The national dispute resolution practice at Ashtons Legal is led by Tom Bailey   from Norwich, but has a strong presence outside the city thanks to up-and-coming partner Annabel Mayer in Bury St Edmunds. She is 'strong on the law and very commercially aware' and clients praise her 'willingness to really listen at a difficult time'. The firm is well regarded for its work in franchising litigation, commercial disputes, shareholder disputes, breach of director’s duties and matters arising from corporate transactions.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Ashtons dealt with my initial query quickly and with compassion and some of the solicitors with whom I worked seemed to be invested in a way that I liked.’

  • ‘Annabel Mayer worked well on my behalf. She began my case and ended it. I valued her willingness to really listen as I was at a difficult time in my life. She didn't hurry me or brush my thoughts and feelings aside.’

  • ‘It is a strong team with good depth. The partners - Annabel Mayer in particular - are very good and the junior members of the team are strong.’

  • ‘Annabel Mayer is excellent - strong on the law and very commercially aware.’

Key clients

  • CeX
  • Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries Limited
  • Signs Express Limited
  • Bubbleology

Work highlights

  • Advising and acting for client in respect of a water abstraction licence dispute with the Environment Agency.
  • Advising and acting for the director of an owner-managed company in proceedings brought by an employee for a proportion of our client’s shareholding.
  • Acting for a client to enforce a debt by way of an order for sale over the debtor’s property. Complicated by extensive assets and other unsecured creditors.

Lawyers

Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Tom Bailey

Other key lawyers

Annabel Mayer