Paris Smith LLP is known by some clients for having a ‘very strong regional presence’ and a ’reputation for offering quality legal services locally’. The group acts on behalf of a diverse client list which includes SMEs, not-for-profits, and large corporates. Specialist insolvency lawyer Mike Pavitt leads the team from Southampton and is equally adept across contentious, non-contentious and technical advisory work in the space.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘A great team, providing quality and thorough advice in a timely manner.’

  • ‘Both Mike Pavitt and Lucy Andrews, are always quick to respond. It's comforting to know you can rely on them both when you need legal advice on what can be quite technical matters. ’

  • ‘Mike Pavitt leads a small but great team. Technically they are very good and always prepared to go the extra mile for the client’

  • ‘Mike Pavitt. Mike is one of the best insolvency lawyers on the South Coast and should be ranked in the top league. His technical knowledge is second to none in the area and he delivers a personal specialist service with real commercial nouse. ’

  • ‘Mike, Lucy and the team are always very approachable and happy to discuss potential matters. The advice is always practical and thorough. When the requirements for us as insolvency practitioners extends beyond the 'usual' insolvency matters, Paris Smith have an excellent team built around the core insolvency team who have specialist understanding of areas such as employment in the context of insolvency processes etc.’

  • ‘The team has a fantastic knowledge and client base for insolvency and corporate recovery compared to its size. ’

  • ‘Mike Pavitt is a master of his craft and has an exceptional grasp of the law and practice in this area'.

  • ‘Paris Smith have a very strong regional presence and have a reputation for offering quality legal services locally. Their Corporate Insolvency and Restructuring team are technically strong and provide a quality service which enhances Paris Smith's reputation.’

Key clients

  • Azets Holdings Limited
  • Bailey Ahmad Business Recovery
  • Beacon LIP Limited
  • Begbies Traynor Group PLC
  • CMB Partners UK Limited
  • Evelyn Partners
  • FRP Advisory Trading Limited
  • Hampshire Trust Bank
  • Interbay Funding Limited
  • Interpath Limited
  • James Cowper LLP
  • Leonard Curtis
  • Manolete Partners PLC
  • PCF Bank Ltd
  • Quantuma Advisory Limited/K3 Restructuring
  • Quba Solutions Limited
  • RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP
  • YMCA Fairthorne Group Limited

Work highlights

  • Acted for Leonard Curtis in connection with various legal issues, including the appointment of administrators by qualifying floating charge holder, defence of winding-up petitions, employment/redundancy matters and various contractual arrangements with a connected company based in another jurisdiction, as well as contentious matters involving FCA and fraud committed by director of IFA/investment management companies now in administration.
  • Advised PCF Bank on their rights and realisation strategy prior to and after various borrower’s defaults.
  • Advised the board of Hodgson Acoustics, assisting them to explore insolvency and restructuring options.

Lawyers

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.

Mike Pavitt

Other key lawyers

Lucy Andrews