Freeths LLP provides comprehensive support across a range of complex insolvencies and restructurings, with experience in mandates both across Yorkshire and nationally. Oliver Jackson, who is based in Sheffield, co-leads the department with the ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Helen Bates, who works from Leeds. Isobel Callaghan is a key name within the team, with a record in both contentious and non-contentious matters. Thomas Childs has expertise in pre-packaged administration transactions.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team always make time to be available for client queries. Highly professional and knowledgeable.’

  • ‘Efficient, cost-effective and dynamic with a full-service offering, allowing for a robust and comprehensive set of guidance to be provided at all times.’

  • ‘Tom Childs and Oliver Jackson are both fantastic in their field and meticulous in their guidance.’

  • ‘Excellent service all round. Unique in that they offer a very prompt, professional and personable service, and also have very high expertise in the areas I need their advice on.’

  • ‘Very personable, yet professional. Excellent understanding of insolvency law. Very prompt service, which is particularly important to me.’

  • ‘The Freeths team are always available and willing to consider all issues. They are happy to take a commercial view on any given situation; which is extremely helpful when in uncertain situations.’

  • ‘Helen Bates is an extremely knowledgeable insolvency solicitor with an exceptional grasp of the Insolvency Act 1986. She is also extremely approachable, which makes her able to command the respect of director teams and, ultimately, guide them to the best possible outcome.’

  • 'Really clear and precise advice on a technical area. Tailored to our needs and requirements, and delivered at pace.'

Key clients

  • Grant Thornton UK LLP
  • Interpath Ltd
  • BDO LLP
  • Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP
  • Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP
  • Begbies Traynor (SY) LLP
  • Smith & Williamson LLP
  • FRP Advisory Trading Limited
  • Quantuma Advisory Ltd
  • Leonard Curtis Recovery Limited
  • James Cowper LLP
  • Manolete Partners PLC
  • Maxim IP Limited
  • ELS Advisory Limited
  • Focus Insolvency Group
  • Opus Restructuring LLP (Nottingham)
  • Clough Corporate Solutions Limited
  • ReSolve Business Advisory
  • Thessco Limited
  • Austin Fraser International Limited
  • FTS Recovery Limited
  • Norman & Underwood Group of Companies
  • Smith and Barnes Insolvency Practitioners
  • RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP
  • London Borough of Newham

Work highlights

  • Advised Thessco Limited in respect of its proposed restructuring/refinancing plans, which included the appointment of administrators over Thessco Limited, as well as advising Solpro Manufacturing Limited on a complex restructuring.
  • Advised Twenty 20 Capital Group in relation to the acquisition of the business and assets of Austin Fraser Limited, in administration, from the outset of its offer and tender process to completion of the acquisition.
  • Advised the Norman & Underwood group of companies in respect of its contingency planning and the subsequent appointment of administrators. Subsequently advised Begbies Traynor (SY) LLP as administrators.

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.

Oliver Jackson, Helen Bates

Other key lawyers

Isobel Callaghan, Thomas Childs