Praised for its ‘wealth of legal knowledge’, Brabners LLP covers the full scope of contentious matters, including insolvency, debt recovery, medical negligence and contentious probate. The team earns further praise for its involvement in high-profile matters, including the “Wagatha Christie” trial. The team is headed up by the ‘bright, proactive and commercially savvy’ Paul Lunt, who is noted for his focus on media and sports disputes, shareholder disputes, contractual and professional negligence claims. Elsewhere, Helen Otty advises on high-value international arbitrations, commercial and company disputes, while Jennifer Lockhart specialises in insolvency matters.

Drawing considerable praise from clients for its ‘very pragmatic approach’, the immigration team at DWF is routinely engaged by clients hailing from the worlds of retail, food and drink, telecoms and financial services. The team is well-versed in a range of disputes, spanning professional negligence, judicial review, competition, contentious probate, arbitration and injunctions. The practice is jointly led by Chris King and Matthew Stoll; King handles complex and high value corporate and commercial contract disputes, while Stoll is noted for his particular focus on professional negligence claims. Andrew Whalley left the firm in October 2023.

Fielding a ‘first-class’ team, praised for its ‘attention to detail, strategic thinking and professionalism’, Hill Dickinson LLP handles shareholder and partnership disputes, professional negligence, breach of contract claims and commercial fraud. Fiona Parry regularly assists clients on corporate and commercial disputes. She co-heads the team alongside Manchester-based Sharon Williamson, who specialises in finance disputes. Paul Walsh is a key port of call for international, national and regional corporate clients on domestic and cross-border disputes, while Nina Ferris handles breach of directors’ duty claims, negligence claims, shareholder disputes.

Described by one client as a ‘preeminent litigation boutique in the North West but with the fire power to go toe to toe with any litigation practice nationally’, Provenio Litigation handles a range of mandates relating to shareholders and private equity investors and property investment schemes. Practice head Mark Goodwin focuses on IT and outsourcing cross-border disputes. Hannah Catterall has extensive experience advising a variety of clients including international corporations and high-net-worth individuals, while Emma Charnock is noted for her ability to cover a broad range of disputes including professional negligence and breach of contract claims, as well as shareholder and partnership disputes.

DLA Piper UK LLP is lauded for its capabilities on a broad range of commercial litigation matters, regularly acting for private equity firms and corporate clients on major shareholder disputes. The practice is helmed by Christina Sharma, who has extensive experience advising on cross-border, offshore and domestic international arbitration and commercial litigation, including before the High Court. She is supported by Laura Moorcroft who stands out for her expertise in matters concerning Sub-Saharan Africa, Russia, Germany and the UAE. Danielle Carter is well-versed in matters concerning the financial services sector.

Offering ‘first-rate legal advice’, Weightmans LLP acts for a broad mix of clients, including large corporates, local authorities, educational institutions, owner-managed businesses and SMEs. The team is well-placed to assist clients on commercial contract disputes and trade mark infringement matters. Practice head Sarah Conroy focuses on high-profile and complex shareholder claims, as well as advising on related corporate governance and constitutional matters. Andrew Roberts is noted for his considerable experience advising on both domestic and international disputes.

Described as ‘self-assured, dependable and commercial’, the commercial litigation team at CG Professional Limited advises clients on a range of matters, including shareholder and partnership disputes, professional negligence and breach of contract claims. The team is led by Michelle Connor, who joined the practice from Weightmans LLP in 2023. Connor has been praised as a ‘confident, knowledgeable and commercial operator.’

Lauded for its ‘excellent command of the law’ and ‘very commercial’ approach, DTM Legal LLP  is noted for its experience handling complex matters involving contracts, finance, intellectual property, construction, restrictive covenants and breach of duty claims. The team is led by Jim Morris who is noted for his expertise in contentious and non-contentious construction matters. Kate Roberts has particular expertise in general commercial disputes, contract disputes, shareholder and partnership disagreements, while Richard Harris  stands out for his expertise in intellectual property disputes.

Noted for its ‘exceptionally strong’ presence in the North West, Excello Law regularly handles disputes relating to shareholders, insolvency, sports and contracts. The team is led by the ‘fantastic’ Dominic McGinn who is a key port of call for companies, individuals, property developers, fashion wholesalers and sports-based agencies and football clubs.

The ‘client-focused’ team at Napthens LLP is well-versed in contract and construction litigation, as well as professional negligence and shareholder disputes. Practice head James Stephenson - an 'excellent lawyer and works well with both counsel and client' - covers contractual disputes, professional negligence claims, shareholder disputes and insolvency proceedings in a range of settings, including the County Court, High Court and the Court of Appeal.

Lauded for its ‘keen eye’ and ‘practical’ approach, the commercial litigation team at Glaisyers ETL handles complex shareholder disputes and contractual disputes, as well as enforcement and recoveries matters on behalf of a full spectrum of lenders. Practice head Daniel Fitzgerald specialises in banking litigation, while Gareth Farrelly has been praised for his expertise in the sports sector.

Mann Roberts Solicitors Limited is active in complex and high-value disputes, particularly handling matters for shareholders and partners in owner-managed businesses. David Mann leads the practice and has notable expertise in the construction, agriculture and energy sectors as well as being active in the firm’s sports law team. Colin Vickers is also recommended for counter fraud work.

Praised for its ‘wealth of experience’, the commercial litigation team at MSB Solicitors advises clients on complex, high-value matters for both private individuals and corporate clients. Practice head Mark Forman who is a key port of call for myriad clients - including property developers, finance companies, pharmaceutical suppliers, haulage companies and retailers.