The West Midlands Legal 500 2024

THE WEST MIDLANDS’ LEGAL WORLD RANKED

WEST MIDLANDS

2024 in association with

K

ang & 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.

Manjinder Singh Kang, Director of Kang & Co Solicitors

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.

“Ensuring that all clients Manjinder Singh Kang commented; “Ensuring that all receive accurate details on clients receive accurate details on costs and providing legal representation which exceeds the expectations of our clients costs and providing legal is at the core of our company values. In an increasingly representation which exceeds competitive legal environment, clients want to know how much their case will cost and are seeking out specialist the expectations of our clients lawyers for their legal issues, as opposed to using general is at the core of our company practitioners. At our firm we have deliberately chosen to specialise in a couple of areas of law and are always clear values.” on costs, which has ultimately resulted in the firm growing Manjinder Singh Kang, from strength to strength each year.”

Director at Kang & Co Solicitors 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 7 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 Thomas Wheeler, Director of Kang & Co Solicitors Hospice, World Against Single Use Plastics, Sense, Birmingham Mind and Shelter (2023 charity partner).

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

@KangSolicitors

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

0345 222 9955

Provide national coverage throughout England & Wales

kangandco.co.uk

WEST MIDLANDS

BIRMINGHAM CONTINUES TO THRIVE Alice Kinder, President, Birmingham Law Society Having grown up in the West Midlands with a local family, Birmingham has long been a part of my identity. I remember the excitement of catching the bus to the city centre for the first time as a child, to play my flute at the old Conservatoire.

I remember my first shopping trip to the Bullring, after it opened in 2003. I remember the transformation of our library and train station, and the changes they brought to our landscape. I was very happy to call Birmingham my home.

When I first began to navigate my career path, there were many people that encouraged me not to be wedded to Birmingham. I was advised at school not to study at a Birmingham university, because I would get a better experience if I moved away. I was once told that if I wanted to be a successful lawyer, this would involve living and working in Central London. But despite this, my commitment to Birmingham remained strong. A decade on, and I cannot think of anywhere else I would rather be.

The latest edition of the Legal 500 shows that the West Midlands hosts some of the most eminent legal professionals in the country, in respect of firms, practice areas and individuals. We have lawyers who are doing work which may have historically only been done in London. We have welcomed many businesses who have chosen to open new offices in our region.

Birmingham Law Society is at the centre of our local legal profession. We now have 9,000 members from a variety of backgrounds, including members at our local universities, who make up the future pool of talent that will help us continue to thrive. We have a range of specialist committees, who play an important role in representing our interests and advocating for us.

We organise events and initiatives throughout the year to enable our members to build relationships and collaborate on the issues affecting them.

For those of you who are new to our region, or who are not yet actively involved, I would encourage you to make the most of the opportunities that Birmingham Law Society has to offer. We are stronger as a community when we work together.

Community and opportunity are two words that you will continue to hear through my Presidential Year. I hope to support our profession to foster connections, become more integrated within the wider city, and contribute to a stronger and more compassionate society. I also hope to ensure that everyone is supported to achieve their aspirations, both within the profession and within our Society itself. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not, and it is in our interests to do what we can to change that.

"The latest edition of the Legal 500 shows that the West Midlands hosts some of the most eminent legal professionals in the country, in respect of firms, practice areas and individuals."

On 17 October, Birmingham Law Society launched its first Social Mobility Pledge in partnership with the Social Mobility Foundation to encourage our members to make a commitment to fostering equal opportunities. To date, we have received pledges to mentor students, gather data, support volunteering, and enter the Social Mobility Foundation’s Employer Index. However busy we are, we should not lose sight of the need to support the next generation. I hope to see many more pledges from firms and individuals in the coming months.

I would like to congratulate everyone who has played a part in this year’s directory, whether as a named individual or as a member of a successful team. I thank you all for helping to make Birmingham such a wonderful place to live and work.

PUBLISHERS NOTE: The Legal 500 assesses the strengths of law firms in over 100 jurisdictions. The rankings are based on a series of criteria, but simply put, highlight the practice area teams who are providing the most cutting edge and innovative advice to corporate counsel. Their research is based on feedback from 300,000 clients worldwide, submissions from law firms and interviews with leading private practice lawyers, and a team of researchers who have unrivalled experience in the legal market. This publication is an edited version of the 2024 Legal 500 Report and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy in compiling this publication, the Publisher cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies, omissions, breach of copyright or otherwise since compilation. The Publisher cannot be held responsible for any material submitted to the publication, not excluding advertisements. The views expressed within this title are the views of the Legal 500 not the Publisher. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply recommendation by the Publisher. Findings from the full report can be viewed at www.legal500.com. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publishers. © Fraser Urquhart Ltd 2023.

4 The Legal 500 West Midlands

SPECIAL FEATURE

HAWKINS HATTON: EVOLUTION OF A NICHE PRACTICE Since its inception, Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers (“HH”) has been a boutique corporate practice which, through its culture and vibrancy, created a recognised brand despite being a new entrant in the legal sector less than 20 years ago. HH established a national foot print in England and Wales dealing predominantly with M&A work but with a strong Real Estate and Banking & Finance presence bolstered by a tenacious Dispute Resolution team.

• Banking & Finance the skills and the mind-set of the Corporate and Real Estate team are the perfect qualities for Banking & Finance which has meant that HH is one of the country’s only niche corporate practices recognised in this sector. HH has longevity with its large banking clients including National Westminster Bank, HSBC UK Bank as well as other lenders such as the likes of Invest and Fund.

HH’s recognition as a leader in its specialist practice fields is demonstrated by its rankings in legal directory Legal 500 and its exclusive authorship of the UK practice guides for Mergers and Acquisition for Legal 500.

Knowing the strengths of HH and its brand, this is something HH wanted to preserve and to continue to cultivate which HH has done through Bamboo’s offering. This is because Bamboo is a multi-faceted legal group in which HH can sit perfectly. Bamboo has allowed the founding partners of HH to de equitise but to remain as the molecular pump of HH and be supported in HH’s next stage of growth by Bamboo’s structure and organisation.

Colin Rodrigues

As with everything in life, standing still is going backwards and that is why HH has constantly evolved in order to maintain its growth and upwards trajectory and to continue to achieve the aspirations HH has set itself in a fast changing legal market.

Part of HH’s evolution is its next stage of growth through its partnering with Bamboo Holdings Group Limited (“Bamboo”). HH’s strategic alliance with Bamboo can be compared with the qualities of bamboo plants which are synonymous with strength, flexibility, and durability. These qualities, when combined with the niche offering of HH, will create a new dimension to the legal services landscape in which Bamboo have already become a ground breaking group.

Staying with the horticultural analogies, when looking at cultivars, you will always see that it takes the best of its parents to create something new and strong – and this is the evolution that HH has been focused on in order to allow HH to continue to expand its key areas of practice being: • Corporate sales, mergers, acquisitions and high profile reorganisations have always been the mainstay of HH’s reputation in the legal market place (including its recent involvement in a sale in excess of £105,000,000).

• Real Estate given the high profile clients that HH acts for, it is no wonder HH is instructed to assist on complex Real Estate matters for those clients, HH has done more than its fair share of big sheds’.

• Dispute Resolution inevitably Corporate clients will end up in disputes, and this is where the tenacity of HH sets itself apart from other law firms. HH resolves disputes, rather than following a process, which leaves the resolution of the matter at the mercy of the scales of justice which do not always swing in the manner expected.

People often confuse change with evolution, as the two are not analogous, though they are comparable because new is not always different. Evolution is taking something and moulding it to create something new, not simply putting it into another wrapper. This is how people mistake bamboo to be a plant or a tree, when in fact it is the tallest and strongest grass known to nature having a multitude of uses and the ability to diversify into a forest. This is the same as HH’s journey which has not come to an end, but has gained another companion with Bamboo in its next generation in delivering legal services.

This is why when dealing with legal services, the proof of the pudding is sometimes in the eating, as when you see founders doing what they advise their clients to do, in a structured and strategic manner, then you can see why HH will continue to be a formidable corporate practice with a can-do and no nonsense attitude delivering consistently for its clients, as acknowledged by Legal 500.

For more information, contact Colin Rodrigues E crodrigues@hawkinshatton.co.uk T 01384 216840 W: www.hawkinshatton.co.uk

WEST MIDLANDS

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LEADING INDIVIDUALS WEST MIDLANDS COMPRISES BIRMINGHAM AND THE SURROUNDING COUNTIES OF SHROPSHIRE, STAFFORDSHIRE AND WARWICKSHIRE

Martino Giaquinto, Mills & Reeve LLP

Clare Auty, Browne Jacobson

AGRICULTURE AND ESTATES Sarah Baugh FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Tom Devey FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Peter Snodgrass Shakespeare Martineau LLP Alex Robinson Wright Hassall LLP BANKING AND FINANCE Stephen Bottley DLA Piper LLP (US) Patrick Davis Eversheds Sutherland James Dyson Freeths LLP Chris Brierley Gowling WLG David Doogan Pinsent Masons LLP Mohammed Saqub Shakespeare Martineau LLP David Adams Shoosmiths LLP Roy Grist Squire Patton Boggs BANKING LITIGATION Chris Busby Eversheds Sutherland 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 VWV

Ben Mason, Aaron & Partners

Helen Andrews, Bevan Brittan LLP

CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE: CLAIMANT Emma Rush Irwin Mitchell Lindsay Tomlinson Irwin Mitchell Luke Daniels Irwin Mitchell Sara Burns Irwin Mitchell Beth Heath Lanyon Bowdler Emma Broomfield Lanyon Bowdler Lucy Small Lanyon Bowdler Phil Barnes Shoosmiths LLP CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE: DEFENDENT Tim Hodgetts Bevan Brittan LLP Jasmine Armstrong Weightmans LLP COMMERCIAL LITIGATION: BIRMINGHAM Neil Bowker DLA Piper LLP (US) Nick Bamford DLA Piper LLP (US) Phillip Kelly DLA Piper LLP (US) Andrew Leach DWF Adam Fisher Eversheds Sutherland Louise Wilson Freeths LLP Neil Warner Gateley Legal Andrew Smith Gowling WLG 6 The Legal 500 West Midlands

Andy Shaw, Higgs & Co

Lucy Small, Lanyon Bowdler

Helen Davenport Gowling WLG Andrew Herring Pinsent Masons LLP James WoolstenhulmeShakespeare Martineau LLP Roger Potgieter Shoosmiths LLP Helen Briant Trowers & Hamlins LLP COMMERCIAL LITIGATION: ELSEWHERE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS Charlotte Clode FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Guy Birkett FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Morgan Rees George Green LLP Neil Williams George Green LLP Elizabeth Beatty Harrison Clark Rickerbys Richard Morgan Harrison Clark Rickerbys Harminder Sandhu Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited Julia Lowe Higgs LLP Stephen Rome Thursfields Solicitors COMMERCIAL PROPERTY: BIRMINGHAM Monique Sutherland DLA Piper LLP (US) Dawn Hilton Eversheds Sutherland Gurjit Atwal Eversheds Sutherland Iftkhar Ahmed Eversheds Sutherland Philip Medford Eversheds Sutherland Sue Simpson Fieldfisher Richard Pettifor Gateley Legal Richard Bate Gowling WLG Ben Acheson Irwin Mitchell Andrew Mellor Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP Kultar Khangura Pinsent Masons LLP Lisa Middleton Pinsent Masons LLP Tom Johnson Pinsent Masons LLP Jason Jackson Shoosmiths LLP Chris Plumley Trowers & Hamlins LLP COMMERCIAL PROPERTY: ELSEWHERE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS Clare Regan MFG Solicitors LLP Sue Albini Pickerings Solicitors Claire Waring Wright Hassall LLP David Slade Wright Hassall LLP CONSTRUCTION Andrew Millross Helen Andrews Stephen Malley Peter Scurlock Perveen Akhter Michael O'Shea Richard Green Andrew James Martino Giaquinto Stuart Pemble Nigel Blundell Patrick Garner Ray O’Connor Philip Harris

Anthony Collins Solicitors Bevan Brittan LLP DLA Piper LLP (US) Eversheds Sutherland Freeths LLP Gowling WLG Gowling WLG Harrison Clark Rickerbys Mills & Reeve LLP Mills & Reeve LLP Pinsent Masons LLP Shoosmiths LLP Squire Patton Boggs Wright Hassall LLP

Talitha Degwa, VWV

CONTENTIOUS TRUSTS AND PROBATE Beth King-Smith Harrison Clark Rickerbys Craig Ridge Higgs LLP Kamal Majevadia Irwin Mitchell Mark Abrol Meridian Private Client LLP Gavin Faber Roythornes Solicitors Martin Oliver Wright Hassall LLP CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL: BIRMINGHAM Charles Cook DLA Piper LLP (US) Noel Haywood DLA Piper LLP (US) Tim Lake DLA Piper LLP (US) John Campion DWF Catherine Eley Eversheds Sutherland Lee Clifford Freeths LLP David Vaughan Gowling WLG Nicole Livesey Pinsent Masons LLP Kavita Patel Shakespeare Martineau LLP Tom Durrant Squire Patton Boggs Amardeep Gill Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Sarah Balfour, Irwin MItchell

Oliver Ward Jones, Squire Patton Boggs

CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL: ELSEWHERE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS Neil Jones Ansons Paul Bennett Ansons Arpinder Dhillon Harrison Clark Rickerbys John Heaton Higgs LLP Gareth Burge Thursfields Solicitors Robert Lee Wright Hassall LLP CORPORATE TAX Andrew Noble Browne Jacobson LLP Jon Stevens DWF Lee Nuttall Gowling WLG Kevin Lowe Mills & Reeve LLP Becky Rees Parisi Tax LLP Lisa Stevenson Parisi Tax LLP DEBT RECOVERY Larry Coltman Coltman Warner Cranston James Baird Gateley Legal Dee Kundi Harrison Clark Rickerbys Alan Hamblett Shakespeare Martineau LLP Jayne Gardner Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Smita Jamdar, Shakespeare Martineau

EDUCATION Nick Mackenzie Richard Freeth Mark Taylor Nick Abbott Richard Sykes Gayle Ditchburn Smita Jamdar Gurvinder Samra

Steven Jonas James Turner

Jonas Roy Bloom Tuckers Solicitors

HEALTH Clare Auty Henry Matveieff Jill Mason Jog Hundle

Browne Jacobson LLP Capsticks LLP Mills & Reeve LLP Mills & Reeve LLP

Joe Stephenson, Shoosmiths LLP

Browne Jacobson LLP Browne Jacobson LLP Eversheds Sutherland Mills & Reeve LLP Mills & Reeve LLP Pinsent Masons LLP Shakespeare Martineau LLP Shoosmiths LLP

HEALTH AND SAFETY Rachel Lyne Browne Jacobson LLP David Egan DWF Ruth Armstrong Gateley Legal Hayley Saunders Shoosmiths LLP Andrew Brammer Weightmans LLP IMMIGRATION Andre Minnaar

PERSONAL INJURY: CLAIMANT Andy Shaw Higgs LLP Clive Garner Irwin Mitchell Emma Broomfield Lanyon Bowdler Emma Rush Irwin Mitchell 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

Sydney Mitchell LLP

EMPLOYMENT David Sykes Averta Employment Lawyers LLP Rebecca Sawbridge Freeths LLP Benedict Gorner Gateley Legal Jane Fielding Gowling WLG Tim Jones Higgs LLP Nick Jew Keystone Law Sally Morris MFG Solicitors LLP Richard Santy Mills & Reeve LLP Jonathan Coley Pinsent Masons LLP Linda Jones Pinsent Masons LLP Charlie Frost Squire Patton Boggs Ramez Moussa Squire Patton Boggs

INSOLVENCY AND CORPORATE RECOVERY Stephanie Slinn Clarke Willmott LLP John Jeffreys Freeths LLP Daniel French Gateley Legal Mark Wilson Gateley Legal Sam Payne Harrison Clark Rickerbys Stephen George Irwin Mitchell Amy Flavell Pinsent Masons LLP Andrew Taylor Shakespeare Martineau Aaron Harlow Shoosmiths LLP Devinder Singh Squire Patton Boggs Russell Hill Squire Patton Boggs

ENERGY, PROJECT FINANCE & PFI Paul Hill Browne Jacobson LLP James Larmour Freeths LLP Kirstin Roberts Freeths LLP Gus Wood Gowling WLG

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Mark Daniels Browne Jacobson LLP Simon Barker Freeths LLP Claire O'Brien Mills & Reeve LLP Nicholas Briggs Shakespeare Martineau LLP

PERSONAL TAX, TRUSTS AND PROBATE Dawn Oliver Harrison Clark Rickerbys Emma Harrison Pickerings Solicitors Lesley Davis Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Andrew Caldicott, Harrison Clark Rickerbys

PLANNING Howard Bassford DLA Piper LLP (US) Trevor Ivory DLA Piper LLP (US) Matthew Scudamore Gateley Legal Toni Weston Gowling WLG Rosalind Andrews Harrison Clark Rickerbys Lucy Thomas Pinsent Masons LLP Simon Stanion Shakespeare Martineau LLP John Gregory Wright Hassall LLP

ENVIRONMENT David Egan Ruth Armstrong Andrew Litchfield Lee McBride

DWF Gateley Legal Gowling WLG Lodders Solicitors LLP

FAMILY: BIRMINGHAM Christopher Lloyd-SmithAnthony Collins Solicitors Elizabeth Wyatt Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Jas Tamber Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Diane Benussi Benussi & Co Limited Helen Jane Arnold Benussi & Co Limited Rayner Grice Clarke Willmott LLP Kevin Harris-James Harrison Clark Rickerbys Clare Wiseman Irwin Mitchell Mark Hands Irwin Mitchell Zahra Pabani Irwin Mitchell Karen Moores Sydney Mitchell LLP FAMILY: ELSEWHERE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS Tracy Cross Band Hatton Button LLP Linda Jones Brethertons LLP Anne Thomson FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Andrew Caldicott Harrison Clark Rickerbys Nadia Davis Harrison Clark Rickerbys Philip Barnsley Higgs LLP Sue Hodgson Lanyon Bowdler Philip Rea Thursfields Solicitors Shane Miller Thursfields Solicitors GENERAL CRIME & FRAUD Ben Henry Jonas Roy Bloom

IT & TELECOMS Jocelyn Paulley Craig Armstrong Joe Stephenson Stuart James

Arminder Dhillon, Gowling WLG

Gowling WLG Shoosmiths LLP Shoosmiths LLP Squire Patton Boggs

LOCAL GOVERNMENT Olwen Brown Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Derek Adamson DWF Amardeep Gill Trowers & Hamlins LLP PENSIONS Emma King Gary Delderfield Sarah Franklin Michael Collins Joanne Tibbott Paul Carberry Richard Lee Nick Stones Matthew Giles

Eversheds Sutherland Eversheds Sutherland Eversheds Sutherland Gateley Legal Gowling WLG Gowling WLG Gowling WLG Pinsent Masons LLP Squire Patton Boggs

Helen Jane Arnold, Benussi & Co

Gavin Hoccom, Browne Jacobson

PERSONAL INJURY: DEFENDANT Bridget Tatham Browne Jacobson LLP Kevin Lawson Browne Jacobson LLP Mike Dobson Clyde & Co Richard Stallard DAC Beachcroft LLP Charles Ashmore DWF James Shrimpton Kennedys Philippa Craven Kennedys Ken Young Keoghs LLP David Tuck Weightmans LLP Henry Bermingham Weightmans LLP

PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE Julian Smart Clyde & Co Eamon Mooney Kennedys Paul Chaplin Kennedys David Gooding Mills & Reeve LLP PROPERTY LITIGATION Clive Chalkley Gowling WLG Paul Barker Gowling WLG Alicia Foo Pinsent Masons LLP James Fownes Shakespeare Martineau LLP Martin Edwards Shakespeare Martineau LLP Kate McCall Shoosmiths LLP Paul Knight Shoosmiths LLP SOCIAL HOUSING Andrew Dudley Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Peter Hubbard Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Victoria Jardine Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Baljit Basra Devonshires Solicitors LLP Jacqueline Knox Gowling WLG Daniel Skinner Roythornes Solicitors David Perry Shoosmiths LLP The Legal 500 West Midlands 7

WEST MIDLANDS

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BANKING & FINANCE DLA Piper Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Gowling WLG Pinsent Masons LLP

1 2

Gateley Legal Shakespeare Martineau LLP Shoosmiths LLP Squire Patton Boggs

3

Browne Jacobson LLP DWF Freeths LLP Mills & Reeve LLP Aaron & Partners LLP George Green LLP Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited

4

housing and manufacturing. The team is led by Chris Brierley, who has notable expertise in regard to lending in the low carbon and social housing spaces, while Navin Prabhakar is the firm’s key contact for clearing bank work, as well as offering considerable experience with banking-related M&A, and corporate finance deals. Legal director Angela Rawlins is particularly capable in the social housing finance space.

DLA Piper’s breadth of experience and expertise ensures they have the capacity to manage large scale international deals, involving issues such as syndicated corporate finance and real estate finance, amongst others. The team also regularly acts on leverage deals by unitranche providers.

Stephen Bottley helms the practice; his variety of experience includes the financing of large corporate groups, venture finance and asset-based funding. Will Sherwin specialises in leveraged, corporate and real estate finance transactions whilst senior associate Gemma Rooney, above, bolsters the team with her expertise in real estate finance.

The Pinsent Masons LLP banking practice, which is led by David Doogan, has notable expertise regarding asset-based lending transactions, as well as leveraged finance, debt capital markets and securitisation transactions. The practice, noted for its ‘excellent service’, handles matters for clients from a variety of sectors, including manufacturing and technology.

Victoria Baker bolsters the team with her specific experience in relation to structured finance products, including both lending transactions and securitisations and private placements, while Esther Parkes primarily handles corporate, acquisition finance and real estate finance transactions. Associate Oliver Morgan is capable of handling issues arising from corporate lending, real estate finance and leveraged finance.

Regularly sought out by stakeholders in the leveraged finance market, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is capable of handling particularly complex leveraged finance transactions as well as complex funding structures.

The team also has notable expertise in relation to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and sustainabilitylinked loans, and asset-based lending mandates. The team is led by Patrick Davis, who specialises in leveraged finance and corporate lending work.

Ben Tumelty‘s wealth of experience encompasses leveraged finance, corporate lending and asset-based lending.

Gowling WLG’s fields of expertise include corporate banking, funds and debt capital markets work, among other areas and the team has considerable experience in various sectors, such as healthcare, social 8 The Legal 500 West Midlands

Gateley Legal is vastly experienced in the areas of private equity and acquisition finance, as well as acting for various asset-based lending (ABL) funders in the market. Team leader Andrew Madden is involved with

structured finance and corporate lending deals, including leveraged buy-outs, project finance and restructuring. Chris Jones handles a variety of financing transactions, being particularly experienced in real estate and structured finance among other areas, while senior associate Alison Davidson-Cox specialises in acquisition, corporate and leveraged finance.

Senior associate Sharon Malhi advises on corporate banking transactions, with an emphasis on real estate and development finance transactions.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP is experienced in handling real estate finance and corporate banking matters, alongside a particular expertise in Islamic finance, having been called upon by government agencies to advise on the impact changes in legislation. The practice, which is capable of offering a ‘personalised service’, is jointly led by 'consummate professional' Naomi Tudor, whose expertise includes corporate and property finance work on bilateral or syndicated transactions, and Mohammed Saqub, below, who has a key focus on Islamic finance, as well as related commercial property investment transactions and various development transactions.

social care, as well as a focus on ESG. Paul Ray is experienced in litigation and sustainable finance, and Paul Hill, above, specialises in corporate lending and infrastructure finance.

Key work undertaken by DWF is often within the real estate, hospitality and financial services sectors, with particular emphasis on real estate finance transactions. Richard Holmes commands the practice, notably focusing on commercial real estate finance and handling new lending work alongside this.

The Freeths LLP team has particular expertise in regard to acting for funders in healthcare, as well as the manufacturing and construction sectors, to name a few. Key contact James Dyson specialises in corporate lending transactions, such as acquisition finance and leveraged buy-outs, for a variety of clients.

Mills & Reeve LLP handles transactions and financings for clients that include local and national banks, corporates, and universities. The practice is led by David Varnham, whose capabilities include structured and corporate finance.

Shoosmiths LLP’s team is experienced in asset-based lending, leveraged and acquisition finance, corporate banking and real estate finance. The practice is led by Jon Bew, who is strong in addressing issues related to invoice finance, asset based lending, inventory finance and distribution finance. David Adams strengthens the team with his broad experience in areas such as real estate finance, domestic and international acquisition finance, and pensions finance, while Natalie Barnes specialises in asset-based lending.

Squire Patton Boggs is a firm with expertise in debt capital markets, project finance, investment transactions and funds work, alongside strengths within the pensions and sports sectors, with particular emphasis on the more niche area of football finance. The practice is spearheaded by ‘fantastic’ Roy Grist, left, who specialises in international and national acquisition finance, real estate finance and asset-based lending.

Browne Jacobson LLP, a team that offers an ‘excellent service’, undertakes a broad range of work that encompasses structured finance, private equity funding and general corporate financing for clients that include lenders and corporates.

It works in multiple sectors, notably construction, energy and infrastructure. Emma Hinton leads the practice, possessing expertise with non-bank funders and health and

Aaron & Partners LLP‘s banking and finance team is part of its corporate and commercial team, capable of acting for both borrowers and lenders.

Practice head Hugh Strickland routinely handles shareholders agreements, joint ventures and share schemes.

Associate Zoe Lloyd has led Santander panel matters, and associate Hannah Flynn specialises in property aspects of banking and finance matters.

Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited often acts on behalf of lenders, advising them in relation to finance for corporate acquisitions, corporate restructurings and management buyouts (MBOs).

Colin Rodrigues leads the team that ‘consistently exceeds expectations’, advising on corporate and real estaterelated banking matters.

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WEST MIDLANDS

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CHARITIES AND NOT FOR PROFIT Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Higgs LLP Mills & Reeve LLP VWV Lodders Solicitors LLP Shakespeare Martineau LLP

CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE

1 2 throughout the country on charity law issues and acts for a number of the biggest Midlands charities. In addition, Williams leads the firm’s philanthropy offering.

Dominic Curran heads the department at Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP. The group garners praise for its work with numerous faith-based charities and for its national and international charity work for health and social care charities. It is adept at handling interim manager appointments by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

Other core areas of expertise include advising on various financing issues for charities by way of grant work, social investment and secured lending. The practice is also experienced at advising charities on fundraising issues (such as corporate partnerships, lotteries and grants). Matthew Wort is recognised for his employment law advice to health and social care providers. Edwina Turner leads the charities governance team.

Higgs LLP 'does everything well and all staff are down to earth and approachable'. It is ably led by Kirsty McEwen. McEwen is experienced in advising national and international charities and not-for-profit organisations and their trustees on all aspects of their operations. She has a particular focus on constitutional, governance and regulatory matters. The group also specialises in acting for alms-house charities, benevolent associations, arts organisations as well as health and social care charities. In addition, McEwen is appointed to the Charity Commission’s panel of interim managers and also leads the firm’s philanthropy advice. Ellie Williams is recommended for her work on a variety of matters such as complex restructurings and the formation of new entities.

Neil Burton , who divides his time between the London and Cambridge offices, heads the department at Mills & Reeve LLP - it continues to work with many major charities. Lucy Howard specialises in contested legacy matters.

Howard regularly advises charities on the validity of will provisions and acts on their behalf in relation to claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. Principal associate, Adam Williams, specialises in governance and charity law regulation.

Williams has advised universities 10 The Legal 500 West Midlands

VWV is co-led by Bristol-based Con Alexander and Birmingham-based Shivaji Shiva, below. Shiva is well-regarded for his advice on a wide range of issues from the creation of charities to their dissolution. Shiva has developed a reputation for his work with various major faith charities on a variety of complex governance disputes. In addition, Shiva is well-regarded for his support to national charities that promote physical activity. Jaime Hobday is a charity governance lawyer who is experienced in advising on issues such as DfE policy, collaborative working and on the establishment, growth and operation of academy trusts.

The experienced team at Lodders Solicitors LLP is recommended for its work on a wide range of charity matters. Led by Mark Lewis, it is known for its work on governance and constitutional matters in addition to its handling of complex restructurings and reorganisations. Lewis has particular expertise in ecclesiastical, agricultural, equine and engineering charities. In addition, he has considerable skill in advising membership bodies and breed societies. Steven Baker is another primary contact who advises numerous regional and educational charities on their property portfolios.

"The group at Shakespeare Martineau LLP is headed nationally by Catherine Rustomji who is experienced in advising charities, social enterprises and not-forprofit organisations. Andrew Wilkinson, who is based between Leicester and Nottingham, acts for various charities on a range of complex legacy disputes.

In Birmingham, Michael Hibbs is recommended for his employment law advice to charities. Rachel Gwynne is also well-regarded for her corporate support to charity clients such as advising on charitable registrations and conversions.

CLAIMANT

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Irwin Mitchell Lanyon Bowdler Shoosmiths LLP Harrison Clark Rickerbys Higgs LLP FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Thompsons Solicitors LLP Wright Hassall LLP Brethertons LLP Sydney Mitchell LLP The Wilkes Partnership Waldrons Solicitors The ‘very talented’ Rankeshwar Batta, above, heads the department at Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP. Batta is praised for his ‘brilliant tactical nous' and ‘encyclopaedic knowledge of the CPR’.

The well-respected team has built up a strong nationwide reputation for its work with claimants who have suffered both modest value and complex multimillion pound cases. Other strengths include advising on associated public law issues including abuse and human rights matters as well as representing people at inquests. Victoria Fullilove works on cases of maximum severity. Newlypromoted partner Ann Houghton, has a broad range of expertise and is also adept at handling cases with a foreign jurisdictional component.

The ‘highly professional, outstanding, supportive and caring’ team at Irwin Mitchell is spearheaded by the excellent Luke Daniels, left. It is praised for its ‘fantastic resources, expert database and case managers’ as well for its ability to ‘achieve fantastic results for its clients’. The team has an abundance of talent with leading names such as Lisa Jordan and Sara Burns . Emma Rush and Lindsay Tomlinson are vastly experienced in all aspects of medical negligence claims. Laura Daly has considerable expertise in brain injury, oncology and fatal cases. Jenna Harris has particular strength in adult neurological injuries. Senior associate, Tom Fletcher, is another key member of the team.

The ‘approachable and collaborative individuals’ at Lanyon Bowdler are praised for the ‘time given to the client to offer reassurance and explanations’.

Shrewsbury-based Beth Heath, and Lucy Small who is at the Hereford office, co-head the ‘very professional team’ with the ‘human touch’. It has a vast array of experience in cases involving catastrophic injuries (including birth, brain and spinal injuries, amputations and fatal claims).Emma

1 2 3 4 Broomfield has wide ranging experience of representing claimants with cerebral palsy, catastrophic brain and spinal injury as well as other injuries.

Associate, Laura Weir, specialises in a variety of high-value and complex cases.

There is ‘great depth and strength’ in the team at Shoosmiths LLP which ‘undertakes a huge volume of maximum severity work’ with ‘specific expertise in cerebral palsy claims’. Practice head, Phil Barnes, is a known name for his work on a range of catastrophic brain and spinal injuries in addition to amputation and other fatal claims.

Kashmir Uppal has expertise in claims against ‘rogue surgeons’. Nicholas Tubb is also well-regarded. At associate level Natasha Read has a varied caseload of complex clinical negligence matters.

Richard Bannister has an established reputation for his work on a broad variety of cases and is also an accredited CEDR mediator.

The ‘committed’ team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys is now coheaded by Peter Savage,, and Ally Taft.

Its former practice head, Inez Brown, has left the firm. It is a ‘very good regional clinical negligence specialist’ practice. Taft is particularly experienced in advising on claims relating to surgical errors, birth injury cases and delayed diagnosis cases. The group is also sought after for its work on dental negligence claims. Associate, Amrit Dhaliwal, plays a pivotal role in the department too At Higgs LLP, Clare Langford, left, leads this ‘kind and professional team’.

Langford is renowned for her skill at handling cases involving a delay in diagnosing meningitis and loss of vision claims. The practice excels in handling cases involving serious birth injuries, cerebral palsy and spinal cord injury. It has been busy too advising on delayed diagnoses cases and fatal accident claims. Charlotte Measures is

CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE DEFENDENT

Bevan Brittan LLP Browne Jacobson LLP Weightmans LLP Capsticks LLP Kennedys

well-regarded for her work on cases concerning the death of children and those that involve a delayed diagnosis of cancer. Liz Hickman is another key figure. Sarah Huntbach is also highly regarded.

Under the leadership of Tim Gray, left, FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is skilled at handling a broad range of clinical negligence claims. It has achieved particular recognition for its work on investigations into fatal accidents and is known for its representation of two families of men who died following the receipt of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. Susan Todhunter deals with high-value and complex catastrophic claims and has a keen focus on brain injury claims.

Practice head, Linda Millband, at Thompsons Solicitors LLP is a known name for her work on complex group actions. It is a well-regarded team that is part of a strong national offering. The practice has also been busy in bringing actions against a number of negligent surgeons. In addition, it is currently representing over 200 women in a group action mesh case.

Jeanette Whyman, above, heads the department at Wright Hassall LLP, which is involved in several group actions against some hospital trusts for poor maternity care. The team has specific experience in obstetric and gynaecological cases. It is also adept at handling cases relating to late and missed diagnosis of cancer claims. In addition, Whyman represents her clients at inquests.

Mike Stutton, above, heads the personal injury and the clinical negligence offerings at Sydney Mitchell LLP. Sutton advises on all types of clinical negligence cases but is increasingly instructed in cases involving a delay in diagnosis of cancer. David Lydon has left the firm and is now at MFG Solicitors LLP.

"The ‘professional and approachable’ team at The Wilkes Partnership is led

by Annmarie Wilde, above. Wilde has a vast array of experience in a broad range of clinical/medical negligence claims. Senior associate, Kate CampbellGunn, has particular expertise in cancer misdiagnosis and cosmetic surgery litigation.

The experienced team at Waldrons Solicitors, covers all areas of clinical negligence law from birth and brain injury cases to delayed diagnosis and surgical error cases. Practice head, Joseph Norton, above, has a varied caseload including several cases involving maximum severity injuries.

Tim Hodgetts, above, leads an outstanding team at Bevan Brittan LLP that ‘really knows its stuff’. It has an excellent relationship with leading Acute NHS Trusts as well as acting for a growing number of insurers and healthcare providers. In addition, it works closely with NHS Resolution on the management of cases involving birth injuries where the potential damages liability often exceeds £18m.

Adrian Dagnall is an NHS Resolution nominated partner and is best known for his work on high-profile indexation, periodical payment and high-value cases. At associate level, Elena Goodfellow, handles many complex claims.

"The ‘practical, proactive and sensible’ team at Browne Jacobson LLP is praised for its 'collaborative approach'. It has one of the largest national defendant clinical defendant practices in the UK as well as an excellent social care practice. It fields many first-rate practitioners such as Jonathan Fuggle who is recognised for his expertise in spinal surgery claims. Sarah Manning specialises in defending substantial clinical negligence claims. Sian Brown leads the specialist obstetric division, while Sarah White deftly handles a variety of catastrophic injury claims. Among the other key names to note are Emma Rees (legal director); Hannah Wallace and Louise Jeffers (who are both senior associates).

1 2 practice, is defending numerous birth and brain injury cases for various NHS trusts. Its dedicated GP team continues to receive a high number of primary care claim instructions and it also has considerable strength in group claims. Names to note include Deborah Bannister and Tony Yeaman. Jasmine Armstrong, above, has advised on many defendant clinical negligence actions for NHS Resolution.

Sarah Hopwood advises national healthcare teams on cases where there is suspected exaggeration or fraud. Principal associate, Christian Lowden joined the team from Kennedys .

"The ‘extremely competent’ team at Capsticks LLP is part of a strong national offering. It is ‘always willing to go that extra mile to help us’ say clients. Charlotte Rathbone regularly works on clinical negligence claims on behalf of NHS trusts and GPs on instruction from NHS Resolution.

Rathbone frequently handles claims involving the most severe neurological injuries and has a particular interest in obstetric cases. Lucy Erskine specialises in complex neurological injuries and has particular expertise in obstetric and wrongful birth claims.

London-based Peter Marquand is also recommended.

Christopher Malla above, heads a strong and ‘active’ practice at Kennedys, which has particular expertise in handling complex multimillion pound birth injury claims. The group was pleased to be recently re-appointed to the NHS Resolution’s Clinical panel as well as continuing to act for many private healthcare providers. It has the expertise to handle a wide range of claims including those of maximum severity. Avinder Sidhu is recommended for her work on birth injuries and neurosurgical complications -she also has extensive experience in mediation. Katie Tonks manages a wide range of claims including numerous high-value neurological injuries.

Weightmans LLP has a stellar reputation for its work in this area.

The nimble team covers a broad variety of high-value and contentious cases. At the cornerstone of the The Legal 500 West Midlands 11

WEST MIDLANDS

FIRMS ARE LISTED A-Z WITHIN TIERS

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION DLA Piper Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Fieldfisher LLP Gowling WLG Pinsent Masons LLP DWF Freeths LLP Mills & Reeve LLP Shoosmiths LLP Squire Patton Boggs Trowers & Hamlins LLP Bevan Brittan LLP Gateley Legal Shakespeare Martineau LLP Sydney Mitchell LLP Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Clarke Willmott LLP The Wilkes Partnership In Birmingham, DLA Piper has a ‘formidable commercial practice with a global reach’, and is commended for ‘dealing with difficult cases for difficult clients’. The litigation practice excels at cross-border work, with an increasing focus on international arbitrations.

Clients instructing the team include the Department of Health and Social Care, who it advised on the defence of a judicial review commenced by the Good Law Project regarding contracts for antibody tests in a matter that attracted vast media attention. Nick Bamford, above, ‘leads the Birmingham Commercial practice with real aplomb’, and he has extensive experience in high-value High Court litigation and arbitrations.

Neil Bowker acts as the national head of the firm's UK litigation group, with experience handling complex domestic and cross-border disputes. The ‘very bright and creative’ Phillip Kelly is a key name, as is ‘extremely tenacious’ senior associate Laura Moorcroft.

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automotive, aerospace, government, life sciences, retail, energy, tech, and litigation finance, with the core group working closely with other sector teams to deliver a cohesive approach. Andrew Litchfield is the head of the group, with Andrew Smith, Patrick Arben, and Helen Davenport all key figures in the team.

Pinsent Masons LLP has a ‘highly experienced team for a regional office’ and is ‘involved in consistently massive litigation.’ International clients, including government agencies and UK government departments, regularly instruct the team. ‘Doyen of the local legal scene’ Jim Richards leads the team with vast expertise in high-value, international commercial disputes.

‘Thoughtful and experienced operator‘ Andrew Herring is a key member of the team.

The team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has expertise across the automotive, aerospace, industrial engineering, technology, and energy sectors, including in climate change and greenwashing-related matters. Corporate disputes and civil fraud are also both mainstays of the firm. Heavyweight commercial litigators Rich Lloyd and Adam Fisher lead the team, alongside head of the firm’s inquiries and investigations practice, Sarah Jones and Louise Howarth.

Principal associate Ridah Iqbal specialises in technology and outsourcing disputes, with senior associate Victoria Callicott focusing on fraud litigation.

DWF has a ‘very client-focused, practical, expert, and hard-working commercial litigation team’ that is ‘dedicated to getting their clients the best results’. The practice primarily acts for clients in the technology, financial services, and retail sectors, with further expertise in international banking, international fraud, and tax litigation. ‘Excellent litigator’ Andrew Leach, above, is the head of the team and Darren Kenny, global head of risk and excellence, also plays a key role, with specialisms in cross-border disputes, commercial fraud, and tech-related disputes. Senior associate Matthew Goodwin's practice focuses on financial services and tax related disputes, as well as software licensing and professional negligence litigation.

Gowling WLG's commercial litigation capabilities extend across the firm’s offices in Birmingham and London, with the two working closely together to service clients in commercial disputes.

Sector expertise of the team lies in

The commercial litigation practice at Freeths LLP consists of a ‘high proportion of really effective lawyers with a commercial approach,’ who are ‘agile, pragmatic litigators’. The firm utilises the Baker Tilly International

12 The Legal 500 West Midlands

Network to collaborate with legal, auditing, and advisory companies to provide an integrated approach for its clients. Head of the team Richard Coates is commended for being a ‘excellent litigator with a great eye for client care’ and he is supported by the ‘extremely effective‘ Louise Wilson is integral to the group, regularly leading on matters for high-profile clients.

Managing associate Josh Middleton is another name of note.

The commercial litigation team in Mills & Reeve LLP‘s Birmingham office ‘continues to provide an excellent standard of service in the area of commercial disputes’ and is commended for being ‘extremely knowledgeable and great to work with.’ The team frequently acts on high-value cross-jurisdictional work, and has a specialised international arbitration practice. Key figures include the ‘outstanding’ Phil Hutchinson and ‘exceptional’ Preena Lal. Former practice head Steve Allen left the firm in May 2023.

The team at Shoosmiths LLP provides ‘full coverage of all business areas, but with a really personal feel, and a commercial outlook’. Particular strengths of the group lie in the financial services, technology, automotive, and retail sectors. ‘Knowledgable and tenacious’ Alex Bishop leads the group and he also acts as co-head of the firm’s Birmingham office. Roger Potgieter is a key name in the practice, as is Mark Elder, noted for representing high net-worth individuals in a high-profile phone-hacking scandal. Senior associate Jordan Bray is recognised for his ‘wealth of knowledge and experience’.

Squire Patton Boggs‘s practice ‘provides a high level of service across not just the UK but further afield’, with the firm’s global platform enabling the team to work on cross-jurisdictional matters efficiently. Supply chain issues are a strength of the firm across all sectors, as are IT and technology disputes and defamation-related matters. Simon Garbett leads the Birmingham-based team, with director Ian Skinner assisting in its management and supervision. ‘Diligent, delightful to work with, and very well-respected’ senior associate Mariyam Harunah specialises in defamation and reputation management.

The ‘extremely responsive and helpful’ team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP acts for clients in high-value, complex litigation, handling civil fraud and cyber-related issues, corporate and commercial disputes, group actions, and contentious trusts and probatelinked disputes. ‘Deep thinker’ Helen Briant leads the department, which is also home to ‘stand-out commercial litigation lawyer’ Jamie De Souza, who was promoted to the partnership in July 2022, ‘outstanding‘ Lucy James, Harriet Heber, and senior associate Elizabeth Mulley.

The litigation practice at Bevan Brittan LLP is particularly strong in public service and infrastructure-related disputes, and its clients roster includes public sector bodies, pathology and diagnostics manufacturers, and household name energy and waste companies. Adam Kendall is the national

head of the team and associate Emma Beynon frequently represents local authorities and healthcare bodies in complex disputes.

‘Very strong on legal matters’, Neil Warner leads the team at Gateley Legal alongside Stephen Goodrham, which is active in representing clients across several sectors, with expertise in manufacturing, retail, charities, pensions, sport, and recruitment. The department also regularly co-ordinates with the firm's other offices in Leeds and London. Kate Canning is a senior associate to note.

The ‘always strategic, efficient, and effective’ team at Shakespeare Martineau LLP has a ‘well-deserved reputation for doing a superb job in a thoroughly decent way’. Areas of focus for the group include shareholder disputes, warranty claims, contractual claims, data protection, and professional negligence. Barry Jervis leads the team and is commended for having the ‘right blend of pragmatism, bullishness, and decency’. Ben Humphreys is also key to the team and he is noted for his ‘fine intellect and sharp analysis.’ James Woolstenhulme is described by one client as ‘fearless’ and is particularly recommended for shareholder disputes, injunctions, and procurement issues.

‘Personable and unflappable’ Dean Parnell leads the team at Sydney Mitchell LLP, which provides ‘honest, reliable, well-informed, unbeatable customer service' to its clients.

The practice acts across a range of sectors, routinely advising clients on disputes related to insurance, insolvency, healthcare, and property. The team continues to grow, with the arrival of associate Ian Sheppard in March 2022 from RLK and Heleena Gandham from Thomas Horton LLP in August 2022.

The team at Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP specialises in a broad range of disputes, including local government, housing, and health and social care-related mandates. Data protection disputes are also a key focus of the group. Ramjeet Kandola leads the practice, with vast commercial dispute and financial litigation experience, and senior associate Richard Burton is another name to note.

The team at Clarke Willmott LLP ‘has a strong reputation in Birmingham for solid work in commercial litigation,’ with particular expertise in banking litigation. ‘Level-headed’ Peter Brewer sits at the helm of the team which, consists of ‘conscientious, smart, and astute' Richard Howell, and Paul Griffiths, who has expertise in professional negligence, financial services disputes, and commercial landlord and tenant disputes.

The Wilkes Partnership focuses on business-tobusiness disputes, acting on manufacturing and sale of good matters, as well as for individuals in director and shareholder disputes. Simon Thomas is the head of the team, specialising in commercial and business disputes. ‘Technically strong and commercially aware’ Gavin Evans is another name to note.

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION:

ELSEWHERE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS

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FBC Manby Bowdler LLP George Green LLP Harrison Clark Rickerbys Thursfields Solicitors Wright Hassall LLP Band Hatton Button LLP Beswicks Legal Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited Higgs LLP Lanyon Bowdler MFG Solicitors LLP Talbots Law Ansons Lodders Solicitors LLP

Taking a ‘savvy and sensible approach’ to litigation, FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is capable of handling disputes that involve aspects of insolvency, company law and real estate. The team also has considerable experience of advising agricultural and rural clients on property-related matters.

Charlotte Clode leads the team, possessing broad expertise that includes intellectual property disputes while key contact Guy Birkett, above, is experienced in handling high-value cases, and Gareth Ruddock handles a range of complex commercial and insolvency litigation matters. Senior associate Elisabeth Glover‘s wealth of experience includes commercial contract disputes and commercial debts, among other areas and Laura Vernon joined from Trowers & Hamlins LLP in August 2022 The ‘attentive and clientfocused’ George Green LLP's commercial litigation team regularly represents national and international clients in complex cases.

The team is capable of handling matters in a variety of sectors, such as healthcare, accountancy and journalism. Practice head Morgan Rees specialises in high-value and complex litigation, while Neil Williams has recently handled a procurement dispute and a conspiracy to defraud claim. Liam Owen, above, strengthens the team with experience in acting for shareholders, directors and companies.

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Handling shareholder disputes, indemnity claims and commercial agreements, Harrison Clark Rickerbys is able to lead on a broad range of litigation matters for national and international clients. Alongside this, the firm is also experienced in dealing with disputes pertaining to defence and security, healthcare and agriculture. The practice is jointly led by Worcester’s Elizabeth Beatty, below, who advises both domestic and international clients in the medical recruitment, retail, automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors, with Hereford’s Richard Morgan specialising in defence and security disputes. In addition, Wye Valley-based co-chair Hefin Archer Williams’s strengths lie in partnership disputes and breaches of shareholder agreements, among other areas. Legal director Tom Williams, active in the firm’s Worcester office, advises on a broad range of litigation.

Thursfields Solicitors fields ‘a top-rate team that oozes confidence’ and is capable of advising on an array of matters, with significant expertise in shareholder disputes alongside a newly strengthened offering in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors.

‘Superb team leader’ Stephen Rome often advises on disputes involving breach of fiduciary duty, authorised push payment (APP) fraud and misrepresentation for clients in the manufacturing and engineering sectors.

The ‘outstanding’ Georgia Morris has an array of experience, including in professional negligence and insolvency matters.

Wright Hassall LLP’s ‘highly experienced’ and ‘wellresourced’ commercial litigation team has expertise in relation to technology disputes,

restrictive covenants, and disputes in the financial sector. The team is helmed by the ‘superb’ Nathan Talbott, who has a wide array of expertise including advising on mis-sold or negligently implemented financial products, unfair prejudice disputes and breach of warranty claims. Luke Moulton‘s expertise lies in the advanced manufacturing and engineering, technology and media sectors. Jennifer Rhind‘s, below, capabilities include handling costs budgeting and recovery, whilst Parminder Takhar is well versed in a variety of disputes, such as those involving commercial contracts and insurance.

A notable strength for the ‘proactive and client-oriented’ Band Hatton Button LLP team is property litigation, with other strengths including insolvency disputes and other business-related litigation.

‘Skillful litigator’ John French leads the practice with particular expertise regarding contracts disputes, and neighbour and boundary disputes. Jon Wilby is vastly experienced in advising on commercial property and construction matters, with Malcolm Thomas‘s specialisms including disputes arising from wills and lifetime trusts, business ownership, easements and restrictive covenants. Associate Raman Dhillon‘s, above, expertise on privacy claims strengthens the team.

The ‘professional’ and ‘personable’ Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited handles contractual, partnership and shareholder disputes in a broad range of sectors, such as IT, pharmaceutical and insurance. Insurance litigation, including professional negligence claims, is a key focus for the practice.

‘Extremely knowledgeable’ managing director Harminder Sandhu, left, leads the team with extensive experience in handling complex commercial disputes, including those related to fraud and negligence issues, among other areas.

Higgs LLP‘s ‘well-organised and comprehensive’ practice advises on an array of issues, ranging from shareholder and partnership disputes to commercial and IT contracts.

The department often acts for manufacturing businesses, alongside working for clients in retail, logistics and a number of other sectors.

‘Diligent’ practice head Julia Lowe has particular expertise in dealing with IP disputes, commercial contract claims, corporate disputes, and product liability issues. Matt Dudley’s strength lies in commercial contract claims, M&A claims, reputation management and employee competition matters.

Lanyon Bowdler‘s ‘knowledgeable and reliable’ team has notable strengths

in the areas of manufacturing, construction and agriculture. The department is able to act for a range of clients, from local to multinational companies.

Andrew Pegg, above, spearheads the practice, with considerable experience in acting on commercial disputes for clients in the manufacturing sector, as well possessing specialist expertise in relation to agricultural dispute resolution. The ‘fantastic’ Claire Yardley strengthens the team with capabilities in negligence claims, breach of contract claims and property disputes, to name a few.

A practice that is commended for its ‘stability, resilience and consistency’, MFG Solicitors LLP covers an array of issues, including contractual, shareholder and financial services disputes, to name a few. The team has also recently been involved in handling issues surrounding the Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Act 2022. ‘Commercially astute’ practice head Tom Esler regularly acts for shareholders and directors of ownermanaged businesses, while the ‘very capable’ Samuel Pedley is experienced in crisis and reputation management, as well as contentious insolvency and bankruptcy work.

A 'trusted name in the local legal scene’, Talbots Law expanding commercial litigation practice routinely advises clients on disputes that often involve shareholders and partnerships.

‘Tenacious’ practice head Jagdip Bains has recently handled matters that include elements and allegations of fraud and has been involved in some cases that have received national coverage. Josh Millichamp adds value to the team with his strength in the property sector. In addition, the team was bolstered in April 2022 when Adam Pike joined the team from Ansons.

The ‘very approachable’ Ansons has key expertise in areas such as breach of directors' duties, and property and shareholder disputes. Its client base ranges from healthcare providers to property developers.

Martin De-Ridder, above, and Jason Alcock helm the practice, with the former specialising in commercial litigation, shareholder and insolvency matters. Adam Pike departed the firm for Talbots Law in March 2022.

Lodders Solicitors LLP is capable of advising on a number of contentious matters, such as warranty, commercial contract disputes, and mediation, arbitration and litigation. The ‘very personable’ Michael Wakeling leads the team, with the capacity to address issues such as sale of goods and breach of contracts for businesses as well as private individuals, while the ‘exceptional’ Andrew Wylde became partner in July 2022 and strengthens the team with his vast experience in handling matters before the Business and Property Courts.

WEST MIDLANDS

FIRMS ARE LISTED A-Z WITHIN TIERS

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Gowling WLG Gateley Legal Pinsent Masons LLP DLA Piper DWF Fieldfisher LLP Shoosmiths LLP Trowers & Hamlins LLP Bevan Brittan LLP Browne Jacobson LLP Freeths LLP Irwin Mitchell Roythornes Solicitors Shakespeare Martineau LLP Squire Patton Boggs Clarke Willmott LLP Knights The Wilkes Partnership Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's Birmingham real estate group is led by David G Jones; other key names based in the office include national corporate real estate head Dawn Hilton; Gurjit Atwal, who is co-head of global real estate and planning; and major corporates group head Iftkhar Ahmed.

Consisting of the ‘highest calibre professionals’, Gowling WLG’s real estate practice has key expertise in the development and logistics, energy, investment and residential development sectors. Practice head Christopher Hunt is considerably experienced in advising corporate occupiers across retail, leisure, office, manufacturing and distribution premises. Richard Bate, above, strengthens the practice with his expertise in residential development, while Richard Beckingsale leads the firm’s regeneration team. Helen Emmerson specialises in the energy and utility sector, handling an array of renewables and alternative energy projects, while Matthew Walker heads the firm’s student accommodation team. John Burns has a wealth of experience in large-scale transactions; and legal director Arminder Dhillon is another name of note, joining the team from Pinsent Masons LLP in September 2022.

Gateley Legal’s real estate practice encompasses numerous areas of expertise, including residential and commercial development, 14 The Legal 500 West Midlands

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property finance and portfolio management, to name a few. Its wide-ranging client roster includes industrial landowners, corporate occupiers and retailers. The practice is jointly led by Callum Nuttall, who specialises in residential developments, routinely acting on urban extensions and large-scale regeneration schemes, and Rebecca Sherwin, who is well versed in real estate finance, counting banks and funders among her clients.

Tim Ledger’s experience in advising on national-scale regeneration projects strengthens the practice, while Richard Pettifor is sought out by clients for his expertise in the industrial and logistics sector. Chris Adams is particularly experienced in handling residential tower, industrial and retail development projects.

Pinsent Masons LLP‘s range of capabilities includes handling property developments and complex housing schemes in both the private and public sectors, as well as corporate acquisition work. Lisa Middleton heads the team, often advising on development and investment mandates as well as leading the data centre practice; she is recommended by clients for her ‘technical and intellectual rigour’. Tom Johnson leads the residential development practice, routinely aiding clients with large-scale commercial, mixed-use and residential development schemes.

Further bolstering the team is Kultar Khangura, who has particular expertise in handling regeneration projects. Tom Eastwood operates in the healthcare sector, often acting for domestic and international REITs, while Carl Scott routinely provides strategic advice to clients such as lenders, distressed companies and insolvency practitioners on various aspects of distressed property. In October 2022, David Meecham departed the firm to join TLT and Arminder Dhillon left for Gowling WLG.

DLA Piper‘s real estate practice encompasses a broad range of areas, from large-scale developments to transport and infrastructure matters, as well as advising corporate occupiers and landlord owners on investments and tenancy matters; both domestic and international clients, operating in various sectors, make up its client roster. Practice head Monique Sutherland, above, advises on developments in the infrastructure, energy and residential sectors, among other areas. Katie Jacobson specialises in large-scale developments and investment transactions, and often handles portfolio management issues, while legal director Rachel Williams adds further value to the team, advising on numerous highprofile infrastructure projects. Sophie Murtough is another key practitioner.

Offering ‘a broad spectrum of specialisms, skills and experience’, DWF works with multinational and UK businesses in both the public and private sectors.

The practice is involved with large-scale projects and is jointly led

by Charlotte Ward, left, whose key areas of expertise include acquisitions, disposals and developments, and Toby Askin, who has considerable experience of acquisitions, developments, investments and strategic asset management. Rounding out the practice heads is Melanie Williams, whose capabilities encompass the environment and hospitality sectors, and who handles various issues in the property and national hotel markets.

Legal director Michelle Knight often advises on regeneration projects and property development for local authorities.

Regarded as having an ‘extremely proactive client-facing team’, Fieldfisher LLP‘s real estate practice is able to act for a range of clients, particularly in relation to commercial and residential developments and insolvency disposals.

The team is also noted for its work for corporate occupiers and its housebuilding expertise. Sue Simpson, pictured, heads the practice with her ‘exceptional legal knowledge’, and handles development and planning issues. Merle Wray is sought out by local authorities and government agencies for her expertise in multiphased development schemes, whilst qualified chartered surveyor Mark Lee has a wealth of experience in handling residential and commercial land acquisitions for a wide array of clients, including pension funds

and private developers.

The ‘wellconnected’ and ‘responsive’ Shoosmiths LLP team acts for a range of national clients on issues such as logistics and warehousing projects, residential developments and real estate financings, among other areas. The ‘highly regarded’ Jason Jackson, above, helms the practice, noted for his expertise in the logistics and residential sectors.

James Needham brings his experience with pre-let and forward funded developments to the practice, whilst Beth McArdle leads the corporate occupiers team with considerable experience in this sector. Tim Flight further strengthens the firm’s offering with his capabilities in the care home, student development and healthcare sectors.

With particular strength in handling commercial and mixed-use development work, Trowers & Hamlins LLP is a strong choice for public sector clients handling largescale development and regeneration work. Practice head Fiona Thomson advises both developers and occupiers on commercial development projects, particularly in the industrial and logistics spaces. Chris Plumley specialises in complex regeneration projects, primarily acting for public sector clients, while Simon Robinson‘s array of experience encompasses strategic land promotion, development, joint ventures and collaboration projects, among others. Senior associate Pete Bond‘s broad expertise includes handling various aspects of development transactions in the industrial and logistics fields. Digby Morgan is also recommended.

The ‘proactive’ Bevan Brittan LLP real estate department acts for local authorities, registered providers and universities on a broad range of projects, and it is particularly well versed in joint ventures. The team is led by Rebecca Pendlebury ,above, who leads on local authority regeneration and development work and has considerable experience of the public sector; she is praised by clients as a ‘pleasure to work with’. Mark Robertson leads the property litigation team; he has extensive experience of development disputes, alongside notable specialisms in rights of light and telecoms site disputes. Emma Holmes further strengthens the team with her experience of regeneration and new affordable housing schemes.

Browne Jacobson LLP offers broad expertise, which extends from development and regeneration projects to

corporate real estate matters. Dominic Swift pictured, leads the practice, with vast experience of advising academies and higher education institutions on property projects, while Thomas Howard brings expertise in investments and developments in the health and social care sectors. Zo Hoida is well versed in advising local authorities on a range of matters, including joint ventures and mixed-use schemes. Senior associates Jonathan Borer and Philip Gray are also recommended.

Noted for its ‘experienced people and blend of skills’, Freeths LLP‘s real estate team advises on town centre regeneration, land acquisitions, and retail and residential developments. The team is led by Mitchell Ball, above, who works with local authorities on many notable regeneration projects alongside a particular expertise in residential development. Lucy Jackson bolsters the practice with her experience in handling real estate finance, property management and portfolio acquisitions, among other areas, counting numerous shopping centres in her client roster. Managing associate Nikki Guest handles various matters, from corporate acquisitions to secured lending.

Irwin Mitchell routinely undertakes work in the residential and commercial sectors under the leadership of Ben Acheson, left, who acts for various clients, including national developers, banks and corporate occupiers on an array of commercial property matters, including real estate financings.

Senior associate Gurpreet Hayer‘s wealth of experience includes advising on investments, non-contentious commercial property matters and landlord and tenant work.

Roythornes Solicitors advises a diverse array of clients including SMEs, developers and owner managed businesses. Noted for his ‘outstanding client care’, Benjamin Smith co-leads the team, with expertise that covers development, leasing and investment projects, as well as joint venture agreements.

A ‘highly competent team’, Shakespeare Martineau LLP’s spectrum of capabilities includes strategic land promotion, multiownership land

assembly, large-scale transactions and various agreements. It is particularly active in the industrial distribution, office, retail, and leisure sectors.

Practice co-head Neil Gosling, below left, has a notable focus on delivering large-scale housing, regeneration and new town projects, whilst fellow co-lead Joanna Deffley specialises in strategic land development. Key contact Debbie Irwin is well versed in residential developments for large consortiums, while James Gooch is recommended for his ‘strong commercial understanding’, and experience in redevelopment projects, as well as acting on various types of development transactions. Clive Read’s involvement in the management and development of university and college campuses further strengthens the practice. Adrian Bland is also recommended. Andrew Mellor left the firm in July 2023.

Squire Patton Boggs counts a broad spectrum of clients in its roster, including corporate occupiers and residential developers, advising on various issues, such as portfolio management and finance transactions. The firm also has expertise in regard to infrastructure, environmental and construction matters. Praised for his 'commercial approach', Nick Green, above, leads the practice with extensive experience

WHO ARE HCR? Full service firm Birmingham city centre location Ranked with Leading Individuals and Recommended Lawyers in the Legal 500, 2024

“I would highly recommend this law practice to anyone who requires outstanding service.”

Find out what more of our clients say Talk to Rebecca Leask, Head of Birmingham office

03301 075 796 | 07779 053 422 | www.hcrlaw.com HCR Legal LLP is authorised and regulated by the SRA

regarding healthcare, hotel and leisure developments, as well as corporate acquisitions and disposals. Neil Taylor is active in the residential development sector, while Kevin Nagle’s particular expertise in regard to retirement living as well as the logistics sector bolster the practice. Senior associate James Thorman routinely acts for housebuilders and developers, and is experienced in landlord and tenant matters.

Recommended for its ‘excellent service’, The Wilkes Partnership advises a broad spectrum of clients, from landlords and property buyers to developers and commercial businesses. Tim Coplestone, who specialises in commercial real estate developments, jointly leads the team alongside Mark Hodgson, whose expertise encompasses landlord, tenant and investment work, among other areas. Bryan Poultney routinely handles investment acquisitions and disposals and commercial landlord and tenant matters, while Andrew Watts is experienced in the health and telecoms sectors.

WEST MIDLANDS named lawyers are based in Leamington Spa.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

ELSEWHERE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS Lodders Solicitors LLP Higgs LLP MFG Solicitors LLP Wright Hassall LLP Ansons Band Hatton Button LLP Lanyon Bowdler Shakespeare Martineau LLP George Green LLP Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited Pickerings Solicitors Thursfields Solicitors

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Lodders Solicitors LLP offers a broad range of expertise and advises on residential and commercial developments, business properties and investments. The team acts for landowners, land promoters and independent housebuilders on the full spectrum of land development matters; on the business property side, the team advises on the acquisition, management and disposal of a range of assets. Mark Miller handles various property development transactions, as well as having particular expertise in the renewable energy sector, while James Mottram is well versed in residential developments and acts for national UK house builders. Alistair Frew leads both the business property team and renewables team and routinely handles matters for a roster of clients that includes local house builders and private investors, while the Cheltenham-based Caroline Nemecek heads the town and country homes team, specialising in the sale and purchase of residential properties. Victoria Longmore specialises in planning and highways matters, and senior associate Daniel MacLeod is experienced in large-scale development projects. All named lawyers are based in Stratford-uponAvon unless noted otherwise.

up the construction offering and has recently been active on a number of regeneration schemes and insurance claims. All named lawyers are based in Brierley Hill.

Capable of acting for a variety of clients from national retailers and charities to banks and investors, Higgs LLP‘s areas of expertise include strategic land acquisitions, developments and construction matters. The practice is led by Cherry Elliott, above, who is vastly experienced in the commercial development sector, and also offers expertise in relation to investment matters; she often acts for pubs, licensed occupiers and end users. Sara Shepherd‘s strengths lie in advising large corporate owner occupiers and property investors, and she is well versed in investment sales and purchases. Jen Hicks-Jones is intimately familiar with numerous aspects of commercial property, with particular strengths in the industrial, retail and childcare sectors. Rachael Hobbis heads

Wright Hassall LLP is active in the residential and commercial, industrial and logistics, and retail and science park spaces. Its broad client roster includes landowners and investors, occupiers and retail brands. The practice is jointly led by Kylie Cooper, who has key strengths in acting for trading businesses and in portfolio management, and the ‘excellent’ Claire Waring, below, who is recommended for her ‘vast amount of intellect’; she specialises in residential developments and social housing portfolio securitisations. The ‘very knowledgeable and thorough’ David Slade‘s capabilities include handling investment property sales and purchases, while Emma Adams advises landowners and developers on various residential development issues. Further strengthening the team is Andrew Jones, who is experienced in the acquisition and disposal of freehold and leasehold commercial properties. All

16 The Legal 500 West Midlands

The ‘large and capable team’ at MFG Solicitors LLP advises clients on property investments, financings, and regeneration projects and the firm has recently acted for healthcare operators, battery storage developers and industrial park owners on a wide range of real estate matters. Practice head Clare Regan, who splits her time between Worcester and Birmingham, is active in the renewable energy sector, and is particularly involved in large solar and battery storage projects; she is supported by the Birmingham-based Beth Margetson, who strengthens the practice with experience in investments.

Brian Flint‘s key strength lies in handling the acquisition and disposal of business premises, and Telford’s David Raymont also deals with sales and acquisitions.

The Kidderminster-based Rhiannon Clark leads the residential development team and often acts for contractors and alongside internal projects teams, while Ben Rothery is a name for asset management and the securitisation of property.

An ‘excellent firm’ offering ‘pragmatic advice’, Ansons‘s varied offering encompasses development work and asset management and the firm is active in a number of sectors, including manufacturing, logistics and healthcare. The practice is helmed by managing director Richard Saum, who specialises in commercial property transactions, and also handles land acquisitions and disposals. ‘Go-to legal advisor’ Neil Faunch‘s wide range of expertise includes agricultural tenancies, HS2 and compulsory purchase order (CPO) matters, as well as overage and conditional contracts. Cannock-based director Jon Rowley routinely handles site purchases, option agreements and overages, among other areas, and Alex Jayne-Lowe joined the team as director in May 2023 from George Green LLP. All named lawyers are based in Lichfield unless stated otherwise.

Band Hatton Button LLP‘s practice covers both residential and commercial property, acting for various developers on obtaining and disposing development sites, alongside experience in leasehold enfranchisement work. Daniel Blood, above, leads the practice, with vast experience in the acquisition of sites and construction matters, mainly in the retail sector. The ‘pragmatic’ Dina Parmar‘s key strengths include handling property finance, corporate support, healthcare property and acquisitions and disposals. Senior associate Cormac Glynn‘s wealth of expertise extends from strategic land development to agricultural property; he is recommended by clients for his ‘attention to detail’. All named lawyers are based in Coventry.

Offering a ‘very good service’, Lanyon Bowdler’s broad practice enables it to cater to a diverse array of clients under the leadership of Telford’s Praveen Chaudhari, who offers expertise in commercial property transactions, with a focus on the industrial, agricultural and retail sectors.

Conwy’s Edward Nutting counts companies, business owners, private landowners and more among his client roster, while the Hereford-based Sarah Whittall specialises in commercial and agricultural property. Oswestry’s Tania McGee, above, is considerably experienced in working on the sale and purchase of farmland. Andrew Evans retired from the practice in August 2022.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP’s particular area of expertise involves handling strategic land acquisitions and disposals, including due diligence on transactions and long-term joint ventures and the firm routinely operates in the

industrial distribution, office, retail, and leisure sectors. Operating across the firm’s Birmingham, Stratford and Solihull offices, regional head Joanna Deffley’s key strength lies in strategic land development, with the capability to advise on large-scale projects, while Solihill’s Neil Gosling notably focuses on delivering housing, regeneration and new town projects. Stratford’s Caroline Irvine advises clients on the granting and acquiring of leases, among various other matters, while Solihull-based Kevin Joynes is well versed in acquisitions and disposals of land for house builders and developers.

Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited's team covers a range of industry sectors, from the healthcare and pharmaceutical fields, to engineering and manufacturing.

Practice head Colin Rodrigues has recently handled investments and other real estate matters for clients in the care, engineering and manufacturing sectors. Alexander Boyle and Natasha Chifamba are also recommended. All named lawyers are based in Dudley.

Delivering a ‘highquality service’, the Tamworthbased Pickerings Solicitors handles a comprehensive range of work for property developers, alongside landlord and tenant matters. The practice is jointly led by ‘true professional’ Sue Albini, who possesses vast experience of working on complex property transactions, and Kate Pearce, above, who specialises in advising on landlord and tenant matters.

Associate Pooja Cheema‘s advises on pension company transactions and real estate finance, with associate Sophie Bramwell also offering transactional experience.

The ‘forthright’ Thursfields Solicitors team commands a sector-focused approach with a broad range of expertise under the leadership of Worcesterbased practice head Tony Gibb, who is particularly active in the agricultural property sector. Solihull’s Robert Pettigrew is considerably experienced in the retail and leisure sectors, while Halesowenbased Stewart Coles deals with a range of transactions involving pension schemes, as well as those in the hotels and care homes sectors. Emma Hughes routinely advises on the sale and acquisition of land and commercial premises, as well as the leasing of commercial premises; she operates in the firm’s Worcester office.

SPECIAL FEATURE

CLIENTS COMMEND HCR’S BIRMINGHAM TEAM The Birmingham team’s preparedness to go the extra mile for their clients has stood out, too. “The most unique feature about HCR has to be the people,” another client wrote. “Everyone in the organisation is highly motivated, experienced and has a robust understanding of our needs as a business.”

Birmingham’s business sector is renowned throughout the UK – and HCR’s expert lawyers are at the centre of it. “Every single member of the team involved in the sale of our business was extremely professional, knowledgeable and proactive – and a great pleasure to work with,” said another client.

Sound business acumen coupled with pragmatic, commercial advice has led to HCR’s Birmingham team to becoming the go-to legal advisors for businesses across the city.

HCR’s Birmingham city-centre location places us firmly at the heart of the UK’s second city. As a full-service law firm, we’re able to provide the legal advice businesses and individuals need to thrive.

From private client and family law to expertise in the banking and finance sector, our lawyers are committed to furthering the opportunities available to the Midlands community.

This commitment has been reflected in the recent Legal 500 rankings. The rankings detail the best lawyers and law firms – and we’ve been ranked with Leading Individuals and Recommended Lawyers in this years’ report. We’ve also had fantastic feedback from our clients. One satisfied client wrote “I have worked with various law firms over some 30 years in business and without a shadow of a doubt HCR have stood out in every respect.”

Rebecca Leask, Partner and Head of Birmingham office said: “Our clients are at the heart of everything we do – so it’s great to see these comments in the Legal 500. Our team reflects the city we work in – innovative, forward-thinking, and at the centre of change. It’s been a great year so far for us – we’ve welcomed new senior hires in our Employment, Family and Real Estate teams, been nominated for several awards and have now received great rankings and fantastic client quotes in the Legal 500. I hope the rest of the year continues to be as successful.”

For more information, please contact Rebecca Leask, Partner and Head of Birmingham office on 03301 075 796 or 07779 053 422 or by email at rleask@hcrlaw.com

Legal 500 success in Midlands The new 2024 Legal 500 UK Bar Guide sees 3PB barristers in the Midlands ranked for employment, chancery and probate, and clinical negligence.

3PB’s family law group have also been recognised as a leading set for Family Law in the Midlands, receiving top rankings for Family Law Chambers; Children and Domestic Violence; and Divorce and Financial Remedy. Overall the national set scooped 145 rankings in 21 practice areas across five circuits.

Contact Ian Charlton or Sam Collins on 0121 289 4333, birmingham@3pb.co.uk

The Legal 500 West Midlands 17

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CONTENTIOUS TRUSTS AND PROBATE MFG Solicitors LLP Wright Hassall LLP FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Harrison Clark Rickerbys Higgs LLP Irwin Mitchell Meridian Private Client LLP Mills & Reeve LLP Freeths LLP Gateley Legal George Green LLP Lanyon Bowdler Shakespeare Martineau LLP Sydney Mitchell LLP The Wilkes Partnership The contentious probate practice at MFG Solicitors LLP has a ‘reputation for tenacity and knowledge in this area of law’ and is led by Robert Weston. The ‘highly experienced and approachable’ Weston is an ACTAPS member and regularly advises both claimants and defendants on various matters such as proprietary estoppel claims, applications to remove a personal representative and applications for Cobden-Ramsay orders. Andrew Chandler is another ‘genuine specialist’ in this area and plays a pivotal role in the department along with Suzanne Lee . Other core areas of focus include advising on issues relating to lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence and maladministration claims.

Wright Hassall LLP fields ‘a first-rate contentious trust and probate team.

They have been involved in some very high-profile cases in recent years’. It is led by Martin Oliver, below, who is ‘a stalwart litigator with a formidable reputation both nationally and in London, especially where the Inheritance Act is concerned’.

The large team undertakes all types of contentious trusts and probate work. Katie Alsop has considerable experience in agricultural litigation relating to estates and continues to deal with cases involving high-value farms and farming businesses. Alsop has a particular focus on preand post-death proprietary estoppel claims.

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP 'holds its own against the 'City' firms' and is 'experienced and knowledgeable'. It is skilled at handling disputed trust and probate work under the leadership of Charlotte Clode. The group is adept at dealing with complex and multi-jurisdictional cases and Court of Appeal proceedings. Its work spans challenges to wills, emergency injunction applications and breach of trust actions. Senior Associate, Kimberly Mears, has returned to the firm. Angie Manley, who is also a senior associate, has considerable strength in substantial multi-party probate claims.

18 The Legal 500 West Midlands

1 2 3 Higgs LLP has a ‘fantastic’ team which is 'wellorganised'. The 'bright' group is ably led by Craig Ridge. The focus of the practice remains on dealing with all the contentious aspects of high-value and complex estates and familial trusts as well as more modest estates. Ridge is vastly experienced at dealing with and resolving disputes involving contentious wills, trusts and estates whether by means of alternative dispute resolution or by judicial means. At associate level, Georgia Stott, above, and Joseph Martin are well-regarded.

Kamal Majevadia leads a ‘friendly sympathetic and professional’ team at Irwin Mitchell. Majevadia is skilled at handling high-value and complex disputes in multiple jurisdictions and is a full member of ACTAPS. In addition, he has particular expertise in dealing with estates that have company assets, family businesses or involve a partnership. The group acts for a broad range of UK and international clients including entrepreneurs, business people, farmers, trustees and individuals. At associate level, Michelle Chapman is well-regarded.

Meridian Private Client LLP has a ‘particularly capable team with strength in depth’ that is praised for its ability to bring a ‘practical and commercial approach to cases’.

Practice head, Mark Abrol, is a ‘consummate professional’ who frequently acts as an independent administrator in estates where there are multiple disputed elements. In addition, he often acts in professional negligence claims. Mark Terrar advises on the full breadth of contentious trusts and probate matters. Senior associate, EmmaLouise Green, continues to handle the complete range of contentious probate work. All three are full members of ACTAPS. Mills & Reeve LLP has a strong national offering with Lucy Howard at the helm at the Birmingham office.

The team has 'great depth and works on some very high-profile

cases'- it excels in advising on disputes concerning the validity of wills, actions involving trustees and executors as well as claims under the Inheritance Act. Another area of focus is advising charities on contested legacy matters and it regularly works closely with its professional indemnity department.

In addition, Howard works alongside the expanding Court of Protection practice on various contentious matters. Kim Ryan and Kieran Leahy are both recommended.

Mark Keeley heads the department at Freeths LLP - he divides his time between Birmingham and Nottingham.

Keeley has regularly been appointed by the court to act as an independent replacement trustee/ administrator in numerous contested estates. Managing associate, Max Orbach, plays a pivotal role in the Birmingham offering. The group is skilled at handling high-value contentious trusts and probate litigation ranging from removal applications to professional negligence claims.

Gateley Legal carries out work nationally for individual clients, banks, executors, trustees, deputies and beneficiaries on the full spectrum of issues relating to claims involving wills. Other areas of focus include dealing with Court of Protection matters where there is financial abuse and issues surrounding the removal of deputies. The former head of department, Gavin Faber, above, has left to join Roythornes Solicitors and Andrew McManus is now the key contact. McManus has a varied trusts and estates practice.

George Green LLP has a ‘cohesive team‘ that is praised for its ability to ‘effectively communicate with clients clearly‘. Its strong contentious probate department is led by Liam Owen .

It is experienced in dealing with all types of matters from challenging wills to advising on various aspects of significant trust disputes. The group is also adept at handling negligence claims arising out of the drafting of wills and the construction of trusts. At associate level, Susan Ford, is recommended.

Associate solicitor, Claire Vale, heads

the contentious probate department at Lanyon Bowdler. The practice continues to be busy advising on various claims under the Inheritance Act as well as a variety of probate disputes relating to challenges to wills.

It is also skilled at advising on disputes and applications to remove executors/ administrators.

Andrew Wilkinson, left, is a key contact at Shakespeare Martineau LLP nationally.

Wilkinson is a full member of ACTAPS. He specialises in highnet-worth trust disputes with cross-border elements and is also known for his skill at dealing with sizeable estates. Associate, Alistair Spencer, who is based at the Stratfordupon-Avon office, is another name to note. Spencer frequently deals with complex estoppel and 1975 Act claims and has particular expertise in issues concerning the validity of wills and testamentary capacity.

Sydney Mitchell LLP has a solid reputation for its work on contentious probate matters and works closely with its private client team. Under the joint leadership of Tracy Creed and Dean Parnell , it regularly advises on diverse issues such as claims under the Inheritance Act, disputes about the validity of wills and issues relating to the distribution of trust assets. The former head of department, Pam Deol, is now at Painters.

The Wilkes Partnership has a busy and varied workload and specialises in advising private individuals on an extensive range of disputes from probate and Inheritance Act claims to rectification claims and disputes in relation to trusts.

Practice head, Kevin Lynch, is a full ACTAPS member and regularly advises executors, administrators and beneficiaries in multi-million pound estates. At associate level, Jack Ackrill is well-regarded.

SPECIAL FEATURE

WHY DO FAMILIES END UP FIGHTING OVER WILLS?

Having specialised in probate disputes for over 15 years I have seen far too many family members fall out over the Will of a loved one; usually, but not always, they struggle to accept that they have been left out of a Will or they are convinced that someone else is getting more because they believe this person has exerted some sort of influence over the testator/ deceased. When trying to identify the root of their concern(s) I have found that it very often boils down to what the testator might have told them in the past or simply because the testator was secretive and/ or gave mixed messages to this person during their lifetime -writes Mitra Mann, Senior Associate, Head of Contentious Probate, Sydney Mitchell LLP.

I recall making this observation early into my career when I worked as a contentious probate and court of protection specialist solicitor at my former firm Wright Hassall. However, it has equally been the case with the clients I have acted for since joining Sydney Mitchell, as head of the contentious probate and court of protection team, earlier this year.

So what should people do to avoid such disputes from arising in the first place? Clear communication between the testator and his/her family, particularly around the time a Will is made will go a long way to minimising the risk of a dispute when the testator dies. Whilst a Will is personal to the testator, being open about it can prevent expensive and hostile litigation in the future. I am fairly sure that when someone is making a Will the last thing they would want is for their loved ones to enter into a legal dispute over what the testator may or may not have intended when making the Will.

I fully accept that it can sometimes be awkward to discuss such matters with certain members of the family at the time the Will is made, especially if the testator wishes to exclude someone from the Will.

This is why it is also good practice for the Will to provide an explanation as to the reason for excluding someone from the Will and/or where someone will get more than other loved ones. By ensuring effective communication at the time the Will is made, after the Will is made and within the Will itself you reduce the likelihood of a bitter dispute arising once the testator has died.

Here, at Sydney Mitchell Solicitors, we try our best to avoid these types of conflicts by ensuring we have very talented lawyers advising on the preparation of Wills. However, when things go wrong and family members fall out over a Will, we also have our equally talented contentious probate lawyers who will do all they can to avoid any unnecessary escalation of the dispute. If it is too late and the dispute turns litigious then our lawyers will be totally focused on fighting our client’s corner and ensuring our client’s interests are fully protected.

Besides advising on contentious probate matters, I also advise attorneys, deputies and families on how to best protect a vulnerable individual who has lost the capacity to manage their own affairs. With an ageing population, financial abuse is on the rise and I help clients identify such abuse and deal with contested Court of Protection applications including those involving the removal of attorneys and deputies, statutory wills and gifting of large sums.

Mitra Mann joined Sydney Mitchell in June 2023 and has been a specialist in contentious probate disputes for over 15 years. Mitra has also trained as a Dementia Friends Champion dedicated to raising awareness on mental capacity issues locally and nationally. She is also writing a book on “Gifting in the Court of Protection” to provide guidance to professionals and lay attorneys and deputies. This is due to be published by Law Brief Publishing Ltd by the end of 2023.

Bringing ORDER to your CHAOS When clients first come to see us they feel things are out of control and somewhat CHAOTIC. Restoring ORDER for our clients often goes well beyond just being able to give good legal advice.

That’s why we pride ourselves on having excellent lawyers who are also great problem solvers... and who genuinely care about their clients.

But don’t take our word for it, see what our clients say about us: “A gold standard firm worthy of National renown” “…’no stone unturned’ approach to getting the best outcome for their clients” “First rate lawyers who go above and beyond for all of their clients” “Personable and unflappable”

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The Legal 500 West Midlands 19

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CORPORATE & COMMERCIAL: BIRMINGHAM DLA Piper Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Gowling WLG Browne Jacobson LLP Freeths LLP Gateley Legal Mills & Reeve LLP Pinsent Masons LLP Shoosmiths LLP Squire Patton Boggs DWF KPMG Law in the United Kingdom Shakespeare Martineau LLP The Wilkes Partnership Clarke Willmott LLP Irwin Mitchell Legal Clarity Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP Trowers & Hamlins LLP Rated by clients for its ‘breadth of knowledge and experience across the team’, DLA Piper continues to demonstrate its capabilities in high-value, cross-border work – particularly in the industrials, consumer goods, and life sciences sectors. The corporate team is headed up by Tim Lake, above, an expert in industrials and manufacturing sector work, who regularly advises on big-ticket, multi-jurisdictional acquisitions in the space. Commercial practice head Ryan Harrison is similarly well-versed in cross-border matters, particularly in the retail and consumer goods industries. Charles Cook’s broad transactional focus sees him working with leading conglomerates from the worlds of pharmaceuticals, energy, and automotive manufacturing, while global consumer goods co-chair Noel Haywood’s recent workload includes high-value deals in the food sector.

Other names to note include Robert Newman, an equity capital markets (ECM) specialist, and Simon Wright, recommended for his hospitality and leisure acumen.

A stellar roster of blue-chip corporate clients – as well as a number of private equity (PE) houses - regularly turn to the team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, which is noted for its expertise in cross-border, mid-market transactions. Midlands corporate chair Mark Beardmore is particularly noted for his private equity (PE) acumen, working with a number of leading firms and investors on highvalue transactions. Catherine Eley is another seasoned M&A partner whose expertise is concentrated in PE, with recent engagements including high-value investment transactions with a strong multi-jurisdictional component. Steven Hacking heads up the firm’s health and life sciences practice, while Nigel 20 The Legal 500 West Midlands

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Cooke’s cross-border capabilities make him a key port of call for a diverse range of blue-chip companies. Louise Finnie is noted for her focus on private capital work.

Dispensing ‘industry advice that is second to none’, Gowling WLG works with a litany of corporates and PE firms on multi-jurisdictional corporate and commercial matters - particularly in the automotive manufacturing, transport, and consumer goods sectors.

The sizeable team is jointly chaired by corporate head Chris Towle and commercial lead David Lowe, who divides his time between London and Birmingham. With more than three decades of experience in the market, corporate partner David Vaughan is a key contact for a diverse range of public and private sector entities, while on the commercial side, Sarah Riding, above, is a highly active practitioner who handles all manner of arrangements for clients in automotive, sport, and retail. Stuart Young and Anurag (Ragi) Singh are similarly noted for their automotive sector expertise; Young chairs the firm’s wider automotive group, while Singh is recommended for his expertise in manufacturing and electric vehicles.

Other key figures include Jeremy Millington, a key port of call for the firm’s entrepreneurial clients, and Micky Yang, a real estate-focused corporate partner who joined the team from Herbert Smith Freehills LLP in April

2022.

Drawing on strong crossoffice working relationships, Browne Jacobson LLP handles a mix of MBOs, acquisitions, and divestitures for a diverse range of corporate clients. The wider team is jointly chaired by several partners working across multiple sites: Nottingham-based corporate head Richard Cox; West Midlands corporate lead Mike Jackson, above, a specialist in tech and VC work; London-based commercial chair Declan Cushley; and Clare Auty, noted for her focus on commercial health matters. PE head Gareth Davies regularly advises on high-value investments, acquisitions, and exits, while commercial partner Richard Nicholas works with various well-known corporates and charitable organisations on a range of contracts and agreements. Other key names to note include the real estate and construction-focused Clare Hanna, and commercial partner Nick Smee, who heads up the firm’s cleantech offering.

Drawing strong praise from clients for its, ‘technical capability and commerciality’, the team at Freeths LLP works with a number of public and private sector entities on various mid-market matters – particularly in the tech, retail, manufacturing, engineering, and chemicals sectors. The corporate team is headed up by the ‘incredible’ Lee Clifford, above, who also chairs the firm’s national private equity group, while Mark Neale – who also runs the national IT and data team – heads up the commercial practice. Other

commercial partners to note include Nigel Gardner, whose broad focus encompasses logistics, manufacturing, and hospitality; Zoë Robertson, a contracts specialist whose recent engagements have seen her working for both local authorities and national retailers; and Kirstin Roberts, who specialises in waste and renewables sector work. Other key figures include Olivia Johnson, experienced in mid-market corporate deals, and Mohammed Abbas, who is central to the firm’s PE offering. Shireen Eliyas is also recommended for commercial matters.

Steered by Birmingham corporate head Tom Rush, left, Gateley Legal is instructed by a wide array of corporates for its capabilities in cross-border M&A and reorganisations.

Paul Cliff, national head of the equity capital markets practice, continues to handle mid-market transactions for clients in the consumer goods, life sciences, and insurance sectors, among others.

Andrew Cowan, head of transaction services, regularly works with a host of owner-managed businesses, PE houses, and corporates – most recently in the professional services and healthcare sectors. Recent highlights for Max Moore, who joined the practice from Gowling WLG in April 2022, include multi-million-pound deals working with national property developers. Former practice head Tom Durrant left to join Squire Patton Boggs in January 2023.

Particularly well-versed in health, life sciences, and care sector M&A, the ‘outstanding‘ team at Mills & Reeve LLP is also noted for its capabilities in commercial contracts matters. National

LLP’s Birmingham team draws high praise from clients for its ‘strong commercial acumen’ especially in the manufacturing, recruitment, tech, infrastructure, retail and data sectors.

The team is especially noteworthy for the strength of its venture capital practice, anchored by the efforts of VC team head Alastair Peet. National corporate chair Ben Turner – who splits his time between the firm’s London and Birmingham offices – works with various household names on M&A and PE-driven work, often with a crossborder element. Helen Burnell focuses especially on VC and infrastructure sector matters, advising on a slew of investment transactions.

private equity head Ryan Hawley advises on both PE and M&A transactions, working with a host of mid-market entities, The Birmingham team is led by commercial practice head Jayne Hussey, above, who advises many of the firm’s leading clients on all manner of issues including outsourcing contracts and license agreements. Other names to note include health sector head Julian Smith, and Junaid Haroon, who heads up the firm’s Midlands agri-food and life sciences teams. David Hall is noted for his expertise in commercial IP and IT issues.

Pinsent Masons LLP is roundly praised by a diverse roster of clients for its expertise in both cross-border transactions and large-scale, commercial mandates. The corporate team is headed up by the ‘ excellent’ Nicole Livesey, a specialist in technology and manufacturing work, while Clare Francis, experienced in both high-profile public and private sector projects, leads the commercial offering. Andrew Hornigold is a highly experienced figure in tech and life sciences M&A, while Joanne Ellis spearheads the firm’s health sector offering, working with a host of clients in the social care, fertility, and dental arenas. Recent engagements for John Tyerman, who chairs the firm’s global renewable energy practice, include big-ticket, transatlantic acquisitions, while Laura Ayre – who focuses on commercial contracts – has recently worked with leading national energy companies on procurement and supply chain issues. Michael Lakin is noted for his capabilities in the healthcare and real estate sectors.

Jointly helmed by VC specialist Alistair Hammerton, above right, and experienced commercial contracts lawyer Simon McArdle, Shoosmiths

A strong choice for a number of well-known corporate clients, Squire Patton Boggs’ ‘very responsive, practical and knowledgeable’ team is regularly engaged for its capabilities in mid-market transactions and large-scale commercial matters.

Corporate chair Geoff Perry is a highly experienced partner whose expertise is concentrated in cross-border M&A and PE-driven work, most recently for a number of clients in the media and manufacturing sectors. Stuart James’ role as commercial head sees him advising both domestic and international companies on various contractual matters – particularly in the world of healthcare. David Hull is particularly noted for his experience in sports and tech M&A. Tom Durrant, above, who joined the practice from Gateley Legal in January 2023, boasts capabilities across both corporate and private equity transactions.

DWF’s corporate and commercial team maintains a broad focus, working with a diverse client base that ranges from utilities companies to high-profile sports clubs. Mark Gibson, who heads up the corporate side of the practice, has recently worked with clients from the worlds of hospitality, tech, and engineering on a range of sell-side matters. John Campion’s corporate expertise spans M&A, reorganisations, and takeover, while on the commercial side, IT group lead Ben McLeod is engaged by a diverse clientele spanning local authorities, telecoms providers, and high-profile sports clubs. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Led by Peter Workman, KPMG Law in the United Kingdom is experienced in a range of corporate matters, regularly advising on M&A transactions, joint ventures, and reorganisations.

Legal director Jenna Ostrowski handles a number of cross-border corporate transactions across a host of industries. Thomas Swain specialises

in restructuring – acting for both domestic companies and multinationals – while Eve Oppenheimer’s recent engagements include cross-border acquisitions and reorganisations. Dean Chauhan is also recommended for corporate matters.

‘Commercially astute, highly agile and responsive’, Shakespeare Martineau LLP is noted for the depth of its investments fund expertise, working with clients across the healthcare, tech, renewables, logistics, and consumer goods sectors on a range of corporate transactions.

New practice head Michael Stace, above, who joined the team from Browne Jacobson in April 2022, has recently advised on deals in the leisure, logistics, and consumer goods sectors.

Keith Spedding handles both public and private company M&A, while Kavita Patel is noted for her expertise in private equity and corporate finance transactions. Other names to note include Jody Webb and Peter Mayhew, the latter of whom specialises in venture capital and private equity fundsdriven work.

Praised for its ‘genuine focus on the SME market’, The Wilkes Partnership fields a highly experienced team whose capabilities span both corporate and commercial matters, advising clients from the worlds of manufacturing, telecoms, and industrials, among others.

The team is led by Gareth O’Hara, a veteran corporate practitioner whose experience is concentrated in the automotive retail sector. Rick Smyth is a comparably experienced partner specialising in mid-market corporate finance deals, working with a host of clients on (frequently) cross-border matters. Kate Hackett is another seasoned partner who regularly works with privately owned businesses on acquisitions, divestitures, and reorganisations.

Noted for its experience in secured lending matters, Clarke Willmott LLP works with a wide array of SMEs and owner-managed businesses on all manner of corporate deals. The ‘excellent’ corporate head Kim Klahn is a prolific adviser whose recent workload includes acquisitions and divestitures for clients in the care, engineering, and hospitality sectors, among others. On the commercial side, John Irving is noted for his expertise in capital goods and manufacturing matters, advising on contractual issues and policy updates. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Irwin Mitchell’s wide-ranging capabilities sees them working with a number of clients across the manufacturing, aerospace, software, tech, engineering, and retail sectors.

The corporate practice is headed up by Nick Dawson, who also chairs the firm’s national PE team. Emma Callow’s transactional experience spans

acquisitions, sales, and restructurings, most recently for clients in automotive, manufacturing, logistics, and waste management. Matt Smit, above, is also recommended for the range of his corporate capabilities.

Jointly chaired by corporate partners Richard Underwood and Gary Davie, Legal Clarity draws praise from numerous clients for the breadth of its corporate and commercial offering; the 'highly experienced' team regularly advises on M&A, investment transactions, and commercial reorganisations. Chris Wright is noted for his experience in capital restructurings and reorganisations, while Martin Clifford’s recent engagements include multi-million-pound acquisitions and disposals for clients from the worlds of manufacturing and distribution.

Led by Matthew Martin, the ‘exceptional’ Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP works with a diverse roster of corporate clients – both domestic and international – on M&A, reorganisations, and commercial matters. A seasoned corporate partner, Adam McGiveron’s, above, recent highlights include a series of acquisitions in the sports, automotive, and logistics sectors.

Richard Wrigley is comparably wellversed in cross-border transactions - particularly in the tech and energy arenas – while the ‘dynamic and highly creative’ Emma Bryant specialises in early-stage, fast-growth businesses across a range of industries.

Noted for their commercial expertise, the team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP works with a mix of public and private sector clients, particularly in the care, tech, energy, manufacturing, and financial services sectors. Practice co-chair Amardeep Gill, above, is especially rated for his public sector acumen, working with a number of local government bodies on high-profile commercial projects. Fellow co-chair Matthew Harvey is an experienced corporate partner specialising in owner-managed businesses, while Moad Giebaly’s recent engagements include acquisitions in the veterinary and real estate sectors.

The Legal 500 West Midlands 21

WEST MIDLANDS

FIRMS ARE LISTED A-Z WITHIN TIERS

CORPORATE & COMMERCIAL: ELSEWHERE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS Harrison Clark Rickerbys Higgs LLP Wright Hassall LLP Ansons George Green LLP Thursfields Solicitors Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited Lanyon Bowdler Lodders Solicitors LLP Shakespeare Martineau LLP Aaron & Partners LLP MFG Solicitors LLP Pickerings Solicitors Drawing high praise for its ‘brilliant people and fantastic service’ – particularly with regard to its ‘exceptional’ partner service – Harrison Clark Rickerbys handles a wealth of high-value mandates, particularly in the manufacturing, healthcare, tech, retail, education, and energy sectors. The team is jointly chaired by corporate head Charlotte Thornton-Smith and commercial lead Robert Capper.

Thornton-Smith is particularly noted for her expertise in health and social care sector transactions, while Capper, who specialises in advanced manufacturing, works with a diverse range of both SMEs and larger corporates, as well as professional partnerships and doctors’ practices. Head of health and social care Rebecca Leask, who splits her time between the firm’s offices in Worcester and Birmingham, is also experienced in retail sector transactions. Wye Valley office head Arpinder Dhillon, above, is a key port of call for clients seeking assistance with corporate transactions, most recently in the IT and sanitation sectors. Clare Emery heads up the firm’s dental care-focused offering, while Helen Higginbotham is recommended for her due diligence acumen. Tom Bartley-Smith left the firm for an in-house role in December 2022. All named lawyers are based in Worcester unless stated otherwise.

Based in Brierley Hill, Higgs LLP impresses an extensive roster of regional and national clients, who turn to the team for its ‘knowledgeable, informative, punctual’ service in a range of corporate transactions. Business services head John Heaton, above, is an experienced M&A lawyer whose recent highlights include manufacturing and automotive sector deals. Corporate head Richard Griffiths is a prolific adviser whose ‘stand-out’ expertise 22 The Legal 500 West Midlands

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is notably concentrated in corporate finance transactions. Jamie Partington, who heads up the tech and high-growth team, anchors the firm’s venture capital offering in the region, while Geoff Kettle is noted for his focus on healthcare and early years education sector work. Katie Willems is also recommended.

Turned to by a number of manufacturers, sports companies, and publishers, Wright Hassall LLP is well-versed in both corporate and commercial matters. The team is jointly chaired by corporate chair Steve Halkett, whose expertise ranges from transactions to corporate governance issues, and commercial head Peter Maguire, who regularly handles contracts and outsourcing arrangements for a broad array of clients. Robert Lee’s, above, recent highlights include cross-border deals in the media and education sectors. All named lawyers are based in Leamington Spa. Working across multiple offices in the West Midlands, Ansons’ latest expansion efforts saw the ‘regional heavyweight’ open a site in Dudley in July 2022. Mere Green-based practice co-chair Neil Jones is a highly active adviser whose recent highlights include both corporate and commercial matters in the IT, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. Based in Cannock, fellow co-chair Jamie Gill is particularly noted for his experience in healthcare and logistics sector work, while Dudley-based senior consultant Paul Bennett has latterly advised on a slew of engineering sector deals. Emma Rowley is also recommended.

Particularly sought out by SMEs and owner-managed businesses – most notably in the manufacturing sector – George Green LLP works with both domestic and international clients on various corporate matters.

The 'excellent' Sarah Ward, above, heads up the practice, drawing on significant experience in the retail, energy, and logistics sectors in her role as a transactional adviser. James Bird heads up the commercial

offering, working with clients on various contractual matters and IT/ IP agreements, while Phillip Round is recommended for his ‘brilliant’ capabilities in regulated sectors such as financial services and pharmaceuticals. A key contact for various owner-managed businesses, Wolverhampton-based Kam Johal’s wide-ranging corporate experience spans sectors as diverse financial services, manufacturing, and hospitality. All named lawyers are based in Cradley Heath unless noted otherwise.

on corporate and commercial matters for a litany of clients, most notably in the industrials space. The team is headed up by Graham Spalding, a seasoned partner with particular expertise in manufacturing sector deals.

Bradley Quin is noted for his broad corporate and commercial practice, while Stuart Price, who joined the team from Thursfields Solicitors in March 2022, specialises in commercial contracts, IP, and data protection.

Leanne Lawrence is noted her real estate acumen.

Working across offices in Solihull, Halesowen, and Worcester, Thursfields Solicitors ‘provide excellent insight and advice’ to a strong mix of SMEs, ownermanaged, and family businesses seeking assistance on corporate sell-side deals and reorganisations. The practice is chaired

by Gareth Burge, above, a highly experienced transactional partner who works between Solihull and Worcester.

In Worcester, the ‘outstanding’ Tim Edwards – noted for his expertise in healthcare M&A – has also recently handled deals in the logistics, IT, and data sectors. Other names to note include ‘excellent’ corporate lawyer Joe Rollins, and Reece De-Vaney, who focuses on healthcare sector M&A. Hannah Clark, a specialist in commercial contracts, joined the practice from Waldrons Solicitors in March 2022.

All named lawyers work between the firm’s offices in Solihull and Worcester unless noted otherwise.

A key port of call for a host of ownermanaged businesses, Aaron & Partners LLP’s broad sector focus sees the team acting for manufacturers, healthcare organisations, tech companies, and retailers, among others. Some of the key names to note include Stuart Haynes, experienced in both corporate and commercial mandates; Hugh Strickland, a seasoned M&A lawyer who also heads up the banking and finance practice; and Peter Manford, a commercial partner whose recent engagements are concentrated in the retail and manufacturing sectors.

Corporate practitioner Zoe Lloyd is also recommended. All named lawyers are based in Shrewsbury.

Drawing considerable praise from clients for its ‘excellent service’ and its ‘ fast, conscientious, and service-oriented work’, the Dudley-based Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited regularly works with a number of clients – both domestic and international – on M&A deals and reorganisations. With more than three decades of experience in the market, Colin Rodrigues is a seasoned corporate and real estate practitioner whose recent highlights include a host of multi-million-pound acquisitions and divestitures for corporates in the construction, media, and pharmaceutical sectors, among others.

Underpinned by strong cross-office collaboration, Lanyon Bowdler’s ‘knowledge, advice, and expertise’ makes them a key port of call for a host of corporate clients.

Shrewsbury-based Grainne Walters is an ‘excellent’ adviser whose wide-ranging client base spans the consumer goods, education, care, and industrials sectors, to name a few.

‘Highly experienced and extremely knowledgeable’, Ludlow-based Edward Burrell’s, above, recent workload includes both M&A and restructuring mandates, while Conwy-based Jennifer Edwards is noted for her significant experience in asset sales.

Working across offices in Birmingham and Stratford Upon Avon, Lodders Solicitors LLP’s corporate and commercial practice routinely advises

The ‘very knowledgeable’ corporate team at MFG Solicitors LLP works across offices in Birmingham, Worcestershire, and Shropshire on a range of transactions for clients in manufacturing, agriculture, IT, and healthcare. The ‘excellent’ Clare Lang – who divides her time between the firm’s offices in Birmingham and Kidderminster, handles a host of corporate matters, from M&A to reorganisations and insolvency proceedings. With more than three decades of experience in the market, Worcester-based James Hayes - ‘an outstanding lawyer who gets the deal done every time’ - is particularly well-known for his healthcare and IT sector work. Also in Kidderminster, the similarly experienced Stephen Wyer is recommended for his expertise in education, healthcare, energy, and agriculture.

Praised for its ‘consistently strong level of service’, a varied lineup of SMEs and ownermanaged businesses regularly turn to the ‘first class’ team at Pickerings Solicitors. At the helm, Craig Davies is a longstanding member of the firm with particular experience acting for manufacturers and IT companies on both corporate and commercial matters. ‘Extremely competent and proactive’, Keri Pointon’s, above, capabilities span acquisitions, sales, and corporate reorganisations, most recently for clients in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors. All named lawyers are based in Tamworth.

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CORPORATE TAX DLA Piper DWF Parisi Tax LLP Browne Jacobson LLP Gowling WLG Mills & Reeve LLP Higgs LLP DLA Piper advises a broad roster of high-profile clients, including private companies, public sector bodies and financial institutions, and has notable expertise in multinational group and real estate tax structuring.

The department is led by veteran tax expert Mark Burgess, above, who specialises in both corporate and real estate tax and is supported by legal director Nick Hinton, who shares this focus. Hinton is also familiar with employee incentive share options and other employee benefits. Both Hinton and Burgess are based in the firm’s Birmingham office.

Led by seasoned practitioner Jon Stevens, DWF’s corporate tax practice regularly advises on M&A, share schemes and private equity deals, handling matters generated by its offices in Birmingham and London.

The firm also takes on tax litigation cases, such as London Luton Hotel BPRA’s Court of Appeal case against HMRC. This strength in contentious matters is bolstered by legal director Tajinder Barring, who has experience representing both corporates and high-net-worth individuals in direct and indirect HMRC investigations and disputes. Another key name to note is associate Alex Tolcher, who focuses on the tax aspects of high-value property and corporate matters. In notable developments, Tolcher recently qualified as a Chartered Tax Advisor and Amy Deal, a senior paralegal from HMRC, joined the firm.

Tax boutique Parisi Tax LLP is highlighted for its ‘excellent understanding of corporate tax’, combining ‘commercial knowledge’ with ‘client communication skills’ to offer specialist tax advice to private companies, business owners and management teams. The firm has experience in M&A, reorganisations, property tax, employee share incentives and private equity deals. Lisa Stevenson, above, founder of the firm, co-leads the practice with Becky Rees. Stevenson is recognised for her management team tax planning and engagement with significant transactions, and works closely with corporate finance companies, while Rees has broad tax experience including in share incentive

1 2 3

PRACTICE WHAT I PREACH A strange title for a lawyer who for over 30 years has been involved in corporate law, but all will become clear. I have had the pleasure of running my own firm with Harminder for nearly 20 years, specialising in sales, mergers and acquisitions together with real estate, banking and finance, and dispute resolution.

planning and M&A. Jon Robinson, based in Leeds, is ‘technically excellent’ and ‘delivers prompt, commercially focused tax advice’.

Browne Jacobson LLP regularly provides structuring and transactional advice in the context of M&A and property deals, and assists public sector and not-for-profits in a number of tax and property matters. The firm is also active in employee incentive schemes.

Andrew Noble, a chartered tax adviser and solicitor, leads the practice from Birmingham. Legal director Beth Dowson, based in Nottingham, focuses on property tax, employee share schemes and corporate transactions, with a particular emphasis on retail clients, and senior associate Rebecca Burge specialises in corporate and real estate tax, EIS compliance and employee share incentives.

With a varied client list including private businesses, public sector organisations and NGOs, Mills & Reeve LLP’s tax practice supports across a range of matters often relating to M&A, real estate and banking transactions, share incentive structures, employment and investments. Kevin Lowe, a chartered tax adviser, leads the national corporate tax team, while Neil Pearson, specialising in social investment, venture capital schemes and employee share ownership, and Matthew Short, who heads the real estate and charity tax areas, co-lead the regional practice. Senior associate Carrie Ferris has broad experience but is particularly focused on employment tax and share incentives.

Advising corporates, owner-managed businesses and high-net-worth individuals, Higgs LLP, based in Brierley Hill, is highly regarded for its support in corporate transactions, property tax and planning. Susheel Gupta leads the practice and has specialist expertise in corporate taxation, assisting in transactions, restructurings, employee incentive schemes and tax planning structures. Richard Ferguson, legal director, continues to strengthen the team’s property tax capacity, and senior associate Jonathan Hunter concentrates his practice on corporation, capital gains and income tax.

Just like many budding entrepreneurs, when we first started on our journey at Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers (“HH”), there was no road map, but a wealth of enthusiasm and self-belief.

However, sometimes enthusiasm and selfbelief are not enough to get you through difficult times.

As with any journey, there are always bumps in the road, and what I learnt from HH is that talking to people to get ideas helps clarify your own perspective in what needs to be done, and that is why having a good professional contact base is invaluable, as without lawyers and accountants, doing business can become problematic.

Given that HH specialises in corporate disposals and acquisitions, Harminder and I put in practice all of the advice we gave clients and the lessons to be learnt and to be shared are very simple but cogent. These include: • Find a suitor who you actually believe shares your values and can help continue to carry on what you have created. Think of this as a relay race when you are passing on the batten whilst the race is not over.

• Negotiations are always difficult, but be upfront and clear in what you want and what you expect to happen, as it is better that a transaction falls down at an early stage, rather than at the last minute.

• Be focused on the overall picture and not just on certain key aspects as price is always important, but at the end of the day, you have to ensure that what you have done will continue and you can only do this by ensuring that the people who have helped you in your journey continue their journey with the new suitor.

• Always ensure that the combination of the two is greater than the sum of the parts, as the more opportunity that can be created, the easier integration becomes, and it is not just through economies of scale, but it is through the sharing of ideas and alignment of long term goals.

So, all of the advice I have given to clients, Harminder and I put into practice ourselves when we sold HH to Bamboo Group Holdings Limited in order to achieve our goals. More importantly, to ensure the longevity of the business and brand that we created in order to help continue the growth to the next level.

To all of those who are thinking of exiting, take on board these lessons as they will ensure that whatever you do will be a great success. We will be happy to assist you in the next chapter of your journey.

For more information, contact Colin Rodrigues E crodrigues@hawkinshatton.co.uk T 01384 216840 W: www.hawkinshatton.co.uk The Legal 500 West Midlands 23

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WEST MIDLANDS

DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND PUBLIC LAW POWERHOUSE Ian has acted for and advised a number of local authorities in cases involving a wide range of issues.

As well as housing cases, he has acted in cases concerning social care, education, data protection.

Ian has appeared in public law cases both in a housing context and in other contexts, including cases relating to education, social care and the firefighters’ pension scheme. Due to the nature of his practice, Ian has a thorough knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and the Human Rights Act 1998.

“Very clear and thorough advice in which I have complete confidence, highly knowledgeable. Always willing to deal with very urgent matters and to provide urgent advice. Always thoroughly prepared for hearings, even at short notice.” Legal 500 ANNABEL HEATH

4-5 Gray’s Inn Square Chambers is delighted to announce that is has 32 individual rankings across 11 different practice areas in the latest Legal 500 directory. The rankings include mention of 3 members who focus their practice on the Midlands Circuit: Jonathan Manning, Ian Peacock and Annabel Heath.

Over the last 3 decades, we have worked, in a specialist capacity, for local authorities, housing providers, and solicitors, across the Midlands. 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square has a long-established Birmingham base which provides great opportunities for our members and allows us to enhance the service we provide for our Midlands-based clients.

We have maintained our rankings across the board in Local Government (including rating law), dispute resolution > mediators, Elections, Planning, Administrative and Human Rights, Property Litigation, Inquests and Inquiries. We maintain our position as a top tier ranked set in Social Housing. We have also added set ranking in Sport, Shipping, Court of Protection Community Care, and Professional Disciplinary and Regulatory Law. Our members continue to act in some of the defining cases in Local Government, Property Litigation, Inquests and Inquiries, Social Housing, and homelessness law.

In the last year, members have appeared in assorted courts and tribunals, including several appearances in the Court of Appeal, High Court and Supreme Court. Our specialist barristers are supported by our top ranked dispute resolution mediators, who are consistently ranked in the Legal 500 directories.

The dispute resolution team is headed up by Colin Manning who is featured in this years Hall of Fame. Colin is in good company with fellow mediators in Chambers; Stephen Barker and Patrick Taylor, (below, L-R.)

JONATHAN MANNING Jonathan Manning is a founder member of 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square and specialises in local government, housing and public law. He has, for many years, been recommended

by Legal 500 in the fields of social housing and local government work. Jonathan, together with his colleagues, runs an annual conference in Birmingham, bringing together expert speakers to cover all aspects of homelessness law, including the latest case law updates and insights. Jonathan often acts in cases with a human rights crossover and has dealt with a broad range of notable cases in the Midlands circuit, including the largest gang injunction claim ever brought (Supreme Court March 2023).

Jonathan's work also includes other gang cases, HMO licence conditions, Art 6 and the standard of proof for civil injunctions (both in the Court of Appeal), judicial review of a landlord licensing scheme, mobile homes possession claims, the redevelopment and disposal of Part II housing stock and other public authority buildings, and a housing benefit appeal to the Upper Tribunal concerning the FTT’s refusal to recognise a representative.

“Jonathan is very experienced and a very good advocate. He presents a case intelligently, clearly and confidently. “ Legal 500 IAN PEACOCK Ian specialises in all areas of social housing law with a particular focus on homelessness, housing allocations and public law.

He is one of the go-to counsel for Birmingham City Council and alongside Jonathan Manning runs the annual 4-5 Homelessness Conference in Birmingham.

Annabel has developed a busy housing, homelessness and public law practice and is very active in the Midlands. She was involved in the first case where the applicant was homeless and transgender. As a former solicitor at an international law firm, Annabel brings a wealth of experience in commercial property disputes and housing litigation.

“Annabel is a dedicated barrister, impressively knowledgeable and a strong advocate. Her written work and spoken advocacy is always thoroughly prepared and excellently researched.’ Legal 500 SENIOR CLERK, EMILY MARTIN comments: “4-5 has a long-established and ever-expanding presence in the Midlands. It fantastic that our members are being recognised for their work in this area. We have particular strengths in social housing and homelessness law as well as planning and public law. Our annual conference in Birmingham covers all the latest updates in Homelessness Law and is always well attended. Our offices in Snow Hill have allowed us to extend the services we are able to offer, and we are committed to extending our offering over the next year.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our clients and contacts for their feedback, which has made these results possible. I am extremely proud of our dedicated members and the practice management team which supports them.”

WEST MIDLANDS

FIRMS ARE LISTED A-Z WITHIN TIERS

EMPLOYMENT DLA Piper Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Gowling WLG Pinsent Masons LLP

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Averta Employment Lawyers LLP Browne Jacobson LLP Gateley Legal Mills & Reeve LLP Shakespeare Martineau LLP Shoosmiths LLP Squire Patton Boggs

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Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Freeths LLP Higgs LLP Irwin Mitchell Lanyon Bowdler VWV Weightmans LLP

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Bevan Brittan LLP Capsticks LLP Heminsley Law MFG Solicitors LLP Pickerings Solicitors Sydney Mitchell LLP Trowers & Hamlins LLP Wright Hassall LLP Aaron & Partners LLP Ansons George Green LLP Hatchers Solicitors LLP The Wilkes Partnership Thursfields Solicitors Band Hatton Button LLP Clarke Willmott LLP DWF Harrison Clark Rickerbys Pillinger & Associates The ‘fair, reasonable, but very sharp’ Emma Phillips heads the department at DLA Piper.

Phillips has a wealth of transactional, litigation and cross-border project experience. Sandra Wallace, above, is another leading light who continues to manage an enviable employment client portfolio advising on a whole host of issues from business reorganisations to senior executive management issues. Wallace also has a keen interest in diversity matters. Lisa Hodgson has significant experience in the consumer goods sectors and leads the relationships with a number of well-known names in the high-end retail arena. In addition, the team garners praise for its high-profile and complex employment tribunal and High Court litigation expertise.

26 The Legal 500 West Midlands

4 5 6 At the Birmingham office of Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, Audrey Elliott heads the department that acts for a number of FTSE 100 companies together with various global and Fortune 500 companies. It also acts for several public sector organisations as well as educational institutions.

The group is well-equipped to handle tribunal work, labour relations and transactional matters such as outsourcing and business reorganisations. Hannah Wilkins specialises in supporting global companies (especially those in the IT sector), as well as UK plcs, on various employment matters. Principal associate, Michael Hardiman, is a known name for his employment tribunal work and for cross-border expertise.

Headed by Jane Fielding, the team at Gowling WLG advises a vast array of UK and international private and public sector clients on the full gamut of employment, labour

and equality matters. It specialises in key sectors such as manufacturing, life sciences, technology and central government. Its contentious expertise covers High Court business protection litigation through to complex discrimination and whistleblowing tribunal claims. Martin Chitt, below left, y acts for some of the UK’s largest housing associations and retailers - he advises on all areas of employment law while overseeing the team’s work on corporate transactions. Jonathan Chamberlain has particular expertise in advising on business protection issues.

The large employment practice at Pinsent Masons LLP has a stellar reputation for its work with local, national and international household name clients. Under the joint leadership of Jonathan Coley and Helen Corden, it also acts for over 30 universities.

Coley excels at defending strategic and high-value claims that could have a major reputational impact. Corden plays a pivotal role in the practice and is the UK head of Employment and Reward.

Corden has particular expertise in TUPE, outsourcing and discrimination matters.

Linda Jones has considerable expertise in gender and social mobility issues.

Legal director, Rebecca Stephen, advises many clients in the higher education and financial services sectors.

‘Exceptional partners’ Alan Jones and David Sykes, co-head the ‘highly skilled’ team at Averta Employment Lawyers LLP. The 'responsive and collaborative' group focuses on the employment law needs of directors, managers, senior executives and other professionals. It thrives on negotiating exit packages, settlement agreements and discrimination claims. The group is active in the private and the public sectors and is also adept at advising on post-termination restrictions and TUPE transfers. Recently, it has seen an increase in corporate and SME work. Consultant, David Beswick, is another known name in the market. Izzy Canning, above, is an able associate.

The versatile team at Browne Jacobson LLP, advises its national and international clients on the full range of employment matters.

Key clients include household names, large multi-academy trusts and public and private healthcare organisations as well as central and local government bodies. Peter Jones’ work spans both contentious and non-contentious issues.

James Tait predominantly advises clients in the private sector and has a keen focus on TUPE compliance as well as the protection of trade secrets. Jacqui Atkinson is well-regarded for her experience of advising NHS organisations, trust boards and senior NHS managers.

The ‘professional and practical’ team at Gateley Legal receives plaudits for

its ‘solutions focused’ advice.

Under the leadership of the ‘commercially minded’ Benedict Gorner, the group receives a steady flow of high-value and complex instructions. It continues to advise on a number of large-scale projects involving proposed site closures and on complex restructuring deals.

Merran Sewell, above, regularly supports clients with complex discriminatory and grievance issues and on change management programmes. Senior associate, Joanne Duck, continues to operate across a broad spectrum of industries including logistics, finance, retail, healthcare, manufacturing, construction and education.

Mills & Reeve LLP fields a ‘strong’ employment team that acts for a large number of high-profile clients across the private and public sectors.

It continues to be busy advising on numerous complex employment cases and has provided employment support on many key corporate transactions and projects. Jog Hundle, above, is highly regarded for her work in the health and care sectors. Nick Abbott is renowned for his work with clients in the education sector. The ‘very well respected’ Richard Santy continues to act for several football clubs and has represented sports governing bodies on some complex cases. Richard Barker is also recommended. Jameel Mann joined the team as a principal associate from Knights plc.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP has considerable strength in the education sector and is particularly adept at advising on international collaborations between UK universities and universities overseas. It is also skilled at advising on large restructuring exercises, senior management departures and at handling complex employment tribunal litigation. David Browne has particular expertise in the education sector along with Tom Long, above. Michael Hibbs is well-regarded for his work across a wide range of sectors including education, logistics, manufacturing and insurance.

Matt McDonald is another name to note.

With the ‘very well-respected’ Charlie Rae at the helm at Shoosmiths LLP, the practice receives plaudits for providing an ‘excellent service’. It handles a sizeable employment tribunal caseload for many major multi-national clients and has also significant experience of handling sensitive, senior executive exits in regulated sectors such as financial services. In addition, the group acts for a wide range of clients in the public, private and ‘third’ sectors. Other areas of focus include advising on business

SPECIAL FEATURE

reorganisations and complex TUPE matters. Nick Vernon was promoted to the partnership.

Led by Charlie Frost, left, the team at Squire Patton Boggs garners praise for its ability to ‘always provide timely and practical advice’. It handles the full gamut of employment matters and has increasingly been advising on investigations and whistleblowing claims as well as diversity and inclusion issues. It receives a steady flow of instructions from international and blue-chip companies and has substantial experience in the sports arena too. It regularly advises on complex restructurings and other matters including high-value and complex litigation. The 'really responsive' Ramez Moussa plays a pivotal role in the department.

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP has a thriving employment practice that has considerable sector strength in the health and social care arena. Under the direction of Anna Dabek, it is also lauded for its experience in the charities and local government sectors along with its expertise in housing and education. The team covers a broad range of issues from advising on strike actions and TUPE matters to resolving employment disputes and advising on working time regulations. Matthew Gregson and Matthew Wort are also well-regarded.

The ‘reliable and responsive’ team at Freeths LLP acts for many key private sector clients as well as a significant number of public and educational sector clients. Rebecca Sawbridge, above, heads the Birmingham employment team and is skilled at advising on all areas of employment law. The group is renowned for its work on complex restructures and TUPE matters as well as matters relating to the ‘gig economy’ and employment status.

"The 'responsive’ team at Higgs LLP is headed by the ‘highly rated and excellent' Tim Jones. Jones is particularly recommended for his employment tribunal advocacy as well as for his advice on confidentiality and restraint of trade clauses. The practice continues to be best known for its advice to SMEs, owner managed businesses and their families, primarily in the West Midlands region.

At the Birmingham office of Irwin Mitchell, Elaine Huttley, above, is recommended for her work on a wide variety of employment advisory matters and acts for high-street and household name clients. Huttley also has a special interest

in advising on the employment aspects of shareholder/director management disputes. Donna Seferta has a particular specialism in contentious matters and frequently advises on a wide range of tribunal claims such as discrimination actions, whistleblowing cases as well as unfair/constructive dismissal claims.

John Merry leads a ‘professional and approachable’ team at Lanyon Bowdler that is lauded for its ‘clear and concise advice’.

It specialises in TUPE issues and is also skilled at advising schools and colleges as well as farmers and growers on various employment matters. Another core area of expertise includes advising Court of Protection appointed deputies and case managers on the employment of carers.

Jane Byford and Kathy Halliday, left, co-head the department at VWV, which focuses on three key sectors namely education and charities as well as helping its strong commercial client base on a whole host of employment matters. Byford has a wealth of experience of advising universities and FE colleges on employment and HR issues. Halliday is well-regarded for her advice on change management projects and on complex employment litigation.

Weightmans LLP has a strong reputation in the hospitality sector and in local government and police. It has a dedicated equal pay team that is led by Jawaid Rehman, left, that defends a large number of equal pay claims against public sector organisations.

Rehman is also recommended for his handling of cases involving embassies.

Andrew Forrest is an experienced advocate in the employment tribunal.

The employment team at Bevan Brittan LLP has an excellent reputation for its work in the healthcare, housing and local government sectors. In recent years, its work has also expanded more into the private, education and international sphere. Ashley Norman deftly handles a variety of contentious and advisory issues for various large private sector employers and numerous public sector bodies. James Gutteridge, above, is also recommended.

The employment team at Capsticks LLP has ‘unparalleled experience in the healthcare sector and knows how to

LAW FIRM PARTNERS: IF YOUR EXPECTATIONS ARE NOT BEING MET, WE CAN HELP YOU...

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Speak to a skilled lateral move advisor. Together, through diplomatic and incisive questions, we can pinpoint your motivations for investigating a lateral move, explain how we can help, and your prospects of success.

Why should you trust us with your future?

• As you would expect, confidentiality is assured. (Should you not choose to make a move, no one will know you even thought about it).

• We do the research, saving you time and putting you in receipt of informed information to make your decision.

• With 20 years of operations, we have deep legal sector knowledge.

• You get access to the most experienced lateral move team in the UK. • We have a nationwide network of referrers and introducers, which means more potential opportunities for you.

For more information, email colin.white@ortusgroup.com or call 0330 100 5420 The Legal 500 West Midlands 27

WEST MIDLANDS litigate employment matters concerning NHS trusts’. Clients include the NHS and private healthcare providers along with clients in the emergency services, medical technology and the housing and social care arenas. At the Birmingham office, Chloe Edwards and Raj Basi are well regarded. Raj Chahal is also recommended and Jonathan Lewis is praised for his ‘timely guidance and support’.

Heminsley Law is a ‘very sleek set-up’ that is led by Trevor Gibson. It advises companies on a wide range of people risks from employment law to bribery and corruption. The 'accessible' team frequently handles high-risk issues from whistleblowing and complex discrimination cases to IR35, bonus claims and the enforcement of restrictive covenants. Jemma O’Reilly has an excellent reputation too. Another highlight for the team was Simon Stephen joining the firm from Gowling WLG. Sally Morris leads a strong team at MFG Solicitors LLP that excels in providing TUPE advice. It is equally adept at advising on discrimination claims, dismissals and on a whole host of compliance issues. The team is lauded for the ‘consistent quality of its advice’ and Christopher Piggott is another significant member of the department. Clients include UK plcs and Colleges of Further Education. The group also has key sector expertise in diverse areas such as professional services, manufacturing and retail.

Kate Johnson heads the practice at Pickerings Solicitors that acts for organisations from a variety of sectors such as manufacturing, leisure, care, education and professional services.

Johnson covers both contentious and non-contentious matters and has particular knowledge of claims of unfair dismissal, employment status and whistleblowing. Sue Hatton is another name to note for her work on all aspects of employment from recruitment and selection through to termination of employment.

Headed by Emma-Louise Hewitt, left, the team at Sydney Mitchell LLP has 'excellent legal expertise and a common-sense approach’. The group provides ‘pragmatic advice’ to both employers and employees on a range of contentious issues. It also advises on other issues such as TUPE and is skilled at drafting handbooks. Dean Parnell is another key figure who primarily advises companies and very senior employees.

Rebecca McGuirk, left, is at the helm at Trowers & Hamlins LLP. McGuirk has a vast array of experience in advising major private sector clients as well as registered providers and care providers. Other key clients include charities and local authorities. She covers both contentious 28 The Legal 500 West Midlands

FIRMS ARE LISTED A-Z WITHIN TIERS

and non-contentious matters and has particular strength in advising on diverse matters such as trade union issues and strikes; restructures/ reorganisations as well as the ‘exiting’ of senior/ difficult employees.

Wright Hassall LLP continues to be busy advising various employers and employees on tribunal proceedings as well as dealing with a number of large scale and complex redundancies. Another key focus is advising on settlement agreements for employees. Practice head, Tina Chander, above, covers both contentious and non-contentious matters. Chander frequently advises on diverse issues such as TUPE transfers, collective redundancies and complicated high-level terminations.

The employment team at Aaron & Partners LLP, has through Ben Mason, left, a strong reputation for its specialism in sportsrelated matters, large-scale restructures, TUPE and corporate support work. Mason also has a specific focus on financial, IT, manufacturing and the care sector. Chester-based Helen Watson , co-heads the department, and advises clients in the public and private sectors on contentious and noncontentious employment matters.

Jason Alcock, left, and Martin De Ridder, co-lead the department at Ansons which continues to be busy advising its commercial clients on a broad range of contentious and noncontentious matters. It frequently advises on disciplinary and grievance issues as well as cases where there are allegations of discrimination. The group is also skilled at advising on TUPE matters and redundancies.

Tim Lang , (who is also a fee paid Employment Judge who sits in the SouthEast), leads the employment practice at George Green LLP. It is known for its work with owner managed businesses and for providing support to the firm’s corporate department. The practice has solid experience in TUPE matters and in restrictive covenants/confidentiality litigation. Amy Brokenshire is another primary contact.

Practice head at Hatchers Solicitors LLP is Nigel Harrison, who advises various employers ranging from private limited companies to partnerships. Harrision is skilled at handling all aspects of employment law relating to the modern workplace. He is adept at advising on

diverse matters such as staff retention, redundancies and tribunal proceedings.

The group has a particular focus on advising charities, the not-for-profit sector as well as schools.

James Leo, left, spearheads a ‘very helpful’ team at The Wilkes Partnership, which primarily acts for employers as well as senior executives.

It covers the full range of contentious and noncontentious employment services. The group covers a broad range of issues from TUPE and discrimination claims to also advising on restrictive covenants.

Pam Sidhu has a particular focus on issues surrounding the management of international workforces.

Jonathon Forrester heads the department at Thursfields Solicitors, which receives a steady flow of instructions from its corporate client base as well as representing individuals on all aspects of employment law from disciplinary issues to managing senior exits. The ‘pragmatic’ Lisa Kemp, above, frequently handles a range of contentious issues in addition to advising on the employment aspects of corporate transactions.

Band Hatton Button LLP is recognised locally as having a strong employment department which continues to grow its commercial client base.

Under the leadership of Mark Ridley, it has a varied case load of contentious and noncontentious employment matters. Ridley is also skilled at conducting Employment Tribunal litigation.

At the Birmingham office of Clarke Willmott LLP , Anna Youngs is a key contact. Youngs mainly acts for employers from both the public and private sectors, on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters. In addition, she sits as an employment judge in the South West region.

Head of department at DWF is Kate Meadowcroft, who advises employers on a whole host of employment issues with significant experience in advising on large scale change management projects as well as collective consultation programmes. The team has particular strength in the healthcare, social care and financial sectors.

Pillinger & Associates has a proven track record in the region for advising employers and employees on various employment and HR issues. Amanda Pillinger advises on cases such as unfair dismissal, whistleblowing and breaches of contract.

SPECIAL FEATURE

ENERGY, PROJECT FINANCE & PFI Browne Jacobson LLP Gowling WLG Freeths LLP Pinsent Masons LLP Shakespeare Martineau LLP Bevan Brittan LLP Harrison Clark Rickerbys inc Shawcross Browne Jacobson LLP offers ‘a highly pragmatic, commercial approach’ and a full-service practice in the energy and infrastructure sector, working for a broad array of stakeholders in numerous subsectors, notably including the alternative energy space. Certain key areas for the firm include power generation, renewables, and nuclear, to name a few.

The ‘exceptional’ Paul Hill, above, helms the practice, with vast experience of numerous areas including project finance, and greenfield and brownfield projects.

Zoe Stollard joined the firm from Clarke Willmott LLP in March 2022, bringing with her significant expertise in the field of nuclear and renewable energy, and with a broader focus on non-contentious work. Nick Smee further strengthens the team, with particular experience of the automotive, aerospace and manufacturing arenas.

A team that is ‘supportive of client needs’, Gowling WLG routinely handles the financing, refinancing, development and expansion of projects situated in the infrastructure and energy markets.

Recent areas of work for the team include battery storage, pumped storage, solar and hydrogen-related matters. The ‘unflappable’ practice co-head Stephen Kenny, above, has notable expertise regarding UK government projects, often handling infrastructure and asset matters; Andrew Newberry jointly leads the team and is particularly experienced in energy and utility projects. Gus Wood bolsters the practice with his specialism in UK energy advice, while Elizabeth Williams focuses on defence and security work. Dominic Richardson leads on large-scale Public-Private Partnership (PPP) transactions in the infrastructure sector, whilst James Stanier is well-versed in energy sector legislation, industry codes and incentive scheme matters.

Imran Mufti joined from Hogan Lovells International LLP in July 2022.

The ‘top-quality’ team at Freeths LLP advises on infrastructure funds, secondary market transactions and asset management, particularly in relation to Private Finance Initiative (PFI) and PPP transactions. The firm also has a dedicated waste and sustainability practice, often handling matters involving

ORTUS GROUP:

CULTURALLY ALIGNED FIRMS 1 BRINGING TOGETHER FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE 2 3 clean and smart energy technologies.

Kirstin Roberts leads the waste and sustainability team, with notable experience of a range of areas that includes waste re-use, reduction and recycling. The ‘exceptional’ practice head James Larmour is experienced in infrastructure and project finance transactions, notably including PFI secondary market transactions, while ‘dedicated’ associate Reece Ballett strengthens the firm’s waste and sustainability practice, handling significant matters in this area.

A team commended for its ‘clarity of advice’, Pinsent Masons LLP addresses issues related to public sector investment, operating in decarbonisation and clean energy projects; for example, the firm is involved in the UK’s offshore windfarm projects. Nigel Blundell jointly leads the practice with Kultar Khangura, the former working on a variety of transactions related to building and infrastructure schemes and investment funds, as well as routinely handling transport matters.

The ‘excellent’ Chris Haines handles decentralised energy and district heating matters, whilst Gemma Glasspole adds further value to the team with expertise in advising public authorities on the development and implementation of PPP projects.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP regularly handles matters for large energy and water companies, as well as advising on sub-sea interconnectors and distribution networks, amongst others. The practice, which provides ‘robust advice’, is headed

by Andrew Whitehead, above, who specialises in energy regulation and contracts, often working with utility and developer clients.

Bevan Brittan LLP‘s practice acts for both public and private sector clients, including project developers and sub-contractors, and work ranges from social infrastructure to waste. Kirtpal Kaur Aujla, above, advises on PPP and PFI projects, with a focus on the education, leisure and health and social care sectors.

Sarah Greenhalgh is experienced in corporate governance for registered providers of social housing and the team was bolstered in January 2022, with the arrival of associate Carrie Davies from Gowling WLG.

With over 50 merger deals completed within the last 20 years, 2023 continues to be an excellent year for Ortus Group.

How can we help you and your law firm?

Ortus Group helps law firm owners achieve their growth plans by locating firms to buy or merge with and brokering those deals to a conclusion.

The major challenge law firm owners face is being confident they are making a sound investment, and that's where we can help you. We undertake the research on your behalf. We locate firms that align with your requirements as potential targets. This goes far beyond simply finding law firms that are on the market.

Law firm owners instruct us to deal with the acquisition as, typically, even if their management board has the skills to deal with the process, it often doesn't have the resources or bandwidth to focus time on the research and investigation phase.

Having Ortus Group on board ensures a high-execution strategy is in place to provide the best possible outcome, plus saving considerable time completing the buy-out or merger.

Ortus Group process includes: • Exploring clients' key requirements when researching the market, which in turn allows accurate targeting.

• Using our research findings to make recommendations to promote our client's message for maximum attraction.

• Forming relationships with the target firms to allow for superior quality information exchange, which in turn assists our clients.

Here are some recent success stories: On 1 October, we were proud to be associated with the successful merger between Nottingham-based Rotheras Solicitors LLP and Leicester-based Bray & Bray Solicitors. The merged firms, now called Rothera Bray LLP, created a 200-strong team with 27 partners.

Discussing the merger, Christina Yardley, CEO at Rotheras Solicitors, said: "Colin is a great person to collaborate with, not only does he have an excellent insight into the market, but he is able to spot opportunities that fit culture and take businesses forward in a purpose-led way."

Another deal brokered by Ortus Group involved the sale of Hawkins Hatton to Bamboo Law. Bamboo founder Michael Burne said: "It was a great experience being on the other side of a deal with Colin and his team at Ortus Group, who made sure we were well-informed on what his clients wanted to achieve, and importantly, exactly why.

This meant we kept our focus on the right issues through negotiations and our eyes firmly fixed on the prize."

So, if you want to merge, sell, or buy a law firm, get in touch and let's discuss your options.

For more information, email colin.white@ortusgroup.com or call 0330 100 5420 or visit https://ortusgroup.com The Legal 500 West Midlands 29

WEST MIDLANDS

FIRMS ARE LISTED A-Z WITHIN TIERS

FAMILY: BIRMINGHAM Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Irwin Mitchell Lodders Solicitors LLP Clarke Willmott LLP Duncan Lewis Solicitors Harrison Clark Rickerbys Mills & Reeve LLP Stowe Family Law LLP Sydney Mitchell LLP The Wilkes Partnership Weightmans LLP Benussi & Co Limited Shakespeare Martineau LLP Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP is a ‘first-class family law department which has great strength and depth’. Its key areas of focus are providing matrimonial advice to professionals and business owners, as well as representing children and family members in complex care and private law proceedings. The group also has a growing mediation offering and is recommended for its work in other areas such as surrogacy, female genital mutilation and domestic violence. Elizabeth Wyatt co-heads the matrimonial team along with Chris LloydSmith. Jas Tamber heads the children’s team. Maria Ramon and Madhur Sharma were recently promoted to the partnership. At associate level, Kadie Bennett and Andrew Crumpton are among the names to note.

The ‘simply amazing’ Mark Hands, left, heads the team at Irwin Mitchell.

Hands acts for very wealthy individuals and is often instructed by third parties who need to intervene in Asian divorce situations.

The Birmingham office is praised as ‘one of only a few firms outside of London which is capable of handling the very biggest cases’. Clare Wiseman is a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers. Zahra Pabani is recommended for her skill at handling ultra-high-net-worth cases, while Sarah Balfour supports many vulnerable and older clients.

At Lodders Solicitors LLP, Beverley Morris ‘leads the team in an outstanding manner. Her commitment to her clients is second to none’. Morris excels in financial remedy work and frequently also represents trustees where they are intervening or being joined to the proceedings .Vivienne Middleton is another figure who is equally adept at resolving complex financial and children cases. Justin Creed joined the ranks from Wright Hassall LLP. Creed is a 30 The Legal 500 West Midlands

1 2 3 collaborative lawyer who advises clients on a broad mix of matrimonial matters.

Caroline Dresden is also recommended for her work with clients who have very substantial assets and she has a particular interest in pensions on divorce.

Clarke Willmott LLP has a 'very supportive team' that covers the whole range of family law issues with a particular focus on complex financial and private law children matters. Headed

by Rayner Grice, above, who is praised by clients as someone who 'always goes the extra mile right from the start', the group is recognised for its skill at handling cases involving significant wealth and assets and continues to develop its expertise in dealing with cases involving domestic abuse and/or controlling and coercive behaviour. Adam Maguire advises on diverse matters such as cohabitation, disputes concerning children and nuptial agreements.

The 'extremely efficient' team at Duncan Lewis Solicitors specialises in representing clients facing emergency situations such as matters involving sexual harm, safeguarding children or domestic abuse. It is also experienced in advising on divorce and separation issues and is known for its work with clients with significant vulnerabilities ( such as mental health problems). The practice works on an interesting mix of culturally complex cases and has considerable strength in international child abduction cases. Krina Parmar and Rupinder Jagdev, above, are among the names to note at a senior level along with Jasbir Raindi and Ravi Kaur Mahey .

Victoria Fellows, above right, now heads the 'young, vibrant and female team' at Harrison Clark Rickerbys following the retirement of Kevin Harris-James (who remains a consultant at the firm). Fellows who has been described as 'LA Law

style tough, particularly good in getting bullies to back down', has a particular focus on high-value financial remedy claims on divorce. Hayley McCormack is regularly instructed in high-value financial matters. Georgina Burrows specialises in complex and often long running private law children cases. Senior Associate, Shereen Chohan ,advises predominantly high-net-worth individuals on a broad spectrum of issues.

Mills & Reeve LLP is renowned for its work with affluent clients where there are complex business and trust structures.

Other strengths lie in advising on highly conflicted children proceedings , surrogacy and fertility law cases and advising professional and family trustees. Newlypromoted partner,Katherine Kennedy, routinely deals with more complex and high-net-worth financial matters and works closely with the private wealth team on matters such as nuptial agreements. Stephanie Hawthorn advises on various complex children and financial matters.

With Rebecca Calden-Storr at the helm at Stowe Family Law LLP, the team is well-regarded for its work with wealthy individuals who have a variety of complex assets, businesses, trusts and properties that are held in the UK and internationally. Calden-Storr also has a particular focus on cases where there are elements of emotional/psychological abuse, parental alienation, narcissism and coercive control. The group garners praise for its work on complicated children matters too. Other core areas of expertise include advising on civil partnerships as well as same-sex and cohabiting couples.

The 'very efficient' team at Sydney Mitchell LLP is co-led by Karen Moores, left, and Mauro Vinti - the 'friendly and approachable' group covers a broad spectrum of issues from divorce and civil partnership dissolution to child arrangements and protective injunctions.

The firm also has a well-regarded collaborative law practice with two fully-qualified collaborative lawyer. Teresa Mannion is also an Advanced Family Law Panel member. Senior associate, Gemma Whitchurch, has considerable experience in cases where domestic violence is an issue.

The Wilkes Partnership has a 'wellregarded' team that advises clients from all backgrounds including company

directors, dentists, doctors and their spouses on an extensive range of complex financial and children cases. Aaron Keene, left, a collaborative law practitioner, heads the private family law team. Ruth Harrison-Byrne leads the public law childcare team. She has developed a reputation for her work with competent teenage clients who instruct her directly on often very complex cases involving issues such as serious sexual abuse allegations. Senior associate, Sian Kenkre, is another name to note.

Manchesterbased Emma Collins , heads the department at Weightmans LLP that is praised for 'its attention to detail'. In Birmingham, Tania DerrettSmith ’s areas of practice include divorce, pre and post nuptial agreements and advising on arrangements for children. She has considerable experience in cases involving family businesses, properties in the UK and overseas as well cases involving complex pensions issues.

Associate, Rupa Parekh, specialises in financial matters arising from separation and divorce. Fiona O’Sullivan has now retired.

Diane Benussi, left, is a key figure at Benussi & Co Limited. Helen Benussi, Helen Jane Arnold and Denise McKenna are among the other highly regarded members of the team. It typically acts in cases involving net assets of between £3m-£30m and is skilled at handling cases where there are complex business structures and trusts. Lucy Johnston often advises on contact disputes and parental alienation matters.

Aasha Choudhary now heads the department at Shakespeare Martineau LLP as the former head of department, Mary Kaye, has moved to Rayden Solicitors. The team receives plaudits for its ‘excellent advice and client care‘.

Choudhary works on a varied caseload of complex financial remedy matters where there are often substantial international elements and frequently advises on domestic and international relocation cases. Associate, Monica Ghai, above. and Robert Norris are well-regarded. Prem Ahark is now at gunnercooke LLP .

FAMILY: ELSEWHERE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS Brethertons LLP FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Harrison Clark Rickerbys Higgs LLP Thursfields Solicitors Lanyon Bowdler MFG Solicitors LLP Alsters Kelley Solicitors Ltd Band Hatton Button LLP George Green LLP Mercy Messenger Pickerings Solicitors Wright Hassall LLP Brethertons LLP garners praise for its work on all issues relating to relationship separation where there are complex and high-value national and international personal and business assets. The team also receives plaudits for its work on children’s matters and for its niche expertise in areas as diverse as child abduction, care proceedings, international adoption and surrogacy. In addition, the practice frequently advises on domestic violence. Linda Jones, above, handles a variety of complicated financial disputes. Simon Craddock is recommended for his international children work as is Kim Lehal. Dominic Wisdom and Joshua Russell are also well-regarded.

Under Philip Cowell ’s leadership, FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has an excellent reputation for its work on high-value and complex family cases where there are diverse assets such as overseas property, farming partnerships or inherited wealth. It is also experienced in dealing with Children Act cases where there are serious allegations as well as safeguarding issues.

Deputy District Judge, Anne Thomson, above, acts on a range of high level financial remedy cases and all types of matrimonial cases involving intricate business and farming structures. Sarah Millington has particular strength in farming cases while Claire Darley is an experienced mediator. Elizabeth HarrisClark has recently been promoted to the partnership.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys is' without doubt the market leader in family law in Worcester and the surrounding area, and has a prominent presence across the West Midlands and beyond'.

Nadia Davis and Nick Rodriguez, above, co-lead the department which

1 2 3 has 'exceptional lawyers at all levels of seniority'. The group receives a steady flow of instructions from wealthy individuals and has strong links with farming communities. Rodriguez joined the department from Clifton Ingram LLP Solicitors. In addition, the group frequently advises active and retired members of HM armed forces and their spouses on a range of complex financial disputes and children cases.

Anita Hennessey, as a Higher Rights Advocate, is well-regarded for her experience in contentious children matters. Andrew Caldicott is now a part-time consultant.

The 'great' team at Higgs LLP, predominantly works with owner managed businesses, entrepreneurs and wealthy families on issues such as wealth protection, family relationship protection and family child protection.

The 'highly rated' Philip Barnsley, above, who heads the department is a trained collaborative lawyer - he is 'committed and very hardworking'. Barnsley has particular expertise in dealing with pre and post nuptial agreements for high-net-worth individuals and advising on complex variations of existing orders. Rhian Gray has a keen interest in private matrimonial and family law issues for married couples, civil partners and cohabitees. The 'approachable' Sioned Fitt is skilled at advising on all aspects of child arrangements.

Thursfields Solicitors has ‘an outstanding team of leading family practitioners and future stars’ that is led by Shane Miller, left. Philip Rea, a 'titan of the Midlands', receives plaudits for his work on all aspects of relationship breakdown, divorce and financial remedy as well as covering nuptial agreements and private law children matters. Miller and Rea are praised for their 'coolness under pressure and for their clear and pragmatic advice'. The group

covers a wide range of matrimonial matters including complex financial cases, separation and children matters in addition to post and pre-nuptial agreements. Lorna Tipple is also recommended. Hannah Nicholls and Harbinder Gosal are both wellregarded.

Vandaele who heads the practice, has particular expertise in advising on the financial implications of relationship breakdown. Richard Port is experienced in all aspects of complex child arrangements and matrimonial matters where there are high value and business assets.

Lanyon Bowdler has a strong reputation for its work on the full gamut of complex issues involving financial remedy, children and divorce. It is skilled at handling cases where there are business structures and trusts. On the children side, the group frequently advises on internal and external relocation cases, domestic violence and cases involving significant welfare issues. Telford-based Sue Hodgson, above, heads the department. Philippa Pearson, who is based at the Hereford office, is recommended for her work on complex financial matters.

Mercy Messenger is a boutique firm that deals with all aspects of family law.

It focuses on family businesses, children matters and supporting children under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989. The 'incredibly hardworking' Mercy Messenger heads the practice that includes Harpreet Saund, above, who specialises in children matters.

The well-respected team at MFG Solicitors LLP is adept at handling all issues that arise from divorce, separation and child-related issues.

It frequently advises wealthy clients with complex financial arrangements including family businesses, family trusts and complicated pension arrangements under Claire Backler 's leadership. Katherine Tippetts is another key partner who specialises in high-net-worth matrimonial finances.

Recently promoted partner, Rupinder Nandra, is a known name for her work on contested children matters while Gurdip Kaur Brring has considerable experience in pre-marital agreements.

At Alsters Kelley Solicitors Ltd, new addition to the team, Shelley De’Worringham leads on private family matters- she joined the firm from Child & Child. Lisa Blizzard spearheads the public family law team. Erica Kemp is another key figure who is a trained mediator and a collaborative lawyer.

The ‘approachable and knowledgeable‘ team is praised for ‘always being on top of the facts‘. Jonathan Miller, above, is also recommended. However, Sarah Ingram is now at Franklins Solicitors LLP and Catherine Stephens has secured an inhouse position.

"The 'professional and strong' team at Pickerings Solicitors is jointly led by Susan Davies who concentrates on divorce and finance work and Richard Westley who excels in children matters.

It regularly deals with high-net-worth matrimonial cases where there are businesses, properties and pensions involved. Three of the solicitors who specialise in children work are members of the Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation Scheme and are frequently instructed by the children’s guardians.

Wright Hassall LLP represents many clients who either own businesses or hold a senior position in business and regularly acts for parties in the agricultural and rural business sectors too. The team is also experienced at acting for individuals on private applications relating to children. Dal Heran, above, is the department head and advises on all aspects of family law for both married and unmarried families. Justin Creed is now at Lodders Solicitors LLP.

Band Hatton Button LLP has Tracy Cross, left, at the helm who is an accredited mediator she is able to undertake child inclusive mediation and hybrid mediation. Both Cross and Peter Martin are experienced advocates. The team regularly handles cases where companies and family businesses are involved and is also skilled at advising on pre- and post-nuptial agreements.

George Green LLP covers the full gamut of family law matters. Mark The Legal 500 West Midlands 31

WEST MIDLANDS

SPECIAL FEATURE FIRMS ARE LISTED A-Z WITHIN TIERS

KANG & CO SUPPORT SHELTER

GENERAL CRIME AND FRAUD Jonas Roy Bloom Kangs Solicitors Tuckers Solicitors Cartwright King Alsters Kelley Solicitors Ltd Clyde & Co DWF GQS Solicitors Hussain Solicitors Kang & Co Solicitors Keoghs LLP Lanyon Bowdler Spearheaded by Hamraj Kang, left, ('one of the most sought-after solicitors in the country'), the large fraud and criminal defence team at Kangs Solicitors 'attracts headline work due to its brilliant team of lawyers'. The group is well-known nationally for advising Premier League football clubs and media/ sports personalities on a diverse range of criminal issues. In addition, the group has been busy advising on fraud issues emanating from the government support programmes. The 'totally unflappable' John Veale continues to deal with some of the most serious and complex large scale mortgage frauds and CIS fraud cases. Helen Holder heads the Crown Court department. Timothy Thompson is also recommended.

The excellent team at Cartwright King regularly defends directors, senior employees and the management of multinational companies who are accused of serious financial crime.

Laura Smith and John Allchin head the practice that also advises companies on how to avoid fraud. Other core areas of focus include advising on extradition matters and civil High Court judicial review proceedings. Its complex fraud work is a mix of privately paid, publicly funded and insurance backed work.

Allchin is a Grade ‘A’ supervisor under the VHCC arrangements. Chris Wall is now at Tuckers Solicitors.

Jas Thiara, an associate and Higher Courts Advocate, heads the team at Alsters Kelley Solicitors Ltd. The group specialises in all areas of criminal law from the investigation stage right through to appeals. Thiara has represented clients on a wide range of matters from breaches of food safety regulations, professional conduct matters to motoring offences and criminal defence work. She also has considerable experience of representing vulnerable clients with mental health and learning difficulties.

The fraud practice group at Clyde & Co is co-headed by Birmingham-based Sarah Hill, left, and Manchester-based Damien Rourke. It specialises in the full range of fraud intelligence and legal services. The team acts for 19 out of 20 of the top general insurers in the 32 The Legal 500 West Midlands

1 2 3 UK and Ireland. It manages everything from high-profile criminal private prosecutions and low value claims through to high-value multi-track claims.

Lorraine Carolan, left; Miles Hepworth and Michael Henman co-head the large fraud and financial crime team at DWF. Carolan has considerable sector expertise in insurance and financial risk as well as other areas such as logistics, retail and hospitality.

Henman is adept at representing motor insurers in the defence of fraudulent third-party and first-party claims.

Hepworth has extensive experience in counter fraud and claims validation in addition to defending suspected fraudulent insurance claims.

GQS Solicitors is led by Ishfaq Qadir and Ahmer Sattar. It regularly advises clients when they are being investigated and prosecuted by various law enforcement agencies including the HMRC, UK Border Agency and the Trading Standards. In addition, it has continued to receive new instructions on complex cases such as drugs, murder and attempted murder as well as historical sexual abuse claims.

Basharat Hussain heads an ‘efficient, hardworking and tactically astute’ team at Hussain Solicitors. It is a wellregarded legal aid firm that covers all aspects of criminal defence. Its work spans minor theft and motoring to complex fraud, murder and terrorism.

Abid Hussain is another name to note he is an experienced Solicitor Advocate with higher rights of audience.

Kang & Co Solicitors excels in working on privately funded motoring and criminal matters across England and Wales.

The group frequently defends clients on serious matters such as causing death by dangerous driving as well as speeding offences. Other areas of expertise include advising on a variety of regulatory and licensing matters. Manjinder Kang and Thomas Wheeler co-head the practice.

Each year, Kang & Co Solicitors works with a regional or national charity to raise funds during that specific year. In previous years the law firm has supported Birmingham Dogs Home, Acorns Children's Hospice, Sense and last year mental health charity Birmingham Mind.

For 2023 Kang & Co have partnered with homelessness charity, Shelter. The mission of the charity is to defend the right for people to have a safe home.

Shelter is a registered charity that campaigns for tenant rights in Great Britain. It gives advice, information and advocacy to people and lobbies government and local authorities for new laws and policies. It works in partnership with Shelter Cymru in Wales and the Housing Rights Service in Northern Ireland.

Shelter offer advice and support services on a one-to-one personal basis to help with housing issues and homeless. They have a free emergency helpline which is open all year round, to answer calls from anyone who is struggling with a housing issue or homelessness. They also have an in-house team of solicitors who provide free legal advice and attend Court to help people who have lost their homes or are facing eviction from their homes.

Kang & Co Solicitors director Manjinder Kang spoke about the law firms 2023 partnership with Shelter: “It is a privilege to have Shelter as our fundraising charity partner for this year. In a time where the basic need of a safe roof above ones head seems to be harder to come by, Shelter’s work is extremely vital. Shelter have helped millions of people locally and nationally with housing issues and homelessness for over 50 years. The right to a safe home is a key principle for Shelter that we can certainly get behind.”

Regional Community Fundraiser (Birmingham) Fiona Conn of Shelter commented on the partnership and describes the important services and support that Shelter provide: “By Kang and Co choosing us as their Charity of the Year, they will be supporting those facing homelessness locally, via the services we offer. Our services are designed to advise, guide and support people with all types of housing needs – whether it takes a short conversation or intensive support over several months. In the past few years our hub has supported people across the city through advice, support, legal cover and practical assistance, and we can only continue to do this with the support of fantastic organisations like this.”

HEALTH & SAFETY DAC Beachcroft LLP Gowling WLG Pinsent Masons LLP Shoosmiths LLP Bevan Brittan LLP Browne Jacobson LLP Clyde & Co DWF Gateley Legal Weightmans LLP Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Kennedys Keoghs LLP Squire Patton Boggs At DAC Beachcroft LLP, Leeds-based Chris Baranowski, left, heads the department nationally. Out of Birmingham, associate, Steven Harrison is well-regarded. It is a large team that advises many clients on the most significant manslaughter, health and safety and environmental cases that are investigated in the UK. Its industry expertise spans construction, real estate, healthcare and other areas including rail, transport and utilities. In addition, the team receives a steady flow of instructions from the majority of the top 20 insurers. It remains a trusted advisor to numerous longstanding clients in highly regulated sectors such as central government, financial services and social care.

Gowling WLG has a thriving and ‘active’ practice that is ably led by Andrew Litchfield, left. Litchfield has long-standing experience of advising on regulatory criminal offences, statutory public inquiries and inquests. He frequently advises on investigations that are conducted by the police, Health and Safety Executive, Environment Agency, local authority as well as by the Coroner. The team is immersed in key sectors such as construction, building, quarrying, aerospace and defence and is repeatedly instructed on highly complex matters.

Another key member of the talented team is principal associate Michael Hafen - Hafen specialises in the defence of civil/ criminal litigation arising from various regulatory breaches.

Pinsent Masons LLP is ‘blue chip and top of the tree’ say clients. At the Birmingham office, the ‘practical’ Sean Elson is ‘very good at what he does’. The group operates

1 2 3 across all UK jurisdictions and is regularly instructed in high-profile and serious incidents. Clients are drawn from all sectors but the practice has built up considerable expertise in advising clients in high hazard industries such as construction, manufacturing, waste and energy. Another growth area for the practice is advising on fire and building safety. At associate level, Hannah Burton is another name to note.

The ‘firstrate’ team at Shoosmiths LLP is ‘great and active' and is 'client and solution focused’.

It is headed by the ‘very experienced’ Roy Tozer who continues to lead the firm’s team that is involved in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, while also working for some other key and significant clients. Hayley Saunders, above, is ‘excellent’ and she regularly conducts her own advocacy - her work spans both contentious and non-contentious matters across a wide range of industries. Saunders often advises on investigations and prosecutions for manslaughter in addition to health and safety offences.

New addition to the team at senior associate level, Kirsty Hughes, is also well-regarded.

Bevan Brittan LLP provides the full scope of health and safety support to both the private and public sectors. Under the leadership of Adam Kendall, its work spans non-contentious advice as well as representing clients in contentious proceedings. It frequently acts for local authorities prosecuting matters as well as advising private and public sector organisations when defending cases. Legal director, Louise Mansfield, above, is ‘pragmatic and sensible, while always acting in the best interests of her clients’. Mansfield advises many well-known corporate clients and public sector organisations across the full range of health and safety matters.

Browne Jacobson LLP continues to be busy advising many private sector

organisations on various health and safety accidents and incidents (including fatal accidents).

Under the joint leadership of Nottinghambased Andrew Hopkin and Birmingham-based Rachel Lyne, above, the group represents a significant number of public sector clients too.

Also, of note, is the fact that the practice prosecutes health and safety cases for local authorities and the fire authorities.

Senior associate, Luke Deal, is another known name.

At Clyde & Co, the ‘collaborative’ Bob Davies, left, who ‘represents his clients really well’, leads the criminal regulatory team at the Birmingham office.

Davies advises on fatal workplace accidents, claims for corporate manslaughter and gross negligence claims. He frequently defends clients in investigations and prosecutions. At coronial proceedings, Davies provides police station representation, advice during regulatory interviews and representation in the Magistrates and Coroner’s Court.

The 'superbly resourced' team at DWF of 'excellent partners and senior associates', has expertise across a number of sectors from energy and retail to entertainment and manufacturing. David Egan, left, heads the Birmingham offering, which has an impressive client base of insurers, large corporates and individuals. The group specialises in contentious health and safety work but is also skilled on the advisory side. Senior associate, Caroline Depledge, who is praised for her ' studious attention to detail', has a wealth of experience of defending companies, company directors and individuals. The practice was recently boosted by the arrival of a number of former Plexus Law lawyers, including partners Damon Burt and Anthony Bushell.

The nationwide team at Gateley Legal provides a ‘one-stop’ fatal accident, major incident and crisis management service to a national client base. It deals with all aspects of crisis management - the Birmingham team is led by Ruth Armstrong, above.

The practice has a strong reputation across a number of sectors including transport, waste management and leisure. It acts for a number of the top 20 housebuilders in the UK as well as blue-chip companies, SMEs and owner managed businesses. Kate Oliver specialises in the defence of all types of accident investigations and regularly attends the Coroners Courts.

Andrew Brammer, left, at Weightmans LLP has a proven track record of successfully defending national and international organisations across multiple sectors in cases involving the HSE, Environment Agency and the local authority trading standards.

Principal associate, Tom Boulton , has developed a growing reputation for successfully defending individuals and organisations on the full range of health and safety offences. Associate, James Muller , is a committed regulatory lawyer who covers inquests, corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter cases. The 'excellent' team forms part of a strong national offering.

The regulatory department at Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP is particularly renowned for its work with clients in specific sectors such as social housing, health and social care, charities and education. It also has considerable strength in helping social businesses and local government. Head of department, Tim Coolican above, is well-regarded for his advice on a myriad of regulatory, enforcement and compliance issues. Coolican is skilled at representing registered providers in police, CQC and HSE investigations and prosecutions as well as during inquest proceedings.

Head of department at Kennedys is Naomi North, who advises and represents companies and individuals facing health and safety investigations by the police, HSE and local authorities. North receives a steady flow of instructions from corporate clients and insurers and deals with the most serious of incidents often resulting in fatal/serious injury.

The crime and regulatory team at Keoghs LLP is best known for its involvement in high profile cases and for its advice on serious regulatory breaches across all service sectors. It acts for corporate bodies, insurers and individual directors. The team’s core work is defending corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter cases, in addition to health and safety and environmental breaches. Chris Green along with Tim Ingram (who are both based in Coventry) are recommended.

Manchester-based Rob Elvin, left, leads the team at Squire Patton Boggs. Elvin, who has higher rights of audience, focuses on corporate defence and regularly trains PLC boards on directors’ duties.

Gary Lewis is certified as a Lead Accident Investigator and has a wealth of experience in a broad range of health and safety matters.

The Legal 500 West Midlands 33

WEST MIDLANDS

WEST MIDLANDS HALL OF FAME, NEXT GENE HALL OF FAME

Elizabeth Gane, Gowling WLG

Colin Rodrigues Hawkins Hatton

CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL Mark Burgess DLA Piper LLP (US) Mark Beardmore Eversheds Sutherland Jeremy Millington Gowling WLG Colin Rodrigues Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited Andrew Hornigold Pinsent Masons LLP Geoff Perry Squire Patton Boggs DISPUTE RESOLUTION Stephen Goodrham Gateley Legal Alex Bishop Shoosmiths LLP

Rebecca McGuirk, Trowers & Hamlins

Charlie Rae, Shoosmiths LLP

EMPLOYMENT Alan Jones Sandra Wallace Martin Chitty Andrew Litchfield Elizabeth Gane Richard Black Jog Hundle Sean Elson Charlie Rae Roy Tozer Rebecca McGuirk Kathy Halliday

Averta Employment Lawyers DLA Piper LLP (US) Gowling WLG Gowling WLG Gowling WLG Gowling WLG Mills & Reeve LLP Pinsent Masons LLP Shoosmiths LLP Shoosmiths LLP Trowers & Hamlins LLP VWV

Jamie De Souza

Trowers & Hamlins LLP

EMPLOYMENT Ben Mason Douglas Mullen James Gutteridge Louise Mansfield Emma Phillips Darren Middleton Hannah Wilkins Merran Sewell Christopher Stiles Jemma O’Reilly Elaine Huttley Helen Corden Katie Ivens Tom Long Kate-Emma Bailey Victoria Jeacock Emma-Louise Hewitt Pam Sidhu Lisa Kemp Tom Brett Young

Aaron & Partners LLP Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Bevan Brittan LLP Bevan Brittan LLP DLA Piper LLP (US) Duncan Lewis Solicitors Eversheds Sutherland Gateley Legal Gowling WLG Heminsley Law Irwin Mitchell Pinsent Masons LLP Pinsent Masons LLP Shakespeare Martineau LLP Squire Patton Boggs Squire Patton Boggs Sydney Mitchell LLP The Wilkes Partnership Thursfields Solicitors VWV

FINANCE Richard Holmes Ben Tumelty Jenna Poulton Chris Jones

DWF Eversheds Sutherland Eversheds Sutherland Gateley Legal

Sarah White, Browne Jacobson LLP

Alan Jones, Averta Employment Lawyers

FINANCE Huw Dolphin Andrew Jordan Andrew Madden Jon Bew James Keates

DLA Piper LLP (US) Eversheds Sutherland Gateley Legal Shoosmiths LLP Shoosmiths LLP

INSURANCE Rankeshwar Batta Rankeshwar Batta Adrian Dagnall Sarah White James Harvey

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Bevan Brittan LLP Browne Jacobson LLP Clyde & Co

Navin Prabhakar Alan Meiklejohn Stuart Taylor Amy Keogh David Varnham Esther Parkes Victoria Baker Natalie Barnes

Gowling WLG Harrison Clark Rickerbys Harrison Clark Rickerbys Irwin Mitchell Mills & Reeve LLP Pinsent Masons LLP Pinsent Masons LLP Shoosmiths LLP

INSURANCE Ann Houghton Ann Houghton Matthew Harpin David Thompson Verinder Bedi Paul Cox Jacqui Kendall Paul Donnelly Steven Santy Jenna Harris Laura Daly Tom Fletcher Avinder Sidhu Mark Walsh Ryan Bird Debbie Humphries Ravinder Johal

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Browne Jacobson LLP Clyde & Co Clyde & Co DAC Beachcroft LLP DWF DWF Higgs LLP Irwin Mitchell Irwin Mitchell Irwin Mitchell Kennedys Kennedys Keoghs LLP Lanyon Bowdler Shakespeare Martineau LLP

NEXT GEN PARTNERS CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL Mike Jackson Browne Jacobson LLP Robert Newman DLA Piper LLP (US) Ryan Harrison DLA Piper LLP (US) Nigel Cooke Eversheds Sutherland Tom Rush Gateley Legal Sarah Riding Gowling WLG Clare Emery Harrison Clark Rickerbys Jamie Partington Higgs LLP Edward Burrell Lanyon Bowdler Jon Robinson Parisi Tax LLP Clare Francis Pinsent Masons LLP Alistair Hammerton Shoosmiths LLP Tim Edwards Thursfields Solicitors CRIME, FRAUD AND LICENSING John Allchin Cartwright King Matt O'Brien Jonas Roy Bloom Helen Holder Kangs Solicitors John Veale Kangs Solicitors DISPUTE RESOLUTION Darren Kenny DWF Martin Ward Eversheds Sutherland Victoria Savage Eversheds Sutherland Stephen May Fieldfisher Liam Owen George Green LLP Samuel Pedley MFG Solicitors LLP

RISING STARS CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL Emma Rowley Ansons Clare Hanna Browne Jacobson LLP Simon Wright DLA Piper LLP (US) Nick Hinton DLA Piper LLP (US) Tajinder Barring DWF Helen Higginbotham Harrison Clark Rickerbys Katie Willems Higgs LLP Matt Smith Irwin Mitchell Keri Pointon Pickerings Solicitors Georgina Rennie Shoosmiths LLP DISPUTE RESOLUTION Raman Dhillon Band Hatton Button LLP Laura Moorcroft DLA Piper LLP (US) Ben Griffin DWF Matthew Goodwin DWF Sarah Hope Eversheds Sutherland Ridah Iqbal Eversheds Sutherland Victoria Callicott Eversheds Sutherland Elisabeth Glover FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Zaakira Allana Fieldfisher Tom Williams Harrison Clark Rickerbys Grace Strawford Shakespeare Martineau LLP Jordon Bray Shoosmiths LLP Mariyam Harunah Squire Patton Boggs Emily Sharples Trowers & Hamlins LLP Jennifer Rhind Wright Hassall LLP 34 The Legal 500 West Midlands

EMPLOYMENT Jason Alcock Ansons Gayle Monk A nthony Collins Solicitors LLP Izzy Canning Averta Employment Lawyers Hayley O’Sullivan Browne Jacobson LLP Lydia Michaelson-Yeates Browne Jacobson LLP Philip Wood Browne Jacobson LLP Jonathan Lewis Capsticks LLP Raj Chahal Capsticks LLP Steven Harrison DAC Beachcroft LLP Caroline Depledge DWF Michael Hardiman Eversheds Sutherland James Ellis Eversheds Sutherland Tom Meyrick Eversheds Sutherland Joanne Duck Gateley Legal Kate Oliver Gateley Legal Michael Hafen Gowling WLG Abisola Latunji-Cockbil Mills & Reeve LLP Siân Jackson Mills & Reeve LLP Rami Labib Pinsent Masons LLP Amy Walker Pinsent Masons LLP Chris Haines Pinsent Masons LLP Melissa Southall Sydney Mitchell LLP Alex Lawrence Trowers & Hamlins LLP Louis Sebastian Trowers & Hamlins LLP Talitha Degwa VWV James Muller Weightmans LLP Tom Boulton Weightmans LLP

FINANCE Aino Miles DLA Piper LLP (US) Gemma Rooney DLA Piper LLP (US) Deborah Brown DLA Piper LLP (US) Anne-Louise Lawrence Eversheds Sutherland Grace MillarFreeths LLP Alison Davidson-Cox Gateley Legal Sharon Malhi Gateley Legal Angela Rawlins Gowling WLG Oliver Morgan Pinsent Masons LLP Sarah Robinson Pinsent Masons LLP Sheena Tandy Shakespeare Martineau LLP Charlotte Duce Shoosmiths LLP Oliver Ward-Jones Squire Patton Boggs IMMIGRATION Melissa Southall Talitha Degwa

Sydney Mitchell LLP VWV

INSURANCE Victoria Fullilove Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Elena Goodfellow Bevan Brittan LLP Emma Rees Browne Jacobson LLP Hannah Wallace Browne Jacobson LLP Louise Jeffers Browne Jacobson LLP Paul Smith DAC Beachcroft LLP Louise Howard Fodens Solicitors Sarah Huntbach Higgs LLP

ERATION PARTNERS & RISING STARS 2023

Rhodri Richards, DAC Beachcroft LLP

LIsa Jordan, Irwin MItchell

Rhodri Richards Sara May Damon Burt Derek Adamson Lorraine Carolan Lisa Jordan Angus Turner

DAC Beachcroft LLP DAC Beachcroft LLP DWF DWF DWF Irwin Mitchell Mills & Reeve LLP

PRIVATE CLIENT Beverley Morris Robert Weston Marc Saunderson Matthew Hansell

Lodders Solicitors LLP MFG Solicitors LLP Mills & Reeve LLP Mills & Reeve LLP

PRIVATE CLIENT Maria Ramon Adam Maguire Liam Owen Gemma Fenton Rhian Gray Sarah Balfour Claire Vale Neil Davies Mark Terrar Eamonn Daly Lisa Whitehouse Andrew Chandler Lucy Howard Katherine Kennedy Lucy Cooling Jennie Wheildon Hannah Tait Verity Kirby Harbinder Gosal Rachael Armstrong Ethan Desai Katie Alsop

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Clarke Willmott LLP George Green LLP George Green LLP Higgs LLP Irwin Mitchell Lanyon Bowdler Lanyon Bowdler Meridian Private Client LLP Meridian Private Client LLP Meridian Private Client LLP MFG Solicitors LLP Mills & Reeve LLP Mills & Reeve LLP Pickerings Solicitors Shakespeare Martineau LLP Shakespeare Martineau LLP Shakespeare Martineau LLP Thursfields Solicitors VWV Wright Hassall LLP Wright Hassall LLP

PROJECTS, ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES Zoe Stollard Browne Jacobson LLP Dominic Richardson Gowling WLG Elizabeth Williams Gowling WLG James Stanier Gowling WLG

Sue Allen Higgs LLP Laura Weir Lanyon Bowdler Vicky Blodwell Shakespeare Martineau LLP Brian Jones Shakespeare Martineau LLP Natasha Read Shoosmiths LLP Richard Bannister Shoosmiths LLP Mike Sutton Sydney Mitchell LLP Christian Lowden Weightmans LLP PRIVATE CLIENT Jonathan Miller Alsters Kelley Solicitors Ltd Andrew Crumpton Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Kadie Bennett Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Sally Jones Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Denise McKenna Benussi & Co Limited Joshua Russell Brethertons LLP Caroline Young Clarke Willmott LLP Angie Manley FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Kimberly Mears FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Max Orbach Freeths LLP Christopher Finch Harrison Clark Rickerbys Ellie Williams Higgs LLP Sioned Fitt Higgs LLP Jennifer Russell Lodders Solicitors LLP Emma-Louise Green Meridian Private Client LLP Kieran Leahy Mills & Reeve LLP Sarah Wood Mills & Reeve LLP Alistair Spencer Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Callum Nuttall, Gateley Legal

Lorraine Carolan, DWF

PROJECT, ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES Stephen Kenny Gowling WLG Andrew Whitehead Shakespeare Martineau LLP REAL ESTATE Paul Maile David Feist Lisa Barge Paul Moorcroft Callum Nuttall John Burns Ashley Pigott Cherry Elliott

PUBLIC SECTOR Rachel Soundy Monica Macheng Kirtpal Kaur Aujla Tom Eastwood Geraldine Swanton Jasmine Armstrong

Eversheds Sutherland Eversheds Sutherland Eversheds Sutherland Eversheds Sutherland Gateley Legal Gowling WLG Gowling WLG Higgs LLP

Bevan Brittan LLP Bevan Brittan LLP Bevan Brittan LLP Pinsent Masons LLP Shakespeare Martineau LLP Weightmans LLP

REAL ESTATE Alex Jayne-Lowe Ansons Philip Scully Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Zoe Stollard Browne Jacobson LLP Ben Standing Browne Jacobson LLP Henry Matveieff Capsticks LLP Katie Jacobson DLA Piper LLP (US) Rob Holloway Eversheds Sutherland Suzanne Tucker FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Alex Johnson Freeths LLP Chris Adams Gateley Legal Amira Khan Gateley Legal Emma Fawkes-UnderwoodGeorge Green LLP Matthew Walker Gowling WLG Gemma Whittaker Gowling WLG Rob Bridgeman Gowling WLG James Polo-Richards JG Poole & Co. LLP Stuart Tym Knights plc Victoria Longmore Lodders Solicitors LLP

Sian Kenkre The Wilkes Partnership Hannah Nicholls Thursfields Solicitors Sarah Beer Wright Hassall LLP PUBLIC SECTOR Gayle Monk Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Hayley O’Sullivan Browne Jacobson LLP Lydia Michaelson-Yeates Browne Jacobson LLP Philip Wood Browne Jacobson LLP Abisola Latunji-Cockbil Mills & Reeve LLP Siân Jackson Mills & Reeve LLP Rami Labib Pinsent Masons LLP Amy Walker Pinsent Masons LLP Chris Haines Pinsent Masons LLP Alex Lawrence Trowers & Hamlins LLP Louis Sebastian Trowers & Hamlins LLP REAL ESTATE Jon Rowley Neil Faunch Gavin Hoccom Rachel Williams Amy Truman Ian Graves Pieter Claussen Arren Thornton Dinah Patel Hannah Greatbatch

Ansons Ansons Browne Jacobson LLP DLA Piper LLP (US) DLA Piper LLP (US) DLA Piper LLP (US) DLA Piper LLP (US) Eversheds Sutherland Fieldfisher Freeths LLP

Stephen Ollerenshaw, Codified Legal

Jagvinder Singh Kang, Mills & Reeve

Mark Miller Adrian Bland Roy Tozer Tim Willis Nick Green Graeme Bradley Robert Norris David Gordon

Lodders Solicitors LLP Shakespeare Martineau LLP Shoosmiths LLP Shoosmiths LLP Squire Patton Boggs Squire Patton Boggs Squire Patton Boggs Squire Patton Boggs

TECHNOLOGY, MEDIA AND TELECOMS Stephen Ollerenshaw Codified Legal Kate SwaineGowling WLG Marie McMorrow HGF Law Jagvinder Singh Kang Mills & Reeve LLP Cerys Wyn Davies Pinsent Masons LLP

Heidi Brennan Lodders Solicitors LLP David Raymont MFG Solicitors LLP Carl Scott Pinsent Masons LLP Tom Eastwood Pinsent Masons LLP Heidi Slater Pinsent Masons LLP Kate Onions Shakespeare Martineau LLP Anna Cartledge Shakespeare Martineau LLP Rachel Gwynne Shakespeare Martineau LLP Tim Flight Shoosmiths LLP Elinor Sandbach Shoosmiths LLP Anita Lloyd Squire Patton Boggs Michelle Adams Squire Patton Boggs Digby Morgan Trowers & Hamlins LLP Paul Scott Trowers & Hamlins LLP Victoria Ball Trowers & Hamlins LLP Digby Morgan Trowers & Hamlins LLP Yetunde Dania Trowers & Hamlins LLP TECHNOLOGY, MEDIA AND TELECOMS Nick Smee Browne Jacobson LLP Satnam Sahota DLA Piper LLP (US) Iona Silverman Freeths LLP Jo Alderson Pinsent Masons LLP Tom Nener Pinsent Masons LLP Andrew Brennan Shoosmiths LLP

Kate Oliver Arminder Dhillon Gemma Courtenay Sally Farrall Tania McGee Daniel MacLeod Charlotte De Silva Jonathan Vickers Jonathan Leary Matthew Fox Craig Downhill Pierre Smith Sarah Campey Pia Eames Michael Bennett Richard Willcox Caroline Almond

Gateley Legal Gowling WLG Gowling WLG Gowling WLG Lanyon Bowdler Lodders Solicitors LLP Mills & Reeve LLP Pinsent Masons LLP Pinsent Masons LLP Pinsent Masons LLP Pinsent Masons LLP Pinsent Masons LLP Pinsent Masons LLP Shakespeare Martineau LLP Shoosmiths LLP Shoosmiths LLP Squire Patton Boggs

TECHNOLOGY, MEDIA AND TELECOMS Jess Johnson Browne Jacobson LLP Michael Carter Gowling WLG Katy Bourne Pinsent Masons LLP Sam Tibbetts Squire Patton Boggs

The Legal 500 West Midlands 35

WEST MIDLANDS

FIRMS ARE LISTED A-Z WITHIN TIERS

IMMIGRATION

1

Duncan Lewis Solicitors Sydney Mitchell LLP VWV Wright Hassall LLP

2

Bevan Brittan LLP Shakespeare Martineau LLP The Wilkes Partnership Duncan Lewis Solicitors fields a large team that has significant experience in immigration, asylum, human rights and judicial review claimant matters.

It is co-led by Ahmed Aydeed and Darren Middleton who excel in advising on publicly funded immigration issues. The group has developed a number of specialisms such as representing vulnerable clients who are victims of torture or trafficking in asylum and human rights matters as well as on detained asylum cases.

It is also recognised for its work with unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.

In addition, the group is skilled at representing claimants in judicial review proceedings.

Andre Minnaar, left, has recently been promoted to the partnership.

Minnaar and Melissa Southall, right, are part of a ‘great’ team of ‘fantastic

communicators‘ at Sydney Mitchell LLP. The group specialises in private fee-paying immigration matters of a personal and human rights-based nature. It has also recently been expanding its offering to include corporate immigration matters.

The team receives plaudits for its work on all types of entry clearance applications, renewal applications and appeals. Minnaar is a skilled tribunal advocate with a strong LGBTQI following. Southall has extensive personal immigration experience and frequently advises clients on spouse visas, applications for children, asylum issues in addition to European applications to citizenship.

of experience in acting for multi-national companies, SMEs, start-ups, HE and independent schools on a wide range of immigration matters. Other key clients include high-net-worth individuals. A significant part of his work is advising employers and education providers on their compliance duties as sponsors of worker and on student visa applications.

Senior associate, Talitha Degwa, has a primary focus on corporate immigration matters in the technology sectors.

Head of department at Wright Hassall LLP is Matthew Davies, left, who has a strong client base in sectors such as retail, advertising, financial and professional services. Davies has been busy advising some law firms on their internal immigration issues as well as providing business immigration advice to their clients. He is particularly adept at handling sensitive cases where there is a crossover between immigration and employment law especially in relation to illegal working and dismissals. The practice works closely with its corporate and employment departments to manage sponsor license applications and sponsor migrant status.

Tom Brett Young leads 'a friendly and approachable' team at VWV, which specialises in both business and personal immigration matters. He has a vast range

Bevan Brittan LLP advises a substantial number of clients on their immigration issues in the public health sector. Under the

direction of Ashley Norman, above, it also acts for various commercial services clients, university sector clients and has been working with some major City and US law firms on a range of immigration matters. Norman advises on diverse matters such as immigration compliance and audits as well as on right to work issues. Rajinder Bhambra joined, as a legal director, from Harrison Clark Rickerbys.

Head of department at Shakespeare Martineau LLP is Tijen Ahmet. Ahmet specialises in business immigration matters and is particularly recognised for her work on UK sponsorship under the points-based system. Ahmet divides her time between the London and Birmingham offices and has extensive experience of working with multinational businesses on a whole host of issues. She regularly advises global clients’ HR and mobility teams on international recruitment.

Pam Sidhu heads the practice at The Wilkes Partnership.

Sidhu, who was recently promoted to partner, is an experienced employment and immigration law practitioner who works mainly for employer clients. She has particular knowledge of advising on skilled worker sponsorship matters, sole overseas representative visas, business visitor visas as well as frontier worker permits.

When you need a helping hand...

What our clients say about us: ‘... A very professional and approachable team that provides high quality advice...’ ‘... highly recommend ...to anyone requiring immigration services...’ ‘... The team is really special – they go above and beyond to give clients the best possible outcome...’ ‘... quick to respond to any query I have and are happy to explain their advice further ...’

Call Andre Minnaar or Melissa Southall for a free assessment

0808 166 8831

immigration@sydneymitchell.co.uk

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T: 0121 698 2200

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T: 0121 700 1400

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WEST MIDLANDS

FIRMS ARE LISTED A-Z WITHIN TIERS

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 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 Recommended for its ‘strength in depth’, Browne Jacobson LLP has particular strength in the beauty, retail and automotive sectors, alongside a notable involvement in heavyweight litigation cases. The practice acts for clients in the influencer and social media sphere, as well as advising on music industry copyright issues, author agreements and merchandise deals, among other areas. ‘Strategic and methodical thinker’ Mark Daniels, above, heads the practice, with a specialism in contentious IP, routinely handling trademark, patent, database right and copyright cases. Nick Smee is vastly experienced in the automotive, aerospace and manufacturing sectors, while Bonita Trimmer bolsters the practice with a focus on brands and design disputes. Jess Johnson is capable in both the contentious and transactional spaces.

A team of ‘savvy tactical thinkers’, DLA Piper offers advice on the full range of litigious and non-litigious work, from domain name disputes to IP portfolio management. It routinely handles matters in the media, sport and hospitality sectors, among others. The practice is jointly led by Richard Taylor, who is considerably experienced in leading on litigation and transactional work, and Gareth Stokes, whose expertise encompasses licensing, exploitation and collaboration agreements; he works with clients in the automotive and software sectors.

Key contact Satnam Sahota, above, recommended for her ‘tenacity and calmness’, has vast experience in handling IP litigation, with notable strengths in the media and sports spaces. Ryan Harrison strengthens the practice with particular retail and consumer goods expertise, operating in the noncontentious space.

‘Leading IP practice’ Gowling WLG’s broad offering covers both transactional and contentious issues, with a predominant emphasis on patents and brands/designs, as well as litigation matters. Its client roster includes 38 The Legal 500 West Midlands

1 2 3 businesses in the life sciences, retail and hightech sectors, to name a few.

The practice is spearheaded by the ‘top-notch’ and ‘highly competent’ Kate Swaine, above, whose expertise involves international brand strategy and the enforcement and management of global IP portfolios. Patrick Duxbury is well regarded for his expertise in the life sciences sector, while Luke Kempton is experienced in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, engaging in various kinds of deals. Both are recommended for being ‘experienced, skilled and committed’. Legal director Michael Carter bolsters the team with strengths in the automotive sector, especially in regard to licensing.

A team of ‘outstanding insight and patience’ that is capable of handling highvalue and complex mandates, Pinsent Masons LLP are centrally involved in innovative technologies, ranging from AI and autonomous vehicles to green technologies that address climate change.

Cerys Wyn Davies helms the practice; she has vast expertise in the fields of technology, life sciences, manufacturing and education, particularly in regard to cutting-edge technologies. Tom Nener is active in various sectors including retail, sports and life sciences, among others, while Jo Alderson‘s capabilities include handling technology-related developments, licensing and transactions, as well as open source software issues. Senior associate Katy Bourne is considerably experienced in litigation matters.

Freeths LLP‘s key area of expertise is in handling IP disputes, notably for consumer-facing brands and retailers.

Other areas of expertise for the team include anti-counterfeit expertise, trademark filing and defamation cases, to name a few. Simon Barker leads the practice, acting on lots of high-profile IP disputes. Iona Silverman is another key contact at the firm. Martin Noble joined the team from Shakespeare Martineau LLP in August 2022.

HGF Law provide a ‘common sense approach’ to a wide array of IP matters, including both contentious and transactional matters, with a focus on the life sciences, advanced manufacturing, retail and food and drink sectors. The team routinely advises on IP protection, strategy and litigation. Practice head and

‘great collaborator’ Marie McMorrow is active in litigation and on transactions, often advising clients in the food and drink sector. Other key names in the team include Holly Lovack and Christie Batty.

The ‘very efficient team’ at Shakespeare Martineau LLP is active in the IP litigation space, with particular experience in patent, design and brand-related work, often with an international element. The team handles a considerable amount of IP matters for universities, as well as working for clients in an array of other sectors, including telecoms, consumer products and transport. Nicholas Briggs, above, spearheads the practice, routinely advising on contentious work, especially patent litigation, while Mauro Paiano‘s broad expertise includes cross-border matters and social media-related cases.

Other names to note include Kerry Russell, whose strengths lie in litigation.

Martin Noble departed for Freeths LLP in July 2022, while Daniel Goodall left the firm for an in-house role in April 2023.

A team that provides ‘commercial and businessfocused advice’, Shoosmiths LLP‘s practice covers the full spectrum of matters, ranging from commercial IP transactions to litigation in the brands, technology and life sciences sectors. Its clients include FTSE companies and brand owners, from various sectors such as well as biochemistry, pharmaceutical and software development. ‘Standout’ Andrew Brennan, above, leads the team, with experience in handling complex contentious issues, trademark infringement actions and enforcement actions, to name a few. Victoria Bentley‘s expertise includes patent disputes in the telecoms space, while Dominic Murphy advises clients in a broad array of sectors including biotechnology and fashion, among others. Nichola Jenkins further strengthens the team with experience in the non-contentious side of IP, routinely advising on issues relating to disruptive technologies.

A firm that provides ‘topquality advice’, Mills & Reeve LLP works for clients in various sectors, including healthcare, automotive and technology under the leadership of the ‘excellent’ practice head Claire O’Brien, above, who specialises in contentious IP, with a focus on trademark, design, copyright and patent litigation. Senior associate Natalie Welch‘s capabilities include IP protection, exploitation and enforcement, as well as domain name disputes.

Wright Hassall LLP‘s ‘strong team of individuals’ is particularly active in the manufacturing and technology sectors, handling both contentious and non-contentious branding and trade mark matters. Rhys Jarman, above, leads the team, specialising in the protection and enforcement of IP rights, as well as advising on technology disputes. Iain Colville is particularly experienced in trade marks and branding, while Luke Moulton is active in the advanced manufacturing and engineering, technology and media and entertainment arenas.

INSOLVENCY & CORPORATE RECOVERY DLA Piper Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Gateley Legal Pinsent Masons LLP Shoosmiths LLP Freeths LLP Gowling WLG Harrison Clark Rickerbys Irwin Mitchell Shakespeare Martineau LLP Squire Patton Boggs FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Sydney Mitchell LLP The Wilkes Partnership Thursfields Solicitors Wright Hassall LLP DLA Piper is able to give ‘robust advice’ regarding a broad spectrum of insolvency and restructuring issues, particularly in the automotive, hospitality, leisure and consumer services sectors. The practice is spearheaded by Huw Dolphin, above, who has expertise in corporate restructuring, refinancing and insolvency work, as well as advising on financial structurings, reconstructions and workouts. Deborah Brown strengthens the team with her experience of non-contentious work, alongside handling distressed real estate assets, financial restructurings and in the disposal of distressed businesses. Associate Aino Miles is also recommended.

Providing ‘commercial and pragmatic advice’, the Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP practice has expertise in numerous sectors including energy, retail and real estate, with notable strengths in the former particularly. The practice is jointly led

by Andrew Jordan, who is capable of leading complex restructuring matters in a wide array of sectors, and the ‘top-quality’ Jenna Poulton, who is experienced in distressed banking, asset-based lending and club/syndicated restructurings, to name a few. AnneLouise Lawrence bolsters the team with notable capability in handling real estate matters.

Gateley Legal team of ‘excellent communicators’ has extensive experience in handling both the contentious and transactional aspects of insolvency and restructuring. On the contentious side, headed by Mark Wilson, the firm has undertaken recent work that includes auditor liability, fraud claims and risk work, as well as actions against insolvency practitioners and officers. On the transactional side, headed by ‘true market-leader’ Daniel French, the firm handles a variety of matters, including, but not limited to, security structures, regulatory issues and director’s duties matters. Its

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spectrum of clients ranges from equity funds, accountants, secured lenders and creditors. Victoria Portman adds to the depth of the team with her litigation expertise.

Pinsent Masons LLP acts for a broad range of stakeholders, including funders, customers and corporates.

The practice has recently been active in the automotive sector, handling supply chain issues, as well as working on the development of restructuring plans for use in the mid-market. Practice head Amy Flavell acts on restructuring matters that involve invoice finance and asset-based lending, alongside undertaking a range of advisory roles in the automotive and aerospace sectors. Edward Sunderland advises banks and borrowers on all forms of asset-backed financing, while Samantha Palmer specialises in regulatory and restructuring assistance to professional practices, including law firms.

Shoosmiths LLP has considerable experience in advising lenders in the retail, financial services and construction spaces. Its client roster includes banks, financial institutions, accountancy firms and distressed private equity houses. James Keates, above, runs the practice, with significant expertise in advising an expansive range of clients on issues relating to distressed lending, corporate recovery and corporate insolvency, with notable strength in the retail sector. Key contact Aaron Harlow advises on a broad range of matters, while Charlotte Duce has recently handled issues arising from distressed investments.

Freeths LLP handles bankruptcy and asset recovery work, as well as contentious work in the corporate insolvency area, counting corporate, lender and funds clients in their roster.

The ‘commercial’ John Jeffreys leads the practice with vast experience in restructuring and insolvency work, primarily handling non-contentious and transactional issues. Mike Gilmour, who

jointly leads the team, offers expertise in the field of contentious insolvency and asset recovery work. Senior associate Grace Millar advises on both non-contentious and contentious insolvency issues, including prepack and post-appointment sales of company assets and businesses.

Working for clients in a broad range of sectors, Gowling WLG handles insolvency issues for pension trustees, suppliers and UK-wide regulatory bodies. Jasvir Jootla helms the practice, working for numerous stakeholders in distressed situations. Ian Weatherall adds depth to the team with his experience as an insolvency litigator, whilst senior associate Emily Rust‘s strengths lie in corporate recovery, advisory and debt restructuring work.

The ‘effective and agile’ team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys regularly operates in five sectors: namely, construction, finance, healthcare, education and defence. Recently, the firm has been involved in a number of restructuring matters. Practice head Sam Payne, above, handles advisory and transactional work, often for insolvency practitioners and lenders.

In addition, Alan Meiklejohn has recently advised lenders and secured creditors together on a variety of recovery and insolvency issues, with Hayley Phelps strengthening the team with her experience in advisory and transactional work. Stuart Taylor joined the practice in July 2022 from Pinsent Masons LLP and Monica Kapur joined from Pythagoras Capital Limited in March 2023.

Whilst able to handle a broad variety of formal insolvency processes, Irwin Mitchell has particular expertise in regard to advising ABLs on issues of security, risk and credit reviews and option reviews for distressed businesses. Transactional work is a key part of its practice, offering a cradle to grave service. Stephen George runs the practice, with notable strengths in non-contentious insolvency, more specifically dealing with pensions deficit led restructuring and insolvency assignments. The team is strengthened

by Amy Keogh, who handles matters for regional and national insolvency practitioners as well as stakeholders and lenders.

As a ‘proactive and diligent’ team with ‘technical strength’, Shakespeare Martineau LLP handles contentious and transactional matters for insolvency practitioners and lenders, as well as advisory projects for corporates. It works for clients in banking and financial services, as well the education and energy sectors.

Practice head Andrew Taylor, who is ‘commercial and approachable’, advises on a broad array of matters, with notable expertise in relation to energy company insolvencies. Legal director Sheena Tandy advises on corporate and personal insolvency, including both contentious and non-contentious aspects.

With a ‘well-earned reputation for excellence’, Squire Patton Boggs possesses experience in a number of areas, such as energy, financial

and banking restructuring as well as in sport. The practice is co-led by Devinder Singh, who has strengths in contentious insolvency and restructuring, as well as advisory work, with fellow co-lead Russell Hill specialising in reorganisations, restructurings, distressed disposals and corporate advisory work. Associate Oliver Ward-Jones is experienced in both contentious and non-contentious work.

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP, a team that is ‘easy to work with’, is able to address the full spectrum of insolvency issues, including corporate group restructurings, asset sales, formal appointments and litigation. It also handles directors' disqualification actions and associated business advice under the leadership of Gareth Ruddock, who acts for businesses, institutions and private individuals; associate Claire Bentick handles the litigation aspects of insolvency.

‘Competence coupled with commerciality’, Sydney Mitchell LLP‘s practice routinely acts for borrowers, insolvency practitioners and litigation funders, among others, and is led by Leanne Schneider-Rose, who often handles contentious insolvency claims, with particular expertise regarding transactions at an undervalue, preference claims, transactions defrauding creditors and director’s misfeasance claims. Associate Heleena Gandham is also capable of addressing contentious issues, as well as advising on recovery options for a variety of clients.

The Wilkes Partnership’s ‘skilled’ team covers contentious and noncontentious work for clients that include insolvency practitioners and directors. Practice head David Cleary has a broad practice acting for stakeholders such as directors, creditors and buyers, while Andrew Garland, a ‘highly competent professional’, often handles issues arising from the pursuit and defence of significant antecedent transactions and misfeasance claims, alongside a recent focus on tax avoidance cases.

Recommended by clients as an ‘absolute delight to work with’, Thursfields Solicitors' practice advises on both contentious and non-contentious matters, with notable expertise regarding allegations of fraud. The practice is led by Stephen Rome, above, who is retained by clients in the manufacturing and engineering sectors to handle matters that include breach of fiduciary, advanced push payment fraud and misrepresentation.

The ‘excellent’ Wright Hassall LLP specialises in acting on behalf of lenders on issues relating to disguised remuneration schemes for tax avoidance, alongside enforcement and appointment issues. Practice head Caroline Benfield ‘never fails to deliver an outstanding service’; she primarily acts for insolvency practitioners, but also a broad range of other clients are included on her roster. Elizabeth Taylor adds value to the team with her experience in pursuing and defending Insolvency Act claims.

The Legal 500 West Midlands 39

WEST MIDLANDS

FIRMS ARE LISTED A-Z WITHIN TIERS

PERSONAL TAX, TRUST AND PROBATE Lodders Solicitors LLP Meridian Private Client LLP Mills & Reeve LLP Shakespeare Martineau LLP Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Harrison Clark Rickerbys Lanyon Bowdler Sydney Mitchell LLP The Wilkes Partnership Wright Hassall LLP Aaron & Partners LLP Band Hatton Button LLP Higgs LLP MFG Solicitors LLP Pickerings Solicitors VWV Alsters Kelley Solicitors Ltd Brethertons LLP George Green LLP GHP Legal Mander Hadley Solicitors Talbot & Co Weightmans LLP The large team at Lodders Solicitors LLP has an excellent reputation for its work on a myriad of complex estate and tax planning matters. Core areas of expertise include advising on the eligibility for agricultural and business property relief in addition to dealing with all aspects of the management of trusts. The 'technically very able', Louise Igoe, above, heads the department which routinely helps high-net-worth clients. John Rouse specialises in advising business owners, farmers and wealthy individuals on estate planning matters.

Elaine Morgan is adept at handling all aspects of the management of trusts.

Associate, Jennifer Russell is also wellregarded.

The ‘user friendly’ team at Meridian Private Client LLP is particularly recommended for its complex estate and tax planning work. It is praised for building ‘strong client relationships’ and for its ‘excellent technical knowledge’.

Other areas of expertise include estate/ trust administration and shareholder tax planning advice on domestic and crossborder matters. It has four Chartered Tax Advisers and twelve individuals who are full members of STEP. Jon Croxford heads the department. Drummond Kerr frequently advises on wealth management and succession issues.

Eamonn Daly is a registered Trust and Estate Practitioner. Lisa Whitehouse recently joined the team from Harrison Clark Rickerbys.

The 'friendly team' at Mills & Reeve LLP 'has built up a superb reputation in the Midlands' for its work with business 40 The Legal 500 West Midlands

1 2 3 4 owners ( in particular family businesses) and for its advice to wealthy individuals, families and landed estate clients on the full range of estate planning and wealth structuring matters. It also garners praise for its work on complex international estate planning matters and on family investment companies.

Under the joint leadership of John Grundy and Lucy Howard it frequently advises wealthy philanthropists on the establishment of charities and on other forms of charitable giving. Matthew Hansell receives plaudits for his work with business owners and high-networth individuals. Principal associate, Sarah Wood , heads up the national trust administration team.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP has an established reputation for its work with families, landed estates, entrepreneurs and business owners on the full range of wealth, tax and succession planning matters. Under the able leadership of Hannah Tait, Verity Kirby, above, and Suzanne Leggott, the team 'works in harmony' and is recognised for its work on a range of trust and estate administration matters as well as for its elderly care advice. Other strengths include advising on personal injury trusts.

Lesley Davis’ areas of expertise span charitable trusts, foundations and CIOs as well as advising on family investment companies and other issues such as powers of attorney.

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has 'excellent

communicators' who work across all aspects of wills, probate and life planning matters. In addition, it has niche expertise in community care and court of protection work. The practice, that is headed by Kim Carr; Graham Fuller and Sara Simson, is particularly known for its work with business owners and agricultural estate owners on various complex inheritance tax planning and business succession issues. Recently, it has been busy advising on the use of family trusts and advising clients on the protection of family wealth from divorce and other financial claims. It is also adept at advising on the administration of estates that have foreign assets.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys assists high-net-worth clients on the full range of private client matters. In addition, the group is skilled at handling a variety of complex matters where there are substantial agricultural or international assets. Spearheaded by Shirley Rabbetts, above; Laura Banks and Julia Stahl, the team also receives plaudits for its specialist advice in other areas such as family investment companies and inheritance tax relief in addition to its work with older and vulnerable clients.

Dawn Oliver is another key figure. Lisa Whitehouse is now at Meridian Private Client LLP. Lanyon Bowdler advises clients across the whole of Shropshire, Herefordshire and North Wales. It has extensive experience in advising on trusts, estate

planning and administration as well as other areas covering business property and agricultural relief. Edward Rees, left, is skilled at advising clients on trusts, high-net-worth estate administration, powers of attorney and on complex tax planning matters. David Pugh has a broad range of experience too. Kevin Thomas is well-regarded for his experience in administering estates which have significant agricultural property. Neil Davies heads the court of protection department.

Wealth preservation and elderly care matters are at the cornerstone of the 'friendly and efficient' practice at Sydney Mitchell LLP. Led by Tracy Creed, above, it has also been busy advising on a variety of complex administration matters and on applications to the Court of Protection.

In addition, the department offers specialist advice in relation to NHS Continuing Health Care (advising on and appearing at assessments and appeals).

Shelley Collingbourne is another key figure who advises on a wide range of private client matters.

The 'strong team' at The Wilkes Partnership has Andrew Hasnip, above right, and Ellie Holland at the helm. It garners particular praise for the fact that 'the team knows what the other team members are doing, which is helpful to the client'. Hasnip has a vast array

SPECIAL FEATURE

of experience in trusts and frequently advises on inheritance tax, trust and estate planning matters.

Holland is the firm’s managing partner and is particularly adept at advising on succession planning for business owners.

Ann-Marie Aston acts for incapacitated clients as a professional deputy and has served on the deputyship panel of the Office of the Public Guardian.

Wright Hassall LLP has a varied workload of advising business owners/private company shareholders as well as other high-net-worth individuals (including landowners and farmers) on a wide range of complex tax structures, probate matters and estate administrations. It also continues to be busy advising on the creation and administration of trusts.

In addition, the group is recommended for its work with elderly and vulnerable clients with Tracy Ashby at the helm she excels at advising on care fee funding.

Susan Floyd is another name to note.

Shrewsburybased Lynda Richards, left, and Chesterbased Clive Pointon cohead the department at Aaron & Partners LLP. Richards, who is a full member of STEP, advises individuals and trustees on all aspects of their tax, trust, estate and succession planning. She has particular expertise in advising business owners, landowners and high-net-worth individuals on a wide range of matters and also advises on the creation and administration of charities.

The nimble group at Band Hatton Button LLP handles all aspects of wealth protection and inheritance planning for individuals and their families. Headed by Michelle Gavin, who is a full member of STEP and a fully accredited member of Solicitors for the Elderly, the team is skilled at advising wealthy individuals on various issues including lifetime planning, lasting powers of attorney, issues under the Court of Protection and estate administration.

Giles Scott spearheads the department at MFG Solicitors LLP that provides inheritance tax planning, wills and trusts advice. It also frequently deals with the administration of estates. Scott is an accredited member of the Society of Trusts and Estate Professionals. Gary Priest is another key contact and leads on various tax issues. Valerie Robinson is also recommended for her work with vulnerable clients on court of protection matters.

Under the leadership of Emma Harrison, the excellent team provides a 'very personal and caring service' at Pickerings Solicitors. It advises many business owners, landowners and high-net-worth

individuals on a whole host of trusts, estate planning, succession planning and asset protection matters. Lucy Cooling, who is a member of STEP and of the SFE, is a key figure. Marie Tisdale is another name to note.

STRENGTH AND SUPPORT WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST! Potentially the most important document you will ever sign is your Will.

Careful consideration and trusted advice from a solicitor can make all the difference between a war and peace in the family.

Tracy Creed and the private client team at Sydney Mitchell will ensure that you are cared for. Whether this is your daughter, son, wife or your trusted companion of the two- or four-legged variety; your wishes will be carried out professionally by a firm who has been established since 1763.

The 'dedicated and knowledgeable' team at VWV 'puts the client at the heart of everything that it does'. It does the full range of private client work for wealthy clients such as business owners, farming families, politicians, private banks and charities. It is ably led by the 'exceptional' Rachael Armstrong, above, who is Birmingham based and by Michelle Rose who is at the Bristol office.

The team is also skilled at advising on personal injury trusts.

Brethertons LLP has a varied workload dealing with the administration of substantial estates, the creation and administration of trusts as well as court of protection matters. Another core area of focus is drafting wills and powers of attorney. The department is led by Sarah Horton in Banbury, Emma Stewart in Bicester and Laura Stuart who is based at the Rugby office.

Head of department at George Green LLP is Claire Pottinger, who regularly advises clients on a wide array of matters, from estate administration and inheritance tax to succession planning issues. Louise Axford is another leading member of the practice who advises on the full gamut of private client matters for its primarily local business owner and manager client base.

Mander Hadley Solicitors has a solid reputation for its inheritance tax planning advice and for its work on complex probates and trusts. The team, that is headed by Rachel Gadsden, specialises in advising wealthy individuals. It also advises on court of protection and care fee planning issues. Gadsden is known for her work on managing estates with agricultural and business elements.

Head of department at Talbot & Co is Tom Bramall, who has a wealth of experience of advising on a range of complex contentious and noncontentious tax and trust matters.

Bramall also excels in advising on all aspects of wills and probate. He acts for high-net-worth individuals and families and is a full member of STEP. Head of department at Weightmans LLP is Sarah Louise Walker, who is experienced in all aspects of lifetime and post-death tax planning.

In addition, Walker is a full member of STEP and frequently handles Court of Protection cases.

Administration of complex estates, require a specialist with a proven track record. As evidenced in the Legal 500 you need someone who will listen, understand and make clear the areas of probate law and the issues that will impact on the estate administration.

Legal 500 ‘Wealth preservation and elderly care matters are at the cornerstone of the 'friendly and efficient' practice at Sydney Mitchell LLP led by Tracy Creed. Having dealt with complex administration matters and on applications to the Court of Protection, the team also offers specialist advice in relation to NHS Continuing Health Care (advising on and appearing at assessments and appeals).'

Just a few outstanding quotes from 2024 Legal 500 testimonials: ‘Tracy Creed – a natural leader, who is approachable and never dismissive of you – a lovely warm and engaging approach with the clients, giving me and the client time… never hurrying you and always pleasant‘ ‘Tracy has a calm approach where her professionalism is clear to see and fills you with confidence. There is nothing she does not know’ ‘The team are friendly, understanding when dealing with emotional situations, very knowledgeable with great communication’ ‘Highly professional, great at communication regarding progress and timelines’ If you are struggling to support someone with complex needs, you should consider taking advice on Continuing Health Care and for this you need to ensure that you have the right team behind you.

Our team recently dealt with a case involving a gentleman with severe learning disabilities, autism and ADHD, together with complex physical care needs.

Advice at the right time from the right people is essential to get the right outcome for your family.

Ensure that your family has the best advice at the time when they need it most. Take advice from the experts at Sydney Mitchell; get the right team in place today dealing with your affairs.

Tracy Creed, Head of Private Client, Sydney Mitchell LLP 08081668860 www.sydneymitchell.co.uk The Legal 500 West Midlands 41

WEST MIDLANDS

FIRMS ARE LISTED A-Z WITHIN TIERS insurers and their insured firms.

PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE

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Kennedys Mills & Reeve LLP Clyde & Co Shakespeare Martineau LLP DWF Wright Hassall LLP Sydney Mitchell LLP The ‘excellent and extremely knowledgeable’ team at Kennedys is lauded for taking the ‘time to ‘know our book of business’ say clients. Led

by Eammon Mooney, left, it is a ‘go-to’ firm for high-value and complex professional indemnity disputes on a regional, national and international basis. Its work spans a number of industry sectors including accountants, construction and insolvency professionals as well as solicitors. Patric Rouendaal is noted for his D&O claims work. Paul Chaplin has a vast array of experience of working with major professional indemnity insurers and their insureds.

Chaplin has particular expertise in tax-scheme claims. Steve Oates‘ practice has a specific emphasis on defending claims against lawyers, construction

professionals and brokers.

Mills & Reeve LLP has a stellar reputation for its handling of claims and coverage disputes in the professional indemnity insurance market. The large team consistently acts on multi-million pound claims against various professionals. Angus Turner, above, focuses on solicitors’ negligence claims and related coverage advice. Neil Frankland has considerable expertise in construction and brokers’ negligence claims. David Gooding has an established practice acting in the defence of accountants and solicitors’ negligence claims and is regularly instructed to conduct policy coverage investigations for insurers. Lucy Howard leads on professional indemnity claims arising from trust, probate and private tax related matters and frequently acts for

The ‘thorough and professional’ team at Clyde & Co, is co-headed by Alison Siniver and Julian Smart . Siniver has a vast array of experience in claims against insolvency practitioners, insurance brokers, lawyers and other professionals but excels in claims against accountants.

Smart receives a steady flow of instructions from professional indemnity insurers to defend negligence claims against professionals such as surveyors, accountants, architects and engineers.

In recent years too, the practice has enjoyed success in dealing with large group actions or repeat claims relating to interest only mortgages, tax avoidance schemes and property searches.

Spearheaded by Mark Beesley, left, the team at Shakespeare Martineau LLP excels in acting for claimants on a wide range of professional negligence matters. It is equally adept at handling claims ranging from tens of thousands of pounds to those involving millions of pounds, many of these claims are funded by using conditional fee arrangements. Beesley has a first-rate reputation for his work on claims against independent financial advisors, solicitors and accountants.

Michael Young has particular experience in high-value negligence claims with complex property and/or finance issues.

The Birmingham team at DWF has a growing reputation for its work in substantial accountancy negligence claims to supplement its historic expertise in claims against construction professionals

and professionals in public authorities.

A growing area for the team is acting in cases against employment agencies and umbrella organisations in respect of modern slavery claims. Practice head,Derek Adamson, leads the accountants’ negligence team and also advises on construction claims.

Under the leadership of Nathan Talbott at Wright Hassall LLP, the focus of the practice is primarily claimant based.

It continues to be busy advising on various solicitors’ negligence claims and a significant proportion of its work relates to negligent tax and financial advice too. Gemma Carson, above, has a wide range of experience of acting in complex claims against all professional advisers often involving elements of irregularity and deceit.

Dean Parnell and Ian Sheppard cohead the department at Sydney Mitchell LLP, which continues to be busy acting on a number of professional negligence cases for individuals against solicitors.

The group is also experienced at bringing claims against a wide range of professionals such as architects and financial advisors.

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CASH IS KING IN THE LEGAL SECTOR

most law firms operate with a low level of cash, often using an overdraft as a buffer.

Law firms’ main costs centre on rent, salaries and PI insurance, all of which must be paid on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis.

Other liquidity challenges relate to the nature of legal work. Lock-up, the combination of unbilled work in progress and outstanding accounts, is a drain on working capital. According to various studies, law firms average between 110-140 days’ worth of earnings sitting in Lock-up.

It’s an issue that many law firms wrestle with and cashflow issues can impact smaller firms as they do not necessarily have the breadth of resources to call upon.

The run-up to the Christmas holidays and the new year period can be challenging for law firms’ cashflow. Employees are typically paid earlier in the month in December and client billing slows, whilst Partner and Member tax payments are due in the new year writes Mike Collins, Iceberg Head of Sales Cashflow issues have historically been a significant contributory factor in law firm failures. As profits are distributed to partners, and it is more taxefficient not to hold capital within the business, 42 The Legal 500 West Midlands

There are some simple steps that businesses can take to more effectively manage cashflow.

Plan, plan and plan again Being fully aware of cashflow bumps in the road is the most effective way to mitigate and plan for issues. We advise clients to prepare a cashflow forecast for a minimum of 12 months ahead to assess where cashflow issues are likely to occur.

We also advocate the use of a rolling three-month forecast for more accurate micro-management of cashflow.

Ensure adequate funding Law firms have many funding options open to them to cover cashflow and other costs, such as overdrafts, bank loans and specialist legal sector funders, such as Iceberg.

One specific area to consider is the Quarterly VAT payments to HM Revenue & Customs. Meeting the cost of VAT each quarter, particularly when payment relates, in part, to unpaid fee notes can put a real strain on cashflow.

A VAT loan account is an option that enables the law firm to spread the cost over three monthly payments and retain the overdraft for genuine emergencies Legal firms could also consider specialist financing for areas such as Partner Tax or Professional Indemnity Insurance.

Keep a close eye on lock-up Billing discipline and hygiene is central to healthy cashflow management. It is recommended that firms bill on at least a monthly, or sometimes weekly, basis, where possible. Firms should also make sure they bill before the month end as this increases the chances of being included in an early pay-run. www.iceberg-partners.co.uk

PROPERTY LITIGATION Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Gowling WLG Pinsent Masons LLP Shoosmiths LLP Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Browne Jacobson LLP Shakespeare Martineau LLP Bevan Brittan LLP Gateley Legal MFG Solicitors LLP Mills & Reeve LLP Squire Patton Boggs Trowers & Hamlins LLP Band Hatton Button LLP Irwin Mitchell Sydney Mitchell LLP The Wilkes Partnership With a roster of blue-chip corporate clients, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is active in property disputes spanning a number of key sectors, including retail, leisure, energy, utilities and education, in matters concerning both commercial and residential development. The sizeable team based in Birmingham is led by solicitor advocate David Feist, who is regarded for his broad experience across property disputes, with a focus on energy, investment and city centre regeneration. Alongside Feist is Lisa Barge, head of the firm’s national real estate disputes team, who is recognised for her expertise in areas including lease renewals, dilapidations, consent applications and restrictive covenant disputes. Other key names to note in the team include Rob Holloway, who regularly undertakes contentious property and portfolio management work, with particular emphasis on tenant insolvencies, and principal associate Arren Thornton, who has specialist experience in the utilities sector. Paul Moorcroft has recently undertaken an active consultant role, supporting the team with his wide-ranging experience.

Charlotte De Silva left to join Mills & Reeve LLP in June 2023.

Noted for its 'stellar reputation', Gowling WLG advises contractors, industrial companies, funds and developers on a range of contentious issues touching upon specific sectors, including construction, infrastructure and energy.

The firm has gained unique experience in cladding and fire safety issues, in addition to PFI contracts. The construction and engineering practice is led by Michael O’Shea and Richard Green, who focus on contentious and non-contentious matters, respectively. Sarah Dyer is a key member of the contentious practice and concentrates on disputes relating to construction and infrastructure, particularly in transport and energy, and is the driving force behind the firm’s PFI handback disputes advice.

Led by Alicia Foo, Pinsent Masons LLP is highly regarded for its knowledge of the telecoms sector, acting for a number of major telecoms infrastructure players, as well as its specialised rights

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of light, regeneration, energy and infrastructure disputes capabilities, working collaboratively with the firm’s national network of offices. Foo has a range of sector experience and is distinguished for her expertise in electronic communication code issues.

Sarah Campey is recognised for her right to light disputes work as well as issues stemming from residential regeneration schemes, while Craig Downhill is noted for his experience in insolvency, agriculture and development restraints.

Associates Ian Morgan and Pierre Smith are also key members of the team, particularly in respect of electronic communications.

The ‘well-resourced team’ at Shoosmiths LLP is praised by clients for its ‘technical knowledge’. The group acts for both corporate occupiers and investor landlords in the gamut of property litigation matters, including asset management, property protection, Covid-19 arbitrations and High Court appearances. The Midlands team is led by Kate McCall, who is recognised for her investment and development expertise, alongside her more niche work in protestor injunctions, particularly in the energy sector. Nicholas Shepherd heads the firm’s national real estate litigation team, and Paul Knight is a respected member of the team with over three decades of experience. Elinor Sandbach is noted for her landlord and tenant disputes work, with a particular focus on retail and agriculture, while principal associate, Richard Willcox, based in Milton Keynes, is regarded for his expertise in the telecoms sector. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham unless otherwise noted.

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP is noted for its expertise advising a range of local authorities, charities and registered providers on a combination of residential and commercial property disputes.

The practice is co-led by Helen Tucker and Philip Scully, specialising in housing litigation and commercial property litigation, respectively. Baljit Basra, former joint leader of the housing litigation team, left the firm. The team works closely with the firm's highly regarded housing management group, led by

Jonathan Cox and Emma Hardman, who frequently advise on leasehold litigation in the property chamber of the First Tier Tribunal.

Browne Jacobson LLP is noted in particular for its experience in the retail sector, but advises a wide selection of well-known corporates, as well as an increasing number of public sector clients on matters including landlord and tenant disputes, both commercial and residential, rights of way, covenants and adverse possession. Other sectors of expertise include health and education.

Experienced practitioner James Coles leads the practice, splitting his time between Birmingham and Nottingham.

In Birmingham, senior associates Hannah Carter and Katie Briggs bring deep property disputes experience to the team, particularly relating to landlord and tenant matters.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP continues to develop its roster of major clients across sectors including education, retail, energy and telecoms, and has experience in an array of property disputes in the High Court and County Court as well as arbitration and increasingly, before property tribunals. Practice head Martin Edwards advises clients on the full spectrum of property disputes, receiving repeat instructions from significant clients such as National Grid, among others.

James Fownes is another key name in the practice, and focuses on commercial landlord and tenant disputes, as well as adverse possession, rectification and Land Registry matters. Justine Ball also adds strength to the team through her expertise advising landowners on the termination and renewal of telecoms leases. Associate Pia Eames plays an active role supporting the team.

Specialising in the public sector, Bevan Brittan LLP regularly advises healthcare clients and local authorities, working closely with government bodies, particularly the NHS, in a range of property disputes. The firm is also expanding its private sector practice.

The cross-office team is led by Steven Eccles, based in Bristol, working closely with Mark Robertson, who heads the Midland’s practice in Birmingham.

Robertson has extensive experience in development disputes, with an emphasis on rights of light and property-related TMT disputes.

Kirsten Bridgewater, based in Worcester, leads the property litigation team at MFG Solicitors LLP, and is well respected for her rural property disputes practice, working alongside Helen Gough, who specialises in agricultural tenancy matters. Former head of the firm’s civil litigation department, Harjie Singh Bindra, based in Bromsgrove, has developed extensive expertise in land ownership disputes including trespass, nuisance and party rights over land.

Also based in Bromsgrove is associate Stephanie Rushfirth, who regularly advises on both commercial and residential property disputes, particularly those involving leaseholds.

Mills & Reeve LLP is best known for its familiarity with landlord and tenant disputes, land disputes and subsequent remedies, and contentious residential matters, with specific experience in the TMT, education and healthcare sectors.

This expertise makes it a popular choice among investors, developers, landowners, education institutions and healthcare providers. The team is led by principal associate Henry Mahalski,

who concentrates on commercial contentious property matters. Associate Laura Woodward is another key name in the Birmingham office, particularly for her experience in the commercial and education sectors. The team works closely with the firm’s Manchester office. Charlotte De Silva joined from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP in June 2023.

With its continued focus on real estate and telecoms law, Squire Patton Boggs is recognised as a key advisor to a range of TMT clients as well as major landowners and landlords.

The firm frequently acts on matters relating to landlord and tenant disputes, nuisance, possession, dilapidations and insolvency-related issues, among others.

In particular, the team acted on the first Covid rent arrears arbitration case.

The Birmingham team is led by Michelle Adams, who brings strong expertise in telecoms.

Under the leadership of experienced litigator John French, Band Hatton Button LLP, based in Coventry, frequently advises on commercial landlord and tenant disputes, easements and restrictive covenants, as well as insolvency-based property matters. The firm is also familiar with residential possession claims. Senior associate Raman Dhillon is noted for her handling of forfeitures and dilapidations. Meanwhile, practice head French concentrates on neighbour and boundary disputes, including party wall issues and residential possessions.

Led by seasoned property litigator Tim Rayner, Irwin Mitchell has developed its Birmingham base and is regularly engaged on a number of commercial and residential disputes. The firm advises a diverse client roster, which includes commercial property investors, developers and corporate occupiers, across the TMT, investment, retail, development and asset management sectors. Alison Willis is a senior associate who recently joined the firm from Freeths LLP and who specialises in landlord and tenant law, particularly for commercial tenants and in matters relating to Covid rent arrears.

With broad experience, Sydney Mitchell LLP regularly advises private landlords, tenants, surveyors, lenders and private individuals on a variety of propertyrelated litigation. The practice is led

by Leanne Schneider-Rose, who has extensive experience in contentious insolvency proceedings. In significant developments, Sundeep Bilkhu left the firm, and Ian Sheppard joined.

The Wilkes Partnership's property litigation team works closely with the real estate department, litigating a range of cases before both courts and property tribunals, handling ownership disputes, commercial landlord and tenant disputes, restrictive covenants and tenant insolvency claims. Kevin Lynch leads the team, drawing on extensive experience, most recently in cases regarding commercial and residential tenancies, restrictive covenants, easements and community rights under the Localism Act 2011. Senior associate Harriet Critchley is another key contact in the team.

The Legal 500 West Midlands 43

WEST MIDLANDS

REGIONAL BAR THE MIDLANDS CIRCUIT LEADING SETS BUSINESS AND REGULATORY CRIME (INCLUDING HEALTH AND SAFETY) LEADING SETS 1 No5 Barristers’ Chambers‘ members defend and prosecute across the spectrum of business and regulatory crime matters, with recent instructions involving environmental enforcement, health and safety, and other local authority work. Tim Pole, left, defended the administrators of SDF Autos Limited in an asbestos-related matter, while ‘excellent senior counsel for health and safety’ Bernard Thorogood is a ‘skilled advocate with a commanding presence in any courtroom and exceptional attention to detail’.

St Philips Chambers’ regulatory team has substantial expertise in handling both prosecution and defence work in cases related to environment agency, trading standards matters and health and safety cases, including catastrophic injury and gross negligence manslaughter. ‘An articulate and persuasive advocate’, Ben Mills is ‘able to argue difficult points of law and fact by distilling them to the real issues that need deciding in the case’. Jonathan Barker represented a Birmingham businessman accused of selling unregulated COVID-19 tests.

CHANCERY, PROBATE AND TAX LEADING SETS 1 No5 Barristers’ Chambers is ‘a strong set’ with ‘a good selection of counsel’ who have extensive expertise in advising on contentious probate matters, trusts, land disputes, and issues regarding the validity and interpretation of wills. Angus Burden specialises in the mediation of contentious trust and probate disputes, while Louise Corfield ’s practice focuses on Inheritance Act cases. Rising stars Samir Amin and Jason Perrin are other key members of the team.

St Philips Chambers is ‘a good set of chambers with a good variety of barristers’ that displays contentious and non-contentious expertise in Chancery-related work, including wills, trusts, tax and estate planning matters. Of late, James Morgan, left, KC is acting for defendants in a claim for breach of trust, and John Randall KC successfully represented the respondents in Gill v Thind and others, a dispute concerning the ownership of shares in a number of family companies.

concerning neurological injuries, successfully secured a £6.5m settlement for a sportsman who suffered paraplegia due to the delayed diagnosis of a spinal abscess. David Tyack KC is involved in one of several cases conjoined in Paul v Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, an appeal to the Supreme Court concerning if one can make a claim for psychiatric injury after witnessing the death or other horrifying event of a close relative caused by earlier clinical negligence, while Henry Pitchers KC is ‘good with clients with learning disabilities’ and successfully represented a diabetic patient who settled a delayed treatment case for £2.5m.

LEADING SETS 3 Kings Chambers is ‘a well-run set’, experienced in working with both claimants and defendants in clinical negligence claims. Satinder Hunjan KC is well-known for ‘his vast experience in clinical negligence claims’ and regularly deals with matters related to major brain injuries.

Anna Diamond is praised for her ‘confident advocacy and formidable negotiation skills’. Nicholas Truelove specialises in acting for claimants and is currently representing the family of the deceased in a case concerning the death of a man in his twenties a fortnight after he received the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination.

St Philips Chambers continues to handle the full range of clinical negligence claims, including birth injuries and cases involving delayed diagnosis or treatment. Andrew Evans and Colin Baran are particularly active in cases involving cosmetic surgery.

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION LEADING SETS 1 No5 Barristers’ Chambers is ‘a solid set’ and is ‘well respected for its breadth of counsel with a good range of support and training in commercial litigation’.

The team handles a wide range of commercial litigation matters, including company, shareholder and partnership disputes, and civil fraud. Mark Anderson KC, above, is currently representing a shareholder in Krishna Holdco Limited v Gowrie Holdings Limited, an unfair prejudice petition involving shares valued at £106m.

Mohammed Zaman KC has expertise in advising on shareholder disputes and directors duty cases.

3PB has built a strong reputation for handling contentious probate disputes, with a particular focus on Inheritance Act claims and other private client matters. The team is well-equipped at handling matters related to both mediation and litigation. Rising star Oliver Ingham, above, specialises in traditional Chancery litigation at all levels of the court system and is part of a team handling a high-profile Inheritance Act-related case, Hirachand v Hirachand, in the Supreme Court.

St Philips Chambers is ‘a strong set with plenty of strength and depth’ and ‘in-depth knowledge in commercial litigation’. The barristers are highly adept at handling a range of matters, from breach of directors’ duties, shareholder disputes, unfair prejudice petitions, and fraud to injunctive relief cases.

James Morgan KC is a ‘brilliant advocate’ who is ‘never afraid to fight the client’s corner even if the mountain looks too big to climb’ and recently represented claimants in a fraud claim valued at £17m touching on the Wirecard scandal. John Randall KC, above, is known as ‘a great appeal counsel’ and is ‘a go-to leading counsel when clients require real gravitas to present the hardest cases in court’, while Robert Mundy is praised as ‘an extremely persuasive advocate who is very comfortable dealing with trials over several weeks and complicated last-minute applications’.

CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE

CRIME: GENERAL & FRAUD

LEADING SETS 1

LEADING SETS 1

No5 Barristers’ Chambers is ‘a large and well-organised set with the right counsel available for all types of cases’.

Practice head Chris Bright KC is described as ‘a very intelligent advocate who is able to grasp the complex points of a case’. Jonathan Jones KC, in addition to work

No5 Barristers’ Chambers has expertise in handling high-profile criminal cases, including murder, financial crime, sexual abuse and drug offences, and is praised as one of the ‘leading chambers of barristers in the Midland Circuit’. Michael Duck KC has an established criminal

LEADING SETS 2

44 The Legal 500 West Midlands

practice and recently successfully prosecuted two young adults and a teenager who were convicted of the attempted murder of a thirteen-year-old boy in Birmingham’s Hockley Circus using an improvised firearm modified to fire shotgun cartridges; the case involved issues as to cell site analysis and the naming of the seventeen-year-old convicted. Michelle Heeley KC, above, who is regularly instructed for both the defence and the prosecution, prosecuted an eighteen-year-old who was convicted of killing a seventeen-year-old in Smethwick with what was referred to in the press as a “Rambo knife”; the matter involved issues of rap lyrics evidence. Ian Bridge specialises in criminal defence and has appeared in cases involving death by dangerous driving, while John O’Higgins advises on cases concerning terrorism and sexual offences.

St Philips Chambers is ‘one of the best set in the West Midlands’, which ‘offers a high-quality service’ across the criminal law space. The team has significant expertise across a wide range of criminal matters, including drug conspiracies, fraud, murder, sexual offences and regulatory crime. Richard Atkins, KC, left, is highly adept at handling serious crime and murder matters – he prosecuted a woman for stabbing her mother to death. Jonathan Barker is regularly involved in multi-handed murder cases and currently represented a TikTok personality accused of being part of a group who murdered two men by forcing their cars off the A46 – the prosecution’s case is that the deceased were blackmailing the defendants. Jennifer Josephs successfully appealed a sentence for attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity (the “child” being an undercover police officer posing as one) – at issue was how to approach sentencing for a second similar offence when the law had changed between the first and second convictions. In September 2022, Andrew Smith KC, as was, was appointed as a circuit judge, and in July 2023 Marcus Harry and William Douglas-Jones joined from St Ives Chambers.

LEADING SETS 2 The criminal practice group at St Ives Chambers has expertise in prosecuting and defending across a wide range of serious crime cases involving homicide, human trafficking and sexual offences.

Newly appointed silk Rebecca Wade KC, left, whose recent workload includes multi-handed murder cases, garners praise for her ‘ability to grasp every detail of a case whilst always being able to see the bigger picture’.

The 36 Group stands out as a ‘strong circuit set with strength in depth’, which is active across the spectrum of serious criminal cases. ‘An excellent trial advocate’, Mary Prior KC, left, garners praise for her ‘ability to grasp facts and immediately identify the real issues in the case’ and represented the stepmother of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes, first at the original trial for his murder and then in the Court of Appeal, defeating an appeal by the Attorney-General that the original tariff of 29 years was "unduly lenient" and should be replaced with a whole life order. Sarah Gaunt appeared for the prosecution in a case concerning a cybercrime fraud conspiracy matter amounting to £9m, while Nadeem Holland prosecuted seven defendants who conspired to supply shotguns stolen in a burglary.

‘St Ives Chambers has the strongest offering of barristers in Birmingham’

Established in 1965, our ethos is to work in partnership with our clients in order to ensure consistent excellence. Chambers prides itself on our a�en�on to detail, approachability, efficiency and skill.

We are a modern mul�-disciplinary set renowned for its excep�onal mix of barristers at all levels of experience, with par�cular specialism across our core prac�ce areas of: Dispute Resolu�on Business & Property Crime Family (children and matrimonial finance) Housing Personal Injury Regulatory Our exper�se in advocacy is supported by a professional, skilled and efficient clerking service.

www.s�veschambers.co.uk | +44 (0)121 236 0863 | @StIvesChambers St Ives Barristers Ltd t/a St Ives Chambers: Registered Office Address: 1-3 Whi�all Street, Birmingham, B4 6DH: Company Registered in England No: 13730994: Registered for VAT No: 397 020 883

WEST MIDLANDS COMPANY & INSOLVENCY LEADING SETS 1 No5 Barristers’ Chambers is a ‘strong set’, offering broadranging expertise across shareholder and partnership disputes, breaches of fiduciary duties, derivative claims, directors’ disqualification proceedings, unfair prejudice petitions and corporate insolvency. Of late, Mark Anderson KC is acting for the defendant’s main shareholder in a shareholder dispute brought by a claimant alleging fraud of shares amounting to £106m, while Mohammed Zaman KC, above, is representing a petitioner in shareholders’ unfair prejudice petitions concerning the petitioner’s shareholding in the company exceeding £20m.

St Philips Chambers is a ‘go-to chambers for corporate disputes and insolvency matters’, ‘offering top-quality counsel with a range of experience’, including advising on breach of directors’ duties, shareholder disputes, unfair prejudice petitions and insolvency claims. James Morgan KC is known as ‘an extremely well-organised lawyer’ who ‘has an excellent understanding of insolvency law’ and is currently acting for British Virgin Islands liquidators in the application of recognising BVI insolvency proceedings concerning companies connected to alleged fraudster Massimo Bochicchio, who died in a motorcycle accident in 2022, in the English courts. The ‘powerful and persuasive advocate’ John Randall KC is representing defendants concerning their beneficial ownership of shares in several family companies.

elements. Vanessa Meachin KC is a ‘passionate advocate’ who handles a mix of care, adoption, and private law children matters, while Aimee Fox is described as a ‘thorough and well-prepared advocate who has an excellent manner with clients’ and specialises in private law proceedings involving children in vulnerable circumstances or with special educational needs – the latter crossing over with her education law practice.

Birmingham's St Ives Chambers is a ‘fantastic set for family law’ with ‘unrivalled strength in depth’ and offers advice across both public and private law children work. Elizabeth Isaacs KC, left, is a ‘highly experienced and focused advocate’ with particular expertise in child death, serious physical injury, and sexual abuse cases, while Tom Harrill has handled a number of cases involving especially vulnerable parties.

Other key members of the team include the ‘thorough and diligent’ Matthew Maynard, who regularly handles cases touching on issues of surrogacy and assisted reproduction. Timothy Bowe KC was appointed silk in the 2023 round.

In Birmingham, St Philips Chambers is ‘an excellent family set with a number of exceptionally talented and experienced counsel available at all levels’. Sara Lewis KC is ‘an exceptional silk’ who handles the most serious children law cases before the High Court, while Christopher Adams ‘is a very knowledgeable and sensitive advocate’ who regularly acts on behalf of local authorities, parents, and children in cases involving serious and medically complex injuries, as does Yolanda Pemberton.

EMPLOYMENT

FAMILY & DIVORCE

LEADING SETS 1

LEADING SETS 1

No5 Barristers’ Chambers is a ‘go-to chambers’ whose members advise across the full spectrum of employment law, including on cases involving unfair dismissal, TUPE transfers, redundancy, unlawful deductions from pay and trade union disputes.

Practice head Mugni Islam-Choudhury is ‘commercial, practical and proportionate in his approach’; he acts for employers and employees in cases involving alleged discrimination. Charles Crow has ‘exceptional technical strength and grasp of detail’ and recently represented University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust in a race and disability discrimination matter.

Helen Barney successfully acted for Cardiff and Vale University Local Health Board in a whistleblowing and victimisation claim.

3PB is a ‘solid chambers with good barristers’ handling a wide range of matters within areas of financial remedy litigation.

Vanessa Meachin KC, left, heads the practice and regularly assists clients in complex matrimonial finance matters, while Michael George is praised for being ‘proficient in all aspects of financial remedy proceedings with his knowledge of the law and practice second to none’. ‘Fierce and robust advocate’ Aimee Fox is another notable name for matrimonial finance work in chambers.

St Philips Chambers is a ‘trusted chambers with a great selection of talented barristers’ and continues to advise claimants and respondents on discrimination, unfair dismissal and whistleblowing cases, as well as handling equal pay and restrictive covenants matters. Edmund Beever, above, has ‘an inherent ability to put clients at ease’, and is currently representing an employer in a gross misconduct dismissal matter. Sophie Garner is representing a claimant in a discrimination and unfair dismissal matter, while Elizabeth Hodgetts is defending a local government employer against a claim for constructive unfair dismissal brought by a former employee. Theodora Hand is now head of employment at Appleby in Bermuda.

No5 Barristers’ Chambers is a ‘go-to chambers in the Midland circuit’ for complex matrimonial finance matters involving cohabitee disputes, trust structures, inheritance, and pension issues. Stephanie Brown ‘is a formidable advocate, razor-sharp cross-examination, with the ear of the judge’, and her practice encompasses the full spectrum of work within financial remedy proceedings. Katie Langdon regularly assists clients with pre and post-nuptial agreements, including cases involving trusts and pensions, and garners praise for being a ‘thorough, tenacious, dedicated, and a true professional in her commitment to the client’s case’.

FAMILY & CHILDREN LAW LEADING SETS 1 With physical presences in Birmingham and across the southern half of England, 3PB is a ‘very professional, approachable and friendly set’ that offers advice on all aspects of children law.

Elizabeth McGrath KC, left, is a ‘fearless advocate’ who handles public law cases, including ones with international 46 The Legal 500 West Midlands

LEADING SETS 2

St Philips Chambers is ‘a topnotch set’ with ‘a wide range of barristers with varying levels of experience and expertise’, regularly instructed in highvalue cases involving a complex company and trust structures, often with international elements.

Jonathan Nosworthy leads the team and is highly regarded as ‘a measured, persuasive and immensely talented advocate’ in financial remedy cases involving business structures and pre-acquired assets. ‘Fearless advocate’ Leisha Bond, above, ‘always fights very hard for her clients’ and her practice encompasses the full spectrum of work within financial remedy proceedings.

Juliet Allen is ‘an excellent advocate who has a particular strength in financial remedy cases involving businesses, pensions or novel areas of law’.

LEADING SETS 3 St Ives Chambers is ‘a great set of chambers’ ‘offering extremely experienced and impressive barristers across all areas of family law at all levels’.

The group is well-known for its excellent track record in handling high-value, complex matrimonial finance cases. Andrew Day, left, is highly regarded for his excellent track record in advising on matrimonial finance matters and being ‘meticulous in his preparation of a case’. ‘A confident and articulate advocate’, Nicholas Starks is regularly instructed in financial relief work involving farms, companies, business structures and inherited assets.

PERSONAL INJURY LEADING SETS 1 No5 Barristers’ Chambers is a ‘very strong set with excellent barristers at all levels of experience’ that offers representation across the full spectrum of personal injury cases. The practice is jointly led by Henry Pitchers KC and Jonathan Jones KC, who is 'a fantastic advocate with a tenacious approach’. Chris Bright KC is renowned for his ‘excellent advocacy’ and is active in cases involving complex causation and quantum issues. The ‘amazing advocate’ Malcolm Duthie recently secured a high-value settlement in a case involving traumatic brain injuries suffered by a taxi driver. Paul Evans has particular expertise in handling claims concerning amputations and prosthetic use.

LEADING SETS 2 St Philips Chambers garners praise as ‘an excellent set to work with that always provides exceptional service’ on personal injury-related issues. Sofia Ashraf, left, is a ‘very sound’ advocate who specialises in claims brought by minors or protected parties. Lorna Badham has ‘an excellent eye for detail’ and has significant expertise in cross-border matters. Andrew Evans recently represented the claimants in a case arising after a person suffered serious orthopaedic and psychiatric injuries after being hit on the side of the road by a trailer.

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT LEADING SETS 1 No5 Barristers’ Chambers is a ‘very well-run set’ with vast experience in all areas of planning, including commercial and residential developments, energy and infrastructure, and environmental law. Paul Cairnes KC has extensive experience in representing residential development builders before the High Court and Planning Inquiry in planningrelated issues. Richard Humphreys KC is currently assisting Kelsworth Ltd with an appeal related to the construction of new residential units. Turning to environmental regulatory work, Tim Pole represented developers in work concerning allegations of illegal waste disposal.

LEADING SETS 2 Kings Chambers is home to a group of ‘top quality, accessible, and personable barristers’ who advise on the full range of planning law matters. Paul Tucker KC managed to secure planning permission for the largest car battery factory in the UK, while Michael Rudd successfully acted for a client looking for an amendment to the planning policy of a housing development. Sarah Clover is a ‘very reliable advocate’ and advised Northern Leaf Limited on securing the first-ever licence to grow medicinal cannabis in Jersey.

SPECIAL FEATURE

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

PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINARY LAW No5 Barristers’ Chambers is a leading set in professional disciplinary and regulatory work on circuit, with its members handling defence and prosecution mandates in various areas. Adrian Keeling KC heads the practice group and has handled work for police officers as well as the Royal Institution Of Chartered Surveyors, while Sharon Bahia regularly acts for the police officers in the High Court and police disciplinary proceedings.

PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE LEADING SETS 1 No5 Barristers’ Chambers offers advice on professional negligence matters to a wide range of clients, including professional bodies, insurers and individuals. The group regularly represents these clients before the High Court and other fora.

David Mitchell’s, above, practice focuses on disputes related to real property and trusts and estates work, while the duo of Mark Anderson KC and Stephen Goodfellow have significant expertise in handling claims against lawyers, surveyors, insurance brokers and accountants.

St Philips Chambers handles a variety of domestic and cross-border professional negligence cases for a diverse set of clients. Key members of the team include the ‘powerful and persuasive advocate’ John Randall KC and John Brennan, whose practices include defending solicitors.

PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION LEADING SETS 1 No5 Barristers’ Chambers is praised for its ‘great strength in depth’ when it comes to advising on the full spectrum of property law, including both commercial and residential sites. Mark Anderson KC has longstanding experience of handling property disputes and is currently acting in a high-value dispute, Loveridge v Loveridge, related to the ownership and management of caravan sites, in the Court of Appeal.

Louise Corfield, above, is praised for her ‘concise and direct advice’ and secured a successful settlement in Bradshaw v Bradshaw, a complex land ownership case. The ‘calm and brilliant’ advocate David Taylor has significant expertise in handling landlord and tenantrelated matters.

St Philips Chambers is ‘an excellent set with very capable counsel’ who advise domestic and international clients on a range of property law. John Randall KC has ‘encyclopaedic knowledge of property law’ and is currently acting in Cayman Shores Development Ltd v Registrar of Lands, a high-profile property rights dispute in the Cayman Islands, while John Brennan successfully acted on behalf of a commercial development owner in GHC Global Holdings Ltd v MK Builders Merchants Ltd, a land recovery claim.

The ‘thorough and authoritative’ advocate Anthony Verduyn has extensive experience of property litigation, and John Aldis specialises in boundaries disputes and adverse possession cases.

Japanese knotweed cases.

LEADING SETS 2 St Ives Chambers' team is known for its ability to advise on ‘all disciplines of property law, with a particular strength in property litigation’. The ‘technically brilliant and fantastic lawyer’ Michelle Caney, left, heads the practice and has extensive experience in handling property litigation. Tony Watkin is an ‘extremely committed and dependable barrister’ who handled a successful claim concerning a water easement, while Harry Marriott is praised for his ‘excellent drafting and advocacy skills’.

47 The Legal 500 West Midlands

and family (divorce and financial remedy). We are proud that our rankings cover the full spectrum of experience inclusive of silks, leading juniors and 8 newly ranked rising stars, demonstrating the wealth of talent throughout Chambers.

Head of Chambers, Elizabeth Isaacs KC MCIArb

LEADING SETS 1

We are delighted that 2023 has been another successful year for St Ives Chambers as we further our reputation as one of the region’s leading sets.

Our rankings in the 2024 edition of the Legal 500 have been particularly pleasing with top tier rankings in family law (children and domestic violence) and social housing. We are also ranked as a leading set in crime (general and fraud), property & construction

We are also pleased to confirm that, in the last year: • Chambers has undergone a significant refurbishment project to our premises on Whittall Street.

Our updated facilities have been designed to offer a welcoming space for our clients with our modernised surroundings reflecting our commitment to the highest level of client service.

The family team is highlighted by Legal 500 as “the leading family set in Birmingham” with “the strongest offering of barristers in Birmingham”. The social housing team are noted to offer “a fantastic approachable service with exceptional barristers in their set” and our criminal team is home to a “strong body of juniors dealing with some heavyweight work”.

We are also particularly proud that our exceptional clerking team continue to be recognised for their unsurpassed levels of client service.

• Timothy Bowe KC has been appointed as Kings Counsel.

• Two of our previous members, Adem Muzaffer and Amy Jacobs, have been appointed as Circuit Judges.

• Tom Harrill was awarded ‘Barrister of the Year’ at the Worcestershire Law Society Legal Awards.

Our provision of ADR within our family team has been recognised with Andrew Day being the only barrister outside of London and the South East ranked in the London Bar, Family: Private FDR and Arbitrators section of the directory. This is a new category, and we are pleased that Andrew has been described as “an extremely thorough, insightful and pragmatic private FDR judge”.

• Tom Lawal was awarded a Special Recognition Award at the Birmingham Black Lawyer’s summer ball.

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

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

RECORD YEAR FOR 3PB IN LEGAL 500 Clients interviewed by the Legal 500 praise 3PB as “a first class set", "go-to set", "a fantastic chamber with a great offering of counsel, training, off-the-cuff advice even when not instructed and a desire to go the extra mile to assist you". "The clerking team is simply the best in class", with "excellent market knowledge", "always able to help and support when someone requires assistance, even at the last minute".

A stellar year for barristers across the practice groups at 3PB Barristers has been recognised by Legal 500 with 145 rankings in the recentlypublished legal directory (published in October 2023).

3PB Barristers (3 Paper Buildings) is the UK's third largest chambers with national reach across 13 core practice areas and a number of specialist areas of expertise. This year’s results see a 12% increase on last year’s rankings with no less than five UK regions featuring in its rankings.

3PB’s counsel feature in 21 different areas of law across

various Circuits (London, South Eastern, Western, Midlands and Chester and Wales).

Nowhere is this success more marked than in the Midlands where 3PB’s family law group now tops the regional rankings in all three family categories: Top Tier Family Law Chambers; Top for Children and Domestic Violence; and Top for Divorce and Financial Remedy. Barristers from the chancery/probate, clinical negligence and employment teams also feature in the Midlands section reflecting the wide spread of barristers available to clients from 3PB.

Clients also commented that: “3PB is a strong set of very knowledgeable and confident barristers. They will always go above and beyond to try and find someone available for cases,””3PB is a go-to chamber.s It offers barristers with a huge breadth of expertise. Barristers are approachable and client-focused, " and "3PB is the leading set in Birmingham. It has a huge amount of experience across many areas of law, particularly family law. " Simon Astill, Chief Executive at 3PB, said: “This year’s Legal 500 results yet again outline the breadth and depth of talent 3PB offers across all our practice groups to our nationwide customer base. We thank our clients and peers for taking part in the Legal 500 research and for rewarding us with this result.”

The Legal 500 West Midlands 47

SPECIAL FEATURE

Sara Lewis KC, New Head of Chambers

ST PHILIPS CHAMBERS NAMED TOP TIER SET ONCE AGAIN

There is a well-worn saying in the business world that if you aren’t growing, then you’re moving backwards; standing still is not enough. Basking in the reflected glory of historic success has never been the way at St Philips, and to prove the point, 2023 has been another year of evolution as we strive to sustainably grow Chambers while placing true expertise and client care at the heart of everything we do.

New tenants who have joined in 2023 so far are: • Michelle Caney, Anya Newman, David Nuttall, Harry Marriott, and Eloise Marriott (Business and Property) • Ben Douglas-Jones KC, Rebecca Wade KC, Marcus Harry, Will Smout, Amy Jackson, William Douglas-Jones, Sara Wyeth, Kiran Pourawal, and Callum Church (Crime) • Adele Akers (Employment) • Michelle Christie, Emma Templar, Abigail Turner, Ruby Jamieson, Sophie Laurence, and Paris Stokes (Family) • Duncan Craig (Regulatory) In addition, it was immensely fulfilling to see all our pupils once again be offered tenancy and a warm welcome to post-pupillage life has been extended to Clare Rennie, Kavita Sandu, Tamsin Sandiford, Lauren Starmer, Angus Thomas, and Robert Ward.

Our focus on organic growth and commitment to developing the future of the Bar was further 48 The Legal 500 West Midlands

and Construction. We are also proud to be recommended for Clinical Negligence, Personal Injury, Family: Divorce & Financial Remedy; and to secure barrister rankings for Costs, Inquests and Inquiries, and Licensing.

Individually, our barristers received 99 rankings across the Midland and North-Eastern Circuits, breaking the three-figure barrier is without doubt in sight for 2025! We were also delighted to see six of our members named as Rising Stars.

As ever, a huge thank you to all those clients who took the time to provide feedback to the Legal 500 researchers.

This year's new pupils.

This year we have seen unprecedented growth as our already immensely strong and diverse team has been further enhanced with the arrival of first-class incoming talent. St Philips is increasingly becoming the first choice for high-quality barristers looking to maximise their potential.

We pride ourselves on fostering a culture that enables barristers to thrive and fully expect our active recruitment drive to continue into 2024 and beyond.

affirmed through the recruitment of a record eight pupil barristers who commenced specialist pupillages with us in October this year. Vithyah Chelvam also joined our criminal and regulatory

groups as a probationary tenant.

An exciting development for Chambers occurred back in the summer when Sara Lewis KC was appointed as our new Head of Chambers. Sara succeeded Richard Atkins KC and is a highly experienced and respected KC specialising in family law. Sara’s appointment as Head follows the appointment last year of Yolanda Pemberton as Chair of our Management Committee and Board of Directors. Their promotions demonstrate our unwavering commitment to maximise the potential of our female members.

As the nights start to draw in, we also reflect on our Legal 500 Bar Rankings which are very much “hot off the press” at the time of writing.

We were, of course, delighted to retain our Top Tier status with an increase in the number of our specialist practice areas attaining a Tier 1 award.

The Top Tier specialisms include: Business and Regulatory Crime (including Health and Safety), Chancery, Probate and Tax, Commercial Litigation, Company and Insolvency, Crime (General and Fraud), Employment, Family: Children & Domestic Violence, Professional Negligence, Property

2023 marked the 25th anniversary of the formation of St Philips Chambers – a milestone that included a night of celebration at Birmingham’s Council House which not only focused our minds on the successes we have jointly achieved since 1998, but also provided a catalyst for the formulation of exciting plans for the future; plans which will see us continue to cement St Philips as a forward-thinking, progressive force at the Bar. 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: 29 Park Square, Leeds LS1 2PQ.

“

An extremely well-regarded chambers with many very fine barristers.

Legal 500 2024

The service of the clerks’ room is a shining example of excellence to the industry.

”

Legal 500 2024

ADVOCATES OF EXCELLENCE

An award winning multi-disciplinary set of barristers, widely recognised as one of the most forward-looking chambers in the UK.

enquiries@st-philips.com | 0121 246 7000 | st-philips.com 55 Temple Row, Birmingham B2 5LS | 29 Park Square, Leeds LS1 2PQ

Cornwall Street Barristers is a leading set of Chambers operating nationally from bases in the Midlands and the South East. We provide expert advice and representation in Criminal, Civil, Family, Regulatory, Immigration and Military law.

Since our founding in Birmingham over 50 years ago, we pride ourselves on continuing to be a modern, forward-thinking and dynamic set. Our members are highly regarded as approachable, personable and professional. Over those five decades we have remained focussed on ‘keeping law local’; dedicated to serving the very communities in which most of us grew up.

While many sets up and down the country claim it is their service that sets them apart, we believe that excellent service is just a starting point and should be a given, not a unique selling point. We offer a down to earth approach, sensitive to the facts. While a client’s case may be one of many Chambers handles every day, it is likely the most dominant single matter a business or an individual faces. We remain as committed to our clients as when we first began all those years ago.

An organisation dedicated to being the best we can be, we are supported by an outstanding administrative team lead by our Chief Executive, James Farmer. The team exists to help you identify and differentiate the very best and suitably qualified talent for when it really matters and to support our members in delivering the best possible outcomes.

We are not remote; we are at the heart of our communities. We use technology to assist personal interaction with our clients, not replace it. And while our reputation is long established, our recent growth is remarkable. These are the reasons why we are relied upon to represent, advise and support our clients and the communities in which we live and practice.

We are incredibly proud to announce that members Theo Huckle KC (Personal Injury), Amjad Malik KC (Crime), Peter Glenser KC (Crime), Anthony Berry KC (Crime), Michael Brady KC (Crime), Oliver Woolhouse (Crime), Rebecca Chalkley (Crime), Amy Richardson (Family), Jonathan Storey (Professional Discipline), Timothy Jacques (Personal Injury), Rebecca Keeves (Personal Injury), James Hay (Crime) Matthew Bolt (Crime) have all been recognised in this years’ Legal500.

For more information contact James Farmer, Chief Executive on 0121 233 7500 or j.farmer@cornwallstreet.co.uk