Commercial litigation: Dorset, Devon and Cornwall in South West

Ashfords LLP

Ashfords LLP has broad specialism in a wide range of disputes, including corporate, energy, civil frauds, defamation and insurance disputes. The firm is also well-versed in corporate investigations, judicial reviews and costs disputes. Its clients include public bodies, high-net-worth (HNW) individuals and high-profile companies. The team is overseen by Andrew Perkins, an expert in shareholder litigation with experience in mediation. Anusheh Burcher focuses on energy and public sector disputes, acting for clients in Court of Appeal cases. Liam Tolen specialises in matters regarding non-competition, defamation and shareholder disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Andrew Perkins


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Anusheh Burcher; Liam Tolen


Referenzen

‘Ashfords are the best I have used. They have a very strong team of highly professional, knowledgeable people.’

‚Liam Tolen is very knowledgeable, friendly and extremely effective.‘

‚Andrew Perkins has a very good commercial and strategic mind, and is good at relaying complex information to the client in a language that they can understand.‘

Kernmandanten

British Board of Agrement


Brand Architekts PLC


Film & Foil Solutions Limited


Coral Products PLC


Progressive Systems Ltd


Douglas Seaton Limited


Noble Foods Co


Secured Funding Limited


Global Ocean Investments Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing the founder of My Voucher Codes in relation to injunctive proceedings against former partner relating to the alleged deployment of confidential information and documentation to third parties and national media outlets.
  • Advising a product certification body in relation to their position in the civil claims emanating from the Grenfell Fire tragedy in 2017.
  • Represented Brand Architekts PLC in proceedings brought against them by a joint venture counterparty.

Ellis Jones Solicitors LLP

Ellis Jones Solicitors LLP advises clients on the full spectrum of commercial litigation matters, including IP, defamation, shareholders and defamation disputes. The firm is also experienced in banking, insolvency, gambling and cryptocurrency matters, with further expertise in regulatory disputes and injunction applications. The team is spearheaded by Lauren Day, who specialises in representing property developers in contractual disputes, and William Fox Bregman, a contentious banking and finance expert. Paul Kanolik brings experience in betting & gaming disputes as well as IP litigation. Conor Maher supports clients in professional negligence, defamation and commercial debt recovery claims.

Praxisleiter:

Lauren Day; William Fox Bregman


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Paul Kanolik; Victoria Riddleston; Conor Maher; Florence Maher; Henrietta Frew


Referenzen

‘The team has a strong commercial litigation department. As a group, the team are excellent communicators, very efficient at case management and responsive to clients.‘

‘Conor Maher is an excellent communicator and is very knowledgeable on disputes that overlap with the property arena. He is good on his feet and undertakes some of his own advocacy.‘

‚Florence Maher punches well above her weight and is excellent with clients.‘

Michelmores LLP

Drawing on its national network, Michelmores LLP‘s team is well-versed advising clients at the regional, national and international level. The firm regularly represents clients in banking, IP, insurance and regulatory disputes. It is also adept in reputation management. The team is led from Exeter by Jonathan Kitchin, an advisor to entrepreneurs and corporates. Sara Chisholm-Batten is an expert in private wealth disputes, whilst Alice Daniels handles trusts disputes and fraud. Jayne Clemens focuses on defamation, harassment and privacy. Emily Aggett adds experience in data disputes, including subject access requests, data breaches and cyber-attack.

Praxisleiter:

Jonathan Kitchin


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Sara Chisholm-Batten; Jayne Clemens; Alice Daniels; Andrew Oldland; Charles Courtenay; Emily Aggett; Scott Love


Referenzen

‘This is a very strong regional team which rivals a number of London firms in terms of their capabilities.’

‘A team with good strength and depth in the field of media and communications law.’

‘Jayne Clemens has a good knowledge of media and communications law, has sound tactical skills and is very good with clients. She leads a strong team.’

Kernmandanten

Intelsat S.A.


Norfund


Octopus Property


Sycurio Limited


Schools Company Trust


Harper Wedding Venues


Seasalt Limited


Daily Mail & General Trust plc


Landmark Information Group Ltd


Sutton Harbour Plc


The Lord Chancellor


Finnfund


Destination Sport Group


Peter Jones Group


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acting in a matter concerning a £50m breach of contract fees and profit claim for a SME relating to a nationally significant infrastructure project.
  • Acting for clients in a $50m joint venture dispute relating to the CIS region and a £170m dispute relating to an investment in an African bank.

Steele Raymond LLP

The Bournemouth-based team at Steele Raymond LLP is experienced in director and agency disputes. The firm also advises clients on contractual, professional negligence, construction and insolvency litigation. It regularly supports clients in injunctive proceedings and is highly knowledgeable of the Civil Procedure Rules. Amelia Williams leads the team, representing clients at all levels of the judicial system, and Peter Rolph is experienced in mediation and is expert in professional negligence.

Praxisleiter:

Amelia Williams


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Peter Rolph; Bella Rolph


Referenzen

‘Steele Raymond have an unrivalled knowledge in the Dorset area which client’s value.’

‘Amelia Williams is a truly exceptional lawyer. She is not only a technial whizz but a calm and caring individual who clients immediately warm to and trust to resolve their disputes in an efficient manner. ’

‘Bella Rolph’s advice is clear and concise and she is always responsive to queries.‘

Kernmandanten

Selwood Limited


Sydenhams Ltd


HMS Property Management Services Limited


Goadsby


Merlo UK Limited


Jenningsbet Group


Edenbeck


Muc-off Limited


Just Shutters Limited


Stephens Scown LLP

Stephens Scown LLP maintains strong expertise in disputes concerning partnerships and shareholders. The firm’s wider offering includes advising on debt recovery matters, corporate and commercial disputes,  in addition to IT contract disputes. Stephen Wray leads the team from Taunton, advising valuers, banks and accountants. Catherine Mathews is a noted member of the team, with particular experience in IT disputes and cyber fraud matters. Richard Slater is adept at hearings before the court of appeal, representing shareholders, directors and partners. Toby Claridge is also of note, acting in inheritance, construction and property litigation.

Praxisleiter:

Stephen Wray


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Catherine Mathews; Richard Slater; Toby Claridge


Referenzen

‘They have always been very focused on good service and client care with evident attention to detail. Good lawyers but also practical and seemingly results focused.’

‘Amongst the positive attributes of Catherine Mathews are her professionalism, strong client care skills, and practical, solution driven focus.‘

‘Approachable and easy to work with. A firm that is proud of their regional roots, and which champions the south west and south west businesses.‘

Kernmandanten

Landhouse Development Ltd


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising on a £700k breach of contract claim relating to a substantial development.
  • Advising on a £15million+ dairy partnership dispute.

Foot Anstey

With vast knowledge of financial services regulatory matters, Foot Anstey advises banks, asset managers and companies on issues relating to acquisitions, exits and shareholder disputes. The firm is also well-versed in professional negligence and misrepresentation issues. Peter Singfield regularly advises portfolio companies owned by private equity, with experience in shareholder and IP disputes. Ben Hay acts in corporate disputes, claims raising issues of fraud, professional negligence claims and contentious insolvency matters. In April 2024, Mark Rhys-Jones retired from practice, and Steven Richards left the firm in May 2024.

Weitere Kernanwälte:

Peter Singfield; Ben Hay


Kernmandanten

Skew Base s.a.r.l


Ebury Partners UK Limited


Salica Investments Limited


Manolete partners Plc


FRP Advisory Trading Limited


Screwfix Direct Limited


Royal Shakespeare Company


PKF Littlejohn Advisory Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acting for Skew Base Investments SCA RAIF and Skew Base s.a.r.l in respect of two multi-million pound Commercial Court claims brought against them by different sets of investors in the fund.
  • Acting for Ebury Partners UK Limited in its defence of a claim brought by Al-Dahbashi Gray.
  • Act for Salica Investments Limited in respect of a claim that has been brought against them by Henderson & Jones Limited, a litigation funder, for breach of confidence.

Lester Aldridge LLP

Lester Aldridge LLP’s expertise is broad, covering disputes across the healthcare, telecoms, marine, defence and financial sectors. The firm acts in shareholders’ disputes, charter disputes and structured finance litigation, in addition to arbitral proceedings. The team is led by Chris Evans, a seasoned litigator who regularly acts in financial claims, IP disputes, professional negligence claims and contentious insolvency matters. Ben Kerley acts in both litigation and ADR in the charities, sport, construction and manufacturing sectors. Tom Spencer joined the team from Mackrell LLP in February 2025.

Praxisleiter:

Chris Evans


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Ben Kerley; Tom Spencer


Referenzen

‘The practice has a broad depth of experience and every time I have had an issue/problem I have received exceptional and efficient service and advice.’

‚Chris Evans is very fair and diplomatic, with a commercial awareness that does him credit.‘

‘Highly organised and meticulous. Experts in a broad range of commercial law.’

Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Able to provide local and multi-jurisdictional support to its clients, Trowers & Hamlins LLP leverages its international network of offices to advise on an array of corporate disputes, fraud claims and insolvency issues. Practice head Charisse Crawford specialises in handling private wealth disputes for national and international clients. Alexander Sharples, who was promoted to partner in July 2024, acts on energy, IT, defence and aviation industry matters. Holly Bryan adds to the firm’s strength in private wealth disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Charisse Crawford


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Alexander Sharples; Maria Dunn; Holly Bryan


Referenzen

‚The Trowers team in Exeter has the ability to handle top-flight international litigation/arbitration.‘

‚Alexander Sharples is sensible, great with clients and he managed the team effectively.‘

Kernmandanten

Project Abacus


777 Partners LLC


600 Partners LLC


Igors Veliks


Brampford House Estate Limited & Ors


I2 Capital Trust Corporation Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acting on behalf of circa 435 investors in a claim for damages circa £45 million as a result of a major fraudulent property investment scheme.
  • Advising 777 Partners LLC and 600 Partners LLC in their defence of a c. USD28.5 million claim in respect of four aircraft leases in the Commercial Court.
  • Advising Igors Veliks, an iGaming developer, in a high profile High Court dispute in a claim for breach of confidence, copyright infringement and trade secrets arising out of the development of online live iGames.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP

Acting for major regional and national clients, Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP covers a wide range of industries, from energy and transport, to insurance, transport and retail. It is also well-versed in supporting clients with eDiscovery and contentious data subject access requests. Leading the team, Luke Holmes specialises in the energy and financial institutions sectors, advising on secured lending recoveries, reputation management and corporate transactions disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Luke Holmes


Referenzen

‘A very strong commercial team with heavy-weight experience of litigation.‘

‚Impressive legal skill combined with effective and client-sensitive commercial sense.’

‘Luke Holmes is a very impressive litigator: experienced, balanced, considered and sensible. A highly effective combination of qualities.’

Kernmandanten

Quilter


Scottish Power


Hutchison 3G UK Limited


British Gas Trading Limited


AIG


Capital Home Loans


Aldermore Bank


Durham County Council


Bradford Upon Avon District Council


Brittany Ferries


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing Scottish Power, defending it against an £8m claim following the sale of a subsidiary to Drax.

Frettens LLP

Frettens LLP‘s litigation team regularly collaborates with the firm’s other teams, including the social housing, insolvency, corporate and property teams, to assist its clients. Its clientele includes both individuals and companies operating in a range of sectors. Michelle Hayter is the team’s practice head; Hayter is noted for her experience in property and contract disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Michelle Hayter


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Anna Curtis; Olivia Parkinson


Referenzen

‘Proactive response to clients, extremely responsive approach to pressing issues when they arise.’

‘Michelle Hayter has a very strong commercial knowledge enabling an assessment of the situation from a wider angle not just from a legal perspective.’

‘Frettens are a lovely firm to work with. They are approachable, thorough and personable.’

Kernmandanten

Arrowedge Limited


James Byng


Codestone Solutions Limited


RLM Services Limited


Alum Court Limited


Vision Scaffolding Solutions Limited


Studland Dene Freehold Limited


Macemade Limited


Parasol Homes Ltd


Julian East


Scott Ford Limited


Paradise Farms Limited


MVS Audio Visual Communications Limited


M C Care Solutions Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising commercial client, Scott Ford Limited, in all types of property litigation matters including possession claims.
  • Representing Paradise Farms Limited in defending an unfair prejudice claim brought against the company by a minority shareholder who is seeking circa £250,000.
  • Acting in litigation issues for Julian East including Right to Light claims, construction disputes, tribunal claims, breach of contract and breach of restrictive covenants on commercial properties.

Laceys

The disputes team at Laceys houses specialists in commercial, tenancy and contentious probate law, with the ability to draw on the firm’s wider property and corporate departments to enhance its advice when required. The team is led by Brendan Herbert, who regularly advises on corporate and intellectual property litigation. Mark Timberlake brings expertise in landlord and tenancy disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Brendan Herbert


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Mark Timberlake


Paddle & Cocks LLP

With a strong presence in Cornwall, Paddle & Cocks LLP covers the spectrum of commercial litigation, including corporate, property, insolvency and employment disputes. The firm is also well-versed in wealth management for its clients and has cross-border capabilities. The team is led by Verona Cocks, with particular expertise in employment, wealth management and commercial property. Justine Benbough adds insight into commercial lease disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Verona Cocks


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Justine Benbough


Referenzen

‘The team is led by Verona Cocks who we have found to be an outstanding litigator.‘

‘Verona Cocks is quick brained, able to see the wider implications and, most of all, able to explain complex legal solutions in plain English to clients so that they can make an informed choice.’

‘The Paddle & Cocks team are wonderful to work with. A well oiled machine, efficiently operated and in a friendly manner.’

Kernmandanten

Fahey’s Concrete Ltd


Gnome World Caravan Sales Ltd


Heligan Development Ltd


PKF Smith Cooper Ltd


Elite Wealth Management UK Ltd


Bishop Fleming Accountants


Redleaf Limited


Highlight-Mandate


Wollens

With offices in Torquay, Exeter and Barnstaple, Wollens advises clients on their shareholder, partnership, contractual and property disputes. The firm is also well-versed in defamation and restrictive covenant claims. The team is led by Simon Bean, who has extensive knowledge of negligence claims and corporate governance disputes. Craig Smith is experienced with both public and private disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Simon Bean


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Craig Smith; Rhoda Honey


Referenzen

‘Rhoda Honey is friendly and well informed.’

‘Simon Bean is knowledgeable, practical and helpful.’

‘Rhoda Honey excels in all areas of landlord and tenant. She is unique in her ability to see business and commercial side of landlord and tenant litigation.’

Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing a client in a substantial partnership dispute with a former partner involving partnership assets based both in the UK and overseas.
  • Acting for a 50% shareholder and director in an unfair prejudice shareholder claim against his equal shareholder/director.
  • Advising a hotel group, on various liabilities arising out of a contract for the supply of energy to its businesses, comprising numerous hotels in the South Devon area.

Blanchards Bailey LLP

Blanchards Bailey LLP is noted for its expertise in contentious issues surrounding agriculture and commercial property. The firm is also experienced in contentious probate. The Blandford-based team is led by Paul Dunlop, who is experienced in contract, shareholder, partnership and property disputes, and Ben Jones, who is an expert in real estate litigation.

Praxisleiter:

Paul Dunlop; Ben Jones


Referenzen

‘Outstanding team of people, very effective and efficient. A dynamic and refreshing approach.’

‘Paul Dunlop is amazing.’

‘Ben Jones fights hard for his clients.’

Kernmandanten

Gillies Agricultural Contracting Limited


CMS Developments Limited


Dorchester Agricultural Society


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acted for the Executors of a will trust in the recovery of monies owing due to alleged negligence claim arising against the deceased’s financial advice firm causing a substantial shortfall in monies paid.
  • Acted for Dorchester Agricultural Society in a breach of contract dispute with a utilities supplier to the Dorset County Show.
  • Acted for Gillies Agricultural Contracting in a complex return of goods and conversion claim together with an onward claim for damages caused to valuable equipment upon recovery.

Bright Solicitors

Bright Solicitors is highly experienced in disputes within the construction industry and breach of fiduciary duties claims, acting for both companies and individuals. The firm also advises on contentious probate and commercial property matters. The team is led by Alex Jeffery, an expert in construction matters.

Praxisleiter:

Alex Jeffery


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Georgina Whitton


Referenzen

‘Very capable and professional. Good response times.’

‘Alex Jeffery is very astute and perceptive with a sharp legal mind.‘

‘Bright Solicitors demonstrates on a daily basis its commitment to personalised service, community involvement, and environmental responsibility.‘

Kernmandanten

Plymouth Albion (2016) Limited


CW Engineering Limited


Highlight-Mandate


Coodes Solicitors

Coodes Solicitors regularly advises individuals, companies and partnerships operating in the agricultural, property, food, hospitality and leisure industries. The firm often acts in construction, IP, property, insolvency and director disputes. Abi Lutley spearheads the team, specialising in rural disputes including partnerships. Kayleigh Whitman frequently advises commercial landlords, partnerships, charities and local authorities.

Praxisleiter:

Abi Lutey


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Kayleigh Whitman


Referenzen

‘Very professional and well-organised.’

‘Abi Lutey has brilliant client care skills.’

‘Kayleigh Whitman is is able to navigate difficult situations with calm and grace.’

GA Solicitors

Noted for its growing ADR practice, GA Solicitors acts in franchise, shareholder, contractual, construction and insolvency disputes. The firm is also well-versed in issues surrounding contentious trusts, restrictive covenants and debt collection. Based in Plymouth, Ieuan Jones leads the team, specialising in professional negligence, partnership and director disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Ieuan Jones


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Matthew Ellis


Referenzen

‘Matthew Ellis is a knowledgeable solicitor.’

‘Experienced in representing clients to good effect in mediations.’

‘Ieuan Jones is experienced and capable in representing clients in mediation. Assertive but emotionally intelligent. Works well with mediators and opponents to the benefit of clients.’