Birkett Long LLP fields a team of ‘robust litigators’ who regularly advise on a broad range of commercial disputes, with particular expertise in construction, intellectual property, insolvency, and property-related matters. Carla Jones leads the team from Colchester, focusing on contractual disputes, debt recovery and property litigation, while Suryen Nullatamby oversees the Chelmsford office and is noted for his work on construction adjudications. Described as ‘a pleasure to deal with’, Peter Allen advises on breaches of contract, as well as shareholder and partnership disputes, and brings additional strength in alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration proceedings. The ‘very practically-minded’ Perdeep Grewal handles the full spectrum of contractual disputes and is frequently instructed in debt recovery matters and professional negligence claims.

Receiving praise for its ‘professionalism, attention to detail and clear communication’, the team at Birketts LLP handles commercial litigation mandates for a broad client base, ranging from multinational companies to family-owned businesses and private individuals across a variety of sectors. Daden Hunt spearheads the practice, with a particular focus on shareholder and partnership disputes, as well as matters involving defence and IT contracts. Laurence Weeks handles a diverse caseload encompassing defamation, fraud and professional negligence claims, while the ‘calm, composed and razor-sharp’ William Arran regularly advises on company restoration, debt recovery and bankruptcy petitions. Josh Ripman is also noted in the team, with experience spanning housebuilder disputes and a broad range of contractual matters.

The ‘very professional and well organised team’ at Tees Law is a noteworthy choice for clients in the property and construction sectors and is also well equipped to assist with corporate recovery and professional negligence disputes. Darren Perks heads up the firm-wide dispute resolution department, specialising in advising landlords and tenants on property-related disputes, while David Perry, who oversees the team in Chelmsford, has earned praise for providing ‘thorough and commercially minded’ advice on insolvency matters. Often supported by the ‘diligent’ Ana James-Pittau, Perry also regularly handles company, partnership and debt recovery cases.

Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP advises both businesses and individuals across a range of commercial litigation matters, with particular expertise in the medical and care home sectors. Rhian Lowe leads the team and has significant experience in insurance-based litigation and public liability claims. Recently promoted to partner, Joe Sandercock is described as ‘incredibly hardworking’ and specialises in director and shareholder disputes, complex property litigation and contentious cases involving the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act. Also newly appointed as partner, Billy Smith handles professional negligence claims, contested probate and a variety of property disputes, including both residential and commercial landlord and tenant matters.

Described as providing ‘unique specialist advice’, Palmers regularly acts in shareholder, partnership and fraud disputes, with a particular focus on matters arising in the property sector. The practice is jointly led by Luke Morgan, a qualified mediator with a focus on property litigation, and Patricia Wollington, who is praised for her ‘strong strategic approach’ when advising on contract disputes, debt recovery and shareholder disputes. Erin Duffy supports the team with broad experience across contractual disputes and contentious property matters.

Jefferies Essex LLP focuses on commercial disputes and professional negligence claims, with a niche specialism in litigation arising from motor manufacturer dealership agreements. Sarah Mitchell, the firm’s managing partner, oversees the team and is often supported by Victoria Scott in handling a broad range of contractual disputes. Duncan Bennington has been lauded as ‘thoughtful, measured and strategic’ in his advice to clients involved in shareholder, director, partnership and property-related disputes.

The team at Pinney Talfourd LLP takes a ‘clear and practical’ approach to handling a range of disputes for clients in the financial services, retail, construction and engineering sectors. The firm is particularly active in mandates surrounding insolvencies and bankruptcies. Practice head Nick Hatchett is praised for being ‘approachable and commercially aware’, specialising in advising on director and shareholder disputes, as well as insolvency-related matters.

Thompson Smith and Puxon advise clients on a range of commercial litigation mandates, often collaborating with the firm’s corporate, property and private client practices. Andrew Breckenridge heads up the team, specialising particularly in banking disputes and insolvency matters, while Katie Latham handles a variety of contractual and professional negligence claims, as well as trust and director disputes.

Praised for ‘always putting clients’ interests first’, the team at Attwaters Jameson Hill Solicitors regularly handles a range of disputes, including landlord and tenant issues, probate and will disputes, debt recovery, professional negligence claims, and breach of contract work. Leanne Philp heads up the practice and has recently advised on partnership disputes, while Prabhi Ghura, lauded for her ‘detail-oriented approach’, handles property litigation matters, including residential possession proceedings and forfeiture actions.

Mullis & Peake LLP focuses on debt recovery, company disputes, and commercial property litigation. Holly Minney, praised for being ‘very clever, hardworking and excellent with clients’, leads the practice and is particularly active on property-related mandates, while Esther Marshall has recently advised on contractual disputes.