of contentious matters.Practice head(s):
Camilla Wallace; Jenny Cutts; Matthew Braithwaite
Other key lawyers:
Andrew O’Keeffe; Antoaneta Proctor; Victoria Mahon de Palacios; Kate Johnson
Testimonials
‘In short, the team provide a comprehensive tax advisory service in the context of private clients. There is strength in depth and ready access to senior lawyers/partners’.
‘Matt Braithwaite is technically sound and highly responsive’.
‘Antoaneta Proctor has a lot of experience with international clients’.
‘Victoria Mahon De Palacios and the team were very precise in their explanation and very prompt in acting upon our request. Even though the service was offered on pro bono basis at the generosity of the firm, we felt like VIP clients all the way through’.
‘The private client team has depth and breadth to handle comprehensively the needs of individuals, families and their businesses’.
‘Kate Johnson is extraordinary. Her insight brings order to chaos, promptly recognising the practical impact of complex rules. She inspires confidence’.
‘Camilla Wallace is impressive. She communicates marvellously, with humour and compassion, grounded in abundant practical experience and technical acumen‘.
‘Camilla Wallace and Math Braithwaite – they are combined a real force of nature, they are a great team. Matthew is very thoughtful and very clever’.
Work highlights
- Advised (on a pro bono basis) and put in place the structure to set up the charity, Svitlo Education. The aim of the charity is to provide online education and English language classes to children who have been affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 2
Advising a plethora of corporate occupiers in the life science, retail and technology sectors, Wedlake Bell LLP caters to the full spectrum of residential development matters. The team is also well-equipped to support logistics and industrial property funders, as well as owners, at all stages of the property asset life cycle. Head of the team David De Maupeou is proficient in the central London office sphere and often acts on mixed-use development schemes, while Kathryn West is particularly active in the logistics sector. Leah Freeman is adept in institutional investments, in addition to mixed-use developments and Suzanne Gill assists high-net-worth individuals on the disposal and investment of commercial and residential properties. Sarah Blunn is acts for charities, corporates, professional services firms and retail occupiers on property strategies.Practice head(s):
David de Maupeou
Other key lawyers:
Kathryn West; Leah Freeman; Suzanne Gill; Sarah Blunn; Justin Lewis Vivas; Ben Dunbar; Claire Nelson
Testimonials
‘Wedlake Bell provides a very thoughtful, pragmatic and down to earth service. A sensible and collaborative style is shown for clients and third parties which tends to make the process more efficient and enjoyable.’
‘A strong level of knowledge and experience.’
‘Suzanne Gill is excellent to work with. Very proactive and thorough – we know we’re in safe hands.’
Key clients
J. A. Kemp
Oxford Science Enterprises plc
Busaba Eathai
Hugo Boss
Illumina
AlixPartners
Crowe
J. Choo Limited
Ivy Farm Technologies Limited
Refuge
Quadrature Capital
Work highlights
- Advised Ivy Farm Technologies on their agreement for lease of 4050 Oxford Business Park.
- Advising AlixPartners on its HQ office deal opposite Land Securities.
- Advised Ascend Gene and Cell Therapies Ltd on a pre-let Lease of existing and future labs for life science/pharma client at Clare Hall Potters Bar.
Real estate > Residential property Tier 2
The excellent team at Wedlake Bell LLP had another busy year covering a broad range of matters across the prime and super-prime residential market. Tom Allfree heads the practice, which has celebrity and U/HNW clients. The group can draw on the expertise of its colleagues to assist with complex tax and structuring matters, as well as construction and planning issues. It also garners praise for its strength in property litigation, and is regularly instructed to advise on high-value lease extensions, in addition to individual and collective enfranchisement matters. Nick Stone continues to attract work from very wealthy clients on a whole host of residential conveyancing purchases and sales. Jonathan Achampong is another notable member of the department.Practice head(s):
Tom Allfree
Other key lawyers:
Nick Stone; Jonathan Achampong; Anna Lewis; Charley Lowe
Testimonials
‘Nick Stone’s work ethic is second to none, and he has instilled this in his team. He is very quick to respond. Nick is pragmatic, commercial, calm and works hard to ensure a swift and successful conclusion for my client’.
‘Jonathan Achampong did very well on a complicated residential acquisition for some overseas clients. He was brilliant’.
‘Exceptional care and attention to detail. Tom Alfree-very commercial and sensible lawyer. Top guy’.
‘A very highly skilled team with leading market knowledge and expertise. The strength in depth of their team is unparalleled in the industry.’
‘Nick Stone, Tom Allfree, Anna Lewis, Jonathan Achampong and Charley Lowe – All fantastic individually’.
‘Their efficiency and accuracy make them an absolute pleasure to deal with. Tom Allfree is an exceptionally good lawyer, he is an absolute pleasure to deal with, always makes time for a call and strikes the balance perfectly between pragmatism and caution with challenging transactions’.
‘Large range of services offered. Charley Lowe – professional, experienced and knowledgeable in her field. Always happy to assist’.
‘The attentiveness to details, the constant communication and the warmth and friendliness at the end of the phone – Jonathan Achampong’.
Corporate and commercial > VAT and indirect tax Tier 3
Wedlake Bell LLP‘s client roster includes international corporates and major UK universities, and the tax team assists them with contentious and advisory tax matters, especially in the real estate sector. Michael Ridsdale chairs the practice and advises clients on the VAT and indirect tax aspects on a range of transactions, as well as representing taxpayers in disputes against HMRC.Practice head(s):
Michael Ridsdale
Other key lawyers:
Martin Scammell
Testimonials
‘Michael Ridsdale takes pride in ensuring he knows his client and acts in their best interest. He is approachable, works in strict confidence, is professional, and totally trustworthy.’
‘As national chairman of the VAT Practitioners Group, Michael Ridsdale he is a well-known, well-liked, and well-respected industry figure. He has fantastic technical expertise coupled with impressive attention to detail. He inspires confidence in those working with him.’
Key clients
Dephna
Interpublic
Work highlights
- Advising a major university on the construction and development of a new campus in the London area.
Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 3
The private client disputes team at Wedlake Bell LLP, advises on the full range of contentious issues facing HNW individuals in the UK and abroad. Under the leadership of Caroline Miller (who has a ‘very good reputation in the market’). It has handled matters over the past year with a collective value of over £506.8m. Clients include wealthy individuals, families, executors, trustees and beneficiaries. Andrew O’Keeffe has particular expertise in disputes concerning the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. Oliver Embley and Ann Stanyer are both recommended.Practice head(s):
Caroline Miller
Other key lawyers:
Andrew O’Keeffe; Oliver Embley; Ann Stanyer; Katie Turney
Testimonials
‘Wedlake Bell are leaders in their field and provide their client with a personal and empathetic service.’
‘Caroline Miller is excellent and thoroughly knowledgeable. Her client care skills and technical knowledge are stand out.’
‘Caroline Miller has rightfully been promoted to head the contentious team, which has an interesting mix of old-money and new-money matters and good connections with the Channel Islands. Katie Turney is a superstar of the future. A calm and self-assured presence.’
‘The team is very good. They are up there in the market’.
‘Andrew O’Keefe is an excellent litigator with a very good private client knowledge also, which makes him an excellent trusts and estate litigator. Andrew is technically very strong and leads his team from the front. Pragmatic and good to work on a matter with.’
Private client > Family Tier 3
Mathew Brunsdon-Tully ‘leads the family team with aplomb’ at Wedlake Bell LLP, where Charmaine Hast is now a consultant. The team is well-regarded for its work on complex international prenuptial agreements involving significant assets, and for its advice on multifaceted local and foreign trusts. Many of Brunsdon-Tully’s matters are for ultra and high-net-worth clients. In addition, he is qualified as a mediator with CEDR.Practice head(s):
Matthew Brunsdon-Tully
Other key lawyers:
Charmaine Hast; Natasha Kurth; Jennifer Ball; Sarah Infante
Testimonials
‘Very professional yet personal in their dealings. Speak their minds in a nice way. Charmaine Hast has lots of experience, and Natasha Kurth is extremely able and efficient.’
‘Great legal knowledge and dedication to client’s needs and outcomes. Charmaine Hast is a leader in her field and a great tactician, and Natasha Kurt is also excellent and clients love her.’
‘The team is adept at both complex financial remedies work and children’s disputes, including cutting-edge cross-border work. It can also draw on the expertise of colleagues from other areas of the firm such as private client snd property, making it well-placed to provide a full service to its clients.’
‘Matthew Brunsdon-Tully is clever, creative, empathetic and has a big brain for both numbers and black letter law. I have no hesitation in recommending him and as a young partner and head of department; he is very much paving the way for the next generation of lawyers.’
‘Really good family law specialist firm that are definitely on a real upward trajectory.’
‘Charmaine Hast remains highly regarded, even after passing the reigns over to Matthew Brunsdon-Tully. The team have been further strengthened by the hires of Jennifer Ball and Sarah Infante.’
‘Matthew Brunsdon-Tully is an outstandingly bright, hard working and energetic solicitor. He has excellent forensic judgement combined with a sensitivity towards the human emotions engaged in family cases.’
‘Matthew Brunsdon-Tully is an excellent lawyer, interested in new ideas and with great intellectual vigour. He has a good understanding of human nature and maintains positive relationships with clients and with his opponents.’
Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 3
Advising a plethora of corporate occupiers in the life science, retail and technology sectors, Wedlake Bell LLP caters to the full spectrum of residential development matters. The team is also well-equipped to support logistics and industrial property funders, as well as owners, at all stages of the property asset life cycle. Head of the team David De Maupeou is proficient in the central London office sphere and often acts on mixed-use development schemes, while Kathryn West is particularly active in the logistics sector. Leah Freeman is adept in institutional investments, in addition to mixed-use developments and Suzanne Gill assists high-net-worth individuals on the disposal and investment of commercial and residential properties. Sarah Blunn is acts for charities, corporates, professional services firms and retail occupiers on property strategies.Practice head(s):
David de Maupeou
Other key lawyers:
Kathryn West; Leah Freeman; Suzanne Gill; Sarah Blunn; Justin Lewis Vivas; Ben Dunbar; Claire Nelson
Testimonials
‘Strong real estate offering.’
‘Claire Nelson is easy to deal with and accessible. She is pragmatic and will come up with solutions to get the deal done.’
Key clients
Urban Logistics REIT Plc
LondonMetric Property PLC
Oxenwood Real Estate and a number of its joint ventures
Jersey Co
London City Mission
Summix Capital
Eleventy World UK Limited
Satila Studios
Work highlights
- Acted for an Oxenwood and Mulberry Developments joint venture vehicle on the successful sale of Unit A Power Park 38 to Pro-Direct Group by way of the grant of a 999-year lease.
- Acted for Eleventy World UK Limited on their acquisition of a retail boutique at the Berkeley Hotel, London.
- Acting for Hugo Boss in connection with their acquisition of various McArthur Glen units for their Hugo stores.
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 3
Wedlake Bell LLP works for a broad-range of landlords, occupiers, developers and receivers on all manner of real estate litigation, particularly within the retail, development and religious sectors. Areas of expertise for the firm include dilapidations, forfeiture and possession claims, service charge disputes and overage payments. Department head and ‘exceptional property litigator’ Adam Colenso specialises in landlord and tenant litigation, as well as disputes concerning land development. Jonathan Hibberts is experienced in dealing with lease renewals, disrepair and termination disputes for both landlords and tenants.Practice head(s):
Adam Colenso
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Hibberts; Rachel Fitzgerald
Testimonials
‘Consistently offer excellent, clear, commercial advice with strength and depth in the team.’
‘Adam Colenso is personable and understands the issues.’
‘Adam Colenso is an exceptional property litigator. He is immensely knowledgeable about the law; he is a pleasure to work with; and he runs cases with great proficiency and intelligence.’
‘An experienced team with a good base of knowledge across the whole range of property litigation from residential to commercial disputes.’
‘Jonathan Hibberts gets stuck into the detail and provides an extremely effective service, balancing the legal position perfectly against the clients’ commercial objectives. He is particularly effective in disputes over developments and complex land agreements.’
‘Adam Colenso and Rachel Fitzgerald provide top-quality advice and representation in the most complex property disputes. They are approachable, easy to deal with and go the extra mile for their clients. They are a pleasure to work with – always on the look out for the best solution for clients in both disputes and mediations.’
Key clients
Fuller Smith & Turner PLC
Care UK
Robert Dyas
Manpower
CALA Homes
Hugo Boss
Devonshire Metro Limited
Summix
London City Mission
London Diocesan Fund
Welby Group
Work highlights
- Advising Dragon Investment Management Limited on a dispute against the developer and NHBC over the contracts for the construction and purchase of a large block of flats in London which is subject to a significant number of defects.
- Advising our client on a dispute over the lease obligations in respect of two leases of one of the largest UK professional services firm’s headquarter buildings – which has an annual rent of over £10m per annum.
- Advising a property developer company in relation to the development of a large site in the Holborn area which currently has four telecom operators with lease and code rights on the roof. in relation to the termination of the leases and the code rights.
Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 4
Wedlake Bell LLP is home to a number of distinct specialisms, directing particular emphasis towards matters pertaining to contentious and personal insolvency, restructuring, utilities and finance. The team is headed by Frances Coulson , an expert in pre-emptively identifying and countering fraudulent activities.Practice head(s):
Frances Coulson
Other key lawyers:
James Latham; Richard Saunders; Edward Saunders
Testimonials
‘Responsive and good collaboration with clients, fitting well into team working.’
‘Richard Saunders and the team are great technically and are able to explain complex issues in terms that can be understood.’
Key clients
RSM UK LLP
PKF
Grant Thornton UK LLP
Haslers
Interpath
Mazars LLP
Begbies Traynor PLC (numerous offices)
Azets Limited
Opus Restructuring
Resolve
Work highlights
- Advising and representing Paul Cooper and Paul Appleton (Trustees in Bankruptcy of Edward Wojakovski and also Receivers) in numerous ongoing applications in a case involving extraction of c£15 million company assets by the bankrupt.
- Representing a security trustee in a significant investment scheme where the investment companies have entered administration. The team is representing the security trustee in recovering funds and dealing with investigations into waterfall.
- Advising on preparation of £15 million claim against former directors of a Company for diversion of Company funds to connected third parties as part of a fraud against HMRC.
Employment > Senior executives Tier 4
Wedlake Bell LLP specialises in advising the full range of relevant clients, from executive and non-executive board officers to chief operational officers. William Granger spearheads the practice and advises across a range of sectors including hospitality, professional services and sport; he regularly acts in cross-jurisdictional shareholder disputes, as well as handling contentious and non-contentious departures and arrivals. Adam Grant is another key team member, and is well versed in global restructuring matters, whistleblowing cases, and discrimination claims. Stephen Ravenscroft joined from Memery Crystal in October 2023.Practice head(s):
William Granger
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Empathy and care, quality of advice given and of the support offered. Fast turnaround. Personable team.’
Real estate > Commercial property: development Tier 4
Advising a plethora of corporate occupiers in the life science, retail and technology sectors, Wedlake Bell LLP caters to the full spectrum of residential development matters. The team is also well-equipped to support logistics and industrial property funders, as well as owners, at all stages of the property asset life cycle. Head of the team David De Maupeou is proficient in the central London office sphere and often acts on mixed-use development schemes, while Kathryn West is particularly active in the logistics sector. Leah Freeman is adept in institutional investments, in addition to mixed-use developments and Suzanne Gill assists high-net-worth individuals on the disposal and investment of commercial and residential properties. Sarah Blunn is acts for charities, corporates, professional services firms and retail occupiers on property strategies.Practice head(s):
David de Maupeou
Other key lawyers:
Kathryn West; Leah Freeman; Suzanne Gill; Sarah Blunn; Justin Lewis Vivas; Ben Dunbar; Claire Nelson
Testimonials
‘An excellent team, which is technically sound. They provide accurate advice.’
‘Suzanne Gill is client friendly, commercial and sensible.’
‘Wedlake Bell LLP holds the perfect balance of size and service in commercial property, blending responsiveness with legal expertise, due diligence, negotiation skills and attention to detail.’
‘David Johnston’s service and manner are exemplary. He remains courteous throughout but steely and determined at pivotal moments. He has premiership knowledge in real estate and knows when to reinforce other matters with specialist expertise from WB’s excellent team.’
Key clients
CALA
Care UK
Carpenters’ Company
Fullers
Global Holdings Group
GSE Group
Hugo Boss
Illumina
Ivy Farm Technologies
Jaynic
LondonMetric
Native Land
Oxenwood
Sir Richard Sutton Estate
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
Tungsten Properties
Zeno Capital
Work highlights
- Advising the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance on extending their facilities by entering into two development agreements with two house builders.
- Advised on the purchase of a waste processing site in Cricklewood for the residential redevelopment of over 250 homes.
- Acted on the disposal of a build to rent scheme and associated build contracts for the delivery of 107 build to rent dwellings.
Real estate > Construction: non-contentious Tier 4
Wedlake Bell LLP operates across several sectors, including residential development, logistics and industrial, pharmaceutical, and healthcare. Sarah Elliott, who leads the department, has a record of advising on various residential developments, particularly in the build-to-rent sector, catering to ultra-high-net-worth clients from different jurisdictions. The practice also benefits from the expertise of Suzanne Reeves and Brad Fearn, who bring specialised knowledge to healthcare and industrial sector development projects, respectively.Practice head(s):
Sarah Elliott
Other key lawyers:
Suzanne Reeves; Brad Fearn
Testimonials
‘Personal service, access to senior partner when necessary, quality advice on contracts and events requiring legal advice. Staff are all well-trained and go out of their way to assist in seeking specialist advice from others as required. A great team providing exceptional service.’
‘Sarah Elliott responds to queries quickly, providing quality technical advice and if it is a non-construction issue she will take responsibility to find the answer from other departments in her organisation. Although her team has changed over the years, the service we receive is excellent and seamless. Sarah and her team are very professional, always giving sound advice.’
Key clients
Chartway
Pace
Elysian Residences
London Land Group
CALA
Care UK
Qube Research
Oxenwood Real Estate
London Metric Property PLC
Tungsten Properties
Quadrature Capital
Perella Weinberg UK Limited
Spire Healthcare
Illumina
Vectura
Jimmy Choo
Work highlights
- Acted for Chartway Home on the purchase of a significant site in Hastings for major development, which will include 151 new homes and a new Aldi supermarket.
- Assisted Pace Investments (London Limited) with the sale of high-profile mixed-use scheme of 500,000 sq ft in the heart of Cambridge to Railpen, a large UK railways pension scheme manager.
- Acting as sole legal advisor to the developer, London Land Group, on a major mixed-use development at Poole’s West Quay Marina.
Employment > Employers Tier 5
Wedlake Bell LLP specialises in acting for financial services clients, including wealth managers and alternative asset managers, on employment issues specific to their industry. This includes TUPE, restructuring and executive appointments and departures. The team is led by Adam Grant, who also has a niche for employment work concerning the arts and hospitality sectors, advising on matters such as unionisation and casual worker disputes. Ravinder Mahal is recommended for cross border matters. Stephen Ravenscroft joined from Memery Crystal in October 2023.Practice head(s):
Adam Grant
Other key lawyers:
Ravinder Mahal; Jemma Pugh; Choy Lau; Stephen Ravenscroft
Testimonials
‘A professional and trusted firm with all the resources I need. They have advised me most recently on staffing matters, furlough, GDPR, etc. I see them almost as an internal department of the company! I would not hesitate to recommend them.’
‘Adam Grant is professional, reactive, knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with.’
‘The whole interaction was human but simple and so easy to navigate. From the setting of meetings to the flexibility of when we spoke, responsiveness to my concerns and an app to pay for services, etc. Truly excellent.’
‘It was the personal service I received that really impressed me. I dealt with Jemma Pugh who was really keen to understand my issue and get to the heart of the matter in a really meaningful way.’
Employment > Pensions (non-contentious) Tier 5
Wedlake Bell LLP‘s pensions and employee benefits team is headed by the ‘extremely polished' and ‘excellent‘ Justin McGilloway, who has nearly 20 years’ experience advising clients on the full gamut of pensions issues. The practice is adept at advising its trustee and employer clients in matters including final salary schemes, the implementation of international pension arrangements, and the arrangement of pensions for private clients. Other key in the team are associates Paul Ashcroft and James Newcome.Practice head(s):
Justin McGilloway
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Approachable, vastly knowledgeable and experienced in terms of their overall capabilities in the pensions space. The practice is outward-looking, diverse and places considerable emphasis on cross-collaboration with other external businesses. The team at Wedlake Bell LLP are without doubt my go-to set of advisors.’
‘The people in the pensions team at Wedlake Bell are second-to-none and are a delight to work with.’
‘Justin McGilloway is unquestionably a leading figure in the non-contentious pensions space. He is an extremely polished and personable practitioner with extensive knowledge and experience in pensions. From a leadership and teaming perspective, Justin also clearly understands how to get the very best from his people, having fostered a strong team culture at Wedlake Bell.’
‘A big city firm experience and, in terms of collaboration, they are very open to this on pensions and incentive work.’
‘Justin McGilloway is very focused, approachable and excels in pensions and incentive work. His team always deliver at a high level and with great consistency. Justin is our go-to for complicated pension work and where we have difficult incentive project work.’
‘Strong advisory practice led by Justin McGilloway. User-friendly, with genuine expertise.’
‘Justin McGilloway is excellent. Great attention-to-detail but also highly commercial. They provide strong and robust advice when required.’
Key clients
Trane UK Limited Retirement Benefit Plan
Scandinavian Airlines System Pension and Assurance Scheme
The Staff Pension and Life Assurance Scheme of the Grand Lodge
Jotun Paints (Europe) Limited Pension Scheme
Capital Radio Pension and Assurance Scheme
Steamship Insurance Management Services Limited Pension and Assurance Scheme
The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited
South-African Co-operative Citrus Exchange Limited Pension and Assurance Scheme
Louvre Fiduciary Group Limited
Trustees of the Carpenters’ Company Pension and Assurance Scheme
Natixis Pension Scheme
Sumi Agro Pension Scheme
The Museum Association Pension Plan
Global Association of Risk Professionals
The Carlton Tower Pension Scheme
Capital Radio Pension Plan
Buhler Limited
M&G Investments
Trad Scaffolding Limited
Mission Aviation Fellowship Europe Pension Scheme
Vimeo, Inc.
Baccata Trustees Limited
Turning Point Scotland Limited
Work highlights
- Advised the trustees of the Scandinavian Airlines System Pension and Assurance Scheme on the implications of Chapter 11 bankruptcy on SAS Airlines and select associated group companies, two of whom provide guarantees to the Scheme.
- Advised the trustees of the Capital Radio Pension and Assurance Scheme on the cessation of accrual under the Scheme.
- Advised the trustees of the Jotun Paints (Europe) Limited Pension Scheme on liability management exercises with a view to ultimately buying-out members’ benefits and winding-up the Scheme.
Real estate > Construction: contentious Tier 5
Wedlake Bell LLP specialises in a range of sectors, such as residential development, logistics and industrial, pharmaceutical, and healthcare. Sarah Elliott, head of the construction team, has considerable experience advising on various residential developments, particularly in the build-to-rent sphere. Natalie Pilagos leads the contentious construction practice, offering guidance on dispute avoidance and resolution, as well as on formal adjudication disputes.Practice head(s):
Sarah Elliott
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Natalie Pilagos is the standout.’
‘Natalie Pilagos is first-class. Great insight, knowledge, tactics – Natalie has the whole package.’
‘Active listeners who truly understand the Client’s needs. Fair billing system. Collaboration with different departments within the practice is efficient.’
‘Extremely responsive! Pleasant to engage with even on difficult contentious matters. They are professional and resourceful, understand the greater picture and work with the client in a creative manner.’
Work highlights
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 5
Wedlake Bell LLP’s broad offering includes prosecution and advisory work, handling matters for a diverse range of clients across the retail, hotel and leisure sectors, alongside managing large-scale brands. Michael Gardner leads the team, with demonstrable experience in brand protection and trade mark prosecution matters bolstering the practice. Charlotte Wilding leads the firms international trade mark practice and is noted for her capabilities in handling company name disputes, domain name cases and copyright registration and protection mandates.Practice head(s):
Michael Gardner; Charlotte Wilding
Other key lawyers:
Debra Goldwyn; Emilia Petrossian
Testimonials
‘A strong IP team headed up by Michael Gardner ensures a very focussed, client driven advice.’
‘Mike Gardner is outstanding in how he works out a client’s business needs and weaves the whole legal strategy and tactics around that.’
‘They are quick to respond to enquiries and are always available.’
‘Emilia Petrossian has a fire in her belly and makes sure no stone is left unturned.’
Key clients
Tesco Stores Ltd
Lacoste
Warpaint Cosmetics (2014) Limited / Badgequo Limited / Round Hill Capital
Warpaint Cosmetics (2014) Limited
Reclaim The Media Ltd
Circle Seas Ltd
Universal Protein Supplements Corporation t/a Universal Nutrition
Construction Skills Certification Scheme Limited
Yellow Bulldog Ltd
SHL Group Ltd
Maldon Crystal Salt Company Ltd
Work highlights
- Providing ongoing advice to Tesco on its trading in parallel goods so as to prevent any infringement of IP rights.
- Advising Construction Skills Certification Scheme for all IP matters, including trade marks, company name disputes and domain name disputes to ensure safety is maintained in the construction industry.
- Assisting a longstanding cosmetic client with trade mark and copyright infringement in China.
Real estate > Property finance
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms
Wedlake Bell LLP > Firm Profile
The firm: Wedlake Bell provides clients with a full package of legal services delivering commercial and creative solutions for their business and personal interests. With a high level of technical expertise and a service capability which is second to none, the firm strives to meet or exceed client expectations by ensuring that integrity and service quality are at the heart of its approach to working. Longstanding clients of the firm include large multinationals, FTSE 100 companies, owner- managed businesses and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. The firm works on a broad range of international transactions and established the Trans European Law Firms Alliance (TELFA) to provide clients with legal expertise in all the main jurisdictions in Europe, as well as in Australia and China. The firm is also a member of USLAW NETWORK, Inc. a legal network with over 160 offices in 47 US states, and members in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and China and has a dedicated and renowned lndia Group comprising lawyers from teams across the firm.
Types of work undertaken
Banking and finance: the banking and finance team handles multi-jurisdictional transactions and acts for both lenders and borrowers on a wide range of syndicated, club and bilateral financings.
Insolvency: the team acts for lenders, insolvency practitioners, creditors, corporate entities, directors and other stakeholders in circumstances where a company or individual is insolvent or experiencing financial difficulty.
Commercial: the commercial team advises clients on a wide range of commercial agreements such as franchises, merchandising, outsourcing, and on competition law. Longstanding clients include large UK and international retailers and FTSE 100 companies.
Commercial litigation and dispute resolution: the commercial litigation team protects its client’s interests in disputes both in the UK and internationally, whether by litigation, arbitration, expert determination, negotiation, mediation or other methods of alternative dispute resolution.
Corporate and financial services: the corporate and financial services team provides corporate, corporate tax and financial services advice to clients including FTSE 100 companies, banks and financial institutions, owner-managed private companies, family offices and high-net-worth individuals.
Data protection: the data protection team advises on all aspects of data protection law, whether pre-emptive compliance advice, or response to data breaches and cyber-attacks.
Employment: the employment team advises employers and senior executives on re-organisations, mergers, share and business acquisitions and disposals, the protection of businesses assets, employee rewards and equity arrangements, exit strategies and discrimination issues through to day-to-day disciplinary and grievance matters, as well as employment contracts and policies.
Family: the family team provides first class advice in respect of all matrimonial matters. The team advises clients on pre- and post-nuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements, divorce and separation, civil partnerships and dissolution and Sharia and international law.
Intellectual property: the intellectual property team advises clients on a wide range of intellectual property issues, including registration of trade marks, licensing, distribution and franchising to help clients create, protect, exploit and enforce their intellectual property rights.
Pensions and employee benefits: the pensions team acts for trustees, employers and members of a wide range of pensions issues around affordability, business survival, HR policy and retirement savings options schemes.
Private client and tax: the private client team advises entrepreneurs, business managers and new enterprise investors, as well as long-established family wealth and high-net-worth individuals.
Art & Luxury: Our team of specialist art and luxury lawyers advise a range of clients from artists, private collectors and international galleries through to governments, state institutions, museums, lenders, philanthropists and art fairs. We also have rich experience in other luxury assets such as collector cars, musical instruments, jewellery, wine and watches.
Real estate: the real estate team provides clients with a range of contentious and non contentious services spanning property investment and development, construction, acquisitions and disposals, strategic land use issues and planning and environmental issues.
Technology: the information technology team advises software suppliers, systems integrators, outsourcing service providers and customers on technology projects and the issues arising out of the use, exploitation, protection and management of information.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Managing partner | Martin Arnold | ||
Senior partner | Kim Lalli | ||
Banking and finance | Hilary Platt | ||
Commercial litigation | Glenn Chidgey | ||
Construction | Sarah Elliott | ||
Corporate and financial services | Adam Lynch | ||
Data protection | Alexander Dittel | ||
Employment | Adam Grant | ||
Family | Matthew Brunsdon-Tully | ||
Insolvency, restructuring and recoveries | Frances Coulson | ||
Intellectual property | Michael Gardner | ||
Pensions and employee benefits | Justin McGilloway | ||
Private client | Caroline Miller | ||
Projects and infrastructure | Christopher Tite | ||
Property litigation | Adam Colenso | ||
Residential property | Tom Allfree | ||
Real estate | David de Maupeou | ||
Art and Luxury | Tim Maxwell |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Martin Ackland | Martin’s experience covers offices, shops and industrial buildings, the retail and leisure… | View Profile | |
Tom Allfree | Tom’s practice covers all aspects of residential conveyancing, acting for UK and… | View Profile | |
Martin Arnold | Partner specialising in all aspects of corporate insolvency, both contentious and non-contentious. He… | View Profile | |
Paul Ashcroft | Paul is an associate specialising in all aspects of pensions and employee… | View Profile | |
Jennifer Ball | Jennifer advises on a broad range of family law matters, including divorce… | View Profile | |
Sarah Blunn | Sarah has been a real estate lawyer in the City of London… | View Profile | |
Matthew Braithwaite | Matt advises a wide range of UK and international clients, from individuals,… | View Profile | |
Matthew Brunsdon-Tully | Matthew’s background is as a family law barrister and litigator in financial… | View Profile | |
Stephen Callender | Stephen is a partner in our corporate practice and has extensive experience… | View Profile | |
Mr Rudy Capildeo | Rudy joined Wedlake Bell together with Tim Maxwell as joint Head of… | View Profile | |
Glenn Chidgey | Glenn specialises in commercial litigation and Insolvency. He is regularly involved in… | View Profile | |
Adam Colenso | Adam specialises in a wide range of property litigation including claims for… | View Profile | |
Dr Jonathan Paul Cornthwaite | Jonathan specialises in intellectual property law including copyright, trade marks, databases, designs,… | View Profile | |
Frances Coulson | Frances undertakes most areas of personal and corporate insolvency, specialising in contentious… | View Profile | |
Edward Craft | Edward leads on the most complex and innovative transactions delivered at Wedlake… | View Profile | |
Jenny Cutts | Jenny is a specialist Private Client lawyer providing advice on wealth protection… | View Profile | |
David De Maupeou | David acts for developers, landlords, tenants, and investors (be they listed property… | View Profile | |
Alexander Dittel | With over 10 years of experience in data protection, Alex supports clients… | View Profile | |
Ben Dunbar | Ben deals with a broad mix of real estate work but with… | View Profile | |
David Earl | David’s practice includes all areas of commercial property acting for investment funds… | View Profile | |
Sarah Elliott | Sarah advises on a wide range of construction projects from inception to… | View Profile | |
Oliver Embley | Oliver specialises in tax planning for high net worth UK domiciled and… | View Profile | |
Brad Fearn | Brad has 20 years’ experience advising on construction and infrastructure projects in… | View Profile | |
Rachel Fitzgerald | Rachel specialises in a wide range of property disputes with an emphasis… | View Profile | |
Ivan Fitzherbert | Since 1986 Ivan was Head of Property at Stitt & Co prior… | View Profile | |
Leah Freeman | Leah is a Partner in the property team. She advises on all… | View Profile | |
Michael Gardner | Michael advises clients in relation to disputes involving commercial, contractual, reputation management,… | View Profile | |
Suzanne Gill | Suzanne specialises in advising commercial property occupiers and investors, particularly office, retail… | View Profile | |
Debra Goldwyn | Debra advises on all areas of intellectual property law including contentious and… | View Profile | |
Louise Gowman | Louise’s emphasis is on the consenting, development and financing of infrastructure projects.… | View Profile | |
William Granger | William advises on all aspects of employment, executive and LLP law. He… | View Profile | |
Adam Grant | Adam partners with companies and senior leadership teams to ensure the effective… | View Profile | |
Charmaine Hast | Charmaine is regarded as an expert in English Family Law and is… | View Profile | |
Jonathan Hibberts | Jonathan has a wide range of experience in dealing with litigation: alongside… | View Profile | |
Charles Hicks | Partner specialising in trusts, probate, wills, capital taxation and wealth management for high-net-worth… | View Profile | |
Sarah Infante | Sarah is a trusted advisor to her clients and is experienced in… | View Profile | |
Julia Jackson | Julia is an expert in UK Immigration and Nationality Law having practised… | View Profile | |
Kate Johnson | Kate advises domestic and international clients on personal tax, trust, estate planning… | View Profile | |
David Johnston | David has wide experience of acting for and managing client teams for… | View Profile | |
Natasha Kurth | Natasha advises on a variety of family law matters with a focus… | View Profile | |
Kim Lalli | Kim’s particular expertise is in property development transactions, whether acquisitions or disposals.… | View Profile | |
Kamalprit Lally | Kam’s practice focuses on advising issuers, nomads and brokers on initial and… | View Profile | |
James Latham | James practices in the Insolvency & Business Recovery and Commercial Litigation Departments.… | View Profile | |
Choy Lau | Choy advises businesses and individuals on all aspects of employment law. Her… | View Profile | |
Anna Lewis | Anna specialises in the sale and purchase of all types of residential… | View Profile | |
Justin Lewis-Vivas | Justin acts for landlords, tenants and investors including acquiring, developing and selling… | View Profile | |
Marc Leyshon | Marc has experience in a wide range of real estate matters including… | View Profile | |
Emma Loveday | Emma’s practice involves all elements of private client work. She advises both… | View Profile | |
Charley Lowe | Charley deals with all elements of residential conveyancing, including the acquisition, disposal… | View Profile | |
Adam Lynch | Adam is a partner and head of our corporate practice. He has… | View Profile | |
Malcolm Macfarlane | Malcolm is a consultant and has worked as a solicitor in the City… | View Profile | |
Ravinder Mahal | Ravinder is an English qualified solicitor with over 20 years’ experience in… | View Profile | |
Victoria Mahon de Palacios | Victoria’s practice includes all aspects of private client work. She has expertise… | View Profile | |
Matthew Mainstone | Matthew is a partner in our commercial property group, specialising in planning… | View Profile | |
Julian Mathews | Julian’s practice covers corporate, M&A, private equity, venture capital and related financings.… | View Profile | |
Philip Matthews | Philip advises on all areas of commercial property work including acquisitions, disposals,… | View Profile | |
Mr Tim Maxwell | Tim blends commercial litigation, private wealth experience with a market leading specialism… | View Profile | |
Grainne McCourt | Grainne’s practice covers all areas of commercial property including acting for retail… | View Profile | |
Justin McGilloway | Justin advises a wide range of clients – employers (UK and international),… | View Profile | |
Eleanor Metcalf | Eleanor advises on estate and tax-planning for UK and non-UK domiciled individuals,… | View Profile | |
Caroline Miller | Caroline leads the Private Client team which includes the On-shore, Off-shore and… | View Profile | |
Daniel Moore | Daniel is experienced in all types of property transactions. He specializes in… | View Profile | |
Claire Nelson | Claire regularly deals with the acquisition, disposal, funding and management of real… | View Profile | |
James Newcome | James advises on all aspects of pensions law advice for a range… | View Profile | |
Andrew O'Keeffe | Andrew advises on a wide range of contentious trust and probate matters… | View Profile | |
Emilia Petrossian | Emilia is a UK Chartered Trade Mark and Design Attorney with expertise… | View Profile | |
Natalie Pilagos | Natalie specialises in advising on disputes in relation to a wide range… | View Profile | |
Hilary Platt | Hilary is head of the finance team and specialises in asset and… | View Profile | |
Antoaneta Proctor | Antoaneta advises on international tax and evaluation of tax risk, cross-border succession,… | View Profile | |
Jemma Pugh | Jemma advises on a wide range of employment law and HR issues,… | View Profile | |
Suzanne Reeves | Suzanne headed up the Construction team at Wedlake Bell until 2020 and… | View Profile | |
Michael Ridsdale | Michael advises on all aspects of UK and international taxation affecting businesses… | View Profile | |
Charles Robinson | Charles is widely known for gas and electricity supply dispute resolution and… | View Profile | |
Laurence Rogers | Laurence predominantly focuses on real estate finance and additionally cover acquisition and… | View Profile | |
Richard Saunders | Having practiced at the Bar, Richard joined Moon Beever in 2003 and… | View Profile | |
Edward Saunders | Edward practices in a wide variety of commercial disciplines including commercial litigation,… | View Profile | |
Ann Stanyer | Ann is a partner in the Private Client team and an acknowledged… | View Profile | |
Edward Starling | Ed conducts a variety of contentious and non-contentious insolvency and restructuring matters,… | View Profile | |
Nick Stone | Nick is a partner in the Residential Property team and over recent… | View Profile | |
Mark Tasker | Mark is a partner in our corporate practice. He has more than… | View Profile | |
Christopher Tite | Christopher represents corporate, entrepreneurial and UHNW clients from around the world. He… | View Profile | |
Tamara Wakeford | Tamara advises UK and international clients involved in art and luxury asset… | View Profile | |
Janice Wall | Head of corporate practice group, with substantial UK and international experience in… | View Profile | |
Petra Warrington | Petra has considerable litigation and transactional experience in the art, cultural property… | View Profile | |
Clive Weber | Clive advises on all aspects of UK pensions law drawing on over… | View Profile | |
Kathryn West | Kathryn has over 15 years’ experience advising clients on commercial real estate… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 80 Number of other UK fee-earners : 200+ Total staff : 40+Languages
EnglishDiversity
At Wedlake Bell we are committed to a culture of fairness and equal opportunities. This culture underpins our recruitment practice and guides the firm’s policy in relation to the development and retention of all those who work at the firm.
We are signatories to the Law Society’s Diversity & Inclusion Charter and we strive to build and maintain a culture that values and gathers strength from difference. We have always emphasised that our firm is a true “meritocracy”, with opportunities accessible to all.
Our Equality and Diversity Committee which includes Partners, legal and support staff from across the business meets on a regular basis to review all matters relating to diversity and to help us provide an inclusive and supportive place to work. The Committee reports direct to the firm’s board.
Within the firm’s leadership, Kim Lalli was elected as the firm’s first female Senior Partner, beginning a four year term in January 2017. Three of our eight board members are women. We were prize-winners in the City Wealth Awards 2016 for “Women in Leadership” and were ranked ninth in the Top 100 Law Firm table 2016 compiled by The Lawyer in terms of the percentage of equity partners who are female.
Apprenticeships: Wedlake Bell is an advocate of apprenticeships. We currently have an apprentice who sits in our IT Department, as a fully integrated member of the firm. The firm has sponsored the apprentice to undertake IT qualifications, in addition to the practical experience gained working within the firm.
Law Society Diversity Access Scheme: We support promising entrants from disadvantaged backgrounds or those who face exceptional obstacles to qualification by offering work experience placements in various departments across the firm. This provides hands on experience working within a law firm, together with support from our HR Department on careers, help with CVs, and interview guidance.
Links with colleges: We provide both work experience and employment opportunities to secretarial college students. A number of our secretaries started their careers with us through this initiative and we have ongoing links with the colleges to continue such arrangements.
Inspire! Education Business Partnership: We work with secondary schools in the Hackney and Camden areas to provide work experience to GCSE and A-level students. This is part of our commitment to widen access to opportunities and provide young people with relevant work-related skills helping them to develop an understanding of the world of work.
London Law Fair: We have attended the London Law Fair, which is specifically designed to encourage a more diverse range of entrants into the legal sector. This will give entrants the opportunity to discuss careers at Wedlake Bell and gain career advice.
Networking: We are associated with and support several business development networking organisations including Young Entrepreneurs in Property, Women in Property, TeCSA 10s, and Chicks with Bricks. We also host our own annual “Wedlake Bell – Future Business Leaders” networking event for junior clients and contacts.
Student (Future Lawyers )
The Legal 500 Future Lawyers Verdict
Wedlake Bell boasts a ‘good mix of practice areas’, with particular ‘strengths in private client and property’. Trainees are part of a small intake, resulting in ‘high-quality work and lots of responsibility’. One examples is ‘being trusted to effectively run my own transactions in the commercial property team; the department can be a great place for you to feel like a 'proper lawyer' for the first time as you develop your confidence’. The London firm has a ‘relatively flat structure’, and the culture is ‘notoriously friendly and sociable’. Respondents found Wedlake Bell ‘humane at each stage of the recruitment process’ and once they had begun their training contract, recruits were pleased to discover that ‘people at the firm respect that you are a human being and have a life’. Wedlake Bell is a Future Lawyers Winner for job satisfaction, work/life balance and social life. There is a ‘conscious effort placed on socialising’; ‘the firm hosts a lot of out-of-work events’ and ‘there is no expectation to work late for no reason either’. Recruits complained that ‘there is sometimes a lack of clarity and communication when it comes to trainees’, and it feels as though ‘decisions are sometimes made without proper explanation’. Another gripe is that there is a ‘lack of structured training in some departments, which can leave you playing catch up’. A low point for one trainee was ‘working until 1am on a deal so we could complete but the deal didn’t close for another three days’, although ‘it’s worth pointing out that these moments are extremely rare’! ‘Feeling stressed and overwhelmed with my workload’ was also an unpleasant experience. The fact that the firm is ‘so unbelievably friendly’ no doubt helped on these occasions. To train at a highly-regarded, full-service firm where ‘who you are as a person matters’, consider Wedlake Bell.- Dispute resolution > Debt recovery
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Corporate and commercial > M&A: Smaller Deals, £10m-£100m
- Private client > Art and cultural property
- Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate
- Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers
- Real estate > Residential property
Firm Rankings
- Corporate and commercial > VAT and indirect tax
- Private client > Contentious trusts and probate
- Private client > Family
- Real estate > Commercial property: investment
- Real estate > Property litigation
- Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil
- Employment > Senior executives
- Real estate > Commercial property: development
- Real estate > Construction: non-contentious