Regarded for its debt recovery and insolvency capacity, Brachers, based in Maidstone, boasts well-known clients across the healthcare , transport, utilities and automotive sectors. The firm also handles a range of commercial disputes, including contractual claims, shareholder remedies and directors' duties. Michael Oatham, 'user friendly, pragmatic and practical', leads the litigation practice, meanwhile Paul Abdey and Robert Thompson lead the insolvency and debt recovery teams respectively. Lacie Kerner is highly regarded as 'efficient and no-nonsense' and has a wealth of commercial litigation experience.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'This is a thriving commercial team over SMEs in the Kent area. It has real understanding of the requirements of businesses of this kind.’
  • ‘Michael Oatham is very user friendly, pragmatic and practical in his advice. Lacey Kerner - technically very strong with good client care skills.’

  • ‘Lacie Kerner takes an efficient and no-nonsense approach to giving advice. She understands the human element of cases, and cuts a pragmatic course through them.’

  • ‘Brachers is a niche provincial outfit, which provides good value services in the conduct of litigation.’

  • ‘The solicitor I have principally worked with at Brachers is Lacie Kerner. Lacie and I worked together on a shareholders' dispute which involved making swift but considered decisions in fast-moving litigation, in the course of which she showed considerable commercial and legal procedural acumen as well as excellent tactical instincts and an ability to keep clients in the loop throughout. She's an excellent team player and is very responsive, at all times of the day and night! She is also a pleasure to work with.’

  • ‘Mike Oatham; good commercial nous.’

Key clients

  • Schindler Ltd
  • Alan Firmin Ltd
  • Szerelmey Grout
  • STA International Ltd
  • Magnetic Shields Ltd
  • Homeleigh Timber
  • Mazars
  • Hornby Hobbies Ltd
  • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
  • AEI Compounds Ltd
  • Mabey Hire Limited

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Michael Oatham, Paul Abdey, Robert Thompson

Other key lawyers

Lacie Kerner