‘Capable of handling large high-profile cases’, Devonshires Solicitors LLP’s litigation and dispute resolution practice is experienced in disputes involving fraud, cross-border investigations, regulation, housing, and insurance and reinsurance. ‘One of the most outstanding lawyers around’, practice leader Philip Barden focuses on complex multi-jurisdictional commercial litigation, often with fraud or regulatory features. Jim Varley is a contentious insolvency expert and Stephen Netherway is an expert in commercial insurance and reinsurance disputes. The department further includes commercial litigator David Pack.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Their loyalty to clients, without losing objectivity or ethical independence, is truly exceptional.’

  • ‘The firm has a good work and team ethic. It is capable of handling large high-profile cases (as well as mid-sized disputes).’

  • ‘Very strong, great experience and a common-sense approach.’

  • ‘Philip Barden is the key figure in the firm. He has a wealth of experience in commercial litigation and is unflappable.’

  • ‘Philip Barden is one of the most outstanding lawyers around.’

  • ‘Philip Barden is great at tactics and has a good feel for the strength and weakness in a case. He is also very good in getting cases settled on the right terms. Very practical.’

  • ‘Philip Barden is very experienced, has excellent judgement, and really looks after his clients.’

  • ‘Pauline Lépissier is very sensitive to the needs of clients and extremely hard- working. She is on top of the detail in a manner that puts her client in the best position.’

Key clients

  • Axiom Ince
  • Next Generation Holdings
  • Ambon Brokers
  • London & Quadrant Housing Trust
  • Watford Community Housing Trust
  • Paradigm Housing Group
  • Avantage (Cheshire)
  • YHL

Work highlights

  • Acting for the joint administrators of Axiom Ince in relation to recovery claims for approximately £64m.
  • Represented over 30 former members of a special military unit in an Inquest, which involved advice on asserting privilege against self-incrimination.
  • Acted for Insurance Market Claimants in an accounting fraud case relating to a share purchase agreement.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Philip Barden

Other key lawyers

Jim Varley, Stephen Netherway, David Pack, Nikki Bowker, Pauline Lépissier, Matthew Garbutt