Leading Associates

Firms To Watch: Commercial litigation: Hampshire

With the arrival of pensions disputes expert Jonathan Grigg as practice head in May 2024, the dispute resolution team at Foot Anstey has expanded its commercial litigation advice. A specialist in commercial disputes, contentious insolvency, and professional negligence issues, Heather Welham is a further key contact.

Commercial litigation: Hampshire in South East

Shoosmiths LLP

The dispute resolution and litigation team at Shoosmiths LLP is highly sought-after for its commercial and legal acumen across the automotive, manufacturing, and technology segments. The practice is headed by Jonathan Smart, who represents major global automotive and mobility companies across IT, contract, and supply chain litigation. Smart’s team draws on a deep bench of strength: Shelley White offers ‘a pragmatic approach to complex issues’ concerning commercial contract disputes and contentious insolvency; Luke Coleborn possesses ‘creative problem-solving skills’, particularly in the automotive and retail segments; Harry Warren is noted for his ‘commercially driven’ and ‘strategic’ approach; and Laura Clark is ‘smart, business-minded’ and ‘impressive’ on complex technology-related commercial disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jonathan Smart


Autres avocats clés:

Shelley White; Luke Coleburn; Harry Warren; Laura Clark


Les références

‘Shoosmiths distinguishes itself by blending deep legal expertise with a highly commercial, client-focused approach.’

‘They excel at quickly grasping complex disputes and distilling them into clear, manageable instructions that address both legal risks and commercial objectives.’

‘We appreciate the team’s direct approach, responsiveness, and tailored solutions that set them apart from less agile firms.’

Principaux clients

Volkswagen Group United Kingdom Limited


Hewlett Packard


Three Mobile


Honda Motor Europe


Vauxhall


Mercedes Benz


McDonalds


Nissan


London Electric Vehicle Company


RAC


Mcdonalds


Scania


Opel


Principaux dossiers


  • Defending automotive brand Opel from a $19 million claim in the Court of Appeal.
  • Pursuing United Airlines Inc in a $27 million technology dispute.
  • Defending a well known private equity firm from two group shareholder claims worth an alleged $40 million.

Blake Morgan LLP

Demonstrating a ‘highly efficient and pragmatic approach’ within high-value and complex commercial disputes, the litigation and dispute resolution team at Blake Morgan LLP is a key contact among major clients in regulated sectors. Combining ‘legal knowledge with practical and pragmatic solutions’, Dan Geddes brings commercially minded expertise to shareholder disputes and debt actions and is highly sought-after by corporate clients in the space. Michael Colledge is ‘extremely thorough’ and possesses ‘excellent judgement’, serving as a key advisor to standout clients on commercial and contractual disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Dan Geddes


Autres avocats clés:

Richard Portlock; Michael Colledge


Les références

‘A highly efficient and pragmatic approach which obtains excellent results.’

‘Excellent legal knowledge and experience, in depth and breadth of commercial litigation. Great team work. Friendly client service and excellent communication.’

‘The team’s output is of a consistently very high standard. The cases are well considered, and well-reviewed, before being sent to counsel and the team at Blake Morgan works collaboratively for the best result for their client.’

Principaux clients

Sutton and East Surrey Water


Specsavers


NHS England


A National government


Mr Ray Ransom / Chantacre Limited


Gurmit Poonia


Margarita Hamilton


Earth-I Ltd


Cyberaxle Limited


Hampshire Community Bnk Ltd


Digital Health and Care Wales


Utilita Energy Limited


Solicitors Regulation Authority


IBM United Kingdom


Trustees of the Avon Cosmetics Pension Plan


Paris Smith LLP

Adept at handling large-scale commercial litigation involving complex technical angles, the dispute resolution practice at Paris Smith LLP is highly sought-after by leading regional clients. Helen Brown is a ‘formidable’ litigator, acting particularly for property and manufacturing sector clients on commercial contract litigation, shareholder disputes, and professional negligence claims. Brown took charge of the team in April 2025, replacing seasoned commercial, property, and insolvency litigator David Eminton. The ‘highly experienced’ Christopher Holliss is ‘always alive to practical and commercial realities’, focusing his practice on debt collection, asset recovery, and commercial and contractual disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Helen Brown


Autres avocats clés:

Christopher Holliss; David Eminton


Les références

‘Savvy, smart, and a well-run ship. An excellent firm with oodles of experience and bright lawyers.’

‘The team deals adeptly with large commercial disputes involving technical angles such as manufacturing, technology, construction and telecommunications.’

‘Broad breath of skills and areas of expertise.’

Principaux clients

Greenhalgh’s Craft Bakery


Gattaca PLC


Redwood Global Limited


Corrotherm International Limited


AFC Bournemouth Limited


2CL Communications Limited


Wessex Cardiac Trust


Cherry Godfrey Finance (Isle of Wight) Limited


Trethowans LLP

The commercial litigation team at Trethowans LLP is acclaimed for its ability to provide ‘clear commercial advice’ within complex and high-value mandates. Standing out as a ‘great technical lawyer’ and ‘great strategist’, Karl Cameron heads the team. Cameron represents investors and corporates across property, construction, and financial services litigation. A further standout advisor in this space, Jennifer Bowes is a key contact among property investors, consultants, and tenants on commercial contract, construction, and insolvency disputes. ‘Veteran litigator’ Mark Osgood, who arrived in May 2024 from Moore Barlow, provides well-rounded, commercially minded advice in contentious insolvency and professional negligence claims.

Responsables de la pratique:

Karl Cameron


Autres avocats clés:

Jennifer Bowes; Mark Osgood; Robert Bajaj


Les références

‘Trethowans’ team packs a punch with some excellent technical lawyers, who are able to deal with complex and high-value claims with a down to earth, friendly, and client-focused approach’

‘Trethowans has an excellent commercial litigation team which provides clear commercial advice and gives confidence that a positive result is never in doubt.’

‘Good strength in depth with solid guidance from the chief commercial litigation partners.’

Principaux clients

STARK Building Materials UK Limited


Industrial Cleaning & Equipment Limited


Great Star (Europe) Limited


Eagle International Limited


Ministry of Defence


4Com Group Limited


Bacardi Limited


SCCI Ltd


Principaux dossiers


Clarke Willmott LLP

The ‘knowledgeable, down-to-earth, and genuinely collaborative’ commercial and private litigation team at Clarke Willmott LLP boasts a standout list of major regional and national clients. The ‘informative, reliable’ Cathy Harris leads the team, representing leading corporates across commercial contract litigation, business interruption claims, and debt recovery. Harris also brings a notable private client disputes practice, assisting across contentious property, trust, and shareholder matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Cathy Harris


Les références

‘Good client management, informative and patient.’

‘Clarke Willmott is a breath of fresh air in the legal world. The team is knowledgeable, down-to-earth, and genuinely collaborative – they take the time to understand your needs and give advice that’s both practical and commercially sharp.’

‘What really sets them apart is how easy they are to work with. No jargon, no ego – just solid legal support from people who clearly care about getting the best outcome for you.’

Principaux clients

Hampshire Sport and Leisure Holdings


WeBuyAnyPhone Limited


Sony B.V.C.


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised a provider of special education services in challenging the position of 9 local authorities which declined to allow any increase in fees for services rendered.
  • Advising the owners of Hampshire Sport and Leisure Holdings on its ability to recover business losses accrued during the COVID19 pandemic.
  • Advising WeBuyAnyPhone Limited on a variety of instructions including the complex termination of a services and supply contract.

Herrington Carmichael LLP

A ‘tremendously knowledgeable and efficient’ team, the commercial litigation practice at Herrington Carmichael LLP brings a wealth of experience across commercial disputes, professional negligence, and fraud cases. Boasting ‘a wealth of knowledge and experience’, Stephen Baker heads the team, representing notable national clients across shareholder, real estate, and commercial disputes. The ‘calm and experienced’ Jake Gatley joined in April 2024 from Broadfield Law UK LLP and assists on commercial and construction litigation. James Musallam is ‘very approachable and knowledgeable’, bringing particular expertise to secured lending matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stephen Baker


Autres avocats clés:

Jake Gatley; James Musallam


Les références

‘I have found the entire team to be tremendously knowledgeable and efficient across the board. Their breadth of expert legal services covers so many facets of the profession, I find we simply don’t need another law firm to assist as Herrington Carmichael is akin to a one-stop-shop.’

‘The initial consultation was thorough and you could instantly tell that the team had your best interests. The defence was strategically constantly reviewed and expertise brought in as needed.’

‘Stephen Baker has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field, supported by a superb back office team. Easily accessible and quick to support our requirements at every stage.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advising an art and antiquities dealer on defending two high-stakes cross-border claims concerning whether or not artefacts sold are genuine antiquities or modern reproductions.
  • Advising on cross-border high court litigation stemming from a multi-million-pound family dispute involving the control and ownership of several companies and a £30 million property portfolio.
  • Advising a leading financial services provider on a secured lending enforcement matter with £7 million-plus in dispute.

Moore Barlow

The ‘highly professional and capable’ commercial dispute resolution team at Moore Barlow, led by Claire Haverfield and Susannah Marsh, stands out for its advice in the property and financial services spaces. A ‘tenacious litigator’ who possesses ‘astute instincts and superb client-care skills’, Haverfield regularly assists business and individuals in shareholder disputes and commercial claims. With particular expertise regarding complex residential and commercial possession claims, Marsh is ‘highly capable and client-focused’ in her client representation and is a key contact among leading lenders and mortgage providers.

Responsables de la pratique:

Claire Haverfield; Susannah Marsh


Les références

‘Moore Barlow has an excellent commercial litigation team.’

‘A very efficient outfit, with no obvious weaknesses. The firm is up there with the best.’

‘A highly professional and capable team, committed to achieving the desired outcome for their clients. They are also all extremely personable and easy to work with.’

Principaux clients

Group representatives against Barclays Bank


Hansard Trust Company Limited


Mark Riley & Co


Churchill Contractors (UK) Limited


Business Mortgage Finance 4, 5, 6 and 7 PLC


Tokio Marine HCC


CNK Alliance Limited


Froyle Park Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for the group representatives for customers of Barclays Bank Plc, following mistaken removal of charges at HM Land Registry in respect of c.5,000 mortgages.
  • Acting for an individual regarding his claim against the Secretary of State for the Department for International Trade and the Secretary of State for the Foreign Commonwealth and Development office.
  • Acting for Business Mortgage Finance 5 Plc and Business Mortgage Finance 7 Plc in a high value recovery case before the High Court and the Court of Appeal relating to secret commissions.

Broadfield Law UK LLP

Offering clients ‘an experienced and highly competent team’, Broadfield Law UK LLP demonstrates clients specialist expertise in insurance and property litigation. Possessing a ‘wealth of experience’ across insurance litigation and general commercial disputes, Claire Collings is a ‘very capable litigator’ and highly sought-after among insurers, insured parties, and property owners. Within the insurance sector, Jacqueline Dickinson assists on property damage and personal injury claims.

Autres avocats clés:

Claire Collings; Jacqueline Dickinson


Les références

‘Broadfield Law UK LLP has an experienced and highly competent team of litigators who bring innovative and pragmatic problem solving skills to their clients.’

‘The Broadfield team is always conscious to ensure that its clients make commercial decisions when it comes to litigation.’

‘I found the team responsive, adaptive, and commercially minded.’

Principaux clients

SAGA


Mears Group


Premier Marinas Limited


Red Funnel Group Limited


Manolete Partners plc


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for insurers in a claim against a water authority for significant damage caused to a property by a burst water main in 2019.
  • Acting for insurers in a large fire claim which caused significant damage to the insured property.
  • Acting for insurers following a fire which originated next door to the insured property as a result of negligently discarded smoker’s materials.

Dutton Gregory LLP

The ‘highly professional, driven, empathetic and knowledgeable’ commercial dispute resolution team at Dutton Gregory LLP brings expert and pragmatic advice to individuals, corporates, and partnerships. An ‘excellent strategist’, Andrew Witt heads the practice and represents individuals and SMEs across shareholder and partnership disputes, contentious insolvency, and construction disputes. Insurance and professional negligence specialist Jayna Patel left the firm in March 2025.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andrew Witt


Les références

‘Highly professional, driven, empathetic and knowledgeable team. They handled our case with patience, sincerity, compassionate and technical skill to deliver us the best possible outcome.’

‘Dutton Gregory places the emphasis on the client’s need and the service they provide. They are always contactable, provide an excellent working environment, and are supportive of staff.’

‘The team is knowledgeable, responsive and highly empathetic.’

Phillips Law

Providing clients a ‘personable and proactive’ approach, the commercial and civil litigation team at Phillips Law offers a strong practice in the sport, media, technology, and real estate industries. Heading the team, Max Hope brings notable expertise in shareholder and director disputes, contractual disputes, and insurance disputes. Well-regarded for her diligence and knowledge, Simone Horrobin joined in October 2024 from GBH Law Limited and is a further key contact, particularly concerning commercial and property disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Max Hope


Autres avocats clés:

Simone Horrobin


Les références

‘Phillips Law is personable and proactive. The team gives direct sensible advice with a commercial view in mind.’

‘Phillips Law offers strong, city-level advice from a regional firm which is commercially minded. ’

‘The team at Phillips Law is highly efficient and professional.’

Principaux clients

Lazer Vision Ltd


JKO (London) Group Ltd


Kingscastle Limited


Topaz UK Properties Limited


Boldhurst Properties Limited


Lasercharm Limited


Cahootz Ltd


Auream Energy Ltd


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising an expelled profit share partner of a southeast plumbing business on a £10m breach of an unwritten agreement claim for loss of profits.
  • Advising an international defence distributor on a dispute relating to significant funds held with a high-profile defence manufacturer.
  • Advising and representing a Football Association (“FA”) Manager in a Rule K FA Arbitration, in a claim brought against him by a former club.