Ashtons Legal has ‘a very good commercial litigation offering, with particular experience in franchising disputes’, and that expertise is largely centred on its Norwich office, where lead partner and qualified barrister Tom Bailey resides. Bailey, who is ‘very focused and relaxed, and explains legal points clearly and concisely’, predominantly acts in the higher courts in complex and high-value cases for listed and non-listed companies, individuals and public bodies. His recent work includes a £4.5m breach of contract dispute. Insolvency and restructuring partner Fiona Stuart also handles high-profile contentious matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Ashtons has a very good commercial litigation offering, with particular experience in franchising disputes.’

  • ‘Tom Bailey- a very strong, all-round partner. ’

  • ‘The team listen to the client and work collaboratively, they focus on getting the result for the client and not clocking up unnecessary hours of work to bill! ’

  • ‘Tom Bailey very focused and relaxed able to function at many levels and explain legal points clearly and concisely.’

Key clients

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

Work highlights

  • Claim worth £4.5 million on behalf of client for breach of contract following the installation of sets of faulty safety equipment in off-shore locations.
  • Advising and acting for client in claims arising out of agreements for the storage and transportation of grain.
  • Acting for several defendant franchisors in claims brought by ex-franchisees for unlawful termination of the Franchise Agreement and cross-claims by the defendant for damages and injunctive relief. Claim values ranging between £750k and £6 million.

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.

Tom Bailey

Other key lawyers

Fiona Stuart