Ashtons Legal has a strong commercial litigation practice across East Anglia, led by Tom Bailey in Norwich. In the Cambridge team ‘brilliant and hugely experienced’ key partner Michael Frape frequently handles high-value, technically complex, commercial disputes, notably in the financial services, property development, retail and leisure sectors. Known for providing ‘knowledgeable, balanced advice’, the firm has a diverse client base that includes Cambridge colleges, regional developers and national franchisors. Associate Jasdeep Rai, who joined from Greenwoods in late 2023, is ‘exceptional in his all-round approach’.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Ashtons Legal is very client-focused. I was updated regularly with progress on my case and given knowledgeable, balanced advice along the way. I have only dealt with other practices for basic conveyancing matters but would have no issue returning to Ashtons Legal should I ever have a more complex case in the future again.’
‘Jasdeep Rai was exceptional in his all-round approach. He considered our thoughts and opinions as clients and offered a balanced insight to help us with our decision-making. He pushed for the best possible outcome for us throughout and regularly updated us with his progress. I would not hesitate in recommending Jasdeep to anybody in need of his services.’
‘Michael Frape is a brilliant and hugely experienced partner who leads an excellent commercial team at Ashtons. His team are trusted by major, high tech corporations and high net worth individuals in heavyweight commercial litigation and arbitrations. Michael has particular gravitas and expertise in shareholder and partnership disputes. He fights determinedly in his clients' interests and is a joy to work with.’
‘Michael Frape is the standout partner in the Cambridge area for commercial disputes. He is technically excellent, vastly experienced and a fearsome opponent. Clients, including sophisticated technology corporations and high net worth individuals, entrust him with their most valuable and complex commercial disputes for good reason.’
‘They like to keep things simple which in turn keeps costs down.’
‘I’ve dealt with Jasdeep Rai, who deals with matters in a timely and efficient manner. He keeps things simple which helps in keeping costs down.’
‘The commercial team is happy to deal with matters with an international flavour which might more normally gravitate to a firm with a Central London presence.’
‘Jasdeep Rai is a very competent lawyer with a reassuring ability to put clients at ease. He well combines professionalism with a calm and relaxed presence.’
Key clients
- CeX
- Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries Limited
- Signs Express Limited
- Bubbleology
Work highlights
- Acting for a company in dispute with a former director of a subsidiary which has been sold. The former director is claiming an alleged performance bonus of over £1.5 million. Liability is disputed.
- Substantial professional negligence claim relating to solicitor’s advice in respect of a large residential development scheme. Difficult limitation, contributory negligence and waiver issues.
- Acting for an employer on an injunctive claim against a regional sales manager who was moving to a competitor in breach of a restrictive covenant.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Tom Bailey