The Manchester based group at Addleshaw Goddard acts for its varied client list, which notably includes EY and HSBC, in the full spectrum of solvent and pre-pack sale processes, in addition to advising trustees on high-profile bankruptcy issues. Practice head Ged Barnes is noted for his longstanding experience in non-contentious corporate insolvency issues. Sarah Foster primarily advises directors, companies, lenders and borrowers, and Tim Taylor has standout expertise in representing distressed investors. Natalie Bromley has a particular specialism in distressed real estate matters, whilst Rebecca O’Callaghan is known for her broad expertise in contentious corporate and personal insolvencies.

The ‘approachable, thorough, commercial and practical’ Manchester-based insolvency group at DLA Piper has a strong reputation for handling both domestic and multijurisdictional cases. High-value financial restructurings, turnaround and special situation matters are all key areas for the group, which is stands out due to its ‘impressive team spirit’. Practice head Christopher Roberts is a specialist in retail sector-related work, and is supported by national team lead Robert Russell. Katy Seago is particularly adept at handling non-contentious, distressed real estate matters, while Rob Lyons leads on the contentious side. Grace Imafidon is a key figure within the team.

Freeths LLP’s ‘very strong’ insolvency group is led from Manchester by Joey Byrne, who has noteworthy experience in handling high-value insolvency litigation. The team’s workload includes advising administrators on distressed property related issues, assisting individuals seeking compensation with losses incurred as a result of an insolvency, and advising company administrators on issues relating to the sale and transfer of insolvent businesses. Miles Hacking and Kevin Pinkerton are praised by clients for being ‘top-class in their fields’.

The Manchester-based team at Gateley Legal is led by national and regional head Andrew Buchanan, who often advises on corporate strategy. The team’s work includes advising administrators on their obligations, duties and liabilities. Gavin Clarke regularly handles cross-jurisdictional work; the ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Aneesh Prasad has expertise in transactional insolvency matters; and Stuart Tait advises across consensual and non-consensual insolvency matters. Jenna King has developing expertise in contentious work.

Pinsent Masons LLP's insolvency team is overseen by experienced restructuring practitioner James Cameron. The team’s sector expertise spans energy, education and pensions, and the group is well-equipped to assist local and national banks, restructuring and insolvency practitioners, and lenders on the range of issues. The team is also noted for its private equity expertise, regularly advising clients on distressed investments. Samantha Poulton is a key name within the team, with particular specialism in corporate restructuring and formal insolvency cases.

Acting for boards, banks, ABLs and insolvency practitioners on matters ranging from distressed lending to corporate restructuring and insolvency, Sarah Teal leads the team at Shoosmiths LLP in Manchester. Bethan Moore is also a key name with noteworthy expertise in non-contentious restructuring mandates, including distressed business sales to liquidations and receiverships of considerable value. Hollie Wrigley is  ‘hardworking, responsive, creative’, and Hannah Gaskell continues to advise on notable disposals and acquisitions.

TLT's Manchester office houses an ‘enthusiastic' team, which is 'committed to delivering great outcomes’. The team is noted for its expertise in handling antecedent claims on behalf of the Official Receiver offices. Claire Graham and Jon Hainey are noted for their contentious expertise, particularly in relation to pursuing claims of misfeasance and recovering assets in personal insolvency matters. Lynsey Robinson is also a key name for disputes. Alastair Lomax heads the practice and is noted for his expertise in debt restructuring, and his focus on the retail, leisure, and travel industries.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP  houses a ‘technically astute’ insolvency practice led by Sarah Duignan, who is experienced at handling the full range of matters relating to both debt and equity restructuring, and David Gray who ‘instils confidence’ in his clients across the real estate, retail and professional services sectors. Max Morrison is well-equipped to assist with transactional issues.

Hill Dickinson LLP's insolvency group is noted for its ‘continued excellence’, often leveraging its national network. The team is led by Paul Spence who is well-known for his expertise in distressed real estate issues in particular. The Manchester group acts for its varied client list which notably includes Leonard Curtis and Cynergy Bank. ‘Extraordinarily astute operator’ Will Jones is a key name for complex corporate restructuring cases. Laura Smith is noted for her handling of contentious matters and personal insolvencies in particular.

JMW Solicitors LLP‘s Manchester-based team is well-equipped to advise its diverse client roster on the processes surrounding the high-value administration of companies. The practice is home to ‘tenacious and terrifyingly efficient’ litigator Simon Gerrard. James Williams is experienced in acting for challenger lenders and insolvency practitioners in property insolvencies. Practice head Gavin Jones is well-regarded for his ‘wealth of experience’, routinely handling bankruptcy matters.

The insolvency practice at Aaron & Partners LLP is headed from Chester by Mark Davies, and is well-equipped to advise its national and international portfolio of clients on pre-pack administrations and acquisitions. Davies and Vicky Burgess are described as a ‘formidable team’, and Chris Mitchell regularly assists businesses in financial distress. Matthew Martin joined the group from Clarke Willmott LLP in October 2023, bringing his deep knowledge of contentious insolvency matters involving antecedent transactions and proof of debt appeals.

Bermans’ insolvency practice is well-equipped to assist its varied client list, often acting as administrators in the pre-pack and sale of businesses and assets. The ‘forward-thinking and proactive’ team is based in Manchester, and is headed by Philip Farrelly. Martin March is a key name within the team for insolvency practitioners, corporates and lenders. James Whittaker was promoted to partner in January 2024, often assisting with applications under the Insolvency Act 1986 and the Insolvency Rules 2016.

Robert Turner leads the ‘extraordinary’ insolvency group at Brabners LLP. ‘Outstanding insolvency and corporate recovery lawyer’ Jennifer Lockhart is noted for her strong focus on cases involving directors' misfeasance and wrongful trading. Turner is based in Manchester while Lockhart works from the Liverpool hub. Seb Lang joined the group from Trowers & Hamlins LLP in December 2023, contributing his knowledge of restructuring matters.

Harrison Drury & Co's Preston office houses an insolvency team well-regarded for its pre-pack administration-related work. The team routinely appears before the High Court. James Robbins is noted for his ‘superb manner’ and heads the practice, dividing his time between Preston and Clitheroe. Peter Barlow handles the full range of insolvency and debt recovery work.

The ‘energetic, committed’ insolvency group at Mills & Reeve LLP is based in Manchester, handling the full range of both contentious and non-contentious insolvency issues. Richard Dawson-Gerrard is known for his broad expertise, spanning winding-up petitions to antecedent recoveries. Mark Hovell stands out due to his distinctive focus on matters arising at the intersection of insolvency and sports law, particularly in relation to high-profile administrations. Jacob Walker is a key figure within the team.

Myerson Solicitors's Altrincham-based insolvency team handles the full spectrum of mandates. Vicky Biggs, who is noted for her expertise in disputes, heads the firm's debt recovery service. Richard Wolff heads the ‘incredibly hard-working and committed’ group. Jack Ramsden is a key figure within the practice.

The insolvency group at DTM Legal LLP is led from the firm’s Liverpool and Chester offices by the ‘exceptional’ Richard Thomas. Key practitioners in the Liverpool team Richard Harris and Kate Roberts are both experienced litigators in commercial, finance, recovery and insolvency spaces; the pair are noted as ‘a force to be reckoned with’ by clients.

Farleys Solicitors LLP‘s Preston office houses its northwest insolvency group, which is overseen by Mark Hague. The practice is noted for its ‘high-quality insolvency litigation service’. The team regularly advises well-known companies on administration and the pre-pack sale of businesses and assets of significant value.

‘Strong performer’ Daniel Clarke heads Pannone Corporate LLP's Manchester-based insolvency practice, acting for a number of notable clients, including Total Fitness and Manchester City Council. The team also assists its clients with bankruptcies and related property interest issues.

The team at Primas has experience acting as both an administrator and liquidator for its roster of clients. Christopher Love is well-regarded for his knowledge of winding up and bankruptcy proceedings and security issues, leading the insolvency offering from Manchester. Team changes include the September 2023 arrival of Stuart Beatson from Napthens LLP and the October 2023 departure of Dylan Quail.

Squire Patton Boggs' insolvency practice operates out of Manchester, and has capabilities handling the pre-pack administration and sale of businesses and assets, in addition to the purchases of businesses out of administration. May 2023 saw the arrival of practice head Vanessa Stuart from Glaisyers ETL.

Dan Butler has noteworthy experience in acting in contentious corporate and individual insolvency matters,  and leads the Trowers & Hamlins LLP team from Manchester. Simon Banks also focuses on contentious matters, and Adam Berman is an experienced litigator. Seb Lang left the team in December 2023.