With a strong reputation in the automotive and sports sectors, the ‘heavyweight’ dispute resolution team at Geldards LLP handles complex litigation on behalf of a number of significant clients, appearing before all the various domestic courts. Jonathan Butler is a ’stand out partner’ who heads the firm’s automotive sector, with particular expertise in freezing orders and injunction work. Andrea Clayton advises across a wide variety of industries, including IT, energy and property. Lloyd Smith joined the team in September 2022, having previously co-led the commercial litigation department at Knights plc.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Flexible and dynamic team headed by Jon Butler, very capable of dealing with heavyweight and high-profile litigation but focusing on client needs and value.’
‘Excellent experience and support throughout the running of complex commercial disputes.’
‘Jonathan Butler, in particular, is a stand-out partner at the firm, with great judgement and client care.’
‘A quality team of capable litigators who provide focused and efficient advice which is complemented by good collaborative relationships with counsel of choice for the right case.'
‘Lloyd Smith provides a uniquely commercial approach to our disputes and litigation. Unlike other litigation lawyers we have used, Lloyd demonstrates exceptional understanding and empathy with our commercial goals and relates this consistently in his advice and in finding 'solutions' in a practice area not know for such focused advice. We would have no hesitation in recommending him for any commercial business.’
‘Nino Simone is a smooth operator with extensive experience in commercial dispute resolution. Andrea Clayton gives tactically astute and pragmatic advice on a range of commercial matters.’
‘Lewis Adamson has an excellent command of civil litigation practice and procedural rule. He is very approachable and client friendly.’
‘Andrea Clayton was extremely efficient in a recent case concerning breach of contract, drafting a rebuttal letter which tore the claimants claim apart. Andrea was instructed on short notice which was no problem and her approach was both technical and pragmatic which secured a great result for us. A pleasure to work with and very approachable.’

Key clients

PAL 2020 Limited
PAL Group Limited
Vantage Tax Free Protection Limited
MDPI UK Limited
Pendragon PLC
Stellantis N.V.
University of Leicester
Scott Group
Vauxhall Motors Limited
Omya UK

Work highlights

Successfully obtained indemnity costs orders on behalf of a global supplier of white minerals and chemicals in a widely reported case following judgment in a c.£1m High Court claim in damages for nuisance and trespass involving the illegal dumping of 20,000 tonnes of waste at Cliffe in Kent.
Advising an Irish passenger coach operator in its multi-million pound Commercial Court claim against DawsonGroup & EvoBus UK for alleged defective passenger coaches.
Successfully defended three director respondents against an unfair prejudice petition which sought to challenge, as improper, a pre-pack sale of a company and related transactions, said to be worth £27m, but in fact sold for £6.5m.