Bishop & Sewell LLP

Based in central London, Bishop & Sewell has a reputation for excellence in fields including landlord and tenant, residential and commercial property, private client, employment, corporate and commercial work, family law, litigation and dispute resolution.

The firm: We were established in 1979 and moved to our current location in 2010. We merged with the long-established London practice of Monro Wright & Wasbrough on 1st February 2021.

The firm acts for entrepreneurs, investors and small to medium-sized businesses, together with individuals and families.

We believe that a good solicitor is approachable, innovative and open, helping to identify attainable goals and the best strategy to reach them. As a result we have built enduring relationships and continue to act for a number of our original clients. We are commercially minded and each specialist area is partner-led to ensure delivery of a client-focused, highly personalised service. Within each practice area works a team of talented lawyers with a passion for being the best at what they do. The practice has expanded steadily and as well as serving clients in London and the South-East, we are increasingly instructed by clients nationwide and internationally.

Types of work undertaken
Property: advising on property law is at the heart of Bishop & Sewell. Founded on property work, we take pride in simplifying the complex property process, providing services covering every aspect – from landlord and tenant, purchase and sale, development and financing, to rental and enfranchisement. Our advice aims to add value to owners, occupiers, investors and developers of both commercial and residential property.

Family and divorce: constructive advice is offered in all areas of family law, including matters with international aspects. Wherever possible, the firm seeks to resolve issues outside the courts, but if necessary conducts court proceedings vigorously. Expertise includes divorce and civil partnership dissolution, financial claims on divorce, pre and post-nuptial agreements, cohabitation and separation agreements, children issues, and domestic protection.

Commercial: our client’s benefit from clear advice on the day-to-day aspects of running a business including trade, commercial transactions, consumer law, contract law, data protection and intellectual property.

Corporate: our team advise on all aspects of setting up and growing a business including incorporation and formation, mergers and acquisitions, restructuring and reorganisation, raising capital, shareholders' rights and dissolution or liquidation.

Banking and finance: we advise financial institutions, family offices and specialised lenders on all aspects of corporate lending, acquisition finance, structured finance, project finance, commercial real estate and development finance, as well as borrowers on the best way to structure and navigate raising finance.

Sports law: as a trusted adviser for both organisations and individuals we take care of our clients through a blend of everyday support and tailored advice on governance matters, disputes, commercial opportunities, intellectual property, brand protection, marketing, merchandise, sports finance and wealth protection.

Employment: a team that represents both employers and employees. For employer clients, services include day to day HR advisory support, contract and policy drafting and Employment Tribunal litigation. For employee clients, advice is provided on unfair dismissal, discrimination, whistleblowing, restrictive covenants, disciplinary and grievance matters and settlement agreements.

Litigation and dispute resolution: Our extensive litigation and dispute resolution services cover many legal subjects, but we deal only in areas in which our personnel have exceptional expertise.  These are:- landlord and tenant disputes; other residential and commercial property matters; contract and tort litigation (personal and commercial); other company/commercial disputes: insolvency (both personal and corporate – for both creditors and insolvency practitioners); contentious probate issues (with a particular expertise in dealing with vulnerable clients); presumption of death/missing persons cases; professional negligence; debt recovery

Private client: trusts, tax and estates legal services are primary areas of expertise at the firm, including giving advice on the most effective way to transfer property. The firm assists in setting up will trusts and helping with their administration, as well as the application of inheritance tax. Services cover all aspects of will drafting, tax advice, winding up and administration of estates, deeds of family arrangements, powers of attorney, and creation and administration of trusts in the UK and offshore.