Fox Williams LLP
The commercial and regulatory team at Fox Williams LLP, renowned for its ‘deep knowledge of the travel industry’, is well-known for its experience handling high-profile disputes for renowned clients in the industry, namely large travel companies. A key example of such work is its representing On The Beach in the High Court in a dispute against RyanAir regarding passenger refunds. Its workload is frequently of the multi-millions in value and cross-border in nature; it has developed a particular focus advising on compliance with UK and EU travel regulations and assisting businesses therein launching onto the EU market. Tech, travel and aviation expert Lucy England frequently handles such work. Noted as ’the go-to lawyer for travel regulatory disputes’, Rhys Griffiths is at the helm of the practice. The team was notably bolstered in May 2023 with the arrival of the former head of Deloitte LLP‘s travel team Farina Azam. ’Great talent’ Phyllis Acheampong is a senior associate to note at the practice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team has a specialist knowledge of the regulatory framework for the travel sector combined with a deep knowledge of the travel industry. They are highly attuned to the needs of their clients and strong in achieving successful outcomes to difficult problems.’
‘Rhys Griffiths is the go-to lawyer for travel regulatory disputes - a specialist in the field who is able to provide practical solutions in times of difficulty. His work in respect of the effects of Covid-19 on the travel industry was outstanding. Phyllis Acheampong is a great talent in this sector, with a deep understanding of the regulatory framework who provides strong support to her clients.’
‘Possibly the leading team in the travel sector. Their network of travel lawyers and experience is of huge benefit in cross-border cases.’
‘Lucy England and Rhys Griffiths are both extremely approachable, knowledgeable and fun to work with. They know their stuff, and are practical and pragmatic.’
‘Their experience across UK travel regulation, ATOL and PTRs are the base for connecting the remaining travel industry “dots”.'
- 'The team has a complete understanding of the commercial realities travel companies, both large and small, face - they provide a huge dose of calm analytical advice and attention-to-detail.'
- 'Everything complex and high-risk we have goes to Fox Williams.’
‘The team has a wider understanding of the issues whilst being at the forefront of the current and ever-changing challenges in the sector.’
Key clients
- Booking.com
- On The Beach
- Loveholidays.com
- lastminute.com
- Villa Plus
- Virgin Voyages
- Sunweb
- Belmond
- Secret Escapes
- Iglu.com
- Yourgolfholidays.com
- Spabreaks.com
- Travel Network Group
- Direct Ferries
- Flight Centre
- Intrepid Travel
- Sandals
- TrustedHousesitters
- Priceline.com
Work highlights
- Acting for On the Beach in High Court proceedings against Ryanair for flight refunds.
- Advising one of the world’s largest travel companies on all its travel regulatory matters in the UK and Europe.
- Advising various travel companies on UK or EU launches.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Rising stars
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Rhys Griffiths