The Legal 500 2023 West Midlands Region

Kang & Co Solicitors is a law firm based in Birmingham City Centre and has branch offices in Milton Keynes and Central London.

Established by solicitor Manjinder Singh Kang and barrister Thomas Wheeler, Kang & Co specialises in representing companies and individuals on a private fee-paying basis for all matters concerning Driving Offences, Private-Funded Criminal Defence, Regulatory Law and Transport Law.

With offices strategically located in Birmingham, Milton Keynes and London, the firm frequently advises and represents clients throughout England & Wales.

Kang & Co is committed to providing outstanding legal advice and representation to clients and receives 5 star feedback, recommendations and reviews from existing and former clients on a regular basis. The firm is ranked as a Leading Firm by the prestigious The Legal 500 law guide in the field of Criminal Law.

The law firm is dedicated towards simplifying legal fees and in most cases will offer clients legal advice and representation on an “agreed fixed fee” basis which ensures that the clients can budget their defence fees accordingly. Manjinder Singh Kang commented; “Ensuring that all clients receive accurate details on costs and providing legal representationwhichexceedstheexpectationsofourclients is at the core of our company values. In an increasingly competitive legal environment, clients want to know how much their case will cost and are seeking out specialist lawyers for their legal issues, as opposed to using general practitioners. At our firm we have deliberately chosen to specialise in a couple of areas of law and are always clear on costs, which has ultimately resulted in the firm growing fromstrengthtostrengtheachyear.”

The company has a heavy focus at representing clients for Driving Offences and Criminal Offences in the Magistrates’ and Crown Court. It frequently represents clients for common driving offences such as Speeding, Careless Driving, Penalty Points Disqualification and Drink Driving, as well as the most serious motoring offences such as Causing Death by Dangerous & Careless Driving.

As Kang & Co Solicitors only provides criminal defence advice and representation on a privately funded basis, the majority of clients tend to be white collar professionals and business owners. The firm does not provide any representation on a public funded basis.

Over the past six years Kang & Co Solicitors has actively supported many local charities. Each year a charity partner is selected and the firm raises funds and awareness for the chosen cause. In recent years it has supported Birmingham Dogs Home, Acorns Children’s Hospice, World Against Single Use Plastics, Sense (sensory disabilities charity) and Birmingham Mind (our 2022 charity partner).

Manjinder Singh Kang, Director of Kang & Co Solicitors

Thomas Wheeler, Director of Kang & Co Solicitors

“Ensuring that all clients receive accurate details on costs and providing legal representation which exceeds the expectations of our clients is at the core of our company values.”

Manjinder Singh Kang, Director at Kang & Co Solicitors

A Truly Specialist Law Firm

Kang & Co Solicitors are a truly specialist national law firm covering England and Wales. We currently have offices in Birmingham, London and Milton Keynes.

Our two main areas of specialism are in advising and representing privately paying individuals who have been charged with Criminal Offence(s) or Driving Offence(s).

Customer care is at our heart. We will always endevour to provide the highest of quality advice and representation, plus make sure legal costs are fixed by stage so that our clients have no unexpected surprises.

Clear and Agreed Legal Fees with no hidden costs

5 Star Rated Law Firm with top ratings on TrustPilot, Google & More

Provide national coverage throughout England & Wales

Back in the 1990s, my Chambers engaged with an external marketing company to help us better market the services we provided from what was then a single site in Birmingham. They suggested a Chambers’ brochure was the way to go noting, of course, that the Bar was a latecomer to the world of marketing its services. After extensive research, they produced a mock brochure. The first line read “Despite its Birmingham location No5 ……..”

Here we are thirty years on and the legal scene in Birmingham, the Black Country, and the Midlands is markedly different from what it was then. Legal Directories have become a very important marketing tool for lawyers and their firms. In a world of digital marketing, the budget once spent on brochures has largely moved towards directory entries whether it is to endorse one’s position in a sector or to push to market new areas of practice in the regions or nationally.

This space was once dominated and, some would argue still is, by London. It is, of course, understandable that London, for historical reasons and sheer numbers, will feature heavily in the directories but it is encouraging that “the regions”, are increasingly being recognised as key players in the legal market. Birmingham has the largest economy outside of London and we are seeing continued migration of law firms, banks, and other businesses to the city. By association, we are seeing an influx of lawyers from other parts of the country who are making Birmingham and the surrounding areas their home.

At the heart of the profession lies the Birmingham Law Society with over 5,000 members including members from all the local universities who house the future pool of talent to make our firms and our region even stronger going forward. In order to achieve this, the retention of women in law is arguably the single most important challenge for the profession. Over 50% of entrants to the law are female. 75% of nonqualified staff in law firms are female yet we are still losing far too many along the journey. Most notably there is a drop off post maternity and we must do more to stop that happening, not just because it is morally the right thing to do, but because it is in the interests of our businesses to do so. BLS will be holding events highlighting these issues and exploring ways to address the issues positively going forward.

For those who are new to our region, I would encourage you to become members of BLS. To the firms and individuals who are not yet members, I make the same plea. We are stronger as a community when we engage with our colleagues, whether it is via our consultation committee who are aided by our numerous specialist committees, or even simply when we engage socially at the numerous network events we put on.

With HS2 on the horizon, many more are likely to make a life choice to work and live in the West

Midlands. Costly premises in London and other economic factors will drive that exodus. We will also need to grow our own if we are to compete for work, both with other regions in the UK and with overseas jurisdictions. Why shouldn’t Birmingham, one of the most diverse cities in the world, attract more international work? A conversation for another day perhaps but let’s

make sure that along with the quality stamp our lawyers have with approval from directories, we do not lose sight of the importance of diversity within our firms on both gender and race.

This year’s directory reminds us that we have some of the UK’s best legal professionals in our region, some of whom are attracting work that would historically have only been serviced in the capital.

We congratulate them and celebrate in their success. We thank them for helping us all put Birmingham, the Black Country and the West Midlands on the map and under the spotlight. If the answer to the question in the 1990’s was “despite its location” then the answer now must surely be “because of its location”.

We are situated in the heart of the country with a huge pool of talented individuals. If we are guilty of anything it is of not shouting loudly enough about it. The Legal 500 deserves our thanks for shining a light on it.

Tony McDaid, President Birmingham Law Society.

TONY MCDAID, PRESIDENT,

"Why shouldn’t Birmingham, one of the most diverse cities in the world, attract more international work?"

HAWKINS HATTON: PROFILE OF A NICHE CORPORATE PRACTICE

Hawkins Hatton (“HH”) was a new player when it started back in 2005 since then it has become regarded as part of the integral fabric of legal firms in the Midlands specialising in corporate. In fact, HH is the only niche corporate practice outside of London who are ranked in all areas of its work, which includes corporate, real estate, banking and finance and dispute resolution.

Big is not always beautiful and small does not always mean lack of depth or economies of scale. As with anything, you can have a juggernaut or a nimble super car, it is not about the size of the engine, it is about where you want to be and how you want to get there. At HH, we are not looking to race the world, but instead stay in our lane and focus specifically on meeting the needs of a niche cliental who require a personal service for everything and enjoy the luxury of having the ability to talk to a partner on every single matter when they require it.

Having established credentials over time to become a recognised firm in all aspects of its practice areas, for Legal 500, HH also writes the UK chapter in mergers and acquisitions for the Legal 500 global publication, which is an accolade in itself, given the number of corporate practices within England and Wales who would enjoy the privilege of writing the same.

But it does not stop there. HH’s corporate partner is recognised in the Legal 500’s Hall of Fame, being the only fee earner outside of Birmingham to have such recognition within corporate.

You can see that the pedigree that has gone into the creation of HH has naturally led it to become a peer group leader. The pedigree that has formed at HH has ensured that this niche corporate practice has maintained its distinct corporate identity to enable it to attract corporate clients who are not just SMEs, but also large PLCs, the likes of which include HSBC (UK) Bank Plc and National Westminster Bank Plc.

The practice areas which are undertaken by HH include:

1. Corporate transactional services is the chasse on which the firm’s services are built around, which covers, as you would expect, all aspects of sales mergers and acquisitions for SME clients and larger global companies who seek to come into the UK to create a trading footprint.

The mantra which HH uses for corporate is that it seeks to identify all issues that may affect a client throughout a transaction and to ensure that any thorny matters can be dealt with in the negotiation process and not be used to delay a deal, thereby ensuring a smoother transition for both the Buyer and the Seller.

2. Real estate is the engine of any corporate entity as without the property, there is nowhere to house the business and the trading operation. That is why the real estate team look to ensure that pragmatic solutions are found for all matters that may be used to seek to reduce the price or increase the risk. The breadth of experience within the real estate team means that they regularly advise on complex multimillion pound purchases and sales

The mantra which HH use for real estate is that being pragmatic and commercial does not mean compromising on risk, so fully assessing the risk from the start will allow visibility of the finishing line.

3. If corporate is the chasse and real estate is the engine, then banking and finance has to be the fuel which drives the vehicle that is the corporate entity forward. HH’s mantra for banking and finance is that time is risk as we have seen over the years and whenever finance comes into a transaction, this aspect has to be dealt with swiftly and to the satisfaction of all parties. Every deal has its sweet spot, and beyond which a deal can become stale very quickly. That is why it is important in everything that is banking and finance HH looks at swift delivery.

From the Bank’s perspective, HH always ensures that adequate security is given with minimum fuss.

4. Having a well-constructed corporate vehicle, with a finely tuned engine and being fully refuelled ready to go, to avoid the bumps in the road, the dispute resolution team always ensures that everything is navigated smoothly. The mantra of the dispute resolution team is a simple one which is manage your risk. This can be done very easily from ensuring that there is commercial negotiation from the start of any corporate dispute, rather than following a process which does not benefit any party.

You should regard HH as one of those custom- built sports cars, rather than a mass produced vehicle, so when you engage HH, you know exactly what you are getting.

For

contact Colin Rodrigues

crodrigues@hawkinshatton.co.uk

Colin Rodrigues

LEADING INDIVIDUALS

COMPRISES BIRMINGHAM AND THE SURROUNDING COUNTIES OF SHROPSHIRE,

AND WARWICKSHIRE

AGRICULTURE AND ESTATES

Alex Robinson Wright Hassall LLP

Peter Snodgrass Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Sarah Baugh FBC Manby Bowdler LLP

Steven Corfield Lanyon Bowdler

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY: BIRMINGHAM

Andrew Mellor Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Ben Acheson Irwin Mitchell

Chris Plumley Trowers & Hamlins LLP

David Meecham Pinsent Masons LLP

Dawn Hilton Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Gurjit Atwal Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Iftkhar Ahmed Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Jason Jackson Shoosmiths LLP

Kultar Khangura Pinsent Masons LLP

Lisa Middleton Pinsent Masons LLP

Beth King-Smith Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Craig Ridge Higgs LLP

Gavin Faber Gateley Plc

Kamal Majevadia Irwin Mitchell

Mark Abrol Meridian Private Client LLP

BANKING AND FINANCE

Chris Brierley Gowling WLG

David Adams Shoosmiths LLP

David Doogan Pinsent Masons LLP

Mohammed Saqub Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Patrick Davis Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Roy Grist Squire Patton Boggs

Stephen Bottley DLA Piper

BANKING LITIGATION

Chris Busby Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Neville Gray Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Roger Potgieter Shoosmiths LLP

CHARITIES AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT

Dominic Curran Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

Kirsty McEwen Higgs LLP

Mark Lewis Lodders Solicitors LLP

Shivaji Shiva

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION: BIRMINGHAM

Adam Fisher Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Andrew Leach DWF

Andrew Smith Gowling WLG

Ann Benzimra Fieldfisher LLP

Jim Richards Pinsent Masons LLP

Mark Surguy Weightmans LLP

Neil Bowker DLA Piper

Nicholas Bamford DLA Piper

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION: ELSEWHERE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS

Elizabeth Beatty Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Guy Birkett FBC Manby Bowdler LLP

Harminder Sandhu Hawkins Hatton Corporate

Monique Sutherland DLA Piper

Philip Medford Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Richard Bate Gowling WLG

Richard Pettifor Gateley Plc

Sue Simpson Fieldfisher LLP

Tom Johnson Pinsent Masons LLP

CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL: BIRMINGHAM

Catherine Eley Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Charles Cook DLA Piper

David Vaughan Gowling WLG

John Campion DWF

Kavita Patel Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Lee Clifford Freeths LLP

Nicole Livesey Pinsent Masons LLP Noel Haywood DLA Piper

Tim Lake DLA Piper

Tom Durrant Gateley Plc

CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL:

ELSEWHERE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY:

ELSEWHERE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS

Cherry Elliott Higgs LLP

Claire Waring Wright Hassall LLP

Clare Regan MFG Solicitors LLP

David Slade Wright Hassall LLP

Kevin Styles George Green LLP

Mark Miller Lodders Solicitors LLP

Sue Albini Pickerings Solicitors

CONSTRUCTION

Andrew James Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Andrew Millross Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

Helen Andrews Bevan Brittan LLP

Martino Giaquinto Mills & Reeve LLP

Michael O'Shea Gowling WLG

Nigel Blundell Pinsent Masons LLP

Patrick Garner Shoosmiths LLP

Peter Scurlock Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Philip Harris Wright Hassall LLP

Richard Green Gowling WLG

Stephen Malley DLA Piper

Arpinder Dhillon Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Gareth Burge Thursfields Solicitors

John Heaton Higgs LLP

Neil Jones Ansons

Paul Bennett George Green LLP

Robert Lee Wright Hassall LLP

CORPORATE TAX

Andrew Noble Browne Jacobson LLP

Becky Rees Parisi Tax LLP

Jon Stevens DWF

Kevin Lowe Mills & Reeve LLP

Lee Nuttall Gowling WLG

Lisa Stevenson Parisi Tax LLP

Julia Lowe Higgs LLP Neil Williams George Green LLP Richard Morgan Harrison Clark Rickerbys

CONTENTIOUS TRUSTS AND PROBATE

DEBT RECOVERY Alan Hamblett Shakespeare Martineau LLP Dee Kundi Harrison Clark Rickerbys James Baird Gateley Plc Larry Coltman Coltman Warner Cranston LLP

Mark Abroll, Meridian Private Client LLP Nick Mackenzie, Browne Jacobson LLP

Lisa Stevenson, Parisis Tax LLP. Tracy Cross, Band Hatton Button LLP

Elizabeth Beatty, Harrison Clark Rickerbys John Heaton, Higgs LLP

Kirsty McEwen Higgs LLP Shivaji Shiva, VWV

Roy Grist, Squire Patton Boggs Jason Jackson, Shoosmiths LLP

Sue Simpson, Fieldfisher LLP Lee Clifford, Freeths LLP

Alex Robinson, Wright Hassall LP Ben Acheson, Irwin Mitchell

Gavin Faber, Gateley Plc Claire O'Brien, Mills & Reeve LLP Monique Sutherland, DLA Piper

VWV

EDUCATION

Gayle Ditchburn Pinsent Masons LLP

Nick Abbott Mills & Reeve LLP

Nick Mackenzie Browne Jacobson LLP

Richard Freeth Browne Jacobson LLP

Richard Sykes Mills & Reeve LLP

Smita Jamdar Shakespeare Martineau LLP

EMPLOYMENT

Benedict Gorner Gateley Plc

Charlie Frost Squire Patton Boggs

Charlie Rae Shoosmiths LLP

David Sykes Averta Employment Lawyers

Jane Fielding Gowling WLG

Jonathan Coley Pinsent Masons LLP

Linda Jones Pinsent Masons LLP

Nick Jew Keystone Law

Richard Santy Mills & Reeve LLP

Sally Morris MFG Solicitors LLP

Sandra Wallace DLA Piper

Tim Jones Higgs LLP

ENERGY, PROJECT FINANCE & PFI

Didar Dhillon Pinsent Masons LLP

Gus Wood Gowling WLG

James Larmour Freeths LLP

Kirstin Roberts Freeths LLP

Hamraj Kang Kangs Solicitors

James Turner Tuckers Solicitors

Steven Jonas Jonas Roy Bloom

HEALTH

Jill Mason Mills & Reeve LLP

Jog Hundle Mills & Reeve LLP

Tracey Lucas Capsticks LLP

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Andrew Litchfield Gowling WLG

Hayley Saunders Shoosmiths LLP

Ruth Armstrong Gateley Plc

Sean Elson Pinsent Masons LLP

Hilary Wetherell Irwin Mitchell

Inez Brown Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Lindsay Tomlinson Irwin Mitchell

Lucy Small Lanyon Bowdler

Luke Daniels Irwin Mitchell

Neil Lorimer Lanyon Bowdler

Phil Barnes Shoosmiths LLP

Philip Edwards Clarke Willmott LLP

Sara Burns Irwin Mitchell

Stephen Nye Irwin Mitchell

PERSONAL INJURY: DEFENDANT

Bridget Tatham Browne Jacobson LLP

David Tuck Weightmans LLP

Henry Bermingham Weightmans LLP

James Harvey Clyde & Co

Ken Young Keoghs LLP

Kevin Lawson Browne Jacobson LLP

Philippa Craven Kennedys

Richard Stallard DAC Beachcroft LLP

Tim Hodgetts Bevan Brittan LLP

PERSONAL TAX, TRUSTS AND PROBATE

Dawn Oliver Harrison Clark Rickerbys

INSOLVENCY AND CORPORATE RECOVERY

Aaron Harlow Shoosmiths LLP

Amy Flavell Pinsent Masons LLP

Andrew Taylor Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Daniel French Gateley Plc

Devinder Singh Squire Patton Boggs

John Jeffreys Freeths LLP

Mark Wilson Gateley Plc

Russell Hill Squire Patton Boggs

Sam Payne Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Stephanie Slinn Clarke Willmott LLP

Stephen George Irwin Mitchell

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Claire O'Brien Mills & Reeve LLP

Kate Swain Gowling WLG

Mark Daniels Browne Jacobson LLP

Simon Barker Freeths LLP

IT & TELECOMS

Craig Armstrong Shoosmiths LLP

Emma Harrison Pickerings Solicitors

Lesley Davis Shakespeare Martineau LLP

PLANNING

Howard Bassford DLA Piper

John Gregory Wright Hassall LLP

Lucy Thomas Pinsent Masons LLP

Paul Maile Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Simon Stanion Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Tim Willis Shoosmiths LLP

Trevor Ivory DLA Piper

Andrew Litchfield Gowling WLG

David Egan DWF

Lee McBride Lodders Solicitors LLP

Ruth Armstrong Gateley Plc

FAMILY: BIRMINGHAM

Beverley Morris Lodders Solicitors LLP

Clare Wiseman Irwin Mitchell

Diane Benussi Benussi & Co Limited

Elizabeth Wyatt Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

Helen Jane Arnold Benussi & Co Limited

Jas Tamber Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

Karen Moores Sydney Mitchell LLP

Kevin Harris-James Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Rayner Grice Clarke Willmott LLP

Zahra Pabani Irwin Mitchell

FAMILY: ELSEWHERE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS

Andrew Caldicott Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Anne Thomson FBC Manby Bowdler LLP

Linda Jones Brethertons LLP

Philip Barnsley Higgs LLP

Philip Rea Thursfields Solicitors

Tracy Cross Band Hatton Button LLP

GENERAL CRIME & FRAUD

Ben Henry Jonas Roy Bloom

Stuart James Squire Patton Boggs

LICENSING

Stephanie Perraton Squire Patton Boggs

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Amardeep Gill Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Derek Adamson DWF

Didar Dhillon Pinsent Masons LLP

Olwen Brown Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

PENSIONS

Elizabeth Gane Gowling WLG

Emma King Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Gary Delderfield Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Matthew Giles Squire Patton Boggs

Michael Collins Gateley Plc

Nick Stones Pinsent Masons LLP

Paul Carberry Gowling WLG

Richard Lee Gowling WLG

Sarah Franklin Eversheds Sutherland LLP

PERSONAL INJURY: CLAIMANT

Andy Shaw Higgs LLP

Clive Garner Irwin Mitchell

Emma Broomfield Lanyon Bowdler

Emma Rush Irwin Mitchell

PROPERTY LITIGATION

Alicia Foo Pinsent Masons LLP

Clive Chalkley Gowling WLG

Lisa Barge Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Martin Edwards Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Paul Barker Gowling WLG

Paul Knight Shoosmiths LLP

SOCIAL HOUSING

Andrew Dudley Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

Baljit Basra Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

Daniel Skinner Roythornes Solicitors

David Perry Shoosmiths LLP

Jacqueline Knox Gowling WLG

Peter Hubbard Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

Victoria Jardine Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

SPORT

David Hull Squire Patton Boggs

TRANSPORT

Darren Kenny DWF

Giles Clifford Gowling WLG

ENVIRONMENT

PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE

David Gooding Mills & Reeve LLP

Eamon Mooney Kennedys Julian Smart Clyde & Co

Eamon Mooney, Kennedys

Peter Hubbard, Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

Kirstin Roberts, Freeths LLP Mark Daniels, Browne Jacobson LLP

Hayley Saunders, Shoosmiths LLP Sarah Burns, Irwin Mitchell

Nick Abbott, Mills & Reeve LLP Tracey Lucas, Capsticks LLP

With extensive corporate and finance capabilities, DLA Piper‘s West Midlands team has the ability to handle large scale international deals, particularly those relating to leveraged finance, real estate finance and fully syndicated asset based lending.

Stephen Bottley, pictured, is a leading figure in the UK market who acts for local, national and international clients in matters concerning growth finance, sponsor backed acquisitions and the financing of large corporate groups. Legal director Gemma Lawrence specialises in leveraged and large corporate transactions, acting as lead on multi-jurisdictional transactions. Senior associate Gemma Rooney acts for financial institutions and corporate borrowers on a variety of lending transactions, particularly within real estate.

The team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has an excellent reputation in the market for its ability to deal with high value multibank transactions and complex asset based lending mandates. National head Patrick Davis has wide ranging experience across banking and finance with specific experience handling leveraged finance and corporate lending work. Ben Tumelty is a key player in the local market with considerable experience in corporate lending and asset based lending.

Gowling WLG handles a huge variety of work, with a team that is firmly embedded in the West Midlands market. This includes corporate banking matters, private equity, debt capital markets and real estate finance, as well as more tradition clearing bank work. Chris Brierley  is a wellrespected name in the market with in-depth knowledge of lending within the health, social housing, franchising and renewable energy fields. Navin Prabhakar leads the practice’s clearing bank work and maintains strong

relationships with household name banking clients. Senior associate Angela Rawlins is also noteworthy, with considerable experience in social housing finance and infrastructure finance.

The banking and finance practice at Pinsent Masons LLP is renowned for acting on complex and high value transactions , including those concerning corporate lending and real estate finance. Beyond that, the team has extensive knowledge of leveraged finance, debt capital markets and securitisation transactions. David Doogan has led the team in a large number of matters related to IBOR transition and handles a range of complex transactions. Victoria Baker specialises in structured finance work involving asset-based lending transactions and securitisation. Legal director Esther Parkes is a well known figure with local banks and advises on acquisition and real estate finance.

Gateley Plc‘s banking and finance team is very strong in the areas of private equity and acquisition finance, as well as its expertise

in asset-based lending. Team head Andrew Madden, pictured,  has extensive experience handling leverage finance and funding corporate transactions. Chris Jones has experience in rail and aviation-related finance and has spent the last year handling matters for clients including HSBC and Merchant Money Limited. Key senior associates include Alison Davidson-Cox and Sharon Malhi.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP is renowned for having a very strong Islamic finance practice that advises clients like Masraf Al Rayan and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank. The Islamic finance team is led by Mohammed Saqub , who also leads the real estate finance team. Naomi Tudor  leads the firm's corporate financing team and her expertise covers transactions involving

charity or education institutions and crowdfunding. She is supported by Christopher Gayle   and John Rice  who work heavily in shortterm and bridge financing, while Helen Readett  is the key contact for healthcare and development lending.

The three pillars of the banking and finance team at Browne Jacobson LLP are asset finance, property finance and health and social care; the latter is the area of expertise of team head Emma Hinton. pictured, Paul Hill  specialises in corporate lending and infrastructure finance while Paul Ray  advises major clients on asset based lending and debt purchase.

Shoosmiths LLP's practice is particularly lender-focused, with extensive expertise in real estate, education and pensions finance. The team is also strong in real estate finance and general corporate finance, both domestically and internationally. Jon Bew, pictured, heads the practice; he has over 25 years of experience in invoice finance, asset based lending and distribution finance. He is supported by Natalie Barnes; a partner who specialises in asset based lending and David Adams , who works on pensions finance, education finance and real estate finance.

The team at DWF are renowned for their expertise in commercial real estate and hospitality finance. The team is headed by Richard Holmes , pictured, a highly experienced banking lawyer focused on hotel development financing and the hospitality sector.

James Dyson  is a key figure for Freeths LLP in Birmingham; he specialises in advising on banking and debt restructuring transactions. The Nottingham-based national practice has particular expertise in healthcare finance, public sector finance and litigation funding.

Mills & Reeve LLP works with banks, corporates and charities on local, national and international levels in relation to debt transactions. The team is led by David Varnham who specialises in structured and corporate finance. At the associate level, Amandip Dhillon and Faye Harvard-Jones are key names.

The regional banking and finance practice at Squire Patton Boggs is fully integrated within the firm’s national and international banking and finance department. As well as a niche expertise in football finance, the practice is well-regarded for asset-based lending work, pension fund related finance and education finance. The team is led by Roy Grist, pictured, who primarily advises borrowers and lenders on debt finance.

The banking and finance team at Aaron & Partners LLP is known for handling borrower work and refinancing matters. The practice is led by Hugh Strickland, pictured, who leads on most finance work and has a broad range of expertise with regards to the buying and selling of companies.

The banking and finance practice at George Green LLP possesses a wealth of experience in handling asset-based lending matters for lenders and borrowers. Team head Phillip Round, pictured, is a corporate specialist experienced in short term lending and bridge finance. Alex Jayne-Lowe is a specialist in in commercial and real estate lending.

The team at Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited is led by Colin Rodrigues, who represents prominent banking clients, assisting them on their work within the manufacturing, IT, leisure and hospitality sectors. The firm advises mainstream lenders such as HSBC, NatWest and Barclays Bank.

DLA Piper

Sutherland (International) LLP

WLG

Masons LLP

Plc

Martineau LLP

LLP

Patton Boggs

& Partners LLP

Jacobson LLP

LLP

& Reeve

Green LLP

Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited

CHARITIES AND NOT FOR PROFIT

WE ALL NEED CHRISTMAS CHEERS

Led by Dominic Curran, (left) the outstanding team at Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP is known for its work with faith-based charities, for its international and national work with health and social care charities and for its regular interim appointments by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Other strengths include assisting charities on fundraising and the financing of charities by way of grant work and social investment as well as secured lending, corporate partnership, lotteries and grants. Other names to note include Anna Dabek who assists on employment matters and Matthew Wort. Edwina Turner leads the charities governance offering.

Kirsty McEwen, (left) heads a strong, specialised team at Higgs LLP  which advises many charities and not-forprofit organisations. McEwen deploys particular focus towards constitutional, governance and regulatory matters and her team also provides support to trustees who are subject to intervention and internal dispute matters. The team garners particular praise for its work with faith-based charities, arts charities and sporting organisations. At associate level, Ellie Williams frequently advises on a vast array of issues from complex restructures and the formation of new entities to charity registration, managing conflicts of interests and on governance/ constitutional review projects.

Mills & Reeve LLP has a strong national offering which works for all types of charities on the full array of matters. Its dedicated practice works exclusively for charities and social enterprises and continues to advise a host of the UK’s biggest and most prominent charities. The group has specialist expertise in a variety of sectors such as working with numerous

health charities and those in the sports sector. It is also skilled at advising on philanthropy and legacies and is led by Cambridge-based Neil Burton . In Birmingham, principal associate, Adam Williams, pictured, specialises in governance and charity law regulation. Lucy Howard is adept at advising charities on a range of contested legacies.

The large national practice at VWV advises more than 1,000 charities of all types. It has specialist expertise in advising healthcare, arts and educational charities and public sector bodies on charity law and charity trusteeship, also acting for a significant number of universities as well as advising faith charities. Shivaji Shiva  has a broad practice and has developed a strong reputation for working with faith charities in resolving complex internal disputes. Jaime Hobday has a particular focus on the education sector frequently working with maintained schools and academies. Greg Clark is another key member of the department.

Lodders Solicitors LLP acts for many charitable organisations ranging from high-profile national and regional charities to discreet charitable trusts, breed societies and ancient foundations. Mark Lewis is at the helm and has a wealth of experience spanning ecclesiastical, agricultural and equine to engineering charities, membership bodies and various breed societies. The group is also well-placed to advise on issues such as restructuring and incorporating unincorporated charities. Steven Baker advises numerous regional and educational charities on their property portfolios.

Andrew Wilkinson  heads the department at Shakespeare Martineau LLP which has considerable experience in the social housing and education sectors. Core areas of focus include advising on complex corporate transactions, various governance, regulatory and constitutional matters as well issues regarding legacies.

Lesley Davis  is well-regarded for her work in setting up and managing charitable trusts, foundations and CIOs while Smita Jamdar  regularly assists leading universities on a wide array of governance, student facing and constitutional matters. Michael Hibbs  advises on various HR and employment law matters. Rachel Gwynne  is also recommended whereas Catherine Rustomji recently joined the team from Browne Jacobson LLP.

Businesses in the UK are facing unprecedented challenges, and in my area of legal expertise within hospitality they are facing more than most. As well as recovering from Covid restrictions, our industry faces rampant inflation on food and energy for both venues and their customers, with added pressure on the economy from the slump in the pound and rising interest rates.

The challenge facing hospitality is how to cut some costs and maintain margins where possible without compromising quality; not easy for many small operators already down to the bare bones. The final area of concern is shared by retail travel and other leisure pursuits in that ‘you just can’t get the people’ and by that we mean not just talent but even just bodies are in short supply. Some venues are closing early in the week due to lack of staff and we’re even at a point where there simply aren’t enough chefs available; truly a first world problem.

But, in some places there are some signs of hope amidst the gloom. Whilst the public have not fully reverted to pre-pandemic habits many companies are reporting decent like-for-like figures compared to 2019. There’s talk of growth and although there are less visits to venues, many customers are living their best life and spending more on a night out.

One interesting trend is the move to earlier ‘start and finish’ for visits, probably a hangover from the early closing imposed during the pandemic, as opposed to the hangover from drinking a bottle of wine in your kitchen night during the pandemic.

I work predominantly with smaller independent venues and as they face this ‘new normal’ they don’t quite have the luxury reserves to offset weeks of bad cash flow. Some are succeeding, others have failed and some are just going to hang on for the ride and see where it takes them. But wherever they go, they need your help, and now. Covid 19 proved one thing to us beyond all doubt, and that is that people need people, and everyone in Birmingham need its independent bars and restaurants to thrive.

So I would appeal to everyone to support them as much as you can over the coming months and especially over the festive period when so many of them will be looking for make or break revenue.

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Higgs LLP Mills & Reeve LLP VWV

Lodders Solicitors LLP Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Given recent events you could be forgiven for expecting Christmas to feature Santa ram-raiding a toy shop on a sleigh pulled by the three reindeers of the apocalypse. But it’s not quite that bad; yet.

Duncan Craig

CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE CLAIMANT

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP receives plaudits for its’ very diverse group of highly dedicated lawyers and legal support staff’. The ‘highly experienced and well-respected’ Rankeshwar Batta, above,  leads the practice which has built up a strong reputation for its work with claimants on a broad range of matters, from more modest value to complex multimillion pound cases and associated public law, abuse and human rights matters. Batta has extensive experience in all types of clinical negligence and personal injury cases including some maximum severity/catastrophic injury cases. Newly-promoted partner David Evison deploys niche expertise in abuse and human rights claims for both children and adults and receives instructions from the Official Solicitor. Ann Houghton routinely handles cases of maximum severity and has considerable experience of cases with an international dimension. Victoria Fullilove is another key member of the department which also provides representation at inquests.

Irwin Mitchell provides ‘a personal touch and is genuinely driven to get the best results for its clients’. Luke Daniels (left) leads the ‘superlative‘ team which specialises in the most complex medical negligence cases that span birth injury cases, stillbirth, neonatal deaths and cosmetic/dental surgery. Other core areas of focus include spinal and brain injuries, cancers and mental health. Sara Burns  has extensive experience in all aspects of medical negligence work while Lisa Jordan  has particular expertise

in cerebral palsy claims. Emma Rush advises on cerebral palsy, brain injury, spinal cord injury and amputation cases. Lindsay Tomlinson  frequently handles a variety of complex and high-value claims meanwhile Jenna Harris was promoted to the partnership. experience in asbestos disease cases with Philip Banks serving as head of the international personal injury team. Senior associate Jayne Campbell joined the department from Slater and Gordon.

The ‘exceptionally strong’ clinical negligence team at Shoosmiths LLP is led by Phil Barnes (left) , ‘a great tactician‘, who is also described as a ‘tenacious lawyer who will leave no stone unturned for his client’. The team regularly advises on a variety of high-value and complex cases involving birth injury, brain injury, spinal injury and amputations and is also adept at handling fatal claims, secondary victim claims and also represents clients at inquests. Kashmir Uppal  is experienced in dealing with claims against rogue surgeons and managing multi-party actions. Nicholas Tubb is known for his work on spinal and brain injuries, as well as complex birth injury cases and surgical errors. Under the leadership of Chris McKinney , the personal injury team is well-regarded for its work on various serious and life-changing injuries. Such claims include complex pain and severe burns cases as well as serious psychological trauma and industrial disease claims. Senior associate Kate Price-Marson has particular expertise in helping claimants in cases where the defendant cannot be traced or a company is no longer trading.

complex and multi-site orthopaedic injury claims, among many others. Claire Burnell was made principal associate in 2021 and the team has also been adding to its ranks with the addition of Charlotte Measures  from Harrison Clark Rickerbys and Sarah Huntbach from Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP.

Tim Gray at FBC Manby Bowdler LLP focuses on clinical negligence claims, particularly those involving severe brain injuries including injuries that have been acquired during mismanaged births; he is also accredited by the APIL and sits on the Law Society’s personal injury and clinical negligence panels. Susan Todhunter leads the firm’s catastrophic injury and multi-track team and deals with a variety of high-value and complex catastrophic injury claims, showing particular tenacity in acting for children and adult claimants who have suffered traumatic brain injury.

Beth Heath, above, who is based in Shrewsbury, heads the clinical negligence department at Lanyon Bowdler, following the retirement of Kay Kelly. Hereford-based Lucy Small  is a key member of the team who has considerable experience in complex clinical negligence cases including birth/ brain injury and catastrophic spinal injury claims. The highly experienced team has substantial expertise in a variety of catastrophic injury cases, also including amputations and fatal claims, and continues its key engagement in a large number of birth injury cases involving the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS trusts. Emma Broomfield possesses wide ranging experience of advising claimants with cerebral palsy, catastrophic brain injury and other injuries such as amputations and paraplegia. The personal injury practice is headed by Dawn Humphries . It has a wealth of experience in handling a wide range of claims including accidents abroad, asbestos, industrial disease and military claims as well as amputations, brain injuries and spinal injuries. Neil Lorimer  also plays a pivotal role in the department along with Debbie Humphries .

Harrison Clark Rickerbys fields a specialist team which is led by Inez Brown (left). It has recently been busy advising on an array of complex and high-end mandates and has won several cases against local hospitals. Brown continues to advise on a range of general surgery clinical negligence matters with particular specialisms in birth injuries and catastrophic injury cases. Ally Taft is particularly experienced in advising on claims relating to surgical errors as well as delayed diagnosis cases. The group is also recommended for its work on claims concerning mental health issues and dental negligence cases.

Under the leadership of Clare Langford, (left) Higgs LLP‘s clinical negligence team is well-regarded for its work on a broad spectrum of high-value and complex clinical negligence claims. It has particular expertise in cases involving serious birth injuries, such as cerebral palsy, in addition to spinal cord injuries, delayed diagnosis and fatal claims. Langford is particularly renowned for her work on cases involving a delay in diagnosing meningitis and loss of vision. Andy Shaw receives plaudits for his expertise in claims involving major trauma such as brain injury, amputation and serious orthopaedic injury, as well as severe psychological cases. Newly-promoted partner Steven Santy specialises in

The team at GHP Legal has a wealth of experience in dealing with clinical negligence and personal injury claims. It covers the full gamut of accident and injury cases ranging from accidents in public through to injury from defective products and claims arising from abuse. It has particular strength in acting for adult survivors of child sexual abuse, stress at work cases and wrongful diagnosis. Wrexham-based Robert Williams and Oswestry-based Claire Parfitt, pictured, are both well-regarded.

Sydney Mitchell LLP fields a team well-placed to advise on a wide range of clinical negligence disputes. It regularly pursues claims against hospitals in the West Midlands area and has dealt with various issues relating to delayed diagnosis and falls. Mike Stutton, above, heads both the personal injury and clinical negligence offerings at the firm, the former of which is currently instructed in a number of significant cases where clients have suffered lifechanging injuries and where damages are in the region of £1m.  Senior personal injury executive David Lydon is another key member of the team.

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Harrison Clark Rickerbys Higgs LLP

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP GHP Legal Sydney Mitchell LLP Thompsons Solicitors LLP Wright Hassall LLP Brethertons LLP

Linda Millband, above, leads the well-regarded clinical negligence team at Thompsons Solicitors LLP which forms part of a strong national offering. It is skilled at acting in group actions and has brought claims against a number of negligent surgeons. The team is currently representing claimants in over 40 cerebral palsy cases and 20 cases involving injuries of the maximum severity and is led by Karl De-Loyde, a lawyer well-placed to represent claimants who have suffered life-changing injuries. Clients include trade union members and their families who benefit from the team’s focus on securing early admissions/interim payments and bespoke packages to help their clients and families.

Tim Hodgett, left, leads the excellent team at Bevan Brittan LLP which is a member of the NHS Resolution’s clinical negligence panel and has a close relationship with various leading NHS Trusts. In addition, the group acts for a growing number of private medical insurers and healthcare providers and is increasingly advising on some international claims. Adrian Dagnall, who is an NHS Resolution nominated partner, is best known for his work on high profile indexation, periodical payment and high value quantum cases. Senior associate Lauren Halliday handles a wide range of substantial claims involving brain, spinal and surgical injuries.

CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE DEFENDENT

The team at Brethertons LLP has considerable strength in advising on complex, life-changing and highvalue serious injuries. It has notable expertise in spinal cord injuries and is also recommended for its work on amputations and brain injury cases. Jonathan Rees, below, heads the serious injury team and has secured large amounts of compensation for claimants who have suffered spinal cord and other life changing injuries. Senior associate Sian Buxton frequently supports clients who have sustained life changing injuries as a result of accidents or clinical negligence.

Browne Jacobson LLP‘s team of ‘true specialists’ are ‘capable of managing busy caseloads with ease and good humour’. It has one of the largest national defendant clinical negligence offerings in the UK and also has a strong social care practice. Sarah White. above, is an experienced NHS Resolution nominated partner who frequently handles high-value clinical negligence claims. Jonathan Fuggle  is likewise a nominated partner for NHS Resolution who has particular expertise in neurological, obstetric and gynaecological matters whereas Sarah Manning regularly works on GP indemnity issues. At the cornerstone of the personal injury practice is catastrophic brain and spinal injury claims, complex employer’s liability

and public liability claims, as well as other issues that arise in the context of sports, disease and abuse. Kevin Lawson  is a specialist in brain injury, paraplegic and chronic pain claims meanwhile Bridget Tatham  is skilled in EL/PLL casualty work. Rachel Lyne heads up the Birmingham regulatory team and the firm’s public inquiry team, Cynthia Watts is a key member of the social care and abuse practice and Matthew Harpin  continues to be lauded for his representation of local authority clients, his work on adult social care claims and on all aspects of employers’ liability claims.

Weightmans LLP is home to a ‘really strong team that is tenacious in its approach’. It remains appointed to all NHS Resolution panel lots which includes advising on clinical claims for NHS trusts and primary care beneficiaries and also handles numerous medical malpractice claims for insurers and independent practitioners. Tony Yeaman, left, and Deborah Bannister are both NHS Resolution nominated partners while Jasmine Armstrong has advised on numerous defendant clinical negligence

actions for NHS Resolution. Sarah Hopwood heads the healthcare fraud service while the personal injury practice is likewise large and highly regarded, acting for most major insurers and 1/3 of FTSE 100 companies. Chris Webb-Jenkins is an experienced advocate and has particular expertise in group actions whereas Navdip Wilson  has particular strength in various areas such as chronic pain claims. Henry Bermingham

is a known name for his handling of social care abuse/inquiry matters. David Tuck  is a key member of the disease team while Penelope Marshall  handles a wide range of litigation on behalf of local government and public sector clients as well private care home and educational bodies. Bruce Ralston is adept at advising on sports liability and frequently advises insurers, sports governing bodies and sports companies/organisations on a whole host of issues. The team was pleased to add Nicola Pegg to its ranks from Bevan Brittan LLP .

Christopher Malla at Kennedys divides his time between London and Birmingham and leads the clinical negligence offering. Malla has extensive experience in a wide range of claims including cerebral palsy, obstetrics, gynaecological, paediatrics and highvalue spinal and orthopaedic claims. The team is appointed to the NHS Resolution clinical panel and also acts for various private healthcare providers and their insurers. Ian Davies leads a ‘tenacious and innovative‘ group of personal injury defendant lawyers with James Shrimpton heading up the firm’s employers’ and public liability product group. Philippa Craven plays a pivotal role in the occupational disease practice advising an array of insurer and corporate clients. Mark Walsh specialises in high-value and catastrophic injury claims and Naomi North is adept at helping companies and individuals facing investigations by the police and HSE. Katie Tonks and Avinder Sidhu have been promoted to the partnership.

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Jeanette Whyman, above, heads the clinical negligence department at Wright Hassall LLP which has been busy advising on various group actions, including some claims against Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust. Whyman also represents clients at inquests and her team is also adept in advising on cancer cases where there has been a late or missed diagnosis, particularly in respect of obstetric and gynaecological cases.

Freeths LLP

Neil Bowker, above, UK group head of litigation and regulatory, is highly experienced at handling complex domestic and cross border disputes. Nick Bamford has a long history dealing with contractual claims and allegations of financial misconduct, focusing on the hospitality and financial sectors. Philip Kelly has a strong focus on dealing with high value strategic disputes relating to civil fraud, technology and outsourcing.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has a strong track record of representing prestigious clients in both High Court litigation and international arbitration. The team has strong specialisms in corporate disputes and civil fraud, and are experts in the automotive, aerospace, technology, outsourcing and energy sectors. Richard Lloyd specialises in managing disputes for clients in the industrial engineering or utilities sectors. Adam Fisher leads the firm's automotive sector and has extensive experience in complex multi-party litigation. Principal associate Ridah Iqbal specialises in technology and outsourcing disputes and has significant experience dealing with cyber security issues. Senior associate Victoria Callicott  is an expert in the utilities sector and has experience in fraud litigation.

The litigation team at Fieldfisher LLP has sector specialisations in manufacturing, engineering, IT, energy and agency disputes. As well as this, the firm has expertise in large scale litigation, international arbitration and public procurement work. Ann Benzimra, below, works predominantly in the IT, manufacturing, and energy and infrastructure sectors and has significant experience in mediation and

cross-border matters. Richard Waugh has particular expertise in energy sector disputes and has considerable experience on insurance related disputes and commercial fraud. Ellie Pinnells has handled international litigation involving German companies and Stephen May handles litigation and arbitration that involves public law issues. Director Zaakira Allana has worked on High Court litigation and international arbitration.

The team at Gowling WLG includes partners with specialisms in a wide array of different areas, including warranty disputes, IT disputes, fraud and international arbitration.

Seasoned litigator Andrew Smith, above, has particular expertise in contractual disputes; Helen Davenport specialises in data privacy, cyber security and technology disputes. Patrick Arben focuses on the tech sector and issues relating to outsourcing disputes, public procurement challenges, antibribery and corporate investigations.

The practice at DWF handles a wide range of cross-border disputes, with a track record of work relating to Russia and the CIS. The team has acted for a number of defrauded foreign banks in Ukraine and the Middle East. Key names include Russia and CIS desk head Andrew Leach, above, and Darren Kenny, who is an expert in international fraud and asset recovery, representing banks that have been defrauded by owners and managers. Ben Griffin specialises in domestic and international dispute resolution with an emphasis on cross-jurisdictional matters. Senior associate Matthew Goodwin, who joined from Wright Hassall LLP in mid2021 has a particular focus on financial services, shareholder and director disputes and professional negligence disputes.

Mills & Reeve LLP is known for undertaking high value international work as part of its international arbitration practice. Its roster of high profile clients includes Jaguar Land Rover, Bosch, Triumph Motorcycles and SilverRail Technologies UK. Team head Steve Allen is especially strong for automotive, advance manufacturing and technology disputes along with shareholder and product liability litigation. Anthony Minnis deals with complex litigation and alternative dispute resolution. He works in a wide variety of sectors including energy, IT, manufacturing and sport.

The team at Pinsent Masons LLP has a deep knowledge of sectors including energy, financial institutions, IT, pharma and retail. The group is skilled at advising national international clients in both the private and public sectors on a range of disputes. Jim Richards leads the team with 34 years of experience acting on high value and international disputes. Greg Lowson  is one of the most experienced dispute lawyers in the West Midlands with 38 years of experience. Jessica Meisel has been a central part of the firm's work with the Danish Tax Administration Authority and advises household names like Rolls-Royce.

The team at Shakespeare Martineau LLP specialises in business-to-business disputes, shareholder disputes and warranty claims. The firm acts for clients across a range of sectors such as education, energy, manufacturing and IT and telecoms. Barry Jervis has significant experience managing corporate disputes and asset recovery matters, especially those with high value or international elements. Andrew Adams has considerable expertise in energy while Mark Beesley specialises in contractual litigation. James Woolstenhulme  has established himself as an expert in in corporate disputes with a special interest in shareholder disputes, injunctions and procurement issues.

The ‘extremely impressive’ team at Shoosmiths LLP handles finance disputes for an impressive list of clients including UK and international banks. The firm has a fast growing arbitration practice and is particularly adept at handling fraud and financial services disputes. It is also currently one of the most prominent firms with regards to phone hacking claims, on which Mark Elder and associate Rebekah Finch are especially relevant . The team is led by ‘force of nature’ Alex Bishop, who also heads up the Birmingham office - she is a high-profile litigator with particular experience with internal investigations, fraud and injunctive relief. Other top associates are financial services-focused Charlotte Healey and Will Carr who handles fraud issues and contractual disputes.

The 'outcome focused' team at Squire Patton Boggs attracts praise for its handling of both local and cross border cases, especially those with a focus on IT and technology disputes where director Ian Skinner, above, is prominent. Birmingham litigation head Simon Garbett handles a significant amount of risk advisory work and supply chain disputes within the automotive, retail and manufacturing sectors. Senior associate Mariyam Harunah is trusted by national and international clients on defamation and reputation management.

Bevan Brittan LLP is perhaps best known for its expertise in disputes relating to public infrastructure and the energy and waste sector. The team is led by Adam Kendall, who has a strong track record in litigation and arbitration for clients across the private and public sectors.

Freeths LLP act for businesses and high net worth individuals across a wide range of sectors, handling group litigation, professional negligence and partnership disputes. Recent months have seen the firm take on high profile group litigation cases against the likes of Visa and Mastercard. Richard Coates, above, leads the team. which includes seasoned litigator Louise Wilson and managing associate Michael Hoskins.

The commercial dispute resolution team at Gateley Plc handles a full range of commercial and corporate disputes with a particular focus on the retail, sports and manufacturing sectors. The practice is led by Steve Goodrham who is involved in matters regarding restrictive covenants, shareholder disputes and professional negligence claims. Neil Warner is regularly instructed by clients in the sport sector and is experienced in restrictive covenants and breach of confidentiality claims. Other lawyers of note include senior associates Kate Canning and Safeea Shafiq, and legal directors

Thea Maertens and Rebecca Thomas.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP's commercial litigation team offer a 'high quality' service to clients dealing with corporate and commercial disputes involving shareholder matters, breach of contract claims and contentious insolvency matters. Helen Briant, above, leads the practice with a focus on fraud and private wealth and family business disputes. Senior associate Jamie De Souza has considerable experience in the manufacturing sector and has led on complicated fraud matters and shareholder disputes.

Clarke Willmott LLP is especially strong for shareholder disputes for clients such as the West Bromwich Building Society. This is a particular focus for team leader Peter Brewer whose team also includes Paul Griffiths and associate Richard Howell.

Sydney Mitchell LLP offers ‘robust, practical advice’ to a wide range of clients. The team is led by the ‘outstanding’ Dean Parnell, who is well known within the Birmingham market for his coverage of high value commercial disputes including shareholder disputes, warranty claims, injunctive relief and partnership disputes.

The Wilkes Partnership focuses primarily on business-to-business disputes ranging from manufacturing through to construction disputes. The team also acts for individuals on matters such as shareholder disputes, warranty claims and defamation actions. Practice head Simon Thomas specialises in commercial and business disputes, including those concerning the sale of goods and construction issues.

DLA Piper‘s commercial litigation practice is well equipped to handle the full range of national and international disputes.

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CELEBRATING 10 TOP BAND RANKINGS IN LEGAL 500 FOR BIRMINGHAM AND THE WEST MIDLANDS

Harrison Clark Rickerbys (HCR) scooped 10 top band rankings for Birmingham and the West Midlands. This also includes three rising stars, four next generation partners and 10 leading individuals named.

The firm’s Family team has moved to the top spot in the region this year from band two for Birmingham, and it has maintained a band one ranking for the ‘elsewhere in the West Midlands’ region. Birmingham Family partner, Victoria Fellows is singled out as “a tough but pragmatic litigator”.

The rankings for Corporate and Commercial also see HCR in band 1 for elsewhere in the West Midlands, along with Commercial Litigation.

The Private Client team has improved its ranking, moving up to band two for Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate, and maintained its band two ranking for Contentious Trusts and Probate. Also in band two is Finance (corporate recovery and insolvency).

The team at Medical Accident Group, part of Harrison Clark Rickerbys, also features in band two for Insurance (personal injury and clinical negligence; claimant) in the West Midlands. They are highly praised for their empathy, care and “extensive medical knowledge”.

Recognised for her recent position as President of the Birmingham Law Society, Inez Brown, who heads the Medical Accident Group team “expertly and efficiently”, is listed as a leading individual. A client describes Stephanie Pincher’s “attitude, work ethics and care” as “exemplary”, while Amrit Dhaliwal receives praise

for her “hardworking” approach to ensure clients are “heard and understand the complexities of their case”.

The firm maintained its band three rankings for Projects, Energy and Natural Resources (energy project finance and PFI) and Real Estate (construction).

Head of Birmingham office, Rebecca Leask, pictured above, said: “These are fantastic results for our

Birmingham and West Midlands teams and we thank our clients for their glowing testimonials”.

Overall, HCR received rankings in 44 top bands –12 in band one, 19 in band two and 13 in band three. 135 individual lawyers have been named in this year’s edition including 28 leading individuals, 13 next generation partners and 10 rising stars.

in Legal 500 rankings

Birmingham barristers scoop record rankings

National Chambers 3 Paper Buildings (3PB) has 130 barristers ranked - including 14 new rankings - across London, South East, Western, Midlands and Northern Circuits and in 21 categories of law in the latest Legal 500 rankings of UK lawyers.

The Legal 500 praises 3PB as “excellent" and "delivering a high-quality service across a broad range of areas of law" and acknowledges the outstanding work of our clerking team, rated "efficient, professional and knowledgeable" and "the best in the industry".

‘3PB is a spectacular set of chambers with so much depth and strength.’

The large team at FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is known for its particular expertise in disputes concerning insolvency, company law and real estate, and is well regarded for providing 'the quality of a city centre firm'. The practice is led by Charlotte Clode, above, while former senior partner Guy Birkett is a key member of the team with notable experience in shareholder litigation. Other important team members are Gareth Ruddock, who heads the debt recovery team, and property litigation head Brian Aikman.

George Green LLP‘s commercial litigation team is praised for its 'depth of expertise' and its experience handling high stakes cases involving insurance, banking and professional negligence. Neil Williams, below, is a team leader with 'bags of experience' who primarily deals with commercial and corporate disputes. Morgan Rees specialises in corporate litigation, and is praised for being 'astute in terms of litigation tactics'. Liam Owen is praised for 'always looking out for what will benefit a client in the short and long run.'

With multiple offices across the West Midlands, Harrison Clark Rickerbys has a number of niche specialisms including disputes relating to defence, security and international fraud. More generally, the broad practice also handles shareholder disputes, indemnity claims, directors' duties and commercial agreements. Worcesterbased Elizabeth Beatty, right, sits as a Deputy District Judge and handles high value, cross border shareholder disputes and warranty claims. In Hereford, Richard Morgan is firmwide head of dispute resolution with a specialty in the defence, security and forces sectors. Head of the Wye Valley office is Hefin Archer-Williams; a litigator who specialises in partnership disputes, breaches of shareholder agreements, tenancy disputes and insurance disputes.

Band Hatton Button LLP‘s ‘truly specialist‘ litigation practice excels in the field of property litigation along with insolvency disputes, inheritance disputes, professional negligence and businessrelated litigation, The firm also advises heavily on Covid-related issues such as force majeure. New head John French, above, specialises in contract disputes, neighbour and boundary disputes and defending regulatory prosecutions. Jon Wilby has specialisms in commercial property and construction, while Malcolm Thomas has particular experience in disputes arising from wills and trusts. Associate Raman Dhillon is another important team member.

Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited’s ‘professional yet pragmatic’ practice is known for advising on disputes involving suppliers, customers, shareholders and partners within the manufacturing, IT, pharmaceutical and child care areas. The firm is also very strong in disputes related to tax and employment law. Harminder Sandhu, the firm’s managing director, has a wealth of experience dealing with shareholder, partnership and contractual disputes across different sectors.

Another noteworthy name is newly promoted partner Claire Yardley who acts for a number of farms and estates in the agricultural sector.

With six offices across the region, MFG Solicitors LLP boasts an impressive track record of dealing with a wide range of disputes concerning contentious trusts, tenancy agreements, mergers and employment issues across sectors like energy and agriculture. The team is led by 'highly experienced' Thomas Esler who has particular expertise dealing with litigation involving warranty disputes and shareholder agreements. Samuel Pedley  is trusted by large corporate and commercial clients in dealing with negligence claims, debt recovery and breach of contract.

Wright Hassall LLP’s commercial litigation team specialises in sectors including technology, financial and professional services. While it boasts an impressive depth, core strengths include expertise in the areas of injunctive relief, regulatory and corporate disputes and reputation management. New head Nathan Talbott, above, is an expert in high value corporate disputes and advises major institutions on misconduct, commercial disputes and regulatory and enforcement action. Tariva Thomas advises on tax schemes that result in significant penalties from HMRC. Susan Hopcraft specialises in commercial disputes, restrictive covenants, insurance coverage and professional negligence claims.

Lanyon Bowdler has particular sector expertise in manufacturing, construction and engineering and agriculture. The team also has a dedicated debt recovery unit that works within both local communities and for household names in the agricultural sector. Department head Andrew Pegg ‘s, above, caseload involves many high profile shareholder and unfair prejudice litigation matters in addition to a strong track record in insurance and construction disputes.

The ‘savvy and sensible’ commercial litigation team at Thursfields Solicitors have key expertise in handling high value shareholder disputes, partnership disputes, and contentious matters concerning injunctive relief and insolvency, frequently with a cross border element. The team is headed by ‘pragmatic’ and ‘very smart’ Stephen Rome, above, who has spent the year handling multiple complex, high value matters. He works alongside solicitor Georgia Morris.

The team at Ansons has particular expertise in handling disputes relating to shareholders and partnerships, breach of duties, property, insolvency and construction. Martin de Ridder  has headed up the department for 12 years, specialising in shareholder and insolvency matters.

The commercial dispute resolution team at Lodders Solicitors LLP advises on a wide range of commercial disputes, including warranty claims, IP disputes and partnership matters. The team is led by Michael Wakeling, who regularly works on behalf of family businesses and private individuals.

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CONTENTIOUS TRUSTS AND PROBATE

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The ‘extremely knowledgeable and approachable‘ Robert Weston leads the team at MFG Solicitors LLP which has been busy advising claimants and defendants on a wide range of matters, from maladministration claims to promissory and proprietary estoppel claims. It frequently supports on claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 while Weston continues to receive a steady flow of instructions from counsel, other solicitors and existing referrers of work. Newlypromoted partner Andrew Chandler is a full member of ACTAPS whereas Suzanne Lee  also plays a pivotal role in the department that has ‘a strong and diverse team with strong litigators as well as expert back up from its private client team‘.

Laura Abbott, left, who is a principal associate, leads the department at Shoosmiths LLP which has a ‘growing team of incredibly capable lawyers’. Abbott regularly deals with disputes relating to wills, trusts and estates.

Wright Hassall LLP fields a flourishing and experienced team under the direction of Martin Oliver; he has acted in many high-profile inheritance disputes and is skilled at advising families who think that the deceased lacked the mental capacity to make the will or was subject to undue influence. Katie Alsop has considerable experience in agricultural litigation relating to estates and continues to deal with matters concerning highvalue farms and farming businesses. Alsop also advises on professional negligence cases that arise on death and has a particular focus on postdeath proprietary estoppel claims.

Charlotte Clode and Angie Manley, left, co-head the department at FBC Manby Bowdler LLP which is skilled at handling the full gamut of contested probate and trust work. The team is adept at dealing with complex, high-value and multi-jurisdictional instructions and also has experience in Court of Appeal proceedings. It frequently advises on issues such as rectification claims, breach of trust actions and all contentious matters relating to the administration of estates and trusts.

more modest estates. It has been increasingly advising on estates that include owner-managed businesses and family partnerships. Under the direction of the ‘excellent‘ Craig Ridge, the team acts for executors and beneficiaries on a variety of estate claims and on challenges to wills. Other team members include associates Georgia Stott, below, and Joseph Martin.

With Mark Abrol, left. at the helm, Meridian Private Client LLP's ‘great team that has friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff‘ handles the full array of contentious matters. Abrol, who is a full member of ACTAPS and the PLA, has considerable experience of acting as an independent administrator in estates which often have multiple disputed elements. In addition, he frequently acts in professional negligence claims where the parties are seeking to recover losses that have often been incurred as a result of negligent estate planning advice. Mark Terrar is another key figure who routinely advises on cases that have complex trusts and tax structures, as well as overseas elements.

The ‘excellent’ and ‘very professional’ Lucy Howard leads a ‘strong’ team at Mills & Reeve LLP.

Freeths LLP is best known for its work on high-value trust and probate litigation such as claims under the Inheritance Act, will challenges, estoppel claims and removal applications.  Mark Keeley , who ‘runs the department admirably’, divides his time between Birmingham and Nottingham. Keeley is regularly appointed by the Court to act as an independent replacement trustee/ administrator in numerous contentious cases and is also a qualified mediator. Managing associate Max Orbach is ‘technically gifted’.

At Gateley Plc, Gavin Faber, left, whose’ knowledge of contentious trusts and probate is exceptional', heads the department; he acts as a mediator and a court appointed PR and trustee and is skilled at dealing with professional negligence claims involving negligently drafted trusts and wills, tax and investment advice. The department has been busy carrying out work nationally for individual clients, banks, executors, trustees, deputies and beneficiaries.

The team at George Green LLP is experienced at handling all types of contentious probate matters such as challenges to wills and estate disputes. It acts for various individual beneficiaries, administrators, executors and trustees. Head of team Liam Owen  continues to handle numerous high-value matters and is supported by associate Susan Ford.

Under the leadership of the ‘excellent and very impressive‘ Beth King-Smith, above, the team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys enjoys a prominent reputation for its work with the high-net-worth community across the region, frequently advising wealthy individuals and long-established farming families. It receives plaudits for its advice on a vast array of complex family trust disputes from Inheritance Act claims to the removal of executors. Senior associate Alyson McGowan also has a wealth of experience in all aspects of contentious trust and probate matters

Higgs LLP excels at dealing with all the contentious aspects of high-value and complex estates and familial trusts, as well as

As part of a well-regarded national offering, the group has been busy advising on a wide array of issues such as challenges to the validity of wills, actions involving trustees and executors and claims over lifetime transactions. In addition, the nimble practice acts for a number of charities on contested legacy matters. Senior associate Kim Ryan, above, is also highly rated along with new addition, Kimberly Mears who recently joined the department from FBC Manby Bowdler LLP.

Pam Deol, left, heads the department at Sydney Mitchell LLP, having recently joined from Thursfields Solicitors; she specialises

in will disputes, Inheritance Act claims and contentious trust and probate work and is skilled at representing claimants and defendants in a broad range of cases from trustee disputes to claims against executors, estates, beneficiaries and trusts. Tracy Creed and Katie Maxwell-Stewart are among the other key members of the team. The former head of department,  Kamal Majevadia, is now at Irwin Mitchell.

Claire Vale leads the contentious probate department at Lanyon Bowdler which advises on claims under the Inheritance Act, as well as on various probate disputes involving challenges to the validity of wills. The practice is well-placed to advise on other disputes with executors/ administrators and applications to remove executors/administrators.

The key contact for the West Midlands team at Shakespeare Martineau LLP is Alistair Spencer , an associate and ACTAPS member. Andrew Wilkinson is the national head of the team that frequently advises on a whole host of complex issues from will disputes about testamentary capacity to rectification claims and trust disputes. The practice is skilled at handling professional negligence claims in relation to wills drafting and has a particular focus on large scale agricultural inheritance disputes, as well as proprietary estoppel claims.

Kevin Lynch heads the department at The Wilkes Partnership, which is highly-regarded for its skill at resolving contentious probate disputes. It handles a broad spread of claims against executors and personal representatives, in addition to advising on other matters such as trust disputes and proprietary estoppel claims. Jack Ackrill has been busy too advising on various will challenges and Inheritance Act cases.

on procurement and transaction structuring matters. Praised by clients for her perceptiveness, investment and asset management head Lisa Middleton advises the firm’s most significant investor and developer clients on various acquisitions, disposals and forward commitments. Tom Eastwood co-chairs the firm’s renowned healthcare real estate team, working with a mix of internationallylisted REITs and sector operators on high-profile investment deals and ground rent transactions. Carl Scott, who focuses chiefly on restructuring, leads multiple relationships with lenders, distressed companies, and insolvency practitioners. The ‘bright and commercially minded’ senior associate Arminder Dhillon is also recommended.

Legal director Michelle Knight works with local authorities on regeneration projects and development agreements.

Capsticks LLP

Underpinned by its significant national footprint, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP fields one of the largest real estate practices in the West Midlands, working with various blue-chip clients on a formidable volume of high-value projects and redevelopment schemes across a myriad of sectors. Birmingham real estate head David Jones anchors the firm’s commercial development arm, acting for world-renowned investors and developers on major logistics ventures and mixed-use schemes.  National corporate real estate lead Dawn Hilton is a key contact for some of the firm’s most highprofile consumer goods and financial services sector clients, including luxury automotive manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies. Global real estate practice chair Gurjit Atwal specialises in multijurisdictional commercial development and investment matters, while Philip Medford works with national house builders on residential development schemes. Iftkhar Ahmed focuses on consumer and financial institutions matters, whereas Mark Chester is a driving force behind many of the firm’s data centre projects, working with various owners and operators, both in the UK and internationally. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Commercially astute with a keen eye for detail‘, Gowling WLG‘s eminent real estate practice is consistently sought out by an enviable lineup of developers, investors, and blue-chip corporate occupiers for its capabilities in big-ticket projects. Practice head Richard Bate, above, is a seasoned market presence with decades of

experience in residential development matters, helping to deliver numerous consortium developments, planning and infrastructure agreements, and mixed-use schemes. Duncan Murphy acts as the go-to advisor for many of the nation’s top house builders and sports stadiums, advising on big-ticket transactions as well as the full scope of commercial concerns. John Burns is a highly experienced advisor to clients in the industrial developer community, with recent highlights including major regeneration projects in the manufacturing sector. Logistics co-chair Mike Trainer attracts superlative praise for his ‘formidable‘ and ‘incredibly insightful‘ work on developments in the logistics, office, retail, and energy sectors. Helen Emmerson heads up the firm’s energy and utility real estate offering as well as its corporate occupier desk, and is particularly noted for her capabilities in large-scale renewable energy projects. Matthew Walker, who heads up the firm’s student accommodation offering, is also noted for his expertise in industrial and logistics, retail and office sectors. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Widely praised for its ‘hardworking, diligent and commercial‘ approach, Pinsent Masons LLP‘s capabilities in regenerations, residential developments, and logistics projects makes it a strong choice for a sizeable roster of public and private sector clients. The practice is headed up by Tom Johnson , a residential development specialist who also advises on mixed-use ventures across the country. Kultar Khangura ‘always goes above and beyond‘ on some of the region’s largest regeneration schemes, with recent highlights including major rail, road, and city centre transformation projects. David Meecham spearheads the firm’s public sector development offering, working with a host of local authorities and non-departmental bodies

Leveraging its strong national network of offices, DLA Piper routinely works with a multitude of highprofile investors, developers, and blue-chip corporate occupiers on big-ticket property transactions and development projects. Monique Sutherland, above, possesses expertise in development and infrastructure matters encompasses brownfield site acquisitions and disposals, promotion agreements, and contractual joint ventures, working with clients across a diverse range of sectors. Katie Jacobson is well-versed in largescale investment and development transactions, advising known institutional investors, pension funds, and corporate occupiers on the full scope of commercial real estate matters. Senior associate Rachel Williams is noted for her focus on real estate financing work, acting for some of the nation’s leading investment banks. Sophie Murtough is also recommended.

Fieldfisher LLP regularly receives instructions from many leading names in real estate investment and development, both at a regional and national level. Practice head Sue Simpson , above, possesses decades of experience in development and planning matters, with recent highlights including major refinancings, redevelopments, and regeneration projects for life sciences companies, residential developers, and REITs. Qualified chartered surveyor Mark Lee maintains a broad practice, working with pension funds, property companies, and corporate occupiers on portfolio transactions, and strategic land promotion and option agreements. Merle Wray works with both developers and occupiers on commercial and residential projects, as well as development finance transactions and forward funding deals.

"Drawing on its robust national footprint, Shoosmiths LLP is rated by clients for its active commercial development practice, as well as its burgeoning residential and corporate occupier offerings. Department head Jason Jackson, below, is a central figure within the West Midlands logistics and residential development practice, working with some of the market’s leading entities on transactions and advisory matters. James Needham , another name to note in the logistics development space, chiefly advises major UK institutions and foreign investors on pre-let and forward funded transactions. Birmingham office head Beth McArdle maintains an active corporate occupier practice, often negotiating head office leases for various public companies. Real estate finance team head Tim Flight is especially noted for his experience in the care home, student development and healthcare sectors. Senior associate Sophie Jack is also recommended.

Helmed by newly promoted partner Charlotte Ward, above, DWF works with an enviable roster of blue-chip corporate clients, REITs, and local authorities across England on the full gamut of transactional and development-based matters. Toby Askin manages a number of the firm’s most high-profile client relationships, assisting various entities with acquisitions and investments. Melanie Williams , who heads up the firm’s hospitality sector offering, is sought out by numerous hotel chains and restaurant companies for property investment and development advice.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP‘s ‘very knowledgeable‘ team is roundly praised for its willingness to ‘go above and beyond’ for a diverse lineup of house builders, local authorities, and other developers. The practice is jointly chaired by Fiona Thomson,above, a seasoned property lawyer whose commercial development focus is

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Gowling WLG

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Masons

Hamlins

Brittan

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Wilkes Partnership

Hello, I’m Duncan Craig, Head of Licensing at Citadel Chambers in Birmingham where I have been practising as a barrister since 2013; during that time I have built my practice up to be one of the busiest licensing lawyers in the country.

Prior to my call to the bar, I had a 20-year career in the drinks and licensed trade, working for national and regional brewers, pub companies and eventually operated my own group of pubs, bars and restaurants in Nottingham.

Hospitality has rarely faced such challenging times, running your own business in the current climate is riddled with uncertainties and difficulties that many people are struggling to rise to. Having been a business owner myself I understand the problems that my clients are currently facing, one of which may be disagreements with commercial landlords and the associated lease disputes that may follow.

Over the last year I've received a very large number of instructions from licensed businesses to advise them or represent them in relation to their commercial leases and it’s clear that the pandemic, the rising cost of energy and recent market volatility have completely changed the climate for commercial property leases, in the short term at least.

For businesses that are in arrears, landlords seeking lease forfeiture are not finding it as straightforward as they would have done two or three years ago. The two main reasons for that are that courts are much more accommodating to tenants who are in arrears and that the courts, if not overwhelmed, are certainly clearing a huge backlog of cases meaning any lease forfeiture action is now a very slow process.

I also think there’s a third reason in that there is a palpable lack of experienced, quality operators looking to take properties. Whilst larger companies or equity backed groups may be able to negotiate a position where they are happy to commit many independent operators, small chains and start-ups are reluctant to set sail and in such stormy waters and may wait until things settle down. Many landlords now appreciate this and are reducing rents or offering incentives to new tenants to sign, the same attitude must be shown to existing tenants to help every business through these difficult times.

Examples of licensed businesses I have recently represented in relation to disputes or issues with their landlords include several bars and restaurants dealing with section 146 notices, for non-payment of rent and/or breaches of covenants; an Essex restaurant where I have been instructed to advise in relation to a sub-lease, an East Midlands restaurant where I have been asked to advise the leaseholder about terminating the lease due to persistent water ingress; a brewery in North London where I have been representing the business about the use category within the lease, which the landlord was seeking to enforce; a South London pub where the landlord has sought to inveigle the council to revoke their licence in order that they can enforce the clauses in the lease relating to licensable activities at the premises; a Shoreditch bar where I have been instructed to enter negotiations with the landlord about the renewal of the lease; and a licence to occupy and management agreement in relation to a hotel in Gloucestershire which will be subject to a £4.5 million development. I have also advised several licensed businesses lately about clauses in their leases that specifically relate to the licence and licensable activities. Licensing is an esoteric area of law and many associated clauses within leases are worded in a way that in anachronistic, or not in accordance with the wording of the legislation and are therefore frequently unenforceable.

I am conscious about how busy many solicitors who operate in the commercial property market and if you represent a licensed business and they are experiencing some difficulties, feel free to contact me and I’m certainly happy to have a no obligation conversation about their situation and to see if I can be of service.

My commercial background and operational experience in hospitality, coupled with my track record of reaching settlements mean I am suitably equipped to take instructions and resolve disputes with landlords, particularly within the hospitality industry.

I have huge love and respect for the hospitality industry which makes me ever more determined to get the best result for my clients in disputes with their landlord. I take a practical but robust approach in dealing with commercial landlords and their representatives, be that through sensible dialogue or litigating the matter at court.

most pointedly concentrated in the industrial space, and Chris Plumley, who specialises in large scale public sector mandates, including big-ticket town centre regeneration schemes and nationally-significant infrastructure projects. In his capacity as co-lead of the regional public sector practice, Simon Robinson focuses on residential development matters, ranging from strategic land promotion initiatives to land assembly matters. Digby Morgan heads up the firm’s Midlands-based affordable housing offering, advising on RP-led development schemes, portfolio sales, and lease agreements for care facilities. Senior associate Natalie Owen, who runs the real estate finance team in Birmingham, is also recommended.

Bevan Brittan LLP‘s Birminghambased real estate practice is routinely sought out by city councils, registered providers (RPs), universities, and healthcare operators for assistance in delivering high-profile projects. Rebecca Pendlebury, above, works with a multitude of local authorities, both within the West Midlands and beyond, on various development and regeneration schemes, ranging from new stadiums to infrastructure overhauls. Alongside Pendlebury, senior associate Emma Holmes is a central figure within the firm’s housing team who works with local authorities and national RPs on affordable residential developments and tenanted stock disposals. Senior associate Claire Hamlin, who joined from Higgs LLP in September 2021, is also recommended.

Browne Jacobson LLP‘s diverse public and private sector clientele regularly seek out the team for assistance in a range of development and regeneration matters. Practice co-chair Dominic Swift , who splits his time between Birmingham and Nottingham, is a highly experienced commercial property lawyer who regularly advises some of the firm’s leading public sector and higher education clients. Thomas Howard specialises in local authority investment matters, working on a range of site acquisitions and projects involving healthcare operators. Zo Hoida focuses on public sector regeneration schemes with international stakeholders, including civic and residential redevelopments. Senior associate Philip Gray is noted for his capabilities in mixed-use projects. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham unless stated otherwise.

Irwin Mitchell is a strong choice for a mix of residential and commercial developers, institutional lenders, and corporate occupiers, ranging from national retail chains to real estate consultancies. Practice chair Ben Acheson , who also serves as national head of the strategic land

team, has a wide-ranging practice that encompasses refinancings, site acquisitions, and development joint ventures. Senior associate Gurpreet Hayer notably advises investor clients on a spectrum of real estate assets and financing transactions across the office, industrial, and retail sectors. Stuart McDonald is also recommended.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP is rated by clients for its capabilities in the full scope of commercial property matters, ranging from development site and land parcel acquisitions to asset disposals, promotions, and collaboration agreements.

Practice chair Adrian Bland, left, is a key contact for a number of regional and national players in the real estate investment and regeneration space. Debbie Irwin is a highly experienced residential development specialist who works with a number of national and regional house-builders on strategic land acquisitions and consortium developments. Andrew Mellor ‘s diverse development expertise encompasses industrial and logistics schemes, city centre regeneration projects, and student accommodation sites. James Gooch is praised by clients for his ‘depth of knowledge and ability to think outside the box‘ in development transactions. Clive Read , who joined the practice from an in-house role in May 2021, is widely regarded for his extensive experience in the higher education sector.

Clarke Willmott LLP is especially noted for its capabilities in the retail sector, handling a range of refinancings, leasings, and site acquisitions for renowned names in the market. The practice is jointly led by Fiona Rendell, above, a seasoned commercial property lawyer; Iain Harrison , who anchors the team’s retail offering; and Jonathan Morton , who specialises in site acquisitions and portfolio secured lending.

and other development specialists on the full gamut of transactional and project-based mandates. National practice head Bhavesh Amlani ‘s recent engagements include big-ticket mixed-use site acquisitions and land promotion agreements. Benjamin Smith  is noted for his expertise in leases and licences, and joint venture development agreements. Emily Danson is a key port of call for many of the firm’s house builder clients, who turn to her for her expertise in complex regenerations.

‘Extremely professional, reliable and attentive to our every need‘, The Wilkes Partnership draws praise for its capabilities in the full gamut of commercial and residential development matters. Solihull-based practice co-chair Tim Coplestone‘s broad capabilities encompass site assemblies, portfolio restructurings, and real estate financing matters.

Practice co-chair Mark Hodgson is instructed by owner-managed businesses operating in the leisure, motor trade, and retail sectors, while Solihull-based Andrew Watts focuses on investment portfolio management, working with a number of institutional lenders. The ‘excellent’ Bryan Poultney specialises in investment acquisitions in the retail, industrial and leisure sectors. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham unless stated otherwise.

Working closely with its offices in London and the US, Squire Patton Boggs‘ interdisciplinary real estate practice is regularly engaged by clients from the worlds of hospitality, retail, and healthcare. Practice head Nick Green, above, is recommended for his expertise in commercial relationships and portfolio advisory work, most notably in the hospitality, retail, and healthcare sectors. Neil Taylor handles both residential and commercial development matters, acting for national house builders, regeneration specialists, and investors. Residential development specialist Kevin Nagle acts for both developers and landowners on national housing projects, and possesses particular experience in later-living and logistics matters. Senior associate James Thorman focuses on residential land acquisitions, and landlord and tenant matters for logistics sector operators.

Fielding an expanding team of ‘dedicated experienced professionals‘, Roythornes Solicitors is especially active in the residential development sector, advising a number of national house builders, care home providers,

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Helmed by the Leamington Spa-based James Polo-Richards, JG Poole & Co acts for a number of further education institutions and property managers on various big-ticket residential and commercial development projects.

Spearheaded by a number of dedicated sector specialists, Lodders Solicitors LLP‘s real estate practice is highly rated for its far-reaching capabilities, helming a number of nationally-significant land and residential development projects.  Mark Miller and James Mottram jointly steer the team’s efforts in this space, acting for landowners, investors, and end users active in a multitude of industries. Paul Mourton helms the commercial development and property investment desk, with recent engagements including hybrid planning promotion and option agreements for mixed-use ventures. Victoria Longmore, who heads up the planning and highways team, regularly negotiates sensitive infrastructure agreements on large settlements, while town and country homes lead Caroline Nemecek specialises in high-value residential transactions. Senior associate Daniel MacLeod is recommended for his capabilities acting for multi-party landowner consortia on large-scale development projects.  All named lawyers are based in Stratford-uponAvon unless noted otherwise.

Higgs LLP works with a diverse roster of owner-managed businesses and PLCs throughout the Black Country on the full gamut of commercial development matters. Cherry Elliott, above, is especially regarded as an advisor to end users on major new builds and refurbishment transactions. Sara Shepherd advises corporate owner occupiers and property investors on a national scale, and possesses particular experience in transactions involving industrial estates, care homes, and medical practices. Promoted to partner in December 2021, Jen HicksJones leads the commercial property sub-team, regularly helming matters in the industrial, retail, and childcare sectors. Rachael Hobbis spearheads the firm’s construction desk, with recent engagements including multi-million pound regeneration schemes and

contractor claims. All named lawyers are based in Brierley Hill.

Working across multiple offices throughout the West Midlands, MFG Solicitors LLP is noted for its active and diverse commercial property practice. Department head Clare Regan, who divides her time between Worcester and Birmingham, specialises in renewable energy sector projects, advising both landowners and developers on leases, promotion agreements, and site assembly matters. Beth Margetson regularly works on investment and development strategy issues for major landowners in the Birmingham area, while Brian Flint handles both industrial and retail sector transactions. Telford-based David Raymont is especially experienced in Shropshire-based commercial property matters. In Kidderminster, newly promoted partner Rhiannon Clark heads up the residential development team, while Ben Rothery specialises in asset management support and property securitisation. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham unless stated otherwise.

Widely praised for its ‘responsive, knowledgeable and commerciallyconsidered‘ approach, Wright Hassall LLP’s comprehensive expertise makes it a strong choice for a range of leading investors and developers in the West Midlands and beyond. Development and securitisation head Claire Waring, pictured, advises on the full spectrum of land development projects, working with private developers, house builders, and registered providers on big-ticket residential projects. David Slade, who helms the investment property desk, acts for institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals on a variety of commercial transactions. Andrew Jones focuses chiefly on the industrial, logistics, retail and leisure sectors, while Emma Adams concentrates on strategic site acquisitions and development agreements. All named lawyers are based in Leamington Spa.

The ‘extremely knowledgable’ team at Ansons handles a sweep of commercial real estate projects for

clients operating across the region, including highvalue residential developments, agricultural land transactions, and secured lending matters. Practice head Richard Saum works with various corporate occupiers on landlord and tenant transactions, as well as various land acquisitions and disposals. Legal director Neil Faunch, above, possesses key expertise in HS2 and CPO matters, working with a varied roster of regional property investment companies, high net-worth families, and local authorities. Senior associate Jon Rowley, who works between Sutton Coldfield and Cannock, is widely praised for his expertise in residential development matters. All named lawyers are based in Lichfield unless stated otherwise.

Fielding an ‘extremely efficient and knowledgeable‘ team of seasoned specialists, Band Hatton Button LLP is capable in a wide range of commercial and residential property matters. Chaired by Daniel Blood, above, the team is regularly engaged on portfolio acquisitions, lease renewals, and complex advisory issues related to major infrastructure projects. Dina Parmar is recommended for her expertise in property finance and healthcare property transactions. Senior associate Cormac Glynn works with clients across the West Midlands on development projects and financings. All named lawyers are based in Coventry

Noted for its prominent position in manufacturing and heavy industry sector work, George Green LLP is a strong choice for a myriad of regional and national commercial clients. Newly promoted partner and ‘exceptional‘ practice chair, Emma FawkesUnderwood, handles a broad spectrum of work, with recent engagements including various acquisitions and divestitures for real estate investment funds. ‘Incredibly hard-working and consistently excellent‘, Alex-Jayne Lowe is a prolific advisor to many of the firm’s key clients across a number of sectors, most notably in manufacturing and technology. Paul Woodman is recommended for his considerable experience in development work, sales and purchases, and portfolio consultation matters. Kevin Styles  has now retired. All named lawyers are based in Cradley Heath.

Leveraging a sizeable team with a broad footprint across the West Midlands, Lanyon Bowdler is ideally positioned to advise a diverse roster of clients on the full scope of real estate matters. Telford-based Praveen Chaudhari spearheads both the commercial and agricultural property teams, working with landlords, tenants and developers operating across the retail, industrial, and agricultural sectors. Shrewsburybased senior partner Andrew Evans  is a seasoned development specialist best known for his work in the agricultural and renewable energy sectors. Conwy office head Edward Nutting divides his time between the firm’s North Wales practice and its office in Oswestry,

fielding instructions from various landed estates, and leisure sector operators. Also in Oswestry, associate Tania McGee specialises in the sale and purchase of agricultural sites.

LLP’s sizeable real estate practice is well-versed in all manner of property investment and development matters, and is noted for its burgeoning expertise in Islamic finance-driven transactions. Regional head Joanna Deffley, above, works between the firm’s Birmingham, Stratford, and Solihull offices, handling major residential developments and strategic land acquisitions. In Stratfordupon-Avon, Caroline Irvine ‘s diverse expertise sees her working with landlords and tenants on leases and commercial property transactions, while legal director Fiona Martin is noted for her expertise in private landownerdriven matters. Kevin Joynes focuses chiefly on residential development work. All named lawyers are based in Solihull unless stated otherwise.

Based in Dudley, Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited is widely praised by clients for its ‘exceptional’ service in a litany of multi-million pound transactions. The practice is chaired by Colin Rodrigues, a prolific advisor to corporate clients and mainstream lenders alike, whose recent highlights include residential portfolio sales and large-scale refinancings for corporate occupiers. Harminder Sandhu is also recommended. far-reaching real estate capabilities encompass retail leases, residential purchases, and various commercial development and funding matters. Sue Albini works with property developers on large residential ventures and infrastructure projects, as well as commercial landlord and tenant matters opposite major retailers. Kate Pearce’s landowner and developer practice is complemented by her deep knowledge of the agricultural property sector, a forte which sees her handle a significant volume of landlord and tenant work for a varied roster of clients. Associate Pooja Cheema is rated by clients for her broad capabilities, including overage provision negotiations and adverse possession claims. All named lawyers are based in Tamworth.

Thursfields Solicitors is noted for its sector-focused approach, fielding a team of dedicated specialists with wide-ranging commercial property expertise. The practice is led from Worcester by strategic land sector head Tony Gibb, a prolific advisor to landowners and promoters on various commercial and infrastructure-intensive schemes. In Solihull, retail and leisure sector head Robert Pettigrew handles a number of transactions for a diverse roster of clients, ranging from galleries to restaurants. Halesowen-based Stewart Coles is regularly instructed by pension funds and healthcare operators on commercial premises transactions. Worcester-based senior associate Emma Hughes is a key contact for a number of SIPPs, charities, and community trusts.

Shakespeare Martineau

JG Poole

Solicitors

Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited

Solicitors

Solicitors

CORPORATE & COMMERCIAL: BIRMINGHAM

DWF

An extensive roster of bluechip MNCs and financial institutions turn to the ‘super responsive and industrious’ DLA Piper for representation in big-ticket, multijurisdictional deals. Practice co-chair Charles Cook drives many of the office’s most high-profile transactions, working with market-leading companies from the worlds of consumer goods, life sciences, and automotive manufacturing. Praised for his ‘highly intelligent and commercially perceptive’ approach, Noel Haywood specialises in M&A transactions, most notably in the consumer goods, food and retail sectors. Global manufacturing co-chair Tim Lake works closely with a number of the firm’s international clients on a steady flow of big-ticket acquisitions and disposals, while equity capital markets specialist Robert Newman routinely leads multi-million pound fundraisings for various AIM and Main Market-listed entities. Legal director Jonathan Clarke, a Turkish corporate and M&A specialist, also handles multiple insurance sector transactions, whereas senior associate Simon Wright is acclaimed for his fast-moving consumer goods expertise. Ryan Harrison, who joined from Browne Jacobson LLP in November 2021, works with major retailers on cross-border, commercial contract matters. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Renowned for the depth of its midmarket private equity and equity capital markets offering, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP fields one of the strongest corporate practices in Birmingham, advising an array of household names on premier, multi-jurisdictional deals. Practice head Mark Beardmore works on a wide variety of deals, exits, and management

changes, while seasoned M&;A advisor Catherine Eley is frequently sought out by national and international houses for her ‘terrific‘ technical acumen in divestitures and investment transactions. Equity capital markets lead Steven Hacking also handles a number of healthcare sector deals, working with a diverse array of industry players on high-value investments and acquisitions. Nigel Cooke is routinely instructed on big-ticket, cross-border deals for various FTSE 100 and Fortune 500-listed companies. Louise Finnie focuses primarily on private equity-driven transactions. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Fielding one of the largest corporate and commercial practices in the region, Gowling WLG consistently handles bigticket international transactions for a formidable line-up of public and private sector entities. Corporate chair Chris Towle, above, spearheads the firm’s US sales and UK indirect real estate practices, handling cross-border REIT transactions and restructuring for some of the market’s biggest investment managers. Stuart Young heads up both the corporate finance and automotive sector groups, while automotive manufacturing lead Ragi Singh works with a number of electric vehicle companies on a steady flow of acquisitions. Sharon Ayres is highly experienced in investment structures and joint venture agreements, while Amar Adatia heads up the solvent structuring and group reorganisation desk. On the commercial side, David Lowe is reputed for his ‘knowledgeable, practical and solution-driven’ approach to logistics agreements and procurement strategies, most notably in the food and retail

arenas. The ‘outstanding’ Sarah Riding is well-versed in all manner of contract arrangements, regularly assisting clients from the worlds of manufacturing, automotive, energy and sport. Principal associate Caroline McNally is also recommended. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Sydney Mitchell LLP‘s corporate practice works with a varied roster of clients active in a number of sectors, both domestically and internationally. Practice chair Roy Colaba specialises in food retail and energy sector transactions.

Regularly attracting wider market acclaim for its capabilities in corporate and commercial dealings, Browne Jacobson LLP is sought out by a number of corporations, venture capitalists, and private equity firms seeking assistance in cross-border transactions. Tech and VC specialist Mike Jackson works across a number of sectors on fundraisings, acquisitions, and exits, most recently for clients in automotive manufacturing and clean energy production. Richard Nicholas helms the team’s commercial offering, working with an array of in-house counsel – particularly in the tech and data space – on the full gamut of technical and contractual concerns. Gareth Davies runs the West Midlands private equity desk, advising a diverse roster of mid-market funds and PE-backed SME portfolio companies, while Clare Auty ’s expertise in the UK health market ensures that she is regularly instructed by companies and asset managers on inbound investment transactions. Senior associate Kirk Glenn, who focuses on high-value energy deals, and senior associate Clare Hanna, an SME and FSI specialist, are also standouts. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Lauded extensively for its ‘ innovative and pragmatic’ approach and ‘first-class’ client service, Freeths LLP works with regional, national, and international clients operating across all manner of industries. ‘Exceptional‘ corporate head Lee Clifford also runs the private equity practice, advising various PE houses and shareholders on major acquisitions and investment transactions. The ‘excellent‘ Tom Brown works with numerous private equity-backed companies on M&A deals, often with a cross-border element. Commercial chair Mark Neale is a regular port of call for emerging companies and international market players, who turn him for his expertise in IT and data matters. Nigel Gardner focuses on transportation and warehousing matters for some of the nation’s largest retailers and supply merchants. Managing associate Mohammed Abbas also comes highly recommended.

Gateley Plc fields one of the most active practices in the West Midlands, handling a strong mix of corporate and commercial transactions for various market-leading clients. Corporate practice chair Tom Durrant handles a number of cross-border acquisitions and disposals for individual entrepreneurs and international

corporates alike. Paul Cliff specialises in equity capital markets and public company advisory work, while Simon Gill and Beth Mather focus on corporate finance and leveraged transactions. Commercial lead Simon Pigden, who also heads up the firm’s IP, commerce, and technology practice, routinely advises on outsourcing, procurement, and supply chain issues.  The ‘exceptional’ Tom Rush works with numerous household names on public M&A deals, most recently for clients in healthcare and manufacturing. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Praised for its ‘straightforward, proactive and responsive‘ manner, Mills & Reeve LLP is regularly instructed by a diverse array of public and private entities, most notably in the health and care sectors. Corporate chair and national private equity head Ryan

Hawley handles numerous mid-market transactions for a diverse roster of clients, especially those in the education and renewable energy sectors. As head of the firm’s health team, Julian Smith is regularly involved in big-ticket acquisitions and disposals for some of the sector’s biggest players. Peter McLintock advises on cross-border M&A and private equity investments for major entities from the worlds of telecoms, software, and commercial property. Commercial practice chair Jayne Hussey heads up the firm’s automotive and engineering practice, advising on supply chain and logistics projects for various household names. In addition to helming both the agrifood and the life sciences teams, Junaid Haroon is a prolific advisor to private sector health and care clients.

Lauded for its ‘sector-leading expertise‘ in a number of disciplines, Pinsent Masons LLP draws on its robust national network of offices to advise a host of entities from the worlds of healthcare, tech, manufacturing, and energy. Practice co-chair Nicole Livesey anchors the team’s manufacturing and industrial sector offering, working with a number of domestic and foreign clients on corporate and commercial matters. Andrew Hornigold focuses on tech and life sciences transactions, while Joanne Ellis is well-regarded for the depth of her healthcare expertise, particularly in the social care, fertility, and dental arenas. Energy and infrastructure specialist John Tyerman is regularly engaged on renewable and clean tech matters, including onshore wind transactions and transition projects.

On the commercial side, practice co-chair Clare Francis is a key port of call for clients seeking assistance with post-Brexit and post-Covid strategy whereas the ‘outstanding’ Gayle Ditchburn advises on regulatory, structuring and governance matters for various higher education institutions.

Senior associate Rami Labib is also recommended.

DLA Piper

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

WLG Sydney Mitchell LLP

Browne Jacobson LLP Freeths LLP

Plc

& Reeve LLP

Masons LLP Shoosmiths LLP

Squire Patton Boggs

KPMG Law in the United Kingdom

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

The Wilkes Partnership

Clarke Willmott LLP Irwin Mitchell Legal Clarity

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

& Hamlins LLP

The ‘truly impressive’ corporate and commercial group at Shoosmiths LLP fields one of the largest teams in the region, working on a litany of M&A deals and private equity transactions for various clients from the worlds of consumer goods, tech, logistics and media. National corporate head Ben Turner, above, regularly works with multinational tech companies and PE houses on big-ticket mandates, while commercial practice chair David Jackson specialises in technology outsourcing deals, with recent engagements including customer and supplierside contracts for major telecoms companies and car manufacturers. Praised for his ‘highly responsive’ approach, national VC practice head Alastair Peet acts for investors on funding, scaling, and exit matters, while the ‘excellent‘ Alastair Hammerton handles a myriad of transactions in the space. Senior associate Georgina Rennie is regarded as ‘a star‘ for her capabilities in M&A transactions. Michelle CravenFaulkner , who joined the practice from Geldards LLP in January 2021, focuses on commercial contracts and other projects in the rail sector.

Squire Patton Boggs‘ ‘hardworking, pragmatic, and professional’ team routinely handles mid-market M&A deals, PE transactions, and multijurisdictional commercial contracts for various corporate clients. Practice

lawyer who regularly works on deals for various healthcare, technology, and financial services players, including businesses based in the CEE. John Campion is renowned for his capabilities in equity capital markets work, with recent highlights including technology IPOs and media takeovers. Commercial and IT practice chair Ben McLeod works with both vendors and customers on outsourcing and cloud deals. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

market corporate finance transactions, regularly handling multi-million pound acquisitions, sales, and management buyouts. Seasoned corporate and commercial partner Kate Hackett focuses on privately-owned businesses seeking assistance in divestitures and general company law issues. Jeremy Parkin retired from the partnership in 2021, but remains with the practice as a consultant. Associate Helen Smart is also recommended.

Clarke Willmott LLP delivers ‘commercially-orientated and considered advice‘ in corporate dealings to a strong mix of businesses, particularly in the fields of manufacturing, engineering, and healthcare. Practice head Kim Klahn, who joined from Lodders Solicitors LLP in October 2021, is experienced in both transactions and corporate governance matters.

KPMG Law in the United Kingdom‘s deal and structuring team is a burgeoning presence in the Birmingham market, advising a diverse roster of companies on M&A transactions, joint ventures, and reorganisations – often with a strong cross-border element.  Practice chair Jenna Ostrowski‘s, above, recent highlights include international divestitures for clients in recruitment consultancy and food manufacturing. Thomas Swain focuses on privately held companies, while Dean Chauhan has most recently handled reorganisations and incentive scheme reviews. Eve Oppenheimer is also noted.

co-chair Geoff Perry, above, is highly experienced in cross-border transactions, with recent highlights in the construction and manufacturing sectors. Andrew Glaze specialises in corporate finance, possessing particular experience in real estate and Takeover Code transactions. On the commercial front, practice co-chair Stuart James works with a number of international entities on data transfer and supply chain mandates, while Simon Jones is noted for his capabilities in large-scale logistics projects and public sector contracts. Senior associate Claire O’Connor is also recommended.

DWF is regularly engaged on high-value, cross-border transactions by a broad roster of clients, ranging from telecoms companies and utilities providers to property developers. Mark Gibson ,above, is a seasoned M&A

‘Readily available and extremely knowledgable‘, Shakespeare Martineau LLP is wellversed in an array of corporate and commercial matters, possessing key expertise in tax-related investments and crossborder deals. Practice chair Keith Spedding, left, handles a number of public and private company M&A deals for businesses operating in a number of sectors, ranging from life sciences to cybersecurity. Kavita Patel, who heads up the investment funds desk, is widely praised for her capabilities in private equity and corporate finance deals. Jody Webb, who joined the practice from Freeths LLP in November 2021, is highly experienced in UK mid-market transactions.

With notable expertise in the German market, The Wilkes Partnership is consistently engaged by a litany of domestic and international companies seeking representation in corporate deals, commercial contracts, and financial transactions. Practice chair and senior partner Gareth O’Hara is instructed by numerous ownermanaged businesses, most notably in the automotive retail sector. Rick Smyth is a prolific advisor on mid-

Leveraging its national network of offices, Irwin Mitchell is instructed both by SME clients and high-profile corporates on the full gamut of corporate and commercial matters. The Birmingham practice is chaired by M&A specialist Nick Dawson, above, who also serves as head of the firm’s national private equity group. Emma Callow is most active in the manufacturing, recycling, technology, and food and drink sectors, working with various UK companies on acquisitions and outsourcing agreements. Associates Matt Smith and Charlotte Avery are also integral to the offering.

Legal Clarity attracts praise from numerous clients for its capabilities in M&A and investment transactions, employeeownership transitions, and other commercial-led reorganisations. The practice is jointly led by Richard Underwood, above, lauded by multiple owner-managed businesses for his ‘broad range of technical specialisms‘, and the ‘outstanding’ Gary Davie, reputed for his capabilities in employee buyouts. Senior associates Martin Clifford and Matthew Gwyther are also noted.

Working with a diverse roster of corporate clients, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP advises on numerous mid-market private and public M&A transactions – both within the West Midlands and beyond.

Adam McGiveron is regularly sought out by various entrepreneurs and directors for assistance in various corporate transactions, including reorganisations and shareholder and private-equity driven investments. Richard Wrigley is noted for his capabilities in cross-border deals, particularly in the technology and energy sectors. Emma Bryant specialises in early-stage and fast-growth business transactions. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP fields a robust corporate and commercial offering, working on a mix of transactional and advisory mandates for clients in healthcare, tech, sports, and venture capital. Mathew Harvey is noted for his expertise in manufacturing and automotive sector deals, as well as his burgeoning focus on telecare acquisitions. Amardeep Gill advises various public sector organisations on high-profile commercial projects, most recently in relation to 5G rollouts and the Commonwealth Games. Moad Giebaly specialises in UK private equity company buy-out and M&A deals, while senior associate Mike McMahon focuses on venture capital investment transactions.

CORPORATE &

ELSEWHERE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS

Working across multiple offices throughout the region, Harrison Clark Rickerbys‘ ‘extremely impressive‘ corporate team is sought out by a multitude of regional and national businesses active in the healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and retail sectors. Corporate chair and Worcester office head Charlotte Thornton-Smith, above, is a major factor underpinning the firm’s success in the healthcare sector, working with service providers, equipment suppliers, and not-forprofit organisations on the full gamut of transactional activities. Rebecca Leask spearhead’s the firm’s highly regarded health and social care team, working closely with Thornton-Smith on a steady stream of multi-million pound deals within the sector. Wye Valley office head Arpinder Dhillon maintains a strong focus on high-value transactions for clients spanning the worlds of infrastructure, computer manufacturing, and financial services. On the commercial side, Robert Capper enjoys a strong reputation in the advanced manufacturing space, advising both SMEs, MNCs, and partnerships on technical contract matters. Clare Emery‘s niche expertise in the dental space ensures that she handles a prolific volume of sales and acquisitions within the sector. Tom Bartley-Smith and Helen Higginbotham are also recommended. All named lawyers are based in Worcester unless stated otherwise.

Higgs LLP is roundly praised for its ‘experienced, knowledgeable and commercially focused‘ corporate practice, which works closely with the firm’s tax and private client teams on big-ticket transactions for ownermanaged businesses and household names alike. Business Services

department chair John Heaton, left, takes the lead on a number of cross-border M&A deals, most recently for clients in telecoms, manufacturing, and food and drink. Corporate transactional practice head Richard Griffiths is a ‘go-to‘ advisor on multijurisdictional mandates, including divestitures and private-equity backed acquisitions. Jamie Partington is a key port of call for tech and high-growth companies based in the Midlands, working with founders and investment funds from their genesis to scale-up and exit. Senior associate Katie Willems is developing a reputation for share and business acquisitions whereas associate Emily Parkes regularly works on highvalue transactions for a diverse crosssection of clients. All named lawyers are based in Brierley Hill unless stated otherwise.

Wright Hassall LLP is a reputed name among SMEs and nationallyknown brands seeking assistance in the full scope of corporate and commercial matters, including cross-border transactions and high-profile supplier-side projects within tech sector. Corporate head Steve Halkett above, maintains a broad transactional practice, encompassing M&A deals, MBOs, and joint ventures, while Robert Lee is particularly noted for his expertise in retail sector restructuring mandates. Helming the outsourcing, technology, and commercial desk, Peter McGuire works with an array of tech companies, defence contractors, and manufacturers, often on projects with a distinct international aspect. All named lawyers are based in Leamington Spa.

George Green LLP is sought out by SMEs and large corporates from the manufacturing, retail, telecoms, and life sciences fields, namely for its capabilities in transactional and advisory matters. Practice head Sarah Ward, above, is especially experienced in working with clients in the retail, energy and logistics sectors. Banking and finance expert Phillip Round is rated for his ‘very strong’ position as a deal advisor to clients in highly regulated industries, including financial services and pharmaceuticals. Based in Wolverhampton, the ‘exemplary’ Kam Johal heads up the firm’s commercial desk, handling contractual reviews and shareholder agreements. Associate Andrew Ward is also recommended. All named lawyers are based in Cradley Heath unless stated otherwise.

Working between its Worcester and Solihull offices, Thursfields Solicitors attracts considerable praise from a number of SMEs and ownermanaged businesses, who turn to the team for its capabilities in multi-million pound transactions. Helmed by Gareth Burge, above, the practice regularly advises on deals and commercial contract matters for clients in the healthcare, events, technology, and corporate finance sectors. Healthcare head Tim Edwards handles a considerable volume of M&A transactions within the sector alongside Reece De-Vaney, and is also noted for his capabilities as an advisor to clients in the automotive industry. Joe Rollins regularly advises on high-value sales and acquisitions, as well as joint ventures and group restructurings.

Working across several sites, Ansons‘ ‘responsive’ and ‘extremely knowledgable’ team routinely handles multi-million pound transactions for a broad roster of clients. The practice is jointly chaired by Sutton Coldfieldbased Hilary D’Cruz and Cannockbased Neil Jones, who advise on the full gamut of corporate and commercial matters, leading multi-million pound transactions for clients in a diverse range of sectors. Also in Cannock, newly-promoted director Jamie Gill is most frequently engaged by the firm’s healthcare and logistics sector clients, and is additionally noted for his niche expertise in money laundering matters. Paul Bennett, who joined the practice as a consultant from George Green LLP in January 2022, is renowned for his considerable experience handling big-ticket corporate deals, with recent highlights including high-value sales in the telecom and pharmaceutical arenas. Sutton Coldfield-based senior associate Emma Rowley is recommended for her capabilities in pharmaceutical, dental, and care home sector work.

‘Consistently punching above its weight‘, Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited attracts praise from

a litany of SMEs and commercial banks, who turn to the team for its ‘excellent‘ capabilities in transactional mandates. 'Hardworking and tenacious‘ practice chair Colin Rodrigues. above, is a prolific advisor to corporate clients and high-profile lenders alike, helming a number of multi-million pound deals, often with a distinct cross-border aspect. Managing director and dispute resolution specialist Harminder Sandhu is also recommended. All named lawyers are based in Dudley.

Lanyon Bowdler‘s corporate and commercial team is sought out by a multitude of SMEs, ownermanaged businesses, and not-forprofit organisations for assistance in transactions, reorganisations, and technical contract matters. The ‘absolutely fantastic’ Telford-based practice chair Grainne Walters, above, is highly rated for her diverse sector focus and far-reaching capabilities, ranging from investment transactions to share transfer agreements.

Ludlow-based Edward Burrell‘s recent highlights include automotive sector restructurings and manufacturing sector divestitures.

Fielding ‘experienced, pragmatic, and hands-on partners’  who are well-versed in the full scope of corporate and commercial matters, Shakespeare Martineau LLP is geared to handle a range of both transactional and nontransactional instructions. Department head Andrew Smith ‘goes above and beyond‘ on corporate deals and financings, working with higher education institutes, manufacturers, and engineers. Rachel Gwynne, above, specialises in corporate, governance, regulatory, and contractual advice for charities and other nonprofits. All named lawyers are based in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Aaron & Partners LLP works with various owner-managed businesses across the West Midlands on a host of transactions and commercial contract matters. Practice head Stuart ScottGoldstone  divides his time between Shrewsbury and Chester and handles

Harrison Clark Rickerbys

LLP

Hassall LLP

Green LLP

Solicitors

Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited

Bowdler

Martineau LLP

& Partners LLP

Twist

James

Manby Bowdler LLP

Solicitors LLP

LLP

a number of MBOs and international transactions, including and inward and outward investments. The ‘outstanding‘ Hugh Strickland , who also runs the banking and finance team, specialises in M&A, with recent engagements including deals in the food retail and manufacturing sectors. Associate Zoe Lloyd is a key name at the junior end meanwhile Peter Manford joined the firm as a commercial consultant from Higgs LLP in November 2021. All named lawyers are based in Shrewsbury unless noted otherwise.

Lodders Solicitors LLP is regularly engaged by various private owners and owner-managed businesses for representation in corporate deals, restructurings, and general advisory matters. Practice head Graham Spalding works between the firm’s offices in Stratford-upon-Avon and Birmingham, leading on numerous deals for clients in manufacturing, software, and finance. Bradley Quin, who joined from KPMG Law in the United Kingdom in November 2021, spearheads the firm’s burgeoning Company Commercial offering in Cheltenham. Associates Leanne Lawrence and Nicola Vernon are also recommended. All named lawyers are based in Stratford-uponAvon unless stated otherwise.

Working across multiple offices throughout the West Midlands, MFG Solicitors LLP is regularly instructed by a diverse roster of businesses for assistance in corporate and commercial matters. The firm is noted for its thriving food and drink sector offering, working with a mix of farmers, packagers, distributors, and retailers across the region. Based between

Kidderminster and Birmingham, practice head Clare Lang provides ‘an exemplary service‘, possessing far-reaching expertise that runs the full gamut from M&A deals and MBOs, to insolvency-driven reorganisations and employee share scheme initiatives.  The ‘outstanding’ Worcester-based James Hayes is a key port of call for a number of international investors seeking assistance in cross-border transactions and trade agreements, most notably in the healthcare, engineering, and financial services sectors. Kidderminster-based education sector specialist Stephen Wyer is also noted for his capabilities in healthcare deals, especially those involving dental and veterinary practices.

Pickerings

Solicitors regularly advises various clients from the worlds of technology, industrial goods, architecture, and design on commercial reviews and transactions, both domestic and cross-border. Practice chair Craig Davies is a ‘standout‘ figure, who works with both public companies and owner-managed businesses on sales, acquisitions, and contractual matters in industries ranging from IT to manufacturing. Keri Pointon is widely praised by clients for her ‘incredible professionalism’ and ‘extremely proactive’ approach to corporate matters, including her growing restructuring practice. All named lawyers are based in Tamworth.

FOUR ACQUISITION RED FLAGS

https://ortusgroup.com

Ortus Group has more than 18 years experience in mergers, acquisitions and executive search for law firms. The team provides systematic guidance in what can be a fraught process to ensure smooth transitions for all parties and has advised on more than 50 completed mergers.

Our experience tells us that there are several factors that can wreak havoc to any merger and acquisition if not investigated further. If they do turn up, it’s important to weigh the odds to determine whether you ought to pursue the path or seek an alternative.

Poor team communication

It is not unusual to hear of mergers that complete without the full knowledge of the wider partnership where many have been left in the dark when an M&A is in progress. The uncertainty and speculation that emerge can lead to an exodus of partners who take key clients and team members with them, diminishing the true value of the acquisition.

Clash of the (leadership) titans

A culture clash is something that most firms need to brace for during an M&A. If leadership teams are not aligned with the common objectives and their roles towards the strategic vision of the future together, it will likely create tears in the fabric of the new organisation.

Oversmitten by the potential and vision

It is good to go into an M&A with optimism for its future potential and have a desire to work through any areas that don’t quite hit the mark. However, it is important to draw the line between desire and strategy. One may desire to go ahead with an acquisition despite impracticalities with hope to defeat the odds, but true strategy recognises the red flags and the likelihood of remediating them.

Insurance and compliance risk

The expensive premiums that larger firms tend to have give them the ability to consider absorbing the risk and associated costs of becoming the successor practice where smaller firms may struggle with this or alternatively invoking run-off which could make any potential deal too expensive to be feasible. Aside from engaging the brokers early to gain their insight into the risk and cost profile, looking at compliance procedures and staff operation will quickly indicate the real risk profile as well as likely training requirements.

Considering an acquisition or looking to merge? Email Colin White at colin.white@ortusgroup.com or call 0330 100 5420. https://ortusgroup.com

EMPLOYMENT

Clarke Willmott LLP

DLA Piper

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

Gowling WLG

Pinsent Masons LLP

Averta Employment Lawyers LLP

Browne Jacobson LLP

Gateley Plc

Mills & Reeve LLP

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Shoosmiths LLP

Squire Patton Boggs

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

Higgs LLP

Irwin Mitchell

Lanyon Bowdler

VWV

Weightmans LLP

Bevan Brittan LLP

Capsticks LLP

Freeths LLP

Pickerings Solicitors

Sydney Mitchell LLP

Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Wright Hassall LLP

Aaron & Partners LLP

DWF

George Green LLP

Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Hatchers Solicitors LLP

Heminsley Law

MFG Solicitors LLP

The Wilkes Partnership

Thursfields Solicitors

Ansons

Askews Legal LLP

Band Hatton Button LLP

Fieldfisher

Pillinger & Associates

whistleblowing and discrimination claims. Under the direction of Emma Phillips, left, the group has played a pivotal role in numerous multi-jurisdictional projects. Sandra Wallace is also recommended for her work on issues such as business reorganisations and diversity issues. Lisa Hodgson is a primary contact for a number of well-known names in the high-end retail arena.

on international recruitment. Hannah Wilkins is also highly regarded for her work with global companies on a wide range of national and international employment matters. Nottinghambased Mark Fletcher  is another primary contact.

The first-rate team at Gowling WLG advises UK and international private and public sector clients on the full range of employment, labour and equality matters with particular specialisms in areas such as manufacturing, life sciences, retail and central government. It also has considerable contentious expertise covering High Court business protection litigation through to complex discrimination and whistleblowing tribunal claims. With Jane Fielding   at the helm, the group also advises on industrial relations issues and on workplace investigations. Martin Chitty advises some of the UK’s largest housing associations and retailers on all areas of employment law. Jonathan Chamberlain  has particular expertise in advising clients on business protection issues.

Pinsent Masons LLP fields a large team that acts for local, national and international household name companies and also represents over 30 universities. It is well-placed to advise on the full spectrum of employment matters including board level restructuring, pay gap reporting, cross-jurisdictional projects and industrial action. Jonathan Coley leads the national team’s specialist trade union practice and heads the the team in Birmingham. Helen Corden’s primary focus lies in advising clients on the defence of strategic and highvalue tribunal claims and on major restructurings and outsourcing projects. Rebecca Stephen specialises in advising clients in the higher education and financial services sectors and comes recommended alongside Linda Jones.

Averta Employment Lawyers LLP has a primary focus on representing senior executives in the course of negotiating exit packages, settlement agreements and advising on discrimination claims. It also advises small corporate businesses, SMEs and various professional practices. The practice is active in the public and private sectors and is also recommended for its advice on post-termination restrictions, TUPE transfers and other contractual claims. Under the joint leadership of Alan Jones, above, and David Sykes the ‘very commercially aware team‘ is well-placed to advise groups of employees on employee share plans.

routinely handles complex employment tribunal litigation and employee relations issues and has also advised on various whistleblowing investigations, doctor disciplinary cases and employee governance issues in the NHS. Further areas of expertise include the education sector as well as the automotive, retail, food and drink arenas. Helen Badger  is well-regarded.

Gateley Plc is adept at handling cases in the employment tribunals as well as in the High Court and appellate courts. The group is particularly recommended for its work on confidentiality and posttermination restrictions and is also skilled at advising both employers and senior executives. Head of department is Benedict Gorner, above,  provides ‘commercially considered advice‘  and frequently advises on TUPE and outsourcing projects. Merran Sewell regularly supports clients with complex disciplinary and grievance issues and change management programmes.

DLA Piper excels in advising on high-profile and complex employment tribunal and High Court litigation for a range of key local and national clients, usually on issues as diverse as wrongful/unfair dismissal through to

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP acts for a number of FTSE 100 companies and for various public sector organisations in the Midlands. It is also recommended for its international and cross-border employment work for its strong US client base. Other key strengths include advising various listed companies on their day-to-day tribunal work as well as advising them on employee relations matters. Audrey Elliott  specialises in both employment law and business immigration issues and has advised many public and private sector clients

The experienced team at Browne Jacobson LLP advises on the full array of public and private sector employment matters with particular strength in health and care. The practice remains under the leadership of James Tait  and Jacqui Atkinson, above, and

The team at Mills & Reeve LLP acts for an array of high-profile clients across the private and the public sectors. It has acted in many complex employment disputes and has provided employment support on numerous corporate deals. Jog Hundle, above, has an excellent reputation for her work in the health and care sectors whereas Nick Abbott is known for his work with clients in the education field. Richard Santy has a primary focus on the commercial and sports arena. Richard Barker is adept at advising private sector employers with a particular focus on the automotive, retail and financial services sector.

Shakespeare Martineau

LLP excels in the education sector and continues to advise on major international collaborations between UK universities and partners overseas on a host of issues such as large restructurings and management departures. In Birmingham, David Browne  heads the practice that has expertise in other areas such as logistics, manufacturing, retail and sports and also has a flourishing third sector client base and is adept at handling complex employment tribunal litigation too. Other names to note include Tom Long , Michael Hibbs  and Matt  McDonald .

Shoosmiths LLP has an established reputation for its work on significant employment tribunal cases for major multinational clients. Charlie Rae, left, heads a ‘strong and stable team‘ that receives plaudits for its handling of senior executive exits. It advises a range of public, private and third sector clients and has particular expertise in regulated sectors such as financial services. Other core areas of focus include advising on business reorganisations and advising clients on complex TUPE situations. Adele Hayfield  is particulalry recommended for her experience in the automotive, logistics, manufacturing and retail sectors.

expertise in the food and drink, transport, manufacturing and care sectors. Under the direction of Tim Jones, pictured, the group frequently advises senior executives on executive terminations and is also home to a wellregarded employment tribunal practice. Jayne Holliday advises on all aspects of employment law.

The team at Irwin Mitchell is particularly strong on confidentiality and restrictive covenants and continues to act for employers and senior executives across a wide range of sectors. Fergal Dowling, above,  heads the department which also works closely with its corporate and corporate recovery teams on a myriad of complex employment matters.

In addition, the practice is also home to specialist knowledge in acting for leading insurance companies on various employment tribunal claims and other contentious matters. Elaine Huttley  is a prominent member of the team along with Donna Seferta .

THREE QUESTIONS ASTUTE PARTNERS ASK THEMSELVES TO AVOID CAREER STAGNATION

The team at Squire Patton Boggs receives a steady flow of instructions from a large number of international and blue-chip companies on UK employment law matters. Under the leadership of Charlie Frost, above, it enjoys considerable strength in the sports sector and regularly advises on complex restructurings, collective redundancies and offshoring strategies as well as on the TUPE aspects of corporate transactions. Ramez Moussa  is another key figure in the team which is also adept at advising on the engagement and exit strategies for senior private equity executives and also handles an impressive number of high-value contentious matters.

Anna Dabek, left, leads the team at Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP which is adept in a number of sectors though directs particular attention to social care and housing as well as education, charities and local government. The group advises on diverse issues such as high-value employment tribunal discrimination/ whistleblowing cases to negotiating settlement agreements and advising on redundancies. Matthew Gregson is another key member of the practice along with Matthew Wort.

The experienced team at Higgs LLP continues to be best known for helping SMEs, owner managed businesses and their families and also has considerable

John Merry leads a team that has a strong reputation at Lanyon Bowdler for its work on TUPE matters and the employment aspects of business transfers. The practice has a key specialism in advising schools and colleges in addition to farmers and growers. Another core field of activity is the team's advising of Court of Protectionappointed deputies and case managers on the employment of carers.

The education practice at VWV is particularly well-regarded among charities and also supports public sector and commercial clients on a whole host of issues such as closures and redundancies, restrictive covenants and injunctions, as well as on tribunal cases. Jane Byford, above, has extensive experience in all aspects of employment law while Kathy Halliday has a diverse practice with particular expertise in change management projects.

The versatile team at Weightmans LLP has an established and growing client base in the hospitality and leisure sectors and also fields a dedicated equal pay offering. Under the leadership of Jawaid Rehman , it has a strong reputation too in the education sector and for its work with embassies, also routinely conducting local government and police matters. Andrew Forrest , who is a qualified mediator, was promoted to the partnership and is also an experienced advocate in the employment tribunal.

The dynamic employment team at Bevan Brittan LLP covers healthcare, housing and the local government industries as well as the private sector and international mandates; it frequently handles challenging tribunal claims for NHS trusts and also continues to win some significant new work in other sectors such as higher education. Ashley

As the legal sector continues to evolve, the days of lifelong careers with the same law firm have become a relic of the past. Astute partners regularly take stock of two key factors when considering their career trajectory, personal fulfilment and the interests of their clients. You cannot achieve your highest goals without considering what is key to your clients experience beyond your personal interactions.

Ortus Group has helped numerous law partners realign their careers in their 18 years of servicing the UK legal sector. In that time, the team have found three useful questions to help realign law practitioners with their ideal path, revitalise experienced law firm partners and improve service standards:

1. Are your personal and professional ambitions achievable with your current firm?

An ever important question for partners who feel like they are running on a steadily accelerating treadmill. Even for those who are aligned with their values and ambitions, this question poses as a checkpoint to assess if current actions or inactions - of the firm and you, are taking you in the right direction. For example, are you satisfied with the quality and range of clients and colleagues? Are targets realistic/reasonable to keep your focus on excellence? These factors impact your bandwidth to achieve your best within an acceptable time frame.

2. Does your present firm provide all the services and support your clients require?

Building a portfolio is integral to achieving your ambitions. Your ability to serve clients most effectively comes hand-in-hand with the firm’s ability to support them across the board. If important aspects of expertise are unavailable or sub-standard, you run the risk of clients voting with their feet.

3. How happy are you at your current firm?

This question often invokes a black-and-white response but the real answer is usually grey. Where are you on that satisfaction spectrum and how much further if at all do you need to move before having a confidential conversation is prudent?

Any considerations that may lead to a move should be approached carefully and strategically to avoid any missteps. With more than 18 years experience in executive search, mergers and acquisitions, Ortus Group is primed to help legal professionals effectively assess their direction of travel and if beneficial, make their next move.

For more information, email the team at hello@ortusgroup.com or call 0330 100 5420.

(L-R) Dan Sill, Tom Evans & Colin White of Ortus Group

More lawyers, law firms and sets than ever before have been recognised in this year’s directory and Cornwall Street Barristers is delighted to rank among them. They have recorded no fewer than three Kings Counsel and six Barristers being ranked across six categories.

YEAR OF ADAPTION AND GROWTH

2022 has been a year of positive change for Cornwall Street Barristers with financial results showing record-breaking turnover with growth being seen across all the set’s main practice areas – Family Law, Civil Law, Criminal Law and Professional Discipline Law. Levels of work, complexity of cases, billing and receipts far exceed pre-pandemic levels.

The is particularly remarkable given that, in common with many other practices across the country, Cornwall Street Barristers’ Criminal Team took part in the criminal action which saw defence work halted for several months with ‘no returns’ commencing on 27 June 2022 followed by escalation to ‘no new cases’ from 5 September 2022 with the action finally ending on 11 October 2022. Not only has Cornwall Street Barristers achieved a record financial performance over the period of the action, it also offered financial support to its Members when the strike took hold.

On 1 June 2022, Cornwall Street Barristers opened the doors to its new London office. This strategic move expanded the existing Cornwall Street South offices in Oxford and Maidstone and strengthens Chambers’ offering across the South-East Circuit.

RECOGNITION FOR INDIVIDUALS

We’re particularly pleased to see several members singled out for recognition in the directory this year including:

Oliver Woolhouse – General Crime – Leading Junior “Oliver always has a complete grasp of the details of the case and is able to bring sound tactical judgment. He has expert client care skills.”

Matt Bolt – General Crime –Leading Junior “Matthew as a sound grasp of black-letter law and procedure and is a superb advocate. He also has a good set of soft skills needed to reassure lay clients during the anxieties of litigation. He is able to take the lead when required. He fits well into any legal team, working together with solicitors and other counsel to ensure the best outcomes for clients.’

Jonathan Storey –Professional Discipline –Rising Star

scared to take on difficult cases and is very tenacious. He is particularly helpful in having a great eye for detail.’

Rebecca Keeves – Personal Injury – Leading Junior and Chancery, Probate and Tax – Leading Junior "Rebecca is extremely thorough. She is a safe pair of hands and is excellent with clients, putting them at ease and preparing them for hearings.’

"Rebecca is always thoroughly prepared and grasps the important issues of the most complex cases with ease. She is a persuasive and skilled advocate who never fails to impress."

Anthony Berry KC – Crime (London) – Leading Silk “Tony is a brilliant advocate who can, with charm, destroy the credibility of witnesses and win over juries with eloquent advocacy.”

Theo Huckle KC – Personal Injury, Industrial Disease and Insurance Fraud – Leading Silk.

Peter Glenser KC – Crime (London) – Leading Silk

“Underestimate Peter at your peril. He is tough but fair and very jury-friendly”. Licensing –Leading Silk – “Peter is the go to Silk when it comes to firearms offences and licensing. Combining this expertise with his impressive criminal practice makes for a formidable advocate with a very wide range.”

Rebecca Chalkley – Fraud –Leading Junior, Business and Regulatory Crime (Including Global Investigations– Leading Junior and Environment –Leading Junior “Rebecca brings exceptional oral advocacy and has a very deft touch with judges in court.”

“Rebecca is an outstanding advocate. She is thoughtful in her delivery and has a light touch with both juries and judges. She is exceptionally bright but practical in her advice and clients adore her pragmatism. She is superior to the vast majority of silks in her field."

Tim Jacques – Personal Injury – Leading Junior "Timothy has a very calm engaging manner which wins clients trust and often wins Judges over in Court. He is certainly not

This year’s Legal500 recognises the variety and diversity of talented professionals who have overcome significant hurdles post-covid to keep their practices going and to adapt to changing ways of working.

Supported by the long-established Birmingham base, this move will offer Members greater opportunities and enhance the service available to clients wherever they may be based.

Norman is among the primary members of the team that has been adding to its ranks at associate level.

Capsticks LLP has an excellent reputation for its work in the health and social care sectors and frequently advises clients in the NHS, private healthcare, medical technology, emergency services and GP practice fields. It continues to act for a large number of social housing associations and is skilled at defending complicated employment tribunal cases as well as being strong on noncontentious matters under the direction of Victoria Watson, above.

Freeths LLP acts for various private sector clients, including some wellknown brands, as well as a large number of public and educational sector clients.

It is adept at handling employment tribunal claims and has built up a solid reputation for its work on complex restructures and TUPE matters in addition to issues surrounding the gig economy. Birmingham-based Rebecca Sawbridge, above, is highly-regarded.

The team at Sydney Mitchell LLP advises both employers and employees on a range of contentious and noncontentious claims with the newlypromoted Emma-Louise Hewitt, above, at the helm. Dean Parnell  is another key figure who advises on all aspects of employment law and tends to primarily advise companies and senior executives; the team recently added associate Julia Woodhouse to its ranks from Standley & Co Solicitors.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP is currently instructed on numerous employment tribunal cases for employers. It handles a diverse mix of private, public and third sector work spread across a broad range of sectors such as housing, charity, construction/development, retail and leisure. The ‘solution focused‘ Rebecca McCormick heads the department. Tina Chander at Wright Hassall LLP regularly supports on the TUPE aspects of transactional matters. In addition, the team represents both employers and employees at the employment tribunal by handling a wide variety of claims such as whistleblowing, discrimination and constructive unfair dismissals.

The Shropshire-based team at Aaron & Partners LLP has a strong reputation for its specialisms in sports-related matters, large-scale restructures, TUPE and corporate support work. Ben Mason  has also been busy advising on complicated employment tribunal claims. Helen Watson , who jointly leads the

group with Mason, advises clients in both the public and private sectors on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters. The team receives plaudits for providing ‘solutions that work‘.

DWF enjoys a solid reputation for its work on tribunal claims as well as providing support on transactions and on TUPE issues. The team is experienced in many sectors but has particular strength in the healthcare, social care and financial sectors. Practice head Kate Meadowcroft, above, frequently advises both private and public sector employers.

George Green LLP fields a team that is well-regarded for its work with owner managed businesses and for providing corporate support on major deals.

Under the leadership of Tim Lang, above, who is also a fee paid employment judge who sits in the South-East, the group has solid experience in TUPE matters and in restrictive covenants/ confidentiality litigation. Beverley Smith is also recommended.

from employment law to bribery and corruption. It also conducts employment litigation and advises on key strategic issues from whistleblowing and complex discrimination cases to bonus claims and the enforcement of restrictive covenants. Jemma O’Reilly provides ‘calm reassurance‘ to her clients.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys has a full service offering that spans all aspects of contentious and noncontentious employment matters for some household name clients. The practice is adept at advising on complex employment tribunal matters and handles an array of other issues such as reorganisations, redundancies, collective employment law and TUPE. Worcesterbased Michael Stokes, above, is a key member of the team while, at the Birmingham office, Elizabeth McGlone is well-regarded.

The employment team at Hatchers Solicitors LLP advises individuals and businesses and has particular proficiency in advising charities and the not-for-profit sector. Practice head Nigel Harrison, above, routinely advises employers ranging from private limited companies and partnerships to schools and charities. The ‘unflappable‘ Trevor Gibson leads the team at Heminsley Law which advises companies on a wide range of people risk issues

Based out of Worcestershire, Shropshire and Birmingham, the large and experienced team at MFG Solicitors LLP is well-equipped to handle all aspects of employment litigation, HR and corporate related matters, excelling under the leadership of the ‘always responsive‘ Sally Morris . Christopher Piggott is vastly experienced in all aspects of employment law whereas Darryll Thomas has particular expertise in representing in proceedings where professional bodies allege misconduct allegations.

The specialist employment team at The Wilkes Partnership thrives with James Leo at the helm. It acts mainly for employers as well as senior executives on the full gamut of employment matters with particular expertise in TUPE, discrimination and restrictive covenants. In addition, the group regularly assists the firms’ corporate clients on business sales and acquisitions as well as clients of the insolvency and private client teams. Pam Sidhu is also recommended.

The employment team at Thursfields Solicitors works closely with its corporate department on various large deals. James Monk is known for his advice to various charities and not-for-profit organisations in particular. Lisa Kemp has been representing various claimants and respondents in tribunal proceedings. Former head of department, Helena Morrissey, has left the firm and has joined Bevan Brittan LLP.

Ansons advises its commercial clients on a wide spectrum of issues from disciplinary and grievance issues to redundancy and restructuring advice and

TUPE matters. It is also skilled at advising on the termination of employment relationships and on a broad array of contentious matters.

Jason Alcock and Martin De Ridder, above, are the names to note.

Askews Legal LLP continues to predominantly advise employers, and also some employees, on a broad range of contentious and noncontentious

issues. Head of department Lianne Payne, above, has considerable experience in employment tribunal proceedings in particular.

Mark Ridley leads the department at Band Hatton Button LLP which runs a varied case load of contentious and non-contentious employment matters for its predominantly commercial client base which also includes some highnet-worth individuals. Clients are based primarily in Coventry, Warwickshire and the West Midlands region.

Pillinger & Associates fields an established team in the region that advises employers and employees on a diverse range of employment law and HR matters. Amanda Pillinger advises on cases such as unfair dismissal, whistleblowing and breaches of contracts.

‘The

FAMILY: BIRMINGHAM

Greens Solicitors Ltd

Irwin Mitchell

Lodders Solicitors LLP

Benussi & Co Limited

Clarke Willmott LLP

Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Mills & Reeve LLP

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Stowe Family Law LLP

Sydney Mitchell LLP

The Wilkes Partnership

Weightmans LLP

The first-rate team at Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP concentrates on providing matrimonial advice to professional and business owners, as well as representing children and family members in complex care and private law proceedings. Elizabeth Wyatt ’s, above, main area of expertise is advising people in divorce proceedings where their financial claims are high-value and complex while Jas Tamber is a known name for his expertise in complex children law cases. Christopher LloydSmith is experienced in preparing preand post-nuptial agreements and is also an accredited mediator and Resolutionaccredited specialist, for both financial matters and those involving children.

Greens Solicitors Ltd is jointly led by William Ham, left, and Donna Savery. The group concentrates on public family law and regularly receives instructions from guardians and parents and is also increasingly active on the private family disputes front.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys is home to ‘a first-class team without a shadow of a doubt‘ which deals with a variety of complex and high-value financial cases, as well as domestic and international children issues. Practice head Kevin Harris-James receives plaudits for his work on complex financial disputes and the team also includes Andrew Breakwell, recommended for his financial remedy work especially cases involving onshore and offshore trusts. Victoria Fellows has substantial experience in cohabitation cases too meanwhile Hayley McCormack recently joined the team from Mills & Reeve LLP and has particular expertise in cases involving businesses, farms and trust structures.

The ‘amazing team‘ at Irwin Mitchell receives garners praise for its ‘strong ethos of client care‘, acting under the leadership of Clare Wiseman . Clients include entrepreneurs, sports professionals and CEOs. Zahra Pabani  specialises in ultra-high-networth cases meanwhile Sarah Balfour is adept at supporting older clients and their families. Mark Hands  is sought after for his expertise in cases involving overseas trusts and frequently represents Asian families and professional football players. Fiona Farrell works on substantial financial cases and difficult children cases, including those involving parental alienation, whereas Gemma Fenton  is a go-to for complicated corporate structures, trust assets and pensions.

Beverley Morris heads up the ‘excellent’ team at Lodders Solicitors LLP ; she excels at financial remedy work, routinely advising high-net-worth individuals where there are complex structures and assets, and frequently advises trustees where they have been joined to the proceedings. Newly-promoted partner Vivienne Middleton is equally adept at resolving financial and children disputes while Caroline Dresden has a particular interest in pensions on divorce and is also a collaborative lawyer. The team was pleased to recently add senior associate Hollie Orgee to its ranks from Stowe Family Law LLP.

Rayner Grice, left, leads the team at Clarke Willmott LLP which enjoys a strong reputation in the full range of family law issues, demonstrating particular expertise in complex financial and private law children matters. The group is also increasingly active in cases pertaining to domestic abuse and controlling/ coercive behaviour and is vastly experienced in contentious pension arrangement and nuptial agreement matters. The ‘absolutely excellent’ Adam Maguire recently joined the group from Shoosmiths LLP and is recommended alongside senior associate Caroline Young.

Richard Gray , Krina Parmar  and Rupinder Jagdev, left, jointly lead the department at Duncan Lewis Solicitors; their team specialises in representing clients who are facing emergency situations and frequently supports on child relocation, sexual harm, safeguarding and domestic abuse issues. It runs a culturally diverse caseload, involving elements of Islamic law, and specialises in international child abduction cases in addition to female genital mutilation cases.

The family and children team at Mills & Reeve LLP is well-regarded, both regionally and nationally. It handles the full array of family law issues from high conflict children proceedings to cases where there are complex business and trust structures. The ‘brilliant‘ Marc Saunderson, above, is a key figure, as is Katherine Kennedy who advises on a myriad of issues and regularly works with the private wealth department to advise on wealth protection through nuptial agreements. Rob Norris and Stephanie Hawthorn are also integral to the offering.

Stowe Family Law LLP supports high-net-worth individuals who have assets, trusts, properties and businesses both in the UK and internationally. Under the joint leadership of Birmingham-based Rebecca Calden-Storr, above, and Nottinghambased Holly Lamb, the team handles a varied caseload of complex Children Act cases often involving issues such as parental alienation or narcissism; the team is also well-placed to advise on issues for same-sex and cohabiting couples as well as on adoption, surrogacy and fertility law.

Sydney Mitchell LLP fields a well-regarded collaborative law practice with two fully qualified collaborative lawyers. Key areas of focus under the joint leadership of Karen Moores  and Mauro Vinti  include divorce and civil partnership dissolutions, as well as on pre-and post-nuptial agreements and child arrangements. Gemma Whitchurch is another skilled practitioner meanwhile Teresa Mannion is a Family Law Panel member.

The Wilkes Partnership acts for a wide range of clients from all backgrounds including company directors, dentists, owners and managers of businesses and their spouses. Aaron Keene heads the private family law team and is on the Law Society’s Family Law Panel, in addition to being a collaborative lawyer. Ruth Harrison-Byrne  leads the public law (childcare team) while Sian Kenkre is a senior associate who has a particular interest in surrogacy and assisted fertility cases.

Benussi & Co Limited typically acts in cases involving net assets between £3m-£30m and has extensive experience of dealing with cases where there are substantially higher assets. Diane Benussi has an excellent reputation for her work on substantial financial issues arising out of relationship breakdown while Helen Jane Arnold  is ‘hugely experienced‘ in large cases where there are business structures and trusts, also frequently advising on the variation of post nuptial settlements. Denise McKenna  specialises in international family law matters, particularly those involving complex UHNW and cross-border business interests. Lucy Johnston  is skilled at handling private law children cases.

Mary Kaye , practice head of Shakespeare Martineau LLP, deals with a broad range of complex children matters; she is supported by Helen Bowns  who specialises in complicated financial remedy cases involving farms, overseas assets and difficult partnership disputes. Other key figures include Prem Ahark, who is particularly skilled at advising on pre-and post-nuptial agreements, as well as Aasha Choudhary who recently joined the team from Mills & Reeve LLP. Key clients include high-net-worth families, high-profile footballers, business professionals and CEOs.

Weightmans LLP's team leverages both a national and cross-border reach and is led by Manchesterbased Emma Collins, left. It has been expanding its national mediation practice and has particular expertise in nuptial agreements, the treatment of inherited wealth and other issues such as onshore and offshore trusts, pre-marriage acquired assets and co-habitation issues. Consultant Fiona O’Sullivan is a key figure who advises on the financial aspects of relationship breakdown meanwhile principal associate Tania Derrett-Smith is well-versed in financial remedy proceedings and children matters.

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

Harrison Clark Rickerbys

BUSINESS LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY

What is a lasting power of attorney and why is it important?

A power of attorney is a document that gives legal authority to other individual(s) to act on your behalf if you are unable to do so. If you do not have such a document in place, then no one else will be able to help you. If you lose mental capacity to make decisions, then it will be necessary for someone to be appointed by the Court of Protection as a deputy to act on your behalf. This is a lengthy and expensive process and can add to the stresses already being experienced in this sort of situation.

Since 2007, the most common type of documents to make are known as lasting powers of attorney (LPAs). There are two separate types of documents that you can make: an LPA for property and financial affairs and an LPA for health and welfare.

Both documents need to be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) to be validated. However, once the LPA for property and financial affairs has been registered, your chosen attorney(s) can generally act on your behalf both when you have capacity to act for yourself (but only with your consent) and they can also continue to act if you ever lack capacity.

Some of my clients have described these documents as being analogous to an insurance policy. Hopefully, it will never be necessary to use an LPA. However, if an attorney is required to act for any reason, they are very pleased that they have got these documents in place so that someone can seamlessly intervene.

Is a business LPA right for my business?

Many people are increasingly familiar with LPAs in the context of their personal situations. However, if you are a business owner, having an appropriate document in place could be equally or almost more important. What if you are away on holiday or on business and a decision needs to be made or action taken? Perhaps more worryingly, what if you were to have an accident or suddenly become mentally incapacitated? These situations could have a serious impact on your business unless you have already made appropriate plans or someone else within the business has equivalent decision-making authority.

What about the payment of bills, entering into agreements with third parties, signing cheques or even paying staff salaries? If you cannot deal with these, who else can?

In most cases, having an appropriate business LPA in place can enable things to continue without any interruption. If you are a sole trader, the business is unlikely to have a separate legal entity to yourself and therefore there are fewer issues to consider. However, if you are in a partnership or a director of a limited company, you should make sure that there are no potential conflicts within your partnership agreement of articles of association which could cause issues that need to be addressed within the business LPA.

Can an LPA cover personal and business affairs?

People are increasingly aware of the importance of having LPAs in place in relation to their personal affairs – often appointing their spouse or civil partner and children or friends to act on their behalf. However, for business owners, it might not be most appropriate to have these people acting on their behalf in relation to their business affairs.

It is possible to have one document where certain people are appointed to make certain decisions and other people are authorised to make other decisions. However, it might be difficult to make the scope of an individual’s authority clear enough and the OPG might reject the document.

What could be simpler is to make two separate documents: one dealing with your personal affairs and the other dealing with your business interests. In this way, you can appoint different people to deal with each aspect of your life. Within these individual documents, you can then specify the extent of the attorney(s)’ authority.

Tessa Whiskard, Partner in the personal planning team. Tel. 01625 614250 or email her at tessa.whiskard@anthonycollins.com

Tessa Whiskard

FAMILY: ELSEWHERE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS

of family law including pre- and post-nuptial agreements and private law children matters. Laura Williams primarily acts for wealthy clients with overseas assets, complex business structures or farming/development land while Hannah Nicholls is also highlyregarded.

Lanyon Bowdler has an agile team that advises on financial remedies, children and divorce; it is skilled at advising on internal and external children relocation cases, domestic violence and other significant welfare issues. The head of department is Sue Hodgson , who regularly deals with complicated matrimonial matters and sensitive children disputes, while Philippa Pearson advises on nuptial agreements and on living together and separation agreements for non-married couples.

and overseas assets. Peter Lowe deals with a variety of complex financial disputes and matters relating to children meanwhile Dal Heran, pictured, covers all aspects of family law for married and unmarried families.

Erica Kemp heads the department at Alsters Kelley Solicitors Ltd and is a trained mediator and a collaborative lawyer, predominantly advising on financial matters following divorce. Sarah Ingram mainly focuses on financial matters in the aftermath of relationship breakdown, children matters and on cohabitation agreements. Catherine Stephens is vastly experienced in all aspects of public law children proceedings.

The first-rate team at Brethertons LLP has niche expertise in areas such as child abduction and international children work. It is also skilled at advising on complex care proceedings, as well as international adoption and surrogacy. Further core strengths of the team include advising on domestic violence, private law children proceedings and advice on high-net-worth, complex matters. Linda Jones, above, is recommended for her work on divorce and financial disputes/pensions matters meanwhile Simon Craddock is a specialist in international child abduction cases. Newly-promoted partner Dawn Millar is an accredited specialist with Resolution and is recommended for her work on complex financial cases.

Anne Thomson, left  heads a ‘strong team‘ at FBC Manby Bowdler LLP which has an excellent reputation for its work on a variety of high-value and complex family matters, in addition to  Children Act cases. Thomson is particularly recommended for her work on pre-nuptial agreements while the ‘very clever‘ Philip Cowell has substantial expertise in dealing with the financial aspects of relationship breakdown. Sarah Millington  has considerable strength in farming cases and the team was recently bolstered by the arrival of Claire Darley, a lawyer with a keen focus on complex financial cases, from Higgs LLP.

Nadia Davis leads the team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys which receives acclaim for its ‘extraordinary strength in-depth'. Davis receives a steady flow of instructions on a variety of complex and high-value cases that involve businesses, farming and agricultural assets whereas Andrew Caldicott has a well-established reputation in high-net-worth financial disputes and complex Children Act matters. Newly-promoted partner James Osborne comes recommended alongside Anita Hennessey.

At Higgs LLP, Philip Barnsley, left, heads ‘the wonderfully collaborative‘ team, noted for its proficiency in family wealth protection affairs. It is also skilled at advising on family relationship protection as well as on child protection. Rhian Gray specialises in private matrimonial and family law for married couples, civil partners and cohabitees while Sioned Fitt has a primary focus on child arrangements. The team garners praise for its ‘client-centred approach’ for a roster of owner-managed businesses, entrepreneurs and wealthy families.

Mercy Messenger is a specialised firm that focuses on dealing with family businesses, advising on children matters and supporting mothers with children under the terms of Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989. Under the leadership of Mercy Messenger, the team is also skilled at advising on cases involving coercive control or narcissist behaviour. Other names to note include Harpreet Saund; Lauren Parton and Patrice Coughlin .

MFG Solicitors LLP is particularly well-known for its handling of farming divorce cases and has developed considerable experience of dealing with high-net-worth clients, often in respect of complex financial arrangements. Head of department Claire Backler  specialises in advising on the financial aspects of divorce and separation while Gurdip Kaur Brring  frequently advises on pre-marital agreements and the protection of property on co-habitation. Katherine Tippetts  has substantial experience of ancillary relief cases and the team is also home to senior associate Rupinder Nandra, lauded for her work on contested children matters.

Tracy Cross heads the department at Band Hatton Button LLP; she is a Resolution trained and accredited family mediator who is qualified to offer child inclusive mediation and hybrid mediation. Peter Martin is another key figure who is an experienced advocate in cases involving complex children and financial issues. The practice frequently advises on cases where there are companies and family businesses.

George Green LLP's practice is headed by Mark Vandaele who has particular strength in dealing with complex financial matters on divorce. The team is increasingly active in advising on pre-and postnuptial agreements for the firm’s business clients and wealthy families. Recently-promoted partner Richard Port specialises in complex child arrangement cases and matrimonial matters.

The family team at Pickerings Solicitors is jointly led by Susan Davies, who specialises in divorce and finance, and Richard Westley, who leads the children law team. Joanna Craddock and Victoria Harvey are also key members of the children team and, alongside Craddock, are members of the Law Society’s Children Law accreditation scheme and are often instructed by the children’s guardian on some serious and complex cases. Davies handles all aspects of divorce and separation and is a collaboratively trained lawyer.

Thursfields Solicitors fields a team praised for its ‘very high standard of client care’ and for having ‘bags of integrity’. Practice head Shane Miller, above, has a wealth of experience in financial matters in the context of divorce and is particularly adept in matters involving international and jurisdictional issues, businesses, interveners and complex shareholding/ deals. Philip Rea is another key practitioner who covers all aspects

Wright Hassall LLP is recommended for its work on the full spectrum of complex and high-value cases, acting for many clients in the agricultural and commercial sectors. The team also acts for individuals in relation to private applications for children and frequently advises on pre-and postnuptial agreements involving both UK

Barge is a trained collaborative lawyer and has developed a particular niche in drafting and advising on pre- and post-nuptial agreements. Hobden has a wealth of experience in handling disputes involving complex business assets, inherited wealth and hidden money.

Helen Bowns at Shakespeare Martineau LLP is based in the Stratford-upon-Avon office and regularly helps clients with all aspects of relationship breakdown. Clients include business owners, farmers, professionals and those with inherited wealth. In Solihull, Dipika Mistry specialises in divorce, financial remedy and children work.

Neil Hobden and Richard Barge, left, co-head the department at Aaron & Partners LLP which is adept at handling high-value and complex financial disputes on relationship breakdown.

Brethertons LLP

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Harrison Clark Rickerbys Higgs LLP

Thursfields Solicitors

Lanyon Bowdler

Mercy Messenger MFG Solicitors LLP Wright Hassall LLP

Alsters Kelley Solicitors Ltd

Band Hatton Button LLP George Green LLP

Pickerings Solicitors

Aaron & Partners LLP Shakespeare Martineau LLP

GENERAL CRIME AND FRAUD

Jonas Roy Bloom Kangs Solicitors Tuckers Solicitors

Alsters Kelley Solicitors Ltd Clyde & Co DWF GQS Solicitors Kang & Co Solicitors Keoghs LLP Lanyon Bowdler

Basharat Hussain heads ‘a fast growing and innovative’ team at Hussain Solicitors which routinely advises defendants on a variety of complex and high-profile cases involving terrorism, fraud and murder.

Birmingham's Jonas Roy Bloom is home to a small team of wellrespected practitioners handling a range of criminal cases, with a particular specialism in motoring and money laundering offences.

Hamraj Kang, left, leads an experienced and large team at Kangs Solicitors that routinely advises on the most serious fraud cases throughout the country as well as crossjurisdictional and high-value fraud cases.  The nimble team is recommended too for its criminal defence work involving murders, serious sexual offences, complex drug conspiracies and conspiracies to pervert the course of justice. John Veale  concentrates on complex fraud cases while Helen Holder heads the Crown Court department. Timothy Thompson is highly rated for his work on fraud investigations involving crypto assets and crypto currencies. Veale, Holder and Thompson have recently been promoted to the partnership where the ‘team is at top of its game, with a wealth of knowledge and experience in handling high profile work‘.

Cartwright King has a well-established reputation for its work in defending investigations and prosecutions that are brought  by the SFO, the CPS and other agencies such as the National Crime Agency. Clients are often directors, senior employees and the management of multinational companies. It is highly rated for its experience in online and cyber-crime and is regularly instructed by high profile ‘hackers’ . John Allchin, above, is a grade ‘A’ supervisor under the VHCC arrangements. Allchin receives many plaudits as someone ‘who combines

considerable legal knowledge and excellent judgement with a caring attitude towards his clients‘.  Sue Swan frequently represents police officers facing criminal and misconduct allegations.Michael Balmer is now at Weightmans LLP.

The crime department at Alsters Kelley Solicitors Ltd is led by Jas Thiara, who is a High Court Advocate. The group has a primary focus on the West Midlands and Warwickshire areas and advises clients at the police station all the way through to the High Court. Thiara has a broad practice and routinely advises clients on issues as diverse as food safety regulations as well as motoring offences and professional conduct matters.

The excellent team at DWF acts for nine large composite insurers as well as the Lloyds Market, corporates and selfinsured. The team has considerable sector strength in diverse areas such as financial, retail and logistics. Lorraine Carolan, above, leads the firm’s national fraud and financial crime offering. Michael Henman specialises in representing motor insurers in the defence of fraudulent claims. Miles Hepworth  also has considerable expertise in counter-fraud and claims validation.

GQS Solicitors advises on issues as diverse as complex fraud to defending individuals who are accused of serious crimes such as murder, drug offences and human trafficking.  Ishfaq Qadir and Ahmer Sattar jointly lead the team that also has a specialist regulatory unit as well as a group that deals with motoring offences.

Kang & Co Solicitors advises on a broad range of private criminal defence matters including accusations of assault, murder and manslaughter. It frequently represents clients for various motoring offences in addition to other regulatory, transport and licensing matters.

KANG & CO PARTNERS WITH LOCAL CHARITY FOR A YEAR OF GIVING

Each year Motoring & Criminal defence law firm Kang & Co Solicitors supports a local charity throughout the year and 2022 has been no different. This year the law firm has been partnered with the wonderful people at the Birmingham Mind mental health charity.

The charity is the largest mental health charity in the West Midlands region, supporting people suffering or affected by mental health related issues. Birmingham Mind has provided continuous mental health support for 60 years now, and to mark the occasion Kang & Co Solicitors staff took part in their 60 Miles in 60 Days challenge to raise funds for the charity.

Kang & Co director Manjinder Kang said; “I think more so than ever in recent memory, it is hugely important to show support for mental health charities. The last few years have taken a huge hit on the mental health of many in our nation and many are going unsupported. With this in mind we felt that this year it would be important to raise further awareness & backing towards Mental Health support. It has been an honour partnering up with the brilliant people at Birmingham Mind mental health charity during their 60th anniversary and we are pleased that we have been able to raise funds for them.”

Kang & Co Solicitors passionately believe in Corporate Social Responsibility, helping local communities the best way we can. Over the last few years, Kang & Co Solicitors have been committed to supporting a different charity each year. In recent years we have supported Birmingham Dog’s Home, Acorns Children’s Hospice and World Against Single Use Plastic, Sense and have raised thousands of pounds for the causes in the process.

The team at Kang & Co Solicitors set a target of £2,000 to raise for Birmingham Mind during the 60 Miles in 60 Days challenge. The distance was successfully completed during the summer by all the staff and the fundraising target of £2,000 was hit.

If you are suffering from mental health issues Birmingham Mind are a superb resource and support. They work in active partnership with a range of local organisations to deliver services and challenge the stigma that surrounds mental distress. The charity offer a range of services which help support people in various ways such as Supported Housing, Residential Care, Carers Wellbeing Service and our Mental Health Helpline.

Keoghs LLP has a strong national offering that defends both commercial and domestic drivers who are involved in serious road traffic accidents that often result in catastrophic and fatal injuries. Head of department is

Coventry-based Tim Ingram,above, who is a known name for his work in the defence of motorists across the entire spectrum of road traffic offences.

Stephen Scully at Lanyon Bowdler is vastly experienced in defending motoring offences. The team has three experienced solicitor advocates and also garners praise for its work in dealing with Environment Agency prosecutions in addition to health and safety matters. Under the direction of Shrewsbury-based Adrian Roberts  it is also recommended for its work on court martials.

Manjinder Kang, above, and Thomas Wheeler co-head the team.

Hussain Solicitors

Cartwright King

IMMIGRATION

Duncan Lewis Solicitors fields a large team that has significant expertise in immigration, asylum and judicial review claimant matters. It is recommended for its provision of publicly funded immigration services and regularly represents vulnerable clients who are victims of torture or trafficking in asylum and human rights matters, as well as assisting unaccompanied asylumseeking children. Ahmed Aydeed, above, and Darren Middleton co-head the department.

Andre Minnaar, left, and Melissa Southall at Sydney Mitchell LLP respectively specialise in immigration matters of a personal and humanrights based nature. The ‘professional and very knowledgeable‘ team advises on all types of entry clearance applications from abroad and in country applications, renewal applications and appeals.Minnaar, who is an experienced tribunal advocate, has a large LGBTQI following and has successfully represented many gay men and women and others in their asylum claims. Southall frequently advises on spouse visas, applications for children, asylum and on European applications to citizenship.

The Wilkes Partnership has senior associate Pam Sidhu at the helm; she has been busy advising on an array of primarily business immigration matters for its employer and owner managed clients.

The thriving practice at VWV is led by Tom Brett Young and receives instructions from various employers spanning sectors such as financial services, healthcare, fashion, tech and charities. Its independent schools client portfolio continues to expand along with

its HE offering. Other areas of growth include advising numerous multinational companies on diverse matters such as skilled worker sponsorship. Brett Young specialises in both business and personal immigration matters and is praised for his advice to employers and education providers on their compliance obligations.

Matthew Davies, left, leads an established team at Wright Hassall LLP that has a strong client base in retail, advertising, food and other sectors such as confectionary, professional services and financial. The group also receives plaudits for its advice to leading law firms on their internal immigration issues. Davies is adept at dealing with cases where there is a cross-over between immigration and employment law. The group has been busy working with its colleagues in the corporate and employment departments on issues such as managed sponsor licence applications and advising on various sponsor migrant status matters.

The immigration team at Bevan Brittan LLP is led by Ashley Norman, left. It is particularly known for its work with the NHS, healthcare and university sectors. Norman regularly advises a range of clients from different sectors on issues such as immigration compliance and audits, certificates of sponsorship and other issues such as right to work issues and Brexit-related queries. Senior associate Jaspal Basra has a particular focus on independent healthcare providers and NHS trusts.

Tijen Ahmet, who divides her time between Birmingham and London, leads the practice at Shakespeare Martineau LLP

It acts for global businesses across a wide range of sectors from finance to manufacturing and retail. The group has specialist expertise in the education sector and frequently supports HR teams with new sponsor licence management issues to assist with the recruitment of skills from overseas and the prevention of illegal working practices in the UK. Michael Hibbs is the other key contact.

DOUBLE FIRST FOR IMMIGRATION TEAM AT SYDNEY MITCHELL

The Immigration Team at Sydney Mitchell has been awarded Top Tier status in the Legal 500 for the second year running and as previously the department head, Andre Minnaar and his colleague, Melissa Southall, have been recognised as rising stars.

Andre and Melissa are vastly experienced and hugely respected having developed their outstanding immigration practice together over many years. The team is seen as “professional and very knowledgeable”.

Excellent service, attention to detail and unwavering determination to reach their goals for their clients keeps the department in the “Top Tier”.

Andre is an experienced tribunal advocate and has a large LGBTQI following. The team as a whole provides high quality advice on a wide range of immigration issues and works tirelessly to provide successful outcomes coupled with genuine care and dedication throughout the process. The team hope to continue helping many more clients with their immigration needs over the coming months.

As well as the success of the Immigration department the firm as a whole has continued to achieve outstanding results in the Legal 500 listings across the board having obtained recommendations in 11 areas including Tier 2 rankings for the teams undertaking Family, Contentious Probate and Personal Tax Trusts and Probate. The Corporate and Commercial team is also highlighted as a ‘firm to watch’.

Mike Sutton, who heads the personal injury team, has joined Andre and Melissa in being recognised as a rising star, Emma-Louise Hewitt is a next generation partner and head of the family team, Karen Moores, is acknowledged as a leading individual in her field.

With great teams in place, Sydney Mitchell continues to deliver on high quality advice to its clients and thanks both clients and contacts for their great feedback.

For legal help or advice contact Sydney Mitchell on 08081668827. www.sydneymitchell.co.uk

Duncan Lewis Solicitors Sydney Mitchell LLP The Wilkes Partnership VWV Wright Hassall LLP

Bevan Brittan LLP

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Shakespeare Martineau LLP

WEST MIDLANDS HALL OF FAME, NEXT GENERATION

HALL OF FAME

CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL

Andrew Hornigold Pinsent Masons LLP

Geoff Perry Squire Patton Boggs

Jeremy Millington Gowling WLG

Mark Beardmore Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Colin Rodrigues Hawkins Hatton

Mark Burgess DLA Piper

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Alex Bishop Shoosmiths LLP

Greg Lowson Pinsent Masons LLP

Stephen Goodram Gateley Plc

Steve Allen Mills & Reeve LLP

NEXT GEN PARTNERS

CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL

Alistair Hammerton Shoosmiths LLP

Clare Francis Pinsent Masons LLP

Mike Jackson Browne Jacobson LLP

Nigel Cooke Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Robert Newman DLA Piper

Ryan Harrison DLA Piper

Sarah Riding Gowling WLG

Theresa Marie-Stodell Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Tom Rush Gateley Plc

Clare Emery Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Edward Burrell Lanyon Bowdler

Jamie Partington Higgs LLP

Tim Edwards Thursfields Solicitors

Jon Robinson Parisi Tax LLP

CRIME, FRAUD AND LICENSING

John Allchin Cartwright King

John Veale Kangs Solicitors

Matt O'Brien Jonas Roy Bloom

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Martin Ward Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Anthony Minnis Mills & Reeve LLP

Darren Kenny DWF

Helen Briant Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Helen Davenport Gowling WLG

EMPLOYMENT

Alan Jones Averta Employment Lawyers

Jog Hundle Mills & Reeve LLP

Kathy Halliday VWV

Martin Chitty Gowling WLG

Rebecca McGuirk Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Roy Tozer Shoosmiths LLP

Glyn Ryland Squire Patton Boggs

Richard Black Gowling WLG

FINANCE

Andrew Madden Gateley Plc

Jon Bew Shoosmiths LLP

Andrew Jordan Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Huw Dolphin DLA Piper

James Keates Shoosmiths LLP

INSURANCE

Lisa Jordan Irwin Mitchell

Rankeshwar Batta Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

Adrian Dagnall Bevan Brittan LLP

Damon Burt Plexus Law

Derek Adamson DWF

Lorraine Carolan DWF

Rhodri Richards DAC Beachcroft LLP

James Woolstenhulme Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Louise Wilson Freeths LLP

Neil Warner Gateley Plc

Phillip Kelly DLA Piper

Stephen May Fieldfisher LLP

Charlotte Clode FBC Manby Bowdler LLP

Liam Owen George Green LLP

Samuel Pedley MFG Solicitors LLP

EMPLOYMENT

Adele Hayfield Shoosmiths LLP

Ben Mason Aaron & Partners LLP

Elaine Huttley Irwin Mitchell

Emma Phillips DLA Piper

Emma-Louise Hewitt Sydney Mitchell LLP

Hannah Wilkins Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Helen Corden Pinsent Masons LLP

Jemma O’Reilly Heminsley Law

Merran Sewell Gateley Plc

Tom Long Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Andrew Brammer Weightmans LLP

Rachel Lyne Browne Jacobson LLP

Tom Brett Young VWV

Christopher Stiles Gowling WLG

Douglas Mullen Anthony Collins Solicitors

Joanne Tibbott Gowling WLG

Kate-Emma Bailey Squire Patton Boggs

Katie Ivens Pinsent Masons LLP

Victoria Jeacock Squire Patton Boggs

FINANCE

Ben Tumelty Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Chris Jones Gateley Plc

David Varnham Mills & Reeve LLP

Esther Parkes Pinsent Masons LLP

Natalie Barnes Shoosmiths LLP

Navin Prabhakar Gowling WLG

Richard Holmes DWF

Victoria Baker Pinsent Masons LLP

Alan Meiklejohn Harrison Clark Rickerbys Amy Keogh Irwin Mitchell

Jenna Poulton Eversheds Sutherland LLP

INSURANCE

Beth Heath Lanyon Bowdler

Dawn Humphries Lanyon Bowdler

Debbie Humphries Lanyon Bowdler

Jenna HarrisIrwin Mitchell

Laura Daly Irwin Mitchell

Steven Santy Higgs LLP David Thompson Clyde & Co

Jacqui Kendall Plexus Law

Jasmine Armstrong Weightmans LLP Mark Walsh Kennedys

Geoff Perry Squire Patton Boggs Colin Rodrigues Hawkins Hatton Mark Burgess DLA PiperDamon Burt Plexus Law Derek Adamson DWF

Stephen Goodram Gateley Plc

Jennifer Rhind Wright Hassall LLP Raman Dhillon Band Hatton Button LLP Tom Williams Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Bevan Brittan

Ansons Pam Sidhu The Wilkes Partnership Raj Chahal Capsticks LLP Caroline Depledge DWF James Muller Weightmans LLP Kate Oliver Gateley Plc Employment Louise Mansfield Pinsent Masons LLP Michael Hafen Gowling WLG Simon Naylor DWF Steven Harrison DAC Beachcroft LLP Tom Boulton Weightmans LLP Andre Minnaar Sydney Mitchell LLP Melissa Southall Sydney Mitchell LLP Gavin Paul Eversheds Sutherland LLP Tom Meyrick Eversheds Sutherland LLP

FINANCE Alison Davidson-Cox Gateley Plc Angela Rawlins Gowling WLG Gemma Lawrence DLA Piper Gemma Rooney DLA Piper Oliver Morgan Pinsent Masons LLPAnne-

Louise Lawrence Eversheds Sutherland LLP Deborah Brown DLA Piper Oliver Ward-Jones Squire Patton Boggs Sarah Robinson Pinsent Masons LLP Sheena Tandy Shakespeare Martineau LLP Stuart Taylor Harrison Clark Rickerbys

INSURANCE Ann Houghton Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Laura Weir  Lanyon Bowdler Louise Howard Lanyon Bowdler Mike Stutton Sydney Mitchell LLP Natasha Read Shoosmiths LLP Richard Bannister Shoosmiths LLP Sarah Huntbach Higgs LLP Sue Allen Higgs LLP Tom Fletcher Irwin Mitchell Victoria Fullilove Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Christian Lowden Kennedys Emma Rees Browne Jacobson LLP Hannah Wallace Browne Jacobson LLP Louise Jeffers Browne Jacobson LLP Paul Smith Browne Jacobson LLP

PRIVATE CLIENT Jennie Wheildon Shakespeare Martineau LLP Nick Playford Lanyon Bowdler Sarah Beer Wright Hassall LLP

GENERATION PARTNERS & RISING STARS 2023

PRIVATE CLIENT

Robert Weston MFG Solicitors LLP

Marc Saunderson Mills & Reeve LLP

Matthew Hansell Mills & Reeve LLP

PROJECT, ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES

Andrew Whitehead Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Stephen Kenny Gowling WLG

REAL ESTATE

Adrian Bland Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Callum Nuttall Gateley Plc

John Burns Gowling WLG

Nick Green Squire Patton Boggs

Nick Abell Wright Hassall LLP

Ashley Pigott Gowling WLG

Graeme Bradley Squire Patton Boggs

Robert Norris Squire Patton Boggs

David Gordon Squire Patton Boggs

Roy Tozer Shoosmiths LLP

David Feist Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Paul Moorcroft Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Geraldine Haden Shakespeare Martineau LLP

TECHNOLOGY, MEDIA AND TELECOMS

Cerys Wyn Davies Pinsent MasonsLLP

Marie McMorrow HGF Law

Jagvinder Singh Kang Mills & Reeve LLP

Stephen Ollerenshaw Codified Legal

Gary Mellor Beswicks Legal

Matthew Harpin Browne Jacobson LLP

Paul Cox AC Beachcroft LLP

Paul Donnelly DWF

Ravinder Johal Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Verinder Bedi Clyde & Co

PRIVATE CLIENT

Andrew Chandler MFG Solicitors LLP

Claire Vale Lanyon Bowdler

Katie Alsop Wright Hassall LLP

Lucy Howard Mills & Reeve LLP

Mark Terrar Meridian Private Client LLP

Adam Maguire Clarke Willmott LLP

Christopher Lloyd-Smith Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

Mark Hands Irwin Mitchell

Sarah Balfour Irwin Mitchell

Rhian Gray Higgs LLP

Eamonn Daly Meridian Private Client LLP

Hannah Tait Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Lisa Whitehouse Harrison Clark Rickerbys Neil Davies Lanyon Bowdler

Verity Kirby Shakespeare Martineau LLP

PROJECTS, ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Dominic Richardson Gowling WLG

PUBLIC SECTOR

Geraldine Swanton Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Gurvinder Samra Shoosmiths LLP

Mark Taylor Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Rachel Soundy Bevan Brittan LLPJasmine

Armstrong Weightmans LLP

Monica Macheng Bevan Brittan LLP

Tom Eastwood Pinsent Masons LLP

Kirtpal Kaur Aujla Bevan Brittan LLP

REAL ESTATE

Beth Margetson Knights

Carl Scott Pinsent Masons LLP Chris Adams Gateley Plc

Digby Morgan Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Henry Matveieff Capsticks LLP

Katie Jacobson DLA Piper

Matthew Walker Gowling WLG

Tim Flight Shoosmiths LLP

Tom Eastwood Pinsent Masons LLP

Alex-Jayne Lowe George Green LLP

E Fawkes-Underwood George Green LLP

James Polo-Richards JG Poole & Co. LLP

Victoria Longmore Lodders Solicitors LLP

Alex Johnson Freeths LLP

Amira Khan Gateley Plc

Kate Onions Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Paul Scott Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Perveen Akhter Freeths LLP

Ray O’Connor Squire Patton Boggs

Anita Lloyd Squire Patton Boggs

Anna Cartledge Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Ben Standing Browne Jacobson LLP

Heidi Slater Pinsent Masons LLP

Matthew Scudamore Gateley Plc

Rosalind Andrews Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Toni Weston Gowling WLG

James Fownes Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Kate McCall Shoosmiths LLP

Philip Scully Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

Rob Holloway Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Digby Morgan Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Gemma Bell Penningtons Manches Cooper

LLPRachel Gwynne Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Yetunde Dania Trowers & Hamlins LLP

TECHNOLOGY, MEDIA AND TELECOMS

Andrew Brennan Shoosmiths LLP

Iona Silverman Freeths LLP

Jo Alderson Pinsent Masons LLP

Tom Nener Pinsent Masons LLP

Joe Stephenson Shoosmiths LLP

Sara May DAC Beachcroft LLP Sarah White Browne Jacobson LLP Angus Turner Mills & Reeve LLP

PUBLIC SECTOR

Joanne Ellis Pinsent Masons LLP Sarah White Browne Jacobson LLP

Alan Jones Averta Employment Lawyers

Jog Hundle MIlls & Reeve Kathy Halliday VWV Stephen Kenny Gowing WLG

Stephen Ollerenshaw Codified LegalJagcinder Sigh Kang Mills & Reeve

James Stanier Gowling WLG

Paul Hill Browne Jacobson LLP

Philip Wood Browne Jacobson LLP Rami Labib Pinsent Masons LLP Alex Lawrence Bevan Brittan LLP Amy Walker Pinsent Masons LLP Chris Haines Pinsent Masons LLP Gayle Monk Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

REAL

Arminder Dhillon Pinsent Masons LLP Rachel Williams DLA Piper Daniel MacLeod Lodders Solicitors LLP Neil Faunch Ansons Tania McGee Lanyon Bowdler Gavin Hoccom Browne Jacobson LLP Gemma Whittaker Gowling WLG Jonathan Vickers Pinsent Masons LLP Michael Bennett Shoosmiths LLP Simon Colegate Shoosmiths LLP Victoria Ball DLA Piper Chris Grainger Gateley Plc Kate Oliver Gateley Plc Rob Biddlecombe Squire Patton Boggs Amy Truman DLA Piper Dinah Patel Fieldfisher LLP Emma Cartledge-Taylor Shoosmiths LLP Ian Graves DLA Piper Jonathan Leary Pinsent Masons LLP Matthew Fox Pinsent Masons LLP

Pieter Claussen DLA Piper Suzanne Tucker FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Tracy Lovejoy Lanyon Bowdler Arren Thornton Eversheds Sutherland LLP Bradley Roberts Browne Jacobson LLP Charlotte Webster Eversheds Sutherland LLP Christopher Bartley Mills & Reeve LLP Craig Downhill Pinsent Masons LLP Elinor Sandbach Shoosmiths LLP Michelle Adams Squire Patton Boggs Pia Eames Shakespeare Martineau LLP Pierre Smith Pinsent Masons LLP Richard Willcox Shoosmiths LLP Rob Bridgeman Gowling WLG Sarah Campey Pinsent Masons LLP Gemma Courtenay Gowling WLG Sally Farrall Gowling WLG

TECHNOLOGY, MEDIA AND TELECOMS Katy Bourne Pinsent Masons LLP Michael Carter Gowling WLG Nick Smee Browne Jacobson LLP Satnam Sahota DLA Piper Sam Tibbetts Squire Patton Boggs Phil Hutchinson Mills & Reeve LLP

INSOLVENCY & CORPORATE RECOVERY

Gateley Plc

Pinsent Masons LLP

LLP

Freeths LLP

Gowling WLG

Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Clarke Willmott LLP

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP

Sydney Mitchell LLP

Thursfields Solicitors

Wright Hassall LLP

The restructuring and insolvency team at DLA Piper handles complex matters on a local, national and international scale. The firm offers expertise in sectors key to the Midlands, including the automotive, hospitality and leisure sectors. Huw Dolphin leads the team with extensive experience in corporate restructuring, refinancing and insolvency work and a focus on non-contentious and transactional work. Legal director Deborah Brown has considerable knowledge in handling real estate assets within formal appointments and financial restructures.

The 'extremely capable and extensive' restructuring team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP caters to a wide range of clients, including banks, mezzanine and asset-based lenders, private equity and distressed funds, as well as corporates and insolvency practitioners. The team works in a number of specialist areas such as automotive, education, energy, healthcare and life sciences. Andrew Jordan is a major name in the local market, specialising in sectors including retail, education, energy and healthcare. He co-leads with Jenna Poulton , who boasts specialist skills in real estate restructuring, distressed banking and syndicated restructurings. Legal director AnneLouise Lawrence  is another important name, with significant retail experience.

Gateley Plc is experienced across the full breadth of noncontentious and contentious matters, with a particular emphasis on sectors such as retail, healthcare, construction, logistics and financial disputes and fraud. In particular, the team boasts a formidable capacity for contentious insolvency proceedings on an international scale, advising on security structures, enhancement and enforcement and corporate simplification. Team co-head Mark Wilson, above, has  a lot of experience in litigation involving offshore entities, allegations of fraud and breach of duty. He co-leads with Daniel French,

whose particular expertise covers non-contentious insolvency and business restructuring advice to insolvency practitioners, institutional lenders and private equity funds.

Pinsent Masons LLP enjoys a very strong reputation among major clearing banks, asset-based lenders and insolvency practitioners. In particular, the team has an established presence in restructuring assignments involving invoice finance and asset based lending. These are strong areas for team leader Amy Flavell, who has experience working for all the major clearing banks. Edward Sunderland  leads the national asset based lending and structured finance practice, while Samantha Palmer provides specialist regulatory support to professional services firms. At the senior associate level,  Sarah Robinson is a key name.

Shoosmiths LLP is a very prominent name in the retail and financial services sectors in the West Midlands. Specifically, it has been at the forefront of the development of CVAs in the retail sector, undertaking the first CVA of an FCA regulated entity.

James Keates, above, is the national head of the team and acts for a variety of banks, asset based lenders, insolvency practitioners and private equity clients.

Aaron Harlow advises on all matters surrounding corporate restructuring and insolvency, while Charlotte Duce has a key role in developing the team’s lender driven practice. Principal associate Charlotte Doyle has played a key role for the team in a number of high profile insolvencies and restructurings.

The team at Freeths LLP is adept at providing insolvency and restructuring advice to insolvency practitioners, banks, funders and corporate stakeholders. John Jeffreys is a major name in the local market and specialises in non-contentious work. He co-leads the team along Mike Gilmour, whose predominantly contentious work focuses on bankruptcy and asset recovery matters.

With access to the wider firm’s impressive corporate client base, the restructuring and insolvency team at Gowling WLG works with a broad range of businesses, including pension trustees, suppliers, overseas parent companies, alternative funders and UK wide regulatory bodies. Team leader Jasvir Jootla works for a variety of stakeholders in distressed situations. She is supported by corporate restructuring expert Tom Pringle and insolvency litigator Ian Weatherall.

spanning in Croatia, China, the US and the United Arab Emirates. With 25 years of experience, Devinder Singh  brings great expertise in the energy and sports sectors; he co-leads the team with Russell Hill, who leads on significant multi-jurisdictional corporate and finance transactions.

The ‘friendly and proactive’ team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys has taken on significant instructions from corporates, lenders and insolvency practitioners, particularly in the construction, finance, healthcare, defence and education sectors. The practice is led by Sam Payne, above, who covers transactional work on behalf of boutique firms up to Big 4 firms. He is supported by Alan Meiklejohn, who regularly advises secured creditors on all aspects of insolvency and recovery. Also on the team is turnaround specialist Jon Whitbread, while Stuart Taylor joined as a partner from Pinsent Masons LLP in mid-2022.

With close ties to the firm’s banking and finance team, the restructuring and insolvency team at Irwin Mitchell are specialists in asset based lending with an emphasis risk and credit reviews, security issues and option reviews for distressed businesses. Team head Stephen George, above, is known for an expertise in non-contentious insolvency and a specialism in dealing with pension related restructuring. He is supported by recently promoted partner Amy Keogh.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP has an excellent reputation for complex contentious matters for insolvency practitioners and lenders. In addition, the team also regularly undertakes advisory projects for major corporates. Andrew Taylor, above, is the national head of the RRI team, advising insolvency practitioners and lenders on turnaround options, formal insolvency issues and validity of securities. He is supported by legal director Sheena Tandy , who has a wide range of experience advising on contentious and non-contentious corporate and personal insolvency.

Squire Patton Boggs is particularly noteworthy for its expertise in its knowledge of sectors including retail, education, pensions, sport and hospitality. The team operates on a truly international scale, with recent matters

A ‘strong team with good depth of experience’, FBC Manby Bowdler LLP covers the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious work, including corporate group restructurings, asset sales, formal appointments and litigation. The ‘bright and user friendly’ Gareth Ruddock, above, leads the team; he is supported by Brian Aikman and James Sage.

The restructuring and insolvency team at Sydney Mitchell LLP is very active on the contentious front, acting for insolvency practitioners and bridging lender clients on misfeasance claims and transactions defrauding creditors. This work is led by practice head Leanne Schneider-Rose, above, who also assists companies in financial difficulties and banks in asset recovery.

The business recovery and turnaround team at The Wilkes Partnership is experienced at covering both contentious and non-contentious work on behalf of insolvency practitioners and directors, both locally and nationally. In particular, the team is adept at advisory work and heavyweight contentious insolvency. The practice is headed by David Cleary, who has substantial experience advising directors, shareholders and creditors in relation to corporate insolvencies and restructuring. He is supported by John Cooper  and senior associate Emma Hutchison.

The growing practice at Thursfields Solicitors offers a particular specialism in contentious insolvency, including winding up petitions. On the non-contentious side, the team also covers matters relating to commercial property, employment and asset sales. The practice is led by Stephen Rome, above, a ‘clever litigator’ with a track record of handling multi-million pound insolvency claims.

Wright Hassall LLP offers support for insolvency practitioners on the collection and protection of assets, including wrongful trading actions, misfeasance claims and restructuring. The team is also experienced in personal insolvency, directors' duties and disguised remuneration. Caroline Benfield leads the team, advising on all aspects of contentious and non-contentious personal and corporate insolvency.

DLA Piper

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

Mitchell

Squire Patton Boggs

The Wilkes Partnership

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

The highly regarded intellectual property practice at Browne Jacobson LLP is known for taking on high stakes disputes for major clients on a national and international scale, particularly within the beauty, retail, media, higher education and automotive sectors. Mark Daniels, above, leads the Birmingham team and the firm’s high tech patent litigation practice with a specialism in contentious IP. Associate Nick Smee  is a specialist in both contentious and non-contentious IP work.

DLA Piper‘s highly reputable intellectual property team handles a broad portfolio of contentious and noncontentious IP work within the retail, media and hospitality sectors, often with cross-jurisdictional elements. Along with Richard Taylor , Gareth Stokes, above, co-leads the practice with a focus on licensing, exploitation and collaboration agreements. Senior Associate Satnam Sahota has vast experience handling IP matters within the UK and the Middle East and has taken on matters in the High Court for the Premiere League.

Split between Birmingham and London, the ‘responsive, helpful, pragmatic and wise‘ IP team at Gowling WLG offers a global IP practice that handles a full range of transactional and contentious intellectual property issues. In particular, the team specialises in tech patent litigation, life sciences, sponsorships and designs litigation. Team leader Kate Swaine, above, has a strong track record in international brand strategy and enforcement as well as being the co-head of IP for the firm internationally. Patrick Duxbury utilises his background as a microbiologist to expertly handle

life science matters. Senior associate Michael Carter  is also recommended for his expertise in IP licensing and enforcement.

The intellectual property team at Pinsent Masons LLP has a strong reputation for handling contentious and non-contentious matters for a variety of high-profile clients, such as JUUL and Bumble. The group specialises in providing advice relating to emerging technologies like digital health, autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence. Cerys Wyn Davies  leads the team and advises on major technology and life sciences collaborations and license agreements. Tom Nener leads the brand protection and creative rights team while Jo Alderson leads the strategic intellectual property practice. At the associate level, Katy Bourne and Nicky Pereira are both important figures.

Freeths LLP is known for handling all types of intellectual property disputes, as well as its trade mark and brands practice,

featuring three qualified trade mark attorneys. The team represents a number of notable clients, like Aldi, Travis Perkins and Poundland. Simon Barker, above, leads the team and has strong expertise in IP litigation and advertising and marketing advice. Iona Silverman leads the non-contentious IP practice, while Kishan Pattni  heads up the reputation management practice.

HGF Law has a standalone IP practice with expertise in contentious and transactional matters across all matters of IP including trade marks, copyright, designs and patents. The group has a particular focus on advanced manufacturing, healthcare, retail and food and drink. Marie McMorrow takes the lead, and handles disputes involving complex patent litigation, breaches of confidentiality, trademarks, anti-counterfeiting and copyright infringements. James Talbot and Christopher Robinson  are both important senior members of the team.

The team at Shakespeare Martineau LLP excels in handling litigation within the telecoms, construction, retail, life sciences and manufacturing sectors, a lot of which involves cross-jurisdictional elements. The firm also has a particular niche in handling a variety of non-contentious IP law issues for universities, especially regarding trade marks and licenses. The team is headed by Nicholas Brigg, above, whose work has an emphasis on patent litigation and other contentious work. Mauro Paiano  has experience in all forms of litigation before the high court and associate Daniel Goodall ‘s broad caseload includes IP creation, protection and enforcement mandates.

BONDS – IT IS LIKE A JAMES BOND THRILLER

“Investor uncertainty”, “falling pound”, “promised tax cuts” “funded by government savings” are all familiar phrases that have now joined the lexicon of familiar phrases no longer leading to eyebrow raising.

The markets punished the former Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, for not setting out his fiscal plan when delivering his mini budget, then he got further punished by Liz Truss and was replaced by Jeremy Hunt, the fourth Chancellor in four months.

The markets believed that if money is not in the coffers of the UK Treasury to pay for the same, the UK would have to borrow and pay more interest in the backdrop of increasing interest rates. At the same time, there is uncertainty in the energy market and a looming recession.

National team leader Andrew Brennan, above, is known for handling extremely contentious issues and advising on the commercialisation of IP assets. Victoria Bentley is prominent in the field of connected technology and advises clients on enforcement strategy and Dominic Murphy  is noteworthy for his experience as a trade mark attorney.

This nervousness has been seen in the bond market with more ups and downs than a James Bond thriller. It goes to demonstrate the fragility of the UK economy and lack of confidence by international investors. Jeremy Hunt’s plan is to reverse most of the policies set by his predecessor with a view to bringing back confidence and stability.

To help understand why the markets reacted, it is important to understand that government bonds are issued to raise money to bridge the gap between a shortfall in tax revenue and government expenditure estimated at £60 billion.

Mills & Reeve LLP works for a varied number of private and public sector clients within the automotive, higher education and healthcare sectors. Claire O’Brien, above, leads the practice with a specialty in contentious IP and a focus on trade mark, passing off, design and copyright litigation. Senior associate Natalie Welch is also very experienced with contentious work.

Wright Hassall LLP has a strong focus in the automotive sector, being the legal patron of industry body Made in the Midlands. The team has experience handling a wide range of branding and trade mark issues. Team head Rhys Jarman handles copyright disputes involving computer software and is the firmwide sector lead for digital gaming.

The UK’s problem is that these bonds are now being resold at a lower value, meaning that the government IOU with a specific return can be purchased at a lower capital figure but with the same return. In the meantime, the government has to continue to borrow and can only issue bonds with a higher interest rate.

As this cycle continues and the long term interest rate increases, this will feed into mortgages and other borrowing rates.

The UK is not the only country to face the spectre of inflation but every country is taking different approaches. The USA has continued to increase interest rates to encourage foreign investment whilst Japan is trying to keep interest rates low to stimulate growth after Covid which has meant a plummeting Yen. The question is in which direction is the UK going to head, is it going to follow Japan or the USA?

For more information please

Rodrigues

E crodrigues@hawkinshatton.co.uk

T 01384 216840

W: www.hawkinshatton.co.uk

Shoosmiths LLP has a particular level of experience in IP enforcement work for major consumer brands like Next and Volkswagen Group. The team also specialises in patent and design infringement matters for technology and life sciences clients.

Browne Jacobson LLP DLA Piper Gowling WLG Pinsent Masons LLP

Freeths LLP HGF Law Shakespeare Martineau LLP Shoosmiths LLP

Mills & Reeve LLP

Wright Hassall LLP

PERSONAL TAX, TRUST AND PROBATE

Lodders Solicitors LLP

Mills & Reeve LLP

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Thursfields Solicitors

Weightmans LLP

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Lanyon Bowdler

Meridian Private Client LLP

Sydney Mitchell LLP

Wright Hassall LLP

Aaron & Partners LLP

Band Hatton Button LLP

Higgs LLP

Mander Hadley Solicitors

MFG Solicitors LLP

Pickerings Solicitors

The Wilkes Partnership VWV

Alsters Kelley Solicitors Ltd

Brethertons LLP

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP

George Green LLP

GHP Legal Talbot & Co

The team at Lodders Solicitors LLP has an excellent reputation for its work on a wide spectrum of private client matters, including estate and tax planning for wealthy individuals. Practice head Louise Igoe deals with all aspects of estate and succession planning and is supported by Martin Green, an experienced trustee and deputy. John Rouse specialises in advising business owners, farmers and wealthy individuals on estate planning and other issues surrounding complex estate administration and personal tax planning while Sofia Tayton is noted for her experience in handling cases involving NHS care funding and for dealing with mental capacity issues. Ian Flavell has niche expertise in heritage property issues.

Mills & Reeve LLP has particular strength in advising business owners and wealthy individuals and families, as well as landed estate clients on the full range of estate planning and tax structuring matters, both nationally and internationally. It is also known for its expertise in advising on the creation of family investment companies. John Grundy, above, leads the firm’s owner managed and family businesses team whereas Matthew Hansell  acts for some very wealthy individuals on an array of complex matters. Lucy Howard is adept at handling difficult wills and probate disputes as well as trust litigation and other matters spanning court of protection and the removal of trustees and executors.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP has a well-established reputation for its work on a vast array of wealth, tax and succession planning matters for families, landed estates, entrepreneurs and business owners.  It is also adept at providing elderly client advice and helping those who have personal injury trusts. Lesley Davis, above, is a key figure whose areas of focus include advising on charitable trusts, CIOS, family investment companies and powers of attorney. Hannah Tait  acts for clients ranging from lottery winners to those with farming and business interests while Verity Kirby  is particularly recommended for her work with business owners, wealthy individuals and their families on their estate and succession planning.

At Thursfields Solicitors, head of department Ian Bond, left, specialises in trust formation and administration, as well as wealth succession and estate planning. The group has been busy advising on numerous high-value and complex estates.

Sarah Louise Walker at Weightmans LLP is experienced in all areas of lifetime and post-death tax planning and is a full member of the Society and Trust Estate Practitioners.

Under the leadership of Donna Holme, above, the team at Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP works with a variety of vulnerable adults on protecting their wealth structures. Other strengths include advising on compensation protection trusts, statutory wills and inheritance tax applications to the court of protection. The team has also been active in providing estate and capital tax planning advice for medium to high-networth families. Holmes regularly acts as a professional trustee and court deputy.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys receives plaudits for its ‘ability to find solutions’.

Shirley Rabbetts, left, has particular expertise in advising farmers on a broad range of inheritance issues and also acts as an executor, trustee and attorney for a number of wealthy clients. Laura Banks specialises in advising business owners and is increasingly advising on the use of family investment companies to protect assets. The ‘charismatic‘ Dawn Oliver is a known name for her work on the use of private family charitable trusts. The team was pleased to add the ‘professional and calm‘ Lisa Whitehouse to its ranks from Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP.

Lanyon Bowdler advises clients across Shropshire, Herefordshire and North Wales; it fields a specialist trust team that is led by Edward Rees , a lawyer skilled at advising on trusts and high-net-worth estates, powers of attorney and on complex tax planning matters. David Pugh has a broad range of experience in the preparation of wills and frequently advises on business property relief and agricultural relief trusts. Kevin Thomas is a member of STEP and has a wealth of experience in the administration of estates that have large agricultural properties and comes recommended alongside recently promoted partner Neil Davies.

Eamonn Daly is adept at acting for wealthy individuals and families on a variety of tax planning, wealth succession and asset protection matters.

At Sydney Mitchell LLP, wealth preservation and elderly client matters are a significant part of the department’s caseload, as are complex administration matters and applications to the court of protection. Under the leadership of Tracy Creed, above, the department frequently assists on NHS Continuing Health Care issues, routinely advising on and appearing at assessments and appeals. Shelley Collingbourne  advises clients on a wide range of private client matters.

Meridian Private Client LLP is ‘a very strong tax and private client practice' with a 'national and international client base’. It is particularly recommended for complex estate and tax planning work, as well as estate, trust administration advice and shareholder tax planning matters. It has four chartered tax advisers and nine of the team are full members of STEP. Jon Croxford, above, jointly heads the team with Drummond Kerr. Natasha Smith is a highly experienced practitioner meanwhile

Tracy Ashby, above, heads the practice at Wright Hassall LLP which advises high-net-worth individuals and their families on an array of complex tax matters. In, addition it often works closely with its contentious probate team and its tax litigation department. The practice advises many business owners and private company shareholders and frequently helps vulnerable and elderly clients too, also demonstrating particular strength in the rural sector as well. Susan Floyd is especially recommended for her trusts work.

The ‘extremely personable‘ Lynda Richards, above, heads the practice at Shrewsburybased Aaron & Partners LLP; it advises individuals and trustees on all aspects of tax, trust, estate and succession planning. Richards, a full member of STEP, also has particular expertise in advising business owners, landowners and high-net-worth individuals and also advises on the creation and administration of charities. Chester-based Clive Pointon  is another leading member of the department. Band Hatton Button LLP has a strong reputation for its work on all aspects of wealth protection and inheritance planning for individuals and their families. It also advises on issues under the court of protection, in addition to the creation and administration of trusts and post death tax planning. Practice head Michelle Gavin advises high-net-worth individuals on various issues and is a fully qualified member of STEP and a fully-accredited member of Solicitors for the Elderly.

With Lucy Obrey at the helm, Higgs LLP‘s ‘experienced and technically proficient’ team receives plaudits for its ‘strong client engagement and empathy and for its clear and concise

advice’. Other senior members of the well-established team include Nick Moxon who is a Court of Protection appointed panel deputy and panel guardian for Birmingham and the Black Country. In addition, Peter Gosling  acts for many high-net-worth individuals, often with owner-managed businesses and agricultural interests.

Mander Hadley Solicitors attracts a regular flow of instructions on inheritance tax planning matters, as well as on probate and trust issues. New head of department Rachel Gadsden, above, is adept at advising on diverse issues such as lasting powers of attorney and also frequently advises on care fee planning issues. Other strengths lie in advising on  appeals of continuing health care decisions. David Webb is also among the leading members of the team.

The team at MFG Solicitors LLP continues to be busy advising on an array of personal tax, trusts and probate matters. Under the leadership of Giles Scott, it frequently advises on estate administration, trust management issues, court of protection matters as well as general elderly care issues and care funding. Scott is an accredited member of the Society of Trusts and Estate Professionals. Gary Priest  is a known name for his inheritance tax and capital gains tax planning advice and comes recommended alongside Valerie Robinson.

Emma Harrison heads the department at Pickerings Solicitors, praised as ‘extremely professional, it leaves no stone unturned’. Lucy Cooling is a member of STEP and the SFE and regularly advises individuals on inheritance tax and capital gains tax matters, estate planning and the preservation of wealth through will and trust arrangements. Marie Tisdale holds a STEP diploma and has particular expertise in dealing with agricultural estates.

The private client department at The Wilkes Partnership is jointly led by Andrew Hasnip and Ellie Holland. Hasnip has a busy workload of trust, complex inheritance tax planning and estate work while Holland has a particular focus on estate planning for high-net-worth individuals and often works alongside its corporate team to assist owner managed businesses with inter-generational planning. Ann-Marie Aston  has a wealth of experience in acting for incapacitated clients as a professional deputy and has served on the deputyship panel of the Office of the Public Guardian.

VWV advises on the full gamut of private client matters, working with wealthy clients from a range of backgrounds such as business owners, farming families, politicians, private banks and charities.

In Birmingham, Rachael Armstrong, pictured, ‘goes the extra mile for clients’ and is adept at advising high-net-worth clients on inheritance tax, succession planning and estate administration.

Neil Raiseborough heads the department at Alsters Kelley Solicitors Ltd which deals mainly with complex wills, estates, trust and tax planning matters, acting mostly for highnet-worth individuals. Raiseborough also frequently advises clients on protective trusts and regularly works for clients with children who have learning or physical disabilities.

Brethertons LLP acts on high-value wills and estate matters as well as trusts creation and administration, court of protection issues, powers of attorney and deputyship administration. Linda Jones leads the department with support from Emma Stewart and Sarah Horton, a member of STEP. Clients are predominantly wealthy individuals with personal and business assets, agriculturalists and clients with lifechanging serious injuries.

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP acts for numerous business owners and farmers, frequently advising on complex IHT planning and on business succession issues. Wolverhamptonbased Kim Carr, above, is a member of STEP and often acts as a joint court of protection deputy on many matters alongside Julie Burn. Shrewsbury-based Graham Fuller also plays a pivotal role in the department and covers a broad range of matters.

George Green LLP advises on the full gamut of private client matters for its predominantly local business owner and manager client base. Head of department, Claire Pottinger, is a full member of STEP and a fully accredited member of the Solicitors for the Elderly and a dementia friend. Newly-promoted partner Louise Axford has a particular interest in the administration of trusts and estates.

GHP Legal has a broad practice that frequently advises on matters such as LPAs, tax planning, complex estate administration, as well as court of protection and long-term care matters. Under the leadership of Victoria Wilson, who is based in Oswestry, the team is well-placed to advise high-net-worth individuals. Wilson is also skilled at advising on capital gains tax issues and the preparation of trust deeds.

Talbot & Co receives a regular stream of work from high-net-worth clients who are often based in London and the Home Counties and are seeking advice on wills, trusts and tax planning. Tom Bramall oversees the team, working on a variety of complex contentious and noncontentious taxation and trusts matters, in addition to wills and probate.

CLERKSROOM CONTINUES GROWTH BY RECRUITING MATTHEW WILDISH FROM 3PB

Clerksroom Chambers, the leading national barristers’ chambers, has recruited Matthew Wildish from 3 Paper Buildings (3PB) to the newly created position of Director of Clerking.

Matthew is working closely with the Clerksroom senior management team, as explained by Head of Chambers Harry Hodgkin and Managing Director Stephen Ward, “The aim is to help build on the successes of Clerksroom to date and to develop the already fast-growing chambers further.”

Matthew has 31 years clerking experience in the profession. Prior to his 6 years at 3PB as Chambers Director, he was Senior Clerk at 1 Gray’s Inn Square and before that Deputy Senior Clerk at Tanfield Chambers.

Matthew is one of the latest recruits to Clerksroom with approximately 20 barristers and mediators joining the chambers in the past year, along with an increasing number of solicitors transferring to the bar.

Clerksroom, which was founded in 2001, is an award-winning national chambers and one of the leading providers of barristers & mediators, conducting on average over 1400 final hearings each month, in addition to being one of the largest national providers of advice and drafting to solicitors, lawyers, businesses and members of the public.

Clerksroom is the only chambers providing civil, family & employment barristers for all courts and tribunals in England & Wales and is particularly well known for expertise in Commercial Law, Personal Injury Law, (Clinical Negligence Claims and inquest representation), Road Traffic Law (including fraud and credit hire), Employment Law, Family Law and Costs Law.

Clerksroom is able to provide clients with over 200 barristers including seven eminent KCs and over 500 independent mediators- with the list of prominent names growing rapidly. Clerksroom Mediation is one of the largest mediation providers in the UK and Clerksroom is also the largest provider of public access barristers through its unique Clerksroom Direct portal.

Matthew Wildish said, “I have watched Clerksroom’s success and growth over the years and I believe it offers the way forward, providing barristers and mediation services 24/7/365. Clerksroom has a reputation of being approachable and friendly with an emphasis on client care and using innovative ways to deliver traditional highquality legal services which is important to me”.

For more information on Clerksroom or to book a hearing online please visit www.clerksroom.com or contact the clerking team on T: 01823 247 247 or E: mail@clerksroom.com

PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE

Kennedys

Clyde & Co

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

DWF

Wright Hassall LLP

Sydney Mitchell LLP

range of claims. Other key members of the team include Patric Rouendaal, who is noted for his D&O claims work, and Paul Chaplin who has a wealth of experience in relation to tax scheme claims. Steve Oates has a particular focus on defending claims against lawyers, construction professionals and brokers.

accountants and solicitors’ negligence claims and advising insurers on coverage issues. Lucy Howard leads on professional indemnity claims arising from probate-related matters and regularly acts for insurers and their insured firms.

With Mark Beesley, left, at the helm, Shakespeare Martineau LLP team continues to be busy, acting for claimants in numerous professional negligence cases, many of which are funded by using conditional fee arrangements. Beesley has an excellent reputation for his work on complex professional negligence claims, primarily against independent financial advisors, solicitors and accountants. Michael Young  has particular strength in claims that have substantial property and/or financial issues.

Kennedys fields a thriving practice which frequently handles a broad range of high-value and complex professional indemnity disputes, including an increasing amount of proceedings with an international dimension. Under the leadership of Eamon Mooney, above, the team is geared to defend accountants, construction professionals, directors and officers, as well as insolvency professionals and solicitors, on a wide

PROPERTY LITIGATION

The first-rate practice at Mills & Reeve LLP deals with a broad range of claims and coverage disputes. Angus Turner, above, plays a pivotal role in the department, excelling in his advice on solicitors’ negligence claims. Neil Frankland  focuses on construction and brokers’ negligence claims. David Gooding  concentrates on defending

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

Gowling WLG

Pinsent Masons LLP

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Shoosmiths LLP

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

Browne Jacobson LLP

MFG Solicitors LLP

Bevan Brittan LLP

Freeths LLP

Gateley Plc

Mills & Reeve LLP

Squire Patton Boggs Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Band Hatton Button LLP

Sydney Mitchell LLP

The Wilkes Partnership

Eversheds Sutherland (International)

LLP‘s dedicated real estate litigation team represents a litany of leading corporations, utilities providers, and institutional landlords on highly technical, big-ticket disputes. Practice chair David Feist specialises in energy and real estate investment litigation, helming some of

the firm’s most significant, long-running engagements. International real estate disputes head Lisa Barge is a key port of call for a number of household names, who turn to her for assistance in complex injunctive proceedings and breach of contract matters. Rob Holloway , who was promoted to

DWF continues to build on its strong relationships with some of the UK’s leading insurers and is developing a growing reputation for its work on substantial accountancy negligence claims. Led by Derek Adamson, above, the team's client base includes leading insurers and insurance brokers and it is often engaged on claims against social services professionals. Denise Brosnan  routinely advises on claims of alleged historical abuse and sexual abuse and is recommended alongside Paul Donnelly .

partner in May 2021, specialises in portfolio management disputes, most recently in relation to Covid-induced rent arrears claims. Principal associate Arren Thornton is a business rates appeal specialist who regularly works with clients in the utilities and financial services sectors. Principal associate Charlotte Webster focuses on agricultural land recovery and landlord and tenant disputes. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Lauded as ‘a regional powerhouse‘ that marries ‘great experience and fresh talent‘, Gowling WLG is routinely sought out by multitude of local authorities, developers, and infrastructure players for representation in high-stakes proceedings. The practice is jointly led by Clive Chalkley , who works between London and Birmingham, and the ‘terrific‘ Paul Barker, who focuses chiefly on investment and development disputes. Rob Bridgman, who was promoted to partner in May 2021, is noted for his expertise in technicallycomplex house builder cases concerning mining and minerals. Senior associate David Wigy is recommended for his capabilities in land possession and leasehold enfranchisement matters. Consultant Caroline Wort acts for investment funds in restrictive covenant

Wright Hassall LLP has a broad claimant practice that acts for major UK lenders in recovering losses against negligent solicitors and valuers, in addition to advising on other issues such as the mis-selling of products; it is likewise adept as handling tax litigation involving failed trust structures and other disguised remuneration planning. Practice head Nathan Talbott, above, specialises in disputes relating to tax schemes, investments and other financial matters while Susan Hopcraft handles a variety of claims in the financial and property sectors. Gemma Carson is also recommended.

Sydney Mitchell LLP continues to act on a variety of cases, ranging from individuals who have suffered from solicitor negligence, through to commercial organisations that have been wrongly advised by valuers. Sundeep Bilkhu  possesses a wealth of experience in property disputes and also acts for a number of leading lenders and individuals in bringing claims against surveyors, accountants and architects.

claims, and cases regarding portfolio renewals. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Pinsent Masons LLP’s ‘top class’ property litigation practice enjoys a stellar reputation among some of the nation’s leading telecoms companies, who turn to the team for its capabilities in complex proceedings in all manner of venues, ranging from the Upper Tribunal to the Supreme Court. Practice head Alicia Foo draws superlative praise from clients, who rate her for her ‘clever, astute, and fabulously commercial’ expertise in all manner of contentious matters. Craig Downhill focuses on insolvency and development matters, while senior associate Sarah Campey works with various local authorities on housing regeneration projects and proposed changes to leasehold and ground rent policy. Pierre Smith is reputed for his broad experience in the retail, leisure, energy, and electronic communications sectors. Associate Ian Morgan focuses on electronic communications and development disputes. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Reeve LLP

Shakespeare Martineau LLP is wellregarded by a diverse roster of corporate clients, nonprofit institutes, utilities providers, and

housing groups, who turn to the practice for representation in the full array of property disputes. Telecoms litigation is proving to be a burgeoning workflow, with newly promoted partner Justine Ball acting for a number of landowners in proceedings opposite major network operators. National practice head Martin Edwards regularly acts for clients before the various courts, as well as in arbitral and ADR proceedings. Commercial landlord and tenant specialist James Fownes is a key port of call for various universities and utilities companies engaged in adverse possession claims and lease disputes. Associate Pia Eames is also recommended.

The ‘highly experienced‘ and ‘commercially powerful‘ team at Shoosmiths LLP is particularly acclaimed among blue-chip corporates who rely on its capabilities in high-value contentious proceedings and full-scale strategic reviews. The department is jointly headed up by the ‘exceptional’ national chair Nick Shepherd, and ‘stand-out’ Midlands head Kate McCall, above, who regularly handle matters on behalf of major corporate landlords and investment funds. The highly experienced Paul Knight is noted for his expertise in automotive sector proceedings, while newly promoted (May 2021) partner Elinor Sandbach regularly works with landlords and tenants on the full gamut of retail sector disputes. Principal associate Richard Willcox is also recommended.

diverse roster of corporate occupiers and local authorities. In recent months, the team has been increasingly active on canal and river-based property management matters, including contested lease renewals and disputed option agreements. Practice chair James Coles, pictured, who splits his time between Birmingham and Nottingham, is an ‘outstanding litigator’ who routinely works with high-profile public and private sector clients.

Solicitors LLP is a strong choice for a number of local authorities, registered providers, and charities seeking representation in high-stakes residential and commercial property litigation. The housing litigation team is jointly led by Helen Tucker, a seasoned county court advocate and debt recovery specialist, and Baljit Basra, who focuses on pre and post-court housing litigation on behalf of registered providers. Commercial property litigation chair Philip Scully is a seasoned advisor who is regularly sough out by institutional landlords, retail tenants, and national house builders. The housing management team, made up of Jonathan Cox and newly promoted partner (May 2021) Emma Hardman, regularly undertake leasehold litigation proceedings before the First-tier Tribunal.

Jacobson LLP‘s ‘excellent service‘ in property disputes is concentrated in a number of sectors, with the team handling both landlord and tenant, and development-driven proceedings for a

MFG Solicitors LLP‘s cross-disciplinary practice is widely praised by a sizeable roster of owner-managed business and private individuals for its far-ranging capabilities in property litigation. Kirsten Bridgewater handles a litany of rural property disputes, ranging from compulsory purchase issues to nuisance and trespass claims. Rural property disputes specialist Helen Gough is reputed for her deep expertise in agricultural tenancy matters, handling appeals against DEFRA and the Forestry Commission. In Bromsgrove, Harjie Singh Bindra regularly helms cases taken before the High Court, particularly in land ownership disputes and matters concerning fraud, while associate Stephanie Rushfirth is well-versed in contested lease renewals and disputes over service charges. All named lawyers are based in Worcester unless stated otherwise.

Working closely with the firm’s multiple offices across the nation, Bevan Brittan LLP‘s ‘exceptionally good‘ team is regularly sought out by various public authorities and education sector clients for representation in complex contentious proceedings.

Mark Robertson, above,  heads up the firm’s Midlands property litigation team, working with a diverse roster of clients on rights of light and telecommunication site disputes. The ‘extremely knowledgable‘ senior associate Cynyr Rhys manages a varied case load, and frequently helms matters before the First Tier Tribunal. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

A stellar roster of corporate clients, active within the West Midlands and

beyond, turn to the ‘impressive’ team at Mills & Reeve LLP for assistance in the full gamut of contentious property proceedings. Practice head Christopher Bartley is routinely engaged by a number of tech companies, further education institutes, and healthcare operators for representation in high-value proceedings before the Upper Tribunal and the Construction Court. Henry Mahalski specialises exclusively in property disputes, focusing most keenly on commercial landlord and tenant matters such as hostile lease renewals, possession claims, and restrictive covenants. The ‘exceptional’ Holly Hill is also recommended.

Laura Vernon is noted for her expertise in rights of light matters. Associate Neerali Madhvani is also recommended.

Band Hatton Button LLP is a strong choice for a diverse roster of private individuals, SMEs, and PLCs, who turn to the team for assistance

Leveraging its robust national footprint, Squire Patton Boggs is instructed by various blue-chip corporate clients on a host of commercial portfolio matters, including contested lease renewals, dilapidation claims, and breach of covenant issues. Practice head Michelle Adams is noted for her capabilities in telecoms-related property disputes, working with high-profile landowners on Electronic Communications Code leases and wayleave agreements. Associate Kuljeet Takhar is also noted for her expertise in the telecoms sector, as well as her broader experience in forfeiture, nuisance, rent arrears, and title dispute matters. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Well-regarded for its capabilities in commercial and residential disputes, Trowers & Hamlins LLP is a strong choice for a number of local authorities, housing trusts, and property managers. Practice head Michael Green is a highly experienced advisor to both private and public sector clients, with recent highlights including vacant possession strategy reviews, and High Court trials regarding claims of fraud. The seasoned practitioner Guy Willetts focuses on property disputes involving social housing clients, working with a diverse roster of registered providers, both within the region and beyond. Senior associate

in a range of property litigations and mediative proceedings. The ‘experienced and knowledgable’ Jon Wilby works with clients operating in a number of sectors, ranging from retail to financial services. The ‘excellent’ John French specialises in neighbour and boundary disputes in addition to residential landlord and tenant possession claims. Malcolm Thomas focuses on easements, restrictive covenants, and insolvency matters, acting for numerous mortgage lenders in possession and recovery claims. All named lawyers are based in Coventry.

Steered by dispute resolution head Dean Parnell, left, Sydney Mitchell LLP is regularly instructed by a multitude of private individuals seeking assistance in a range of residential and commercial property disputes. The ‘extremely knowledgable’ Sundeep Bilkhu is frequently engaged on landlord and tenant issues, including lease terminations, dilapidation claims, and boundary disputes. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

The The Wilkes Partnership's cross-disciplinary team is well-regarded by clients for its capabilities in high-value disputes litigated in a range of venues. Practice head Kevin Lynch is a seasoned litigator, reputed by clients for his expertise in dilapidations and other commercial landlord and tenant disputes. Katie Briggs represents landowners and developers looking to secure vacant possession in telecoms litigations. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Anthony Collins

Browne

REGIONAL BAR

CIRCUIT LEADING SETS

BUSINESS AND REGULATORY CRIME (INCLUDING HEALTH AND SAFETY)

LEADING SETS 1

No5 Barristers Chambers’ is ‘an excellent chamber with considerable strength in depth’. The regulatory team provides a ‘market-leading, innovative and fantastically efficient service’ across regulatory law matters, including environmental enforcement, insurance, health and safety and other local authority work. Representing the Care Quality Commission in its first prosecution of such a body, Ian Bridge successfully prosecuted the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, which was fined over £2.5m for the failure to provide adequate standards of care following the deaths of two patients from Sepsis. Tim Pole, above, is ‘a determined barrister who will fight the corner and is committed to getting the best outcome for the client’.

LEADING SETS 2

St Ives Chambers

St Philips Chambers’ regulatory team of ‘highly effective advocates both at trial and on appeal’ has ‘strength in depth covering all major fields of regulatory activity’. Ben Mills, left, garners praise for ‘attention to detail and meticulous preparation’ and successfully prosecuted a defendant who posed as a travel agent and defrauded more than 300 elderly people. Health and safety matters specialist James Puzey regularly handles fatal accident cases, and Jonathan Barker is described as ‘an excellent communicator’.

CHANCERY, PROBATE AND TAX

LEADING SETS 1

No5 Barristers Chambers is an ‘excellent set’ with ‘super-wide coverage’ of all contentious and non-contentious matters, including probate, estate administration, trusts, and taxation. Mark Anderson KC recently handled a shareholder dispute concerning the ownership and management of a business empire worth over £50m and is known for his ‘patient style of advocacy’. Alexander Heylin successfully represented a claimant, a Russian company, in a claim above £3m against an English LLP. Experts in inheritance and property matters, Samir Amin and Jason Perrin are notable names at the junior end of chambers.

St Philips Chambers is ‘a tremendous commercial set with a number of talented barristers and a strong clerking team’. John Randall KC, who is ‘extremely hard-working’ with an ‘excellent tactical brain,’ recently represented several property owners from the Cayman Islands in a land registry dispute. Andrew Charman successfully represented the estate of a deceased sole shareholder of a private company to obtain rectification of the register of shareholders for the appointment of a new director.

LEADING SETS 2

3PB’s ‘passionate advocate’ Lydia Pemberton, left, is contentious probate and a TOLATA expert. Recent instructions include the Administration of Estates Act, Law of Property Act, and Inheritance Act claims. Rising star Oliver Ingham is praised for his ‘good judgment and the ability to argue difficult cases’ and successfully acted for a disabled adult child concerning an estate worth £1m.

CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE

LEADING SETS 1

No5 Barristers’ Chambers has an ‘excellent clinical negligence expertise with suitably experienced barristers on the full range of cases, including those of the highest complexity’ and an ‘excellent clerk team’. The duo of Chris Bright KC , an expert in serious and catastrophic injury and clinical negligence cases, and John Coughlan KC, specialist of brain injury, gynecological failures, general surgical error cases, head the practice group in chambers.

LEADING SETS 2

Ropewalk Chambers is an ‘efficient and reliable chamber’. ‘The set has a broad skill set and has acted in cases across the spectrum of clinical negligence litigation, ranging from smaller claims arising from dental treatment and minor cosmetic surgery to the most serious cases’. Rochelle Rong, pictured, is praised for her ‘ability to discuss aspects of the case in a clear and reassuring manner’.

LEADING SETS 3

Kings Chambers is known as a ‘very knowledgeable and capable set’ which provides counsel for catastrophic birth injury, surgical, psychiatric, and dental negligence, and other related matters. Anna Diamond, left, has extensive experience in representing claimants in complex and difficult clinical negligence cases.

St Philips Chambers is a ‘quality set of chambers’ which handles all clinical negligence claims, such as birth injury, delayed diagnosis, failed aesthetic procedures, and spinal injury. An expert for the claims relating to cosmetic surgery procedures, Andrew Evans, is praised for his ‘meticulous eye for detail’.

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

LEADING SETS 1

No5 Barristers’ Chambers is ‘an approachable and go-to chambers’. The team has ‘numerous commercial barristers at different levels’ who regularly instruct in all types of business disputes. Mark Anderson KC was recently instructed on a matter related to government funds for apprenticeship training. Mohammed Zaman KC, above, is currently representing a petitioner in shareholders unfair prejudice petitions involving shareholding property exceeding £20m. In July 2022 Shakil Najib was appointed to the circuit bench.

St Philips Chambers is a ‘strong regional commercial set for commercial disputes’ that regularly gets instructed by clients from small to multinational companies. The set handles complex and high-profile cases in the business and property courts to the highest court. James Morgan KC, above,  get praised for his ‘excellent drafting and forensic focus on the key points in dispute’ and recently acted for a claimant seeking £4.9m damages for breach of a warranty in a share sale agreement and resisting a counterclaim for unpaid purchase. Ali Tabari successfully represented the claimant in the recovery of three loans matter which the claimant had given to the defendants during their mutual dealings in international commodities.

CRIME: GENERAL & FRAUD

LEADING SETS 1

No5 Barristers’ Chambers is a ‘well run professional set of chambers with range of experience and expertise’ in the crime sector. Michael Duck KC is a specialist in serious organised crime and is currently leading a prosecution of Polish and Kurdish organised crime groups on behalf of HMRC, while Michelle Heeley KC has built a reputation for handling cases involving vulnerable clients or witnesses. Newly appointed silks Harpreet Singh Sandhu KC and Sultana Tafadar KC are regularly instructed by the CPS in cases of grave and complex nature. Turning to the set's juniors, Ian Bridge is described as a ‘formidable advocate who is able to quickly grasp the real issues in the case’ and is regularly instructed in high profile fraud and money laundering cases.

St. Philips Chambers is a ‘large and efficiently run set of chambers’ with an ‘extensive range of advocates available to cover all levels of criminal cases’. Head of the chamber and ‘excellent orator’ Richard Atkins KC specialises in murder cases and regularly appears in the Court of Appeal. Andrew Smith KC’s recent work highlights include prosecuting Gareeca Gordon, who was convicted of murdering a former friend and attempting to dispose of her body in the Forest of Dean. Jennifer Josephs is praised for her ‘preparation and care during cases’ and secured a conviction for a father accused of shaking one of his twin babies to death in case that dealt with complicated medical evidence. Simon Davis is now the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Cayman Islands.

LEADING SETS 2

7BR is a London based set with a long-running connection to the Midland circuit. James House KC recently managed to secure murder and manslaughter convictions for four defendants from London accused of murdering a homeowner from Northampton after a robbery attempt. Adrian Langdale KC successfully led the prosecution of an internet based sexual abuser, who targeted thousands of victims worldwide. Vanessa Marshall KC has appeared in several complex murder trials and recently successfully prosecuted a 6-week multidefendant murder trial.

St Ives Chambers is a ‘pool of highly talented criminal practitioners’ often involved in complex and lengthy murder trials and large-scale drug, firearm, and fraud conspiracies. The criminal practice group is led by ‘the tremendously diligent and hard-working’ Rebecca Wade, left, who has ‘good judgement and great eye for detail’. Justin Jarmola is known for his ‘exceptional written advocacy’ and secured acquittal for a teenager defendant in a multi-week attempted murder trial. William DouglasJones ‘demonstrates the gravitas and demeanour of a highly experienced barrister’ and was led junior for a defendant in this 9-handed conspiracy to murder trial in the Crown Court.

The 36 Group is a ‘good all-round chambers’ with a set of ‘good quality advocates’ and strong presence in the Midlands circuit. Mary Prior KC is ‘particularly good at questioning vulnerable witnesses’ and recently handled a murder case involving complex medical evidence. Sarah Gaunt handled a case of a widescale and country-wide sophisticated ATM theft conspiracy. Nadeem Holland prosecuted and convicted a thirteen-defendant drug conspiracy case, in which all defendants were convicted.

Samuel Skinner is an ‘ambitious and astute lawyer with excellent judgement’ and prosecuted around 109 defendants in dozens of linked trials of conspiracy to supply drugs. Mary Loram QC, as was, is now a circuit judge based in Chelmsford.

Established in 1965, our ethos

to work

partnership with our clients in order to ensure

Chambers prides itself on our attention to detail, approachability, efficiency and skill.

We are a modern multi disciplinary set renowned for its exceptional mix of barristers at all levels of experience, with particular specialism across our core practice areas of:

ST PHILIPS BARRISTERS: FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

A highlight of the year and something of which we are immensely proud, is the recognition we have received through being shortlisted for an unprecedented four “Chambers of the Year” accolades at prestigious national law awards – The Lawyer Awards, Legal Business Awards, Legal 500 Bar Awards and Chambers UK Bar Awards. In particular, we were honoured to fly the flag for Birmingham and the regions generally, at both the Lawyer Awards and Legal Business Awards where we were the only set outside of London to be shortlisted.

In addition to nominations for Chambers as a whole, Chambers Director, Joe Wilson, pictured, found himself amongst highly esteemed company at the Legal 500 Bar Awards following his nomination in the Chambers CEO of the Year category. Joe was one of only two CEOs outside of London to be shortlisted - the other nominee is from our great city too. We were also delighted to see senior family barrister Jonathan Nosworthy win The Worcestershire Law Society’s prestigious Barrister of the Year accolade.

As part of our continued growth, we have welcomed several new barristers to St Philips across a range of specialisms and at all levels of call. Our success has also put us in the envious position of being able to continue to invest heavily in attracting and developing the future talent of The Bar. We are delighted that the five pupil barristers who joined us in October 2021, have all recently become tenants. At the same time, we have welcomed five new pupils to Chambers who begin the next stage of their legal career development.

We have also said a fond farewell to 3 members who have been appointed to the judiciary: His Honour Judge Andrew Smith KC, Her Honour Judge Eve Bugeja and His Honour Judge Redmond.

Outreach, CSR and training have played a big part in our journey this year. In the summer, we were pleased to be able to welcome two interns to Chambers as part of our work with the 10,000 Black Interns initiative and the Bar Placement Scheme. Both of these initiatives are striving to improve equality and diversity in the legal profession and we were honoured to support them by allowing the interns to get their very first taste of life as a barrister.

Turning to the legal directories. The Legal 500 rankings are always eagerly awaited, and we were, once again, thrilled to be named a Top Tier Set. In total, out of 136 barristers, we received 86 individual rankings across the Midland and North Eastern Circuits. This is a tremendous achievement by any measure.

Top Tier practice areas encompassed: Chancery, Probate and Tax, Commercial Litigation, Company and Insolvency, Crime (General and Fraud), Employment, Family and Children Law, Professional Negligence and Property

Birmingham as a city has had a truly exceptional year and so has St Philips.

To find out more tel: 0121 246 7000 Email: enquiries@st-philips.com Web: www.st-philips.com

Birmingham: 55 Temple Row, Birmingham B2 5LS,

Leeds: St Pauls House, 23 Park Square, Leeds LS1 2ND

The past 12 months have been yet another hugely successful and highly productive period for Chambers.

and Construction. We are also proud to be recommended for Business and Regulatory Crime (including Health and Safety), Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury; and secured barrister only rankings for Costs, Inquests and Inquiries and Licensing.

Joe Wilson, Chambers Director.

Advocates of

COMPANY & INSOLVENCY

LEADING SETS 1

No5 Barrister’ Chambers is an ‘excellent all-round chambers with plenty of ability at all levels’  handles significant high-value and complex cases in the Midlands. Mark Anderson KC recently acted in a partnership and shareholder dispute of the ownership and management of a business empire worth in excess of £50m in the Court of Appeal. Mohammed Zaman KC is recommended for his ‘excellent legal skills and depth of experience in advising and appearing in commercial disputes’. Alexander Heylin successfully defended a claim from the liquidator against an insurance broker and his company for £3m concerning an alleged Ponzi scheme. In July 2022 Shakil Najib was appointed to the circuit bench.

The ‘strongest commercial set in Birmingham’ St Philips Chambers is a ‘well-regarded and broad set’ with ‘a strength and depth in insolvency area’. James Morgan KC known as ‘very capable’ and ‘exceptionally bright barrister’ and is acting for Hong Kong trustees in bankruptcy seeking recognition of a bankruptcy in that jurisdiction in England under s.426 Insolvency Act 1986.

COSTS

LEADING SETS 1

The costs team at Ropewalk Chambers offers services across the broad spectrum of costs work, including funding arrangements, inter-parties’ disputes, regulatory issues, budgeting, and other advisory work. Andrew Lyons is currently representing a claimant in a dispute of whether an insured party can recover a solicitor’s cost in full if the solicitor instructed is offpanel. Shilpa Shah successfully acted for a defendant in an immigration case where a minor was found to have been mistreated and wrongly assessed by the Home Department.

EMPLOYMENT

LEADING SETS 1

The employment group of No5 Barristers’ Chambers offers the full range of advisory and advocacy services in all courts and tribunals in England & Wales. Mugni Islam-Choudhury heads the employment group and is currently handling a direct age discrimination that challenges the retirement policy of the University of Oxford, affecting over 5,000 academics. Helen Barney is ‘astute at crossexamination’ and the ‘go to’ barrister for a number of NHS clients, local authorities, and social housing providers. Charles Crow has particular experience in the fields of unfair dismissal and discrimination cases.

St Philips Chambers has a ‘vast employment department’ with ‘a large number of counsel available at varying levels of expertise’.

‘Outstanding employment law expert’ Edmund Beever heads the department and recently handled a case related to fraudulent accounting and whistleblowing dismissal. Sophie Garner is ‘extremely able and a superb communicator’ and recently successfully defended a high-profile academy against claims of whistleblowing and disability discrimination. Elizabeth Hodgetts is always ‘methodical and thorough’ and recently secured a favourable verdict for a university in a case involving claim of unfair dismissal by a former warden and lecturer.

FAMILY & CHILDREN LAW

LEADING SETS 1

No5 Chambers is a ‘stellar set renowned for the quality of its advocates’. Stefano Nuvoloni KC has extensive experience in the Court of Protection and an ‘exceptional eye for detail’. ‘Determined and astute advocate’ Kristina Brown has particular interest in public law cases and represents local authorities, parents, extended family members and children throughout the family court. ‘Very bright and astute advocate’ Katie Langdon ’s practice focuses on finance and private children law and has been known to ‘get positive results repeatedly for clients’. Rising star Naomi Dean is described as ‘conscientious, thorough, and well organised’.

St Ives Chambers is a ‘consistently strong chamber’ with ‘a set of reliable and skilled barristers’. Elizabeth Isaacs KC, left, is a ‘formidable advocate with great attention to detail’ who formerly worked as a child protection social worker with substantial expertise in all areas of public and private child law. ‘Consummate professional’ Andrew Day has extensive experience of dealing with financial disputes between separating spouses, civil partners, and unmarried couples. Tom Harrill is known for his ‘excellent position statements and skeleton arguments’ and specialises in matters related to children. Rising start Malvika Jaganmohan is described as an ‘all-round, reliable, and knowledgeable barrister’ who acts in all matters of family law.

St Philips Chambers offers ‘great depth and breadth of experience of counsel’ across the entire range of family proceedings at every level of court. Sara Lewis KC is ‘immensely hard working and determined’ and handles many serious family law cases and proceedings in the High Court. Christopher Adams is a ‘tenacious and well-prepared advocate’ who regularly handles cases involving serious and medically complex injuries to children. Rising star William Horwood is an ‘incredibly articulate advocate’ and is frequently instructed in difficult cases related to child death and abuse. Jack Redmond was appointed to the circuit bench in August 2022.

LEADING SETS 2

Harcourt Chambers is a ‘strong set at all levels specialising in family law with a particular niche in international family law’. John Vater KC is described as a ‘fearsome and committed advocate’ who recently won a conflict of jurisdictions case in the High Court. Aidan Vine KC is ‘highly experienced and knowledgeable’ and acts in both matrimonial finance and children’s cases, often with an international element. Matthew Brookes-Baker recently handled a High Court case involving the tragic injury and death of a child caused by co-sleeping with the parents. Alex Forbes is ‘robust, determined, and detail oriented’ and practices in all aspects of family law, both children and financial.

Senate House Chambers has a ‘strong team at all levels of seniority’ and is well known for its ‘forward looking and modern ethos’. The chambers is led by ‘highly experienced’ Lianne Murphy who has more than two decades experience in complex care proceedings. Michelle Christie’s ‘knowledge of procedural and black letter law is fantastic’ and she has a wealth of experience in cases involving infant deaths, near fatal injuries and allegedly fabricated illness. Hannah Mettam is renowned for her expertise in handling cases related to serious injuries to children and child deaths.

St Mary’s Chambers is the ‘go-to chambers for clients in care proceedings’ with ‘a great number of skilled and completely dependable advocates’. Judy Claxton practices exclusively in public law cases, acting for local authorities, parents, and guardians, with particular expertise in cases of complex serious injury or allegations of sexual abuse. Sara Davis is ‘a

remarkable counsel’ and represented an adoptive mother who had been a foster carer for over 40 children, against allegations of emotional, physical and sexual harm. ‘Highly competent and eloquent advocate’ Gareth Jacques and ‘expert cross-examiner’ Nigel Page practice exclusively in financial remedies and TOLATA applications.

LEADING SETS 3

3PB is the ‘go-to chambers for family work with a good range of practitioners from junior through to QC’. Elizabeth McGrath KC, left, has more than three decades’ experience in family law and is ‘an exceptional crossexaminer’. The team is led by the ‘skilled and always thoroughly prepared’.  Vanessa Meachin KC who handles a mix of care, adoption, matrimonial finance, and private law children’s cases. Michael George is experienced at handling big money financial remedy cases.

KCH Garden Square is a ‘set comprising of many helpful and able barristers’ with a ‘strong family and child contingent’.

‘Pragmatic and honest advocate’ Moira Ashton-Walsh, left, comes from a psychology background and specialises in private children law matters. James Cleary focuses on public children law, acting for local authorities and is well renowned for ‘his persuasive arguments and detailed written work’. Rising star Marie Huggins garners praise for her ‘high attention to detail’ and is often instructed in complex cases involving allegations of non-accidental injuries, substance misuse, emotional abuse, and chronic neglect.

INQUESTS AND INQUIRIES

LEADING SETS 1

No5 Barristers’ Chambers provides representation at inquests on behalf of a wide range of parties, including health and safety executives, corporate bodies, governmental organisations, as well as individuals. ‘Strong tactician’ Adrian Keeling KC represented the driver of a lorry who ran over a colleague in a yard at work and assisted with a two-week inquest that explored all the shortcomings in the workplace. Richard Grimshaw was instructed by the Ministry of Justice in an inquest concerning a teenager who took his own life whilst in a Young Offenders Institution, and is commended for his ‘practical approach to evidence and working with witnesses’.

Ropewalk Chambers’ inquests team acts for a plethora of parties, including bereaved families, companies, insurers, local authorities, emergency services, health professionals, and care homes. Georgina Cursham, pictured, specialises in inquests arising from deaths in custody and represented a family in an inquest into the death of an elderly man who died suddenly of undiagnosed sepsis. Thomas Herbert is ‘always on top of evidence’ and handled a three-week inquest into the death of a 19-month-old girl who was murdered by her mother. Edward James recently acted for a family in a five-day jury inquest involving residential gas explosion after a leak was not detected by a gas engineer.

PERSONAL INJURY

LEADING SETS 1

No5 Barristers' Chambers’ personal injury group has ‘a huge depth of knowledge and experience’ and a sizable team that is practising nationwide. Paul Bleasdale KC is praised for his ability to ‘bring solutions in a very efficient manner’ and settled a £1.5m claim brought by a minor after a severe injury. David Tyack

ST IVES: A CONTINUED REPUTATION AS ONE OF THE REGION’S LEADING SETS.

We are delighted that 2022 has been one of St Ives Chambers most successful years to date, as we further our reputation as one of the region’s leading sets.

Our rankings in the 2023 edition of the Legal 500 have been particularly pleasing. Chambers boasts 38 rankings across five practice areas, enjoying top tier rankings in family law (children and matrimonial finance) and social housing. We are also ranked as a leading set in business and regulatory crime, general crime, and property & construction.

We are proud that rankings cover the full spectrum of experience from silk (Elizabeth Isaacs KC) to 35 leading juniors, including three rising stars, demonstrating the wealth of talent throughout Chambers.

The family team is highlighted by Legal 500 as “a first call on family matters” with a “high calibre of barristers available at the set”. The social housing team are noted to have “real in-depth expertise of housing law” and our criminal team is home to a “pool of highly talented criminal practitioners”. We are also particularly proud that our exceptional clerking team continue to be recognised for their unsurpassed levels of client service.

We are also please to confirm that, in the last year:

Chambers has commenced the process of a significant refurbishment project to our premises on Whittall Street. The project is anticipated to be completed in Spring 2023 and involves modernisation and increased flexibility across all floors. There will be reorganisation throughout the staff and members areas. Existing client facilities will be updated. The changes will help to ensure that we are at the forefront of developments regarding hybrid working patterns, and that we continue to offer the highest quality of service to our clients, through the creation of a modern working environment.

James Picken has been appointed a circuit judge. His Honour Judge Picken, who was head of our Private Law team, has been deployed to the Wolverhampton Combined Court.

Two members of Chambers, Tony Watkin and David Payne, were appointed as recorders.

Two members of Chambers, Tom Lawal and Terri Mason, were appointed as Deputy District Judges.

Two members of Chambers, Ben Douglas-Jones KC and William Douglas-Jones appeared in the leading authority of R v Luckhurst [2020] UKSC 23 in the Supreme Court.

Three members of Chambers were featured in the FreeBar Visibility Project, further cementing our commitment to equality and diversity.

Chambers offered tenancy to our three exceptional pupils and three more pupils commenced their training with us at the start of October.

We will offer a minimum of a further three pupillages next year.

Chambers continues to welcome applications from skilled and dedicated practitioners in our core practice areas.

3PB BARRISTERS MARK FIVE YEARS OF BUSINESS IN BIRMINGHAM

The Birmingham centre for 3PB Barristers (3 Paper Buildings) is five this year!

Since 3PB opened in Birmingham in 2017, talented barristers across all areas of law have joined the ranks, taking the current Birmingham-based cohort to 34 counsel and seven staff. Over the last 12 months alone, some four new barristers have chosen 3PB’s Birmingham base as their professional home with 19 counsel in total joining the set as a whole.

The last five years has seen 3PB in Birmingham go from a standing start to one of the most active chambers in the city. As well as being home to a growing number of Birmingham barristers, the Colmore Circus centre acts as the Midlands ‘home’ for many of 3PB’s 225 other barristers who are based at the other 3PB centres in London, Bristol, Bournemouth, Oxford and Winchester.

Elizabeth McGrath KC and Vanessa Meachin KC, family silks and founding members of the Birmingham centre, said: “We are delighted to see 130 of our barristers ranked in Legal 500 and in particular to see 14 of those barristers ranked for the first time.

This shows great strength in depth across chambers and that mix of expertise is reflected in the barristers who are based full-time in Birmingham.”

3PB is committed to supporting the charity The Birmingham Children's Trust. In recent years barristers and staff in Birmingham have joined together at Christmas to grant Christmas Wishes for children in care with Birmingham Children’s Trust with one of our senior staff members acting as a Trustee.

Christmas can be a difficult time of year for a lot of children and young people in the UK's second city, so the Christmas Wishes initiative brings some festive magic to children and young people in the care of the Trust.

Last year the 3PB team bought gifts for 18 children and young people at two residential homes in Birmingham. Birmingham Children’s Trust exists to make a positive difference for children, young people and families in Birmingham.

Head of Chambers, Elizabeth Isaacs KC MCIArb

PERSONAL INJURY CONT’D

KC is a ‘safe pair of hands who shows great resilience in difficult cases’ and is currently acting on behalf of the mother of a deceased girl who had died allegedly because of clinical negligence. Paul Evans is a ‘highly skilled professional with strong technical knowledge who always puts clients’ best interests first’.

Ropewalk Chambers is a ‘strong set’ that advises and represents across the full range of personal injury cases. It is particularly well known for insurance-related work, advising the industry to the highest levels. Jayne Adams KC is an ‘excellent orator, good negotiator, and a good people person’ who recently acted for a defendant in claims of alleged beryllium poisoning. Patrick Limb KC is renowned for his ability to ‘analyse complex legal issues very well’ and is currently representing the Welsh Rugby Union in a high value multi-party, group litigation case relating to claims for early-onset dementia and CTE brought by former professional rugby players. In August 2022 Jonathan Owen was appointed to the circuit bench.

LEADING SETS 2

St Philips Chambers’ personal injury team provides specialist advice and representation to both claimants and defendants across the vast spectrum of personal injury litigation. Sofia Ashraf, left, has a particular interest in claims brought by minors or protected parties or claims for psychiatric injuries and is appreciated by clients for her ability to ‘clarify information and put lay clients at ease’. Andrew Evans recently represented a claimant who suffered acoustic shock injury due to an aircraft engine. Rising star Lorna Badham is known for her ‘meticulous and thoughtful approach’ and has extensive experience in representing child and vulnerable claimants.

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT

LEADING SETS 1

The planning team of No5 Barristers’ Chambers is a team of barristers who are ‘great planning specialists with a range of experience and styles’ and the team works nationwide from its four offices in Birmingham, London, Bristol, and Leicester. Paul Cairnes KC, pictured, acts principally for developers throughout England and Wales and recently instructed Torbay & South Devon NHS trust on a matter related potential impact of a major residential development. ‘Hard working and experienced advocate’ Tim Pole recently successfully represented Severn Trent Water in relation to four prosecutions brought by the environment agency.

LEADING SETS 2

The planning team of Kings Chambers has ‘great strength in depth’ with ‘exceptional barristers available every time’. Michael Rudd specialises in planning, environmental and highways law, particularly in matters related to park homes. He recently handled a leading case in the Court of Appeal dealing with the extent of breach of condition on a planning permission relating to a mobile home park.

PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINARY LAW

LEADING SETS 1

No5 Barristers’ Chambers provides expertise at every level of the disciplinary process to members of all professions, including police officers, solicitors, medical professionals, teachers, and accountants. Adrian Keeling KC heads the chambers and recently represented one of six officers accused of discriminatory conduct whilst on duty with Hampshire Police in a high-profile case that attracted national

media attention. Harpreet Singh Sandhu KC , who was appointed silk in March 2022, and Michelle Heeley KC also have police discipline law expertise.

PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE

LEADING SETS 1

No5 Barristers’ Chambers offers expertise at every level in professional negligence and represents a wide range of professional bodies, insurers, and individuals, both as claimants and defendants. David Mitchell, left, regularly handles professional negligence claims, particularly disputes concerning real property and cases concerning trusts and estates. Mark Anderson KC and Stephen Goodfellow specialise in professional negligence claims against solicitors, barristers, and surveyors.

St Philips Chambers continues to handle a wide variety of professional negligence claims as a part of business and property practice. John Randall KC and John Brennan have extensive experience of handling complex and high-value disputes involving legal professions, accountants, and wealth managers, among others.

PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION

LEADING SETS 1

The ‘strong and able’ real estate team of No5 Barristers’ Chambers works across the whole spectrum of commercial property and residential issues for developers, private individuals, and a wide range of other local and national businesses. Mark Anderson KC is known for his tactical awareness and recently handled a partnership and shareholder dispute concerning the ownership and management of caravan sites, a business valued at more than £50m. David Taylor is praised for his ‘ability to control the courtroom’ and worked on a dispute concerning the powers of executors and trustees of land to dispose of a high-value farm in Snowdonia, without consulting beneficiaries.

St Philips Chambers’ business and property team continues to handle some of the most complex, varied, and high-profile cases for a broad client base. ‘Hard-working silk’ John Randall KC, left, is handling a land registry rights issue for the residents of the Britannia development on Grand Cayman. ‘Extremely knowledgeable’ John Brennan recently acted on behalf of a householder on a dispute over rights of way, rights of drainage and boundary, against a neighbouring property development site. Anthony Verduyn is known for his ‘incredible knowledge and commercial approach’ and recently represented multiple companies in an action for wrongful forfeiture of a lease. In January 2022 Christopher Buckingham joined the team from Enterprise Chambers.

LEADING SETS 2

Ropewalk Chambers specialises in a wide range of property matters, including land sale and purchases, agricultural law, mortgages, conveyancing disputes, planning and development, boundary disputes, and applications to the land registry. Tom Carter successfully acted on behalf of a claimant in a misinterpretation claim brought against the seller of a house. In August 2022 Jonathan Owen was appointed to the circuit bench.

The business and property group of St Ives Chambers is a ‘great team that offers diversity and strength’ and appear at all levels of court from the County Court and First-Tier Tribunal to the Supreme Court. Tony Watkin is ‘excellent at handling complicated multi-party disputes’ and is currently assisting with a claim for damages and an injunction against the council and the operator of a waste treatment site.

SOCIAL HOUSING

LEADING SETS 1

St Ives Chambers is an ‘excellent set with a real in-depth expertise of housing law’ and handles matters related to anti-social behaviour, environmental protection act, nuisance, homelessness, and unlawful eviction. Michael Singleton heads the housing practice group and is handling a series of cases related to closure order of a council property to due to anti-social behaviour. Anya Newman, above, is praised for her ‘fantastic advocacy and cross-examination skills’ and successfully brought an eviction order against an anti-social tenant.

KCH Garden Square  is experienced in dealing with the complex, difficult and sensitive social issues arising within housing law. The group is led by the ‘technically proficient’ Tom Russell who has more than two decades’ experience in the area. Oliver Nunn ‘is very detail-oriented’ and specialises in social and private housing litigation, with a particular interest in cases involving anti-social behaviour. Rising star Ben Chapman is well regarded for his ‘extensive knowledge of occupation orders’ and ability with vulnerable clients.

RISING STARS

BUSINESS & REGULATORY CRIME

Lee Hughes Lincoln House Chambers

Lucy Wright  Lincoln House Chambers

CHANCERY, PROBATE, AND TAX

Jason Perrin No 5 Chambers

Oliver Ingham 3BP Chambers

Samir Amin No 5 Chambers

CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE

Neil Shastri-Hurst No 5 Chambers

Rebecca Livesey No 5 Chambers

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

Jason Perrin No 5 Chambers

Samir Amin No 5 Chambers

Thomas Herbert Ropewalk Chambers

COURT OF PROTECTION & COMMUNITY CARE

Benjamin Harrison No 5 Chambers

EMPLOYMENT

Lorna Badham St Philips Chambers

PERSONAL INJURY

Lorna Badham St Philips Chambers

Nicholas Truelove Kings Chambers

Rebecca Livesey No 5 Chambers

PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINARY LAW

Jonathan Storey Cornwall Street Barristers

PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE

Jonathan Storey Cornwall Street Barristers

PROPERTY AND CONSTRUCTION

John Aldis St Philips Chambers

SOCIAL HOUSING

Aadhithya Anbahan St Ives Chambers

Ben Chapman KCH

A s one of t he large st set s of bar r ister s’ chamb er s in t he U K w it h over 26 0 member s including 3 7 Silks, we have t he qualit y and dept h of ex p er t ise to me et your le gal ne e ds.

T hr oughout it s 10 0 year histor y, N o 5 B ar r ister s’ Chamb er s has develop e d a reput at ion for break ing new gr ound and cont inue s to b e re garde d as a pr o gre s sive and for ward t hink ing set.

W it h of fi ce s in Bir mingham, London and B r istol we are well place d to pr ov ide ex p er t ise at all levels t hr oughout the UK and over seas

Some lead, others fol low.

Client care is at the heart of what we do.

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