MSB Solicitors Ltd > Liverpool, England > Firm Profile

MSB Solicitors Ltd
MSB HOUSE
20-22 TAPTON WAY
WAVERTREE BUSINESS VILLAGE, WAVERTREE, LIVERPOOL
L13 1DA
England

Crime, fraud and licensing > Crime: general crime and fraud Tier 1

In Merseyside, MSB Solicitors Ltd‘s crime and regulatory department provides a full-service offering, including defending excise prosecutions, POCA proceedings and, increasingly, health and safety and regulatory work; it undertakes privately funded, insurance backed and legal aid work. Department head Paul Gallagher regularly represents clients charged with serious criminal offences ranging from murder to drug importation conspiracies. Consultant Sean Sexton has vast experience in high-profile criminal and fraud cases, while Andrew Pearson also covers frauds, regulatory cases and has particular expertise in defending homicides and drug trafficking cases. Michael McKeown specialises in county lines drug matters and related kidnap and murder cases. Nicholas Woosey is also a key name to note.

Practice head(s):

Paul Gallagher

Testimonials

‘The team works tirelessly to ensure that clients are properly represented. The team is dedicated to ensuring the clients are looked after.’

‘Very experienced team which provides excellent client care. They go the extra mile for clients.’

‘Michael McKeown is totally committed to his clients’ cases. He prepares his cases excellently and, doing so, achieves very good results for clients.’

‘The solicitors are very attentive to the clients’ needs. The solicitors are extremely experienced and exercise good judgement. All outstanding items are dealt with promptly.’

‘Paul Gallagher has a wealth of experience and very good judgement. He does not shy away in providing robust advice when needed or standing firm behind a client’s instructions.’

Private client > Family Tier 1

Described by clients as ‘ubiquitous in the Liverpool legal scene', MSB Solicitors Ltd has extensive experience in the full range of family finance cases, and the group is particularly sought after for its expertise in complex and cross-border children matters, including public law cases surrounding allegations of abuse, forced marriages, and surrogacy. Practice head Emma Palmer is a ‘highly competent' expert in complex multi-jurisdictional cases involving children, and Pippa Tudor is ‘an excellent advocate when it comes to financial matters'. The group also includes domestic abuse expert Emma Carey, who ‘creates a dynamic team that is unified in its desire to provide the very best of legal services', and Katie Camozzi, who is highly knowledgeable in the child abduction space. Financial relief specialist John Owens is a key contact in Manchester. Former head of private client department Pauline McNamara left the group to join JMW Solicitors LLP in January 2024.

Practice head(s):

Emma Palmer

Testimonials

‘Emma Palmer is highly competent and approachable and a pleasure to work with. Her knowledge of the law, procedure of a very high standard, and her leadership of the department results in the more junior members being reliable and able.’

‘I have no hesitation in recommending MSB. It consistently provides and delivers legal services of the highest quality. Instructions are always well presented and prepared, realistic and insightful. The family team at MSB are professional, efficient, committed, and cohesive, whilst being contactable and empathetic. This combination makes the family team at MSB unique.’

‘MSB are among the most hardworking, dedicated firm of solicitors I have ever had the pleasure to come across. Without exception, their family team go above and beyond for their clients.’

‘MSB is an excellent practice which is respected and well known for delivering the highest quality legal services. MSB has strength and depth in its team, allowing for clients to be well supported throughout the legal process and for there to be continuity in handling of matters. The firm attracts work which is complex, often involving international elements.’

‘Emma Carey creates a dynamic team that is unified in its desire to provide the very best of legal services.’

‘MSB are ubiquitous in the Liverpool legal scene. They offer excellent advice across the spectrum of family law. They have one of the larger family teams in the city and are extremely familiar with the daily workings of the Family Court at Liverpool.’

‘Pippa Tudor is a precise, clear, and, above all, calm lawyer. She advises thoughtfully and with regard to all angles.’

‘Emma Palmer and her team have a plethora of knowledge and expertise. Emma is well known in the community along with her team. Pippa Tudor is also an excellent advocate when it comes to financial matters. The team go above and beyond in helping clients and one another. There is a high level of training and knowledge for all staff.’

Work highlights

  • Advised a mother on complex international proceedings involving significant jurisdictional arguments in England and Italy.
  • Advised a husband on a financial relief application on his divorce with off-shore assets, allegations of hidden assets, and complex pension structures.
  • Advised a parent on significant allegations of non-accidental injury resulting in the finding of unknown medical aetiology.

Real estate > Social housing Tier 2

The social housing-focused group at MSB Solicitors Ltd operates across Liverpool, Manchester and Cheshire. Louise Murphy, who has vast expertise in mental health and hoarding, anti-social behaviour, housing management, and disrepair cases, and Amy Tagoe are both regarded as ‘stand-out’ members of the team by clients. Andrew Moore is noted for his deep knowledge of unauthorised sub-letting issues. Phillip Coburn is a seasoned litigator, and Andrew Fairman was promoted to partner in September 2023.

Practice head(s):

Louise Murphy; Andrew Moore; Phillip Coburn; Andrew Fairman; Amy Tagoe

Other key lawyers:

Beth McKeown; Thomas Stockton

Testimonials

‘MSB are widely regarded as one of the strongest teams in the sector due to their wealth of knowledge and experience in dealing with residential landlord and tenant matters. That expertise ranges from housing disrepair through to serious cases of anti-social behaviour. It is a pleasure to work with them.’

‘Both Amy Tagoe and Louise Murphy stand-out, particularly in the area of housing disrepair. Both have plenty of experience and are great with both clients and instructed counsel. This is reflected by their court successes.’

‘We’ve worked with MSB for a long period of time and they are faultless – Louise Murphy, Andrew Moore and Amy Tagoe specifically. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this firm. If we have any complex cases, we always instruct MSB, satisfied in the knowledge we are in safe hands. They are always right up-to-date with current legislation and have our best interests at the heart of what they do.’

‘Polite, friendly, knowledgeable, caring, approachable and supportive. They always go that extra mile to support you.’

‘Andrew Fairman, Andrew Moore, Amy Tagoe, and Louise Murphy are exceptional to work with and as such we have maintained a good working relationship with them. This relationship is based on sound advice, trust and the clear legal knowledge that they have in this sector. We have the utmost confidence in them in court settings.’

‘They are exceptionally strong in the fields of disrepair and housing and tenancy management and their level of service and approach is worthy of note. They provide pragmatic, common sense advice and are cost effective.’

‘Louise Murphy, Thomas Stockton and Amy Tagoe are all pragmatic, commercial and provide a great service to our team. We have experienced a material spike in our disrepair claims over the past year and we did not experience any drop in service or advice.’

‘My team have worked with MSB now for many years and we have no intention of working with any other legal firm. We have developed excellent working relationships, trust and confidence with MSB Solicitors who provide my team with sound and reliable legal advice, particularly in cases of anti-social behaviour.’

Key clients

One Manchester Limited

Wythenshawe Community Housing Group

Trafford Housing Trust

The Riverside Group

Progress Housing Association Limited

Irwell Valley Housing Association

Unity Housing

South Yorkshire Housing Association

Yorkshire Housing Limited

Arcon Housing Association

Bamboo Lettings

Bolton Council

Brighter Futures Housing Association

Community Gateway Housing Association

Connect Housing

Magenta Living

Parkway Green Housing Trust

Plus Dane Housing

Weaver Vale Housing Trust

Westfield Housing Association Limited

Peaks & Plains Housing Trust

Calico Homes

The Regenda Group

Ongo Homes

Onward Housing

Willow Park Housing Trust

Castles & Coasts Housing Association

Redwing Housing

Care Housing Association Limited

Eden Housing Association Limited

Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council

Leeds Federated Housing Association Limited

Homes Plus

Reside With Progress

IHL Housing

Phoenix Place

Sovini Group

Pine Court Housing

One Vision

X1 Michigan Towers Limited

London & Quadrant Housing

YMCA Heart of England

South Lakes Housing

Work highlights

  • Acting for One Manchester Limited in relation to issues at a property involving serious anti-social behaviour, cuckooing, vulnerable individuals, and considerations under the Equality Act 2010.
  • Acting for One Manchester Limited’s executive directors when it was required urgently by them due to legislative changes arising from the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023.
  • Advised Progress Housing Association as regards seeking possession of 12 self contained flats, all let to vulnerable tenants, within 2 different housing blocks as the scheme was no longer financially viable and external support for scheme had been drastically reduced.

Real estate > Commercial property: Liverpool Tier 3

Brad Armstrong is a specialist in secured finance, and Neil Kelly is experienced handling acquisitions of both vacant sites and buildings and site assembly matters in particular, with the pair co-leading the team at MSB Solicitors Ltd. The team’s workload consists of development related matters, commercial lease issues, and secured lending transactions with the refinancing of key development projects. Praised for being 'adept at thinking outside the box’, Jack Medlicott is a key figure in the team.

Practice head(s):

Brad Armstrong; Neil Kelly

Other key lawyers:

Darren Barwick; Jack Medlicott

Testimonials

‘Jack Medlicott is a very knowledgeable and commercial lawyer who finds commercial solutions. He is adept at thinking outside the box.’

Key clients

MS Lending Group Limited

Hope Capital Limited

A Shade Greener Finance Limited

Simple Bridging UK Limited

SDKA Ltd

Finance 365 Limited

X1 Developments

Legacie Developments

Fortis Developments

Oakwood Group

Liver Property Limited

Ascot Properties

Relendex Limited

Gemini Finance Ltd

Velocity Bridging Ltd

Young Homes Ltd

Brack Construction Ltd

Regenda Redwing

Plus Dane

Progress Housing Group

One Manchester

Peaks and Plains Housing Trust

The Calico Group

Magenta Living

Work highlights

  • Advised Hope Capital Limited in relation to a loan of £2m to support their Borrower client in the acquisition of a 46 bedroom, Country House Hotel.
  • Advised X1 Developments in relation to an acquisition of prominent development site in a key regeneration area of Media City, Salford.
  • Advised MS Lending Group Limited in respect of a portfolio refinance worth £9m involving properties spanning leisure, residential and retail sectors.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Liverpool Tier 4

Praised for its ‘wealth of experience’, the commercial litigation team at MSB Solicitors advises clients on complex, high-value matters for both private individuals and corporate clients. Practice head Mark Forman who is a key port of call for myriad clients - including property developers, finance companies, pharmaceutical suppliers, haulage companies and retailers.

Practice head(s):

Mark Forman

Other key lawyers:

David Tarttelin; John McCreanney

Testimonials

‘There is a wealth of experience within the commercial litigation practice which allows for expert advice and guidance to be given in every point within this area.’

‘Every member of the team is extremely knowledgeable, both in respect of the substantive law but also resgarding the practicalities of contentious work and litigation. Able to provide clear, accurate and highly effective advice to clients.’

‘The team has exceptional client care skills which are clearly noticed and appreciated by their clients.’

‘John McCreanney continues to be a standout litigator who always manages a remarkable balance of calm, sympathy and determination in all those challenging moments.’

‘Mark’s approach has always been straight and frank. He ensures that his clients understand legal issues that can be confusing to comprehend, and gently guides his clients to informed decisions when there is an understanding barrier to overcome.’

‘Mark and David have a good work ethic. They are a pleasure to engage and I feel that my interests are safe in their capable hands.’

‘MSB is an excellent team. They are easily approachable and are able to put a client’s mind at ease when confronted with complex commercial disputes.’

‘John McCreaney is excellent. Thorough and approachable.’

Key clients

Ducada Capital Limited

Gemini Finance Limited

SGL 1 Limited

Elof Hansson International AB

Blumarble Property Limited

Wey Bridging Finance Limited

Encil Limited

Smaller Earth Limited

Camp Canada Limited

CJ Hobin Limited

Relendex Limited

OrderYoyo

PCT Chemie UK Ltd

Qube Residential Limited

Oakwood Group Limited

Pharmapac UK Limited

Gateway Property Limited

Little League Sports International Limited

Cork Crane Hire Ltd

X1 Management Limited

Grocery Stores (Wirral) Limited

CPD Financial Advisors Ltd

Fast Growth Brunswick Ltd

Tamarside South Limited

PPE 4 Care

Omori Machinery UK Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Ducada Capital Limited on their claim against Hardie Brack Limited for breach of duty regarding a property valuation.
  • Advised Pharmapac U.K. Limited in a breach of contract claim against HBS Healthcare Ltd which resulted in a judgment for £612,349.32.
  • Advised SGL 1 Ltd in responding to an appeal to the Court of Appeal by FSV Freeholders Limited which resulted in the appeal being dismissed.

 

MSB Solicitors  is a leading full service law firm in Liverpool. From its inception in 1988 MSB has grown steadily and organically to a firm of 14 partners and 130 fee earners and support staff.  We are a progressive, award winning and expanding firm with talented lawyers and a can do attitude. We are committed to client care and ensuring all clients get the very best service. As a full service law firm we pride ourselves on being able to liaise with lawyers in other departments to ensure our clients’ legal needs are fully met.

MSB Solicitors provides quality driven, cost effective legal advice across all sectors for people and their businesses in the North West and beyond. We know our region best and we know how to grow a small business from our own experiences over the last 30 years.

We are committed to our corporate social responsibility. Our determination to give back to our community is key to the development of our business and is at the core of MSB.

Recent awards:

NWPAs Best Property Law Firm 2017 & 2018

Liverpool Law Society Family Law Award 2017

Family Law Awards – Family Law Firm of the Year 2018 (North)

Echo Regional Business Awards – Corporate Social Responsibility Award 2018

 

National Shortlists:

British LGBT Awards – Corporate Ally shortlist 2018

Law Society Excellence Awards: Medium firm of the year 2018 – shortlisted. Woman lawyer of the year 2018 – Emma Carey, Shortlisted

Family Law Awards 2018 – Associate of the Year,  Wendy Eves – shortlisted

Areas of work undertaken:

FAMILY: Emma Carey is head of our family department, her profile can be viewed separately above. Our  family department has received both regional and national awards in recognition of our expertise in this area. The department undertakes private work and has a legal aid franchise, we are therefore able to meet our clients’ needs irrespective of any change in circumstance. We have approximately 20 fee earners in our family department including 2 in-house advocates allowing us to providing a seamless service from initial instruction to conclusion of any case.

Our  client base in international. We are the only firm in the North West to be on the International Child Abduction panel and are one of only five firms outside London to have Resolution accredited experts in forced marriage and honour based violence issues.  We are proud to have accredited experts in child abduction, cohabitation disputes, financial relief, domestic abuse and children disputes. We have 4 solicitors on the Law Society’s Children Panel.

Our family work includes: divorce and financial relief,  cohabitation disputes,  children disputes,  protective orders,  surrogacy and adoption.

 

CRIME:  Sean Sexton is the head of our crime department and is named as a leading lawyer – his profile is available to view above. MSB has been the highest ranked firm in Liverpool for the last three years for both fraud and general crime. We have a long track record of protecting the reputations of our clients and their businesses. We have been very successful in preventing regulatory investigations becoming criminal prosecutions. Our objective is to win the case without having to go to court. We operate a 24 hour help line .

 

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY: Our multi-award winning residential property department is the largest in Merseyside. We have a committed team of thirty people specialising in the sale and purchase of thousands of properties each year.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY: We have a specialist department which acts for large developers who are changing the skylines of Liverpool and Manchester. We advise the hospitality sector and represent well known hotels, restaurants and bars.

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION: Our experts in Commercial Litigation have acted in many of the most challenging cases in the Liverpool city region in recent years. We specialise in acting for charities with litigation issues.

EMPLOYMENT/DEBT RECOVERY: We have dedicated departments to support small to medium sized businesses within the Liverpool city region.

WILLS & PROBATE:  We have a dedicated private client team dealing with wills & probate matters.

Department Name Email Telephone
Managing Partner Emma Carey [email protected] 0151 2819040
Senior Partner Sean Sexton [email protected] 0151 2819040
Photo Name Position Profile
Katie Camozzi photo Katie Camozzi Senior Associate
Emma Palmer photo Dr Emma Palmer Head of Family
Fee earners/support staff : 130
Partners : 14
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