The ‘approachable, thorough, commercial and practical’ Manchester-based insolvency group at DLA Piper has a strong reputation for handling both domestic and multijurisdictional cases. High-value financial restructurings, turnaround and special situation matters are all key areas for the group, which is stands out due to its ’impressive team spirit’. Practice head Christopher Roberts is a specialist in retail sector-related work, and is supported by national team lead Robert Russell. Katy Seago is particularly adept at handling non-contentious, distressed real estate matters, while Rob Lyons leads on the contentious side. Grace Imafidon is a key figure within the team.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team has excellent availability, knowledge and expertise.’

  • ‘Robert Russell is noteworthy.’

  • ‘The team were extremely approachable, thorough, commercial and practical.’

  • ‘Genuinely integrated across teams, legal fields and jurisdictions. There was an impressive team spirit and a real can-do attitude. I felt extremely well-supported throughout.’

Key clients

  • Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP
  • Gordon Brothers
  • Brand Alley UK Limited
  • Project Lietzenburger Straße Holdco Sarl
  • Kroll Advisory Ltd
  • THG Plc
  • HSBC UK Bank Plc
  • Axalta Coating Systems GmbH
  • Process Consultants, Inc
  • Amec Foster Wheeler USA Corporation
  • Endless LLP
  • Secure Trust Bank Plc
  • Shawbrook Bank
  • Close Invoice Finance Limited
  • Ernst & Young LLP
  • Interpath Limited
  • Aurelius Investments Limited

Work highlights

  • Advising Project Lietzenburger Straße Holdco Sarl in relation to its UK Part 26A restructuring plan which aims to restructure the Fürst Group‘s financial creditors under approximately €1bn of German law governed bonds and loans.
  • Acting for the joint administrators of Aartee Bright Bar Limited, Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP, in relation to a highly publicised hostile application brought by a creditor pursuant to paragraph 81 of Schedule B1 to the Insolvency Act 1986.
  • Providing on-going advice to Process Consultants, Inc and Amec Foster Wheeler USA Corporation (Part of John Wood Group PLC) in relation to the Restructuring Plan proposed by CB&I UK Limited.

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.
Robert Russell
Hall of fameDLA Piper
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Rob Lyons
DLA Piper
Grace Imafidon
DLA Piper
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Christopher Roberts
DLA Piper
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Katy Seago
DLA Piper

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Christopher Roberts, Robert Russell

Other key lawyers

Katy Seago, Rob Lyons, Grace Imafidon, Vivak Vaish, Tony Potts