Addleshaw Goddard’s litigation practice remains a leading force in the North West, distinguished by its depth of expertise and ability to handle complex, high-stakes disputes. The team represents local, national, and global clients in high-profile matters, including insolvency litigation linked to intricate restructurings and pioneering opt-in class actions. Nick Ashcroft leads the practice, advocating for PE houses, major financial institutions, FTSE 100 companies, and high-net-worth individuals. Samantha Haigh has acted on cases at every level of the UK judicial system and before the Competition Appeal Tribunal. Catherine Radcliffe provides strategic expertise in mediation and expert determination, while Paul Rowley bolsters the team with his strong grasp of judicial review and regulatory issues. Susan Garrett and Clare Dwyer retired in June and December 2024, respectively.

DLA Piper‘s North West litigation team continues to secure high-profile mandates from government bodies, private equity firms, and global businesses. The practice is highly regarded for its expertise in shareholder and partnership disputes, as well as contentious proceedings before the Companies Court involving schemes of arrangement and capital reductions. The team also excels in asset finance claims, payment services disputes, and large-scale financial litigation. Team head Andrew Smith is a seasoned litigator, adept at handling complex international and domestic disputes. Jonathan Eatough helps clients across industries investigate, mitigate, and manage litigation risks. Charlotte Leith and Leontia McArdle bring significant expertise in high-stakes litigation.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP’s dispute resolution team has cemented its reputation as a market leader in the North West, securing high-profile mandates across a range of complex disputes. Recent highlights include a billion-pound Commercial Court claim, high-stakes fraud cases, and a multi-jurisdictional discrimination dispute. Practice head Matthew Taylor manages key client relationships in the diversified industrial and chemical sectors. Philip Duignan pairs litigation expertise with deep knowledge of the airports and aviation industries. Thomas Whitfield plays a pivotal role in the firm’s success in reputation management and broader disputes, while ESG and energy specialist Luisa Zukowski has navigated complex cases through High Court litigation and arbitration.

Pinsent Masons LLP excels in fraud, cyber, financial crime, IT, and IP disputes, with additional strength in tax litigation. The team is adept at handling highly sensitive matters, including confidential and discrete factual information, and is particularly active in the sport, healthcare, technology, and infrastructure sectors. Practice head Julian Diaz-Rainey is a leading authority on public inquiries and internal investigations. Andrew Mitchell advises major clubs and sporting bodies on disputes and regulatory matters. Alexander Richardson has a strong track record in football matters before the Disciplinary Commission. Gabrielle Armstrong is highly skilled in high-value contractual claims.

Brabners LLP’s broad expertise is evident in its diverse caseload, spanning high-value international arbitrations, sports litigation, and privacy and reputation management disputes. The team also excels in business interruption claims, drawing on its extensive insurance law expertise. Team head Jeff Lewis brings over 35 years of specialist experience in partnership disputes and employment restrictive covenants. Oliver Andrews is a key figure in unfair prejudice petitions, while Nick McAleenan and Helena Davies offer notable expertise in reputation management and property litigation, respectively.

DAC Beachcroft LLP’s highly regarded Manchester team is renowned for its expertise in commercial disputes across the TMT, healthcare, and insurance sectors. Its versatility enables litigation at all levels of the UK judicial system and across various forums, including arbitration and group litigation. Team head Harald Loeffler has extensive experience advising on contractual and tortious claims, including misrepresentation and professional negligence. Commercial litigator Sandra Morrison is dually qualified in English and German law. Jan Levinson departed for Foot Anstey in October 2024.

DWF has cemented its reputation as a market leader in group litigation, particularly in high-profile data breach cases. The team has successfully argued landmark data disputes before the Supreme Court and continues to secure major mandates in this space. Team head Daniel Williams is at the forefront of critical matters for major institutional clients. Andrew Harris brings notable expertise in complex partnership arbitrations for high-profile individuals. Joel Heap is a trusted advisor on shareholder and directorship disputes, private equity issues, and M&A litigation. Michelle Maher is a key name for disputes involving the public sector.

Fieldfisher’s dispute resolution practice is renowned for its strength in corporate litigation, professional negligence, sports disputes, and insolvency claims. The team is distinguished by its full-service offering and notable debt recovery expertise. Team head James Lappin is highly regarded for delivering strong results in complex, high-stakes litigation. Chris Keane, joining from Clarke Willmott LLP in January 2024, enhances the team’s insolvency expertise. Daniel Sheehan regularly advises top sporting clients, including several Premier League clubs. Grace Brown and Rebecca Smith are key figures in contentious probate. Chris Gee departed the firm for DWF in March 2024.

Hill Dickinson LLP is a leading force in Manchester’s disputes market, handling complex, high-value litigation. The team’s recent work underscores its trial expertise, particularly in contractual breaches, procurement challenges, and injunction petitions. Team head Sharon Williamson specialises in high-stakes contract disputes, often involving major financial services providers. Andrew Little excels in shareholder and M&A litigation, while Duncan Hope is a go-to expert for urgent injunctive relief. Moya Clifford offers niche expertise in negligence claims, and Laura Scott is pivotal in shareholder and pension disputes. Alex Smith is a standout litigator with deep knowledge of confidential information and restrictive covenants.

JMW Solicitors LLP continues to handle high-value, complex disputes across a broad spectrum of matters. Alongside its strong commercial and property litigation capabilities, the team is highly regarded for its expertise in reputation management and media law, frequently deploying its significant injunction experience. Co-chair Steve Morris represents a diverse client base, from multinational PLCs to high-net-worth individuals across various sectors. Fellow co-chair Mark Jones is a leading figure in professional negligence claims, acting against solicitors, engineers, and architects. Claire Brown has amassed significant experience in employment-related disputes, such as the misuse of confidential information.

Pannone Corporate LLP advises PLCs, major North West businesses, SMEs, and private clients on complex commercial disputes. Renowned for its broad expertise, the team resolves matters through litigation, mediation, and arbitration. Team head David Brown is a key figure in fraud cases and urgent injunctive relief. Paul Johnson offers specialist expertise in partnership and LLP disputes, defamation, and professional negligence. Martin Pennington is highly skilled in complex contractual matters, including post-acquisition warranty claims, business agreements, and commercial fraud. Sarah Bazaraa frequently assists clients with alternative dispute resolution.

Squire Patton Boggs’ litigation team is a trusted advisor across the manufacturing, tech, retail, recruitment, and financial services sectors. The team specialises in disputes over confidential information, restrictive covenants, and corporate transactions. Team head Lee Norman continues to expand the firm’s professional negligence expertise. Peter Lees strengthens its reputation management practice, while Victoria Leigh is instrumental in the firm’s success in pension disputes, advising employers, trustees, and members. Ben Johnson has over 25 years of experience supporting banks, payment institutions, and financial technology providers in their regulatory and litigation concerns.

TLT’s commercial disputes practice continues to expand, particularly in cases arising from employee movements. Disputes arising from secret commissions and contractual breaches in the energy sector are another growth area, with co-chairs Emma Flower and Julien Luke frequently representing brokers in these matters. Jon Hainey plays a key role in high-profile cases for central government departments, while Claire Graham brings over 20 years of insolvency litigation expertise. The team was further strengthened by Andrew Bayley’s arrival from Addleshaw Goddard in June 2024.

CMS continues to expand in class actions and IT disputes, as well as cyber and data security litigation, bolstered by key hires, including Frances Moseley from Kennedys in August 2024. The team operates under the leadership of Geraldine Ryan, whose dynamic practice spans commercial contracts, shareholder disputes, and business protection litigation. Daniel Keating plays a pivotal role in strengthening the firm’s class and group action capabilities.

Gateley Legal is highly regarded for its work in healthcare litigation, advising a wide range of clients on complex disputes. The team is also well-versed in sports-related legal challenges, including regulatory issues and high-stakes conflicts for governing bodies and corporate entities. Contentious trust, probate, and shareholder matters form another key pillar of the practice. Recently appointed team head Nick Murrills adds valuable expertise in defamation and reputation management. Nicola Richardson and James Seed are also integral to the team’s dispute resolution successes.

Glaisyers Solicitors LLP continues to strengthen its finance litigation offering, acting for major Manchester and national lenders on high-stakes recoveries and disputes. The firm has also carved out a niche in cryptocurrency litigation, assisting clients with asset recovery and contentious crypto matters. Team head Daniel Fitzgerald specializes in commercial loan recoveries, guarantee enforcement, and professional negligence. David Jones is highly active in regulatory litigation and disputes involving HNW individuals. Kathryn Parrish is a trusted advisor to lenders, LPA receivers, and insolvency practitioners on enforcement strategies.

Mills & Reeve LLP represents both corporate and individual clients across the full spectrum of UK judicial forums, including the High Court, Court of Appeal, tribunals, mediations, and arbitration. Co-chair Richard Dawson-Gerrard provides strategic counsel on corporate disputes and reputation management for high-profile clients. Fellow co-chair Simon Pedley has led on several landmark shareholder and derivative claims. Jacob Walker has built a strong niche in sports litigation, acting for elite football clubs, top-tier players, and leading boxing promoters.

Shoosmiths LLP has had a dynamic year handling a broad spectrum of commercial litigation, remaining a go-to firm for clients in financial services, technology, and mobility. The arrival of Lyndsay Crowder-Barton has strengthened the team’s capabilities in TMT and tech disputes. Team head Andrew Whalley plays a pivotal role in high-stakes data breach claims, while Richard Marshall has been heavily engaged in cladding disputes post-Grenfell. Sylwena Sempa is a standout for pensions and employment litigation.

Weightmans LLP blends extensive litigation expertise with a strong grasp of large-scale disclosure exercises, equipping the team to handle complex, high-value disputes. A specialist in shareholder and director disputes, Damian Carter continues to act on multimillion-pound claims. Robert Jones is highly sought after for professional negligence, restrictive covenant, and IP disputes. Practice head Jessica Kraja brings deep sectoral knowledge across retail, manufacturing, and food. Karen Elder’s construction acumen is showcased in her work on a challenging civil engineering geotechnical dispute.

Browne Jacobson LLP’s litigation team delivers specialist support across private and public sector disputes, often handling cases with international elements across key industries. Team head Jonathan Tardif is highly active in the health and social care sectors. Paul Kirkpatrick frequently advises on breach of contract and warranty disputes, bringing niche expertise in automotive and manufacturing. Derek Bambury is a go-to advisor on professional and institutional default, management liability, insurance coverage, and contentious insolvency matters.

Clyde & Co is a go-to firm for corporate disputes, particularly those involving share sales and joint venture arrangements. The Manchester team collaborates closely with the firm’s international offices on trade creditor litigation. Practice chair Craig McAdam is a seasoned litigator, frequently advising SMEs on mis-sold banking derivative claims. Nick Gee has earned recognition for his role in the first reported case on the enforceability of ‘Hotel California’ clauses in shareholder agreements.

Kennedys excels in cyber litigation, complex breach of contract claims, director and company disputes, and contested insolvency and probate matters. Team head Leanne Millhouse brings deep insurance expertise to high-stakes litigation. The practice saw the departures of Carlyn Weale and Frances Moseley to Ward Hadaway LLP and CMS in mid-2024, while Jodie Egan bolstered the team with her arrival from RPC in October 2024.

Kuit Steinart Levy LLP’s litigation team is a go-to for corporate disputes, tackling high-stakes unfair prejudice petitions, shareholder and partnership claims, and intricate breach of contract litigation. Team head Nichola Evans is a formidable trial specialist with a strong track record in high-value commercial disputes. Damian Bailey enhances the practice with his expertise in professional negligence, construction litigation, and shareholder conflicts.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP’s litigation team handles a diverse caseload, spanning commercial and procurement disputes, group actions, and reputation management cases. Co-chair Dan Butler is a key figure in high-profile procurement challenges, adept at both bringing and defending claims. Fellow co-chair Steve Dunseath is a trusted advisor on reputation protection, regularly preventing the spread of defamatory material. Adam Berman and Ellie O’Sullivan also play integral roles in the team’s continued success.

Ward Hadaway LLP remains a go-to firm for public sector clients facing intricate litigation linked to PFI, PPP, and joint ventures. The practice was strengthened by the arrivals of co-chairs Nick Wells and Carlyn Weale from Flint Bishop and Kennedys in January and June 2024, respectively. Wells brings extensive expertise in disputes arising from commercial transactions, while Weale, a seasoned High Court advocate with over 18 years of experience, is well known for her adept handling of high-stakes litigation and complex interim applications.

Clarke Willmott LLP’s litigation team handles a diverse spectrum of disputes, spanning defamation, professional negligence, contentious probate, and shareholder and partnership claims. Team head John Flint, a member of the Professional Negligence Lawyers Association, brings extensive expertise in high-stakes negligence cases. With over 15 years of post-qualification experience, Louise Goodwin is a key figure for injunctive relief and has been appointed by the courts to supervise search orders.

Irwin Mitchell has built a strong reputation in high-stakes commercial disputes, with notable activity across the financial services, property, technology, and manufacturing sectors. Team head Ian Austin, who joined from Fieldfisher in September 2024, brings significant expertise in contractual and shareholder disputes, as well as civil fraud claims. Ailsa Anderson is a key figure for disputes involving public procurement matters.

Prosperity Law LLP’s litigation practice is renowned for its sharp, strategic counsel to a diverse client base, spanning SMEs, multinational corporations, and high-profile individuals. Co-chair Andrew Farrell is a trusted advisor to major insurance clients, while fellow co-chairs Edward Smethurst and Paul Magee bring a wealth of experience across complex commercial litigation and regulatory disputes.

BBS Law continues to handle a high volume of complex contractual and shareholder disputes, alongside a growing caseload of contentious intellectual property matters. Co-chair David Bondt brings extensive experience in high-stakes commercial litigation across all levels of the UK judicial system, while fellow co-chair Andrew Haffner plays a pivotal role in the firm’s success in employment disputes.

Bexley Beaumont adeptly navigates disputes through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation. The team is particularly active in shareholder and contractual disputes, debt recovery, and professional negligence matters. Melissa Worth is a key figure, representing businesses and individuals in a broad spectrum of high-stakes disputes.

Beyond Corporate Law has been instrumental in high-profile disputes spanning the aviation, construction, financial services, manufacturing, and technology sectors. Practice head Alison Rocca is highly skilled in both courtroom litigation and alternative dispute resolution, including mediation, arbitration, and expert determination. The team saw a departure in November 2024 with Dónall Caherty’s exit.

Brandsmiths‘ strong team of litigators is distinguished by its Supreme Court experience, having recently conducted two high-profile cases involving IP, contractual, and directors’ duties elements. Michael Forrester, who heads the team, is an expert in IP litigation and has particular expertise in short-notice injunctions. Tom Keane and David Seligman both provide key sports sector expertise.

Property disputes, breach of contract claims, and professional negligence matters are key pillars of Farleys Solicitors LLP‘s active litigation practice. Team head Daniel Draper, a member of the British Association for Sport and the Law, is regularly instructed by athletes, footballers, and managers, further strengthening the firm’s reputation in the sports sector. Mark Hague focuses on debt recovery and financial litigation.

Freeths LLP is highly regarded in the Manchester market for its expertise in early case evaluation, mediation, and commercial contract disputes, which it effectively applies across a range of high-value claims. Practice head Jill Carey leads the team, while CEDR-qualified mediator Tristan Duncan is a key figure in confidential information disputes. Michael Miller and Zalena Vandrewala bring broad commercial litigation expertise, further strengthening the firm’s offering.

gunnercooke LLP handles a diverse caseload of complex litigation, spanning asset recovery, bankruptcy, shareholder disputes, unfair prejudice claims, and asset tracing. Described as an ‘intuitive litigator,’ Sydney Fulda brings over 30 years of experience in high-stakes litigation and alternative dispute resolution. Harvey Stringfellow and Sarah Armstrong are also instrumental in the team’s continued success.

Markel Law LLP‘s ‘strong collaborative team’ of litigators is well regarded for its work in insurance disputes, particularly coverage claims. Team head Mark Rankin brings extensive experience in defending claims under liability policies for a wide range of insured professionals. Aaron Marshall is a key contact for alternative dispute resolution.

Primas represents a range of leading global car manufacturers in high-stakes commercial disputes. Team head Daniel Thomas plays a pivotal role in maintaining the firm’s strong industry ties and is highly experienced in securing injunctive relief. Carl Sebastian and Lauren Steel-Smith specialise in complex commercial litigation, while the team expanded further with the arrival of Alistair Gregory from Beyond Corporate Law in June 2024.

Slater Heelis (Part of Lawfront) represents both claimants and defendants across a full spectrum of commercial litigation, including shareholder and director disputes, breach of warranty, contentious IP, and professional negligence claims. Team head Chris Bishop brings decades of experience in high-stakes business disputes. With his Higher Rights of Audience, Mark Gough is well-equipped to advocate for clients in senior courts. Elizabeth Wilkinson and Mike Carter departed for Beyond Corporate Law and Bermans in September and December 2024, respectively.