Distinguishable by its thorough knowledge of insolvency rules, with an increase in referrals from insolvency practitioners, Devonshires Solicitors LLP advises on a range of unpaid invoices and loans, which are often high-value recoveries, as well as bankruptcy proceedings and applications for orders for sale of charged properties. In addition to forensic recovery experience, practice head Jim Varley is at the forefront of the group’s insolvency rules advice and leads the team alongside Robert Edge, leaving the group equipped to handle the full spectrum of debt recovery matters. This is due to practitioners such as Edge, whose secured and unsecured debt expertise is often called upon by clients on both the creditor and debtor sides, but particularly creditors such as financial services companies and housing sector clients. Finally, Nikki Bowker stands out for disputes related to loan agreements.

At Wedlake Bell LLP, the group pairs its expertise in bankruptcy proceedings with obtaining judgements in High Court. High Court Enforcement Officers’ agencies form a key part of the client base and the group handles matters up to the Supreme Court, collaborating with local authorities when necessary. Notably, Graham Smith has a track record over several years of acting in County Court. In addition to the group’s core strength in commercial debt recovery, its client roster is also formed heavily of energy suppliers and therefore engagement in claims relating to energy charges remains at the forefront of the group’s mandates. Group leader Charles Robinson is head of utilities debt, a niche area of debt recovery expertise for the group. Elsewhere, Steven Elsey stands out for his versatility, with expertise across litigation, insolvency and debt recovery.

Based in Taunton, Clarke Willmott LLP handles the full life cycle of debt recoveries, from pre-legal debt collection through to litigation and insolvency action and post insolvency trustee liaison. Philip Roberts, who heads up the team, is described as ‘experienced in successfully managing large scale debt recovery programs’, and is key for the group’s high-volume debt recovery work. Elsewhere, Stuart Hoysted is known for his technical knowledge of debt recovery, standing out for insolvency disputes and enforcement action. The group’s involvement in the water industry has continued to grow, building upon a prestigious client base in this area which includes Thames Water, as well as the largest water retailers in the UK. Kayleigh Cullis is skilled in insolvency litigation, and the wider group is known for its prowess in complex litigation.

Duncan Lewis Solicitors, whose team sits with the firm’s wider civil litigation department, is well equipped to handle a high volume of debt recoveries, and is well versed in civil disputes along with contract disputes involving recoveries. Added to this is an ability to advise with costs saving for the client before engaging in any court proceedings, signifying a diversified practice. Anthony Okumah, Sunil Patel, and Nazhat Ditta head up the group. Patel is based between the firm’s offices in central London and Harrow. Ditta, who was appointed director in February 2024, has been instrumental in the group’s increased activity in debt recovery related to a breach of contract, whereas Okumah is especially key in the group’s high-value recoveries and bankruptcy insolvency matters. Karolina Natkaniec is particularly experienced in private insolvency.

Based predominantly in Bromley with a small central London presence, Judge & Priestley LLP is well established within the utility supplies industry, advising prominent clients in this space on matters relating to debts accrued from the supply of electricity and gas. The overall practice is divided into the collections team, which specialises in niche, volume debt recovery, the claims and enforcement team specialising in pre-action recoveries and judgement enforcement actions, and the litigation team. Rachel Addai, litigation expert Uday Patel and Mark Younger, who stands out for subrogated recoveries, lead the overall practice. Patel’s experience is enhanced by Frances Boxall, who is a go-to practitioner for dealing with deceased debtor recoveries and probate litigation.