The Legal 500 West Midlands 2019 by Fraser Urquhart Media

WEST MIDLANDS

NOVEMBER 2019 THE WEST MIDLANDSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; LEGAL WORLD RANKED in association with Birmingham Law Society & Fraser Urquhart Media

The Legal 500 West Midlands 1

Bobby Singh and Kevin McCloud at Grand Designs Live LOVE YOUR POSTCODE ARE PROUD TO BE FINALISTS IN THE BELOW AWARD CATEGORIES:

Love Your Postcode are a multi-award winning property group based in the heart of Birmingham with experts across the UK. They were recently featured on BBC news for outperforming the market on both speed and price with more private clients purchasing from the capital and overseas. The ‘official property partner’ of Grand Designs Live advises on Performance&™ led strategies when it comes to buying, selling, renting, investing, refurbishing & developing property. With over 10 years’ experience matching people and property, not only are they one of the country’s most sought after buy side agents on Performance&™, but also one of the most prevalent in the Midlands. Underpinned by a culture built on energy, agility, professionalism and knowledge, their local teams live and breathe the highest of industry values. That means they go to great lengths to get the best results for their clients. Their clients benefit from better results because they intimately understand - and are proud to be a part of - the communities in which they operate.

THEY ARE PROUD TO BE FINALISTS IN THE BELOW AWARD CATEGORIES: Most Influential Business Man of the Year

Midlands Business, Community & Charity Awards on 16th November 2019

Business of the Year

The Phoenix Awards on 16th November 2019

Entrepreneur of the Year

The Phoenix Awards on 16th November 2019

Outstanding SME Business of the Year

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce on 7th December 2019

WEST MIDLANDS to women in our profession are plenty, there remain challenges. Women in leadership positions in the law remain in the minority. In the West Midlands, only 30.4% of partners (or equivalent) are women. Therefore, in this centenary year, Birmingham Law Society has launched a series of initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of the ongoing disparity. It has been a pleasure to see the local legal community come together to seek to bring about positive change. That is not the only example of the local legal community coming together to target inequality and injustice. In recent years, changes imposed on our legal system have stretched far and run deep. Cuts to legal provision have left many, often those who are most vulnerable, without access to legal advice and representation. Access to justice isn’t something that is happening in the abstract or at arm’s length and it doesn’t only affect the poor and the vulnerable, even if they are often the people to feel the impact of cuts most acutely. Access to justice is good for our city, for our businesses, for our family, our friends, our neighbours and, should we ever find we need to rely on it, for ourselves. That is why local lawyers, continue to campaign for access to justice for those living in our region and beyond, through responses to Government consultations, lobbying of MPs and awareness raising campaigns. It is as a result of such efforts and those of national representative organisations, such as The Law Society and The Bar Council, that the Government has agreed to pilot the reintroduction of public funding for early legal advice.

BIRMINGHAM LAW SOCIETY PRESIDENT LINDEN THOMAS LOOKS AT THE BIG ISSUES AFFECTING THE LEGAL PROFESSION AND HOW THE WEST MIDLANDS IS PLACED TO RESPOND TO THEM. 2019 marks a time of change, challenge and opportunity for the legal profession. Fortunately, the profession in the West Midlands is home to a flourishing legal sector that is well placed to respond to these changes, meet the challenges that arise and maximise the opportunities on the horizon. From 25 November 2019, the introduction of changes to the regulatory rules that govern solicitors will present opportunities for commercial organisations to offer legal services to the public more easily than ever before and individual solicitors will have the option to provide some services, without needing to be employed by a law firm or similar. Such developments will offer consumers of legal services increased choice about how they purchase their legal advice and from whom. Meanwhile, we will inevitably see a shift in the composition of the sector, as lawyers choose to pursue alternative career pathways that open up as a result of these new ways of working, although the extent of the change remains to be seen.

At the same time, developments in technology are enabling law firms to work ever more efficiently, to provide the benefit of innovative new services to their clients and often, to pass on cost savings generated by technological innovations too. For many in the legal profession, 2019 has been a time to reflect, as well as to look forward. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919 coming into force. This was the Act that enabled some women to practise law for the first time. 100 years later, 63.9% of those admitted as solicitors here in the West Midlands identified as female and in the same year, 51.7% of pupil barristers nationally were women. We have a female President of the Supreme Court, Baroness Hale of Richmond, and locally, the President, Vice President and Deputy Vice President of Birmingham Law Society are all women. Much progress has clearly been made in a relatively short period of time. Yet, whilst the possibilities that are now extended

The challenges and changes facing today’s legal profession and their clients then, are many and varied. As I said at the outset, the legal community in the West Midlands is well placed to maximise the opportunities that these developments present. It is a centre of global legal excellence that is home to more than 900 companies providing legal services and employing more than 9000 people. International legal practices choose to base themselves here due to the benefits the region confers in terms of accessibility, proximity to clients in other sectors and access to a young and talented legal work force. There is a wealth of home grown legal talent in the region, fostered in the law schools of local universities. In 2018, more than 1900 students graduated with law degrees from universities in the region, many of whom opted to stay and pursue their legal careers here. Birmingham also boasts some of the largest and most well-respected barristers chambers in the country and with the introduction of the Property and Business Court in Birmingham in July 2017 there is no longer a need for arbitration and resolution of disputes in London. With access to leading solicitors, Counsel and Judges in the region, legal matters which might once have migrated to other court centres are now resolved right here in the West Midlands. In short, we have an innovative, adaptable and robust local legal profession that is representative of the dynamic and progressive region in which it is based and which will no doubt continue to flourish as change comes at a pace.

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 2018 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 MEDIA.

4 The Legal 500 West Midlands

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WEST MIDLANDS LEADING INDIVIDUALS 2019

Jonathan Cox- Anthony Collins Solicitors

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

Neal FaunchAnsons

Jo AldersonPinsent Masons

AGRICULTURE AND ESTATES Steven Corfield - FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Paul Rice - Wright Hassall LLP BANKING AND FINANCE Patrick Davis - Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP David Doogan - Pinsent Masons LLP Mohammed Saqub - Shakespeare Martineau LLP BANKING LITIGATION Chris Busby - Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Neville Gray - Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP CHARITIES AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT Mark Lewis - Lodders Solicitors LLP Shivaji Shiva - VWV Jenny Smith - Thursfields Solicitors CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE: CLAIMANT Inez Brown - Harrison Clark Rickerbys Kay Kelly - Lanyon Bowdler Emma Rush - Irwin Mitchell Marie McMorrowHGF Law

Clive GarnerIrwin Mitchell

Katie MolloyGowling WLG

Richard Bate - Gowling WLG Amanda Hanmore - Trowers & Hamlins LLP Jason Jackson - Shoosmiths LLP Tom Johnson - Pinsent Masons LLP Philip Medford - Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Andrew Mellor - Shakespeare Martineau LLP Monique Sutherland - DLA Piper UK LLP COMMERCIAL PROPERTY: ELSEWHERE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS Tim Bailey - Beswicks Legal David Hull - Squire Patton Boggs Gary Mellor - Beswicks Legal Nick East - Lodders Solicitors LLP Barry Sankey - Wright Hassall LLP David Slade - Wright Hassall LLP Kevin Styles - George Green LLP

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION: BIRMINGHAM Steve Allen - Mills & Reeve LLP Nick Bamford - DLA Piper UK LLP Neil Bowker - DLA Piper UK LLP Adam Fisher - Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Jonathan Hofstetter - Fieldfisher LLP Andrew Leach - DWF Andrew Smith - Gowling WLG COMMERCIAL LITIGATION: ELSEWHERE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS Elizabeth Beatty - Harrison Clark Rickerbys Guy Birkett - FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Julia Lowe - Higgs & Sons Richard Morgan - Harrison Clark Rickerbys Sarah Perry - Wright Hassall LLP Neil Williams - George Green LLP COMMERCIAL PROPERTY: BIRMINGHAM Iftkhar Ahmed - Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Gurjit Atwal - Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP 6 The Legal 500 West Midlands

CRIME: FRAUD Ben Henry - Jonas Roy Bloom Hamraj Kang - Kangs Solicitors CRIME: GENERAL Tim Coolican - Slater and Gordon Ben Henry - Jonas Roy Bloom Steven Jonas - Jonas Roy Bloom Hamraj Kang - Kangs Solicitors

CONSTRUCTION Martino Giaquinto - Mills & Reeve LLP Philip Harris - Wright Hassall LLP Robert Norris - Squire Patton Boggs Peter Scurlock - Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP CONTENTIOUS TRUSTS AND PROBATE Gavin Faber - Irwin Mitchell Kamal Majevadia - Sydney Mitchell LLP Craig Ridge - FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Robert Weston - MFG Solicitors LLP

CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE: DEFENDANT Adrian Dagnall - Bevan Brittan LLP

CORPORATE TAX Lee Nuttall - Gowling WLG Becky Rees - Parisi Tax LLP Jon Stevens - DWF Lisa Stevenson - Parisi Tax LLP

CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL: BIRMINGHAM John Campion - DLA Piper UK LLP Charles Cook - DLA Piper UK LLP Noel Haywood - DLA Piper UK LLP Susan Lewis - Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Matthew Williams - Fieldfisher LLP CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL: ELSEWHERE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS Paul Bennett - George Green LLP Arpinder Dhillon - Harrison Clark Rickerbys Robert Lee - Wright Hassall LLP James Sage - FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Nick Taylor - Higgs & Sons

Craig Ridge- FBC Manby Bowlder LLP

Larry ColtmanColtman Warner Cranston LLP

DEBT RECOVERY Larry Coltman - Coltman Warner Cranston LLP Alan Hamblett - Shakespeare Martineau LLP Dee Kundi â&#x20AC;&#x201C; VWV EDUCATION Richard Freeth - Browne Jacobson LLP Smita Jamdar - Shakespeare Martineau LLP Nick MacKenzie - Browne Jacobson LLP EMPLOYMENT Rachel Broughton - Averta Employment Lawyers LLP Jonathan Coley - Pinsent Masons LLP Ranjit Dhindsa - Fieldfisher LLP Jane Fielding - Gowling WLG Nick Jew - Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Linda Jones - Pinsent Masons LLP Tim Jones - Higgs & Sons Rebecca McGuirk - Trowers & Hamlins LLP Charlie Rae - Shoosmiths LLP Richard Santy - Mills & Reeve LLP David Sykes - Averta Employment Lawyers LLP Sandra Wallace - DLA Piper UK LLP ENERGY Andrew Whitehead - Shakespeare Martineau LLP Gus Wood - Gowling WLG

Angus TurnerMills & Reeves

Debbie HumphriesLanyon Bowdler

ENVIRONMENT David Gordon - Squire Patton Boggs Andrew Lichfield - Gowling WLG

Tim Coolican- Slater & Gordan

Suzanne TuckerFBC Manby Bowdler

Mark LewisLodders

FAMILY: BIRMINGHAM Diane Benussi - Benussi & Co Limited Karen Moores - Sydney Mitchell LLP Beverley Morris - Lodders Solicitors LLP Zahra Pabani - Shakespeare Martineau LLP Jas Tamber - Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Clare Wiseman - Irwin Mitchell

Andy ShawHiggs & Son

Mark WalshKennedys

FAMILY: ELSEWHERE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS Andrew Caldicott - Harrison Clark Rickerbys Tracy Cross - Band Hatton Button LLP Linda Jones - Brethertons LLP

Marie McMorrow - HGF Law IT AND TELECOMS Craig Armstrong - Shoosmiths LLP David Jackson - Shoosmiths LLP Sally Mewies - Gowling WLG

PLANNING Niall Blackie - FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Trevor Ivory - DLA Piper UK LLP Paul Maile - Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Andrew Thomas - Gowling WLG

LOCAL GOVERNMENT Derek Adamson - DWF Didar Dhillon - Pinsent Masons LLP Amardeep Gill - Trowers & Hamlins LLP

PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE David Gooding - Mills & Reeve LLP Eamon Mooney - Kennedys Julian Smart â&#x20AC;&#x201C; BLM

PENSIONS Paul Carberry - Gowling WLG Michael Collins - Gateley Plc Gary Delderfield - Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Sarah Franklin - Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Matthew Giles - Squire Patton Boggs Emma King - Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Richard Lee - Gowling WLG Nick Stones - Pinsent Masons LLP

PROJECT FINANCE AND PFI Didar Dhillon - Pinsent Masons LLP James Larmour - Freeths LLP

Andrew Thomas Gowling WLG

HEALTH Tracey Lucas - Capsticks LLP HEALTH AND SAFETY Ruth Armstrong - Gateley Plc Sean Elson - Pinsent Masons LLP Andrew Litchfield - Gowling WLG Hayley Saunders - Shoosmiths LLP

Jenny SmithThursfield

Damon BurtPlexus Law

INSOLVENCY AND CORPORATE RECOVERY Huw Dolphin - DLA Piper UK LLP Amy Flavell - Pinsent Masons LLP Daniel French - Gateley Plc Stephen George - Irwin Mitchell John Jeffreys - DLA Piper UK LLP Devinder Singh - Squire Patton Boggs Stephanie Slinn - Clarke Willmott LLP Mark Wilson - Gateley Plc INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Simon Barker - Freeths LLP Mark Daniels - Browne Jacobson LLP Cerryg Jones - Browne Jacobson LLP

PROPERTY LITIGATION

Sarah Jones- Beswicks

Lee McBride - Gowling WLG Roy Tozer - Shoosmiths LLP

Dee Kundi- VWV

Linda JonesBrethertons

David GoodingMills & Reeves

PERSONAL INJURY: CLAIMANT Luke Daniels - Irwin Mitchell Clive Garner - Irwin Mitchell Neil Lorimer - Lanyon Bowdler Andy Shaw - Higgs & Sons Hilary Wetherell - Irwin Mitchell PERSONAL INJURY: DEFENDANT Damon Burt - Plexus Law James Harvey - BLM Richard Stallard - DAC Beachcroft LLP Ken Young - Keoghs LLP PERSONAL TAX, TRUSTS AND PROBATE Lesley Davis - Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Alan JonesAverta

Tracy CrossBand Hatton Button

Lisa Barge - Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Paul Barker - Higgs & Sons David Feist - Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Alicia Foo - Pinsent Masons LLP Paul Knight - Shoosmiths LLP SOCIAL HOUSING Jonathan Cox - Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Jacqueline Knox - Gowling WLG SPORT Tim Bailey - Beswicks Legal David Hull - Squire Patton Boggs Gary Mellor - Beswicks Legal TRANSPORT Giles Clifford - Gowling WLG Clive Garner - Irwin Mitchell Darren Kenny - DWF

Beth MargetsonEmms Gilmore Liberson

Diane BenussiBenussi & Co

The Legal 500 West Midlands 7

WEST MIDLANDS

FIRMS ARE LISTED A-Z WITHIN TIERS

CORPORATE & COMMERCIAL: BIRMINGHAM DLA Piper UK LLP Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Gowling WLG

Freeths LLP Gateley Plc Mills & Reeve LLP Pinsent Masons LLP Shakespeare Martineau LLP Squire Patton Boggs

Browne Jacobson LLP Emms Gilmore Liberson Fieldfisher LLP Irwin Mitchell Shoosmiths LLP

Clarke Willmott LLP DWF Legal Clarity The Wilkes Partnership Weightmans LLP

DLA Piper UK LLP is known for its work on complex cross-border transactions with extensive experience in both M&A and capital markets. The team is led by ‘tough negotiator’ Noel Haywood and Charles Cook , who both focus on international M&A transactions. Also recommended are private equity partner Tim Lake , capital markets partner John Campion and rising star senior associate Robert Newman . Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP covers the full spectrum of corporate and commercial work from its Birmingham base, with an enviable client roster that includes a number of large corporates and private equity houses, carrying out high profile transactions in the region. Mark Beardmore , who has experience of both private equity and M&A transactions, sits at the helm of the practice. Susan Lewis is another key M&A partner with a strong focus on cross-border deals, while TheresaMarie Stodell adds experience of restructurings as well as M&A.

Gowling WLG has a strong reputation for working on high profile M&A and private equity deals within the region and beyond. The team focuses on sectors including real estate and

8 The Legal 500 West Midlands

the automotive industry as well as handling work for investment funds. David Vaughan leads the corporate team and is supported by Chris Towle , Ragi Singh , Andrew Lawton Smith and Jeremy Millington . The commercial side is led by Sally Mewies , whose team also includes Sarah Sasse, Stephen Kenny and principal associate Caroline McNally . Freeths LLP ‘s corporate and commercial practice is a prominent force in the retail, construction, logistics, hospitality and public sectors. Lee Clifford leads the corporate team and is highly skilled in handling PE transactions. Heading up the commercial team is Nigel Gardner , whose main sector focus is on the logistics and hospitality sectors. Gateley Plc has a strong presence in the region, as highlighted by its work in M&A, private equity and commercial contracts. Tom Durrant heads the corporate team nationally and is an expert in cross-border acquisitions and disposals. Other prominent figures from the team include: capital markets specialist Paul Cliff ; private equity expert Simon Gill ; Chris Reed , who is skilled in acquisitions and disposals; Michael Ward , who is highly experienced in corporate transactions and restructurings; and public company lawyer Tom Rush . Mills & Reeve LLP ‘s corporate practice is led by Julian Smith , who focuses on the healthcare sector; Peter McLintock ,

who is an expert in private equity; and Jayne Hussey , who specialises in mid-market transactions, with a particular focus on the automotive sector. Also recommended is principal associate Ruth Andrew (pictured), who specialises in commercial contracts. Pinsent Masons LLP’s Birmingham team has a particularly international focus, with a notable skillset in private equity, M&A and capital market transactions. In terms of sector focus, prominent industries for the team include energy, technology, healthcare and manufacturing. Nicole Livesey heads up the corporate department and is highly involved in the advanced manufacturing sector. Public sector specialist Clare Francis leads the commercial side and is notably skilled in advising on Brexit-related issues. Andrew Hornigold is another name of note, and is heavily involved in corporate issues surrounding the technology sector. Shakespeare Martineau LLP has a broad practice covering M&A, corporate finance, private equity and general commercial matters. Practice head Richard Wrigley is an expert in transactions and restructurings, with a strong emphasis on the energy sector. Other important names include: mid-market M&A specialist Adam McGiveron ; the corporate financefocused Kavita Patel ; and Keith Spedding , who has a strong interest in the tech sector. Squire Patton Boggs’ corporate and commercial team advises industrial, manufacturing, healthcare, retail and sports companies on public and private

M&A and private equity deals. The ‘excellent’ Geoff Perry leads the team and focuses on mid-market M&A and PE transactions alongside partners such as Andrew Glaze . Other important members of the team include David Hull , who is highly experienced in corporate transactions, particularly in the sports sector where the firm works with a large number of football teams, and commercial expert Stuart James , who often advises on procurement and sourcing matters. Browne Jacobson LLP ‘s corporate team focuses on M&A, private equity and venture capital deals, while the commercial team is primarily concerned with contractual matters. Mike Jackson heads up the corporate side and has a particular emphasis on the technology sector. The commercial team is led by Ryan Harrison , who frequently advises on cross-border matters. Emms Gilmore Liberson ‘s corporate and commercial team advises on M&A, restructurings, joint ventures and commercial contracts. It is also developing its healthcare client-base. Leading the practice is Stephen Gilmore , who is notably strong in shareholder and partnership agreements and Gregory Emms, who focuses on a range of corporate transactions. Fieldfisher LLP launched in Birmingham in late 2016 when it merged with specialist business law firm Hill Hofstetter. Now, the firm’s corporate and commercial team, which is headed by partner Chris Hill, focuses on advising the professional

services sector on acquisitions, disposals and restructurings. It also advises tech and other companies on software and hardware transactions, with a high proportion of its matters involving some international element. Matthew Williams joined from Orrick to help strengthen the firm’s corporate presence in the energy, commodities and infrastructure sectors, with Hugo Lidbetter joining as a partner from EDF as part of the same push. Irwin Mitchell handles M&A, private equity and commercial contracts from its Birmingham office. Nick Dawson (pictured) co-heads a team clients describe as ‘easy to do business with’ and is very active in M&A and private equity deals. Sarah Riding leads on the commercial side and is an expert in commercial contracts and outsourcing agreements. The third practice head is Chris Rawstron , who primarily focuses on corporate transactions and capital raising. Shoosmiths LLP has a multidisciplined corporate and commercial practice which is particularly known for its work in the private equity and venture capital space. Alastair Peet

heads the national venture capital team and is also very skilled in public M&A. Ben Turner leads the midlands corporate group, which has a strong focus on the hospitality, technology and real estate sectors. Also recommended is commercial team head David Jackson , who is notably strong in the technology sector. Clarke Willmott LLP has a broad corporate practice but its Birmingham office has a particular focus on the education, manufacturing, logistics and real estate sectors. John Irving works at the helm and is notably skilled in competition and supply chain issues. Corporate lawyer Andrew Beedham is also recommended. DWF ‘s small Birmingham corporate team is led by Mark Gibson . The team works closely with other DWF offices, in particular those in Manchester and Liverpool, as well as London. Its client-base includes FTSE 250-listed UK corporates and financial institutions as well as handling work from the US, Russia and the CEE. Gibson has extensive experience in handling M&A, disposals and management buy outs. The sectors he is most active in include hospitality, healthcare, technology and financial services. Legal Clarity’s work within the corporate and commercial space covers M&A, investment funds and reorganisations for clients including accounting firms and GP practices.

Richard Underwood leads the team and has a broad practice covering M&A, reorganisations, joint ventures and shareholder arrangements. Also recommended are James Quinn and Chris Wright , who has a particular emphasis on capital restructurings. The Wilkes Partnership is strong in mid-market deals involving M&A, disposals and management buyouts. Managing partner Gareth O’Hara leads the Midlands’ firm’s team and has a particular focus on the automotive sector. Weightmans LLP has a practice with a particular focus on private equity transactions and owner-managed businesses, especially those in the automotive manufacturing supply chain. The corporate team is led by Mathew Harvey (pictured), who focuses on both areas, while the commercial side of the offering is headed by Tracy Lake , who joined in late 2018 from National Grid and who predominantly works on commercial contracts in the utilities sector.

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The Legal 500 West Midlands 9

WEST MIDLANDS CORPORATE & COMMERCIAL:

ELSEWHERE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS

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George Green LLP Harrison Clark Rickerbys Higgs & Sons Wright Hassall LLP Beswicks Legal FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Thursfields Solicitors Ansons Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited Lodders Solicitors LLP MFG Solicitors LLP Pickerings Solicitors Shakespeare Martineau LLP Aaron & Partners LLP Band Hatton Button LLP Brindley Twist Tafft & James Enoch Evans LLP Hatchers Solicitors LLP Lanyon Bowdler Thomas Horton LLP George Green LLP advises businesses and entities of all sizes on matters such as management buyouts, acquisitions, disposals and shareholder agreements. Senior partner Paul Bennett is a central figure in the team and predominantly represents family businesses and owner managed business on crossborder transactions. Another key figure is Philip Round who covers the spectrum of corporate transactions for clients in the financial services sector. Private equity specialist Guy Green is also highly recommended. Kam Jahal joined the team from FBC Manby Bowdler LLP. The practice at Harrison Clark Rickerbys handles MBOs, acqusitions, disposals and joint ventures, led by Arpinder Dhillon, who has a strong record in transactional work. Managing partner Rod Thomas is also very active on deals and has particular experience on cross-border transactions. Also highly recommended are Alison Scott, Charlotte Thornton-Smith, Rebecca Leask, Robert Capper, David Ashcroft , Clare Emery and senior associate Helen Higginbotham.

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management buyouts and M&A deals. He is supported by: Steven Halkett, who is an expert in M&A, turnarounds and restructurings; and Keith Ainsworth, who handles venture capital and M&A transactions. Senior associate Nathan Lapsley is experienced in both corporate transactions and disposals. On the commercial side, technology procurement specialist Lindsay Ellis is a key figure, as is commercial contracts expert Christine Jackson Stoke-based Beswicks Legal is a popular choice for corporate and commercial work in the North Staffordshire and South Cheshire areas, and also acts for a number of clients further afield. Corporate transactions specialist Peter Ellis (pictured) works at the helm of the team and is notably skilled in acquisitions, disposals and reorganisations.

Higgs & Sons has a track record of experience of advising on acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures, restructuring, private equity and compliance. Nick Taylor, who leads the team, has expertise in M&A and joint ventures. Other key figures on the corporate side include Richard Griffiths and Adrian Cutler, while Paul Hunt focuses on commercial matters.

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP runs the gamut of corporate and commercial work with offices situated across the West Midlands. Key figures from the firm include Telford-based David Preece , who is an expert in corporate transactions; Shropshire- based Stuart Rea, who works on general corporate and commercial services; and corporate transactions specialist James Sage, who is based in Wolverhampton.

Wright Hassall LLP has a broad corporate and commercial practice with notable strengths in the retail, healthcare and education sectors. Robert Lee heads up the corporate team, advising on corporate finance,

Healthcare, technology and events are three core area of focus for Thursfields Solicitors' corporate and commercial team. Corporate director Gareth Burge leads the practice while also handling work including M&A,

10 The Legal 500 West Midlands

Tim Edwards- Thursfields equity fundraisings and corporate reorganisations. Commercial director Tim Edwards handles M&A and corporate finance work. Ansons' growing corporate and commercial team handles M&A, disposals, restructurings, commercial contracts, shareholder agreements and joint ventures, typically acting on deals valued between £1m and £20m. Hilary D’Cruz, who jointly leads the team, has particular specialities in sales and purchases in the pharmacy and manufacturing sector, as well as matters relating to biofuel supply agreements. Fellow corporate co-head Neil Jones also acts for dental clients and handles private equity work. Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited is led by founding partner Colin Rodrigues who has extensive experience of all types of corporate transactions. He has particularly experience of advising clients in sectors such as manufacturing, engineering, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and technology. Stratford-based Lodders Solicitors LLP handles corporate matters for a range of clients which include SMEs, owner managed businesses, family businesses, startups and charities. Kim Klahn leads the team and is experienced in M&A, disposals, management buyouts and reorganisations. Also recommended is Victor Matts, whose practice includes a focus on shareholder agreements and company formations. MFG Solicitors LLP has a track record of advising on M&A and private equity deals, restructurings and joint ventures. The practice, which is led by Stephen Wyer, was boosted in 2018 by the arrival of Clare Lang from George Green LLP. Other important figures in the team Tamworth-based Pickerings Solicitors' commercial practice predominantly serves SMEs in the Staffordshire area. Craig Davies leads the team and is an expert in commercial contracts and shareholder agreements. Another notable name is Keri Pointon, who handles acquisitions and disposals. Shakespeare Martineau LLP's Stratford-upon-Avon practice primarily focuses on mid-market M&A, joint

ventures, MBOs and restructurings. The team is led by Andrew Smith, who focuses on corporate and finance transactions for startups, SMEs and public companies. Aaron & Partners LLP is a popular choice for businesses looking for corporate and commercial advice across Shropshire, Mid-Wales and Staffordshire. Stuart Scott-Goldstone, who heads up the team, has experience in M&A, disposals, MBOs and commercial contracts. Band Hatton Button LLP covers the spectrum of corporate and commercial work and is particularly strong in sectors such as construction, agriculture, technology, insurance, retail and gaming. Practice head Sean Byrne advises on matters relating to financing, commercial contracts and joint ventures. Brindley Twist Tafft & James's work in the corporate and commercial sphere covers acquisitions, disposals, restructurings, shareholder agreements and commercial contracts. Samantha Wright leads the practice and has extensive experience of advising on commercial contracts and shareholder agreements. Walsall-based Enoch Evans LLP handles corporate transactions, management buyouts, corporate finance and disposals. Corporate and commercial head Sukie Shermar has expertise in the aforementioned areas, with a notably strong emphasis on clients in the healthcare sector. Shrewsbury-based Hatchers Solicitors LLP's practice is led by Ann Fisher , who also serves as company secretary of the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce. She primarily advises SMEs on transactions, shareholder agreements and joint ventures, and her most active sectors include manufacturing, agriculture and charity. Telford-based Lanyon Bowdler offers 'strength in knowledge and experience' for clients in the West Midlands and further afield. 'Consummate professional' Grainne Walters heads the team and has primarily handles high value corporate transactions. Also recommended is associate solicitor Edward Burrell, who is skilled in drafting corporate transactions documents.

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WEST MIDLANDS CORPORATE TAX Parisi Tax LLP (Birmingham)

DLA Piper (Birmingham) DWF LLP (Birmingham) Gowling WLG (Birmingham) Mills & Reeve LLP (Birmingham) Browne Jacobson LLP (Birmingham) Shoosmiths LLP (Birmingham

Higgs & Sons

Tax boutique Parisi Tax LLP covers the full spectrum of work in this field and is particularly well known for its on advise on the tax aspects of M&A transactions, enterprise investment schemes, property and restructuring. Leading the team is Lisa Stevenson , who primarily focuses on M&A, and Becky Rees, whose standout specialty is enterprise investment schemes. Property tax specialist Jon Robinson and associate Jamie Chambers are also recommended. DLA Piper UK LLP's regional practice

12 The Legal 500 West Midlands

Gowling WLG's tax team offers the full gamut of tax services, and is particularly known for advising clients in the real estate sector. Lee Nuttall leads the tax team nationally and is highly experienced in matters covering VAT, corporate tax, stamp duty land taxes and capital allowances. Another notable name is director Chris Nyland, who has a strong record in property tax issues.

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finance; and Sarah Hope , who is an expert in mortgage mis-selling. Katie Molly- Gowling

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has a specialist banking litigation team in Birmingham which focuses on high-profile work relating to lending, financing, wealth management, mis-selling and negligence. As well as its wellestablished relationships with major banks, the firm also has also built a reputation for its work for challenger banks, while the team also handles international work out of Birmingham. Chris Busby, who leads the practice, is and also UK head of financial services disputes and investigations. Neville Gray is another key figure and works on investigations and regulatory advice. Other notable names include principal associate Martin Ward , who specialises in asset, motor and invoice

1 2 3 4

Mills & Reeve LLP 's team covers all of the main areas of corporate tax, handling a range of local, national and international work. Working at the helm are Kevin Lowe, who predominantly focuses tax aspects of M&A transactions, banking work and company reorganisations, and Neil Pearson, who has expertise in social finance, venture capital funding and

employee incentives. Browne Jacobson LLP's local tax offering is led by Andrew Noble, who is dual-qualified as a solicitor and chartered tax adviser. The team handles tax aspects of M&A and real estate transactions including cross-border deals - for a range of private and public sector clients. Shoosmiths LLP's tax team, which was launched in 2014, offers corporate, real estate and employee incentives advice, and has a specialism in advising on enterprise investment scheme and venture capital trust-compliant investments. The team is led by Kate Featherstone, who has extensive experience of advising on the tax aspects of M&A, private equity deals and restructurings. Susheel Gupta heads the team at Higgs & Sons, which focuses on tax planning advice and employee incentive schemes. He is particularly known for representing shareholders on the taxation elements of transactions.

Birmingham executive partner Jon Stevens is the key point of contact for DWF's regional tax practice, which

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

FS Legal Gateley Plc Shoosmiths LLP

operates in tandem with the firm's practitioners in its other key markets across Edinburgh, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds. Stevens is highly experienced in tax matters pertaining to M&A and real estate transactions and also handles complex cross-border matters, and tax litigation.

benefits from the firm's international connections, primarily focusing on the tax aspects of corporate transactions and restructurings. 'Outstanding technical expert' Mark Burgess leads the team and is notably skilled in real estate transactions and corporate reorganisations. Also recommended is senior associate Nick Hinton, who advises on the tax aspects of corporate transactions.

BANKING LITIGATION

Gowling WLG Squire Patton Boggs

FIRMS ARE LISTED A-Z WITHIN TIERS

Gowling WLG's skillset in this space covers banking, finance and

insolvency litigation with a number of major financial institutions among its client roster. Ian Weatherall heads the practice and is most notably skilled in disputes involving undisclosed commission and payment protection insurance. Banking and asset finance specialist Matthew Harvey is also highly recommended. Associate Katie Molloy is skilled in asset recovery disputes. At Squire Patton Boggs , the team operates as part of the firm's substantial international network, with the Birmingham practice focusing on advising lenders on professioinal negligence, mis-selling, regulatory issues and lender liability claims. 'Firstclass lawyer' Garon Anthony leads the team, while also handling disputes involving banking, pensions, financial advisers and insurance clients, as well as issues relating to cyber-attacks and data breaches. Commercial litigator Simon Garbett is also regularly involved in complex cross-border disputes.

Gareth Fatchett and Paul Crutchley are the two key names at FS Legal . Fatchett acts for investors who have received negligent financial advice, whereas managing partner Crutchley is a corporate and commercial lawyer with a strong emphasis on the financial services sector. Gateley Plc 's Birmingham banking litigation offering is led by the 'ferociously hard-working, practical and commercial' James Baird , who focuses on advising funders and leasing companies on debt recovery, asset-tracing and fraud disputes. Recent work for the firm has included acting on a nine-figure dispute arising out of the sale of a credit card portfolio. Shoosmiths LLP's banking litigation team is headed by Roger Potgieter, who predominantly focuses on claims against asset finance, motor finance, banking and leasing clients. Additional services provided include debt recovery, enforcement of securities and professional negligence claims.

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION: ELSEWHERE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS Beswicks Legal FBC Manby Bowdler LLP George Green LLP Harrison Clark Rickerbys Higgs & Sons Wright Hassall LLP Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited Lanyon Bowdler MFG Solictors LLP Thursfields Solicitors

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Ansons Band Hatton Button LLP Enoch Evans LLP Freeths LLP Pickerings Solicitors

Guy Birkett- FBC Manby Bowdler

Stoke-on-Trent firm Beswicks Legal handles a range of work including shareholder and partnership disputes, as well as tax and sports-related litigation. Karen Elder co-heads the team and is notably strong in contractual disputes, as well as having a particular focus on the property sector. Elder works in tandem with fellow co-head Gareth Wilkinson , who has carved a niche in sports litigation.

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has a strong commercial litigation offering, primarily in contractual disputes. Guy Birkett leads the team and is an expert in shareholder and partnership disputes, as well as construction litigation. Other key members include Gareth Ruddock, who has a focus on property disputes, and contractual disputes specialist Charlotte Clode . Technology and engineering are two standout sector specialities for George Green LLP. Neil Williams is a key figure in the team, handling contractual disputes, corporate warranty claims as well as shareholder and partnership disputes. Morgan Rees is another name of note and handles shareholder disputes and professional negligence cases. Richard Morgan, Elizabeth Beatty and Hefin Archer-Williams jointly lead the team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys. Firmwide disputes chief Morgan heads up the firm's defence, security and forces offering, while Williams, who joined from Slater and Gordon in early 2018, is in charge of the Wye

Valley operation. Beatty, who leads the Worcester team and also sits as a deputy district judge at the Birmingham Civil Justice Centre, also heads up the firm's 24/7 in-house lawyers services practice. Well-regarded senior associate Tom Williams handles disputes arising out of corporate transactions. Julia Lowe is the key point of contact in Higgs & Sons' Brierley Hill practice. Her areas of expertise within this space include shareholder and partnership disputes, product liability matters and injunctive relief orders. Wright Hassall LLP has particular strength in disputes in the technology, tax and financial services sectors. Managing partner Sarah Perry,(left) who jointly leads the practice, is 'a force to be reckoned with' and an expert in shareholder disputes, commercial contract issues and fraud claims. Also heading the practice is Gemma Carson, who has a similar focus on commercial contract disputes and handles professional negligence claims. Associate Matthew Goodwin is notably skilled in financial services litigation. Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited handles seven-figure commericial disputes, advising clients across a range of sectors including manufacturing, engineering, IT and insurance. Managing director and firm founder Harminder Sandhu leads the team, handling major meditation work alongside litigation for key clients. Recent cases handled by the firm include shareholder disputes, propertyrelated matters and product liability issues, as well as wider claims relating to professional negligence. Lanyon Bowdler is particularly prominent in shareholder and partnership disputes, as well as professional negligence. Andrew Pegg

leads the practice and has a strong emphasis on the manufacturing, construction and engineering sectors. MFG Solictors LLP's work within the disputes space covers litigation involving commercial contracts, shareholder agreements, civil fraud, construction and issues relating to financial services. Tom Esler, who leads the team, has a particular focus on litigation involving breach of director's duties and shareholder and partnership agreements. Another key figure is Samuel Pedley, who is an expert in contractual disputes, intellectual property and insolvency. Thursfields Solicitors has a general commercial litigation practice that serves the Worcestershire and surrounding areas of Birmingham. Director Tim Lawrence is a key figure in the team and focuses on commercial disputes, financial recoveries and franchising issues. Ansons focuses on contractual disputes, shareholder disagreements and professional negligence claims. Martin De Ridder leads the team and handles disputes in the aforementioned areas, primarily for owner-managed businesses in the Staffordshire area. Other key names include senior associate Jason Alcock, who is experienced in construction and property disputes, and associate Adam Pike, who acts on professional negligence claims and shareholder disputes. Coventry-based Band Hatton Button LLP is a popular choice for

commercial litigation within the region and is particularly known for its advice on disputes relating to property and facilities management. 'Excellent commercial litigator' Jon Wilby leads the team and primarily focuses on property and tenancy disputes.

Walsall-based Enoch Evans LLP's commercial disputes team is led by Stephen Nixon, (above) who is experienced in disputes pertaining to commercial contracts, property and professional negligence. He also handles employment and intellectual property litigation, as well as shareholder and partnership disputes. The Stoke office of Freeths LLP is primarily known for advising on disputes in the property and energy sectors. Stephen Hadley leads the team and has extensive experience in corporate and property litigation. Pickerings Solicitors' skillset in this space focuses on disputes relating to debt collection, commercial contracts, professional negligence, as well as shareholder and partnership matters. Simon King leads the practice and focuses on the aforementioned areas, acting as both a litigator and mediator. Associate Katie Maxwell Stewart focuses on contractual and commercial disputes.

The Legal 500 West Midlands 13

WEST MIDLANDS

FIRMS ARE LISTED A-Z WITHIN TIERS

DEBT RECOVERY Coltman Warner Cranston LLP Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Beswicks Legal Gateley Plc Shoosmiths LLP VWV Wright Hassall LLP FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Gowling WLG Lanyon Bowdler Sydney Mitchell LLP

1 2 3 disputes in the credit insurance industry, as well as freezing orders against directors and partners.

Coventry-based Coltman Warner Cranston LLP is a debt recovery specialist firm which covers the full spectrum of work within this field. Managing partner Larry Coltman (above) heads the practice and handles large retention claims, policy

Shakespeare Martineau LLP runs the gamut of debt recovery work, with notable strengths in credit management, Consumer Credit Act issues, property matters and enforcement. Jayne Gardner is at the helm of the practice, and is particularly active in sectors such as financial services, logistics, manufacturing and energy. Another key name is Alan Hamblett, who is experienced in advising on injunctions, shareholder actions and breach of warranty claims.

Beswicks Legal's practice is led by the 'refreshingly honest' Richard Anderson, who specialises in debt recovery disputes and is experienced in handling commercial and individual debt and credit control. Key sectors for the team include professional services, manufacturing and education. Gateley Plc's standout specialty is its expertise in the automotive and manufacturing sectors. The 'hardworking, commercial and clientfocused' James Baird leads the team and is notably skilled in fraud prevention, collections consultancy and recovery. Shoosmiths LLP's Birmingham debt recovery team, which is part of the national firm's UK-wide practice, primarily focuses on matters relating to motor and asset finance. Roger Potgieter is a key name in the Birmingham office and works on cases pertaining to banking and leasing, while he also has a particular interest in cases involving fraud. Debt recovery specialist Dee Kundi (left) is the key name of note at VWV, 'combining knowledge and experience of the debt recovery and litigation arenas with sharp business acumen. The firm has recently revamped its offering with a bulk debt recovery model in an effort to control costs. Kundi and her team have particular experience in sectors such as financial services, professional

SYDNEY MITCHELL TOP TIER LEGAL 500 of legal practice; Contentious Probate, Commercial Litigation, Debt Recovery, Insolvency and Corporate Recovery, Employment, Clinical Negligence, Personal Injury, Professional Negligence, Family, Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate, Commercial Property and Property Litigation.

Sydney Mitchell has again been recognised as a Tier 1 firm for its Contentious Wills and Probate work; with Kamal Majevadia handling a significant increase in contentious estates and ‘… is well-known for his expertise in advising estates with cross border assets and complex commercial and company share issues.’ In total the firm has obtained recommendations in 12 areas 14 The Legal 500 West Midlands

Karen Moores, Senior Partner, Sydney Mitchell (pictured) commented “What another superb result this year for Sydney Mitchell, with the firm maintaining its ranking in Tier 1 for our Contentious Probate work and Kamal Majevadia and myself identified as within the elite ‘leading individuals’ in the Midlands in our practice areas. We are delighted by the recognition of the highly talented legal minds within the firm.” “We also have Emma-Louise Hewitt noted as a rising star, heading up our employment team, plus we have 10 Lawyers

recommended; many receiving outstanding comments from clients including:‘Quick to respond, accurate and concise advice’, ‘cuts to the chase and focus on the outcome...’ ‘quality and scope of work covered excellent’ and ‘…efficient litigation… able to handle legally and factually complex matters’, and ‘outstanding lawyer with an impressive legal brain coupled with exceptional emotional intelligence’. “You can ask for no more than such wonderful recommendations from your clients for the excellent service received.” Sydney Mitchell is recognised in the Top Tier of the Legal 500 and is ‘commercially minded’, and ‘one you would want on your side rather than against you’ for dispute resolution and commercial litigation matters.

services, education, recruitment and energy. Leamington Spa-based Wright Hassall LLP practice features a specialist FCA-authorised debt recovery subsidiary, QDR Solicitors. Phil Wilding heads the practice, which acts for a varied client base and has seen recent growth in the SME, finance and car parking sectors. FBC Manby Bowdler LLP handles debt recovery disputes for clients including corporate funding providers, telecoms experts and insolvency practitioners. Gareth Ruddock leads the team and primarily acts for clients in the Black Country, Staffordshire and Shropshire areas. Gowling WLG's banking litigation team handles aspects of debt recovery-related work. Commercial disputes specialists Andrew Nugent Smith and Ian Weatherall are the two key names of note. Telford-based Lanyon Bowdler has been building up its practice in the areas of rental recovery and property possession. Sian Samuel, who leads the team, is particularly known for her work in mortgage repossession. Sydney Mitchell LLP's debt recovery disputes work is handled by Birmingham- based Leanne SchneiderRose and Kamal Majevadia, who works from the firm's Shirley office. Schneider-Rose acts on matters relating to personal and commercial bankruptcies, while Majevadia is experienced in both insolvency and corporate recovery.

Dean Parnell is recognised as ‘…a tough negotiator and always gets the best deal for his clients’ and ‘…Sydney Mitchell is regarded locally as punching well above its size, largely due to the expertise and personality of Dean Parnell.’ Karen Moores and the Family Team, are recognised as being ‘hardworking and conscientious… working cohesively and all members are helpful in handling your case or query efficiently. Karen is ‘beyond capable… has a knack for seeing the issues… the necessary outcome and executing a strategy to get there but delivered in a highly personal, relaxed and ease setting manner’. Leading Midlands Law firm Sydney Mitchell was shortlisted in the Excellence Awards in London for 2019 and was shortlisted for the Solihull Chamber Awards for the Large Business of the Year.

Still Number 1

Local focus, Global reach #1 for Corporate & Commercial

#1 for Commercial Litigation (LEGAL 500, 2019)

(LEGAL 500, 2019)

#1 for Planning

#1 for Insolvency & Corporate Recovery

(LEGAL 500, 2019)

#1 for Banking & Finance

#1 for Human Resources: Employment

(LEGAL 500, 2019)

(LEGAL 500, 2019) For more information about how we can help please contact: Trevor Ivory Birmingham Managing Partner T +44 (0) 121 262 5821 M +44 (0) 7968 559 193 trevor.ivory@dlapiper.com

www.dlapiper.com

The Legal 500 West Midlands 15

WEST MIDLANDS

FIRMS ARE LISTED A-Z WITHIN TIERS

CRIME: FRAUD

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Cartwright King Jonas Roy Bloom Kangs Solicitors

Gateley Plc Tuckers Solicitors

BLM DWF Mann & Co Solicitors Cartwright King's practice, which routinely acts in the defence of serious investigations and prosecutions, is led by fraud and tax head Sundeep Soor, who is well regarded for his work in proceeds of crime matters. Senior associate John Allchin frequently defends heavyweight fraud cases and associate Gemma Redfern is recommended for her confiscation and restraint work. Solicitor Miqdad Marzook is also rated for his substantial experience in complex fraud and regulatory cases. Jonas Roy Bloom fields an excellent team that specialises in white-collar crime, proceeds of crime as well as civil and regulatory litigation under the leadership of Ben Henry. Henry is

experienced in all aspects of corporate and white-collar crime and frequently advises directors and owners of large businesses. The other key figure in the team is Matt O’Brien, who has developed considerable expertise in proceeds of crime cases. Hamraj Kang at Kangs Solicitors leads a large team that advises on all aspects of financial crime. The team is adept at handling multi-jurisdictional criminal and financial regulatory investigations and regularly acts for plcs in addition to corporate and individual clients. Kang has extensive experience of defending SFO, HMRC, FCA and BIS cases while John Veale has particular expertise in large scale mortgage fraud and CIS fraud cases.

Tuckers Solicitors has a strong national profile. Senior partner James Turner has considerable expertise in defending allegations of fraud and white collar crime, while Sharon Bailey, who is a solicitor-advocate, is also well regarded for her work in defending business crime. BLM is recognised for its fraud expertise in the insurance sector. Head of the fraud practice group Sarah Hill handles a diverse range of matters

The company is dedicated towards providing outstanding legal advice and representation to clients and frequently receives positive feedback, recommendations and reviews from existing and former clients.

Manjinder Kang

KANG & CO SOLICITORS Kang & Co Solicitors is a law firm based at 1 Victoria Square in Birmingham City Centre and has branch offices in Milton Keynes and Central London.

a private fee-paying basis for all matters concerning Driving Offences, Private-Funded Criminal Defence, Regulatory Law and Transport Law.

The firm was established and is managed by Manjinder Singh Kang (pictured). Kang & Co specialises in representing companies and individuals on

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

16 The Legal 500 West Midlands

Gateley Plc acts for claimants and defendants in fraud disputes and tracing actions. The group is increasingly taking roles on substantial cross-border claims and claims for offshore clients. Ruth Armstrong is strong on all aspects of fraud and financial crime cases, with a particular focus on claims in the housebuilding, banking, manufacturing and transport industries. Mark Wilson is another name to note for his work in substantial fraud-related litigation and James Baird is a known name for his advice to banks, funders and leasing companies on all aspects of fraud.

Kang & Co Solicitors is dedicated towards simplifying legal fees and in most cases will offer clients legal advice and representation on a ‘fixed fee’ basis which ensures that the clients can budget their defence fees accordingly. Manjinder Singh Kang commented “ensuring that all clients receive accurate details on costs and providing legal representation which exceeds the expectations of our clients is at the core of our company values. In an increasingly competitive legal environment, clients want to know how much their case will cost and are seeking out specialist lawyers for their legal issues, as opposed to using general practitioners. At Kang & Co we have deliberately chosen to specialise in a niche area of law and are always clear on costs, which has ultimately

from large-scale organised fraud to high-value exaggerated fraud cases. Daniel Thomas is also well regarded for his work on fraudulent employers’ liability/public liability claims as well as motor claims. Simon Hammond left in January 2019 to join NHS Resolution as director of claims. DWF fields a large national fraud team that is skilled in all aspects of insurance fraud claims and financial crime. Lorraine Carolan, who leads the multi-disciplinary offering and counterfraud team nationally, has considerable expertise in sectors such as insurance, financial risk, transport and logistics as well as retail and hospitality. Andrew Leach has a particular focus on large and complex international cases involving fraud while Miles Hepworth has extensive experience in counter fraud and claims validation. Raz Mann at Mann & Co Solicitors is well-regarded and regularly deals with prosecutions brought by numerous agencies such as the SFO, HMRC, DTI and NCA. Paul Selby is another name to note for his expertise in fraudrelated cases.

resulted in the firm growing from strength to strength” As the firm has a heavy focus on representing clients for Driving Offences & Private Funded Criminal Defence it frequently represents clients in the Magistrates’ and Crown Court for offences such as speeding and penalty points disqualifications, through to the most serious motoring offences such as causing death by dangerous driving. The clients that appoint Kang & Co for criminal defence work are usually company directors and professionals who would be ineligible for LEGAL AID FUNDING. The firm has a keen focus on supporting local charities and has chosen Acorns Children’s Hospice as their charity partner for 2019. For more information about the services provided by Kang & Co Solicitors, visit www.kangandco.co.uk

CRIME: GENERAL Jonas Roy Bloom Kangs Solicitors

Slater & Gordon Tuckers Solicitors

Alsters Kelley LLP Beswicks Legal Lanyon Bowdler Jonas Roy Bloom has a strong boutique criminal defence practice that is regularly involved in some of the most serious cases nationwide. Head of team Steven Jonas also sits as a deputy district judge in the Magistrates Court, while John Smitheman frequently appears both locally and nationally in the Magistrates' and Crown Court. In addition, Ben Henry is recognised for his considerable experience in the defence of corporate and white-collar crime. Kangs Solicitors fields a first-rate team that continues to attract serious criminal cases nationwide, from murders to multimillion-pound conspiracies and people-trafficking cases. There is frequently an international dimension to these cases. Managing partner Hamraj Kang (abive) specialises in serious crime and fraud cases while other names to note include John Veale and Helen Holder who heads the Crown Court department. Slater and Gordon has niche expertise in the defence of police officers facing criminal and misconduct allegations, while the team also has a growing reputation for its work representing members of the public on a private basis. Practice head Tim Coolican is recognised for his work with police officers who are facing high-profile duty-related criminal charges as well representing officers in misconduct and inquest proceedings. Sue Swan has an established reputation for her work in serious and complex sexual offences. Robert Newbould is another known name. Tuckers Solicitors has a strong national brand and is recommended for its work in fraud and general crime. James Turner is a senior partner who is skilled in all aspects of criminal proceedings. Kate Scully now manages the police station department following the departure of Arvind Sharma. Alsters Kelley LLP, which has a particular focus on the Coventry and

1 2 3 Warwickshire areas, deals with the full array of criminal matters, from manslaughter, drugs and assault through to fraud. Stefan Hunka coheads the practice and specialises in motoring law, health and safety and regulatory law. Associate Jas Thiara , who jointly leads the practice, has a wide range of experience in representing both corporate and individual clients. Nazir Vania, also an associate, is particularly skilled at defending motorists. Beswicks Legal is particularly well-regarded in the north of the Midlands, and handles both publicly and privately funded criminal defence work. Andrew Turnock heads the team. Both Turnock and Rob Glenn are Higher Court advocates who appear regularly in the criminal courts. Peter Howland has particular expertise in road traffic offences. Other key figures are associates Rebecca Dulson and Charlotte Riley. Lanyon Bowdler has four experienced solicitor-advocates who deal with the majority of Crown Office work in-house. The established team deals with the full spectrum of offences ranging from summary to indictable offences under the leadership of Adrian Roberts. Roberts is skilled at dealing with court martials and Court of Appeal workm while associate Stephen Scully (below) is experienced in the local Youth, Magistrates' and Crown Courts.

CRIME: GENERAL Harrison Clark Rickerbys Squire Patton Boggs

Emms Gilmore Liberson Pillinger & Associates

Harrison Clark Rickerbys has a superb team that routinely acts for retailers, pubs, nightclubs, social clubs, restaurants and sports stadiums. The 'very experienced' licensing and regulatory head Heath Thomas is an experienced advocate who has particular expertise in Licensing Act 2003 proceedings. Consultant Stewart Wright is another key member of the team who is known for his work on taxi licensing and Licensing Act 2003 issues. Associate Laura Shirley is a seasoned solicitor-advocate who is skilled at advising on issues such as premises license applications and sexual entertainment licenses. Squire Patton Boggs is skilled at advising clients on the full range of licensing matters in the hospitality, leisure, retail and transport sectors. The team acts for a number of major clients on a national basis and has particular expertise in areas such as hotel licences, motorway services

1 2 and the convenience retail sector. Stephanie Perraton (pictured) helms the team, while director Nicola Smith is also recommended. Emms Gilmore Liberson is recommended for its work in gambling law and routinely acts for both UKbased and overseas clients such as online and non-remote casinos. Under the leadership of Peter Adkins, the team also advises on the full range of alcohol and entertainment licences and acts for all types of venues including hotels, restaurants, night clubs, pubs as well as supermarkets. Adkins also acts for various sexual entertainment venues on diverse licensing matters. Pillinger & Associates is led by Amanda Pillinger, who advises a diverse range of clients on all aspects of licensing. Areas of expertise include advising major supermarkets, restaurants, late night establishments and members clubs. Pillinger is also skilled at advising on music festivals.

The Legal 500 West Midlands 17

WEST MIDLANDS

FIRMS ARE LISTED A-Z WITHIN TIERS

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

Gateley Plc Shakespeare Martineau LLP Squire Patton Boggs

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Browne Jacobson LLP Freeths LLP Irwin Mitchell Mills & Reeve LLP Shoosmiths LLP Wright Hassall LLP

Aaron & Partners LLP DWF George Green LLP

The 'strong' banking and finance practice at DLA Piper UK LLP stands out for its cross-border reach, as evidenced by work on syndicated corporate finance, leveraged finance, real estate finance and other multijurisdictional deals for banks and large corporates. Led by Stephen Bottley, the team also features real estate finance expert Brian Woolcock. Senior associate Ben Tumelty left to join Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP in November 2018. With excellent strength in depth and international capabilities, the practice at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is led by the'strong' Patrick Davis and was recently strengthened by the arrival of legal director Ben Tumelty from DLA Piper UK LLP in November 2018 and two associates from Gowling WLG in August 2018. The firm's client roster includes lenders, private equity companies and a range of other large companies, which the team advises on leveraged finance transactions, equity finance matters, refinancing and M&A financing. Former partner Richard Davies left to join Handelsbanken Capital Markets in June 2018.

Gowling WLG acts for lenders and borrowers on acquisition finance, asset finance, corporate finance, project finance and securitisation matters across a wide range of sectors, including automotive, food

18 The Legal 500 West Midlands

and franchising, real estate, social housing and energy. Chris Brierley has particular expertise in balance sheet corporate lending and off balance sheet project financing, while director Navin Prabhakar (pictured) leads on general corporate finance transactions. Pinsent Masons LLP provides 'consistently excellent service' with regards to corporate lending, syndicated lending, real estate finance, acquisition and leveraged finance, social housing finance, securitisation and debt capital markets work. The practice is also noted for its expertise in asset-based lending transactions. David Doogan (pictured) leads the practice, while legal director Esther Parkes is also wellregarded. The banking and finance team at Gateley Plc has an active practice involving acquisition finance, refinancing, asset finance and real estate finance matters. 'Very effective' practice head Andrew Madden has particular expertise in leverage and corporate finance deals, while Carol Betts specialises in real estate finance and asset-based lending transactions. The firm's clients include most of the major banks operating in the Midlands, and it has recently secured a number of new panel appointments. Shakespeare Martineau LLP offers comprehensive advice on corporate banking and real estate finance matters, handling a range of work in the education, property development and pensions sectors among others. Naomi Tudor jointly heads up the banking and financial services sector group with Vicki Simpson, while Islamic finance

is another strong focus of the practice under the leadership of Mohammed Saqub, who advises clients such as Al Rayan Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and Gatehouse Bank. The banking and finance practice at Squire Patton Boggs handles a range of corporate banking matters, in particular acting for banks and borrowers on acquisition finance and refinancings, as well as general bank lending transactions including amending and restructuring existing facilities. Practice head Roy Grist has particular expertise in the real estate sector. The growing banking and finance team at Browne Jacobson LLP recently welcomed Paul Hill, who joined from Allen & Overy LLP in March 2019. The practice is led by Paul Ray, who is known for his work for funders such as Homes England, and is frequently involved in private equity, healthcare and residential housing transactions. At Freeths LLP, the banking and finance team has a strong focus in acquisition finance, and also assists banks and borrowers with refinancing and corporate lending. The department, which is led by the 'exceptional and highly regarded' James Dyson recently boosted its offering with the arrival of Islamic finance and asset-based lending expert Renata Rai, who joined as a director from Al Tamimi & Company in November 2018. Irwin Mitchell is well-known for its asset-based lending expertise, and also advises on receivables finance, inventory lending, property lending and cashflow lending, among other matters. The highly regarded Jon Bew is the key member of the practice and advises funders such as banks, invoice finance providers and working capital solutions providers. Led by structured and corporate finance

specialist David Varnham, the banking and finance team at Mills & Reeve LLP handles refinancing, project financing, and acquisition finance matters on both the lender and borrower side. Sector specialisms include education, manufacturing, agriculture, and property development. The banking and finance team at Shoosmiths LLP was bolstered in June 2018 by the arrival of project finance specialist Nick Iliff, who joined from Gowling WLG's London office. His expertise added to the firm's existing offering in acquisition finance, syndicated finance, real estate finance and refinancing, regularly advising on the lender's side. Wright Hassall LLP is well-known for its real estate development funding expertise, and boosted its capabilities in that area with the hire of real estate finance specialist Judith Gershon from Gowling WLG in January 2018. The practice, which is led by Christopher Jones, is prominent in bank and nonbank lending work. Lucie Byron is also well-regarded by clients. Hugh Strickland is the main contact at Shrewsbury-based Aaron & Partners LLP, which regularly acting for lenders and borrowers on corporate banking transactions, including acquisition finance and refinancing, as well as on property secured lending transactions. The 'pragmatic' team at DWF has a strong focus on real estate finance and advises lenders and borrowers on the refinancing of portfolios, the acquisition of properties and the funding of developments. Practice head Richard Holmes was promoted to partner in January 2019. George Green LLP stands out for its expertise in bridging finance and shortterm lending. Other active areas of the practice include real estate finance, acquisition finance, and corporate.

INSOLVENCY & CORPORATE RECOVERY DLA Piper UK LLP Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Gateley Plc Pinsent Masons LLP Gowling WLG Harrison Clark Rickerbys Irwin Mitchell Shoosmiths LLP Squire Patton Boggs Beswicks Legal Clarke Willmott LLP DWF FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Higgs & Sons Shakespeare Martineau LLP Sydney Mitchell LLP Thursfields Solicitors Wright Hassall LLP With a strong track record handling cross-border corporate restructuring, refinancing and insolvency issues, DLA Piper UK LLP has outstanding expertise advising clients from a wide range of sectors, including automotive, retail, construction and manufacturing, as well as lenders, investors and insolvency practitioners. Led by 'very good lawyer' Huw Dolphin, the team also features real estate sector specialist John Jeffreys and Charlotte Duce, who focuses on non-contentious transactional matters. As well as acting for administrators of insolvent businesses in the retail, energy, financial services, real estate, education and leisure sectors, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is well-known for advising lenders on refinancing, restructuring and transactional matters, as evidenced by its appointment to numerous bank panels. Practice head Andrew Jordan is particularly experienced in restructurings in the retail, financial services, automotive and energy sectors. 'Fantastic lawyer' Mark Wilson heads the 'superb' team at Gateley Plc, which also features the 'excellent' and highly regarded Daniel French. The team acts for banks, insolvency practitioners and corporate clients in contentious and non-contentious matters relating to the liquidation and administration of distressed businesses. Advising on business restructuring is another mainstay of the practice. Former senior associate Louise Gill left to join Coventry Building Society in January 2019. Pinsent Masons LLP is one of the top firms in the West Midlands for insolvency and lending work. Led by 'great lawyer' Amy Flavell, the team advises banks and insolvency practitioners and on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious issues. Specific sector expertise includes education, automotive, retail

1 2 3

and energy. Samantha Palmer joined from Ashfords LLP in June 2018 while senior associate Stuart Taylor joined in May 2018 from Shakespeare Martineau LLP. With a nationwide reach, Gowling WLG covers a wide scope of insolvency and restructuring work, advising lenders, investors, private equity companies as well as insolvency practitioners and distressed businesses. Jasvir Jootla stands out for her corporate recovery and debt restructuring expertise, while Ian Weatherall specialises in insolvency litigation. 'Top notch law firm' Harrison Clark Rickerbys is particularly well-regarded for its work advising leading insolvency practitioners on the administration and liquidation of businesses in the construction, retail and technology sectors. In other work, the team acts for lenders, creditors, distressed companies and purchasers of distressed assets in advisory and transactional matters. Active in the automotive, manufacturing, and mining sector, the restructuring and insolvency team at Irwin Mitchell features the highly regarded Stephen George and 'great lawyer' Amy Keogh and handles restructurings, insolvencies and transactions for insolvency practitioners, distressed businesses and lenders. The practice has particular expertise in the asset-backed lending space. The 'great' team at Shoosmiths LLP acts for a range of insolvency practitioners and distressed businesses on all matters arising from distressed lending, corporate recovery and corporate insolvency, and also handles restructuring work for corporates and directors, including CVAs. Practice head James Keates has particular expertise in the retail sector, while Aaron Harlow specialises in the disposals and acquisitions of insolvent businesses.

Amy Flavell- Pinsent Masons Squire Patton Boggs handles a range of insolvency work for administrators and lenders, and also had a significant presence in the restructuring area. The team is active in a wide variety of sectors, including pensions, retail, automotive and hospitality. Devinder Singh stands out for his contentious insolvency expertise; Russell Hill and Oliver Ward-Jones are other key members of the practice. North Midlands-based Beswicks Legal handles work for a range of national and regional liquidators and administrators on non-contentious insolvency and recovery work. On the contentious side, practice head Richard Preston often acts for liquidators and directors in claims brought against former directors and shareholders of insolvent companies.

Stephen George - Irwin Mitchell financial services, education and energy, Shakespeare Martineau LLP advises administrators, liquidators and trustees on non-contentious insolvency, recovery of assets and transactional work, and is regularly involved in advisory matters. Legal director Stuart Taylor left to join Pinsent Masons LLP in May 2018, although his departure was offset by the addition of Sheena Tandy, who joined from Clarke Willmott LLP in September 2018. Sydney Mitchell LLP provides comprehensive advice to lenders, insolvency practitioners and trustees on a range of insolvency and bankruptcy issues, including the recovery and sale of assets and claims involving transactions defrauding creditors. Leanne Schneider-Rose is the key member of the practice.

Acting for a diverse client roster including creditors, insolvency practitioners and directors, Clarke Willmott LLP is active in the private and public sector and handles contentious and non-contentious matters relating to corporate insolvency and recovery of assets. Senior associate Sheena Tandy left to join Shakespeare Martineau LLP in September 2018. The majority of DWF's work revolves around real estate finance restructuring and insolvency. Richard Holmes is the key member of the practice, regularly advising insolvency practitioners, receivers, owner-managed businesses and creditors insolvency and security matters. The majority of FBC Manby Bowdler LLP's work revolves around contentious matters, spanning the representation of insolvency practitioners and businesses in claims against directors as well as the defence of directors against misfeasance and disqualifications actions. In other noncontentious work, the team acts for companies in transactional matters. At Higgs & Sons, the insolvency and business recovery team led by David Ellis handles regional insolvencies for liquidators and creditors as well as for the insolvent companies themselves, and also assists clients with transactional matters. Handling personal bankruptcies for the debtors is another area of expertise. With sector expertise in banking and

Led by the highly regarded Lauren Hartigan-Pritchard, (above) the insolvency and corporate recovery practice at Thursfields Solicitors covers contentious and non-contentious matters relating to corporate and personal insolvencies, advising insolvency practitioners, bankrupt individuals and distressed businesses. Dispute resolution lawyer Stephen Rome joined from Hogan Lovells International LLP in April 2018. With expertise in both contentious and non-contentious corporate and personal insolvency, Wright Hassall LLP in Leamington Spa acts for insolvency practitioners in their capacity as liquidator, administrator or trustee on the recovery of assets, director misfeasance claims and other bankruptcy-related matters. The team also stands out for its work for one of the leading insolvency litigation funders.

The Legal 500 West Midlands 19

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

Averta Employment Lawyers LLP Browne Jacobson LLP Gateley Plc Mills & Reeve LLP Shoosmiths LLP Squire Patton Boggs

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Fieldfisher LLP Higgs & Sons Irwin Mitchell Shakespeare Martineau LLP VWV Weightmans LLP Bevan Brittan LLP Capsticks LLP DWF Freeths LLP Lanyon Bowdler Trowers & Hamlins LLP Wright Hassall LLP Aaron & Partners LLP Askews Legal LLP Brethertons LLP George Green LLP Harrison Clark Rickerbys Hatchers Solicitors LLP Pickerings Solicitors Sydney Mitchell LLP Thursfields Solicitors Ansons Band Hatton Button LLP Beswicks Legal MFG Solicitors LLP Pillinger & Associates Slater and Gordon Thomas Guise Solicitors DLA Piper UK LLP is well-equipped to handle major multi-jurisdictional projects, as well as complex employment tribunal and High Court litigation. The superb team advises on the full spectrum of employment matters, ranging from wrongful/unfair dismissal claims to complex whistleblowing and discrimination matters. It has strong industry expertise in manufacturing, hospitality and leisure, technology, retail and energy. Sandra Wallace is the practice head. Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP advises a number of FTSE 100 companies, and other global and Fortune 500 companies, on the full spectrum of employment matters. It also acts for public sector organisations, as well as educational institutions (including those in the further and higher education sectors, and schools and academies). David

20 The Legal 500 West Midlands

3 4 5 6 Beswick leads the team, which includes Nick Jew, who specialises in high profile litigation and senior executive issues. Hannah Wilkins is particularly active in the IT sector. Gowling WLG advises UK and international private and public sector clients on the full range of employment, labour and equality issues. Its areas of sector expertise include life sciences, technology, retail and healthcare, among many others. Practice head Jane Fielding has a strong reputation in the automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors, and has notable experience of equal pay litigation. Martin Chitty acts for some of the UK’s largest housing associations and retailers. Another key figure is Jonathan Chamberlain, who demonstrates strong capabilities advising clients on business protection issues.

Pinsent Masons LLP fields a large team, whose expertise spans the energy, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and university sectors, among others. Birmingham team head Jonathan Coley is recommended for his knowledge of the enforcement of restrictive covenants. The national head of the employment and reward team is Linda Jones. Another name to note is Helen Corden, who is active in the education and TMT sectors. Senior associate Rebecca Stephen is recommended for her work with clients in the higher education and financial sectors. Averta Employment Lawyers LLP has an excellent niche three-partner employment practice. The group concentrates on acting for senior executives in the course of negotiating exit packages, settlement agreements, discrimination claims and other employment related issues. It also increasingly advises individuals on their rights in the context of group situations, such as large-scale redundancies and restructuring exercises. Names to note are the heads of department David Sykes and Alan Jones. Rachel Broughton is another notable practitioner. Browne Jacobson LLP generates work from a mix of public and private sector clients, and its team has key expertise in the commercial, educational, public, health and insurance sectors. Equally adept in both contentious and non-contentious matters, the group in Birmingham is led by James Tait, who acts for the firm’s technology, retail and manufacturing industry clients. Jacqui Atkinson, who joined from Capsticks LLP in 2018, is the head of the national employment healthcare team. Atkinson has considerable experience of advising trust boards and senior NHS managers on employment issues in the health and care sectors. Gateley Plc is highly rated for employment tribunal work, and it also has a strong track record in the High Court and appellate courts, particularly in relation to confidentiality and posttermination restrictions. The team generates a steady flow of instructions from both employers and senior employees in executive severance situations. Practice head Benedict Gorner is an experienced advocate. Mills & Reeve LLP handles all aspects of employment matters for clients across the public and private sector. The group is also adept at providing corporate support on transactions that frequently have an international dimension. Richard Santy is the sports and gaming lead on employment matters and has represented a number of high profile athletes and organisations over the past 12 months. Jog Hundle leads the 16-strong health and care sector employment team. Led by Charlie Rae, Shoosmiths LLP's team handles various high-profile and business-critical outsourcings, complex grievances, and disciplinary and collective claims, as well as senior exits. Clients include household names and large employer clients. Other core areas of expertise include advising on TUPE and employee transfers. The group has an impressive roster of clients in the retail sector.

Squire Patton Boggs has vast experience of advising on high value strategic projects, which is allied to its considerable strength on the contentious side. The team is well-placed to advise on complex cross-border matters and is increasingly sought out to handle substantial employment law matters for clients in the hotels and leisure industry. Practice head Charles Frost acts for some of the country’s best-known football clubs. Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP handles the gamut of employment issues for not-for profit, charitable and commercial organisations. Its team has particular sector expertise in the health and social care space, social housing and in matters with a nexus to faith communities. One of its other core strengths involves acting for local government clients. Its work for clients in the education sector is on the increase, and it is now acting for a growing number of academies. Team head Matthew Gregson is a seasoned advocate at the Employment Tribunal. Fieldfisher LLP's team has particular experience of acting in significant multi-jurisdictional work, and it is also sought out to advise on all aspects of employment disputes. In addition, it routinely helps employers deal with a myriad of complex issues such as equal pay, discrimination, TUPE and collective redundancies. Team head Ranjit Dhindsa is skilled at advising employers on resolving disputes at mediation. Higgs & Sons is best known for its work with SMEs, owner managed businesses and their families in the West Midlands. The team has extensive experience in the transport, manufacturing, technical, retail and food/drink sectors. In addition, the group regularly works with its corporate team on key matters such as business restructurings and reorganisations. Its employment tribunal practice is well established. Tim Jones heads up the department. Acted for the former CEO of Compton Fundraising Ltd in a claim of unfair dismissal.Irwin Mitchell fields a large team, which advises on the full scope of employment matters. It is particularly well known for its work in executive severance and dispute situations, where it acts for both employers and senior employees. The group is also highly regarded for its expertise in confidentiality and restrictive covenants. Department head Fergal Dowling has a wealth of experience of tribunal litigation. Through its offices in Birmingham and Stratford-upon Avon, Shakespeare Martineau LLP has a substantial offering in the West Midlands; this is a core part of a larger, national practice. The firm has a particularly standout reputation in the education sector; recent work in this space has included cross-border collaborations and restructurings. Elsewhere, the firm is increasingly recognised for its experience of other sectors, such as logistics, food and drink, manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. It also has a flourishing ‘third sector’ client base. Michael Hibbs heads up the group, whose expertise in advisory matters is complemented by a strong reputation in employment tribunal litigation.

clients. Recent non-contentious work has involved assisting various clients with important strategic collaborative arrangements between NHS organisations throughout the country. Bridget Prosser heads up the team, which has also seen an increase in work for social housing clients. Kate Meadowcroft is the new head of the team at DWF, following the departure of former head Hannah Robbins for an in-house position at HSBC. In addition to having a strong retail client base, the firm has continued to develop its expertise in healthcare work, and acts for an extensive range of healthcare providers and social care providers. Meadowcroft predominantly advises on non-contentious matters, and has particular expertise in large-scale change management projects and collective consultation programmes.

VWV has considerable strength in the education sector. It also advises numerous charities and various public sector clients on diverse issues, including investigations, employment tribunal claims and on the management of senior exits. In addition, the firm has a strong commercial client base. Jane Byford and Kathy Halliday are the key members of the team. Weightmans LLP has an excellent reputation in the hospitality and leisure sectors, and it also generates a significant amount of work from owner-managed businesses. A dedicated equal pay team, which is led by Jawaid Rehman, is known for its defence of a large number of equal pay claims against public sector organisations. The team is also well-

regarded for its work for local government and the police. In the healthcare sector, Bevan Brittan LLP regularly acts for NHS trusts in challenging employment tribunal claims. The local government arena is another notable area of activity, with the firm being sought out to advise on the exit arrangements for very senior officers. The higher education sector is another strong suit of the practice. Also notable is that the firm has recently won key new clients in other areas, such as travel and leisure. Ashley Norman is a name to note. Capsticks LLP is the sole employment law provider for a number of the largest healthcare trusts in the Midlands, and it also acts for many private healthcare

Freeths LLP â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s regional employment practice is serviced by its Birmingham and Stoke-on-Trent offices, but the firm also benefits from a strong national profile. It receives a steady flow of work from a diverse client base, such as well-known listed companies and a large number of public and education sector clients. Rebecca Sawbridge and Peter Gavin are the main contacts in the team, which is well-equipped to handle complex Employment Tribunal claims. Lanyon Bowdler specialises in TUPE and on the employment aspects of business reorganisations. Other areas of expertise include advising schools and colleges on academy conversions and it is also adept at advising senior executives on employment matters. Key contact John Merry advises both employers and employees on employment policy issues and is an experienced advocate in

employment tribunal proceedings. Trowers & Hamlins LLP is best known for TUPE work, with its team advising on all aspects of TUPE and post-transfer restructuring. Its recent work has included corporate restructurings and mergers, and there has also been a notable increase in employment tribunal litigation. It remains a first port of call for a number of social housing clients. Rebecca McGuirk is the name to note. Wright Hassall LLP handles TUPE and other employment aspects of transactions that are undertaken by its corporate, commercial and social housing teams. The firm advises both purchasers and vendors on these transactions. The team, which is led by Tina Chander, also represents employers and employees at tribunals. It has a particularly strong track record of successfully handling discrimination claims. The Shropshire-based team at Aaron & Partners LLP advises leading employers locally and nationally. Through part-time coach and FA-registered intermediary Ben Mason, the group is also regularly instructed by the Professional Footballersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association to advise footballers on their playing contracts and the termination of these contracts. Paul Bennett recently departed to set up his own practice. Although Askews Legal LLP's dedicated team primarily acts for employers on contentious and non-contentious matters, it also generates some work from employees. The geographical footprint of its practice mainly spans the Coventry and Warwickshire areas. Under the leadership of Lianne Payne, the department is active in the advice to clients on employment tribunal proceedings, as well as other matters,

The Legal 500 West Midlands 21

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LAWTECH: SHOULD IT BE ON YOUR FIRM’S AGENDA? As technology evolves and becomes further ingrained in our daily behaviour, it’s predicted to impact professional service industries including the legal sector with LawTech gathering pace. With increased awareness and a preference amongst younger legal professionals discovering LawTech in their professional development, it’s becoming a key consideration for lawyers and firms. Jody Tranter, head of Kaplan Altior, explains why LawTech needs to be on your business agenda. SPEEDING UP EFFICIENCIES In an industry renowned for being time poor, LawTech is improving efficiencies thanks to the automation of processes and administrative tasks. For example, Keoghs Solicitors recently developed AI technology that enables Road Traffic Accident (RTA) personal injury cases to either be litigated electronically, or identify the need for barrister involvement – all without human intervention. With proven results and room for further growth, this technology is set to free up time for the more complex tasks, adding additional value to clients and the firm. Examples like this are why the legal tech industry has grown a staggering 713% according to Forbes, reaching an investment high in 2018. SWITCHING UP DEVELOPMENT Technology also presents the opportunity to continue professional development remotely, reducing time spent away from desks. As professionals ascend the career ladder and time becomes sparser, it’s critical that they look to enhance their skills for continuous improvement. Our virtual classroom Live Online has proven particularly crucial for those who cannot afford to be out of the office for long periods of time. We also predict that as LawTech evolves, more training programmes will be developed around this very topic to help firms make the most of advances in technology. CYBER SECURITY AND FRAUD CONSIDERATIONS With increased technological developments comes the counter-risk of cybersecurity threats, making organisations cautious of cloudbased and/or automated operations, as well as the ethical issues that the use of technology can raise. As a result, we’re seeing some resistance to change, with the perception that digital processes are less safe than traditional alternatives - especially as the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) highlighted that £11 million was lost to cybercrime in 2018. However, we predict that the growth of LawTech will bring refreshed regulations, particularly where money or data is involved, to mitigate the potential risks. We’re seeing a divide in attitudes to LawTech. Young lawyers are learning about the opportunities but are unsure of how to implement new ways of working; whilst more established legal professionals are grappling with how to train up their teams and embed technology into their practices. However, one thing is certain, this trend isn’t going away and LawTech needs to be on everyone’s agenda. Email: altior@kaplan.co.uk Phone: 02920 451 000 Website: www.altior.co.uk Twitter: @KaplanAltior 22 The Legal 500 West Midlands

such as injunctions. Brethertons LLP is best known for its work on TUPE and inter-group restructures, and on the contentious side, demonstrates strong capabilities in complex multi-day tribunal proceedings. Key areas of focus include advising on whistleblowing and discrimination claims. The group routinely collaborates with the firm’s corporate department on employment issues as they arise in sales, acquisitions and mergers. Newlypromoted partner Amy Edwards is a key contact. George Green LLP's team is led by Tim Lang, who also acts as a fee paid employment judge. The group has a particular interest in restrictive covenant and confidentiality litigation, as well as TUPE issues. It also assists employers and senior employees with diverse issues, such as unfair dismissal, discrimination, transfers of undertakings and breach of contract. Harrison Clark Rickerbys’ large team, which is led by Jennifer Okafor-Jones, covers all aspects of contentious and noncontentious employment law for clients. The varied nature of its work means that it handles complex Employment Tribunal matters, as well as providing strategic advice on reorganisations and redundancies. It is also well-placed to handle a large volume of equal pay claims and the enforcement of post-termination restrictions. Notable areas of strength include matters with a nexus to the education and defence sectors. Hatchers Solicitors LLP generates mandates from a client roster including individuals, and small and large businesses. Also notable is that it has a strong capability acting for clients in the charities and not-for-profit sector. Its team is knowledgeable about a wide range of employment matters, such as staff recruitment, redundancies, the transfer of businesses and compromise agreements. It also assists with defending or bringing employment tribunal actions. Nigel Harrison heads up the practice. Pickerings Solicitors fields three solicitors and an HR consultant in its team, and is well-placed to handle the full spectrum of employment matters. The scope of its work includes advice on business reorganisations, restrictive covenants/confidentiality issues, absence management and unfair/wrongful dismissals. Practice head Jonathon Forrester is an experienced solicitor advocate, who has acted for numerous employers and employees. Senior associate Emma-Louise Hewitt joined Sydney Mitchell LLP in September 2018 from Standley & Co Solicitors to become the new department head. Hewitt's team handles a mix of claimant and respondent matters, with recent work including whistleblowing cases, unfair dismissal claims, and matters involving disability discrimination and sexual harassment. Dean Parnell is another key member of the group, which acts for companies and senior employees. Thursfields Solicitors' employment practice has a particular focus on the retail and leisure, charity and communities, and healthcare sectors. Its team is increasingly

active in the provision of advice on corporate transactions, corporate restructurings and share option schemes. Michelle O’Hara regularly advises on the employee-side aspects of corporate restructurings, TUPE and EMI schemes. Ansons acts for clients across a wide range of business sectors, such as manufacturing, healthcare and recruitment. Its contentious work involves representing both employees and employers in bringing all forms of employment claims from unfair dismissal to claims under the Equality Act. Martin de Ridder has considerable experience of TUPE, reorganisations and the enforcement of restrictive covenants. Band Hatton Button LLP undertakes a variety of contentious and noncontentious employment matters for commercial clients and individuals, who are based predominantly in the Coventry, Warwickshire and wider Midlands area. Its team has particular expertise in advising schools on a diverse range of issues, such as those involving unfair dismissal, redundancy and discrimination. Mark Ridley is the name to note. Beswicks Legal acts for large corporate organisations, owner-managed businesses and SMEs. Although the practice is mainly sector-agnostic, the firm's excellent reputation in the sports industry ensures that it generates related employment matters. The group acts predominantly for employers, but also acts for several private clients. Under the guidance of managing partner Nick Phillips, the team regularly supports its corporate, commercial and disputes teams on diverse issues such as TUPE, holiday pay disputes and settlement agreements. The skilled team at MFG Solicitors LLP is spread across offices in Birmingham, Worcestershre and Shropshire. It regularly advises on the full array of employment matters connected with M&A, as well as outsourcings. It also focuses on discrimination claims, dismissals, redundancies and compliance issues. Sally Morris, who heads up the division, advises on various contentious and noncontentious employment matters. Chris Piggott frequently acts for educational establishments. At Pillinger & Associates, Amanda Pillinger represents both employers and employee clients in litigation involving allegations such as unfair dismissal, discrimination, whistleblowing and breaches of contract. Pillinger is also adept at assisting employers with avoiding disputes with employees by establishing clear and fair policies and procedures. Slater and Gordon acts exclusively for individuals/claimants, which includes private clients and trade union members. It has a particularly considerable strength in major discrimination and whistleblowing claims, but is also experienced in all other aspects of Employment Tribunal and High Court litigation. Another key area of focus involves defending members of professional bodies in fitness to practice proceedings before various disciplinary panels. David Hodge is the name to note.

HEALTH & SAFETY DAC Beachcroft LLP Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Gowling WLG Pinsent Masons LLP Shoosmiths LLP

Bevan Brittan LLP BLM Browne Jacobson LLP Gateley Plc Kennedys Weightmans LLP

DWF Harrison Clark Rickerbys Mills & Reeve LLP Plexus Law Shakespeare Martineau LLP Squire Patton Boggs

DAC Beachcroft LLP advises clients from a broad cross-section of industries, with a particular strength in construction, manufacturing and care. Recent work included representing clients in a number of fatal accident investigations and complex inquest proceedings, and also acting for various companies and individuals in criminal cases under the Health and Safety Sentencing guidelines. The skilled team also advises on all aspects of compliance work. Andrew Roach is the practice head in Birmingham. Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP represents large global and UK-based clients in all aspects of high profile prosecutions and investigations. In addition, its team is increasingly sought out to provide consultancy advice to clients on the development of policies, and to also assist with behavioural reviews. It also conducts general compliance appraisals. National team head Kevin Elliott acts for some of the world’s largest organisations.

Gowling WLG’s specialist team is immersed in the key sectors of construction, building materials quarrying, aerospace and defence. It is also extremely active in areas such as food, local government, health and social care. The first-rate practice stands out in reputationally-sensitive regulatory investigations, inquests, criminal prosecutions and civil litigation. Practice head Andrew Litchfield (pictured) is well-regarded.

Pinsent Masons LLP’s Birmingham team, which is part of a wider UK group, acts for many leading industry players in high hazard areas, such as construction, waste, manufacturing and energy. A key feature of the practice is that the team often undertakes its own advocacy, rather than instructing external counsel. Practice head Sean Elson, who has specialised in health and safety for nearly 15 years, has a wealth of experience representing clients in coroners’ inquests and investigations by the HSE. Another cornerstone of the firm’s offering involves advising clients on health and safety preventative measures, compliance-related issues and stress tests. Shoosmiths LLP generates a large majority of its work through direct instructions from corporate clients. Its outstanding team has vast experience of all sectors of the UK industry, with particular expertise in the petrochemical, retail, automotive, manufacturing, food and health-care industries. The construction and housing sectors are also core areas of strength. Team head Roy Tozer is experienced in representing and defending major companies against investigations and prosecutions by regulatory authorities. Bevan Brittan LLP, which is particularly recognised for its public sector expertise, excels in advising clients on investigations by the police and other regulatory authorities (such as the Care Quality Commission and the Health and Safety Executive). It also represents clients in inquests. It receives a steady flow of work from NHS Trusts and ambulance trusts, local authorities and some of the country’s largest housing associations and charities. It is also increasingly working for private sector clients. Adam Kendall is the name to note. BLM is best known for its work in complex fatal accident investigations and high-profile inquests. It is strong in HSE and regulatory cases with

a criminal background. The team has particular expertise in the manufacturing, construction, public and care sectors and offers a cross-sector regulatory service to private and public sector clients. It routinely acts in the most serious cases involving corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter. Robert Davies in Birmingham is well-regarded.

and regulatory transactional support. It advises clients from a wide range of industries, including construction, manufacturing, waste, food, retail and education. Heath Thomas heads up the team, which was bolstered by the arrival of Kamal Chauhan from Finch Consilting Limited. Chauhan advises on all aspects of breaches to health and safety legislation.

Browne Jacobson LLP advises many private sector organisations and their employees on all aspects of health and safety accidents and incidents, including fatal accidents. As a general regulatory practice, the team also advises on health and safety issues arising from food safety, environmental, the care sector and road traffic work. It also represents a significant number of public sector clients under the leadership of Nottingham-based practice head Andrew Hopkin .

The team at Mills & Reeve LLP, which is led by Cambridge-based Duncan Astill and Jamie Wheatley, acts for a wide range of institutional and corporate clients. It has particular expertise in the firm’s two largest sectors, namely health and education; in relation to the latter area, the group has been particularly active in advising university estates on asbestos-related incidents. The group overall is adept at advising on corporate manslaughter and health and safety prosecutions. It also advises on other matters, such as Care Quality Commission enforcements and inquests.

Gateley Plc offers a one-stop fatal accident and major incident service nationally to its clients. Its track record in the health and safety arena ensure that it generates work from clients in various sectors. Led by practice head Ruth Armstrong, the team acts for 19 of the top 20 housebuilders in the UK. It also has sector expertise in manufacturing, waste management and retail, among others. The group has significant experience of handling trading standards investigations, product and safety issues as well as environmental, anti-bribery and corruption matters. Kennedys’ team advises defendants facing HSE and local authority prosecutions, and it is also known for conducting its own advocacy at inquests. It receives a steady flow of instructions in the aftermath of serious accidents (including those involving fatalities), under the leadership of practice head James Shrimpton. Another area of strength involves advising clients and their insurers on any associated civil claims for damages in the aftermath of accidents. Weightmans LLP advises a broad range of clients active in the public, commercial, charity, sports and insurance sectors. Andrew Brammer joined from Cartwright King, succeeding the outgoing Chris Green as practice head (Green moved to Keoghs LLP). The team represents businesses and key personnel in investigations and prosecutions that are brought by the HSE and other bodies, including the Environment Agency and the Trading Standards. DWF generates a steady flow of work from insurers and large corporates in relation to prosecutions involving corporate manslaughter and safety offences. The team has a notable specialism in contentious health and safety work, but it also provides noncontentious advice to clients, which includes assisting with the restructuring of internal compliance systems following an incident. David Egan heads up the team in Birmingham. Harrison Clark Rickerbys has a broad practice, which is equally strong on contentious regulatory matters

Plexus Law has extensive expertise in advising organisations and individuals on all aspects of health and safety legislation. Its team is particularly experienced in defending clients against HSE/local authority prosecutions, as well as handling inquests and serious case reviews. Its client base includes insurance companies, corporates, self-insured and local authorities. Damon Burt (pictured) and Anthony Bushell are well regarded. Shakespeare Martineau LLP regularly represents businesses and individuals in investigations and prosecutions that are brought by the HSE and other regulatory bodies. It has a wideranging practice; the scope of the work includes advice to companies on directors’ responsibilities and corporate manslaughter, and representing clients at inquests. Team head Julia MesservyWhiting divides her time between Stratford-upon-Avon and Birmingham. Squire Patton Boggs, whose practice has a national reach, is best known for defending large corporate organisations and directors in particularly serious health and safety matters, such as those under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007, among others. It has particular expertise in the entertainment, food and drink, retail, construction, chemicals, waste and manufacturing sectors. Other areas of expertise include the energy, charity and sports sectors. David Gordon (pictured) in Birmingham combines private practice experience with knowledge about chemicals regulatory and health issues. Manchester-based Rob Elvin is the overall head of the team.

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CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE: CLAIMANT Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Irwin Mitchell Lanyon Bowdler Shoosmiths LLP

Harrison Clark Rickerbys Higgs & Sons

GHP Legal Sydney Mitchell LLP Thompsons Solicitors LLP Wright Hassall LLP Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP's wellrespected team of specialist lawyers has built up a national reputation, under the leadership of its practice head Rankeshwar Batta. It advises claimants on a wide range of matters ranging from modest value cases to complex multi-million pound actions. Its practice covers amputation claims, brain injuries, cosmetic surgery claims, dental negligence, GP negligence and spinal injury claims, among other areas. Senior associate Ann Houghton and associate Victoria Fullilove are recommended. Irwin Mitchell fields a large team, which is led by Lisa Jordan, and specialises in highly complex, varied and high value cases. Its areas of expertise include birth injury cases, stillbirth compensation claims, neonatal deaths, cosmetic/dental surgery, as well as spinal and amputation cases. The group also has particular expertise in dealing with injuries and fatalities in a mental health setting. Emma Rush is another key figure. Lanyon Bowdler has a superb reputation across all areas of clinical negligence, with a particular proficiency

1 2 3 in handling brain and spinal injury claims. It also has a separate Court of Protection department, which provides ongoing support for clients after damages have been recovered. Team head Kay Kelly has extensive experience of gynaecological injuries, gender reassignment and fertility cases, among other matters. Associate solicitor Emma Broomfield is also recommended. Phil Barnes leads the team at Shoosmiths LLP, which regularly advises on complex multi-million pound claims involving cerebral palsy, acquired brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and multiple amputations, as well as fatal claims. Barnes has a specific interest in infection and sepsis cases. Kashmir Uppal and others are particularly skilled at dealing with claims against “rogue surgeons” and at managing multi-party actions. Harrison Clark Rickerbys takes on a large proportion of birth injury claims that are being investigated under the Legal Aid franchise, and it represents clients with claims under the Human Rights Act. Practice head Inez Brown is experienced in a wide range of general

Ann Houghton- Anthony Collins Solictors surgery clinical negligence matters, including birth injury and amputation cases, as well as spinal injury matters. She also represents clients at inquests. Charlotte Measures made partner.

laparoscopic cystectomy, dentistry and gynaecology. It predominantly represents local clients in claims against local hospitals. The head of the team is Mike Sutton.

Higgs & Sons is recognised for its expertise in handling serious birth injury claims. Clare Langford is widely respected for her experience in cerebral palsy claims and Erb’s palsy, while Liz Hickman excels in cases involving delayed diagnoses of cancer, as well as tetraplegia and birth injury matters. Other areas of expertise include matters where there has been a misdiagnosis, wrongful prescription of medication and cases involving lack of consent.

Thompsons Solicitors LLP's group, which has a strong track record in high-profile cases, is well-regarded for its experience of TVT/vaginal mesh litigation. It handles various other matters, such as high-value cerebral palsy cases, wrongful birth claims, catastrophic injury cases and fatalities that arise from clinical negligence. It demonstrates strong credentials in group actions, and has brought various claims against a number of negligent surgeons in the Midlands. Linda Millband is a key member of the department.

GHP Legal's team is experienced in difficult injury cases, including major psychiatric injury and wrongful diagnosis cases. It also acts for adult survivors of sexual abuse. The team advises on the full array of matters from NHS and private hospital negligence claims to cosmetic surgery negligence claims. John Hulme leads the team. Sydney Mitchell LLP handles the full range of clinical negligence claims, including cases involving negligent treatment and delays in diagnosing cancer. Other matters stem from cosmetic surgery, brain surgery and gastric bypass surgery. In addition, other claims are connected with

Wright Hassall LLP is currently handling two substantial group actions for clinical negligence, and its team's considerable experience also includes cases where the mother and/or the baby have suffered severe birth trauma. In addition, it is well-regarded in neurological claims where brain and/or nerve injury have arisen from surgery, and it has also successfully pursued claims where prostheses used in hip surgery has gone wrong. Also notable is that Jeanette Whyman, who is the head of the medical compensation team, represents clients at inquests.

CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE: DEFENDANT Bevan Brittan LLP Browne Jacobson LLP Weightmans LLP

Bevan Brittan LLP handles the full gamut of clinical negligence matters for NHS trusts. It is representing a number of health providers in various group actions involving single practitioners and organisations where systemic issues have arisen. It also demonstrates specialist expertise in complex Human Rights Act cases involving issues such as ‘Do Not Resuscitate Orders’, among others. Adrian Dagnall and Tim Hodgetts are names to note in Birmingham.

24 The Legal 500 West Midlands

1 Browne Jacobson LLP has a large medical malpractice team, which acts for both NHS trusts nationally and major private healthcare providers. The first-rate team advises on a myriad of complex cases, and has secured many favourable liability settlements on cerebral palsy cases and other cases involving brain damage and catastrophic injury. It also has a large and respected healthcare inquest team. Practice head Sarah White, who is an NHSR-nominated partner, has

Sarah White- Browne Jacobson a wealth of experience in high value claims. Rachael Morris made partner. Weightmans LLP is recognised as one of the leading advisers to NHS healthcare bodies on all areas of litigation. Its first-rate team regularly handles complex and high-value cases, and is particularly strong in

claims against ambulance services, the former NHS Direct and other telephone triage systems. It is currently handling two large ongoing group claims in the Midlands. Tony Yeaman leads the firm’s national NHS Resolution engagement. Jasmine Armstrong made partner.

Thinking of Divorce?

Make sure your finances donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go up in flames Call us on 0121 248 4001 for advice Newater House, 11 Newhall Street, Birmingham, B3 3NY Telephone: 0121 248 4001 Email: info@benussilaw.co.uk Website: www.benussilaw.co.uk

WEST MIDLANDS

FIRMS ARE LISTED A-Z WITHIN TIERS

PERSONAL INJURY: CLAIMANT

Irwin Mitchell

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Lanyon Bowdler

1 2

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Higgs & Sons Slater and Gordon

Clarke Willmott LLP Sydney Mitchell LLP Thompsons Solicitors LLP

DBS Law GHP Legal Shakespeare Martineau LLP Shoosmiths LLP Thursfields Solicitors

Irwin Mitchell undertakes a substantial caseload of personal injury matters for children and adults who have sustained brain injuries or other injuries, such as spinal cord injuries and multiple orthopaedic traumas. Its child abuse team also has an excellent reputation. Other core areas of expertise include industrial disease/ workplace illness and international personal injury claims. In addition, the group advises on a multitude of cases for claimants who have suffered illness as a result of substandard food safety and hygiene. Regional managing partner Lisa Jordan is highly recommended. Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP has built up an excellent reputation in the personal injury arena, thanks to its strong track record of handling a wide range of claims. Areas of expertise include road traffic accidents, accidents at work, as well as in other public places. The group is also adept at handling claims suffered as a result of crime, among various other matters. Rankeshwar Batta is a prominent name in the market. Lanyon Bowdler has an enviable reputation in serious injury cases, such as those involving spinal, amputee and brain injuries. Its focus is almost entirely on high-value cases of maximum severity and on catastrophic injury cases, in addition to key specialisms in military and international cases. Team head Neil Lorimer is highly experienced in dealing with complex brain injury cases. The team continues to grow

26 The Legal 500 West Midlands

at a senior level with the recent promotion of Debbie Humphries to partner. Tim Gray heads up the practice at FBC Manby Bowdler LLP, which covers both serious injury and multitrack/catastrophic injury cases. It has a well-established reputation for handling complex and severe highvalue brain and spinal injury cases, as well as industrial disease cases. The firm generates work from clients locally, regionally and nationally. Susan Todhunter is renowned for her experience in brain injury cases.

children to paralysis, traumatic amputation and brain injury matters. Richard Langton (pictured) has a wealth of experience of complex personal injury claims, and also advises on other areas such as road traffic accidents, injuries at work and public liability cases. In addition, Langton runs group litigation claims. Philip Edwards, leads the serious injury team at Clarke Willmott LLP, and has a particular focus on adult and child brain injury cases. The wider group's expertise includes matters involving complex psychiatric disorder issues, spinal cord injuries, industrial disease cases and amputation injuries. It is also experienced in fatal accident claims. Sydney Mitchell LLP advises local clients on matters involving very minor injuries (as a result of minor road traffic accidents) to accidents resulting in very serious injury. Practice head Mike Sutton is skilled at representing clients who have suffered injury as a result of accidents at work, on the road or any other public place.

Higgs & Sons has a dedicated team, which advises on catastrophic injuries, as well as injuries at work and road traffic accidents. It also advises on industrial diseases caused by asbestos, noise, vibrating equipment and chemicals. In addition, the group advises on injuries suffered while abroad. Andy Shaw, (pictured) who heads up the team, has a particular focus on head injuries and fatal accidents. Slater and Gordon undertakes the full spectrum of cases ranging from multiple fatality claims involving

Thompsons Solicitors LLP acts for members of trade unions and private clients on a wide range of mandates. The team is led by Karl De-Loyde, who has more than 20 years of experience. It advises on diverse matters such as severe brain injuries, spinal cord and amputation cases, as well as polytrauma, amputations and fatalities. Dave Fisher is the practice lead for asbestos-related claims. The wide-ranging scope of DBS Law's practice covers road traffic accidents, employer liability, public liability and mesothelioma disease cases, among

other areas. It regularly advises on various serious injuries, such as head injuries, spinal injuries, amputations of limbs and fatal accidents. Practice head Shairoz Ahmed divides her time between Nottingham and Birmingham. GHP Legal has a strong capability in multi-track cases and it is often sought out in cases of the utmost gravity and complexity, including major psychiatric injury cases and sexual abuse claims (where it represents adult survivors). Workplace stress cases are another mainstay of the practice. John Hulme leads the team. Shakespeare Martineau LLP's Tony Hannington, who handles injury claims for individuals and insurers, has significant experience of dealing with fatal accidents and brain injuries. Other areas of expertise include industrial disease claims, and cases involving amputations and spinal cord injuries. Adam Parry is experienced in high-value matters, and represents clients who have sustained lifechanging injuries as a result of serious accidents. Shoosmiths LLP's team is best known for its expertise in serious injuries, including industrial disease cases, spinal cord injury, brain injury, amputations, fatalities, as well as severe and psychological trauma cases. Department head Sara Hunt handles accidents at work, road traffic accidents and accidents in other public places. Thursfields Solicitors advises on the full range of injuries from road traffic accidents to tripping/slipping accidents. It also routinely advises on workplace accidents, criminal injuries, product and public liability cases and industrial disease claims. Senior associate Bernadette Mackie leads the department.

PERSONAL INJURY: DEFENDANT

BLM Browne Jacobson LLP DAC Beachcroft LLP DWF Keoghs LLP Plexus Law Weightmans LLP

Kennedys Shakespeare Martineau LLP

BLM has a full-service insurance practice, which services local and national insurer and corporate clients. It has a general liability unit, which is active in employers’ liability, motor, public liability and health and safety claims. It also has specialist occupational disease and fraud units. James Harvey heads up the department, which includes Mike Dobson. Dobson's work includes complex claims involving serious brain and spinal injuries, as well as cases with a foreign law element. Browne Jacobson LLP provides specialist sector-focused advice to insurers, public bodies and corporate

defendants. Its team particularly excels in matters concerning catastrophic injury, disease, highways and liability insurance. It is also continuing to grow its social care and abuse team. Bridget Tatham, who leads the insurance and risk team, regularly advises local authority and commercial clients on motor, public and employers’ liability. DAC Beachcroft LLP's Birmingham team is led by Rhodri Richards. High-level multi-track and catastrophic injury matters are an area of focus; Sara May leads the work in this space. Helen Bates is the main contact in relation to volume motor and credit hire matters. Elsewhere, the firm has

a well-regarded counter-fraud team. In addition, the firm assists clients with specialist motor claims management, motor prosecutions and coverage issues. It also advises on sports liability claims. DWF has a full-service defendant personal injury practice, whose portfolio of work includes abuse claims, occupational health and industrial disease cases, as well as advice on complex policy coverage issues. The firm also has a renowned fraud practice, which is led by Lorraine Carolan, and excels in motor (credit hire, organised fraud and other areas such as fleet fraud) and casualty claims. Keoghs LLP's footprint in the insurance arena is evidenced by the fact that it acts for nine out of the top ten UK general insurers. It also acts for a wide range of self-insured clients, large corporates and public sector organisations. It has particularly notable expertise in abuse claims and in occupational disease cases. In addition, its complex and catastrophic loss team deals with the full spectrum of cases, ranging from multiple fractures to chronic pain cases. Plexus Law covers all major personal insurance specialisms, such as large loss and policy coverage disputes, as well as employers’ liability, public liability, casualty and motor cases. Other areas of expertise include

occupational disease, fraud and public sector work. Its client base includes insurance companies, corporates and local authorities. Team head Weightmans LLP's Birminghambased group is active in a broad crosssection of areas, such as casualty, disease, large loss and commercial insurance work. It acts nationwide for 16 of the top 20 insurers, numerous FTSE 100 companies, and other large private and public organisations. Kennedys' clients include global brands and leading insurance companies. It has a notable specialism in leisure industry claims, and is also strong in asbestos-related litigation, as well as catastrophic and fatal accident claims. The team's wideranging areas of sector expertise include construction, manufacturing, engineering and recruitment. Shakespeare Martineau LLP ’s defendant insurance team acts for a variety of blue-chip insurance companies, intermediaries and selfinsured organisations in high-value catastrophic injury claims. It advises on the full spectrum of employer, liability, property and motor liability claims mostly with a pleaded value in excess of £1m. Group head Craig Wallace represents various insurers, companies, public sector organisations and self-insureds. Ravinder Johal is also recommended.

Supporting the Midlands’ best lawyers Congratulations to all our colleagues within the legal community who are ranked in the latest edition of Legal 500. Liz McGrath QC Head of 3PB Birmingham

3PB is now home to 20 barristers in Birmingham and 200 nationwide. I am delighted that our strength and depth has been recognised by the inclusion of so many 3PB barristers in this prestigious publication. We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the region’s finest.

Talk to us: Ian Charlton or James Parks T: 0121 289 4333 E: birmingham@3pb.co.uk

www.3pb.co.uk The Legal 500 West Midlands 27

WEST MIDLANDS

FIRMS ARE LISTED A-Z WITHIN TIERS

PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE

1 2

Mills & Reeve

BLM DWF Kennedys Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Wright Hassall LLP

Gateley Plc Sydney Mitchell LLP

Mills & Reeve LLP is a first port of call for many clients in the professional indemnity insurance market. It handles multimillion pound claims involving brokers, construction professionals, financial lines and loss adjusters, among others. The team includes Angus Turner, who specialises in solicitors' negligence claims, and Neil Frankland, who focuses on construction and insurance brokers negligence claims. The other key partner is David Gooding, whose expertise includes claims against accountants and independent financial advisers, as well as more general coverage issues. BLM generates work from a wide range of insurers and corporates in high-value and complex claims. It represents professionals of all disciplines, and has witnessed a significant increase in fraud-related

28 The Legal 500 West Midlands

3 4

claims recently. Team head Julian Smart is frequently instructed by professional indemnity insurers to defend negligence claims against various professionals, such as surveyors, accountants, engineers and brokers. DWF has successfully built strong relationships with some of the UK’s leading insurers and now has a top-class insurer client base. It offers expertise across the full range of traditional professional negligence defence work, where it acts for professionals and their insureds. It has niche expertise covering areas where professional negligence overlaps into other practice areas such as criminal law, health and safety as well as public law. Paul Chaplin leads the team. Kennedys has an impressive client roster, which includes many of the leading professional indemnity

insurers. The group is adept at handling the full range of professional indemnity matters. It routinely handles complex and high-value claims for a variety of professions. The head of the team is Eamon Mooney, who has a particular focus on construction professionals’ claims, and also handles a significant number of claims against accountants and solicitors. Although the primary focus at Shakespeare Martineau LLP is on the claimant side of the market, it also acts for defendants. It is currently acting for claimants in numerous professional negligence cases, many of which are funded using conditional fee arrangements. These claims range in value from tens of thousands to millions of pounds. It also acts for a variety of defendants, including solicitors and accountants. Mark Beesley and Barry Jervis are the names to note. Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's Birmingham team, which includes Chris Busby and Neville Gray, works closely with practitioners in the Nottingham office on a substantial portfolio of professional negligence claims. The group covers both residential and commercial lending claims as well as having considerable pension sector professional negligence expertise. It routinely advises on major pension related professional negligence claims against actuarial firms and solicitors and also acts for pension trustees and major corporates. Wright Hassall LLP has a large claimant professional negligence department, which acts for major lenders on the recovery of losses in the aftermath of mortgage fraud, and also advises on negligence actions for the recovery of losses on property transactions. It also has expertise in negligence actions in probate matters, as well as other issues, such as tax litigation and the misselling of financial products. Sarah Perry (pictured) and Gemma Carson jointly head up the department. Gateley Plc's team specialises in claims against a wide variety of professionals, such as solicitors, financial advisers, insurance brokers, accountants and insolvency practitioners. It also has a strong reputation for claims against construction professionals, including architects and project managers. Peter Davies, Stephen Goodrham and Mark Wilson head up the team. Sydney Mitchell LLP handles a wide range of cases, including those involving negligence by solicitors, surveyors, accountants and architects. Other matters concern negligent advice by valuers on property transactions. The team, which is co-led by Sundeep Bilkhu and Kamal Majevadia, advises individuals, companies and financial institutions.

HIGGS & SONS

Matt Dudley and Nyree Applegarth, Partners in Higgs & Sons’ Dispute Resolution team

Higgs & Sons has reaffirmed its position as one of the leading practices in the region following the publication of Legal 500’s latest rankings. Paul Hunt, Managing Partner at Higgs, comments: “We are delighted to be recognised as a top tier firm in the five core areas of Corporate and Commercial, Dispute Resolution, Family, Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate and Commercial Property. The rankings demonstrate our approach to delivering a complete joined up service to business and private clients. Legal 500 is highly regarded throughout the legal sector and this year’s rankings reflect the hard work and commitment of our teams as they continue to exceed the expectations of our clients. Legal expertise is a given for a firm such as Higgs & Sons, however what we offer beyond that is a focus on the delivery of a consistent and bespoke service. We take time to get to know our clients personally and their business objectives. This depth of knowledge allows us to offer tailored strategic advice on the issues relevant to them. We feel this is a fundamental part of the added value we bring to our client relationships. By understanding the needs of our clients, we are able to provide the right advice at the right time. It’s why we have acted for families for generations and businesses for decades from start-up through to sale. The breadth of the rankings across all our key areas is testament to the hard work carried out by everyone here at Higgs & Sons. Being named as a top tier firm in these core practice areas is not only extremely satisfying, but a testament to the high calibre of professionals that we have here at Higgs and their client service ethic.”

CHARITIES AND NOT FOR PROFIT Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Mills & Reeve LLP VWV

Lodders Solicitors LLP Shakespeare Martineau LLP Thursfields Solicitors Wright Hassall LLP

Band Hatton Button LLP Browne Jacobson LLP Higgs & Sons Pinsent Masons LLP Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP is particularly well-known for its work for faith-charities, national charity clients and charity funding work. It is also enjoying a growing reputation for its work with charities in the health and social care sector. Under the leadership of practice head Dominic Curran, it continues to have an excellent reputation for its work with a broad range of organisations on the regeneration of local communities, and also in the area of social enterprise development. It is increasing its profile with charities that are focused on children and young adults. Also notable is that it is strong in the social housing sector, where it acts for a diverse range of charitable housing providers. Mills & Reeve LLP has longstanding relationships with some of the UK’s biggest charities. It is noted for its particular experience of working with health, education and research charities. It also has considerable strength in sport-based charities. Principal associate Adam Williams, who leads the Birmingham charities practice, has experience across all areas of charity law, governance and philanthropy. Another principal associate Lucy Howard, who recently relocated to the Birmingham office, manages contested legacy cases.

VWV has a large practice, which is well-equipped to advise charity clients on all aspects of their operations, such as governance, procurement, regulatory compliance, investment,

1 2 3 tax and fundraising. The team was strengthened by the hire of Shivaji Shiva (pictured) from Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP. Shiva has a wealth of experience on the corporate and commercial aspects of the charity sector. Recently promoted partner Frances Anderson is highly rated for her work with arts, charities and universities, in particular.

Clients of Lodders Solicitors LLP include high profile regional charities, discreet charitable trusts, breed societies and ancient foundations. In addition to advising on general charity law matters, the department is known for its work on governance and constitutional matters, as well as complex restructures and reorganisations. Team head Mark Lewis (pictured) has expertise in ecclesiastical, agricultural, equine and engineering charities, as well as membership bodies. Shakespeare Martineau LLP advises grant-making charities and Government-funded charities on a wide range of matters, such as charity registration, administration and governance issues. The department also has particular expertise in advising animal charities especially on legacy disputes. In addition, it has developed a specialism in acting for faith-based charities and education sector clients. Team head Lesley Davis has a diverse client base, which includes multinational companies (often seeking advice on establishing foundations) and families wanting to support those in need. Thursfields Solicitors provides the full range of legal services to national,

regional and local churches, other faith organisations, hospices and almshouses. Other clients include local political and non-political clubs, sports clubs and charities which focus on issues such as special educational needs and rape victim support. The team's recent work has included advising on matters such as GDPR, Charity Commission investigations and internal charity disputes. Senior associate Jenny Smith heads up the department. Wright Hassall LLP regularly advises charities and not-for-profit clients on diverse matters such as constitutional, commercial, regulatory and contractual issues. It is also sought out on the creation of charitable trusts and legacy disputes. Keith Ainsworth has a particular focus on corporate and governance issues, group structures, charity law, regulation and governance, charity finance and on dealings with the Charity Commission. Ainsworth also has significant experience of safeguarding matters. Monica Macheng joined Bevan Brittan LLP. Led by practice head Haydn Jones, Band Hatton Button LLP's team advises a broad mix of charities, including those in the education/ training, arts and culture, and religious sectors. Its work covers constitutional, governance and compliance advice, as well as the formation and incorporation of charities, among other areas. The group can draw on the firm’s cross-practice expertise to advise on employment, property or other contentious matters.

Browne Jacobson LLP, which advises on the full spectrum of charity matters, is increasingly sought out to advise governance issues, as well as on the establishment of family and corporate foundations. Team head Catherine Rustomji acts for charities, not-for-profit organisations, social enterprises, charity trustees and individuals. Her expertise includes the duties and responsibilities of charity trustees. At Higgs & Sons, philanthropy continues to be a large part of the work undertaken by the team, particularly in the context of advising private and corporate clients on how to best to structure their charitable giving. Kirsty McEwen leads the team, whose expertise includes the use of private charitable foundations, corporate foundations and legacy giving. The group also acts for many established charitable and not-for-profit organisations, such as specialist faith organisations and non-denominational religious organisations, educational charities, sports bodies, and arts and heritage charities. Pinsent Masons LLP is well-known for providing specialist charity law advice to universities, as well as assisting commercial clients with the establishment of corporate foundations. It also acts for major insurance companies on their entering into ‘affinity’ arrangements with charities, and also generates work from local government charities. Legal director Chris Thomas is the name to note.

The Legal 500 West Midlands 29

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CONTENTIOUS TRUSTS & PROBATES FBC Manby Bowdler LLP MFG Solicitors LLP Sydney Mitchell LLP

Irwin Mitchell Thomas Horton LLP Wright Hassall LLP

Higgs & Sons Lanyon Bowdler Mills & Reeve LLP Thursfields Solicitors

1 2 3 Kamal Majevadia is well-known for his expertise in advising on estates with cross-border assets, complex commercial and company share issues.

Craig Ridge (pictured) leads a large team at FBC Manby Bowdler LLP, which is experienced in complex and high-value mandates that often have a cross-border element. Its broad practice covers challenges to wills, rectification claims, trust actions and applications for emergency injunctions. The team regularly advises beneficiaries and personal representatives on all contentious issues arising from the administration of an estate or a trust. MFG Solicitors LLP fields one of the largest groups of ACTAPs members in the country, who specialise solely in contentious probate matters. Its team includes Robert Pearce, who has a particular capability in claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependents) Act 1975. The group continues to receive substantial referrals from counsel and other solicitors, and it also acts for trust corporations. Robert Weston (pictured) is the practice head. Sydney Mitchell LLP has a thriving contentious probate department, which works closely with its busy private client department. It has recently witnessed a significant increase in the number of estates where there is a dispute relating to the ownership of private companies. Team head

30 The Legal 500 West Midlands

Irwin Mitchell, whose excellent reputation sees it regularly generate work from London firms, is currently undertaking a number of large Inheritance Act claims. It also advises on professional negligence claims relating to defective trust instruments and wills. In addition it is skilled at advising on other niche areas such as statutory wills and court of protection matters involving financial abuse. Led by Gavin Faber, (pictured) its team handles high-value disputes and complex trust litigation for individuals, successful entrepreneurs, executors, trustees, charities and beneficiaries. James Sommerville at Thomas Horton LLP has extensive experience in contentious probate matters and is a member of the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists. Sommerville is supported by associate solicitor Sara Atkinson, who joined from Sutton Colfield-based firm Thomas O’Gorman Solicitors in 2018, and solicitor Heleena Gandham. Wright Hassall LLP has four members and two associate members of ACTAPS. Martin Oliver (pictured)

who heads up the team, is a solicitor advocate (all higher courts) who is knowledgeable about all aspects of inheritance disputes. Oliver is experienced in assisting families with challenging wills where the deceased lacked the mental capacity to make a will, or was subject to undue influence. He also provides advice on applications to substitute or remove executors, as well as other issues, such as claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975. Higgs & Sons has a strong profile among wealthy families and wealthy landed clients. It regularly handles disputes in the course of complex and high-value estate administrations, and it also handles matters involving the removal of executors/trustees. In addition, it has particular expertise in disappointed beneficiary claims, with extensive experience of proprietary estoppel cases. Lucy Obrey leads the team.

The contentious probate department at Lanyon Bowdler acts for clients across the country and further afield internationally on a wide range of matters. Claire Vale (pictured) heads up the team, which advises on a diverse range of matters, such as claims for reasonable financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants ) Act 1975 and actions to remove personal representatives. Other areas of expertise include proprietary estoppel claims, professional negligence claims relating to willdrafting or estate administration, as well as TOLATA applications. Mills & Reeve LLP's specialist contentious trust and probate team is experienced in disputes over the validity of wills, actions involving trustees and executors, claims under the Inheritance ( Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 and related claims about lifetime transactions. It also acts for a number of charities in contested legacy matters. Principal associate Lucy Howard has relocated to the Birmingham office. The team at Thursfields Solicitors focuses on high-value trusts and estates disputes. In addition to advising a large number of individuals on large estates, the firm also generates mandates from trustees and executors. Michelle O’Hara heads up the team, whose varied portfolio of work includes disputes between co-executors and beneficiaries, the removal of executors, proprietary estoppel claims and will rectification claims.

SUCCESS BUILT ON CLIENT DEMAND Leading a growing team comes with its challenges, but Kevin Harris-James, head of Harrison Clark Rickerbys’ Birmingham office, is looking forward to a great year ahead. Since the firm moved into the city centre 18 months ago, the team has doubled in size, with eight partners now based at their Church St offices. The office has a strong family law focus – Kevin, Andrew Breakwell and Victoria Fellows make a formidable team – and Kevin’s reputation is confirmed by clients as being ‘ very eloquent and skilled at reaching a reasonable settlement in high-net-worth family cases.’ He said: “Our growth is being driven by demand, and that is set to continue. As we have added to our teams in response to that, with licensing and regulatory, corporate, construction and immigration experts for instance, demand has increased. So we anticipate strong growth for the year ahead, both in these new areas and in our well-established family law, clinical negligence and insolvency teams.” Already playing their part in the office’s growth is the firm’s ‘very approachable’ construction team, with partner Keith Blizzard named as key lawyer. They are acknowledged to have ‘a wide range of expertise’ and ‘a practical knowledge of the construction industry.’ Martin McQueen in real estate has also made a positive impact. Dispute resolution partner Clare Murphy has further strengthened the Birmingham team, with head of litigation Richard Morgan having a significant presence in the city; they are said to ‘provide unswerving support and pragmatic and commercial advice.'

FAMILY: BIRMINGHAM Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Irwin Mitchell Lodders Solicitors LLP Mills & Reeve LLP Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Benussi & Co Limited Clarke Willmott LLP Duncan Lewis Solicitors Harrison Clark Rickerbys Shoosmiths LLP Sydney Mitchell LLP Weightmans LLP

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP advises on the full range of family law issues both matrimonial and children related. Its primary focus is on matrimonial advice to professionals and business owners, and also representing children and family members in complex care proceedings. The team, which is co-led by Elizabeth Wyatt and Jas Tamber, also has niche expertise in areas such as female genital mutilation, surrogacy, forced marriages and domestic violence.

pensions following an overseas divorce. Other areas of expertise include complex children matters, as well as emerging areas such as surrogacy, adoption and alternative parenting. Clare Wiseman (pictured) and Sarah Balfour are among the members of the well-respected group.

Irwin Mitchell has a large and specialist matrimonial finance team, which is a first port of call among clients for advice on pre- and postnuptial agreements. The practice is also recognised for its use of collaborative law and mediation, and has carved out a niche for its knowledge of the sharing of English

Lodders Solicitors LLP is best known for its high-end financial work, which frequently involves issues concerning offshore trusts and private limited companies. It has increasingly been advising on pre-nuptial and postnuptial agreements and on asset protection. Team head Beverley Morris is frequently instructed by trustees and wealthy individuals looking to preserve wealth in the context of divorce. Morris acts for a wide range of clients, including entrepreneurs, professionals, sole proprietors, sportsmen and sportswomen. Mills & Reeve LLP's team head Marc Saunderson primarily undertakes high net worth financial remedy matters, with the vast majority of cases falling in the £1m-£10m bracket. The group overall places a real emphasis on focusing on out of court settlements, but is also adept in assisting clients with litigation, where necessary. It has increasingly been advising on pre- and post-nuptial agreements. In addition to undertaking complex and high value financial cases, the team also has considerable expertise in national and international children matters. Shakespeare Martineau LLP has a strong track record in complex children matters that frequently involve a crossborder dimension. The excellent team, which is co-led by Zahra Pabani and Mary Kaye, also excels in the full range of financial remedy proceedings, which are mostly high-value and often involve property, business, trust or pension assets. The group is also noted for its advice on pre- and post-nuptial agreements, and also for its expertise in areas such as surrogacy and fertility.

Benussi & Co Limited typically acts in ultra high net worth financial issues that arise on relationship breakdown. Managing director Diane Benussi (pictured) specialises in international family matters, particularly those involving complex cross-border trust structures. The practice also distinguishes itself in cases involving non-disclosed assets, and pre- and post-nuptial agreements, as well as disputes involving children. Clarke Willmott LLP's family group, which specialises in complex financial remedy work and private children cases, acts for a broad base of clients, including professionals, academics, self-employed entrepreneurs, highlevel managers in the public sector and individuals from the sports and entertainment sectors. It also works closely with practitioners in the private client and corporate and commercial departments to provide support to family businesses. Rayner Grice, who leads the family practice, is also the head of the Birmingham office. Duncan Lewis Solicitors advises on all aspects of matrimonial and separation issues, including divorce and ancillary relief. Its team also excels in assisting clients with emergency situations, such as those involving non-accidental injuries and domestic abuse. Other specialisms include

BENUSSI & CO LTD KEEPS CLIENTS FINANCIALLY REASSURED clients’ individual needs. A flexible approach ensures clients are fully informed at every stage of the divorce and financial settlement process. Helen Benussi, Director at Benussi & Co Ltd comments, “Too many clients make the wrong assumptions when it comes to finances and also any joint debts. Understanding full financial declaration on complex cases is one of our specialities. We aim to reach a financial settlement that meets our clients objectives and those of any children involved in the case.” The Benussi & Co Ltd team understands that finances can be one of the biggest hurdles to negotiate which can further complicate a divorce. The Benussi & Co Ltd niche Matrimonial and Family law team understands how difficult it can be when facing a divorce and trying to formally divide finances. With over 125 years combined experience and an extensive client list that has gained the right financial outcome, the leading Legal 500 firm offers exceptional services. The team offers a holistic approach to divorce and financial settlements, placing a focus on clarity and understanding in all cases. A range of professional legal services are offered and tailored to

Helen continues, “Clients can be unfamiliar about joint and several liability on high net worth savings as well as on debts. The last thing anyone wants is to be held responsible for debts they did not accumulate. Also, some people can believe that their house is their biggest asset, when in fact it is pensions, directorships or investments in stocks and shares. Whilst divorce can release people from unhappy situations, it can also be extremely costly for individuals, if someone does not understand the financial rules.” To talk to one of the Benussi & Co Ltd specialist divorce team call 0121 248 4001 or visit the web-site www.benussilaw.co.uk The Legal 500 West Midlands 31

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FAMILY: ELSEWHERE IN THE WEST MIDS Brethertons LLP FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Harrison Clark Rickerbys Higgs & Sons Thursfields Solicitors Baches Solicitors LLP Mercy Messenger MFG Solicitors LLP Wright Hassall LLP

Band Hatton Button LLP Beswicks Legal Duncan Watts LLP Lanyon Bowdler Aaron & Partners LLP Alsters Kelley LLP George Green LLP Pickerings Solicitors Woolley & Co, Solicitors international child abduction cases, special guardianship and care orders. In addition, it has a niche practice in forced marriage protection orders. Richard Gray and Krina Parmar are recommended. Harrison Clark Rickerbys fields a number of standout practitioners, such as team head Kevin Harris-James, who is knowledgeable about all types of complex financial disputes arising from divorce. Another key figure is Andrew Breakwell, who joined the group from Shakespeare Martineau LLP, and brings a wealth of experience of complex family law matters involving high net worth clients. Breakwell has considerable expertise at resolving cases using arbitration and mediation, as well as litigation. Shoosmiths LLP, whose practice is led by Neil Hobden, is particularly well-known for its work in the financial remedy sphere. It also has a growing reputation in relation to private children cases. In addition, a notable strength involves the family team working with members of the Court of Protection and clinical negligence teams in the preparation of cohabitation and prenuptial agreements for individuals who have mental capacity, but are unable to manage what are often very large awards of compensation. Associate Hannah Nicholls recently joined the team from Thursfields Solicitors. Rebecca Calden-Storr moved to Stowe Family Law LLP. Sydney Mitchell LLP has an excellent collaborative law practice, with it fielding three fully-qualified collaborative lawyers. Its group is well regarded in complex and high value financial remedy matters, complicated Children Act cases, as well as other areas, such as protective injunctions. It also has expertise in asset preservation by way of pre- and postnuptial agreements. Karen Moores and

32 The Legal 500 West Midlands

Mauro Vinti jointly lead the team. The team at Weightmans LLP advises on the financial aspects of relationship breakdown, where there are complex business assets, pensions or trust arrangements. It also has expertise in pre- and post-nuptial agreements, and the treatment of inherited wealth. Elsewhere, children-related matters are another driver of activity; the group's work includes assisting clients with national and international relocations, choices of schools and financial applications for children. Consultant Fiona Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan heads up the team.

Brethertons LLP has a varied practice, with its team advising clients on the apportionment of high-value assets on separation, as well as on complex children issues. It has niche expertise in child abduction cases, international children work, surrogacy and international adoption. It also acts for parents and children in difficult care proceedings, and has considerable experience in domestic violence cases. Linda Jones (pictured) and Simon Craddock are recommended. FBC Manby Bowdler LLPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary focus is on high-value and complex family matters. Many of its financial cases involve diverse assets, property portfolios, business assets, stock market and other investments, as well as overseas properties and inherited wealth. Practice head Anne Thomson specialises in high-level ancillary relief cases and matters where there are intricate business and farming assets. Thomson also has expertise in prenuptial agreements. The team also includes practitioners with experience of handling Children Act matters. Harrison Clark Rickerbys, whose practice is spread between the Hereford and Worcester offices, fields a group with a wealth of experience of family law. It recently enhanced its offering by establishing a specialist public law children and domestic violence team, which is led by Mathew Waddington (pictured). Department head Andrew Caldicott is active in high net worth financial disputes and complex Children Act matters. Caldicott is also a trained collaborative lawyer. Anita Hennessey made partner. Higgs & Sons primarily acts for high net worth individuals and owner managers of businesses (particularly those in the manufacturing sector). Philip Barnsley leads the team, which advises on diverse financial issues

1 2 3 4 on relationship breakdown, such as nuptial, cohabitation and separation agreements. It is also knowledgeable about all aspects of Children Act proceedings and other matters include adoption, living arrangements for children and parenting plans. Barnsley has niche expertise in nuptial agreements involving family investment companies, trust structures and business assets. Thursfields Solicitors covers the full range of family issues, and generates work from local, national and international clients. Premier League footballers and other high net worth individuals are among the clients who turn to the firm for family law advice. Shane Miller leads the group, whose experience includes complex financial, separation and children cases. It is becoming increasingly active in divorce cases involving family farms and other wealth protection matters. Mercedes King-Jones joined from Wright Hassall LLP. Baches Solicitors LLP has a high level of expertise in care proceedings and adoption applications; Jill Darbyshire, who sits as a parttime judge and leads the childcare department, has more than 40 years of experience of child protection. Darbyshire regularly represents children, parents, grandparents and other relatives in complex legal disputes. Lindsey Newell is the head of the matrimonial team. Matrimonial and family law boutique Mercy Messenger has built up an excellent reputation since its inception in 1983. It is active in all areas of family law, with particular strengths in dealing with family businesses in financial relief cases and providing support on children matters. It also excels in schedule one applications. On the financial relief side, the firm is often

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WEST MIDLANDS sought out in complex, multimillion pound cases where there are issues concerning the division of marital and non-marital assets and wealth accrued pre- and post-separation. Name partner Mercy Messenger has expertise in unravelling complex income structures. Legal executive Harpreet Saund is a specialist in children law matters. MFG Solicitors LLP is a well regarded firm in the West Midlands, with it offering specialist advice across its six offices in Worcestershire, Shropshire and central Birmingham. Led by Claire Backler, (pictured) its team covers all aspects of family law, including divorce (and related complex financial issues) and the dissolution of civil partnerships. It also advises on Schedule 1 Children Act matters, as well as child arrangement orders, prenuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements. The group has developed particular expertise in advising famers and land owners, dentists and doctors on various issues, particularly where there is inherited wealth or limited companies trusts.

Wright Hassall LLP has niche expertise in acting for parties in the agricultural and rural business sector. It also advises many clients who own businesses or hold senior positions in businesses on diverse matters, such as pre- and post-nuptial agreements and private applications relating to children. Justin Creed, who is a qualified collaborative lawyer, has assisted a significant number of senior executives with the collaborative process. Peter Lowe is also highly regarded. Mercedes King-Jones is now at Thursfields Solicitors.

Band Hatton Button LLP's Tracy Cross (pictured) and Peter Martin are experienced advocates, who regularly represent clients at hearings involving children and financial issues. Both practitioners are collaboratively trained. Also notable is that Cross is a Resolution-trained family mediator, who is also qualified to undertake direct child consultation work. The group also regularly handles family cases where companies and family businesses are involved.

Aaron & Partners LLP primarily acts for high net worth individuals on issues arising from relationship breakdown. Its roster of clients includes business owners, professionals, sportsmen, land owners, beneficiaries of trusts and wealthy retirees. Richard Barge and recently promoted partner Sandy Edwards jointly lead the team, which specialises in advising on pre- and post-nuptial agreements, as well as separation agreements. A significant portion of the firm's family work has an international dimension. Alsters Kelley LLP undertakes family law work on both a privately funded and legal aid basis. Its legal aid franchise covers both private and public law family law, and the firm is particularly noted for its large care practice, which is headed up by associate solicitor Catherine Stephens. The department is led by director Erica Kemp, who is a trained mediator and collaborative lawyer. Kemp is adept at dealing with complex financial matters following the breakdown of a relationship. At George Green LLP, Mark Vandaele handles all aspects of relationship breakdown for married couples, civil partners, cohabitees and those with children. Vandaele's experience includes company disputes arising within divorce proceedings, and he regularly advises clients with businesses valued in excess of £5m. He is also active in private law Children Act work, including cases where a

guardian needs to be appointed. The family law team at Pickerings Solicitors is led jointly by Susan Davies (who leads on divorce and finance matters) and Richard Westley (who heads the children team). The group handles all aspects of divorce and separation, including high net worth matrimonial cases where businesses and pensions are involved. Davies also has a considerable collaborative practice. The children team handles a wide range of private and public law matters. Woolley & Co, Solicitors is known for handling contested divorces, as well as other complex issues, such as leave to remove and prohibited steps orders. The firm is also increasingly sought out to advise on pre-nuptial and living together agreements, and also TOLATA/cohabitation disputes. Clients include high net worth individuals, business owners and company directors, farmers/farming families and British expats. Richard England, Rebecca Franklin and Alison Ratchford are the key contacts.

ST IVES CHAMBERS IN 2019: RECRUITMENT, APPOINTMENTS AND SUCCESSES! 22 members named. The Family Group “draws praise for its highly regarded team”, the Housing Group “are specialists in their field” and the Crime Group are “highly respected advocates” who are “well known in the market for their meticulous and thorough preparation.” In the Crime and Regulatory Group, Peter Cooper defended in the murder trial of Louise Porton, David Jackson prosecuted the ‘Silk Road 2.0’ operator, Justin Jarmola appeared in a £10m fraud prosecution brought by the Premier League. Kevin Saunders, William Douglas-Jones and Alexander PritchardJones have all appeared in leading animal welfare cases.

Chambers remains a ‘Leading Set’ in the Legal500 with 23 members individually ranked. The Family Group provides “an excellent choice of specialist counsel” who are “reliable, knowledgeable and approachable”, the Housing Group is the “go-to” team for landlord and tenant matters and the Crime Group has “gone from strength to strength”. Again, Chambers was ranked as Band 1 in the Chambers & Partners guide with 34 The Legal 500 West Midlands

Nicholas Starks (Family) was named Barrister of the Year at the Worcestershire Law Society Awards, Kevin Saunders (Crime) was shortlisted for the Birmingham Law Society Pro Bono Award, and Elizabeth Isaacs QC (Family) was appointed an ordinary bencher of Lincoln’s Inn. We have had six judicial appointments: Rebecca Wade and Amy Jacobs (Recorders), Adem Muzaffer (District Judge) and Charmian Jackson and Sarah Fahy (Deputy District Judges). Chambers welcomed 10 new tenants:

Graeme Simpson (Crime), Priya Tromans (Civil) Hasnat Bashir, Terri Mason, Lawren Dobson and Malvika Jaganmohan (Family), and George Smith, Holly Hillbourne-Gollop and Harry Marriott after completing pupillage. Dafydd Enoch QC (Crime and Regulatory) joined as a door tenant. Chambers now offers 3 silks, 78 juniors, 3 pupils and 15 door tenants (including 7 silks). Our Health and Wellbeing Committee earned Chambers a Certificate of Recognition from the Bar Council and, in October, Chambers co-hosted ‘Celebrating Black Legal Talent in Birmingham’ with Gowling WLG, at which HHJ Carole Burgher and Tom Lawal (Family) spoke. Naana Otoo-Oyortey MBE (Executive Director, Forward UK) and Jeremy Weston QC (Head of Chambers) delivered a popular seminar on FGM. Elizabeth Isaacs QC (Family) delivered a lecture called ‘Women Trailblazers in the Law’ for International Women’s Day at Coventry University. We also hosted our first ‘Modern Families’ Conference, focusing on developments in surrogacy law and same-sex relationships. We are looking forward to more of the same in 2020!

PERSONAL TAX, TRUSTS AND PROBATES Higgs & Sons Lodders Solicitors LLP Mills & Reeve LLP Shakespeare Martineau LLP Wright Hassall LLP

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP DWF FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Gateley Plc Lanyon Bowdler Sydney Mitchell LLP

Ansons Band Hatton Button LLP Harrison Clark Rickerbys Mander Hadley Solicitors MFG Solicitors LLP Pinsent Masons LLP

Aaron & Partners LLP Alsters Kelley LLP Baches Solicitors LLP Brethertons LLP Clarke Willmott LLP Emms Gilmore Liberson George Green LLP GHP Legal Pickerings Solicitors Talbot & Co The Wilkes Partnership Thomas Guise Solicitors Higgs & Sons specialises in advising individuals and families on preserving their personal and corporate wealth. The department acts for a significant number of family businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals with business interests. It works closely with its corporate department to provide fully- rounded tax and estate planning advice to owner managed businesses, directors and shareholders. Lucy Obrey leads the first-rate team, which includes Nick Moxon. Another key figure is Peter Gosling, who has specialist expertise in the wealth planning issues of high-net-worth individuals and their families. Gosling is also knowledgeable about rural issues. Martin Green heads up the department at Lodders Solicitors LLP . The team distinguishes itself in estate and tax planning for high net worth individuals, where it demonstrates strong capabilities in the tax-efficient structuring of businesses and landholdings through the use of partnerships, LLPs and companies. It is also adept at advising

4 clients on family office structures and on eligibility for agricultural and business property relief. Elsewhere, the team is also knowledgeable about care and capacity issues, trusts and probate, and wills and succession planning. Contentious work is another pillar of the practice. Stephen Brignull is another key member of the group. Mills & Reeve LLP provides the full range of estate planning and wealth structuring advice to business owners (particularly family businesses), wealthy individuals, families and landed estates. It is increasingly active in the creation of family investment companies, and also advises on international estate planning and wealth structuring for families with properties and businesses abroad. Matthew Hansell and John Grundy are highly regarded. Shakespeare Martineau LLP focuses on wealth and succession planning, and also trust and estate administration. Its team regularly acts as professional trustees, executors and administrators. It also advises elderly clients on capacity issues, Court of Protection matters and personal injury trusts. Clare Laird heads up the group, which counts ultra high net worth individuals (including National Lottery winners) and landed aristocrats as clients.

generation and trust entitlements. Donna Holmes heads up the team. James Hall and Sheree Green have left the firm.

Wright Hassall LLP acts for wealthy individuals and families on complex tax and succession planning matters. Working with the agricultural team, its private wealth group also advises a significant number of number of landowners, farmers, landed estates and agribusinesses on bespoke tax and estate planning, among other matters. The group is also adept at advising on family investment companies and personal investment companies. In addition, it has a dedicated estate administration team, which has specialist expertise in highvalue estates. Martin Oliver (above) and Susan Floyd are recommended. Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP is best known for its work with vulnerable adults, where the scope of its team's expertise includes compensation trusts, statutory wills and Court of Protection work. It is also knowledgeable about capital tax planning, and on protection structures for families and disabled individuals. In addition, the practice frequently advises corporate, housing and third-sector clients on legacy income

DWF undertakes the full gamut of private capital work. Its team acts for business owners and entrepreneurs, as well as high net worth families with substantial UK assets. Tax planning and asset protection remain a major focus of the practice; much of the work involves multimillion pound estates. In addition, the team has extensive experience of handling complex probates which have significant tax issues. Team head Roger Williams is well regarded for his expertise in trust structuring and powers of attorneys, among other areas. FBC Manby Bowdler LLP, whose practice is led by Julie Burn, (pictured) undertakes community care, Court of Protection and contentious probate work. It is also strong in assisting business owners and farmers with complex inheritance tax planning and business succession issues. The team is increasingly sought out to advise on the benefits of family trusts for protecting family businesses, and also the protection of family wealth in the aftermath of divorce. Gateley Plc's team excels in advising on the use of lifetime trusts in pre-sale business sale strategies, as well as the establishment of family investment companies. It is also adept at providing multi-generational advice to wealthy clients by way of wills and lifetime trusts. The group, which is led by Catriona Attride, is also experienced in administering complex UK-based and

The Legal 500 West Midlands 35

WEST MIDLANDS

FIRMS ARE LISTED A-Z WITHIN TIERS George Green LLP, whose team primarily acts for local business owners/ managers, generates a wide range of mandates. The work includes the administration of estates, wills, powers of attorney and Court of Protection matters. Led by practice head Claire Pottinger, the team also advises on the setting up and administration of trusts, including pilot trusts for insurance and death benefit planning. GHP Legal acts for several generations of many families on the implementation of tax-efficient financial arrangements, with the advice to clients being aimed at both protecting them during their lifetimes and also enabling them to pass on their wealth to beneficiaries. The team also acts for executors ranging in size from smaller intestacies to those worth several millions. It also acts as professional executors for many clients. Victoria Wilson is the department head.

multijurisdictional estates, and acting as professional deputy in complex and high-value cases. Lanyon Bowdler's team has significant experience of advising on trusts, estate/tax planning and administration, as well as powers of attorney and contentious trust matters. The Court of Protection team, which acts for clients across the UK, is a core part of the private client department and advises on a wide range of complex property and affairs cases. It advises various clients, ranging from high net worth individuals and new parents to elderly and vulnerable people. Giles Scott is a key contact. Sydney Mitchell LLP's team has a wealth of experience of a wide range of private client matters, such as advice on succession planning for individuals and families (including small to mediumsized business owners). It has also recently had a significant increase in mandates from elderly clients, for whom the scope of the work includes advice on continuing health care (assessments and appeals), care placement and care funding. Tracy Creed leads the team. Ansons is particularly known for its expertise in handling agricultural estates and complex probate matters for farmers. Its team has extensive experience of the full range of private client matters, including estate administration, inheritance tax mitigation and will drafting. It also advises on lasting powers of attorney and applications to the Court of Protection. Associate director Adam Penn is a key contact. Band Hatton Button LLP advises on all aspects of wealth protection and inheritance planning for individuals and their families. Michelle Gavin leads the team, which advises on wills, estate planning, asset protection, powers of attorney and Court of Protection matters. It also advises on the creation and administration of trusts, and also post-death tax planning. Dawn Oliver leads the team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys, which

36 The Legal 500 West Midlands

advises on all aspects of wills and estate planning, primarily for wealthy clients. Oliver is increasingly advising on the use of private family charitable trusts to mitigate inheritance tax. Shirley Rabbetts has niche expertise in advising farmers on a broad range of inheritance issues. Beth King-Smith joined from Higgs & Sons. Mander Hadley Solicitors demonstrates strong capabilities acting for elderly clients, particularly in relation to estate planning and inheritance tax. It also handles age-related mental capacity issues, and advises on lasting powers of attorney. In addition, its team has experience of acting as deputies appointed by the Court of Protection where a person lacks mental capacity to manage their own affairs. David Webb leads the group. Valerie Robinson leads the practice at MFG Solicitors LLP, which provides a full-service to individuals and trusts. The group has extensive expertise in wills, powers of attorney and trust and estate administration. It also advises clients on providing for disabled beneficiaries, as well on high net worth cases involving agricultural and business property. Elderly client issues - including community care matters - are another area of strength. Pinsent Masons LLPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus is on trusts in a commercial context. The team acts for insurance companies, banks, pension providers and government agencies on all types of trusts that are used in commercial transactions, such as funeral trusts and insolvency customer monies trusts. It also has considerable strength in tax-specific trusts, particularly those that are linked to employment and reward structures. Chris Thomas is a key contact. Aaron & Partners LLP advises high net worth individuals on complex tax and succession issues, both locally and throughout the UK. Newly promoted partner Lynda Richards is known for her work on taxable estate issues and capital tax planning. She also advises on the creation and administration of

charitable trusts, and heads up the Shrewsbury offering. Alsters Kelley LLP's private client practice is strongly represented throughout its four offices. Led by Neil Raiseborough, the team provides tax planning and will drafting advice, and also assists clients with the creation of trusts. Raiseborough regularly advises on protective trusts and is particularly experienced in acting for clients who have children with learning or physical disabilities. He also acts as a deputy and attorney for numerous longstanding clients of the firm. Baches Solicitors LLP's varied portfolio of private client mandates ranges from wills, trusts and probate matters to inheritance tax planning and court of protection work. Led by Gursharan Bunger, the team also assists elderly clients with powers of attorney and advises on nursing home fees. Brethertons LLP has a strong track record of administering high-value estates with cross-border elements, as well as advising on disputed estates and estates involving negotiations with the HMRC for business or agricultural property relief. Clients include elderly and vulnerable individuals, and also high net worth clients. Newly promoted partner Daniel Boyle and Linda Jones (pictured) are recommended. Clarke Willmott LLP provides the full range of private wealth services, including advice on wills, tax planning, administration of estates, powers of attorney, Court of Protection and elderly client work. Erica Burt-Moore is experienced in lifetime tax planning for business owners and those in the process of selling a business. She also advises on trust structures to maximise inheritance tax relief, as well as on the administration of estates involving the winding up of businesses and large property portfolios.

Emma Harrison leads the team at Pickerings Solicitors, whose wideranging expertise includes the setting up and administering of trusts and probate issues. The practice also covers lasting powers of attorney and Court of Protection work, as well as advice to elderly clients on nursing home issues, care home fees, care packages and appeals. Talbot & Co has a longstanding track record advising generations of significant families on all types of private client issues. Its team advises on trust administration, personal tax (including tax planning) and general wealth management. Tom Bramall is the head of the practice, which generates mandates from clients based locally and nationally. The Wilkes Partnership covers all areas of private client work, including wills, estate administration (taxable and non-taxable), inheritance tax planning, trust creation and administration. It also regularly advises on powers of attorney, Court of Protection and community care issues. Birmingham-based Andrew Hasnip has a steady work flow of trust, complex inheritance tax planning and estate work. Ellie Holland in Solihull has extensive experience of inheritance tax issues faced by private individuals, and also assists with lifetime planning and post-death matters. Thomas Guise Solicitors, which is highly regarded in the care sector, has a wealth of experience of advising clients on issues such as inheritance tax, care home fees and on potential claims against the estate. It also handles deputyship applications. Amanda Oakes is a key figure. VWV advises on all areas of the law relating to estates, tax planning and trusts. Its team is adept at handling a broad range of private client matters, such as those involving business assets, agricultural assets, family businesses and cross-border assets. It is also active in Court of Protection work. Rachael Armstrong is experienced in inheritance tax planning, the creation and administration of trusts, drafting powers of attorney and deputyship applications.

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WEST MIDLANDS REGIONAL BAR: MIDLAND CIRCUIT LEADING SETS No5 Barristers Chambers (Birmingham, Leicester) St Philips Chambers (Birmingham)

Ropewalk Chambers (Nottingham) St Ives Chambers (Birmingham)

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CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE LEADING SILKS Chris Bright QC - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Always extremely well-prepared and on top of all the issues. ’ Satinder Hunjan QC - Kings Chambers ‘ Good with clients and provides practical, sensible advice. ’ Jonathan Jones QC - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ He has an extremely good eye for detail and is excellent on his feet. ’

LEADING JUNIORS Andrew Evans - St Philips Chambers ‘ A great advocate in complex applications and costs case management conferences. ’ Esther Gamble - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Incredibly intelligent and able to think quickly in a wide range of cases. ’ Richard Grimshaw - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ A formidable advocate who can think very quickly on his feet. ’ Henry Pitchers - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ 'He puts clients at ease and ensures they fully understand their legal position. ’ David Tyack - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Fantastically analytical and brilliant at interpreting medical evidence. ’ John Coughlan - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ An extremely diligent barrister with a keen eye for the details. ’ Anna Diamond - Kings Chambers ‘ She has a very good grasp of medical issues and is an impressive mediator. ’ Jamie Gamble - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ A very approachable and likeable character who builds a rapport with clients and instructing solicitors ’ Mamta Gupta - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Hugely impressive in cross-examination of experts. ’

COMMERCIAL BANKING, INSOLVENCY AND CHANCERY LAW LEADING SILKS

Mark Anderson QC - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ A very accomplished advocate who ties the opposition’s witnesses in knots. ’ Mohammed Zaman QC - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ A superb advocate who works tirelessly to achieve the client’s objectives. ’ Avtar Khangure - St Philips Chambers ‘ Experienced in a wide range of commercial litigation matters ’ James Morgan QC - St Philips Chambers ‘ Thoroughly prepared, with excellent forensic capability and superb organisation allied to a brilliant intellect. ’ John Randall QC - St Philips Chambers ‘ As an advocate, he is second-to-none in the region. ’

LEADING JUNIORS

Andrew Charman - St Philips Chambers ‘ Commercially-minded, pragmatic and sensible. ’ Louise Corfield - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Very good with clients, she can explain complex legal issues carefully without being patronising. ’

38 The Legal 500 West Midlands

Paul Dean - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Technically fantastic and great with clients. ’ Yasmin Yasseri - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ She combines a keen eye for detail with a willingness to go the extra mile. ’ Marc Brown - St Philips Chambers ‘ Very commercial, with excellent attention to detail. ’ Michelle Caney - St Ives Chambers ‘ An excellent all-rounder. ’ Simon Clegg - St Philips Chambers ‘ Very much a safe pair of hands. ’ Matthew Haynes - St Ives Chambers ‘ Excellent with clients, and respected by opponents and judges.’ Robert Mundy - St Philips Chambers ‘ Technically strong, calm and adaptable. ’ Shakil Najib - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ He offers detailed and focused explanations. ’ Jonathan Owen - Ropewalk Chambers ‘ His practice includes Chancery, professional negligence, and contractual disputes. ’ Steven Reed - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ A very solid and accomplished advocate. ’ Kate Rogers - Radcliffe Chambers ‘ An excellent advocate who is very persuasive and measured on her feet. ’ Matthew Weaver - Radcliffe Chambers ‘ His knowledge of insolvency law is fantastic. ’ Stephen Beresford - Ropewalk Chambers ‘ He has experience of a wide range of commercial disputes. ’ Ian Bridge - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Particularly recommended for tax matters. ’ Angus Burden - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ An outstanding and tenacious advocate. ’ Mark Grant - St Philips Chambers ‘ A team player who delivers advice in an approachable and commercial manner. ’ Amit Gupta - Enterprise Chambers ‘ His strong commercial and pragmatic approach puts clients at ease. ’ David Mitchell - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ He has particular experience of probate claims.’ Ali Tabari - St Philips Chambers ‘ Very available, personable, and strong on technical expertise. ’ David Taylor - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Highly professional and hard working. ’ Tony Watkin - St Ives Chambers ‘ He gives clear advice and is very commercial in his approach. ’

CONSTRUCTION, PLANNING AND THE ENVIRONMENT LEADING SILKS

Richard Kimblin QC - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ A well-rounded and commercially astute barrister. ’ Paul Tucker QC - Kings Chambers ‘ He provides very commercial advice and is great with clients. ’ Martin Kingston QC - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Recommended for energy and infrastructure cases. ’ Christopher Young QC - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Specialises in residential and retail planning matters. ’

LEADING JUNIORS

Satnam Choongh - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ A safe pair of hands who fights the client's corner. ’ Celina Colquhoun - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Highly competent when faced with challenging circumstances. ’ Gary Grant - Kings Chambers ‘ A calm, considered and skilled advocate. ’ Sarah Clover - Kings Chambers ‘ Experienced in planning violation cases. ’ Timothy Jones - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Highly experienced in cases involving travellers. ’ Thea Osmund-Smith - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Acts for all parties in planning inquiries and appeals. ’ Nina Pindham - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ A rising star in planning matters. ’ Hugh Richards - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Experienced in a wide range of planning and infrastructure matters. ’ Michael Rudd - Kings Chambers ‘ Recommended for planning enforcement cases. ’

COSTS LEADING JUNIORS

Andrew Hogan - Ropewalk Chambers ‘ A costs specialist. ’ Paul Joseph - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ He has a grasp of costs work that eludes most members of the Bar. ’ Andrew Lyons - Ropewalk Chambers ‘ Very technically-minded with a good analytical approach. ’

COURT OF PROTECTION AND FAMILY LAW LEADING SILKS

Nageena Khalique QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ She combines gravitas, legal knowledge, and great client care. ’

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THIS YEAR’S WINNERS ARE BARRISTER OF THE YEAR JEREMY WESTON QC Professor Hadyn Davies, BCU

PARALEGAL OF THE YEAR LETITIA AIT-TALES ANTHONY COLLINS SOLICITORS LLP

LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (SOLE PRACTITIONERS UP TO 4 PARTNERS) JM WILSON SOLICITORS LTD

PARTNER OF THE YEAR KASHMIR UPPAL

Gordon Hay, Redbourne for Lawyers

ACCESS LEGAL SOLICITORS, SHOOSMITHS Colin White, Ortus Group

BLS INNOVATION AWARD KID HARWOOD WILDINGS SOLICITORS LLP

BLS PRO BONO AWARD ROSIE BANKS IRWIN MITCHELL LLP

BLS LEADERSHIP AWARD SANDRA WALLACE DLA PIPER UK LLP

BUSINESS TEAM OF THE YEAR ANTHONY COLLINS SOLICITORS LLP

PRIVATE CLIENT TEAM OF THE YEAR ANTHONY COLLINS SOLICITORS LLP

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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD MARY KAYE SHAKESPEARE MARTINEAU

Sarah Ramsey, University of Law

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and members of the Birmingham Law Society. The society was founded on January 3, 1818 and 2018 marks their 200th Anniversary.

A GLITTERING NIGHT OF SUCCESS AT BIRMINGHAM LAW SOCIETY AWARDS Anthony Collins Solicitors was the big winner at last night’s Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards, picking up four gongs.

The city centre firm was named Law Firm of the Year (16 partners or more), beating rivals Gateley Plc, Irwin Mitchell, Mills & Reeve, Shoosmiths and VWV (Veale Wasbrough Vizards). Anthony Collins Solicitors also collected awards for Business Team of the Year and Private Client Team of the Year – two new categories for this year – while the firm’s Letitia Ait-Tales won Paralegal of the Year. In the other categories, there were awards for Greg Fearn, Mills & Reeve - Trainee Solicitor of the Year; Jeremy Weston QC, St Ives Chambers - Barrister of the Year; Kashmir Uppal, Access Legal – Partner of the Year; Kid Harwood, Wildings Solicitors – BLS Innovation Award; Rosie Banks, Irwin Mitchell – BLS Pro Bono Award; Sandra Wallace, DLA Piper UK – BLS Leadership Award; JM Wilson Solicitors – Law Firm of the Year (sole practitioner up to four partners); and Sydney Mitchell – Law Firm of the Year (5 – 15 partners). The Birmingham Law Society Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Mary Kaye, partner at Shakespeare Martineau and past president of BLS.

James Turner, Vice President.BLS

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congratulations to Anthony Collins Solicitors, who were the runaway winners on the night.”

“The judges were particularly impressed with the firm’s strong commitment to its staff and its approach to attracting and developing those who want to make a difference in society. “In what was a tough year for the judges, there were some really stand-out candidates and both the winners and finalists should be proud of their achievements.”

Mumtaz Hussain, University of Wolverhampton

Stephen Webb, Gallagher

Birmingham Law Society is celebrating its bicentenary in 2018. This year’s Legal Awards, which were attended by more than 550 people, were just one of a number of planned special events being held throughout the year to celebrate the Society’s 200th anniversary. Sponsors of the Legal Awards included The University of Law, BPP University Law School, Birmingham City School of Law, Ortus Group, Midshire, The Law Society, University of Wolverhampton, Gallagher, Index Property Information, Redbourne for Lawyers, Landmark Information, St Philips Chambers, TitleSolv, Advantage Consulting, Digitalini and Actionstep.

Commenting on the category winners, Andrew added: “Many

Andrew Smith QC, St Philips Chambers

Chloe Mulroy, Title Solve

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1995 Data Protection Directive which was adopted at a time when the internet was in its infancy. Member states of the EU have been given two years to ensure that they are fully implementable in their countries by May 2018. 4. Do I need to worry about this now, as we are leaving the EU? The Queen’s speech in June 2017 confirmed that the GDPR will form part of UK law following the withdrawal from the EU.

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circulation to Birmingham Law Society Members

IMPROVING ACCESS TO JUSTICE

Birmingham Law Society.

OCTOBER 2018

5. My business does not need to comply with GDPR as I do not store or process any personal information. I have heard this comment so many times over the last 12 months. It is also a point that is made internally by some departments. There is a general misunderstanding of what constitutes personal data. The regulations state that any company that stores or process personal information about EU citizens must comply with the GDPR. This effectively means every business with at least 1 employee or those who keep records of their customers will be required to comply with the GDPR.

IS YOUR BUSINESS GDPR READY? In a recent survey conducted by Downtown in Business an astonishing 77.8% of businesses reported that they are GDPR ready……. really? We have been partnering over the last few months with DIB and some leading IT providers to conduct roundtable events within Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham, to provide some guidance and support to businesses to prepare them for GDPR.

It would appear that many businesses that have attended these sessions have been unaware of their responsibilities and what practical steps they need to take before 25th May 2018. Victoria Brown at HR and Employment Law specialists High Performance Consultancy, looks into some of the common points raised about being GDPR ready. 1. I have GDPR covered…. It is with my IT provider Whilst the General Data Protection Regulations will address the significant changes in technology since the Data Protection Act 1998, the considerations do not just stop with your IT provider. A thorough understanding of how your business deals with data is paramount. Knowing where data is stored, that location’s security, as well as determining whether the data is being shared will be critical, come May 2018. I would recommend that companies undertake a data audit. 16 www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk

AREA: Birmingham / Greater Birmingham

2. I outsource everything, so my third party providers are liable for sorting out GDPR This is not the case. Companies will need to establish the external bodies that hold or process data on their behalf and what steps they are taking to comply with GDPR. 3. I don’t need to start looking at this until 25th May Absolutely not – you need to be ready by 25th May, not thinking about it. In 2016, the EU adopted the General Data Protection Regulation. It replaces the

I would strongly urge all businesses to nominate a data protection officer/privacy manager (whichever is appropriate) and ensure that they are ready by 25th May 2018. This is a great opportunity for business owners to get their housekeeping in order. It is also something that should not stop on 25th May and each business needs to consider how they will monitor data handling and address breaches in the correct way. The fines from the ICO (Information Commissioners Office) could be quite high if you have neglected the way in which you store or process data. In addition, it is evident from our recent roundtable sessions, the DIB poll and just general feedback from our clients that raising awareness and training is very important. I would strongly advise that the changes you make are covered within your policies and induction process. For existing staff, good communication and briefing sessions about the changes will reduce your future risk of breaches. A practical guide to GDPR is available, please contact alex@ highperformanceconsultancy for further information.

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“I would strongly urge all businesses to nominate a data protection officer/privacy manager and ensure that they are ready by 25th May 2018.”

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COMMERCIAL PROPERTY UPDATE 2018 4th July 2018 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM Clarke Willmott 138 Edmund Street Birmingham, B3 2ES United Kingdom BIRMINGHAM LAW SOCIETY GOLF DAY 2018 30th July 2018 1:30 PM - 9:00 PM Birmingham Law Society would like to invite members and colleagues plus a guest of their choice to take part in a BLS Golf Day. This is a great afternoon of golf, food and prizes in a new setting at the Ladbrook Park Golf Club. Cost: £75 per person including bacon rolls on arrival, drinks and excellent 2-course meal in the evening. Please book early to avoid disappointment. www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk 5

4 www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk

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Birmingham Law Society are proud to work in partnership with our sponsors:

Presenting the award on behalf of the Society, president Andrew Beedham, said: “I couldn’t think of a more worthy recipient of this accolade than Mary. With a career spanning more than 40 years, she is a true champion of the city’s legal sector and an inspiration to the many who know her.”

Today the Society is a modern, dynamic organisation with over 4000 members from all over the West Midlands. It is by far the largest local law society in England and Wales and their 4000 members comprise Lawyers, Solicitors and Barristers.

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The Birmingham Law Society was founded on January 3, 1818 and 2018 marked their 200th Anniversary.

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WEST MIDLANDS LEADING JUNIORS

Mark Bradshaw - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ His written orders and statements are exceptional. ’ Adreeja Chatterjee - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ She represents all stakeholders in Court of Protection cases. ’ Abid Mahmood - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ He is a very competent advocate, whose attention to detail is second-to-none. ’ Emma Sutton - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ Extremely meticulous, knowledgeable, and a fearless advocate. ’

CRIME LEADING SILKS

Michael Duck QC - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Bright, personable, and very experienced in POCA proceedings. ’ Michelle Heeley QC - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Instructed in serious sexual, drugrelated, or violent crime for both prosecution and defence. ’ Kevin Hegarty QC - St Philips Chambers ‘ A very good advocate with sound judgement. ’ Adrian Keeling QC - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Recent work includes serious violent crime and fraud cases. ’ Mary Prior QC - The 36 Group ‘ Tenacious, focused and secures excellent outcomes. ’ Andrew Smith QC - St Philips Chambers ‘ Very able leading counsel. ’ Richard Atkins QC - St Philips Chambers ‘ His presence in court is simply outstanding. ’ Christopher Donnellan QC - The 36 Group ‘ Exactly what one would expect and hope for in a senior prosecutor. ’ David Herbert QC - The 36 Group ‘ Hard working, thorough and totally reliable. ’ Mark Heywood QC - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Well-known for violent crime cases and criminal appeals. ’ Michael Burrows QC - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Experienced in a wide range of serious criminal cases. ’ Jonas Hankin QC - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Recommended for cases involving expert medical evidence. ’

LEADING JUNIORS

Ian Bridge - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Fearless in court and relentless in his meticulous case preparation. ’ Jennifer Josephs - St Philips Chambers ‘ Very fair and an excellent advocate. ’ John O'Higgins - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ A very strong advocate with an air of authority.’ Philip Rule - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Highly experienced in appellate matters. ’ Sanjeev Sharma - Equity Chambers ‘ His client care is exceptional, his advocacy and preparation are outstanding, and his judgement and tactics are excellent ’ Jonathan Barker - St Philips Chambers ‘ Prepares cases well and does not miss anything.’ Nadeem Holland - The 36 Group ‘ Effective with clients, witnesses and judges. ’ Justin Jarmola - St Ives Chambers ‘ Tenacious and committed in every case. ’ Ben Mills - St Philips Chambers ‘ His approach immediately puts clients at ease ’ Tim Pole - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ A pugnacious advocate. ’ Harpreet Singh Sandhu - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Recent work includes terrorism, fraud and serious violent crime cases. ’ Kevin Saunders - St Ives Chambers ‘ Puts clients at ease and always inspires confidence.’ Rebecca Wade - St Ives Chambers ‘ Always demonstrates a mastery of her brief. ’ Ben Williams - St Philips Chambers ‘ Supremely organised, bright and a hugely impressive advocate ’ Peter Cooper - St Ives Chambers ‘ An effective advocate with great attention to detail. ’ Simon Davis - St Philips Chambers ‘ Specialises in fraud, theft, and drug-related cases. ’ Sarah Gaunt - The 36 Group ‘ She cross-examines with deadly effect. ’ Naomi Gilchrist - St Philips Chambers ‘ Her practice includes fraud and sexual offences cases. ’

EMPLOYMENT LEADING JUNIORS

Edmund Beever - St Philips Chambers ‘ Not ruffled by the most complex of matters. ’ Charles Crow - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ He has an extremely effective style in tribunal which leads to early results. ’ Sophie Garner - St Philips Chambers ‘ Responsive and extremely thorough. ’ Elizabeth Hodgetts - St Philips Chambers ‘ An excellent advocate who is businesslike and responsive. ’ Mugni Islam-Choudhury - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ A barrister you would always want on your side. ’ Caroline Jennings - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ She has an excellent grasp of the issues and puts clients at ease. ’ Nabila Malick - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Acts for both claimants and respondents in dismissal and discrimination claims. ’ Gemma Roberts - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Knows her brief and owns the hearing bundle. ’ Helen Barney - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Incredibly shrewd, personable and easy to work with. ’ Sarah George - St Philips Chambers ‘ Extremely good with clients and has a considered

40 The Legal 500 West Midlands

and practical approach. ’ Jonathan Gidney - St Philips Chambers ‘ Meticulous in preparation and has a great manner with clients. ’ Richard Hignett - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Impressive in both his written and oral advocacy. ’ Patrick Keith - St Philips Chambers ‘ An excellent and well-prepared advocate ’ David Maxwell - St Philips Chambers ‘ An extremely competent employment law barrister. ’ Jonathan Meichen - St Philips Chambers ‘ He has a very calm and composed presence in tribunal. ’ Robert Mundy - St Philips Chambers ‘ A good choice for work that overlaps with commercial litigation. ’ Tim Sheppard - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ A good advocate who has an excellent manner with clients. ’

FAMILY AND CHILDREN LAW LEADING SILKS

Elizabeth Isaacs QC - St Ives Chambers ‘ An enormously effective trial advocate. ’ Elizabeth McGrath QC - 3PB ‘ An exceptionally knowledgeable silk at the forefront of financial remedy in the region. ’ Vanessa Meachin QC - 3PB ‘ An outstanding advocate who provides awe-inspiring written work. ’ Lorna Meyer QC - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Fearless, talented and hardworking in equal measures. ’ Stefano Nuvoloni QC - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ He has the gravitas to carry a case combined with the people skills to carry the client. ’ Jeremy Weston QC - St Ives Chambers ‘ Strong on legal argument as well as in crossexamination. ’

LEADING JUNIORS

Helen Arthur - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Fabulous with lay clients. ’ Leisha Bond - St Philips Chambers ‘ She has exceptional attention to detail. ’ Timothy Bowe - St Ives Chambers ‘ His charming court manner and understated advocacy style makes him a very appealing advocate. ’ Kristina Brown - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ An exceptional children law barrister with extraordinary drive and commitment to her clients. ’ Victoria Clifford - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Has a good grasp of the facts and is extremely thorough in preparation. ’ Andrew Day - St Ives Chambers ‘ One of the most technically astute family barristers around. ’ Orla Grant - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Inspires confidence in solicitors and clients. ’ Gareth Jacques - St Mary's Chambers ‘ Intelligent and reassuringly competent. ’ Sara Lewis - St Philips Chambers ‘ Very quickly gets to grips with complex medical issues. ’ Matthew Maynard - St Ives Chambers ‘ A charismatic and technically able barrister. ’ Jayne Mullen - St Ives Chambers ‘ One of the strongest family finance juniors in the Midlands. ’ Nigel Page - St Mary's Chambers ‘ Prepares very thoroughly and gives very good and firm advice. ’ Nicholas Starks - St Ives Chambers ‘ very meticulous in his preparation for and delivery of a case. ’ Kathryn Taylor - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Combines superb courtroom manner with wide-ranging and detailed legal knowledge. ’ Stephen Abberley - 3PB ‘ Tenacious and calm under pressure. ’ Juliet Allen - St Philips Chambers ‘ Always very well-prepared and great with clients. ’ Adreeja Chatterjee - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Her practice includes both public and private children law cases. ’ Michelle Christie - Senate House Chambers ‘ A fierce advocate with excellent legal knowledge. ’ Mark Cooper - St Ives Chambers ‘ He provides first-class client care. ’ Kirstie Danton - St Ives Chambers ‘ Hard working, knowledgeable, and great with clients. ’ Sara Davis - St Mary's Chambers ‘ Her practice includes both public and private children law cases. ’ Francesca Fothergill - St Philips Chambers ‘ Recommended for matrimonial finance work. ’ Michele Friel - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Her knowledge and skill in parental alienation cases is unparalleled. ’ Kirsty Gallacher - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Diligent, bright and hard working. ’ Victoria Hodges - St Mary's Chambers ‘ Very passionate and strives to obtain a good outcome for her clients. ’ Tracy Lakin - St Ives Chambers ‘ always robust and strong in her advocacy ’ Lawrence Messling - 3PB ‘ A skillful cross-examiner who is always well-prepared. ’ Lianne Murphy - Senate House Chambers ‘ A first-class mind whose attention to detail in medical cases is second-to-none. ’ Matthew O'Grady - St Mary's Chambers ‘ A team player and consummate professional. ’ David Payne - St Ives Chambers ‘ An outstanding trial counsel with exceptional analytical and technical skills. ’ Daniel Sheridan - Senate House Chambers ‘ A robust advocate who is committed to his clients. ’ Anita Thind - St Mary's Chambers ‘ Particularly strong on care proceedings. ’ Poonam Bhari - 3PB ‘ A strong family law generalist. ’ Dewinder Birk - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ A safe pair of hands with measured and articulate delivery. ’ Nicholas Brown - St Philips Chambers ‘ Represents a range of parties in care cases. ’ Stephanie Brown - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Operates with clinical precision in every matter she takes on. ’ Judy Claxton - St Mary's Chambers ‘ A public children law specialist. ’ Suzanne Coleclough - 3PB ‘ A very well prepared, pragmatic and careful advocate. ’

‘A professional, friendly and efficient set’

Legal 500

St Ives Chambers was established in 1965. Our ethos is to work in partnership with all our clients in order to ensure consistent excellence in delivery of services from initial instruction until case completion. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail, approachability and efficiency. We are a modern multi-disciplinary set renowned for its exceptional mix of barristers at all levels of experience. St Ives barristers are consistently instructed in high profile cases across multiple practice areas. Our expertise in advocacy is underpinned by a professional, skilled and friendly clerking service. Chambers has 82 tenants, including 3 highly regarded silks and 15 door tenants. The quality of our members is further reflected by the number of Judicial Appointments held in Chambers at all levels.

“Family law is a key aspect of St Ives Chambers' members' workload, with barristers specialising in the full range of both Children Act and matrimonial cases. … providing 'an excellent choice of specialist counsel' who are 'reliable, knowledgeable, and approachable.” Legal 500

“ St Ives Chambers is particularly well known for its housing team, which is the 'go-to' for landlord and tenant matters in Birmingham.” Legal 500

“St Ives Chambers' criminal law team has 'gone from strength to strength' in recent years. The set is instructed across the spectrum of criminal work, including murder, sexual offences and drug conspiracy cases.” Legal 500

www.stiveschambers.co.uk | +44 (0)121 236 0863 | @StIvesChambers St Ives Chambers, 1-3 Whittall Street, Birmingham, B4 6DH, DX: Fountain Court, Birmingham

WEST MIDLANDS Nicola Martin - 3PB ‘ She provides truly exceptional client care, particularly for vulnerable individuals. ’ Hannah Mettam - Senate House Chambers ‘ A magnet for complex care work. ’ Maria Mulrennan - St Mary's Chambers ‘ Her practice focuses on care proceedings. ’ Gregory Rogers - St Ives Chambers ‘ Recommended for care cases. ’ Christopher Watson - St Philips Chambers ‘ Particularly notable for his public children law work. ’

IMMIGRATION LEADING JUNIORS

Mark Bradshaw - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Particularly experienced in asylum claims and human rights issues.' ’ Abid Mahmood - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Very good for difficult and unusual cases. ’ Members of No5 Barristers Chambers regularly appear in both First Tier Tribunal cases, as well as Upper Tribunal and Court of Appeal work. The set primarily acts for claimants, with cases including human rights claims and citizenship matters, including disputes over the "good character" requirement.

INQUESTS AND INQUIRIES LEADING SILKS

Adrian Keeling QC - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ A great tactician. ’ Nageena Khalique QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ Her written work is unsurpassed. ’

LEADING JUNIORS

Georgina Cursham - Ropewalk Chambers ‘ Responsive, approachable and thorough. ’ Adam Farrer - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Unflappable under pressure, calm and measured. ’ Richard Seabrook - Ropewalk Chambers ‘ Particularly experienced in care home death cases. ’ Bernard Thorogood - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Clear and passionate with gravitas and presence in court. ’

PERSONAL INJURY LEADING SILKS

Jayne Adams QC - Ropewalk Chambers ‘ She provides clear, insightful and incisive advice. ’ Paul Bleasdale QC - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ A tough advocate with a no-nonsense approach. ’ Chris Bright QC - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Strong on catastrophic injury cases and spinal cord injuries in particular. ’ Satinder Hunjan QC - Kings Chambers ‘ Extremely knowledgeable and a strong negotiator. ’ Jonathan Jones QC - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Excellent in his written and oral advocacy. ’ Patrick Limb QC - Ropewalk Chambers ‘ Sees the big picture and is great with clients. ’

LEADING JUNIORS

Matthew Brunning - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ 'His ability to deal with complex issues of medical causation is second-to-none. ’ Georgina Cursham - Ropewalk Chambers ‘ Approachable, professional and knowledgeable. ’ Paul Evans - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ He operates at a silk level. ’ Jamie Gamble - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ 'Likeable, very approachable and a pragmatic thinker'. ’ Karl Hirst - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ An excellent tactician who is superb with clients. ’ Kam Jaspal - Ropewalk Chambers ‘ Good on his feet. ’ Richard Moat - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ A highly impressive negotiator. ’ Robert Smallwood - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ A particularly strong junior. ’ Fiona Ashworth - Kings Chambers ‘ An expert in chronic pain cases. ’ Jason Cox - Ropewalk Chambers ‘ He has incredible attention to detail and turns instructions around quickly. ’ Anna Diamond - Kings Chambers ‘ Always well-prepared for conferences, meticulous in the detail and precise. ’ Malcom Duthie - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Tenacious in court and at mediation. ’ Richard Gregory - Ropewalk Chambers ‘ Goes the extra mile for his clients. ’ Andrew Lyons - Ropewalk Chambers ‘ Very technically-minded with a good analytical approach. ’ Andrew McNamara - Ropewalk Chambers ‘ His pleading and advice are excellent. ’ Henry Pitchers - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Adept at putting clients at ease and managing their expectations. ’ Peter Dean - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Recommended for workplace accidents and industrial disease work. ’ Timothy Jacques - Cornwall Street Chambers ‘ He does not shy away from difficult or complicated cases. ’

42 The Legal 500 West Midlands

Rochelle Rong - Ropewalk Chambers ‘ Knowledgeable and attentive. ’ Toby Stewart - Ropewalk Chambers ‘ A personal injury specialist. ’ Nicholas Truelove - Kings Chambers ‘ Passionate - he takes on cases others shy away from. ’ Phillip Turton - Ropewalk Chambers ‘ He has a sharp eye and a strong knowledge of asbestos claims.

PROPERTY LEADING SILKS

John Randall QC - St Philips Chambers ‘ The go-to choice when leading counsel is required. ’

LEADING JUNIORS

John Brennan - St Philips Chambers ‘ Highly intelligent, diligent and intuitive. ’ Tom Carter - Ropewalk Chambers ‘ Particularly recommended for cases involving Japanese knotweed. ’ Michael Singleton - St Ives Chambers ‘ Adept at handling complex cases. ’ Anthony Verduyn - St Philips Chambers ‘ An excellent wingman for the busy commercial solicitor. ’ Michelle Caney - St Ives Chambers ‘ Has an encyclopaedic knowledge of housing law. ’ Andrew McNamara - Ropewalk Chambers ‘ An excellent advocate who has a very good manner with clients. ’ David Mitchell - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Highly intelligent and practical, with good commercial sense regarding settlement. ’ Anya Newman - St Ives Chambers ‘ A well-prepared, knowledgeable and no-nonsense advocate. ’ David Nuttall - St Ives Chambers ‘ Gives concise, commercially-aware, and well thoughtout advice. ’ Jane Talbot - St Ives Chambers ‘ A very good advocate with great attention to detail. ’ David Taylor - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Pleasant and approachable, with a strong work ethic. ’

PUBLIC LAW LEADING SILKS

Richard Clayton QC - Kings Chambers ‘ A formidable opponent who provides quality advice. ’

LEADING JUNIORS

Abid Mahmood - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Highly experienced in judicial review proceedings. ’ Nabila Mallick - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Highly skilled and efficient, particularly with difficult clients. ’ Shakil Najib - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ Regularly instructed on behalf of government departments in Upper Tribunal and appeal cases. ’

REGULATORY HEALTH AND SAFETY AND LICENSING LEADING SILKS

Adrian Keeling QC - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ A great tactician. ’ Richard Atkins QC - St Philips Chambers ‘ His level of competence is exceptional both in and out of court. ’

LEADING JUNIORS

Sarah Clover - Kings Chambers ‘ Tenacious, with good knowledge of the licencing sector. ’ Andrew Evans - St Philips Chambers ‘ Conscientious, bright and able - an excellent licensing barrister. ’ Ben Mills - St Philips Chambers ‘ An expereienced prosecutor of health and safety offences. ’ Tim Pole - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ He has first-class technical knowledge of health and safety law. ’ Bernard Thorogood - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ A first-class advocate with excellent client care skills. ’ Ian Bridge - No5 Barristers Chambers ‘ An excellent health and safety barrister. ’ Leo Charalambides - Kings Chambers ‘ His knowledge of licencing is excellent. ’ Naomi Gilchrist - St Philips Chambers ‘ A very strong, confident, and balanced advocate. ’ James Puzey - St Philips Chambers ‘ An excellent lawyer who misses nothing. ’

Futureproofing careers in the legal sector Whether you want to stay compliant and relevant in your firm, or save time and money, taking a blended approach to learning with courses undertaken both on and offline can play a big part in futureproofing careers in the legal sector. Focusing on both personal and professional development, we offer a range of public, in-house and bespoke training programmes. This means we provide our clients with flexible learning structures that can be tailored to their needs, with expert trainers on hand to deliver engaging training programmes.

What are the benefits of blended learning? • • • • • • •

Personalised learning programmes Training that matches your learning preferences Learning that fits in with your work and life Intimate classroom settings both online and offline Courses that are tailored to online and face-to-face classroom environments Expert content delivered by expert trainers Save time and money

Courses include: Continuing Professional Development | Management and Leadership Advocacy and Litigation | Higher Rights of Audience | Compliance | Certified Fraud Examiner CILEx Advocacy Skills Professional Skills Course | Professional Skills Course Trainee Litigation Programme | ACCA Probate and Estate Administration

02920 451 000 altior@kaplan.co.uk www.altior.co.uk KaplanAltior