The restructuring and insolvency team at Walker Morris LLP in Leeds comprises ‘outstanding individuals’ who deliver an ’excellent service’, evidenced this year by their landmark work in delivering the GoodBox restructuring plan, which was the first of its kind sanctioned outside of London. Gawain Moore and Duncan Lole jointly lead the group; the former has particular expertise regarding cross-border insolvencies, while the latter oversees the specialist financial services and regulated sector insolvency practice, with a focus on FCA-regulated businesses, assisted by director Olivia Prescott and senior associate Ashley Armitage. ‘Exceptional lawyer’ Claire Askew was promoted to partner in May 2022, and regularly takes the lead on bank-led restructuring work. Director Olivia Prescott is also recommended.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Very hands-on involvement from the partners down; really good tacticians and technical knowledge of insolvency; brilliant at responding and drafting and advisory services really solid.’
‘The insolvency team is close knit and comprises outstanding individuals, with the confidence and ability to deliver on heavyweight and challenging insolvency litigation.’
‘Straight talking, no nonsense, sound advice from good people.’
‘Claire Askew is an exceptional lawyer. She understands all aspects of her practice and you can rely on her to provide you with sound commercial advice in an easy to understand way.’
‘The team at Walker Morris are adept at dealing with fast paced, complex situations. They invariably grasp the commercials quickly and use their experience and expertise to provide easy-to-digest and robust advice to their clients.’
‘Gawain Moore and Oliver Wheeler go above and beyond to support their clients. Based on my experience of working with them both, it is unsurprising that they were integral to the first creditor-led restructuring plan in the country.’
‘Excellent service. Colleagues used to London firms were very impressed and refreshed by ease of access and direct approach.’
‘Claire Askew can be relied upon to provide top quality, clear advice in a timely manner with an appropriate degree of commerciality.’

Key clients

Endless LLP
Teneo (formerly Deloitte restructuring)
Interpath (formerly KPMG restructuring)
FRP
Santander
Harrisons Business Recovery & Insolvency
EY
Grant Thornton
Iona Capital
Together Finance
Alvarez & Marsal
Alix Partners

Work highlights

Advised NGI Systems & Solutions on all aspects of the creditor-led GoodBox restructuring plan.
Advised Alix Partners on the administration of the high-cost lender Indigo Michael, including assisting with continued consumer lending by the administrators.
Advised Alvarez & Marsal on the pre-pack sale of businesses within the Newbridge Energy Group, which also included a debt for equity swap.