The commercial dispute resolution practice at Cripps has experience acting on a range of contentious matters, often with a cross-border element, with particular strength in the retail, technology, financial services and real estate sectors. The practice is led by Joanna Ford, based in Tunbridge Wells, and William Angas in Horsham, who recently joined the firm as part of its merger with PDT Solicitors. Ford is renowned for her expertise dealing with insolvency and restructuring related litigation, including director duties, as well as acting on behalf of lenders in enforcement proceedings. Angas is regarded for boosting the firm’s capacity in asset-based lending disputes, as well as shareholder disputes, along with Ed Weeks, who additionally focuses on director’s duties. Tom Bourne is increasingly involved in disputes arising around mergers and acquisition, including retention account disputes, and Hannah Proctor is noted for her experience in misfeasance claims against directors, breach of contract and insolvency proceedings.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Justin McConville has been very considerate and very helpful with his advice. I am very pleased with his work and advice.’

  • ‘Strong leadership, decisive.’

  • ‘Ed Weeks’ commercial litigation dept is very good indeed. Very efficient, working to the task and with fee earners at the right level.’

  • ‘Ed Weeks is hugely experienced and a wise litigation hand. I would always recommend him.’

  • ‘Great all-round capabilities with good partner engagement. Focused on solutions and commercial outcomes. ’

  • ‘Will Angas is a great partner to have leading a case, with a real feel for litigation and an ability to anticipate the other side’s next move.'

  • ‘Commercial and quick to respond.’

Key clients

  • Eurotunnel / The Channel Tunnel Group
  • FRP Advisory Trading Limited
  • Holiday Extras
  • Investec Capital Solutions
  • Close Brothers
  • Cadogan Estates Ltd
  • Singapore Airlines
  • ABN AMRO
  • Chromalloy Gas Turbine LLC
  • Goliath International Holdings B.V.

Work highlights

  • Acted for Greenbox Recycling Limited and one of its directors defending a misfeasance claim, estimated to be worth millions of pounds in the High Court, including a subsequent appeal in the Court of Appeal.
  • Acting for Goliath International Holdings B.V. in relation to a £16m professional negligence claim against its former solicitors, following its purchase of a UK based toy company.
  • Acted for a wealthy London family in defending a multi-million-pound claim and injunctive proceedings issued by a non-domiciled family member alleging fraud and forgery relating to a company and a number of London properties.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Joanna Ford, William Angas

Other key lawyers

Ed Weeks, Hannah Proctor, Tom Bourne, Justin McConville