Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Commercial litigation: elsewhere in the West Midlands

JG Poole & Co. LLP‘s litigation team, led by Leonie Salter, advises a range of education and property sector clients on numerous commercial litigation matters.
Keelys LLP‘s litigation and dispute resolution team consists of several specialist litigation partners, led by Joanne Davies, and handles a range of commercial disputes. Liam Owen joined the team in September 2024.

Commercial litigation: elsewhere in the West Midlands in West Midlands

George Green LLP

George Green LLP‘s litigation and dispute resolution team acts for a range of clients, including large regional companies, as well as substantial national and international corporate clients in complex matters before the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court. The team is regularly involved in high-value corporate and commercial litigation, including contractual disputes, competition disputes, and unfair prejudice claims. The experienced Morgan Rees leads the team, with specialisms in shareholder disputes, insolvency cases, and defamation matters. Key support in this area is provided by George Gwynn, who is noted for his focus on insurance and construction disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Morgan Rees


Autres avocats clés:

Adam Johnson; George Gwynn


Les références

‘Morgan Rees is excellent. George Gwynn seems very good for someone so junior.’

‘Morgan Rees is first class. An astute tactician and very savvy. A very able litigator.’

‘City centre quality commercial litigation skills without city centre prices.’

Principaux clients

thyssenkrupp Materials (UK) Limited


Sims Group UK Limited


Medequip Assistive Technology Limited


Saltus Partners LLP


TIA (GB) Limited


Syspal Capital Limited


Inenco Group Limited


Jeeves Estates Limited


Argus Fire Protection Company Limited


Handicare Accessibility Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Syspal Capital Limited, the claimant in the Court of Appeal. The dispute concerns the interpretation of auditor valuation clauses and articles of association.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys

The dispute resolution team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys offers a wide range of technical expertise, regularly handling commercial matters that include shareholder disputes, indemnity claims, and directors’ duties issues. Furthermore, the firm benefits from deep-sector specialist experience in niche practice areas, such as the defence sector, where the team provides services to both domestic and international companies concerning security-related goods and international fraud investigations. Other areas of particular strength include the healthcare and fisheries sectors. Elizabeth Beatty leads the team with considerable experience handling shareholder, cross-border, and trustee disputes, as well as professional negligence matters. Tom Williams advises a range of clients, with particular focus on supply of goods and services disputes and the enforcement of restrictive covenants against employees and sellers of businesses.

Responsables de la pratique:

Elizabeth Beatty


Autres avocats clés:

Tom Williams


Les références

‘Good, solid, practical advice. Quick response times. Commercially aware.’

‘Always provide excellent advice with consideration given to the commercial aspect of our business.’

‘A well-led, content team, dedicated to serving their clients rather than hitting targets.’

Wright Hassall LLP

Wright Hassall LLP‘s commercial litigation team handles a range of contractual and corporate matters, from advice on contractual terminations to breach of warranty claims, post-termination restrictive covenants, and shareholder disputes. The team regularly works with clients from specialist manufacturing and technology sectors, and is prominent in the sports sector, working with membership organisations and associations. Nathan Talbott leads the team, with particular experience in tax and financial disputes, commercial disputes, and professional negligence matters. Further support is provided by Jennifer Rhind, who has a focus on defamation, malicious falsehood, and harassment claims.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nathan Talbott


Autres avocats clés:

Jennifer Rhind; Parminder Takhar


Les références

‘Wright Hassall has a strong team who increasingly specialise in regulatory and disciplinary disputes and litigation, including in the sports field.’

‘Parminder Takhar is a highly able litigator and dispute resolution lawyer who always asks the salient question.’

‘The firm is distinguished by its expertise and client-focused approach.’

Principaux clients

OmniMax International LLC


Lauralu UK


Board MIT


Hawkins Logistics Limited


Turner Butler Limited


Capgemini UK plc


The British Showjumping Association


Epwin plc


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for OmniMax International in a high-value fraudulent misrepresentation claim against two UK companies and a director, including obtaining a freezing order and summary judgment.
  • Acted for Lauralu UK in a complex dispute over hire fees and performance which has now been referred to the Court of Appeal.
  • Obtained a favourable outcome for Hawkins Logistics in an appeal of a widely publicised prosecution following a health and safety breach.

FBC Manby Bowdler

FBC Manby Bowdler‘s litigation team is recognised for its handling of disputes that involve aspects of insolvency, company, and real estate law. Furthermore, the team is noted for its strong agricultural team and representation of rural clients in property-related matters. Charlotte Clode heads the team, handling a variety of commercial matters, including intellectual property work and mandates with reputational aspects. The team is bolstered by the experience of Guy Birkett and the work of Elisabeth Glover, who specialises in contract disputes, commercial debts, and professional negligence matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Charlotte Clode


Autres avocats clés:

Elisabeth Glover; Guy Birkett


Les références

‘An excellent team with super leadership and strength in depth.’

‘ In particular, Charlotte Clode has shown outstanding client care, ensuring that we are always well-informed and confident in our legal strategy.’

‘Guy Birkett – at the top of his game. As good as Birmingham City Centre.’

Principaux clients

Whitlock & Lowe Limited


Dudley Building Society


Tipton & Coseley Building Society


Accurate Laser Cutting Limited


Total Construction Supplies Limited


LXA Construction Limited


Andrews Sykes Group Plc


Wedge Group Galvanising Limited


Ruskin Properties Limited


Leonard Curtis Business Solutions


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented one of three defendants in proceedings brought by the purchaser of an online gambling company, where the claim value is £60m.
  • Handled an unfair prejudice action worth £16m under the Companies Act 2006 involving multiple companies operating in an informal family group structure.
  • Acted for one party of a separating couple in the claims they each make against the other to the value of c. £5m as to the division of the assets owned by them jointly and individually, including a domestic and foreign property, and an established medical practice.

Higgs LLP

Higgs LLP‘s dispute resolution team is known for its commercial litigation expertise, which focuses on corporate and commercial disputes, including warranty and deferred consideration claims arising out of transactions, director and shareholder disputes, intellectual property disputes, and reputation management matters. Julia Lowe leads the team, with wide-ranging commercial litigation experience, while Matt Dudley focuses on breach of contract, shareholder, and boardroom disputes. James Modley works with a range of clients and has specific experience in acting for high-profile individuals in the sports industry.

Responsables de la pratique:

Julia Lowe


Autres avocats clés:

Matt Dudley; James Modley


Les références

‘Higgs LLP’s commercial litigation team is friendly, knowledgeable, and responsive.’

‘Matt Dudley and Julia Lowe stand out as leaders of the commercial litigation team and are both experienced litigation practitioners.’

‘We mainly work with James Modley, who is responsive, commercially aware, pragmatic, and delivers clear advice.’

Principaux clients

United Care Group Limited


Rubery Owen Holdings Limited


Marston’s PLC


Euro Packaging UK Limited


Faun Zoeller UK Limited


The Digital Rainbow


Lowe and Fletcher


Saint-Gobain Group of Companies


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for United Care Group Limited on a £4m dispute arising from a £35m share sale.
  • Acted for Rubery Owen Holdings Limited on a warranty claim arising from a business sale.
  • Represented Digital Rainbow Limited in defending an injunction application in a claim for copyright infringement and unregistered design right infringement.

MFG Solicitors LLP

MFG Solicitors LLP‘s commercial litigation and dispute resolution team’s experience covers a wide range of matters, from contractual and warranty disputes to shareholder and partnership disputes, as well as civil fraud claims, freezing orders, and asset recovery work. Tom Esler leads the talented team, with vast experience in commercial dispute resolution and risk management, primarily acting for shareholders and directors of owner-managed businesses and advising on matters such as company law, e-commerce, and intellectual property claims. Samuel Pedley strengthens the offering with significant involvement in contentious insolvency and bankruptcy work. Key support in this area is provided by Rebecca Rogers.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tom Esler


Autres avocats clés:

Samuel Pedley; Rebecca Rogers


Les références

‘Well organised and efficient team.’

‘Tom Esler and Rebecca Rogers are solicitors who stand out as being professional, competent, and diligent.’

‘From my observation over many years, MFG has a strong and loyal West Midlands client base. I believe that is exactly what a potential client would wish to know: stability, resilience, consistency, repeat custom.’

Principaux clients

The Remus Partnership Limited


Smart Insolvency


Vamed Management Und Service GmbH


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for a large healthcare service provider in a circa £2.5m – £3.5m breach of contract claim regarding a joint venture shareholders’ agreement.
  • Advising and acting for an insolvency practitioner in complex and multi-faceted Insolvency Administration Order and related disputes and proceedings, with a value of between £500k – £1m.
  • Advising and acting for a commercial property investment company subject to complex and longstanding winding-up proceedings with multi-faceted creditors’ claims totalling over £850,000 and a cross-claim valued at over £1m.

Talbots Law

The dispute resolution team at Talbots Law represents a range of clients, from large enterprises and high street household brands to directors and shareholders. The team operates throughout a range of sectors, representing clients in contractual disputes, debt recovery issues, professional negligence claims, and insolvency litigation. The practice benefits from the joint leadership of Jagdip Bains, who focuses on contract, construction, and corporate disputes, and Adam Pike, who specialises in shareholder and boardroom disputes. The team is further strengthened by key support from Nasar Sarwar, who focuses on contractual disputes alongside professional negligence claims.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jagdip Bains; Adam Pike


Autres avocats clés:

Nasar Sarwar


Les références

‘I think the key element that was unique to Talbots compared to my experience of other legal firms was their attentiveness and personable approach.’

‘I genuinely felt understood in what was a very complex case.’

‘I was fortunate enough to work with Adam Pike in my case, and I’ll forever be grateful that I did.’ 

Principaux clients

Molsons


Steps to Work


Starting Point Recruitment Limited


SEP Properties Limited


West Bromwich Building Society


Aaron & Partners LLP

Aaron & Partners LLP‘s dispute resolution team handles a wide range of shareholder and partnership disputes arising out of corporate transactions. Furthermore, the team also assists clients with contractual disputes, often in the logistics and IT sectors, as well as claims involving restrictive covenants and professional negligence issues. Nick Clarke heads the department, while Stephen Taylor leads the offering from the Shrewsbury office, with experience in unfair prejudice proceedings, customer disputes, and contentious divorce proceedings.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nick Clarke; Stephen Taylor


Autres avocats clés:

Natalie Antenbring


Les références

‘Very commercial and very well organised. Comfortable dealing with complex work and a team large enough to properly handle it, both out of their Shrewsbury and Chester offices.’

‘Stephen Taylor particularly stands out as a lawyer who is very focused on solutions but will fight hard when called for, as well as taking a commercial approach when also needed.’

‘Aaron & Partners provides our company with a level of support that is not only comprehensive and efficient, but the speed of response is what makes them such a good company to work with.’

Ansons

Ansons‘ dispute resolution team handles a range of matters for commercial clients, with expertise in handling complex shareholder and partnership disputes, insolvency matters, construction disputes, and contentious probate matters. The team is engaged by a diverse client base, from property developers to pharmacy and healthcare companies. The team benefits from the joint leadership of Martin de Ridder, who focuses on shareholder disputes and insolvency matters, and Jason Alcock, a specialist in property and employment-related disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Martin de Ridder; Jason Alcock


Autres avocats clés:

Ian Meadows


Les références

‘Martin de Ridder has commercial awareness.’

‘A small team of experienced lawyers who know their stuff.’

‘Martin de Ridder is brilliant with clients: he doesn’t talk legal mumbo-jumbo, but he doesn’t talk down to clients either; he tells them what they need to know to take ownership of the case.’

Principaux clients

Moore Insolvency


Seconique Limited


St Philips Care Limited


Walter Tippers (building suppliers)


Walton Homes Limited


Pallet-Track Limited


Band Hatton Button LLP

Band Hatton Button LLP‘s litigation team provides a commercial service, with strength in the areas of contractual disputes, insolvency, inheritance claims, and professional negligence matters. John French heads the department, with litigation expertise in neighbour and boundary disputes, challenging public authority decisions, as well as residential and tenant possession matters. Raman Dhillon provides key support, with experience in privacy claims and defending directors’ disqualification proceedings.

Responsables de la pratique:

John French


Autres avocats clés:

Raman Dhillon


Les références

‘Very helpful in assisting us with our dispute.’

‘John French was excellent. Filled with knowledge and helped us every step of the way. Would highly recommend.’

‘Good team and talented lawyers.’

Principaux clients

Matrix Machine Tool (Coventry) Limited


Coventry Cyrenians


Principaux dossiers


  • Defended a claim for over £1m for the supply of alleged defective machinery.
  • Handled a dispute over the termination of a housing management contract.

Enoch Evans LLP

Enoch Evans LLP‘s commercial litigation and dispute resolution team provides a core litigation service that encompasses all aspects of commercial dispute resolution, with particular expertise in handling injunctions, shareholder disputes, and property litigation. Furthermore, the team is well versed in matters relating to breach of contract, professional negligence claims, and dilapidation disputes. Stephen Nixon leads the team, with regular instructions concerning shareholder disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stephen Nixon


Autres avocats clés:

Lauren Roughley


Les références

‘The dispute resolution team is efficient, thorough, responsive, and able to communicate the legal aspects and steps to take in a client-friendly manner.’

‘They are exceptional at dealing with extremely difficult and hostile other sides whilst remaining professional and driving matters forward. All-round excellent service offered.’

‘Given their size, their efficiency and drive should not be underestimated. I have valued the concise, to-the-point manner in which matters are dealt with and information shared.’

Lanyon Bowdler

Lanyon Bowdler‘s dispute resolution team is regularly engaged by clients to handle a range of work, with particular expertise in the manufacturing, construction, and agricultural sectors. Further evidenced is a strength in advising owners and managers in shareholder disputes, often in relation to unfair prejudice and derivative actions. Andrew Pegg leads the department with a focus on breach of contract and professional negligence claims.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andrew Pegg


Autres avocats clés:

Claire Yardley


Les références

‘Claire Yardley, litigation partner, was superb. Professional,  knowledgeable, efficient with great client care.’

‘I have worked extensively with Andrew Pegg. He is an intelligent, intuitive and talented solicitor. His clients trust his strategic and commercial approach.’

‘Lanyon Bowdler have quickly become my family’s ‘go-to’ solicitors because of their seamless professionalism & care.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advised an individual in a shareholder dispute regarding a dental practice.
  • Advised an individual in a property dispute.
  • Advised an individual in a TOLATA claim.

Lodders Solicitors LLP

The commercial dispute resolution team at Lodders Solicitors LLP regularly advises a range of clients on a variety of dispute matters. With experience working with SMEs, owner-managed businesses, and individuals, the team is well placed to assist on a range of mandates. Furthermore, the practice has strength in handling warranty claims, partnership disputes, professional negligence claims, as well as contentious insolvency work and construction disputes. Andrew Wylde leads the team, with particular expertise in resolving contractual disputes, shareholder disputes, and insolvency matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andrew Wylde


Autres avocats clés:

Lauren Hutchinson