Winckworth Sherwood LLP > Manchester, England > Firm Profile

‘Colette McCormack shows strong team leadership and desire to get the best for her clients.’

‘Colette McCormack is invaluable to the work we do. The act collaboratively and provide legal advice across the business on many matters.’

‘Winckworth Sherwood is committed to understanding the unique objectives and challenges of each client, ensuring personalised service and attention-to-detail. They prioritise building strong lasting relationships with their clients, offering proactive advice and strategic guidance to help them achieve their goals.’

‘Colette McCormack is terrific – she offers intelligent and thoughtful advice within carefully crafted strategies and are hugely valuable at such an uncertain time.’

‘The individuals who work with us are business-facing professionals who are well-connected in the industry and provide us with commercially-focused professional advice. Colette McCormack is a highly trusted and supremely competent professional.’

‘Colette is the best planning lawyer I have worked with over 25 years of practice, and has a depth of knowledge I haven’t seen elsewhere.’

‘The world of planning is becoming ever more complex but the Winckworth team led by Colette are always ahead of the curve and over the detail of the brief. What sets them above other teams is their understanding of the development industry and local authority and public law decision making and the ability to think outside of the box to find the right the solution in sometimes very challenging projects.’

‘Colette McCormack is collegiate and calm under pressure. Colette is very solutions-driven and is very good at bringing all the parties together to find a way to unlock difficult situations and allow delivery to continue. She is pragmatic and commercial and understands all parties perspectives in terms of delivery and will work with all parties and she drives an apt solution forward.’

‘Fantastic leadership and honest commercial advice.’

‘Robert Botkai is a trusted advisor who has provided key suggestions that have impacted the success and commercial viability of our ventures.’

‘Winkworth Sherwood has a top-rate licensing practice in my opinion. Our business is very sensitive to the requirements and compliance with premises licences and Winkworth Sherwood provides excellent advice at every stage. They provide a very useful licensing extranet which summarises all the key information relating to our sites.’

‘Robert Botkai stands out as an excellent advisor on all licensing matters. He is commercial, strategic and very creative in his approach and solutions.’

‘Experienced team with an excellent knowledge of this specialised area.’

‘Robert Botkai understands our business and what we are trying to achieve. His advice is always excellent and his relationship with enforcing authorities invaluable.’

‘Meets my needs regarding employment law with knowledgeable, professional and pleasant staff.’

‘Knowledgeable, professional and pleasant people. Sue Kelly is outstanding.’

‘Winckworth Sherwood LLP is a quick and efficient practice. They are highly professional and don’t waste your time and money.’

‘Susan Kelly provided outstanding support to me in dealing with UK employment law. She gave me the confidence and knowledge to protect my rights as an employee and negotiate a fair deal. Susan’s approach was empathetic, thorough, and thoughtful. Her guidance made me feel strong enough to fight for myself and achieve a desirable outcome. I can’t recommend her highly enough!’

‘I was confident about the team’s professionalism, deep expert knowledge and profound experience in handling corporate employment matters. I felt well supported throughout the journey.’

‘I have experienced nothing but professionalism, wisdom and efficiency.’

‘Sue Kelly has always been approachable, wise and efficient in my dealings with her. I feel like I’m in a safe pair of hands and that my interests are being taken care of.’

‘Louise Lawrence was so helpful when I was going through my acrimonious situation with my previous employer. I felt throughly supported by her and confident in her abilities to give me the advice I needed. She delivered it all with a human touch which was important to me.’

‘The commercial property team are bright, knowledgeable and easy to work with. Their team bring valuable expertise to us, working on both day to day transactions and long-running structural projects that drive real business value.’

‘James Corbett is meticulous and delivers a professional service. He is adept at working within constraints to provide exceptional results.’

‘The team is straight forward – this is helped by clear and honest advice on what a client can and should not accept. They are also able to see a position from the other side’s point of view and tailor their advice accordingly.’

‘The individuals we work with understand how we operate, what we wish to achieve and, in particular, are extremely even headed.’

‘Particularly strong on complex development structures and commerciality to the approach. Also, very professional and prompt in delivery of legal work.’

‘Andrew Bedford has been a standout legal adviser to our company for over a decade. His intellect, strategic commercial understanding and commercial approach to development is exceptional.’

‘ Andrew Bedford was exceptionally knowledgeable, available, and accompanied us until everything was completed.’

‘Professional, high level of ethics, smart and helpful.’

‘They are completely up to speed with current legislation, are very commercial, and have a quick turnaround of agreements.’

‘The team has vast experience in dealing with the public sector and knows how to approach a legal case with great empathy for the client’s goals. They have a strong focus on overall strategy, combined with punctual execution and availability.’

‘They work perfectly in tandem with a strong focus on overall strategy. Deadlines and risk have been skilfully managed, communication is to the point, and response time are fast.’

‘The team’s strength in depth is superb. Even in instances where the person you are dealing with does not know an answer, there is someone who does. They truly work as a team and they clearly communicate with each other and there is always someone there to help you.’

‘Matt Steinbrecher is a recent standout for me, he is always calm and measured, but also has great insight and is ready with a practical solution and take on issues.’

‘Colette McCormack is highly respected within the planning field and has long held the respect of many for her wide-ranging and impressive workload. She is a great person to lead the planning team. Lindsay Garratt is a delight to work with and is immensely sharp. Again, she is hugely respected and well known in planning.’

‘Colette McCormack and Matt Steinbrecher are reliable, responsive, and describe things in a way that makes sense to the client rather than speaking in legalese.’

‘Colette McCormack and Matt Steinbrecher are full of creative ideas and consistent. It has been a challenging period and they have remained on top of the matter at all times.’

‘Mary Walsh is simply excellent. She provides a forensic and detailed analysis of her cases, bring huge intellectual ability to matters before her and employs her encyclopaedic knowledge of every nook and cranny of property law to all matters on which she is instructed.’

‘They have a can-do approach to problem solving and take a commercial view of situations when giving advice.’

‘The group has a broad spectrum of work and skills. They handle real property and landlord and tenant disputes, can turn their hands to work involving social housing and also development disputes.’

‘Emma Chadwick is delightful; an excellent lawyer and we have worked on many cases for years together. I often recommend her to potential clients and I consider her to be a top quality property litigator.’

‘They have real in-depth technical knowledge of property law matters. They are wonderful with clients and tenacious in their dealings with the other side and the court. A team you can really trust.’

‘The people are very engaging and accessible. They always seem to have someone available to respond to whatever queries we may have and whenever.’

‘We have had many years of working relationship with Jill O’Reilly, which makes for better communication and she is easier to access. She is always happy to provide us with support when required.’

‘The team has taken the time to understand our complex group and our regulatory environment. Given that we are a large, developing association, the team’s knowledge of property development is invaluable. They are very responsive and provide expert advice within tight timescales.’

‘Richard Tinham and Matt Cowen are extremely helpful in steering us through intra-group mergers, advising on new initiatives and with finding solutions within our regulatory framework.’

‘The Winckworth’s team are unrivalled in their knowledge of social housing. Throughout the team their legal knowledge and experience is second-to-none in all aspects of social housing, from possession claims to disrepair matters, and human rights defences to Equality Act issues.’

‘Each member of the team is as practical and client-focussed as they are academically able.’

‘Liam Hale is an intellectual power house; there is nothing about social housing which Liam does not know. He is on top of any relevant case law, has a forensic knowledge of each of his many cases, is a master tactician and is always realistic. He is simply the best at what he does.’

‘The team is extremely attentive to the particular needs of their client base of registered providers.’

‘Philip Collins is superb. ’

‘Philip Collins is an emotionally intelligent, thoughtful and commercial lawyer.’

‘WS do some charity work to a high standard and this sets them apart.’

‘Philip Collins is technically strong, thorough and very approachable and engaging.’

‘Responsiveness was excellent, as was clarity of explanations, providing wide-ranging advice and not simply “answering the clients questions”.’

‘They were able to provide integrated advice and services.’

‘Responsiveness, friendliness and frankness.’

‘The team at Winckworth Sherwood are exceptionally knowledgeable, conscientious, and thorough – not to mention unfailingly polite and thoughtful in their approach.’

‘Their specific subject knowledge is unmatched, and their approach has at all times been client-centred and pragmatic.’

‘When working with the team they seemed totally engaged in the process and understood the complex issues and context being dealt with.’

‘Jane Wakeham took a lead role in identifying issues and resolving situations, keeping our participation on track and of high quality.’

‘I was particularly impressed with the ownership they took of my situation both in terms of responsibility and workload.’

‘I have worked with Winckworth Sherwood on and off for over 20 years and have always found them to be consistent, thorough, with extensive knowledge on subject matter, efficient and trustworthy.’

‘Jane Wakeham is always polite, thorough, and quick at providing advice, guidance and response to queries.’

‘They do not shy away from advising on what needs to be said and readily have a way forward or next steps that would be of benefit to move the issue forward. A pleasure working with them.’

‘Legally astute and incisive, and yet they are still a really lovely friendly bunch of people – a breath of fresh air when dealing with the law.’

‘Bettina Bender was excellent to work with on three separate cases.’

‘The team has some very experienced and knowledgeable partnership lawyers who deliver fantastic client service. They are great at the law and strategy, but are also lovely people to work with and extremely collaborative. ’

‘Louise Lawrence has acted on both sides of the table in some difficult and significant partnership matters. She is brilliant at the strategy, pragmatic and tenacious. Above all, she really cares about her clients and getting the best result possible.’

‘My go to team for employment law advice particularly for high level professionals.’

‘Bettina Bender is outstanding. Calm, measured with excellent judgment. She is very responsive and great to work with.’

‘Bettina Bender and Andrew Yule both have good technical skills, understand the sectors they work in, and are commercially minded and constructive to deal with.’

‘Winkworth Sherwood have an enviable reputation in dealing with law firms disputes.’

‘Bettina Bender is a fantastic partner. She is deeply pragmatic, focusing her clients’ attention on the ultimate goal and how best to achieve it.’

‘Joanna Bussell was practical, approachable and prompt in her advice.’

‘I would strongly recommend this team to personal contacts looking for a responsive, reliable and very knowledgeable employment firm. They have fantastic expertise in schools employment cases and their clients feel in very safe hands.’

‘Harry Brown is a pleasure to work with – extremely personable, hard-working and gets results. Cassandra Hurley – pragmatic and efficient, very client minded.’

‘Aida Smajlovic, and Harry Brown are both outstanding employment lawyers. Aida is tenacious in pursuit of her clients’ best interests. Harry is a really capable and personable lawyer who is able to provide sensible advice. Andrea Squires is also an excellent education lawyer.’

‘The whole team are excellent, giving careful and well calibrated advice to schools facing unprecedented. Probably the best I know. The star of the team is Tracey Elridge-Hinmers – bringing a lifetime of judgment to bear. Unflappable good sense. Theresa Kerr also excellent.’

‘I am very grateful for the support from Winckworths. The capabilities of the team and understanding of the Education sector and the challenges we face are outstanding.’

‘The team are brilliant however Aida Smajlovic is exceptional. I always value her support and advice. She goes over and above and always respond timeously.’

‘Tim Snaith is outstanding. Tim provides brilliant client care and is a joy to work with.’

‘Tim Snaith is the consummate private client adviser. He is charming and understands people, he is constructive and sensible in a way which more combative lawyers find disconcerting and disarming, and he has enormous practical intelligence and unerring good judgement.’

‘An extremely good firm in this area with practical experienced and talented individuals at every level. Very capable of handling the largest and most complex personal tax trust and probate issues.’

‘I have the greatest respect for Tim Snaith’s experience and knowledge combined with a calm and considered manner. Always suave and unruffled with an uncanny knack of getting to the heart of issues swiftly and pragmatically.’

‘Hugh MacDougald has immense experience. The consummate private client solicitor. Also mentions for James Mabey (partner) and Alice Edwards (associate). Both very good at their respective levels.’

‘As well as being a great technical lawyer, Tim Snaith is extremely personable and has been a delight to work with.’

‘Winckworths are our absolute go to for complex trust and estate work. Phenomenally knowledgeable whilst putting the client at ease and navigating difficult and sometimes very sensitive issues.’

‘We work closely with Tim Snaith and Alice Edwards. Both are exceptionally technical but also creative and always come up with an innovative way to help our mutual clients. Importantly, both are happy to make themselves available when there is something urgent happening.’

‘Excellent – always willing to help the client understand tricky issues, prepared to research and consider range of options, swift response to client.’

‘Samantha Warner has great interpersonal skills, strong grasp of complex issues. She provides well-judged advice.’

‘ Louise Lawrence is exceptional. She is approachable and unflappable, with a strategic approach to employment issues.’

‘Sue Kelly is always quick to respond, and gives clear advice. Harriet Calver is quick to understand the issues, and provides clear advice to support the needs of our organisation.’

‘Louise Lawrence – very personable, prompt and pragmatic. She is very professional, always giving the best solution she can within the regulatory framework, very patient at explaining the various options and clear and concise.’

‘Fast, accurate, thorough, finishers and excellent client-side manner. Andrea London is THE standout person – she is excellent.’

‘Winckworth Sherwood are especially strong in the charities, education and ecclesiastic sectors. They field industry specialist teams with tremendous insight and experience to deal with complex legal problems for a range of clients.’

‘Susan Kelly is absolutely fantastic, she knows the law and her judgment is first-rate. A go-to partner for cases involving the church.’

‘A personal and focused approach. Louise Lawrence – I have instructed Louise over many years, and value her knowledge of our organisation and her personal and proactive approach.’

‘I would say Louise Lawrence stands out. She is extremely personable, genuinely cares about our business and has always been flexible and accommodating in her approach.’

‘Sarah Ingram is doing a great job heading up the team. She is a pleasure to deal with and has great trust and rapport with clients.’

‘Sarah Ingram is personable, whip smart and thorough. I can rely on her to have sensible and reasonable dialogue to get the job done.’

‘Comprehensive knowledge of the law, and impressive application to the facts of any given case. Sarah Ingram’s leadership of the team that she brings to your matter really makes a difference, and drives everyone on to get the best results.’

‘Sarah Ingram is the go-to partner. She really listens to clients, identifies the key issues in their particular case, then explains in clear terms the best strategy to achieve their goals.’

‘Sarah Ingram doesn’t pursue “bad points” and maximises the benefit of “good points”. This combined with her excellent case theory development and knowledge of the law means you can place clients with her with confidence.’

‘The team provides a really high level of client service and skill.’

‘Sarah Ingram and Charlotte Geyton make a great team.’

‘Sarah Ingrams is very reliable and effective.’