Commercial litigation: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx in South East

B P Collins LLP

B P Collins LLP has a strong track record when it comes to all types of business disputes, often including international elements. The firm works across litigation and arbitration involving commercial contracts, directors and shareholders, and insolvency, and also handles judicial reviews as well as disputes surrounding charities, data, intellectual property, professional negligence, defamation, and regulatory issues, among others. Matthew Brandis leads the team and is a key name in the technology and IP sectors, as well as private parking and advertising sub-sectors; he often handles complex contractual disputes and professional negligence claims. Craig Williams fronts much of the team’s litigation on behalf of high-end corporate clients and remains an important point of contact within the group. Simon Carroll’s practice focuses on mid-market disputes. Rajiv Malhotra is another key contact.

Responsables de la pratique:

Matthew Brandis


Autres avocats clés:

Simon Carroll; Craig Williams; Rajiv Malhotra


Les références

‘An organically grown team that has gone from strength to strength, bolting on new offerings and establishing itself as a serious player in the area, often rivalling (and up against) large London firms. The team is overseen by Matthew Brandis, who is an exceptional leader and fantastic lawyer.’

‘Matthew Brandis is an incredibly safe pair of hands for any legal dispute – he is calm yet enthusiastic and has an excellent bedside manner with clients. He is great at looking to resolve disputes, but willing to fight for his clients. Rajiv Malhotra is currently a rising star, which is a thoroughly deserved accolade.’

‘It has an impregnable reputation for fine quality commercial work in its region. Staggeringly good local market knowledge. Long-standing team. ’

Principaux clients

National House Building Council (NHBC)


The Amtico Company Limited


2K Polymer Systems Limited


MBS Lighting UK Limited


Summerleaze Group


UK Parking Control Limited


Biffa Waste Services Limited


Global Aerospace Underwriting Managers Limited


Kawasaki Motors UK


P B Donoghue Group


Dentons

Dentons‘ commercial litigation team is known in the marketplace for its international reach and capability on the full spectrum of commercial disputes, including complex litigation and arbitration. Practice head Rob Francis has a wealth of experience representing private and public sector clients, as well as handling inquiry work. He continues to front the team’s work on several high-profile public inquiries, including on the Grenfell Tower inquiry. Counsel Sarah Rutnah ‘s expertise lies within contractual disputes, cross border disputes and commercial fraud.

Responsables de la pratique:

Rob Francis


Autres avocats clés:

Sarah Rutnah; Sonia Vilar


Les références

‘A strong litigation team in Milton Keynes who punch well above their weight in terms of the quality of their work. They frequently conduct high profile litigation in the London High Court.’

‘Sarah Rutnah: A star partner in the making, very assured and organised with a fantastic capacity for work.’

‘Sonia Villar: an up and comping associate who is calm and measured and wins the trust of clients.’

Principaux clients

Department of Business and Trade


TUI Airways Limited


IG Index


Capita PLC


National House-Building Council – Grenfell


Vodafone Italia S. p. a


Mitie Europe Limited


Pathfinder Mozambique SA and JV Consultores Internacionais Limitada


National House Building Council – Dragon Investments


Kenneth Davies (assignee of a claim by Green Box Recycling Limited)


Principaux dossiers


  • Instructed by the Department for Business and Trade to facilitate the Group Litigation Order (GLO) Compensation Scheme to fairly compensate postmasters affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal.
  • Group action brought against TUI by eight employees and former pilots in relation to changes made to TUI’s Permanent Health Insurance (PHI) benefits following a collective bargaining process which replaced the PHI benefits with Pilot Income Protection (PIP).
  • Acting for IG Index in its claim against well-known, high profile businessman Robert Tchenguiz.

IBB Law

Paul Kite leads the strong commercial litigation team fielded by IBB Law, lending his expertise to commercial contracts, shareholder and board room disputes, commercial fraud and product liability, particularly in the automotive, manufacturing and distribution, and professional services sectors. The practice group-at-large has garnered praise as a ‘perfectly formed team’, with Sarah Jackson singled out as a ‘heavyweight litigator’ and ‘technically excellent, thorough, tenacious and passionate in fighting her clients’ cases’. Jackson is highly regarded in the region for her expertise in business litigation, company and partnership disputes, commercial contracts, civil fraud, insolvency and insurance disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Paul Kite


Autres avocats clés:

Sarah Jackson; Russell Ford; Lynsey Smith; Ayushi Chadha


Les références

‘A small but perfectly formed team, comprising heavyweight litigators like the excellent Sarah Jackson.’

‘Sarah Jackson is the stand out star of the team. She is technically excellent, thorough, tenacious and passionate in fighting her clients’ cases. She is also a caring mentor to juniors in the team and very well respected by her peers.She is also a huge supporter of women in the profession.’

‘IBB’s commercial offering has gone from strength to strength, in particular their franchising department headed by Russell Ford. They are one of the best out there, with huge amounts of experience in contentious and non-contentious matters, fielding an strong team offering from junior associate to partner.’

Principaux clients

Renault UK


Woods Food Service


Renault Retail Group UK


Interpath Advisory


LA Micro Group (UK)


Tandem Property Asset Management LLP


Quantuma Advisory Ltd


Patek Phillipe


Cove Communities Management


Dwyer UK Franchising (Neighbourly Group)


SA Law LLP

SA Law LLP receives praise as ‘personal and friendly, but not afraid to take punchy and forceful decisions in litigation’. Robert Ryall and Tracy Lacey-Smith jointly lead the department: Ryall has over 30 years of experience in complex dispute resolution matters, including litigation and arbitration, whilst Lacey-Smith is known for being ‘comprehensive in her detailed advice’. Clare Mackay is a key contact for complex contractual disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Robert Ryall; Tracy Lacey-Smith


Autres avocats clés:

Clare Mackay; Simon Walsh


Les références

‘Very professional and dedicated lawyers at the firm. A personal touch makes a difference.’

‘Very fast service, very well priced and very responsive with a personal touch.’

‘Commercial Matter: The team quickly grasped the crux of the problem, advised and acted quickly and brought matter to a swift and very satisfactory conclusion. As a business, that’s what we wanted and that’s what we got.’

Principaux clients

Motor Fuel Group


Techna International Limited


The Watford Association Football Club


Oaklands College


Ocado Group PLC


Chesside Homes Limited


Aurora Group


McCloskey Equipment Limited


MSH Planning Limited


Middlesex University


Sherrards Solicitors LLP

Sherrards Solicitors LLP handles a cross-border and multi-jurisdictional caseload that includes a full range of banking, fraud and recruitment-related disputes, with contentious probate a growing focus for the firm. Paul Marmor  leads the St Albans-based team and is known by clients as ‘very hard-working and attuned to the needs and objectives of clients’ with a ‘good strategic grasp’. Marta Grieve predominantly focuses on Eastern European and CIS-related matters. Barney Laurence left the firm in July 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Paul Marmor


Autres avocats clés:

Marta Grieve; Karen Dobson; Charles Burrell; Greg Pooler


Les références

‘Paul Marmor provides a very keen and tailored client service.’

‘Top quality service provided by firm based outside London, with particular focus on CIS / Central Asian work. Leaves no stone unturned in trying to achieve best outcome for clients. ’

‘Paul Marmor, partner: very hard-working and attuned to needs and objectives of client. Good strategic grasp.’

Principaux clients

HBL Bank UK Limited


Aurora Leasing Limited


Cambria Automobiles Limited


Winkworth Estates & Lettings


Villa Plus


Berry Recruitment Limited


111 Skin Limited


The Jewellery Channel Limited


ParentPay Limited


Vital Electronics Limited


Blaser Mills Law

Blaser Mills Law’ commercial litigation practice group is headed up by Jonathan Lilley and Nina Toor in High Wycombe. Lilley specialises in representing sector-specific clients in the international freight forwarding industry, IT companies and property investment companies, and SMEs. Toor acts on a broad range of complex commercial litigation matters, whilst Jade Salton-Brooks received praise as ‘super efficient’ and ‘very knowledgeable’.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jonathan Lilley; Nina Toor


Autres avocats clés:

Jade Salton-Brooks; Jackie Ray


Les références

‘Blaser Mills are hugely knowledgeable for our sector and always provide us with the support and advice and guidance on how best to proceed on certain cases. I value their opinion majorly and will always take their advice on situations. I trust their decisions are made with our businesses best intentions at heart.’

‘I have worked with Nina Toor and her team over a few mediations. Blaser Mills are always well prepared and reliable when setting up mediations.’

‘Nina Toor, in the Dispute Resolution team, is excellent: she gives clear and thoughtful advice to her clients and remains calm when tensions rise in mediation.’

Principaux clients

C F Services


First Collect International Ltd


Bunzl UK Ltd


Stannah Lift Services Ltd


THX Ltd


Correco Ltd


Kawasaki Motors Europe


Debenhams Ottaway

Debenhams Ottaway‘s litigation and dispute resolution department has a strong track record for boardroom disputes, company dissolutions, contractual disputes, debt recovery and fall outs arising out of personal guarantees, banking litigation and professional negligence issues. Practice head Juliet Schalker handles litigation before the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Alexander Neale is a key contact for advice on director and shareholder disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Juliet Schalker


Autres avocats clés:

Alexander Neale; Robyn Adams


Les références

‘The Debenhams Ottaway commercial litigation team is pragmatic and sensible with strength and depth at all levels. Specialising in professional negligence, shareholder disputes and general commercial litigation, they are a force to be reckoned with. Notable practitioners are Robyn Adams and the excellent Juliet Schalker, who is deservedly seen as an expert in her field.’

‘Robyn Adams is engaging and knowledgeable and very client focussed with a firm handle on the detail of any case.’

‘Juliet Schalker is a master practitioner with a deft sense of what a commercial outcome looks like. She guides her clients skilfully to the best result whilst managing expectations. She is a force to be reckoned with.’

Principaux clients

El Husseiny family


MEP Capital


Dermal Laboratories Limited


MSP Capital Limited


Squad Security Limited


St Albans City and District Council


Trend Tool Technology


Access Group


Davis & Co LLP


Freeths LLP

Freeths LLP acts on regional and nationwide dispute resolution mandates, with the ‘experienced’ team attracting praise for going the ‘extra mile’ and ‘looking for ways in which they can add value for the client’. Simon Hobbs  leads the Milton Keynes-based outfit with vast experience ranging from contract, shareholder, fraud and professional negligence to energy, insolvency and IP litigation. Managing associate Tom Holden advises key clients in the hospitality and leisure sector.

Responsables de la pratique:

Simon Hobbs


Autres avocats clés:

Tom Holden


Les références

‘The team is experienced, engenders confidence in the client and offers sound counsel at a time when emotions are often running high. They work hard and put their clients at the front. They are pleasant people and that is important when you are working as a “team”.’

‘Tom Holden and Simon Hobbs understand our business, our own personalities and what we expect the outcomes to be. At the (as I thought) end of a recent case I actually said “I’ll miss working with you guys..”’

‘Freeths provide first class legal advice alongside a deep understanding of our needs and objectives as as business. Freeths always go that “extra mile” and look for ways in which they can add value for the client. They do this by putting in the effort to understand us as clients, to know what our plans and objectives are, so that they can see opportunities for us that we may have missed. Freeths are excellent partners to work with and not just exceptional advisers. ’

Principaux clients

Dawsongroup Plc


Amscan International Limited


Wells & Co Limited


APCOA Parking (UK) Limited


FedEx UK Limited


Cromwell Tools Limited


London Luton Airport Limited


Triad Group Plc


Bristol Airport Limited


Ultramap Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Obtaining Summary Judgment in the High Court in a claim against Dawsongroup brought against it and EvoBus UK by Irish coach operator, Last Bus, and then dealing with Last Bus’ Application to the Court of Appeal.
  • Continuing to advise Triad Group Plc in respect of, and monitoring the injunction it had obtained against, its former CEO in respect of a ‘twitter war’ they had raged against Triad, its directors and advisers.
  • Advising the in house legal department of a well known logistics company as regards the numerous small claims it receives – and attempting to dispose of them as cost effectively as possible.

Machins Solicitors LLP

Machins Solicitors LLP acts on behalf of a strong client list encompassing both individual and corporate clients - including HNWIs, SMEs, start-ups, and multinationals and global corporates - in connection with the full range of dispute resolution matters. Practice leader Neil O’Callaghan is a go-to name for contentious insolvency and shareholder disputes. Holly Baker's expertise extends across commercial and property litigation.

Responsables de la pratique:

Neil O’Callaghan


Autres avocats clés:

Holly Baker; Benedict Smith


Les références

‘In terms of what makes the firm unique, having Neil O’Callaghan means that clients can get the same quality of service as they might expect from a specialist City firm, without paying City prices.

‘Neil O’Callaghan is an excellent and knowledgeable lawyer and a pleasure to work with. He is a specialist in this area and a real asset to the firm. I wish to take this opportunity to thank those involved in my case for their wisdom and professional guidance throughout my case period.’

‘The Machins team has supported our businesses with legal support for nearly 10 years. They have always provided strong and dedicated team members who are diligent and well versed in their particular areas of specialism. They have a range of practitioners who have assisted us with general business, property and asset purchase as well as a full acquisition. The billing has been transparent and fair and the inclusion of online platforms such as Microsoft Teams has enabled quick and easy communication.’

Shoosmiths LLP

Shoosmiths LLP focuses on complex, commercial litigation and possesses strong credentials for work arising out of the manufacturing, IT and retail sectors. Acting for commercial lenders in disputes involving the recovery of commercial debt is another core pillar of the group’s strong regional practice. Alex Bishop heads the nationwide practice, whilst Kate Connolly is the key name in the Milton Keynes office for termination and breach of contract claims, breach of restrictive covenants and complex debt recovery.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alex Bishop


Autres avocats clés:

Kate Connolly


Les références

‘User friendly, reliable, cost conscious for their clients.’

‘Approachable, professional and personal.’

‘London quality at regional rates.’

Principaux clients

British Business Bank


Tesco Mobile Ltd


Checkatrade


Enzen Global Ltd


Ecolab Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Successfully represented the British Business Bank against a claimant, defeating the claim both in the High Court and Court of Appeal.
  • Defending Ecolab Limited against an eight figure breach of contract claim.
  • Represented and advised a high net worth individual in long-running, multi-faceted claim against former employer.

Tees Law

Tees Law acts for commercial clients, including FTSE 250 companies, large limited companies, partnerships, and owner-managed businesses as well as family businesses, on a full range of issues spanning property disputes, professional negligence, corporate recovery and insolvency, and fraud, among many other areas. Darren Perks and Polly Kerr jointly lead the team. Perks is a property disputes specialist, whilst Kerr is a key name for defamation, harassment and education issues. Caroline Metcalf retired in March 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Darren Perks; Polly Kerr


Autres avocats clés:

Jason Torrance


Les références

‘Jason Torrance delivered exceptional litigation advice and guidance, highly recommended, Jason helped us navigate one of the most challenging times. We would not hesitate to use Jason and his team at Tees again, we found all Tees staff to be exceptionally professional and approachable.’

‘Jason Torrance gave sound advice and had excellent contacts for expert Court compliant reports. The barrister Jason recommended was also highly skilled, he offered helpful advice on how to approach the trial and was also very approachable. We could not have had better professionals by our side.’

‘The team have specialist knowledge of the sector which means they can provide clients with tailored advice. It is clear that the firm have good and efficient case management systems in place. ’

Principaux dossiers


  • Represented the claimants in the two leasehold group actions over 3 years in their claims in professional negligence against the solicitors that represented them in the purchase of their leasehold properties resulting in a settlement in excess of £3.5m.
  • Representing a substantial portfolio owning client pursue two claims for breach of leases in respect of the state and condition of commercial premises against a well known equipment hiring store with the value of the claim being in the region of £1m.
  • Advising on a construction dispute involving a number of parties for various breaches by the Contractor leading to adjudications being issued to determine the dispute.

Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Solicitors is known for its broad range of work on behalf of a client base that includes SMEs, financial institutions and government entities. Anthony Okumah and Sunil Patel jointly lead the department: Okumah specialises in debt and professional negligence claims against solicitors, barristers and accountants, as well as insolvency claims and property litigation, among other areas; Patel has over 20 years' experience of both civil and commercial dispute resolution with a wealth of knowledge in corporate insolvency.

Responsables de la pratique:

Anthony Okumah; Sunil Patel


Autres avocats clés:

Karolina Natkaniec; Shabana Masood


Les références

‘We are extremely satisfied with the performance of the litigation team, comprising Anthony Okumah and Karolina Natkaniec. Their exemplary diligence and professionalism have been noteworthy.’

 

Principaux clients

Li Xia


New Health Supplies Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted the director of a company, Li Xia, with a dispute that had occurred between her and her former partner and co-director.
  • Advised New Health Supplies Limited – an established pharmaceutical wholesaler, distributing medical supplies under the MHRA – in a matter concerning the distribution of allegedly falsified medicines that had entered the supply chain illegally, and a claim that was issued against the client company in respect of alleged loss suffered by a recipient party.

Longmores Solicitors LLP

Longmores Solicitors LLP possesses deep sector specialism across recruitment, waste management, and property management. Debt recovery work, property litigation and insolvency related litigation are key focuses for the team based in Hertford. John Wiblin heads the practice group together with fellow co-head John Wagstaffe; they are key names for shareholder actions and for property litigation, respectively. Nat Young is another important point of contact.

Responsables de la pratique:

John Wiblin; John Wagstaffe


Autres avocats clés:

Nat Young


Les références

‘Very personable but professional staff who put their clients at ease and take them through each process with efficiency consideration.’

‘No doubt there is a hierarchy in place which creates continuity and depth, but this is not the emphasis of the firm. What I appreciated is the clear sense of a team working together on my issues. There is a culture of respect and openness by colleagues within the team which promotes confidence in clients and facilitates faster well researched advice. They are highly effective in problem solving.’

‘The whole practice is very good and can’t do enough for you. The billing is sent out promptly and is all itemised so you can see exactly what you are paying for.’

Principaux clients

Acacium Group Limited


The Woodcock Hill Estate


Tulsesense Limited


Andusia Recovered Fuels Limited


Bowden Moss Limited


Underpin & Makegood (Contracting) Limited


Frontline Health Professionals Limited


F. Dobson & Sons Limited


Pathology Group Limited


Transport Planning Associates Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted in four separate but connected claims arising from a falling- out between the two business owners of several successful companies in the health and leisure industry.
  • Acting in an appeal to the Supreme Court on $19 million claim against a bank.
  • Represented a former company director in a claim against him alleging that he had led the company into substantial property transactions in which he had a financial interest without the agreement of the company’s shareholders.

Taylor Walton LLP

Taylor Walton LLP has a demonstrably robust track record for a broad range of commercial disputes including, but not limited to, matters involving contentious probate, construction, inheritance act claims, director and shareholder actions, as well as IP, insolvency and professional negligence. James Carpenter is a key name as head of the practice and has over 26 years of experience in the space. Saljuq Haider has significant experience in the construction industry, representing major sub-contractors. Katarina Morgan is another key contact.

 

Responsables de la pratique:

James Carpenter


Autres avocats clés:

Saljuq Haider; Katarina Morgan


Les références

‘We found the department and in particular James Carpenter knowledgeable and efficient. ’

‘We dealt almost exclusively with James Carpenter who was accessible and prepared to discuss sometimes complex issues at length and in a language that we could understand. There was good contact via email as well. This was something we didnt receive from other law firms.’

‘The team is fantastic with clients: very responsive, manages expectations and obtains excellent results in and out of court, even where the pure legal merits of the case are not in the client’s favour. The team are able to negotiate favourable settlements and are very commercial in their approach. Their expertise in commercial litigation is a head above the competition and they provide exceptional value for money.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Defending claims in a multi-party dispute which was originally valued in excess of £27million and now through negotiation reduced to £14 million.
  • Complex matter involving several parties and expert reports. The issues all stem from elevated requirements under the Building Safety Act and Regulations following the tragic events of Grenfell.
  • Representing several HNW individuals in complex contentious probate matters involving large estates, multiple assets and substantial monetary amounts.

Lennons Solicitors

Lennons Solicitors‘ caseload ranges from small contractual disputes to multi-million-pound claims for enforcement of indemnity clauses in Share Purchase Agreements. Marcella Cox heads up the department and has a wealth of experience in the space.

Responsables de la pratique:

Marcella Cox


Autres avocats clés:

Priscilla Gangah; Andrew King


Les références

‘Marcella is an exceptionally talented disputes lawyer. She has instructed me on cases in the County Court and High Court over the past decade or so, and increasingly in High Court/Business and Property matters. My clients always speak very highly of Marcella. I have recommended her to clients, potential clients, family, and friends. Clients speak highly of her and this explains why much of her work is through personal referrals. I have had a high number of successful cases and outcomes in matters in which Marcella has instructed me. These are mostly commercial/commercial property cases of value or complexity.’

‘Excellent regional firm providing high quality service and value for money. ’

‘Andrew King is the stand out as managing director – an excellent solicitor on his own case load and a good leader training and setting good examples for his team.

Principaux clients

Tomos Davies


Shuggeeta Parveen Bhatia


Paul Agunawela


Motion Picture Capital Ltd


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Tomos Davies in litigation on which the particular use of premises was disputed.
  • Acted for Shuggi Parveen-Bhatia in recovering payment due from a barrister under a personal guarantee.
  • Instructed by Motion Picture Capital Ltd on complex litigation recovering of £2.5M and defending a Section 994 petition.

Nockolds Solicitors

Nockolds Solicitors has significant expertise across company litigation, intellectual property, insolvency, breach of contract, professional negligence, and construction litigation, among other areas. Daniel Winter leads the team and focuses on high-value commercial contract disputes. Alexander Haddad and Lucy Slatter are also important points of contact within the department.

Responsables de la pratique:

Daniel Winter


Autres avocats clés:

Lucy Slatter; Alex Haddad; George Burton; Saagar Mehta


Les références

‘Rather than a partner, two principal/senior associates have a wealth of expertise between them and their collaborative approach marks this compact team out.’

‘A team with a good range of experience with good delegation of work.’

‘Saagar Mehta is friendly and a great asset to any legal team. ’