CMS handles the full spectrum of disputes, from contractual and competition claims, shareholder disputes and arbitration proceedings to judicial reviews. Department lead Geraldine Ryan specialises in commercial dispute resolution, contractual and negligence disputes, defamation claims and contractual termination advice. Daniel Keating advises a number of high-profile clients in relation to group actions involving multi-jurisdictional elements. Kelly Heath handles contractual and tort claims, shareholder and director disputes, claims for misrepresentation, and breach of warranty matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team has a wealth of experience which gives them the well earned confidence they exude. They also possess a vast knowledge of their sector of law which in turn creates a team that is well versed, unruffled and precise. The benefits to the client are immeasurable as having such a well oiled unit means less time faffing. The most valuable quality is that all this packaged together means that I, as the client, felt in safe hands and calm at all times.’
‘Geraldine Ryan is very approachable and responsive, always looking to support our requirements even if they don't fall within her discipline. She is very proactive and we have a very good relationship with her.’
‘Geraldine Ryan and Daniel Keating have worked on my case. They have a strong attention to detail and decades of experience to draw on. Their well earned confidence has been instrumental in guiding me through this process which was a first for me. Most of all they are completely trustworthy and will always have my wellbeing as a priority. They have the uncanny knack of devoting their sole attention to clients, not hurried or distracted and with a genuine warmth and empathy, yet making them no less fierce an opponent.’
‘As a client of Stephanie Cheung at CMS, I can personally attest to her being an exceptional lawyer. What truly sets her apart is not just her profound legal expertise but her genuine approachability and unwavering honesty in providing advice. I've always appreciated how she makes complex legal issues understandable, ensuring I feel supported and informed throughout my legal journey. Stephanie's commitment to integrity and transparency has solidified my trust in her, making her not only a trusted adviser but a valued advocate in my corner.’
‘Geraldine Ryan runs an exceptionally effective commercial litigation department. The department is staffed with excellent lawyers who conduct litigation very efficiently and with excellent organisation.'
‘Geraldine Ryan and Kelly Heath are a formidable and winning team with a proven track record of success. Geraldine is an immensely experienced commercial litigator and has an excellent manner with clients. Kelly is a dedicated and unflappable associate and promotion is only a matter of time.’
‘Pragmatic legal and commercial advice and high awareness of the position of in-house counsel in a business.’
‘Easy to approach, highly responsive, effective advice.’
Key clients
- International Tin Association
- Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Limited
- Sainsbury’s Bank Plc
- Argos Limited
- Inovyn (part of the Ineos Group)
- Auto Trader Group PLC
- Peel Holdings Group
- Doncaster Sheffield Airport Limited
- Serco UK & Europe
- Edmundson Electrical Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for the defendant in relation to an abuse of dominance claim in the Competition Appeal Tribunal, defending a claim for $45m.
- Representing a large multi-academy trust in a high-value dispute relating to pensions contributions with potential impact for the education sector across England.
- Defending a claim against Argos for breach of covenant in a lease.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Geraldine Ryan