The team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has a well-established practice, advising on corporate transactions, shareholder and partnership disputes, and acting for a number of corporates and high net-worth individuals across a range of sectors, including pharmaceutical, technology, manufacturing and food and beverage. Claims often relate to unfair prejudice, financial mismanagement, breaches of fiduciary duties and post-transaction disputes. The team in Guildford, led by Stephen Burns and Jamie Cartwright, also has experience in product liability and white-collar crime, with Rachel Warren offering particular regulatory expertise. It also has an increasingly international focus, with clients across Europe and the Middle and Far East.
Commercial litigation: Kent, Surrey and Sussex in South East
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Responsables de la pratique:
Stephen Burns; Jamie Cartwright
Autres avocats clés:
Rachel Warren; Gareth Mills; Charlotte Healy; Katie Bewick
Les références
‘Partner Stephen Burns is a formidable operator who has huge experience in commercial litigation. He is very ably supported by a team of associates, Katie Bewick being the standout example.’
‘CRS has a very strong commercial litigation department, easily holding its own against regional or ‘magic circle’ competitors. CRS provides realistic and pragmatic advice, conscious of the needs of the client.’
‘Stephen Burns – partner. Very empathetic and good at identifying the client’s needs. Stephen is also particularly good at developing an appropriate strategy for the case going forwards. Charlotte Healy – associate – totally on top of her brief’
Principaux clients
City & Guilds
Cargill
Jankel Armouring
Essity
ATC UK
Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited
SPS – formerly Swiss Post
Bhinder Purewal and Pro Med Pharma Limited
Stellantis Group
Stonegate Pub Company
Principaux dossiers
Cripps
The commercial dispute resolution practice at Cripps has experience acting on a range of contentious matters, often with a cross-border element, with particular strength in the retail, technology, financial services and real estate sectors. The practice is led by Joanna Ford, based in Tunbridge Wells, and William Angas in Horsham, who recently joined the firm as part of its merger with PDT Solicitors. Ford is renowned for her expertise dealing with insolvency and restructuring related litigation, including director duties, as well as acting on behalf of lenders in enforcement proceedings. Angas is regarded for boosting the firm’s capacity in asset-based lending disputes, as well as shareholder disputes, along with Ed Weeks, who additionally focuses on director’s duties. Tom Bourne is increasingly involved in disputes arising around mergers and acquisition, including retention account disputes, and Hannah Proctor is noted for her experience in misfeasance claims against directors, breach of contract and insolvency proceedings.
Responsables de la pratique:
Joanna Ford; William Angas
Autres avocats clés:
Ed Weeks; Hannah Proctor; Tom Bourne; Justin McConville
Les références
‘Justin McConville has been very considerate and very helpful with his advice. I am very pleased with his work and advice.’
‘Strong leadership, decisive.’
‘Ed Weeks’ commercial litigation dept is very good indeed. Very efficient, working to the task and with fee earners at the right level.’
Principaux clients
Eurotunnel / The Channel Tunnel Group
FRP Advisory Trading Limited
Holiday Extras
Investec Capital Solutions
Close Brothers
Cadogan Estates Ltd
Singapore Airlines
ABN AMRO
Chromalloy Gas Turbine LLC
Goliath International Holdings B.V.
Principaux dossiers
- Acted for Greenbox Recycling Limited and one of its directors defending a misfeasance claim, estimated to be worth millions of pounds in the High Court, including a subsequent appeal in the Court of Appeal.
- Acting for Goliath International Holdings B.V. in relation to a £16m professional negligence claim against its former solicitors, following its purchase of a UK based toy company.
- Acted for a wealthy London family in defending a multi-million-pound claim and injunctive proceedings issued by a non-domiciled family member alleging fraud and forgery relating to a company and a number of London properties.
Stevens & Bolton LLP
Regarded for its ‘exceptional’ expertise, Stevens & Bolton LLP‘s commercial litigation team boasts knowledge spanning the life sciences, technology, energy, and insurance sectors and advises on a range of corporate commercial disputes. The ‘outstanding‘ Sarah Murray leads the Guildford-based practice with a wealth of experience in cross border litigation and arbitration. Michael Frisby is regarded for his risk management advice, with an international focus across sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and engineering, while Catherine Penny has expertise in a variety of contractual disputes, specifically life sciences matters and corporate deal claims, including earn out disputes.
Responsables de la pratique:
Sarah Murray
Autres avocats clés:
Catherine Penny; David Steinberg; Robert Scudamore; Teja Pisk; James Evison; Michael Frisby
Les références
‘A team of lawyers who make every effort to assist their client regarding extremely complex litigation. All are supportive to me regarding aspects of which I have had no previous experience.’
‘David Steinberg has remained supportive. Particularly astute regarding Litigation of Company Liquidation & Associated Litigation. Catherine Penny provided constant support & knowledge of the matters in hand. Robert Scudamore with an ongoing skill in drafting contentious proceedings. Teja Pisk followed Robert above in same style.’
‘I can only give positive comments on my overall experience with Stevens & Boltons.’
Principaux clients
Papa Johns
ParentPay (Holdings) Ltd
Philips Respironics California LLC
Samsung Electronics (UK) Ltd
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for a professional services firm in a contractual dispute with an international network, involving an LCIA arbitration claiming damages in the region of €460m.
- Advising a private estate on a multi-million-euro civil fraud claim relating to investments in South America.
- Acting for a Belgian company and associated companies in a £20m claim for fraudulent misrepresentation, breach of warranty and breach of directors’ duties concerning a substantial business purchased during the Covid 19 pandemic.
DMH Stallard LLP
Described as a ‘very strong regional firm’, DMH Stallard LLP has an established disputes practice across the South East, operating from offices in Gatwick, Guildford and Brighton. The firm has broad experience across commercial and banking litigation, acting in breach of contract, breach of duty and professional negligence claims, as well as director, shareholder and partnership disputes. Sector strengths include aviation, automotive, education and real estate. The practice is led by Simon Elcock, based in Gatwick. Other key names to note include Guildford-based Jonathan Compton, and James Colvin, also in Gatwick, who focuses on financial litigation and contentious insolvency. Nicola Billen, in Guildford, has broad commercial disputes experience including general contractual litigation and shareholder disputes.
Responsables de la pratique:
Simon Elcock
Autres avocats clés:
James Colvin; Jonathan Compton; Nicola Billen; Frank Bouette
Les références
‘The Commercial litigation team at DMH are very experienced and are used to working with a full spectrum of clients which enables them to adapt their approaches accordingly. They are commercial in their approach to litigation, and this is particularly relevant when preparing and instructing Counsel.’
‘The whole team (partners and associates) are programmed to deliver the best possible outcome for the client. Their attention to detail is reflective of what is normally expected from large city law firms and is the reason why I would often recommend them to lay clients. Stand out individuals there are Simon Elcock, James Colvin.’
‘A very strong regional firm. I have exclusively encountered DMH Stallard when litigating in the High Court against other ‘bigger names’. I thought that DMH outshone them by providing more grounded, credible representation.’
Principaux clients
A J Walter Aviation Limited
BDO LLP
CAE (UK) Plc
National Westminster Bank Plc
Ocean Holidays Limited
Ulster Bank Ireland DAC
Principaux dossiers
Thomson Snell & Passmore
Described as having an ‘exceptional practice‘, the Tunbridge Wells-based team at Thomson Snell & Passmore has a strong reputation dealing with director, shareholder and partnership disputes, along with international trade and commodities litigation. The practice is led by Kamal Aggarwal, Douglas Skilton and James Cradick, who jointly offer a broad range of expertise in dispute resolution, arbitration, and insurance and insolvency-related litigation, with a dedicated international facet to their practice. Zoe Bowler, formerly of Charles Russell Speechlys LLP, recently joined the firm and bolsters the existing focus that Rico Dexiades has on reputation management, including defamation, professional negligence claims, and IP-related issues.
Responsables de la pratique:
Kamal Aggarwal; Douglas Skilton; James Cradick
Autres avocats clés:
Rico Dexiades; Zoe Bowler
Les références
‘The team works to great effect together with counsel and experts, involving the clients. They install confidence in all members of the team, counsel and clients. An exceptional practice.’
‘Exceptional abilities to identify the real issues and solutions, attention to objectives and factual details. Both Douglas Skilton and Kamal Aggarwal have these skills.’
‘The TSP commercial litigation team is extremely responsive, knowledgeable and able to think outside the box to best meet the needs of their clients.’
Principaux clients
501 Entertainment Ltd
Emperor Global Enterprises LLP & EGE Limited
Volkspeed Engineering Limited
MidKent College
Home Gym Supply Limited
Skytrek Air Services
Essdocs Ventures Ltd
Napier Holdings Limited
Valerie Charalambous & Melitsa Charalambous / Demetrios Charalambous, Westfen Limited & Chaseslot Ltd
Demetrios Paliouras
The Incorporated Rochester Diocesan Board of Education
Governing Body of the Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School
Principaux dossiers
- Continuing to act on behalf of Emperor Global Enterprises LLP and EGE Ltd, a projects and infrastructure investment group, in defence of litigation currently ongoing in the New Jersey Courts in the US.
- Acted for Volkspeed Engineering Limited and its proprietors in connection with a commercial dispute that was successfully resolved by negotiation.
TWM Solicitors LLP
With ‘London-quality litigation’, TWM Solicitors LLP undertakes a wide range of commercial disputes with particular experience in shareholder and business disputes, as well as matters involving fraud, professional negligence disputes and high-value debt recovery. The Guildford-based practice is led by David Hitchcock and Simon Brew, who are both described as ‘excellent’. Specialist IP practitioner Laurie Heizler bolsters the firm’s capacity in IP-related disputes.
Responsables de la pratique:
David Hitchcock; Simon Brew
Autres avocats clés:
Laurie Heizler; Charlotte Dennington-Day
Les références
‘London-quality litigation.’
‘David Hitchcock – excellent tactical nous. Simon Brew – he has a good feel for how to get a case to a resolution.’
‘I have worked with Simon Brew for several years. He is excellent – very thorough, dedicated to his cases and good with clients.’
Principaux clients
Asertis Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Asertis on the recoveries of substantial monies owed by various debtors in connection with the collapse of a well-known peer-to-peer lending company.
Boddy Matthews Limited
Bringing ‘London quality to Reigate’, Boddy Matthews Limited continues to represent a diverse client base, including SMEs and individuals, in a range of contractual, shareholder and partner disputes, and promissory estoppel claims. The team is led by Kate Matthews, who is described as ‘dynamic, knowledgeable and extremely passionate about getting the right result’. Louise Elliott is regarded for her experience in contractual disputes, as well as TOLATA claims.
Responsables de la pratique:
Kate Matthews
Autres avocats clés:
Louise Elliott
Les références
‘We have enjoyed the support of one of the partners in a drawn out commercial tussle.’
‘Kate Matthews is both personable and professional. My business partner and I have had a chance to get to know her a bit over several years now and throughout we have always enjoyed our interactions with her and have total trust in her judgment.’
‘Boddy Matthews may be small compared to some commercial litigation departments but they are “mighty”. Experienced commercial solicitors who bring London quality to Reigate. The team is professional, informative and you feel reassured you are in the best legal hands.’
Principaux clients
Trustee of the Elliott Westbrooke Pension Fund
Leeway Services Limited
Rose Greenwood t/a FL Greenwood & Son
Mr Lee trading as Leeway Woodwork
BCR Restaurants Limited
SHL Services Limited
BP &C Limited (Critchett)
Principaux dossiers
- Continuing to advise the claimant, Robin Lee trading as Leeway Woodwork, and his company, Leeway Services Limited, on breaches of contract by EBay and issues connected with National Westminster Bank Plc relating to online trading with Amazon (and following Leeway’s successful Court case) during the pandemic 2020 in the London Commercial Court, valued at £3m+.
- Acting for the trustee of a self-administered Pension Fund Scott Elliott as Trustee of the Westbrooke Elliot Pension Fund in relation to a loan made to a property development firm; interrelated construction contracts, part of a series of investments, and estoppel and tax arguments are raised.
- Acting for Rose Greenwood, trading as FL Greenwood & Son in respect of promissory estoppel claims and potential future inheritance act claims made by members of the family in respect of the farming business and assets of the farm, valued at £5m+.
Brachers
Regarded for its debt recovery and insolvency capacity, Brachers, based in Maidstone, boasts well-known clients across the healthcare , transport, utilities and automotive sectors. The firm also handles a range of commercial disputes, including contractual claims, shareholder remedies and directors' duties. Michael Oatham, 'user friendly, pragmatic and practical', leads the litigation practice, meanwhile Paul Abdey and Robert Thompson lead the insolvency and debt recovery teams respectively. Lacie Kerner is highly regarded as 'efficient and no-nonsense' and has a wealth of commercial litigation experience.
Responsables de la pratique:
Michael Oatham; Paul Abdey; Robert Thompson
Autres avocats clés:
Lacie Kerner
Les références
‘This is a thriving commercial team over SMEs in the Kent area. It has real understanding of the requirements of businesses of this kind.’
‘Michael Oatham is very user friendly, pragmatic and practical in his advice. Lacey Kerner – technically very strong with good client care skills.’
‘Lacie Kerner takes an efficient and no-nonsense approach to giving advice. She understands the human element of cases, and cuts a pragmatic course through them.’
Principaux clients
Schindler Ltd
Alan Firmin Ltd
Szerelmey Grout
STA International Ltd
Magnetic Shields Ltd
Homeleigh Timber
Mazars
Hornby Hobbies Ltd
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
AEI Compounds Ltd
Mabey Hire Limited
Principaux dossiers
Griffin Law
Griffin Law is ‘a highly impressive boutique litigation firm’ based in West Malling, Kent. The practice is led by ‘commercially-minded litigator‘, Mark Edmonds, CMC registered mediator Andrew MacLeod, and Donal Blaney, described as ‘fiercely tenacious‘. The firm is active across a range of litigation including insolvency matters, partnership and shareholder disputes, and breach of contract claims, and is particularly active in construction litigation.
Responsables de la pratique:
Mark Edmonds; Andrew McLeod; Donal Blaney
Autres avocats clés:
James Day; Neil Kelley
Les références
‘Griffin Law is a highly impressive boutique litigation firm that offers city-standard legal services from Kent, and at a fraction of the cost. The firm punches above its weight with top drawer clients and lawyers. ’
‘Donal Blaney is a fiercely tenacious and commercially-minded litigator. He has a wealth of experience of complex and high-value litigation and is a determined and strategically insightful as they come.’
‘Mark Edmonds is an exceptionally commercially-minded litigator. Clients greatly appreciate his clear and candid advice, and his focus on clients’ ultimate objectives.’
Principaux clients
Dan Wootton
Emerdata Limited & Dynamo Recoveries Limited
Exelogen Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Emerdata Limited & Dynamo Recoveries Limited on a claim and defence against the former CEO/Director.
- Instructed Dan Wootton to protect his position in light of various defamatory comments and breaches of confidence that impacted working relationships.
- Advised Exelogen Inc in respect of a breach of contract relating to an option agreement.
Irwin Mitchell
Offering a ‘great service’, Irwin Mitchell‘s Gatwick office advises a wide-ranging client base, handling large commercial disputes, focusing on the financial services, consumer, manufacturing, tech and sports sectors. The firm also advises on a number of cross border matters and is further bolstered by teams dealing with real estate, construction, private client and intellectual property disputes. The practice is led by Katie Byrne and Thomas Barnard, who is described as ‘a top litigator‘.
Responsables de la pratique:
Katie Byrne; Thomas Barnard
Autres avocats clés:
Robert Parks; Stephanie Reeves; Sabrina Goran
Les références
‘Great service, responsive and knowledgeable. ’
‘Tom Barnard is excellent. He is a top litigator and the all round package in terms of technical skills and excellent strategy.’
Principaux clients
Gatwick Airport
Otmar Szafnauer
UK Athletics
Metswift Services Limited
Gravity Fitness Limited
Cynergy Bank
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Otmar Szafnauer, formula 1 CEO and Team Principle of Aston Martin F1 Team and Alpine F1 Team, in connection with his departure from Aston Martin F1 Team.
- Acting for UK Athletics on high profile disciplinary cases.
Moore Barlow
Led by accredited mediator David Foster, based in Guildford, and Claire Haverfield in Southampton, the team at Moore Barlow is hailed as being ‘dedicated and assiduous‘. The firm has experience in contractual and commercial disputes for larger SMEs, owner managed businesses, large lender clients, and serial entrepreneurial clients for business-critical matters, and has brought cases before the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Active across financial services, IP and debt recovery, the firm boasts a broad spectrum of expertise. Esther Millard is a key name at senior associate level.
Responsables de la pratique:
Claire Haverfield; David Foster
Autres avocats clés:
Esther Millard
Les références
‘Professional and knowledgeable.’
‘Highly competent, but approachable.’
‘David Foster is excellent. Just the man to have on your side.’
Principaux clients
Tokio Marine HCC
Marriot Hotels
Camila Batmanghelidjh (former trustee of Kids Company)
Business Mortgage Finance 5 PLC and Business Mortgage Finance 7 PLC
Ijarah 3.0 Trust 2022-1
Hansard Trust Company Limited
CNK Alliance Limited
Trimount Properties (Brickfields) Ltd (in Administration)
Nahid Residential Limited
Froyle Park Limited
Principaux dossiers
- 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.
- Acting for Ijarah 3.0 Trust 2022-1 (a Delaware statutory trust) in a winding-up petition against a company debtor with a complex multi-jurisdictional corporate structure, where the value of the overall debt was approximately $8m.
- Acting for (the now deceased) Camila Batmanghelidjh in her judicial review of a decision of the Charity Commission relating to the charity Kids Company.
Coole Bevis LLP
The ‘knowledgeable, personable and highly professional‘ team at Coole Bevis LLP works closely with the corporate commercial, commercial property and private client departments and is regarded for its expertise in property, probate and commercial disputes. The team, based in Worthing, is also active in contractual, partnership, professional negligence, and bankruptcy disputes, and has experience resolving disputes before the High Court and County Court, as well as through various ADR. Kelly Mills leads the team and is highly regarded as an ‘engaging and persuasive advocate‘.
Responsables de la pratique:
Kelly Mills
Autres avocats clés:
Nigel Targett
Les références
‘Kelly Mills gave full and clear instructions in a probate dispute. Nigel Targett is very personable and good with clients.’
‘Coole Beavis are approachable and knowledgeable about a wide range of property disputes. They look after their clients and their attention to detail is a real strength within the firm. ’
‘Kelly Mills is a great partner to work with. Her attention to detail really makes the difference in nuanced cases. ’
Principaux dossiers
Healys LLP
Described as offering ‘top quality legal services’ in Brighton, Healys are frequently engaged by a number of small and medium commercial clients to assist with dispute resolution. ‘Bright and hard-working‘ practice head, David Bailey, is regarded for his expertise in bringing professional negligence claims, commercial fraud and property litigation. Nicholas Taylor is also noted at the firm for his ‘common sense‘ and familiarity with contractual and shareholder disputes, and misrepresentation claims, as well as court applications.
Responsables de la pratique:
David Bailey
Autres avocats clés:
Nicholas Taylor
Les références
‘Top quality legal services from a firm based in Brighton.’
‘David Bailey, partner – bright and hard-working, astute to client needs and demands, and adept at handling client.’
‘Nicholas Taylor – on top of share sale disputes and has lots of common sense.’
Principaux clients
Monmouthshire Building Society
Suffolk Building Society
Saltdean Lido
Royal Hospital for Neuro Disability
Principaux dossiers
Helix Law
Described as ‘one of the most impressive firms of solicitors specialising in commercial litigation in the South East’, Helix Law, based in Brighton, has experience advising both domestic and international clients on a range of commercial claims, including unfair prejudice claims, shareholder and partnership disputes. The team is also instructed in High Court litigation involving commercial contracts. The practice is led by Alex Cook, ‘a truly outstanding lawyer’.
Responsables de la pratique:
Alex Cook
Autres avocats clés:
Richard Chapman; Sam Packwood; Laura Albon; Brendan Rimmer
Les références
‘As a firm, they are specialist litigators who have strength in depth and are able to harness their resources and experience to deal with urgent matters such as freezing injunctions.’
‘Brendan Rimmer has an excellent grasp of the issues and is direct and to the point. We have a great working relationship.’
‘Helix Law is a really dynamic firm of solicitors who go above and beyond to secure excellent commercial outcomes for their clients. They use cutting-edge legal technology to give their clients an edge in closely fought litigation, and regularly go up against (and beat) much higher profile London law firms. They also build excellent relations with clients, particularly business owners, who repeatedly instruct them to deal with their property disputes.’
Principaux dossiers
Judge & Priestley LLP
The commercial and local authority division of Judge & Priestley LLP ‘s Bromley-based credit solutions team handles local authority, contractual, general commercial and insolvency disputes. Rachel Addai spearheads the department while Uday Patel leads the commercial litigation team, expanding the firm’s focus into the utilities sector and insolvency litigation.
Responsables de la pratique:
Rachel Addai; Uday Patel
Autres avocats clés:
Leonie-Robyn Murtagh; Danielle Armstrong
Les références
‘Good mix of people with a wide range of knowledge. Each one of easy to work with.’
‘Good commerciality in considering matters.’
‘The team at J&P always go above and beyond what we ask of them. They are comprehensive in their communications, prompt at updating us on open files/cases, with accurate and helpful advice. Mentoring throughout the firm is evident to see in Partners and Associates assisting colleagues at all levels, with members of the team evolving and expanding their knowledge as time passes.’
Principaux clients
London Borough of Southwark
Crown Commercial
Edge Recovery Limited
Principaux dossiers
Morr & Co LLP
Offering an ‘excellent service to clients of all sizes’, Morr & Co LLP‘s key areas of work include partnership, director and shareholder disputes, breach of contract and professional negligence claims, and tax litigation. Kellie Williams-Jauvel leads the team, and specialises in disputes around will validity, estate administration, breach of trust and claims under IPFDA 1975. Previous practice head, Catherine Fisher, is now managing partner of the firm but continues to be active in commercial disputes and professional negligence claims. The team is based in Wimbledon.
Responsables de la pratique:
Kellie Williams-Jauvel
Autres avocats clés:
Chris Darvill; Jemma Durham; Catherine Fisher
Les références
‘I have worked with Morr & Co over the last few years and it continues to cement its position as an outstanding law firm with a large presence across the South East but retaining the benefits of High Street practices with local knowledge and extremely approachable staff. It provides an excellent service to clients of all sizes from individuals and startups to larger commercial enterprises. In my experience, they are excellent at what they do. I have been instructed primarily in construction matters for both employers and contractors, individuals and companies but everyone gets the full ‘Rolls-Royce’ service.’
‘I am a barrister and have been instructed by Chris Darvill in a number of cases. He is an outstanding litigator who engenders trust from his clients with his calm and focused approach to their cases. He is extremely pragmatic and works collaboratively with counsel to find the best solution for the client’s needs, from early settlement discussions to full litigation. As an instructing solicitor, he provides extremely clear and concise instructions, takes advice on board and, adding his own experience, sells that advice to the client.’
‘They work well as a team, are always available and very personable to deal with. Good use of online document sharing software.’
Principaux clients
Restore Datashred Limited
Dassault Aviation Business Services Limited
Gama Aviation (Engineering) Limited
Principaux dossiers
Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP
Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP’s dispute resolution team advises large SME businesses and professional service firms, particularly accountants, on a range of commercial litigation. The practice has a focus on restructuring and insolvency, as well as contested trusts and probate matters. Richard Ludlow leads the team in Kent and is an experienced litigator.
Responsables de la pratique:
Richard Ludlow
Autres avocats clés:
Louise Mackay; Katie Tizzard
Les références
‘From my dealings with the firm, as counsel instructed by them, I would describe them as friendly, helpful, relaxed, informal, sensible and practical to deal with. I suspect they are a very sound firm, when compared with some of the flashier but potentially less diligent and less attentive regional firms that you can find in the Surrey, Kent and Sussex corridor down from London.’
‘I’ve been instructed by Richard Ludlow, one of the firm’s partners, who specialises in both company and insolvency work, as well as in more general commercial litigation. I’ve been really impressed by his calm, practical approach as well as his wide knowledge of the area. I’ve also very much appreciated his client handling skills, as he’s soaked up a flow of pretty constant client emails, even if I’m also directly copied in.’
‘As counsel I’ve really appreciated having a solicitor who I can work with and discuss things with and get real input from.’