Devonshires Solicitors LLP fields an ‘efficient and knowledgeable‘ team with a large number of debt recovery experts, including forensic recovery experts, meaning that it is able to handle the full spectrum of debt recovery matters both nationally and internationally. Notably, the group has been an increase in instructions from the recruitment sector, but remains active in the financial services and real estate sectors, acting for lenders and private property firms. Robert Edge and Jim Varley head up the team, with Edge able to provide assistance for both secured and unsecured debts, and Varley particularly strong in contentious insolvency. Matthew Garbutt handles commercial litigation stemming from disputed commercial debts.

DWF has a debt recovery group with a strong national and international presence, but predominantly leads cases from the Leeds office. Counting local authorities and major household names as key clients, the group is frequently engaged to advise on the development of new recovery solutions. Kevin Feehan, who is well known for civil recoveries in the retail industry, Jeffersen Gledhill is adept at dealing with fraud and civil recovery matters, and Ryan Jurgelis-Hinnells head up the team. Duraid Al-Musaied is increasingly active in multi-jurisdictional insolvency matters.

At Wedlake Bell LLP, the ‘communicative, informed and commercial‘ team is split into departments focused on debt and utilities debt (a key area of strength). Practitioners are also active in the financial services sector and energy sector, with large UK energy companies as clients; the group is frequently instructed on energy theft mandates. Overseeing the practice are Frances Coulson, the head of the debt side of the practice, and Charles Robinson, the head of the utilities side of the practice. Its deep bench also features Steven Elsey, who has recently assisted clients with issues related to the collection of domestic supply debt.

The service provided by the group at Clarke Willmott LLP offers a full service which extends from high-volume, pre-legal debt collection to every aspect of litigation and insolvency action, often assisting clients with complex insolvency matters. Practice head Philip Roberts, who ‘gives solid, clear advice‘, has a broad practice, including litigation expertise, but has particular expertise in insolvency actions. Additionally, Alex Jakubowski and James Marshall are noted for their prowess in complex litigation. Clients turn to Stuart Hoysted for insolvency disputes and enforcement action.

Duncan Lewis Solicitors handles a high volume of commercial debt recovery work, with experience ranging from costs orders with complex interest to defending high-value contract disputes. The group increasingly stands out for its reputation for advising on the dangers of AI-generated content in contract disputes. The team is headed by Anthony Okumah, an experienced commercial litigator and arbitrator, and Sunil Patel, who splits his time between the firm's offices in central London and Harrow, and has a wide-ranging client base which includes former directors of insolvent companies.

Judge & Priestley LLP is well known for its work in the utility supplies industry and for its assistance with all areas of local authority debts, counting several borough councils as clients. The group is divided into asset recoveries and commercial litigation work. Other key clients include several motor and property insurers. Practice head Rachel Addai often leads the group’s work on local authority debt recovery. Frances Boxall is particularly strong in advising on deceased debtor recoveries, while Mark Younger is the lawyer to call up for subrogated recoveries.