Zoe Oates
Schofield Sweeney
Schofield Sweeney
Client SatisfactionSchofield Sweeney is frequently active on behalf of insolvency practitioners, and covers a range of matters including corporate restructurings, distressed property-related cases, and personal insolvencies. Team lead Richard Fergusson advises on restructurings and insolvencies, including both contentious and non-contentious matters. Zoe Oates is a key contact for personal and property insolvency. Jo Smith joined the team from Knights plc in January 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Really impressive commercial and legal nous - ability to handle large cases with calmness and genuine capability - flexible in responding to client needs.’
‘Richard Fergusson is an excellent and experienced litigation lawyer, and also very capable in non-contentious matters. Great rapport with clients and a solid commercial judgment. Deals with complex litigation in a user-friendly and committed manner ’
‘Jo Smith continues to provide an excellent service through Schofield Sweeney.’
‘Great team which has done some fantastic work for us.’
‘The team at Schofield Sweeney are extremely hard-working, competent and personable. They remain extremely personable, positive, clear in their advice and communications, and pragmatic.’
‘Their strength is in their enthusiasm, optimism, and calm in what can often be challenging and under-pressure situations. Zoe Oates, a partner at the firm, is very hands-on, a great communicator, and goes above and beyond to get deals over the line.’
'The team has significant experience, technical knowledge and ability and is collaborative in its approach when working with clients. The firm listens to its clients and works together to find the right solution.'
'Richard Fergusson is a highly experienced, knowledgeable lawyer with a great reputation. He is always approachable and works closely with clients to find the right strategy and isn't afraid to change course where required. It feels like you are working together as a team when working with Richard.'
Key clients
- Armstrong Watson LLP
- Begbies Traynor Group
- FRP Advisory LLP
- Interpath
- Walker Singleton
- Manolete Partners Plc
- Springfields LLP
- Xeinadin
- Mazars
- Booth & Co
- Re10 (Finance) Limited
- Quantuma
- Smith & Barnes
Work highlights
- Advised liquidators on a claim arising from a series of tax avoidance claims whereby over £16m was extracted without payment of tax and agreed a substantial pre-trial settlement.
- Advised on a brownfield development site and dealt with rights of way issues and shareholder disagreements and achieved a multi million pound sale to a large developer for a 200+ residential development.
- Worked with joint liquidators of a substantial property development company with assets totaling £10m at the date of liquidation.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Richard Fergusson