Hall Of Fame

Commercial litigation: Kent, Surrey and Sussex in South East

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP‘s team is consistently recommended for its specialist expertise in corporate litigation, commercial and product liability claims, and supply chain disputes. The practice is led by Stephen Burns, who is described as ‘creative, calm, sensible’. The firm’s diverse client base consists of corporate and private clients across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. With in-depth knowledge of international arbitration, Gareth Mills, formerly based in the firm’s Bahrain office, divides his time between Guildford and the region. Jamie Cartwright often handles claims concerning supply, distribution and sponsorship arrangements, as well as product quality issues. Rachel Warren is frequently instructed by clients facing regulatory investigations or enforcement actions, including prosecutions by local authorities and the Environment Agency.

Praxisleiter:

Stephen Burns; Jamie Cartwright


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Gareth Mills; Rachel Warren; Charlotte Healy; Katie Bewick


Referenzen

‘ A very strong team. One of its key strengths is its ability to hand both heavy commercial litigation with claim exceeding £10 million, as well as smaller personal disputes over £1 million. ’

‘ Stephen Burns – creative, calm, sensible.’

‘They have all been extremely friendly and supportive. Unlike other solicitors, they seek to create personal connections with clients and tailor their working to suit the client’s needs and availability.’

Kernmandanten

Stonegate Pub Company Ltd


Cargill Plc


Reynolds Catering Supplies


Essity


Oracle


Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited


SPS – formerly Swiss Post


Nike


Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Bahrain


Vontier


Cripps

Cripps' team is capable of advising on the full gamut of commercial disputes across an array of sectors, ranging from tech, to retail and leisure. Practice co-head William Angas is particularly experienced in representing asset-based lenders, while fellow co-head Joanna Ford regularly handles complex matters, including cases concerning contractual formation issues. Ed Weeks is noted for his expertise in shareholder disputes, often acting in cases concerning allegations of breach of duty against majority shareholders.

Praxisleiter:

Joanna Ford; William Angas


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Ed Weeks; Tom Bourne; Ben Ashworth; Justin McConville


Referenzen

‘The team is versatile and jump in to cover each other, are well adverse on the topic in hand and knowledgeable of the case being handled between themselves.’

‘Straight talking and clear next steps not too much legal terminology simple to understand.’

‘The insolvency and restructuring team at Cripps is led by Joanna Ford. Joanna’s leadership is one that is focused on technical competence, a strong focus on outcomes, and, most importantly, commerciality. That ethos flows through to others in the Cripps team, from Partner to trainee.’

Kernmandanten

Domino’s Pizza UK & Ireland Limited


Eurotunnel / The Channel Tunnel Group


Holiday Extras


Investec Capital Solutions


Close Brothers


Cadogan Estates Ltd


Singapore Airlines


ABN AMRO


FRP Advisory Trading Limited


RoundShield Partners LLP


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised RoundShield Partners on a £150m debt owed under a secured debt facility.
  • Acted for the administrators of MCE Insurance Limited in relation to a £25m claim made against the company in Gibraltar and associated UK proceedings.
  • Advised Wirsol Energy Limited, to defend a c.£2.675m claim for alleged bonus payments relating to a large solar park.

Stevens & Bolton LLP

The ‘extremely efficient’ team at Stevens & Bolton LLP is able to handle complex franchising disputes and civil fraud cases.  Typical mandates for the team include international arbitrations and commercial contractual disputes. Michael Frisby  is adept at handling complex disputes involving patient safety concerns. Catherine Penny exhibits particular strength in life sciences and international arbitrations concerning the interpretation of payment provisions under a cell line licensing agreement. Lorna Sleave handles a broad range of commercial disputes, including breach of warranty claims. James Evison is especially knowledgeable of fraud litigation. Sarah Murray departed to Fox Williams LLP in September 2025.

Weitere Kernanwälte:

James Evison; Lorna Sleave; Andrew Quick; Catherine Penny; Michael Frisby


Referenzen

‘The team at Stevens & Bolton are extremely efficient and a joy to work with. Each individual I have had the pleasure of working with has been intelligent, hard-working, diligent and insightful. The unique combination of organisation and a thorough approach to each matter, yields excellent results for the firm’s clients.’

‘Each of the individuals I have worked with at Stevens & Bolton has been extremely intelligent and hard-working. There is a real drive towards ensuring the best possible outcome for their clients, which is achieved through careful strategic thinking and a keen eye for detail. It has been a privilege to work with each and every individual I have come across at the firm.’

‘The Stevens & Bolton teams are able to somehow give you wonderful attention and bespoke service more similar to a boutique law firm, while also providing all the traditional benefits of a big law firm.’

DMH Stallard LLP

DMH Stallard LLP’s 'professional, responsive and thorough' litigation team is noted for its strength in asset protection and recovery mandates, with a strong focus on enforcement actions. Typical mandates for the team include share purchase orders and complex corporate disputes. Simon Elcock  heads the practice, and stands out for his strong focus on banking and finance cases.

Praxisleiter:

Simon Elcock


Weitere Kernanwälte:

James Colvin; Nicola Billen; Tim Ashdown; Beatrice Bass


Referenzen

‘The DMH team are professional, responsive and thorough when it comes to conducting litigation. The team has good breadth and depth and are able to pick up matters at short notice and respond quickly and accurately. The DMH commercial team are unique in Kent, Surrey and Sussex because they carefully develop their brand to reflect their high standards of work and attention to detail. Accordingly, DMH is synonymous with quality and professionalism.’

‘Tim Ashdown leads a team with good breadth and depth of knowledge and experience, so is able to respond and adapt to changing client needs and developing litigation. Tim is highly experienced and adept at considering tactics to achieve the best outcome for clients. Libby Donaldson (paralegal) is thorough and provides invaluable support. ’

‘Tim Ashdown – serious, realistic, robust. Beatrice Bass – very capable rising associate ’

Kernmandanten

A J Walter Aviation Limited


BDO LLP


CAE (UK) Plc


National Westminster Bank Plc


Ocean Holidays Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised a major Plc on the investigation and rectification of issues relating to deposited documents, involving a potential liability of up to £80m.
  • Advised an offshore lender on the enforcement of a c.£12 million joint loan against two property development companies in the northwest of England.
  • Advised a well-known airline in its defence of a £40m petition regarding unfair prejudice. The claim involves an eight-party unfair prejudice petition brought by a minority shareholder.

Griffin Law

Griffin Law is known for its mediation practice, and its strong focus on alternative dispute resolution. The team is jointly led by Mark Edmonds and Donal Blaney, with Rose Eady having joined the leadership team in October 2024. Edmonds has deep expertise in disputes involving complex contractual frameworks and the application of the Braganza test, and Donal specialises in claims arising from alleged breaches of warranties in share purchase agreements, and directors’ duties disputes. The team acts for a wide range of financial services and private equity clients.

Praxisleiter:

Mark Edmonds; Donal Blaney; Rose Eady


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Mark Fleet; James Day; Leonie Savory; Jacob Porter


Referenzen

‘Mark Edmonds stands out as a formidable litigator with an exceptional command of the law and a fearless approach to advocating for his clients. He combines deep technical expertise with a tenacious style, ensuring that his clients’ positions are asserted forcefully and effectively, even in the most contentious disputes.‘

‚James Day’s work ethic is exceptional. He is known for his attention to detail, his ability to stay ahead of deadlines, and his willingness to put in the hours needed to secure the best result. This combination of technical expertise, client rapport, and practical problem-solving makes James a standout litigator and a trusted advisor.’

‘They are the only practice that I’ve worked with in my 40 years of working with lawyers who actually go beyond expectations. They are streetwise and Lateral ’

Kernmandanten

Emerdata Limited


Dynamo Recoveries Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Emerdata Limited & Dynamo Recoveries Limited in claim and defence against the former CEO/Director.

Irwin Mitchell

Irwin Mitchell’s commercial litigation team handles a broad range of high-value and complex disputes for clients across the financial services, pensions, sport, manufacturing, and consumer sectors. The practice often advises on matters involving trust or corporate structures and cross-border elements. The team is jointly led by Katie Byrne and Thomas Barnard, and the firm has further expanded its regional footprint with the opening of a new office in Brighton. Robert Parks has notable experience in acting in claims for breach of warranty, fraudulent misrepresentation and conspiracy.

Praxisleiter:

Katie Byrne; Thomas Barnard


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Robert Parks; Sabrina Goran


Kernmandanten

Offside Limited


Gravity Fitness Limited (and subsidiaries)


Castle Trust Capital PLC (trading as CastleTrust Bank)


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised formula 1 CEO and team principle of Aston Martin F1 Team and Alpine F1 Team, in connection with his departure from Aston Martin F1 Team.
  • Acted for Castle Trust Bank in successfully obtaining and freezing injunction.
  • Acted for Offside Limited in a cross-border and high value dispute.

Thomson Snell & Passmore

Thomson Snell & Passmore's team advises on high-stakes disputes and group actions, often involving cross-border legal issues or international assets. Led by Douglas Skilton  and James Cradick, the commercial litigation team is well-equipped to advise estate executors on disputes with company liquidators, particularly where unexpected liabilities arise. The team is experienced in handling claims relating to issues surrounding liquidation. Rico Dexiades, described by clients as ‘a joy to work with’, is a key contact for claims involving professional negligence and contractual breaches.

Praxisleiter:

Douglas Skilton; James Cradick


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Rico Dexiades


Referenzen

‘The team has great strength and depth, the collaboration is second to none. One of the best I have ever worked with. The analysis is in depth and invariably correct and well thought through. Tactical sides to any dispute are thought through ion detail and well planned.’

‘Rico Dexiades is a joy to work with. His communication and knowledge is brilliant, providing a relaxed and productive setting for unravelling legal issues and ensuring full preparation for hearings and deadlines. I always look forward to working with Rico because of this, and the support he receives from the wider commercial litigation team.’

‘Doug Skilton is an extremely knowledgeable and experienced litigator who is an absolute master of detail, whilst still remaining an incredibly effective communicator. He is completely unflappable under pressure and never loses sight of the commercial reality faced by his clients.‘

Kernmandanten

Hoopers Limited


501 Entertainment Ltd


Emperor Global Enterprises LLP & EGE Limited


Szerelmey (UK) Limited


MidKent College


Home Gym Supply Limited


Skytrek Air Services


Essdocs Ventures Ltd


Napier Holdings Limited


JH & RR Mundy Roofing Supplies Limited


The Incorporated Rochester Diocesan Board of Education and the Governing Body of the Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Emperor Global Enterprises LLP & EGE Ltd in connection with the defence of litigation currently ongoing in the New Jersey Courts in the US. The claim is a multi jurisdictional action brought by receivers of a group of companies in the US arising from a fraud that involved transactions with legitimate businesses.
  • Acted for an aircraft owner in respect of the recovery of losses arising out of a plane crash in 2021.
  • Advised the owner of a pleasure craft in a long-running, complex dispute regarding the build, refurbishment and fit out of the vessel, where the works were carried out defectively causing substantial direct and consequential losses that their client is seeking to recover.

Brachers (Part of Lawfront)

Brachers (Part of Lawfront)’s team is particularly active within the debt recovery and insolvency spaces. Led by Michael Oatham, the team is noted for its broad knowledge, spanning the motor retail industry, and the transport, logistics, and utilities sectors. Lacie Kerner is a key figure within the team, and is described by clients as being ‘technically very able.’

Praxisleiter:

Michael Oatham


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Lacie Kerner


Referenzen

‘The team is small, but agile, focused on a strong client base of SMEs. Very attuned to the needs of local commercial clients.’

‘Micheal Oatham, partner – great client care, goes the extra mile for his client. Leads the department well.‘

‚Lacie Kerner – technically very able and also very strong strategically.’

Kernmandanten

Schindler Ltd


Alan Firmin Ltd


Szerelmey Group


STA International Limited


Magnetic Shields Limited


Homeleigh Timber


Forvis Mazars


Hornby Hobbies Limited


Technoframe LLP


AEI Compounds Limited


Mabey Hire Limited


Clear Treasury


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented The Szerelmey Group on a long running derivative action in the High Court and enforcement of the judgment in its favour.
  • Represented Magnetic Shields Limited in High Court proceedings against a supplier concerning the defective refurbishment of a vacuum furnace.

Moore Barlow

Moore Barlow’s team is well-equipped to handle complex disputes involving issues such as the discharge of mortgages, mistake, compensation, and rectification. In Guildford, co-head David Foster has great experience in cases with broader regulatory implications for the charity sector. The team, including Esther Millard, is well-placed to advise on claims arising from alleged breaches of facility agreements, including those involving fraudulent conduct by directors or legal representatives.

Praxisleiter:

David Foster; Claire Haverfield; Susannah Marsh


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Esther Millard; Benjamin Millward; Ashley Moughtin


Referenzen

‘A highly professional and capable team, committed to achieving the desired outcome for their clients. They are also all extremely personable and easy to work with.’

‘David Foster is an experienced litigator with a common sense approach, providing wise leadership for the team and not afraid to roll up his sleeves and get involved when that is what is needed. Charlie Ellison has maturity of approach which allows him to get the best for his clients without getting sidetracked on issues which are not going to affect the end result. ’

‘Really approachable and able to deal and simplify complex commercial disputes to provide practical commercial advice.’

Kernmandanten

Hansard Trust Company Limited


Mark Riley & Co


Churchill Contractors (UK) Limited


Business Mortgage Finance 4, 5, 6 and 7 PLC


Tokio Marine HCC


CNK Alliance Limited


Froyle Park Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acted for the group representatives for customers of Barclays Bank Plc, following mistaken removal of charges at HM Land Registry in respect of c.5,000 mortgages.
  • Acted for Andrew Hale-Byrne in connection with his claim against the Secretary of State for the Department for International Trade and the Secretary of State for the Foreign Commonwealth and Development office, with some matters of the claim being held in secret hearings.
  • Acted for Business Mortgage Finance 5 Plc and Business Mortgage Finance 7 Plc in a high value recovery case before the High Court and the Court of Appeal relating to secret commissions.

TWM Solicitors LLP

TWM Solicitors LLP‘s team is experienced in handling a wide range of commercial disputes, including Companies Act 2006 claims, insolvency litigation and regulatory investigations. David Hitchcock heads up the department and is described by clients as being ‘switched on and commercial’. Hitchcock has significant experience in enforcement and recovery proceedings relating to diverse loan arrangements within the secondary lending market.

Praxisleiter:

David Hitchcock


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Simon Brew; Charlotte Dennington-Day


Referenzen

‘TWM Is a first class law firm, communication was excellent and replied to all emails in good time, billing was every month with detailed hours of work, I was very pleased with them overall and will always recommend them.’

‘I contacted TWM and David Hitchcock dealt with my case, he was extremely professional when dealing with my dispute, the quality of his work was first class and couldn’t have wished for a better solicitor. Luckily I was recommended TWM of the Guildford office and I am super pleased.‘

‘A particularly commercial team. Tough litigators, but highly alive to the client’s needs and aims.’

Kernmandanten

Asertis Ltd


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Asertis on the recoveries of substantial monies owed by various debtors in connection with the collapse of a well known peer-to-peer lending company.

Coole Bevis LLP

Based in Worthing, the commercial litigation team at Coole Bevis LLP is regularly instructed in complex matters involving contractual breaches, partnership breakdowns, director and shareholder disputes, and procurement challenges. Led by Kelly Mills, the firm is particularly well-placed to advise on claims involving unfairly prejudicial conduct by company directors, with particular emphasis on governance and minority shareholder rights-related issues.

Praxisleiter:

Kelly Mills


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Liane Simmonds; Nigel Targett


Referenzen

‘Long established reputable firm, well resourced and true specialists.’

‘Kelly Mills – exceptional lawyer with a great track record. Very practical minded and approachable.’

‘The team is approachable, knowledgeable and friendly – a factor not regularly seen or deployed. They stand amongst the leaders in the South East and are, therefore, in high demand. The team deliver exceptional service to all and get excellent results to back this up.’

Downs Solicitors LLP

Downs Solicitors LLP’s commercial litigation team, led by Kate Matthews and Chris Millar, is well-versed in complex disputes involving allegations of breaches of confidentiality and fiduciary duties. The team is noted for handling cases involving restrictive covenants and unlawful data use, in addition to advising on contentious demergers.

Praxisleiter:

Kate Matthews; Chris Millar


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Bryony Palmer; Francesca Turner


Referenzen

‘The company has an outstanding and responsive team to meet client needs. The firm is a full service firm which meets the breadth of services for individual, family and business requirements.’

‘Kate Matthews as a litigation solicitor in the firm is highly skilled in her approach to finding resolutions for her clients. She is responsive and astute in her approach with her exceptional skills she obtains the best outcomes for her clients.’

‘Downs is a lovely firm that has a nice touch and has looked after the same sorts of families and family business through the generations. They are a perfect fit for many of their clients – a good size, but not too big, with most (if not all) civil practice areas covered. The relationship feels like it goes deeper than solicitor/ client. It’s a trusted advisor, but also close acquaintance, if not a friend.’

Kernmandanten

The Hoama Group Limited


Leeway Services Limited


Barry King


Rose Greenwood t/a FL Greenwood & Son


Andrew and Arsal Martin


Mr Lee trading as Leeway Woodwork


The British Franchise Association Mediation


David Cooper


Vava Baylie trading as VavaGroom


Geoffrey and Lesley Peyer


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising a claimant trading as Leeway Woodwork and his company Leeway Services Limited a manufacturer and seller of pet supplies and other animal products on breaches of contract by EBay and issues connected with National Westminster Bank Plc relating to online trading with Amazon (and following Leeway’s successful Court case) during the pandemic 2020 in the London Commercial Court Value £3M +.
  • Acting for Umbreen David the 50% shareholder in a complex group of companies under the Hoama Group in respect of the division of assets of the Group following dissolution of the previous partnership. The shareholder dispute was deadlocked across 3 companies, requiring innovative ways of dividing assets mindful of tax implications and to prevent devaluing the brand.
  • Acting for Rose Greenwood trading as FL Greenwood & Son, the sole trader of arable and dairy/beef farming and car business in respect of promissory estoppel claims and potential future inheritance act claims made by members of the family in respect of the farming business and assets of the farm. Value £5M plus.

Healys LLP

The team at Healys is well-versed in alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and adjudication. Led by Nicholas Taylor , the team is regularly instructed on complex commercial litigation matters, with a strong focus on cases involving shareholder disputes, contractual breaches, and allegations of fraud.

Praxisleiter:

Nicholas Taylor


Referenzen

‘Good regional firm offering good service at reasonable rates. Competent partners in commercial litigation.’

‘Healys have a lot going for them, they have a fantastic team with a wealth of experience, they work so hard and no question ever went unanswered, we will not be looking elsewhere if legal advice is required in the future.’

Kernmandanten

Monmouthshire Building Society


Suffolk Building Society


Saltdean Lido


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acted for the Monmouthshire Building Society in a range of disputes including mortgage possession claims, advising on the appointment of LPA/Fixed charge receiverships
  • Acted for the Suffolk Building Society in a range of disputes including mortgage possession claims, advising on the appointment of LPA/Fixed charge receiverships
  • Continue to act for the Saltdean Lido in relation to a variety of claims, notably the disputed use of its land.

Helix Law

Based in Brighton, the team at Helix Law frequently handles disputes involving quasi-partnerships and complex trust-related issues. Alex Cook spearheads the practice, and is well-known for his broad experience in both commercial and property disputes, often involving exit strategies. Richard Chapman is noted for his capabilities in shareholders disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Alex Cook


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Sam Packwood; Richard Chapman


Referenzen

‘Innovative, cost-effective and client focused.’

‘Alex Cook – has built and driven the firm and use technology and his acumen to provide a great client service.’

‘Helix Law has been our trusted legal partner for many years, providing exceptional support across a range of complex matters, including shareholder disputes, employment contracts, and even the successful sale of a business. What sets them apart is their combination of deep legal expertise, commercial acumen, and a refreshingly pragmatic approach to problem-solving.‘

Highlight-Mandate


Judge & Priestley LLP

The litigation team at Judge & Priestley LLP is recognised for its ability to handle complex and often niche disputes, with notable experience in acting for local authorities and in wider commercial and insolvency litigation. The team is jointly led by Rachel Addai, Uday Patel and Mark Younger. The firm is well-placed to advise on contract enforcement, regulatory issues, and high-stakes claims arising in specialised industry contexts.

Praxisleiter:

Rachel Addai; Uday Patel; Mark Younger


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Leonie-Robyn Murtagh


Referenzen

‚The team performs seamlessly together in my experience. There has never been a time when a deadline hasn’t been met. Billing practices and the O2C cycle are straightforward, creating less work on our end with supplier reconciliations. The online platform used for real-time case file reviews is user-friendly, well laid out, and fully comprehensive, offering complete transparency.‘

‚Uday Patel is leading an exceptionally well-run team.‘

‚The partners are always available when needed, and there is a clear line of communication between them and their teams. Mark Younger and his department have delivered exceptional service, yielding fantastic results and helping us clear a backlog of over 1,000 cases in the time we’ve worked together.‘

Kernmandanten

London Borough of Southwark


Crown Commercial


Edge Recovery Limited


Morr & Co LLP

Led by Chris Darvill and Kellie Williams-Jauvel, the team at Morr & Co LLP is well-equipped to handle complex, high-value High Court litigation. The team’s expertise spans a broad range of claims involving contractual breaches, breaches of confidence, and asset restoration.

Praxisleiter:

Kellie Williams-Jauvel; Chris Darvill


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Sally Hutchings; Catherine Fisher; Jemma Durham


Referenzen

‘The team work very well together, so there will always be someone within the team who can answer queries.’

‘Jemma Durham is very efficient and approachable. ’

‘Morr & Co is a full-service firm with a significant presence in the South East. I have dealt with them in the context of litigation and found them to have very substantial experience and expertise, including in specialist areas such as tax litigation. ’

Kernmandanten

LatAm HQ Health Limited


Systems & Solutions Limited


Miura Distribution Limited


Dassault Aviation Business Services UK Limited


Gama Aviation (Engineering) Limited


Lama Jewellers Limited


IPM Facilities Limited


Restore Datashred Limited


RRB Consult Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Successfully acted for a client in an action in the Circuit Commercial Court involving claims for unlawful means conspiracy, deceit and the inducement of breach of contract, trespass, passing off, breach of confidence, and restoration of assets held under a constructive trust: SU Consultancy Ltd v. Gurmit Singh and others [2024] EWHC 1596 and [2024] EWHC 2926.