Hall Of Fame

Next Generation Partners

Leading Associates

Commercial litigation: elsewhere in the North West in North West

DTM Legal LLP

Praised for its ‘tenacity and skill’, the team at DTM Legal LLP provides expertise in disputes involving contracts, finance, intellectual property, construction and restrictive covenants. The team is well regarded for its ability to handle multi-jurisdictional matters. Practice head Jim Morris has particular expertise in contentious and non-contentious construction matters, acting for a diverse roster of clients. Richard Thomas' capabilites range from company stakeholder disputes, fraud and finance agreements, to commercial contracts and restrictive covenants. Guy Thomas stands out for his expertise in the construction sector, earning praise for his ability to ‘grasp the fundamentals of related issues quickly and with immediate understanding.’

Responsables de la pratique:

Jim Morris


Autres avocats clés:

Richard Thomas; Guy Thomas; Jonathan Partridge


Les références

‘They have the tenacity and skill to get the best results for us.’

‘Jim Morris is excellent, extremely personable and makes it easy to understand for the client.’

‘They easily hold their own with all the big city regional players.’

Principaux clients

Scottish Power


Foundation Piling Limited


The Atmore Group


Lloyds Pharmacy


AAH Pharmaceuticals Limited


Dee Tech Services Limited


Henrob Limited


Anwyl Construction Company Limited


Rotex Europe Limited (part of Hillenbrand Group listed on NYSE)


Greenthumb Limited


Begbies Traynor


Monolith Brick and Stone Limited


Edge Recovery


Moneypenny Ltd


Clancy Consulting Limited


European Automation Projects Ltd


Halls Auctioneers Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Zams Hotels & Hospitality Ltd, arguing that a winding up petition for circa £3.2 million should be dismissed.
  • Advising Reeds Carpeting Contractors Ltd in this High Court action in which successful applications for disclosure have been made against the five defendants.
  • Advised Rotex Europe Ltd on the defence of a £48 million claim brought by a company from Saudi Arabia.

FS Legal

Lauded for its ‘unparalleled skill set in commercial litigation’, FS Legal routinely handles high-value, complex litigation for local businesses, international corporates and high-net-worth individuals. The practice is jointly steered by Kit Sorrell and Julia Norris. Sorrell is lauded for his ‘vast knowledge and experience’, regularly handling complex and multi-million-pound matters, while Norris is well-versed in professional negligence disputes. Sunny Patel routinely assists clients in obtaining and defending applications for urgent injunctive relief, tax negligence claims, warranty claims and shareholder disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kit Sorrell; Julia Norris


Autres avocats clés:

Christine Newton; Nicola Stanley; Sunny Patel


Les références

‘The team, led by Kit Sorrell, has great depth and energy with a strong commitment to meet any challenges head on no matter how tight the deadlines. They take time to fully involve all the client, expert advisors and the in-house support team in moving the project forward.’

‘Kit Sorrell stands out a for his intuitive and deep understanding of the critical points in a case. Add to that, his determination and flexibility as arguments develop and he is a powerful advocate for his clients. He is also a skilled and very effective negotiator, especially in mediations.’

‘The broad range of abilities, experience and depth of knowledge provide FS Legal with an unparalleled skill set in commercial litigation providing clients with the reassurance that they have all of the resources required to manage your case efficiently and cost effectively.’

Principaux clients

Paul Steel and Jaqueline Foster


Cheshire Estates & Legal Limited (CEL Solicitors)


Representative Respondents – Hartley Pensions Limited (in Administration)


Principaux dossiers


  • Instructed by Mr Steel and Ms Foster to defend proceedings brought by the FCA, seeking an extension of the provisions of Section 382(2) FSMA to authorised IFA individuals.
  • Instructed by CEL Solicitors in contested springboard injunction proceedings.
  • Instructed to act for 6 nominated representative respondents who represent a wider group of 16,741 pension SIPP holders in a matter concerning the collapse of Hartley Pensions Limited (in Administration) and £1.3bn in assets and a £40m claim.

Gorvins Solicitors

Fielding a ‘good mix of specialist lawyers for every situation’, Gorvins Solicitors stands out for its expertise in insolvency litigation, as well as disputes arising out of commercial matters, warranty claims, breach of contract and partnership issues. Mark Deverell oversees the team alongside Guy Lightowler. Deverell specialises in commercial and insolvency-related litigation, while the ‘extremely responsive’ Lightowler is a key port of call for owner-managed businesses, SMEs, PLCs and multinationals. Danielle Clements is noted for her focus on the property litigation field, in addition to contentious probate matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mark Deverell; Guy Lightowler


Autres avocats clés:

Danielle Clements


Les références

‘A good mix of specialist lawyers for every situation.’

‘Guy Lightowler and Andrew Curwen headed matters. They were well informed in the law and recent case law. Whilst professional, they were also approachable and excellent communicators.’

‘A very responsive team who give practical and commercial advice.’

Principaux clients

NPL Group


Williams Motor Company (Holdings) Limited


Avonside Group Services Limited (Avonside) – In Administration


Principaux dossiers


Myerson Solicitors

The team at Myerson Solicitors is jointly led by Adam Maher, Suzanne Carr, and Sven Clarke from Altrincham, often representing agents and principals. Maher is a key contact for shareholder disputes, particularly in relation to unfair prejudice petitions. Carr has longstanding experience in handling professional negligence claims and specialises in commercial agency issues, while Clarke routinely assists clients with breach of warranty claims and the enforcement of restrictive covenants. Robert Brothers is noted for his broad knowledge of shareholder and contractual disputes. David Jones joined the firm in September 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Adam Maher; Suzanne Carr; Sven Clarke


Autres avocats clés:

Robert Brothers; David Jones


Aaron & Partners LLP

Drawing considerable praise from clients for its ‘wealth of experience’ and ‘exceptional client care skills‘, the team at Aaron & Partners LLP routinely handles complex and high-value shareholder disputes, partnership disputes and matters arising from corporate transactions. Practice head Nick Clarke frequently handles matters involving commercial agreements and high-stakes commercial disputes. He is supported by John Devoy, who is noted for his expertise in relation to professional negligence work, and David Harries, who often works with clients operating in the energy sector.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nick Clarke


Autres avocats clés:

David Harries; David Potts; John Devoy; Claire Hughes


Les références

‘The team at Aaron and Partners work with a wide range of clients from private individuals up to large multimillion-pound companies on all aspects of commercial litigation.’

‘The wealth of experience within the commercial litigation team allows for exceptional service to all clients, tailored specifically to their individual requirements and concerns, providing expert advice and guidance to point within this area.’

‘The team is extremely knowledgeable both in respect of the substantive law and also litigation strategy, and are able to deploy this knowledge to best advance their client’s position.’

Principaux clients

DELTA Merseyside Ltd


UK Warehousing Association


London City Bond Ltd


Principaux dossiers


Brabners LLP

‘Open, honest and supportive’, Brabners LLP is trusted by entrepreneurs, private companies, SMEs, owner-managed businesses and family businesses on a range of matters, specialising in the mid-market. Practice head Tom Smith handles a wide variety of business disputes, including matters that involve shareholder and partnership claims, as well as contractual disagreements. The team has been bolstered by the arrival of Nicola Turner, who joins from Napthens LLP.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tom Smith


Autres avocats clés:

Nicola Turner; Helen Otty


Les références

‘Good team to work with and very knowledgeable in their field.’

‘A well resourced firm with a clear focus on the North West.’

‘Rob Turner and Tom Smith are respectively very good at technical insolvency and the interplay between insolvency and commercial litigation.’

Principaux clients

Begbies Traynor


RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP


Debt Focus/Focus Insolvency


F2 Chemicals Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing a defendant to unfair prejudice petition relating to £6m care home, with other issues relating to breach of shareholders agreement and SPA at large.
  • Acting for professional trustees of a £12m estate in a multi-party claim relating to partition and various other allegations of breach of trust and other issues.
  • Acting in a cross-jurisdictional dispute for an Irish client with a distribution partner based in England, with allegations of misappropriation of stock worth around £1m.

Forbes Solicitors

Forbes Solicitors houses an ‘extremely professional’ team, noted for its ability to advise its diverse roster of clients on a range of disputes, including warranty claims, director disputes and partnership issues. Practice head Stephen McArdle is well-placed to assist clients on director and partnership disputes, as well as professional negligence and injunctive proceedings. Elsewhere, Sheroze Nadeem is a key port of call for SMEs, and Claire Edbury advises large commercial clients and directors in contractual and negligence claims.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stephen McArdle


Autres avocats clés:

Sheroze Nadeem; Georgina Kenny


Les références

‘Sheroze Nadeem is very active and visible in the market. Able to give clear, difficult advice to clients.’

‘A young and dynamic team who offer great client service and attention to detail. Always seeking to offer value for money, and the same from their chosen counsel. Provide business clients with a very good alternative to some leading city centre firms.’

‘Stephen McArdle is a standout individual and well worthy of his recent promotion to head of department.’

Principaux clients

Your Zooki


The Coniston and Ruskin Museum (Bluebird Museum)


Northcote Hotel and Manor


H & AK Fletcher Limited


Pro Organica Ltd


Brookhouse Aerospace


Bright Blue Foods


NR Barton Chartered Accountants


Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service


Trust Inns Limited


Claves Estates


Principaux dossiers


  • Worked with a supplement and nutrition manufacturer to resist a claim as presented by one of its suppliers.
  • Represented a firm of accountants when they were placed on notice of injunctive action being pursued against them and were required to attend the High Court.
  • Acting for a Post Office subpostmaster who was a victim of the Horizon shortfall scheme and the issues that it caused.

Harrison Drury & Co

Boasting a strong North West presence, the ‘very knowledgeable’ team at Harrison Drury & Co offers the full spectrum of services in commercial disputes matters, including contractual, shareholder disputes, and director misfeasance. The team is jointly led by Nick Booth and Sean Gibbs: Booth works is noted for his expertise in breach of duty claims and contractual disputes, while Gibbs handles shareholder disputes, partnership disputes and claims relating to defamation. Helen Griffin is routinely instructed by family-owned SMEs.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nick Booth; Sean Gibbs


Autres avocats clés:

Helen Griffin; Martin Stafford


Les références

‘Each member of the team is very knowledgeable in their sector and again the communication with each other was very effectively done. They can analyse very effectively the strategy needed for the cases they are dealing with.’

‘We have found all the team to be relatable and understanding of what we are looking for in a practice. Nothing is ever to much trouble and they have handled our files in a timely manner.’

‘Nick Booth and Kerry Southworth have been fantastic to work with. They answer any question we have in a manner in which we understand and best suits us. They are both friendly and very easy to approach.’

Principaux dossiers


Jolliffe & Co LLP

Counting SMEs and high-net-worth individuals among its key roster of clients, Jolliffe & Co LLP handles a range of disputes, from contractual claims, partnership disputes and breach of warranty claims, to property litigation. Practice head Richard Moose has a wealth of experience in commercial matters, including financial misselling, contentious probate and property litigation. He is supported by Lindsey Jenkins, who specialises in matters relating to the Inheritance Act.

Responsables de la pratique:

Richard Moose


Autres avocats clés:

Lindsey Jenkins; Rachel Shone


Principaux dossiers


Napthens LLP

Praised for its ‘communication and reliability’, the team at Napthens LLP stands out for its expertise in commercial contracts, construction, professional negligence and contested probate litigation. Practice head David Bailey regularly acts for commercial landlords, property portfolio managers and managing agents, advising on a broad range of property disputes. John Whittingslow has been described as a ‘very savvy and experienced litigator’, while Andrew Holden handles a broad range of disputes for businesses, including those arising from corporate transactions.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Bailey


Autres avocats clés:

John Whittingslow; Andrew Holden; Charlotte Barron; Jennifer Rogers


Les références

‘James Freeman has been excellent, he has fought every issue that has been presented to him.’

‘Really friendly and easy to talk to. Definitely recommend.’

‘Charlotte Barron handled a contentious partnership dissolution on my behalf. I really appreciated Charlotte’s clear and practical advice, always provided me options with clear explanations.’

Principaux clients

Daniel Thwaites Plc


Zymurgorium Limited


E H Booth and Co Ltd


Alcedo Care Ltd


National Farmers Union (NFU)


DTM Ltd


NRG Ltd


Rinus Roofing Supplies Ltd


Principaux dossiers


SAS Daniels LLP

Working with both domestic and international clients, SAS Daniels LLP is frequently instructed by SMEs and high-net worth individuals on the full spectrum of disputes, including contractual claims, partnership issues, professional negligence, IP and contentious probate. Noted for its ‘exceptional client care skills’, the team is led by Stewart Burrows, who is recommended for his expertise in shareholder disputes, contentious probate and property litigation. He is supported by Ray Woodward, who covers a range of disputes, spanning property, contentious probate and contractual issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stewart Burrows


Autres avocats clés:

Ray Woodward; Kathryn Clare


Les références

‘The commercial litigation team at SAS Daniels work with a wide range of clients from private individuals up to large multi-million-pound companies on all aspects of commercial litigation.’

‘The wealth of experience within the commercial litigation team allows for exceptional service to all clients, tailored specifically to their individual requirements and concerns, providing expert advice and guidance to point within this area.’

‘The team is extremely knowledgeable both in respect of the substantive law and also litigation strategy and are able to deploy this knowledge to best advance their client’s position.’

Principaux dossiers


Butcher & Barlow LLP

Well-regarded for its ‘strong knowledge’ and ‘meticulous attention to detail’, the team at Butcher & Barlow LLP handles a spread of commercial litigation work ranging from shareholder disputes to professional negligence and construction matters. Practice head Greg Porter acts for directors of limited companies, trustees of estates and individuals. Mark Turner maintains a busy practice, advising on high value and complex commercial contractual disputes, professional negligence claims and construction litigation claims. Former practice head Alex Sandland left the firm in 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Greg Porter


Autres avocats clés:

Mark Turner


Les références

‘The team have a number of excellent experienced members able to handle our clients litigation requirements when required.’

‘They always ensure we are kept up to date of case progress and offer a commercial view as the case develops.’

‘The team at Butcher and Barlow are a perfect example of synergy. The communication and professionalism of its employees is outstanding.’

Principaux clients

Seddon Group (incl Seddon Construction and Seddon Homes)


Aeroco Group Limited


ABC Digital Solutions Limited


Redstart Northwest Limited


Fords of Winsford Limited


Dutton Group


Kenny Waste Management Limited


J K Ashbrook Limited


Chandos Civil Engineering Limited


The Environmental Partnership


Frank Roberts and Sons Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised national managed technology services supplier ABC Digital Solutions Limited in connection with an acrimonious dispute with a competitor.
  • Advised Kenny Waste Management on a business-critical dispute with a neighbour in respect of alleged nuisance emanating from the client’s waste management facility.
  • Advised one of the partners in a contentious family agricultural partnership dispute, with quantum to be in excess of £2 million, involving misrepresentation of accounts and allegations of breaches of fiduciary duties by other members of the partnership.

Excello Law

The ‘client-driven’ dispute resolution team at Excello Law is well-versed in company, shareholder, partnership, insolvency and contractual matters. The team is jointly led by Alexandra Collett and Emyr Kerfoot, both of whom have been described by clients as ‘excellent, client friendly senior commercial litigators.’ Collett is noted for her focus on general commercial litigation, while Kerfoot specialises in shareholder and partnership disuputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alexandra Collett; Emyr Kerfoot


Les références

‘On each occasion, regardless of location or individual, I have found the law firm to be welcoming and approachable.’

‘The firm embraces a very good work ethic and vision with all partners presenting themselves motivated and client driven.’

‘Alex has proven to be very personable, engages well and articulates a reassuring understanding and an empathy toward the client’s situation. Very keen to understand the detail to help determine next steps.’

Principaux clients

Catherine Brassington


Damien Couture


Robert and Andrew Chippendale


Mr and Mrs Saunders


Mr and Mrs Whitely


Ratiocinator Limited


Highpoint Care (West Derby) Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Catherine Brassington where she successfully issued Part 8 proceedings against her former employer, a firm of solicitors.
  • Acted for Damien Couture in successfully resisted an application for interim injunctive relief in the terms of a restrictive covenant.
  • Represented Mr and Mrs Saunders where Part 8 proceedings were issued against a former director and shareholder of the company seeking a declaration that an option to purchase the Defendant’s shares has been properly exercised under the terms of the Shareholders Agreement.

Farleys Solicitors LLP

Housing an ‘extremely professional’ commercial litigation team, Farleys Solicitors LLP acts for a diverse roster of clients, ranging from private individuals, lenders and local councils to large companies and sole traders. Kieran O’Connor is noted for his specialism in partnership disputes, commercial agents’ regulations, contract disputes and injunctions. He leads the team alongside Mark Hague, who regularly handles cases involving company and commercial litigation, focusing on debt recovery, financial disputes litigation, civil fraud and shareholder disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kieran O’Connor; Mark Hague


Les références

‘Mark Hague is a very friendly and personable individual. He is extremely knowledgeable and can present high level legal information in a user-friendly format.’

‘Went above and beyond during my case.’

‘This level of service is one that I will not forget and would 100% recommend to anyone looking for commercial litigation support.’

Principaux clients

Lakeminster Park Limited


Premier Vue Limited


Paperco Limited


Joseph Ellis Lennard


Katie Fox acting on behalf of the deceased estate of James Fox


Seneca Trade Partners Ltd


Robert Humpage


Julie Symons


Bury Football Club


Flower Walk Homes Limited


Christina Margaret Crane


Marie Milner and Paul Milner


Mitchell Walsh


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Lakeminster Park Limited in a professional negligence claim against a former barrister KC at planning appeals.
  • Advising Premier Vue Limited in a dispute with London College of Fashion relating to digital display boards located on Oxford Street, London.
  • Advising Paperco Limited as a claimant in proceedings for breach of contract and breach of lease covenants arising from a business sale agreement.

Primas

Praised for its ‘very commercial approach’, the team at Primas handles a wide range of complex and high-value cases, spanning disputes between shareholders, removal of directors and professional negligence claims, with a particular expertise in relation to applications for injunctive relief. Practice head Daniel Thomas stands out for his expertise in the manufacturing and construction sectors.

Responsables de la pratique:

Daniel Thomas


Les références

‘Personal touch. You will only deal with a select group of individuals that you will get to know well. They have a very commercial approach, and combine realism with aggression.’

‘Daniel Thomas is the standout practitioner. He is very efficient, very focused, and will fight to get the best result for his clients.’

‘The team manages to combine a boutique, client focussed approach with the infrastructure of a much larger firm. This results in a keen understanding of the commercial needs of commercial clients.’

Principaux clients

Alliance Property Group Ltd


Flitcraft Ltd


Longshoot Ltd


Stratton Tea Ltd


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising offshore investors in relation to an application pursuant Section 423 of the Insolvency Act seeking a declaration that a substantial transaction was to defraud creditors.
  • Instructed to advise in relation to a payroll fraud which resulted in a significant High Court claim being submitted and freezing injunction obtained following which substantial sums were frozen in various bank account equating to several million pounds.
  • Instructed by Peninsula in relation to substantial injunctive proceedings in relation to the removal of confidential information and various breaches of covenants.

Backhouse Jones

Earning praise for ‘punching above their weight’, the team at Backhouse Jones stands out for its expertise in the transport sector, acting for road haulage operators, logistics businesses, bus operators and trade associations. The practice is jointly steered by James Lomax and Steven Meyerhoff; Lomax specialises in employment and dispute resolution law, while Meyerhoff has extensive experience advising clients in the transport industry. Jonathon Backhouse routinely handles cases arising out of road transport, including VAT and duties tribunal appeals.

Responsables de la pratique:

Steven Meyerhoff; James Lomax


Autres avocats clés:

Jonathon Backhouse


Les références

‘Strong technical skills, matched with leading sector knowledge in transport and logistics.’

‘Steven Meyerhoff is a great technical lawyer, matched with strong client skills and ease to work with.’

‘Jonathan Backhouse is a great tactician and strong technical lawyer. Up and coming associates Ellie Kenyon and James Lomax. Ellie is a superb black letter lawyer and James is brilliant with clients.’

Principaux clients

Road Haulage Association Limited


Rotala PLC


Abellio UK


British Association of Removers Limited


Warrington Borough Transport Limited


H Parkinson Haulage Limited


Knowles Transport Limited


Biffa


Blackpool Transport


Stagecoach Group plc


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising on the Road Haulage Association collective proceedings claim in the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
  • Represented the Road Haulage Association in the R (PACCAR) v Competition Appeal Tribunal on a discrete but far reaching issue as to whether Litigation Funding Agreements.
  • Acted for Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) in seeking to impose a bus franchising scheme under the Bus Services Act 2017.

Woodcocks Haworth & Nuttall (WHN)

The ‘flexible’ dispute resolution team at Woodcocks Haworth & Nuttall (WHN) is regularly called upon to act on professional negligence, insolvency, debt, shareholder and partnership disputes. Practice head Michael Shroot - who has been described as ‘efficient and helpful’ - covers all aspects of commercial litigation from property to contract matters. Sara Beaumont focuses on all areas of general commercial litigation from contract disputes, partnership disputes, professional negligence and insolvency to debt matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Michael Shroot


Autres avocats clés:

Sara Beaumont


Les références

‘Michael gave me very honest and clear advice from the very beginning. It was very transparent. I was kept informed at every step.’

‘Michael is very efficient and helpful. His professionalism and knowledge is excellent. I would highly recommend him and his practice for any legal advice.’

‘Paul Matthews and Sarah Beaumont are are both the most professional I have ever dealt with.’

Principaux clients

Peel Holdings Land & Property (UK) Ltd


Horrocks & Company (Accountants) Limited


Albeego Ltd


Bespoke Supportive Tenancies Limited


Iconservatories Ltd


Custom Shop Designs Ltd


Firesafe Fire Rated Duct Work Ltd


Amicus Coatings (UK) Ltd


Home Care Services


Ryan Godwin & Mrs Fallon Godwin trading as Home Care Services


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for Peel Holdings to defend seven High Court claims brought by three Local Authorities against various Peel Companies seeking declarations as to the liability of the Peel companies for Non-Domestic Rates following the use of a rates mitigation scheme.
  • Advising charity, Bespoke Supportive Tenancies, in relation to a dispute with a support provider regarding the recovery of ‘void charges’ due under the terms of the service level contract.
  • Acting for two defendants trading as Home Care Services on a multi-million-pound partnership dispute.