England - South East • Dispute resolution
Clarkslegal LLP
Praised for its ‘focused and commercial approach to litigation’, Clarkslegal LLP is frequently instructed by high-end automotive clients on significant and high-profile cross-border disputes. The team is based in Reading and led by ’great litigator’ Antony Morris. Christopher Tayton, hailed as ‘thoughtful, thorough and balanced’, sports a broad dispute resolution practice which emphasises commercial injunctions and fraud claims. Stephen James is a fellow key contact, notable for his work on contentious construction, employment and insolvency matters. The ’excellent’ Emma Butcher maintains her strong practice across commercial and property disputes, alongside public procurement and product liability matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Clarkslegal litigation team is knowledgeable, approachable and prompt. They understand commercial clients needs and provide concise advice in a timely manner.'
‘Antony Morris is a measured lawyer who takes real ownership of the case. Collaborative and keen to make sure the right decisions are taken. Gets stuck into the detail but keeps a weather on the overall strategy.'
- 'Emma Butcher was able to build a strong rapport with the client team and was diligent in her review of the evidence and tenacious in pursuing the gaps.’
‘The team at Clarkslegal has a focused and commercial approach to litigation. Important points are taken, others are avoided. The team is very competent all around as well as responsive. A very safe pair of hands.’
‘Emma Butcher is excellent. She provides sound, commercial advice and has got exceptional client management skills. Her drafting makes her stand out. Emma is very responsive and clearly cares to achieve a good outcome for her clients.'
- 'Christopher Tayton is an experienced litigator. He's a very safe pair of hands.’
'Emma Butcher is an absolute star. Hard-working; great judgment calls; amazingly efficient. Great with clients.'
‘Antony Morris has the ability to solve novel problems; to find necessary expertise and to order complex legal issues to support logical decisions.’
Key clients
- Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited
- Boehringer Ingelheim
- Lumen Technologies Inc
- BMW (UK) Limited
- JDM Technology Group
- Willmott Dixon
- Element Materials Technology Group
- University of Reading
- Crown Packaging Manufacturing UK Ltd
- CAB Automotive Ltd
- MVL Group
- InstaGroup Limited
- OASIS
Work highlights
- Acting for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars as the defendant in High Court proceedings brought by German software development company Topalsson.
- Acted for Bop-Me Ltd in a procurement claim against the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care arising out of the award of a number of contracts for the supply of PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Acting for one of 13 defendants in a High Court claim brought by Equity Real Estates and related companies for breach of contract, compensation for dishonest assistance/unlawful means conspiracy, and accounts of profits against various defendants against a background of serious fraud in the context of property development.
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.
Next Generation Partners
Clarkslegal LLP
Emma is a partner in the dispute resolution team, advising on all types of commercial disputes with a particular focus on property litigation, commercial agency disputes, product liability and public procurement. Recognised as a “Next Generation Partner” by Legal 500 2023. Emma regularly represents clients on resolving disputes through alternative methods such as mediation. Experience Property Litigation Emma works closely with the firm’s commercial real estate team in dealing with landlord and tenant disputes, including contested lease renewals, dilapidations claims, forfeiture and service charge disputes. She also advises landlords on their obligations in relation to their residential property portfolios, including on rights of first refusal, leasehold enfranchisement and right to manage. Commercial Agency Emma advises both commercial agents and principals on their rights and obligations under the Commercial Agents (Council Directive) Regulations 1993. She regularly writes articles on this area for AgentBase, a trade organisation for commercial agents. Procurement Emma acts for suppliers in challenging tender awards under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and other associated legislation. Emma frequently achieves strong outcomes for clients including obtaining damages awards, re-runs of tenders, and the addition of parties to framework agreements. Emma gives regular webinars and training in this area Product liability Emma has expertise in product liability matters in particular for clients in the automotive sector. Emma advises manufacturers and suppliers on claims brought in negligence and under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, as well as on regulatory responsibilities including product recall.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Antony Morris