The litigation practice at HCR Hewitsons 'approaches complex matters with a high level of professionalism and dedication'. Stewart Morrison is the lead partner for commercial disputes, and focuses on challenges to procurement contract awards and applications for Judicial Review. He is currently advising a leading awarding body in the education sector on a Freedom of Information Act appeal. Simon Biggin has in-depth expertise in contractual, shareholder and partnership disputes, and professional negligence claims. 'Extremely knowledgeable, very hardworking' associate Emma Elston is also recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Timely responses to contact requests. Open book billing creates trust.’
‘Good grasp of an alien subject. Clear layman's explanation of the legal angles.’
‘I work primarily with Stewart Morrison and Emma Elston. They are extremely knowledgeable, very hardworking and well-resourced. They are client-sensitive and always focused on finding solutions for clients. In my view Stewart's team is on par with some of the other bigger names doing public procurement work, such as Osborne Clarke and Burges Salmon, but fail to get the recognition they deserve. ’
‘From our experience with Harrison Clark and Rickerbys commercial litigation team, we would summaries the team as outstanding. The HCR team have a great deal of depth in terms of their capabilities and knowledge. They approach complex matters with a high level of professionalism and dedication, while taking time to fully explain what can be very complicated legal points. In terms of collaboration, the HCR team work with us, clearly identifying any potential issues that could arise.'
- 'The whole team also repeatedly show a high degree of commercial awareness, indeed we believe this to be another core strength.’
‘The HCR team are all very experienced and approachable, which makes it far easier for us to effectively collaborate and achieve excellent results. In particular, Stewart Morrison and Simon Biggin stand out for their wealth of experience, depth of knowledge. They combine commerciality with solid judgement and their guidance in terms of position and tactics, has been incredibly valuable to our business.’
‘I have worked for many years with their litigators who have always done thorough, well-researched and clearly presented work. I particularly appreciate the firm's understanding of my company's sector which is often indispensable to being able to deliver effective legal advice.’
‘For me, Stewart Morrison stands out as an exceptional lawyer. He has an excellent capacity to distil complex factual issues and adept at presenting succinct and persuasive advice or argument. I particularly appreciate the fact that he is thorough and detail-oriented in his research so that he is always well-prepared. He is also very easy to work with.’
Key clients
- Broadland Agricultural Water Abstractors Group
Work highlights
- Acted for Broadland Agricultural Water Abstractors Group in matters relating to the Environment Agency’s “Restoring Sustainable Abstraction” programme under which water licences will be revoked or varied leading to the loss of generational farming businesses and a major food processor, loss of jobs and damage to the local economy.
- Acting for a leading awarding body in the education sector in several information rights cases, including numerous appeals by the same two appellants. Successfully defended the appeals in the First Tier and Upper Tribunals.
- Acted for a company in the successful challenge to tender award decision meaning that it achieved a place on certain business-critical lots on a Framework.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Stewart Morrison