Birketts LLP

The cross-office litigation practice at Birketts LLP has a key hub in Ipswich, where the vastly experienced Matthew Atkins and up-and-coming partner Josh Ripman are the standout practitioners. They have ‘both commercial acumen and pragmatism, and deal with matters with great efficiency and drive’. The firm handles the full range of tortious and contractual claims, commercial fraud, shareholder’s disputes, breach of restrictive covenant agreements, product liability matters, partnership disputes, and matters arising from corporate transactions. Legal director Ceri Rogers, who is ‘a very assured litigator, with a steely determination’, formerly at Fieldfisher, and senior associate Hayley Songhurst, previously of Ellisons Solicitors, joined the Ipswich litigation group in 2023.

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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Birketts is a very well known firm and this has been proved when we recent had to use them to support and guide us through a dispute for my son and his employer I don’t know how it compares as I haven’t had to use solicitors for this type of dispute but we were treated with kindness and were talked through each step by Kurt as we went through.’
‘Kurt Glencastle was professional knowledgeable and he was kind and took time to explain what to expect, what could happen and explained each process as we went through our ordeal. Kurt’s expertise and experience was brilliant.’
‘The team has a particularly strong expertise in advising in relation to shareholders disputes and directors liability, which compliments their knowledge of the insolvency sector and wider commercial disputes. They also have a strong presence in high court litigation arising from M&As. The team work together well, with a very good knowledge base, and an approachable, unstuffy demeanour. They have both commercial acumen and pragmatism and deal with matters with great efficiency and drive.’
‘Ceri Rogers - a very assured litigator, with a steely determination and focus on the end goal. She shone in her successful defence of an application for expedited trial in a restrictive covenant case, where unusually expedition was refused. Hayley Songhurst - an oasis of calm in a storm, she is incisive with a strong focus on client care. Hayley has a strong presence in commercial litigation and is assured in her handling of cases.’
‘All of the partners and associates I work with are outstanding. Incredibly hardworking, client focused, practical and commercial, with a keen sense of the overall strategy of a claim. The team are highly dedicated to getting the best possible outcome for their clients.’
‘Josh Ripman (partner) is one of the finest lawyers I have worked with. He has a fantastic grasp of the legal, technical, and commercial aspects of claims. He is absolutely tenacious when it comes to fighting for every last benefit for his clients. He has a terrific instinct for strategy and anticipating the twists and turns of litigation. Someone you would want in your corner when the stakes are high.'
‘I have worked with Haley Songhurst on a particularly complex matter which required the deployment of negotiation skills as opposed to a purely contentious approach. Hayley is commercially astute, clear in her advice and impressive in conference and in her preparation.’
‘Joshua Ripman is very experienced and possesses great judgment. He is able to convey himself in a professional demeanor and is most knowledgeable. Bethany Kent has always been on hand for support and has assisted in legal matters pertaining to civil dispute resolution. I consider Beth to be courteous and I can attest to Beths nature as being one which who will graciously apply knowledge and exceed expectations.’

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