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The Legal 500 2010 in association with

National Westminster Bank Plc Registered in England No 929027Registered Office: 135 Bishopsgate London EC2M 3UR DS692com Sept 10

The legal sector today is a far cry from that of even a few years ago. Operating in a fiercely competitive and increasingly regulated environment, lawyers have been forced to sharpen their focus on business management.

• Generation of revenue and control of costs is now as important as the quality of the service offered to clients.

• Reputation and risk management are demanding issues, no longer taken for granted.

• Escalating premiums for professional indemnity insurance are a cause of widespread concern.

• The high levels of work in progress in most law practices can make cash flow a persistent problem.

• Recently announced increases in income tax will place further burden on a firm’s and individual’s cash flow.

In this climate, a bank that understands the forces at work in the legal world and is familiar with the dynamics of Partnerships, Limited Liability Partnerships and Corporate Structures can make all the difference. The right bank can ease the strain and help deliver a better service to you.

Its efficient handling of your client accounts will help bring peace of mind and could greatly reduce the margin for error. Working capital and capital investment needs will be addressed speedily and positively. Access to Bankline, our secure, powerful and easy-to-use internet banking service, can give your firm a major boost by cutting down on paperwork and freeing up your time. With its depth of expertise and the support of an extensive high street branch network, the right bank will deliver all of this locally through sector specialist relationship managers.

Talk to our specialist team...For further details contact:

Steve LewisRelationship Director, Solicitors & Professionals UnitManchester Commercial Centre Telephone: 0161 862 4214 Mobile: 07780 618916 Email: [email protected]

www.natwest.com

The RBS Group, of which NatWest is part, have banking relationships with more than 30%* of all UK based legal firms which is a testimony to our experience in the legal sector.

Donald MacDonald, Director, Professionals, South East

Supporting the legal sector

Business & Commercial Banking, Professional Sectors

955910.indd 1 03/09/2010 14:36

Generated at: Fri Sep 3 14:36:56 2010

NORTH WEST

Corporate and commercial 349

Crime, fraud and licensing 353

Dispute resolution 354

Finance 357

Human resources 359

Insurance 362

Private client 366

Projects, energy and natural resources 368

Public sector 369

Real estate 371

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) 377

Transport 380

Detailed national index 3

REGIONS

East Anglia 265

East Midlands 299

North 323

North West 347

Northern Ireland 595

Scotland 555

South East 381

South West 429

Wales 531

West Midlands 465

Yorkshire and the Humber 499

North West

LONDON




Finance 87

Human resources 117

Insurance 135

Private client 155


Public sector 181

Real estate 197


Transport 257

† see biography in Volume 2 348

NORTH WEST

M anchester is undoubtedly the corporate centre of the North West, and home to offices of all of the regional heavyweight law firms. Liverpool is

strong in public sector work, and also, traditionally, transport work. Chester dominates in private client work, particularly agriculture, and northern cities such as Preston and Bolton have good commercial firms, servicing the region’s SMEs. Regional review

Addleshaw Goddard LLP has a very strong base in the region, acting for the largest North West corporates, and maintaining good relationships with the region’s major funders. It has strength in depth across the commercial spectrum, and has maintained a steady flow of business despite the recession.

DLA Piper UK LLP provides high-calibre advice across the board, particularly in the corporate sector, although in a sign of the economic times, it lost its prominent banking partners Matt Morgan † and Simon Woolley.

Eversheds LLP is known for reacting quickly to market changes, and the volatile economy of 2009 has left its mark. However, this adaptability tends to serve it well in the long run, and the balance of its private/public sector client base will assist it in riding out the recession.

Pinsent Masons LLP excels in construction and projects work, but over the past year has built up its corporate and banking teams; 2009 saw Gregg Davison join from Addleshaw Goddard LLP , and Matt Morgan † from DLA Piper UK LLP .

Beachcroft LLP has particular strength in employment and insurance. Manchester partners include new national employment head Sue Jenkins †.

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP merged with Bremners, considerably bolstering its private client and social housing practices. Providing a partner-led service and attracting excellent feedback across the piece, it is one of the few firms in the region that excels in both commercial and private client work.

Cobbetts LLP has suffered in the recession, particularly on the property side. However, it is buoyed by its professional public sector offering, particularly in employment, health and local government.

DWF LLP is traditionally known for its insurance work, and this sector of its business had a fantastic 2009. It has also caused a stir in the corporate market place, with high-profile hires such as Stephen Houston and Nancy Kelsall , both from Addleshaw Goddard LLP .

While there remains quality and depth in its workload, Halliwells has rarely been out of the legal press this year; it has lost or is due to lose some of its highest-profile figures, among them James Sheridan , Frank Shepherd and Mike Edge , and there have also been substantial losses in personal injury and professional indemnity.

Hammonds LLP is something of a dark horse in the region; its profile has not caught up with the quality of work that it undertakes, particularly in its specialist areas of logistics, energy and chemicals, and it has some strong and experienced people on the management side.

Hill Dickinson LLP has one of the broadest practices in the region, with the healthcare sector among its particular strengths. Work is now more evenly spread across its Manchester and Liverpool offices.

Editor: Victoria McCarthy

ManchesterLiverpool

Bolton

Chester

Preston

Addleshaw Goddard LLP Manchester DLA Piper UK LLP Liverpool, Manchester Eversheds LLP Manchester Pinsent Masons LLP Manchester

Beachcroft LLP Manchester Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Liverpool Cobbetts LLP Manchester DWF LLP Liverpool, Manchester Halliwells Liverpool, Manchester Hammonds LLP Manchester Hill Dickinson LLP Liverpool, Manchester Pannone LLP Manchester

Mace & Jones Liverpool, Manchester, Knutsford Weightmans LLP Liverpool, Manchester

Firms are listed A-Z within tiers

Regional heavyweights

PLEASE NOTE

As we went to press, Halliwells had filed for administration and subsequently concluded negotiations with Hill Dickinson LLP , Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP and HBJ Gateley Wareing LLP over the break-up and sale of its business in London, Manchester, Liverpool, and Sheffield. For the purposes of this editorial, the firm is ranked on the basis of its work during the 2009 research period.

www.legal500.com349

NORTH WEST

Regions

East Anglia xx

East Midlands xx

North xx

Northern Ireland xx

Scotland xx

South East xx

South West xx

Wales xx

West Midlands xx

Yorkshire and the Humber xx

Other sections

Foreign firms xx

London xx

Offshore Britain xx

The Bar xx

Detailed national index xx

NORTH WEST XX

Regional review xx

Corporate and commercial xx

Crime, fraud and licensing xx

Dispute resolution xx

Finance xx

Human resources xx

Insurance xx

Private client xx

Projects, energy and natural resources xx

Public sector xx

Real estate xx

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) xx

Transport xx

Pannone LLP is a Manchester institution, and one of the few firms to provide a full-service offering. It continues to impress in claimant injury work and family advice, but also has depth on the corporate side.

Mace & Jones features in most practice areas, and stands out for its private client work.

Weightmans LLP continues to dominate in Liverpool in police and local authority work, and is also establishing a reputation for work in the healthcare sector.

Corporate and commercial

Corporate and commercial

MANCHESTER: Recommended for its ‘ commercial acumen ’, ‘ value for money ’ and ability to ‘ get things done ’, Addleshaw Goddard LLP ’s performance in corporate was arguably the strongest in 2009, and got off to a flying start in 2010. It has an enviable FTSE and private equity house client list. Jim Tully † and Richard Thomas † continue to benefit from the Co-operative’s acquisition of Somerfield, leading on a significant programme of disposals including the sale of over 200 stores. The ‘ bright, personable, quick-thinking ’

Richard Thomas † led on three substantial acquisitions for Capita Group (of Carillion IT Services, Gissings Holdings and CHKS). Tim Hamilton † is recommended.

DLA Piper UK LLP counts corporates such as Pilkington Group and Brammer among its clients, recently advising the latter on a £38m rights issue. James Kerrigan led on Talk Talk’s £236m acquisition of Tiscali UK; while head of corporate Jonathan Watkins led on Dave Whelan Sports’ £85m acquisition of the leisure division of JJB Sports. The firm has a strong private equity client base, and a thriving commercial practice.

Daniel Hall leads the practice at Eversheds LLP , which was busy for large corporates and private equity clients in 2009. Edward Pysden advised Bodycote on the £430m disposal of Testing Division; Keith Froud advised the extremely active Daisy Communications on a £200m reverse into Freedom 4 Group; and Simon Masters advised Four Seasons Healthcare on a £750m refinancing. The team ‘ applies commerciality to technical advice ’.

Market perception is finally catching up with the quality of Pinsent Masons LLP ’s practice. Since virtually restarting the team in 2006, practice head Stephen Levy † and Helen Ridge † have made their mark, with high-profile client wins such as Asda and AMEC, and key hires such as Gregg Davison † from Hammonds LLP . Davison led on the £170m buyout of Viking Moorings for HSBC Private Equity, while Ridge led the advice on a complex debt-for-equity restructuring for Heywood Williams.

DWF LLP caused a stir in the market in 2009, hiring the ‘ impressive ’ Stephen Houston (ex- Addleshaw Goddard LLP ) as head of corporate, then Nancy Kelsall from the same firm, and this was followed by the move in 2010 of corporate big-hitters James Sheridan and Frank Shephard from Halliwells .

Halliwells will lose some ground with the departure of James Sheridan and Frank Shephard , but it remains a popular choice for entrepreneurs and AIM-listed companies in the region. Deals included a £40m refinancing for Styles & Wood Group (led by Charles Glaskie and Susan Molloy ), and the £85m disposal of JJB’s health club arm. Rebecca Grisewood is recommended.

Hammonds LLP has equally strong corporate and commercial teams, and punches above its weight in terms of the size and complexity of its deals, which

Regions

East Anglia 265

East Midlands 299

North 323


Scotland 555

South East 381

South West 429

Wales 531

West Midlands 465


Other sections

Foreign firms 621

London 9

Offshore Britain 607

The Bar 629


NORTH WEST 347

Regional review 348



Corporatce tax 352

EU and competition 352



Finance 357

Human resources 359

Insurance 361

Private client 366


Public sector 369

Real estate 371


Transport 380

Addleshaw Goddard LLP DLA Piper UK LLP Eversheds LLP Pinsent Masons LLP

DWF LLP Halliwells Hammonds LLP

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Cobbetts LLP Pannone LLP


Corporate and commercial: Manchester

Beachcroft LLP George Davies Solicitors LLP Hill Dickinson LLP Kuit Steinart Levy LLP

Laytons Mace & Jones Nexus Solicitors turner parkinson LLP

Berg Legal Freeth Cartwright LLP JMW Solicitors LLP

Lawson Coppock & Hart Stephensons Solicitors LLP Stripes Solicitors


NORTH WEST

often include international elements. Service levels are ‘ excellent ’. Jane Haxby led on a £465m placing, open offer and group refinancing for Findel, and advised ECI Partners in relation to a £33m recommended offer for Ascribe. Darren Warburton is ‘ meticulous and tough ’, commercial partner Tom Bridgford has a ‘ can-do ’ attitude and an excellent understanding of his clients’ businesses.

David Bowcock †, former healthcare head at Eversheds LLP , has joined Tony Harper †’s team at Brabners Chaffe Street LLP , and the hire is already bearing fruit, with instructions from Daisy Group on the £13.5m acquisition of Eurotel. Mark Brandwood † has taken up the role of managing partner, but still found time to advise on several acquisitions for Land Media.

Sean FitzGerald † now heads the ‘ excellent ’ team at Cobbetts LLP , leading on the £170m-plus secondary buyout of Viking Moorings. It is strong in health and local authority commercial work; clients include Salford City Council, and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. Nicola Frost † is ‘ intelligent, responsive and dedicated ’, and has ‘ fantastic client commitment ’.

At Pannone LLP , Philip Treanor † led on the £30m MBO of longstanding client Air Energi Group. Other significant deals included acquisitions for Tradebe, and for 2ergo Group. The ‘ effective and thorough ’ Simon Wallwork † heads the commercial team, which acts for Luxfer Gas Cylinders, Centro and Lancashire County Developments.

Beachcroft LLP , headed by Leila Porter †, had a buoyant year, with acquisitions advice for Nimans, and repeat instructions from Topps Tiles and Braemar Group. Service is ‘ excellent ’, and technical ability ‘ superb ’.

George Davies Solicitors LLP retains its strength in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, and was appointed to the NWCCA.

Hill Dickinson LLP has strength in commercial work, advising various NHS trusts, and Lancashire Cricket Club on commercial agreements. Darryl Cooke is recommended for corporate work.

Kuit Steinart Levy LLP remains buoyant. Rob Buckley † advised Kooga Rugby on its takeover by JD

Sport, and increased its market share of work from Co-operative Bank and APS Group. Kirsti Pinnell † is recommended by clients.

The ‘ pragmatic ’ David Sefton leads the team at Laytons , ‘ one of the best in Manchester on small VC ’, and ‘ good in SMEs ’. Service is ‘ always of an exceptionally high standard ’.

Mace & Jones has good banking links and is on the NWDA panel. Deals included the sale of Multi-Tech to Capital Group, led by Paul Raftery †.

At Nexus Solicitors , Tony Brook (whose ‘ advice and attitude is exemplary ’) continues to act for major venue operator SMG. Jamie Lloyd handled transactions for Bowden Investments Group, and advised Sport Media Group on its disposal of Flip Media.

turner parkinson LLP has a growing market profile. It advised Chess plc on several acquisitions and Tangerine PR on the acquisition of Juice Digital, and also acted on the MBO of Duo Plastics.

Also recommended are: Stephen Foster at Berg Legal ; Jon Close † at Freeth Cartwright LLP ; JMW Solicitors LLP , which won work this year from N Brown, and Lookers; Stephen Attree † at Lawson Coppock & Hart (which acts for brewers Lees & Co); Stephensons Solicitors LLP ; and Stephen Jarman at Stripes Solicitors .

LIVERPOOL: May 2009 saw figurehead Michael Brabner † move from managing to senior partner at Brabners Chaffe Street LLP . The firm saw a reasonable amount of corporate activity despite the downturn, together with advisory work and reorganisations, and it was appointed as sole legal adviser to Peel Ports. The team is led by Denise Walker †.

David Cadwallader heads the corporate group at DLA Piper UK LLP . Key clients include Liverpool FC, which the firm advised on the hive-up of media business and assets of LiverpoolFC.TV. On the commercial front, Peter Brook led on outsourcing transactions for Buying Solutions, which last year had a total value over £10bn. The team is known for the quality and breadth of its structuring advice in this type of procurement project.

Manchester Anthony Barnfather Pannone LLP Crime Roy Beckett DLA Piper UK LLP Commercial property Adrian Bever † Addleshaw Goddard LLP Health and safety Tom Bridgford Hammonds LLP

Corporate and commercial Liam Buckley Hammonds LLP Commercial property Andrew Chamberlain † Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Employment Craig Chaplin Halliwells TMT Mary Clarke DLA Piper UK LLP Employment Michael Clavell-Bate Eversheds LLP Commercial litigation Darryl Cooke Hill Dickinson LLP

Corporate and commercial Alec Craig Halliwells Corporate and commercial Nigel Dale Eversheds LLP Banking and finance Gregg Davison † Pinsent Masons LLP

Corporate and commercial Paul Devitt † Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Corporate and commercial Mike Edge Pinsent Masons LLP Commercial property Jonathan Edwards Hammonds LLP Banking and finance Rob Fawke † Pannone LLP Banking and finance Sean Fitzgerald † Cobbetts LLP Corporate and commercial Tony Fitzmaurice † Brabners Chaffe Street LLP

Commercial property Diane Gilhooley Eversheds LLP Education Stephen Goodman Goodman Harvey

Commercial property John Gosling † Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Commercial litigation Amanda Gray † Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Banking and finance Andrew Gregory DWF LLP Insolvency and

corporate recovery Rebecca Grisewood Halliwells Corporate and commercial Daniel Hall Eversheds LLP Corporate and commercial Tim Hamilton † Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Corporate and commercial Tony Harper † Brabners Chaffe Street LLP

Corporate and commercial Andrew Harris DLA Piper UK LLP Commercial litigation Frances Harrison † Hempsons Clinical negligence Paul Hothi Eversheds LLP Commercial property Carol Jackson † Pannone LLP Personal injury Ed Jenkins † Addleshaw Goddard LLP Corporate tax Sue Jenkins † Beachcroft LLP Employment Joanne Kinloch Pinsent Masons LLP Banking and finance Janet Knowles Eversheds LLP TMT Richard Lloyd Eversheds LLP Planning and environment Anthony Lyons † Kuit Steinart Levy LLP Licensing Frank Patterson † McCool Patterson Hemsi & Co

Clinical negligence Andrew Maskill † Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Banking and finance Jonathan Moakes Halliwells TMT Susan Molloy Halliwells Banking and finance Matthew Morgan † Pinsent Masons LLP

Banking and finance David Moss Hammonds LLP Construction Simon Moulden † Pannone LLP Corporate tax Michael O’Connor † Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Projects and energy Simon Pedley † Pannone LLP Commercial litigation Chris Phillips Keoghs LLP Personal injury Edward Pysden Eversheds LLP Corporate and commercial Rachel Rawnsley † Addleshaw Goddard LLP Pensions Helen Ridge † Pinsent Masons LLP

Corporate and commercial Robert Roper † Cobbetts LLP Commercial litigation

continued

Leading individuals

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP DLA Piper UK LLP Halliwells

DWF LLP Hill Dickinson LLP Mace & Jones O’Connors LLP Weightmans LLP


Corporate and commercial: Liverpool

www.legal500.com351

NORTH WEST

Following a reorganisation at Halliwells , Craig Scott is now head of corporate, and Jonathan Brown is national managing partner. Scott led the advice to the Stobart Group on the acquisition of Carlisle Airport, and the firm acts for other prominent corporates such as Cammell Laird and JJB Sports.

Corporate head Gareth McIntegart and Kieran Donovan at DWF LLP have remained busy in a relatively depressed market. Active clients included Sure Maintenance and Boparan Ventures. The team advised investors on a multimillion-pound funding injection into The Hut.com. Laurence Pritchard heads the commercial side.

Mike Jones †, head of corporate at Hill Dickinson LLP , led on the acquisition of WF Group (advising WPD Holdings), and on the disposal of H&S Openshaw to Seafood Holdings. Commercial partner Stephen Lansdown † advised on energy management contracts for the New Museum of Liverpool.

At Mace & Jones , Ian Hodgkinson † led on the £15m sale of Harrow Estates to Redrow, while Bruce Robinson † led on the MBO of European Speciality Coatings, and on the acquisition of William Roberts & Co for Huws Gray.

Niche firm O’Connors LLP is focused on the family business sector, and on transaction advisory work. On the insurance side, the firm is instructed on major projects by the likes of Capita Group and NSG, and advises on structuring and regulatory matters.

Established firm Weightmans LLP acts for OMBs and other corporates, such as Bibby Distribution. Deals included the sale of William Roberts to Huws Gray, and of Media Molecule to Sony Computer Entertainment.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NORTH WEST: Stuart Scott-Goldstone heads a strong team at Aaron & Partners LLP in Chester. The client base is a healthy mix of corporates such as KK Fine Foods plc, and local OMBs, and recent

work has included multimillion-pound MBOs, acquisitions and refinancing deals.

The ‘ approachable ’ John Boydell † heads Brabners Chaffe Street LLP ’s Preston practice, which provides the most comprehensive corporate service north of Manchester, and handles deals in the £100m+ bracket. Boydell is ‘ technically excellent ’ and ‘ reliable ’, with ‘ an excellent knowledge of business ’.

The experienced Sally Wightman † at Hill Dickinson LLP acts for clients such as aircraft manufacturer Hawker Beechcraft, Fayrefield Foods Group, and Chester Zoo, on transactional and commercial work.

Stockport-based Gorvins has a pure transactional team jointly headed by Paul Lupton †, and Andrew Curwen † – ‘ a good communicator ’ – is recommended for commercial work. Clients range from OMBs to banks such as RBS; deals included the acquisition of Haywood Group by Rotational Mouldings.

At Kippax Beaumont Lewis , Jonathan Shorrock † and Philip Stephenson † are a popular choice. They service a predominantly North West client base of OMBs. Deals are slowly increasing in number, with acquisitions of assets out administration featuring prominently in recent times.

Napthens LLP ’s profile in the region grew with the arrival from DWF LLP of Keith Melling † to head the team, followed by business recovery specialist Jane Haymes † from the same firm. New clients include UK Carline, Melrose Developments, Clubs Worldwide, and Fast & Fresh (the development agent for Subway Realty). The firm advised on some substantial transactions in 2009, and is noted by clients for its focus and cost efficiency.

Neil Myerson LLP has a solid presence in south Manchester. Active clients include Bagus Group plc, OPS LLP and the CSL Group.

Daniel Milnes † at Blackburn firm Forbes advises clients on a mix of commercial issues, including

restructuring, sponsorship, and procurement matters, as well as on corporate deals.

SAS Daniels LLP welcomed Jeremy Orrell † from Slater Heelis to head its corporate team. Orrell has already advised on some significant refinancing and share reorganisation deals for his new firm.

Former Eversheds LLP partner Geoffrey Blower † has joined Slater Heelis to head up its corporate offering in Sale.

Stephensons Solicitors LLP is well known locally, and acted for Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust in its tender for leisure services to Selby Council. Kay Waddington leads the team, which was recently joined by Paula Smith from DWF LLP .

Aaron & Partners LLP Chester Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Preston Hill Dickinson LLP Chester

Gorvins Stockport Kippax Beaumont Lewis Bolton Napthens LLP Blackburn Neil Myerson LLP Altrincham

Forbes Blackburn SAS Daniels LLP Stockport Slater Heelis Sale Stephensons Solicitors LLP Wigan


Corporate and commercial: Elsewhere in the North West

Regions

East Anglia 265

East Midlands 299

North 323


Scotland 555

South East 381

South West 429

Wales 531

West Midlands 465


Other sections

Foreign firms 621

London 9


The Bar 629


NORTH WEST 347

Regional review 348



Corporatce tax 352

EU and competition 352



Finance 357

Human resources 359

Insurance 361

Private client 366


Public sector 369

Real estate 371


Transport 380


NORTH WEST

Diarmuid Ryan Hammonds LLP EU and competition Claire Shepherd Hammonds LLP Banking and finance Geoffrey Shindler Lane-Smith & Shindler LLP Personal

tax, trusts and probate Kit Sorrell † Pannone LLP Commercial litigation Jim Tully † Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Corporate and commercial Jonathan Watkins DLA Piper UK LLP

Corporate and commercial Maurice Watkins † Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Sport Anita Weightman DLA Piper UK LLP Commercial property Andrew Wright † Cobbetts LLP Corporate and commercial

Liverpool Carole Atkinson † Mace & Jones Family Mark Beardwood DLA Piper UK LLP Commercial property Michael Brabner † Brabners Chaffe Street LLP

Corporate and commercial Noel Fagan Hill Dickinson LLP Commercial litigation Mark Goodwin DLA Piper UK LLP Commercial litigation Pamela Jones † Hill Dickinson LLP Commercial property Mark Manley † Brabners Chaffe Street LLP

Commercial litigation Mark O’Connor O’Connors LLP

Corporate and commercial Andrew O’Mahony † Brabners Chaffe Street LLP

Corporate and commercial Jim Pinsent DLA Piper UK LLP Construction Philip Rooney DLA Piper UK LLP Commercial property James Szerdy DWF LLP Banking and finance Denise Walker † Brabners Chaffe Street LLP

Corporate and commercial Richard Watson † Hill Dickinson LLP Clinical negligence

Leading individuals continued Corporate tax

Ed Jenkins † heads the practice at Addleshaw Goddard LLP and advised Capita on its £86m purchase of Synetrix Holdings, while other clients include Peel Holdings, Assura, Travelodge and the Co-operative Group. The ‘ astute ’ Justine Delroy † regularly advises on structured real estate, and advised Muse Developments on the Talbot Gateway JV in Blackpool.

At DLA Piper UK LLP , David Thompson has a ‘ strong grasp of technical issues ’. The team advised Dave Whelan Sports on the £85.5m acquisition of the health club business of JJB Sport, and Carphone Warehouse on its acquisition of Tiscali UK.

Deneze Hastings at Eversheds LLP was involved on some significant matters in 2009, including the GMWDA’s massive waste management contract, and the Renold equity fundraising. Hastings works as part of a strong pan-Northern team, supporting the firm’s corporate and real estate practices.

Dual-qualified chartered accountant/solicitor Haydn Rogan heads the team at Cobbetts LLP , which recently recruited director Richard Clitherow from Halliwells . The team’s strength is in employment tax issues, such as employee share schemes.

DWF LLP recruited John Toon from Addleshaw Goddard LLP in Leeds to head its team. His experience includes a range of multi-jurisdictional work.

Halliwells has bolstered its team with the hire of Fiona Sutherland , previously head of tax at Hammonds LLP . The team advised JJB Sport on the disposal of its health club business, and advised the Hut Group on several matters.

Patrick Ford was promoted to head the tax team at Hammonds LLP , following the departure of Fiona Sutherland to Halliwells . It advised Air Energi Group

on its MBO, and UNICOM Systems on its acquisition of Macro 4, while other clients include BASF and Findel.

Hill Dickinson LLP , under Saad Ahmed †, advised on a number of internal restructurings and reorganisations. Clients include Fayrefield Foods and Simon Carves.

Pannone LLP ’s Simon Moulden † advised on a number of share schemes in 2009. Clients range from small start-ups to listed companies such as 2ergo plc.

Clients speak highly of Lynette Jacobs † and her team at Pinsent Masons LLP , particularly in respect of share incentive schemes, a busy area for the team. 2009 work included the complex Heywood Williams £21m debt-for-equity restructuring, while other clients include Avigntrans, and Speedy Hire.

EU and competition

Addleshaw Goddard LLP acts for a healthy mix of private and public sector entities, and has specialist competition lawyers such as Phil McDonnell † and Jonathan Davey †. 2009 highlights included CAT appeals ( Quarmby v OFT and Eden Brown v OFT ). Garth Lindrup is recommended for procurement matters.

Eversheds LLP ’s team includes Adam Collinson and Adam Ferguson , and is noted for its quality of advice and attention to detail. Collinson is ‘ very comfortable to be put in front of senior management ’, and has ‘ excellent overall leadership ’. Clients include utilities, and government agencies such as the NWDA. The firm has dawn raid teams across the country, and services clients, such as the Simons Group, in OFT investigations from commencement through to any hearing.

Diarmuid Ryan and Nicola Clark at Hammonds LLP provide ‘ great service, and quick turnarounds with clear advice ’. Ryan is ‘ responsive and commercial ’, with good

Addleshaw Goddard LLP Manchester

DLA Piper UK LLP Manchester Eversheds LLP Manchester

Cobbetts LLP Manchester DWF LLP Manchester Halliwells Manchester Hammonds LLP Manchester Hill Dickinson LLP Manchester Pannone LLP Manchester Pinsent Masons LLP Manchester


Corporate tax

www.legal500.com353

NORTH WEST

Regions

East Anglia 265

East Midlands 299

North 323


Scotland 555

South East 381

South West 429

Wales 531

West Midlands 465


Other sections

Foreign firms 621

London 9


The Bar 629


NORTH WEST 347

Regional review 348



Crime 353

Licensing 354


Finance 357

Human resources 359

Insurance 361

Private client 366


Public sector 369

Real estate 371


Transport 380

depth of experience gained in the City. Highlights included multi-jurisdictional merger control clearance advice to Lucite in its sale to Mitsubishi Rayon, and advising new client T-Mobile/Orange on integration planning aspects of the proposed merger of the two companies.

Jonathan Branton † heads the group at Cobbetts LLP , which includes associate Jay Mehta , who joined from the NWDA. In line with the strength of the firm’s public sector client base, areas of growth include public procurement and state aid work, where the team has ‘ excellent technical knowledge ’. Significant work in 2009 included representing Dr Oetker in the OFT investigation into the acquisition of Schwan’s European frozen pizza business, and acting in both of the year’s OFT cartel cases.

Laurence Pritchard at DWF LLP advises on OFT investigations and CC inquiries. It advised Preston Council on the CC inquiry into Stagecoach’s acquisition of Preston Bus, and gave merger control advice to Princes Ltd.

At Halliwells , competition expert John Moakes provides corporate support advice and is also instructed in standalone matters such as OFT investigations.

Martin Vincent at Mace & Jones has a steady stream of work arising out of the firm’s public sector procurement practice. Clients include the NWUPC and purchasing consortium SNUPI.

Amanda Howlett † leads the group at Pannone LLP , and is noted as knowledgeable and responsive.

Crime, fraud and licensing

Crime

All firms recommended in this section for fraud are members of the LSC specialist fraud panel.

Pure crime firm Burton Copeland LLP has expertise across the board. Gillian Crossley † leads on the Crown Court advocacy side, while Mike Rainford † heads the fraud practice. On the regulatory side, the firm is instructed to prosecute by the HSE, and is known for its Trading Standards defence work.

Richard Smyth at DLA Piper UK LLP is highly regarded for fraud and business crime. Work in 2009 included an alleged £250m multi-jurisdictional fraud, and a major alleged fraud on the NHS, regarding funding for a private hospital. Sarah Cleary is also recommended.

Headed by Tony Barnfather †, Pannone LLP remains the major player in corporate and regulatory crime. The firm is instructed in two of the most significant cases in the North West, the Isoft claim and the SFO investigation of JJB.

National firm Tuckers Solicitors has one of the largest practices in the region, undertaking general defence work. Its special case team is headed by Leigh Wright .

The well-respected Lesley Burrows † at Burrows Bussin is involved in significant fraud and conspiracy work. She acted for defendants in the pharmaceuticals conspiracy, and more recently in the London City Bond case.

Jack McGarva ’s team at Hill Dickinson LLP welcomed two new partners: Michael Kenyon (formerly of Cooper Kenyon Burrows), and Phil Moy from Canter Levin & Berg . The firm was instructed in 2009 by Steven Gerrard, and acted in the Baha Mousa public inquiry; the firm is on the Treasury Solicitor’s panel for public inquiry work.

Stephensons Solicitors LLP has strength in depth in relation to general crime. The ‘ efficient ’ Campbell Malone is recommended, as is prison law expert Mike Pemberton . The firm prosecutes for local authorities, and defends VOSA and FSA actions. Steven Swift joined the criminal offences department.

Longstanding Lancashire firm Farleys is recommended for general crime, with Paul Schofield recommended for business crime and special case work.

In Preston, Daniel King † now heads up Forbes ’ business crime unit. The firm also has an experienced general crime team.

Dan Stowers at Irwin Mitchell LLP is currently acting in a £100m-plus fraud case, as well as on other HMRC and MTIC matters.

At JMW Solicitors LLP , Peter Grogan ’s team is recommended for white collar and regulatory crime. It is praised for its ‘ superb client care and thorough preparation ’; and gives ‘ a Rolls-Royce service ’.

Levys Solicitors has defended some of the largest MTIC cases to date and has been acting for five defendants in the London City Bond trials.

Matthew Claughton †, Richard Holliday † and Jeremy Pinson at Olliers are well respected for fraud and confiscation cases, and the firm also handles general crime.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP Manchester

Eversheds LLP Manchester Hammonds LLP Manchester

Cobbetts LLP Manchester DWF LLP Liverpool Halliwells Manchester Mace & Jones Manchester Pannone LLP Manchester


EU and competition


NORTH WEST

Stephen Lickrish and Saeed Hafezi at Stephen Lickrish & Associates Ltd are gaining in reputation; they advise on carousel and boiler room fraud, often with an international element, and also in terror and general crime.

Russell Jones & Walker has a strong fraud and regulatory presence in the form of Nick Holroyd † and Gary Gallen . The team is also well regarded for its police disciplinary work.

Licensing

Hamish Lawson † leads an ‘ excellent ’ licensing team at Cobbetts LLP , advising on general licensing, and

representing clients at PACE interviews, prosecutions and review hearings. A blue-chip client list includes Scottish & Newcastle, De Vere, the Co-operative Group, and Samuel Smith.

Anthony Lyons † at Kuit Steinart Levy LLP comes highly recommended; he advises brewers such as JW Lees and Holts, hotel chains such as Radisson SAS, and organisations such as the FLVA. ‘ The level of service has been first class in every category, ’ assserts one client.

Jan Levinson † heads a busy team at Beachcroft LLP , advising Manchester United FC on its premises licence, and Westfield in respect of licensing issues arising out of the letting of its units. It also acts for leading brewers and hotel chains.

The team at DWF LLP deals with general licensing and regulatory work, including environmental health notices .

Eversheds LLP acts for Genting, the largest casino operator in the UK, and represented it at the contested appeal, under the Gaming Act 1968, in respect of the proposed casino at Blackpool, and the grant of a new casino licence in Liverpool. It has expertise in insolvency and restructuring related licensing issues.

Chris Eddlestone leads at Halliwells , acting for clients such as Rocco Forte Hotels, and MacDonald Hotels. On the insolvency side, it advised Zolfo Cooper on the administration and disposal of a substantial pub group in 2009.

Dispute resolution

Commercial litigation

MANCHESTER: At Addleshaw Goddard LLP , Susan Garrett † and Clare Dwyer are ‘ excellent lawyers ’, with ‘ good commercial heads on their shoulders ’, and John Gosling † is also recommended. The firm attracts national and international work from its larger corporate clients, has an impressive banking client list, and also advises the Department of Health. Key cases included acting for RTS Flexible Systems in a £7m dispute which went to the Supreme Court; and acting for East African Breweries (a Diageo company) in a brewing and distribution dispute, currently in ICC arbitration.

Department head Stewart Plant at DLA Piper UK LLP is noted for his ‘ ability to drill down into issues quickly ’, and managing partner David Gray is ‘ an outstanding professional ’ and recently led a team which was successful for Corus in the Court of Appeal. Also recommended are: the ‘ switched-on ’ Tim Buckingham , who led a team which successfully defended Barclaycard Business in the Court of Appeal; Andrew Harris ; and the ‘ diligent, sharp-minded ’ Duncun Hope . Manchester is the firm’s centre for excellence for payment systems work.

Eversheds LLP continues to impress with its strength in depth, and its ability to provide innovative advice in relation to complex problems; the team is ‘ superb in every way ’. Michael Clavell-Bate , David Gray and Steve Dunseath are ‘ leaders in their field ’, service is ‘ first class ’, and response times are ‘ excellent ’. It continues to act for leading corporates such as United Utilities, Four Seasons Health Care, the Co-Operative Group and European Metal Recycling.

At Halliwells , Paul Thomas was successful in complex and hard-fought proceedings on behalf of a minority shareholder of an AIM-listed company, while Julian Diaz-Rainey advised AIG and Aviva on the successful recovery of assets in the John Darwin ‘canoe man’ fraud. The firm

Burton Copeland LLP Manchester DLA Piper UK LLP Manchester Pannone LLP Manchester Tuckers Solicitors Manchester

Burrows Bussin Manchester Hill Dickinson LLP Chester, Liverpool Stephensons Solicitors LLP Manchester, Wigan

Farleys Blackburn Forbes Preston Irwin Mitchell LLP Manchester JMW Solicitors LLP Manchester Levys Solicitors Manchester Olliers Manchester Stephen Lickrish & Associates Ltd Manchester Russell Jones & Walker Manchester

Crime

Brian Koffman & Co Manchester Tranters Solicitors Manchester

Cobbetts LLP Manchester Kuit Steinart Levy LLP Manchester

Beachcroft LLP Manchester DWF LLP Liverpool, Manchester Eversheds LLP Manchester Halliwells Manchester

Bermans Manchester Licensing Legal Manchester


Licensing

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Regions

East Anglia 265

East Midlands 299

North 323


Scotland 555

South East 381

South West 429

Wales 531

West Midlands 465


Other sections

Foreign firms 621

London 9


The Bar 629


NORTH WEST 347

Regional review 348




Commercial litigation 354

Debt recovery 357

Finance 357

Human resources 359

Insurance 361

Private client 366


Public sector 369

Real estate 371


Transport 380

has a reputation for strength and aggression in litigation, appreciated by commercial clients.

Simon Pedley † heads a substantial practice at Pannone LLP , with good breadth of expertise. Paul Jonson † advised on a number of shareholder disputes, and advised Christopher Ronnie, former CEO of JJB Sports, in his dispute with the company following his resignation. Dan Grindey † and Melanie McGuirk are noted for their franchising work, and the ‘ personable ’ Nicola Marchant † and Nicholas Gee † are also praised by clients.

The ‘ highly focused ’ and dedicated Clare Taylor † leads the practice at Pinsent Masons LLP which, though smaller than some of its competitors, wins instructions in large-scale, sometimes mulit-jurisdictional disputes. Clients are impressed with the team’s investigative and negotiating skills.

The ‘ tenacious, challenging and canny ’ Paul Morton †

heads the team at Brabners Chaffe Street LLP , which delivers ‘ more for less ’. Work is partner led, service is ‘ first rate ’, and clients appreciate the ‘ no-nonsense approach ’ and the emphasis on understanding and managing client expectations. Rising star Claire Brown is ‘ diligent and very bright ’. Client gains included Peel Ports and St James’s Securities.

Cobbetts LLP acts for well-known regional and national entities such as De Vere Group, Aldi, and

Matalan, and is also on the panels of prominent funders. Head of the practice Jon Hainey † is currently dealing with a multimillion-pound breach of warranty claim. Robert Roper † is recommended.

DWF LLP handles a good spread of litigation, with Joel Heap specialising in disputes arising out of corporate finance transactions, and David Astbury in commercial agreement disputes. The team was appointed to London and European Insurance’s panel for defective title work.

Hammonds LLP ’s group is led by the ‘ charismatic ’ Lucci Dammone , who has an ‘ excellent approach and a sharp intellect ’. The firm has a first-class client list which features INEOS, Findel, SSL and the Co-operative Group. It is experienced in cross-border actions and obtaining relief.

Geraldine Ryan † (‘ very hard, very sharp ’) heads the practice at Hill Dickinson LLP . It undertakes a broad mix of cases, including contract disputes, and air and marine work.

Jan Levinson † (‘ thorough, knowledgeable, personable ’) heads the team at Beachcroft LLP , which acts for Manchester United FC, Pirelli and Oval Insurance Broking. In 2009 the firm successfully represented Whittle Movers in the Court of Appeal.

Berg Legal has a team of good, client-focused litigators which excels in acting for individuals against financial institutions and includes the tenacious Sydney Fulda .

Mark Benson † at Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP is instructed in a considerable amount of multi-jurisdictional work, including a US product litigation claim, and a dispute relating to the construction of the Bilbao underground. The team, though relatively low profile, is busy and experienced, acting for clients such as Daniels Contractors, Zurich, Aviva and Ecclesiastical. Angus Crawford † is ‘ friendly and helpful ’.

George Davies Solicitors LLP is recommended for general commercial disputes, and is popular with German clients, who instruct dual-qualified associate Sandra Morrison .

John Lord (a ‘ great lawyer, with commercial poise ’) has joined Irwin Mitchell LLP from Halliwells , bringing with him notable clients such as Scottish & Newcastle, InBev and E.On. He was joined in November 2009 by other ex- Halliwells colleagues, including Julian Luke .

Addleshaw Goddard LLP DLA Piper UK LLP Eversheds LLP

Halliwells Pannone LLP Pinsent Masons LLP

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Cobbetts LLP DWF LLP Hammonds LLP Hill Dickinson LLP


Commercial litigation: Manchester

Beachcroft LLP Berg Legal Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP George Davies Solicitors LLP Irwin Mitchell LLP

Kennedys Kuit Steinart Levy LLP Laytons Mace & Jones Nexus Solicitors

Goodman Harvey JMW Solicitors LLP

Stripes Solicitors


NORTH WEST

Work in 2009 included a significant retention of title claim arising out of the failure of the Thresher Group.

Anne Kershaw † at Kennedys is highly thought of for shareholder and partnership disputes: ‘ a great fighter ’, with ‘ total dedication ’. The approach of the firm is ‘ pragmatic, concentrating on practical, business-led solutions ’.

Andrew Weinberg † at Kuit Steinart Levy LLP acts for Habitat, Land Securities, and Accurist.

Laytons punches above its weight. Stuart Farr † ‘ inspires confidence ’; he has handled some substantial product liability case disputes, and has an interest in equine matters. The firm was reappointed to the SRA panel in 2009

Charles Tomlinson † heads the practice at Mace & Jones , whose work in 2009 included a £3m breach of warranty claim.

Nexus Solicitors acts for commercial lenders, insurers, and retailers. It has two very experienced litigators in Christopher Pugh and the ‘ technically good and commercially minded ’ Phil Turner ; they provide ‘ big-firm quality service ’ at a competitive price.

Mark Jones at Goodman Harvey is popular with local businesses, and has an ability to ‘ get to the crux of the problem very quickly ’.

Andrew Farrell joined JMW Solicitors LLP as head of department in June 2009. Since then he has conducted a case in the Chancery Division, and been involved in banking and construction cases. He has ‘ has a keen eye for shrewd means of best protecting his client’s interests ’.

Stripes Solicitors gathered strength this year through recruitment; Tony Winterburn has joined from JMW Solicitors LLP , where he was head of commercial litigation.

LIVERPOOL: Headed by Mark Goodwin , the DLA Piper UK LLP team was active in good regional, national and international work in 2009. It acted for Community Gateway Association in a £39m professional negligence claim relating to a transfer of housing stock, and acted for Lonrho and for Luba Freeport in international/cross-border issues. It has particular strength in local government, education and IT/outsourcing matters.

Headed by Jacqui Lloyd †, Brabners Chaffe Street LLP has a strong offering in Liverpool. Work in 2009 included a £12m breach of directors’ duty claim, and the firm also has experience in contract disputes involving professional negligence issues. Clients praise Alison Miller Varey for her commitment and attention to detail, and Mark Manley † is ‘ tough and efficient ’.

Practice head Graham Dagnall at DWF LLP is well known in the market. He obtained a substantial award for an oil and gas client in 2009 in a £30m ICC arbitration. Client wins included Glyndwr University.

Colin Gibbons leads an experienced commercial team at Halliwells . 2009 saw a focus on IT matters; Harvey Stringfellow is currently involved in a high-profile Court of Appeal case for M-Tech Data, and Gibbons is

acting for Thomson Reuters in disputes over provision of IT to banks.

Jonathan Berkson † heads the practice at Hill Dickinson LLP ; he ‘ gets to the nub of the problem and is commercial/pragmatic ’, and getting to know the business of its clients is noted as a particular strength of the team. Banking litigator James Southworth † has been seconded to Barclays, which reappointed the firm to its litigation panel.

Andrew Cox † and Michael Green † at Weightmans LLP handle a mix of insurance, local authority and general commercial litigation. Green is currently representing Harrow LBC in the Supreme Court in relation to s2 LGA 2000, and the Teckal exemption.

Craig Blakemore † at Mace & Jones is ‘ commercially astute ’.

Anne Heseltine † at Morecrofts LLP is also recommended.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NORTH WEST: Aaron & Partners LLP handles general commercial litigation. Trefor Jones

acts for Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water. David Harries is valued by clients, which include Sanderson plc (the commercial software and IT systems group).

Stuart Irons † joined Brabners Chaffe Street LLP as practice head from Pannone LLP . He is known for commercial contract disputes, particularly relating to liquid petroleum gas, and property.

A popular choice north of Manchester is Forbes , headed by Robin Stephens †. The team handles general contractual litigation, including insolvency-related matters.

Gorvins is highly recommended by clients; ‘ service delivery is excellent: very commercial and cost effective ’. Michael Morris † is recommended for consumer credit matters.

Hill Dickinson LLP is instructed in an increasing number of cases with credit/funding related issues, particularly in respect of the enforceability of regulated agreements.

With a City background, Michael Slater † heads the team at Kippax Beaumont Lewis , and is noted for his

DLA Piper UK LLP

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP DWF LLP Halliwells Hill Dickinson LLP Weightmans LLP

Mace & Jones Morecrofts LLP

Commercial litigation: Liverpool

Aaron & Partners LLP Chester Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Preston Forbes Blackburn Gorvins Stockport Hill Dickinson LLP Chester Kippax Beaumont Lewis Bolton Neil Myerson LLP Altrincham

Hillyer Mckeown Chester Jolliffe & Co. Solicitors Chester Keoghs LLP Bolton Napthens LLP Preston Stephensons Solicitors LLP Wigan


Commercial litigation: Elsewhere in the North West

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Regions

East Anglia 265

East Midlands 299

North 323


Scotland 555

South East 381

South West 429

Wales 531

West Midlands 465


Other sections

Foreign firms 621

London 9


The Bar 629


NORTH WEST 347

Regional review 348




Finance 357

Banking and finance 357

Insolvency and corporate recovery 358

Human resources 359

Insurance 361

Private client 366


Public sector 369

Real estate 371


Transport 380

hands-on approach. The client sector is mostly OMBs, local and national.

Tim Norman † at Neil Myerson LLP handles a mix of litigation, including cases for directors in relation to misfeasance and breach of warranty.

Hillyer Mckeown has been joined by Duncan McAllister from Mace & Jones . The team undertakes general litigation for regional clients.

Andrew Bartley at Jolliffe & Co. Solicitors is recommended by clients. The firm carries out general commercial litigation and employment cases.

Matthew Rogers †’ team at Keoghs LLP specialises in insurance-related matters, particularly policy disputes and subrogated recoveries, and has also handled arson, subsidence, and product liability work.

Napthens LLP is popular locally, and with agricultural clients. John Woosnam † is a ‘ good, solid ’ lawyer.

Jonathan Chadwick and Richard Dawson-Gerrard at Stephensons Solicitors LLP are ‘ first-rate commercial litigators ’, carrying out a broad range of litigation and professional negligence work, mostly for regional SMEs.

Debt recovery

Niche finance firm Bermans is well known in the region for its debt collection work. It also handles contentious work for asset-based lenders, enforcing security and acting against guarantors.

Jonathan Berkson † heads up the team at Hill Dickinson LLP , where the ‘ overall service is excellent ’. It handles factoring claims and insolvency-related matters, and also operates a volume uncontested debt/enforcement service and pursues foreign debtors.

The team acts for Bibby and the NHS, and added Atradius Collections and Intrum Justitia to the client list in 2009.

Former Halliwells partner John Lord joined Irwin Mitchell LLP , bringing with him associate Joanne Gardner-Boyes , who leads the debt recovery practice. The firm already had an impressive banking client base, and now benefits from instructions from Lord’s notable brewery and leisure clients, such as InBev.

The practice at Pannone LLP is led by Karl Williams †, and has ‘ excellent commerciality ’ and ‘ ticks all the relevant boxes ’. It won some substantial work from Waverley TBS (part of Heineken UK), while other clients include Hilti, Speedy Hire, and L’Oréal. Mark Burch † joined in 2009 from Lees Lloyd Whitley.

Jill Cox † heads the team at Weightmans LLP , which moves up to tier one this year. The firm is a member of the DBSG, and acts for Scottish Power, HFC Bank, and various debt purchasers (Equidebt, Aktiv Kapital and EOS).

Also recommended are: Aaron & Partners LLP , where the practice is managed by Kerry Davies and clients include Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water and Leasedirect Finance; Brabners Chaffe Street LLP , whose well-regarded team is led by Tony Foley and provides hands-on, tailored advice; associate Simon Stopher at colemans-ctts LLP (for property management companies); Michael Morris † at Gorvins (recommended for moderate debt size); Greenhalghs Solicitors (for volume debt collection); Halliwells , where the team is now led by senior associate Paul Hilton ; Andrew Bartley at Jolliffe & Co. Solicitors ; Shoosmiths (new to Manchester in 2009); and Thomas Higgins & Co (for volume, undefended business-to-business debts).

Finance

Banking and finance

Addleshaw Goddard LLP remains on top in a troubled market. It has strength in all of the key finance areas, including leveraged finance ( Martin O’Shea †); corporate banking ( Amanda Gray †); corporate borrowing; and asset finance (‘ the very commercial ’ Andrew Maskill †). It continues to act for all of the key lenders in the region without restriction on deal complexity or value, and saw a continuous flow of restructuring work through the year.

Bermans Liverpool, Manchester Hill Dickinson LLP Liverpool Irwin Mitchell LLP Manchester Pannone LLP Manchester Weightmans LLP Liverpool

Aaron & Partners LLP Chester Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Liverpool colemans-ctts LLP Manchester Gorvins Stockport Greenhalghs Solicitors Skelmersdale Halliwells Manchester, Liverpool Jolliffe & Co. Solicitors Chester Shoosmiths Manchester Thomas Higgins & Co Wallasey


Debt recovery


NORTH WEST

DLA Piper UK LLP lost leading finance figures Simon Woolley and Matt Morgan †, but retains strength in real estate finance, with the ‘ excellent ’ Hans Scheiwiller and Liz Sweeney . High-profile work in 2009 included advising Brammer plc on its refinancing and rights issue, and advising lenders and borrowers in significant PFI projects. The team acts for most of the key lenders in the region.

Eversheds LLP continues to be involved in major deals, for funders such as RBS and HSBC, and for corporates such as Renold (a £31m credit facility), and Bodycote (a £110m credit facility). Nigel Dale (‘ knowledgeable and well connected ’) and Simon Prendergast are both well regarded. Sector strengths include education; it recently advised RBS, Barclays and Santander on funding to educational institutions.

Richard Capper ’s team at Halliwells is more compact than it once was, but still attracts work from prominent lenders in the region. Non-bank work this year included acting for Downing Group on a £63.5m facility to refinance the purchase of The Capital in Liverpool.

Jonathan Edwards at Hammonds LLP is well respected in the market; he spent much of 2009 unravelling the complexities of the Lehman Brothers’ international structured finance products for an international insurance client. Other significant finance work included a £410m syndicated multicurrency facility for SSl International (led by Claire Shepherd ).

McGrigors LLP has opened a banking and finance practice in Manchester, headed by Samantha Rollason . Key clients include NM Rothschild, Co-operative and Lloyds Bank. 2009 saw work on substantial capital development facilities and restructuring.

Joanne Kinloch ’s team at Pinsent Masons LLP was joined by renowned banking specialist Matthew Morgan †, from DLA Piper UK LLP . Morgan’s hire complements that of Gregg Davison †, and creates one of the strongest private equity/corporate teams in the region.

Andrew O’Mahony † and Mark Glenville † at Brabners Chaffe Street LLP are ‘ commercial, knowledgeable, approachable ’; the level of service is ‘ excellent ’. The team concentrates on lender-led work, acting for many funders in the region (among them RBS and Co-operative), and is also prominent in real estate.

Shaun Rearden † has returned to Cobbetts LLP ’s Manchester office. The firm appears on the panels of most major banks, and ‘ service is excellent at all levels ’.

DWF LLP – ‘ the leading banking team on Merseyside by some way ’ – saw a reasonable amount of refinancing, restructuring and acquisition work in 2009, despite a difficult market. Panel appointments include Santander Bank and Utility Bank, and the team has a growing practice in borrower work. Alan Cunningham and litigator Ritchie Irvine are recommended by clients.

Patrick Keown † at Hill Dickinson LLP ‘ provides a superb service ’. The firm continues to act for most prominent lenders, despite sweeping panel reviews undertaken this year.

Dedicated banking expert Rob Fawke † heads Pannone LLP ’s team, in 2009 advising on the banking/funding aspects of a number of multimillion-pound deals. Lender clients include Santander Bank.

Also recommended for real estate finance are: George Davies Solicitors LLP ; Kuit Steinart Levy LLP (which has been joined by George MacMillan †); and Mike Yardley † at Mace & Jones .

Insolvency and corporate recovery

John Joyce †’s team at Addleshaw Goddard LLP has been joined by managing associate Tim Taylor , from Eversheds LLP . The team acts for most of the clearing banks, and was successful in tenders to Barclays and Bank of Scotland. In 2009 it advised on significant restructuring for Admiral Taverns, and Visicorp, and also on the administrations of Martin Dawes, Canterbury, and Dylan Harvey.

DLA Piper UK LLP acted in some of the highest-profile administrations in the region in 2009 (Zavvi, Casper Group, Modus Group, and Wine Cellar) and is on the RBS and Barclays panels. Peter Somekh has now commenced a 12-month secondment to Dubai, leaving Martin Keates in charge in Manchester, and John Vickery in Liverpool. Key clients include Deloitte.

David Gray at Eversheds LLP led on some substantial restructurings last year. Work included a £325m restructure of Speedy Hire (advising RBS/Barclays), and a £125m facility for Ask Developments (advising Co-operative Bank). It also advised on the administrations of S Hall Motors and the Grafton Centre. The firm is on panels for all the major banks in the region.

Andrew Buchanan ’s team at Halliwells acted for the Flannels Group in a voluntary arrangement, and for Deloitte as administrators of the Rileys group of snooker halls. While the firm is on most bank panels (including recent appointments to panels of RBS, Santander and Allied Irish), it has a lower profile in this area than its top-tier rivals.

Jamie White † at Pinsent Masons LLP demonstrates ‘ sound legal, moral and ethical values ’. Work in 2009 included advising the board of the Dairy Farmers of Britain on an accelerated restructuring and disposals process, and advising the board of Heywood Williams Group on its administration and debt-for-equity swap. Associate Alex Darbyshire is noted for her work on the turnaround of Denby Pottery. Service is ‘ excellent ’, ‘ commercial ’ and ‘ technically competent ’.

Cobbetts LLP is ‘ commercially strong ’ and ‘ significantly better value for money than its main competitors ’. Robert Turnbull † is ‘ strong and decisive ’, and Sean McGrath † is appreciated for his ‘ no-nonsense, straight-talking ’ approach. Clients include accountants, banks and asset based lenders.

At DWF LLP , banking expert James Szerdy attracts high praise from clients, and Andrew Gregory is ‘ top notch ’. Clients include Lloyds Bank, Grant Thornton, Begbies and Zolfo Cooper, and the team has increasing strength in asset based lending (where it acts for Venture Finance). Gareth Dodds † has moved to Kennedys .

Susan Kelly at Hammonds LLP is ‘ commercial, informed, succinct and direct ’. She leads a team which handled a number of complex administrations in 2009, instructions coming from Deloitte, PwC and PKF, as well as banks and asset based lenders.

Martin March † joined Hill Dickinson LLP from Addleshaw Goddard LLP , and has since been instructed by Baker Tilly on the liquidation of London and Scottish subsidiaries. Jeremy Reilly † was busy with refinancing

Addleshaw Goddard LLP Manchester DLA Piper UK LLP Manchester, Liverpool Eversheds LLP Manchester

Halliwells Liverpool, Manchester Hammonds LLP Manchester McGrigors LLP Manchester Pinsent Masons LLP Manchester

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Liverpool, Manchester Cobbetts LLP Manchester DWF LLP Liverpool, Manchester Hill Dickinson LLP Liverpool, Manchester Pannone LLP Manchester


Banking and finance

George Davies Solicitors LLP Manchester Kuit Steinart Levy LLP Manchester

Mace & Jones Liverpool, Manchester

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NORTH WEST

Regions

East Anglia 265

East Midlands 299

North 323


Scotland 555

South East 381

South West 429

Wales 531

West Midlands 465


Other sections

Foreign firms 621

London 9


The Bar 629


NORTH WEST 347

Regional review 348




Finance 357

Human resources 359

Employment 359

Employment – employee/union firms 360

Health and safety 360

Pensions 361

Insurance 361

Private client 366


Public sector 369

Real estate 371


Transport 380

work for RBS, as well as the administrations of Hurley’s Menswear and Monks Plant Hire.

Finance firm Bermans is a mid-tier practice, and is instructed by insolvency practitioners and asset based lenders.

Mark Hovell at George Davies Solicitors LLP has recently handled work for BDO and Bank of Ireland. The firm also acts for SMEs in financial difficulty, and for professional sporting bodies such as the PFA and the RPA .

Gareth Dodds † joined Kennedys from DWF LLP in late 2009 to a corporate recovery practice. Work in 2009 included the administration of Elvi, and advising AIB in relation to the demise of Lees Lloyd Whitley.

Mace & Jones has the experienced Dominic Vincent †.

‘ Star player ’ Dylan Quail † at Pannone LLP is recommended.

Mark Lund † at Turner Parkinson LLP advised on the administration of Chester City FC, and the receivership of Marblespire.

Also recommended are: Simon Edwards at Aaron & Partners LLP ; Paul Lunt † at Brabners Chaffe Street LLP ; Joey Byrne † at Freeth Cartwright LLP ; Mark Deverell †

and Paul Lupton † at Gorvins ; Chris Jones † at Irwin Mitchell LLP Richard Wolff , who has joined JMW Solicitors LLP from Halliwells ; Daniel Izza at Laytons ; Andrew Tonge at Nexus Solicitors ; and Michael Green †

at Weightmans LLP .

Human resources

Employment

Addleshaw Goddard LLP ’s team features market leaders such as Andrew Chamberlain † and Malcolm Pike †, and Jamie Hamnett † made partner following a secondment to the HR team at Barclays. The team added Barclays Capital Services, Bank of America/Merrill Lynch, and Pochins to its already impressive client list, and joined Magic Circle firms on the general advisory panel for Barclays. Work is partner led, and the firm has sought to avoid the commoditisation of its tribunal offering.

At Beachcroft LLP , successful tenders for work from the Arcadia Group (behind Top Shop, Top Man and Miss Selfridge) and Salford University augmented an already top-class client base that includes McDonald’s, the NWDA, and the GMC. Sue Jenkins † is now national practice head, with Paula Cole † leading the North West team; both are well respected. The team is ‘ pragmatic ’, ‘ commercially astute ’ and provides an ‘ excellent ’ performance level. Associate Charlotte John is also recommended.

The ‘ incisive ’ Mary Clarke leads a team at DLA Piper UK LLP appreciated for its ‘ excellent service ’. The team has a global focus, but has not taken its eye off the ball regionally, raising its profile with the hire of Mike Burns from Halliwells .

Trade union expert Peter Norbury has returned to Eversheds LLP , where other key figures include Diane Gilhooley , who leads a strong education practice; HR consultant Steve Bolton , who advises on strategic and operational issues; the ‘ commercial ’ and ‘ pragmatic ’ Naeema Choudry , recommended for discrimination issues; and Michael Thompson , praised for ‘ excellent advice given promptly ’. The team added Eastman Chemicals and Skanska to a blue-chip client list.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP Manchester DLA Piper UK LLP Liverpool, Manchester

Eversheds LLP Manchester Halliwells Manchester Pinsent Masons LLP Manchester

Cobbetts LLP Manchester DWF LLP Liverpool, Manchester Hammonds LLP Manchester Hill Dickinson LLP Manchester


Insolvency and corporate recovery

Bermans Manchester George Davies Solicitors LLP Manchester Kennedys Manchester

Mace & Jones Liverpool, Manchester Pannone LLP Manchester Turner Parkinson LLP Manchester

Aaron & Partners LLP Chester Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Liverpool Freeth Cartwright LLP Manchester Gorvins Stockport Irwin Mitchell LLP Manchester

JMW Solicitors LLP Manchester Laytons Manchester Nexus Solicitors Manchester Weightmans LLP Liverpool


NORTH WEST

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP receives a wealth of positive client feedback, notably for taking time to understand its clients’ business. The ‘ efficient and pragmatic ’ Lydia Edgar † stands out; and Simon Whitehead †, Kevin James † (‘ very knowledgeable, with an excellent reputation ’) and the ‘ exceptionally professional ’ Paul Chamberlain † are also recommended. In 2009 the Liverpool office secured a rare maximum costs order for a client.

Client wins at DWF LLP in 2009 included BAE Systems, Balfour Beatty and Chubb; the firm undertakes volume work, much of it contentious, with some reorganisational advice. Tim Scott and Lorna Rigby are praised for their tribunal skills.

While Halliwells lost ground this year, with Ed Cotton and Mike Burns both leaving, it has rallied, promoting Sarah Garth and Chris Thompson to partner, and winning work from Edinburgh Woollen Mills .

Nick Jones at Hammonds LLP attracts standalone employment instructions, and has a good name for board-level strategic advice on global and national projects. Simon Ost ’s practice includes trade union issues. Dan Bickerstaffe is very approachable and gives ‘ high-level technical advice in a clear and precise manner ’.

Hill Dickinson LLP ’s strength in depth in relation to NHS employment is enviable, with Philip Farrar †’s team successful in several high-profile cases this year. Rob Coward † is ‘ efficient and reliable ’. Jeff Middleton † joined from Cobbetts LLP , and has won work from household name clients such as Iceland, Matalan, and Magnet.

Judith Watson †’s team at Cobbetts LLP is ‘ highly valued ’ by its strong public sector client base. It has expertise in volume equal pay, unfair dismissal and discrimination cases, and collective negotiation with trades unions. Jeff Middleton † left for Hill Dickinson LLP .

Mace & Jones ’ team is headed by the highly regarded Martin Edwards †, who advises Liverpool FC. The firm is also instructed by the NWDA, the HSE, and a number of NHS trusts. Clients appreciate the clarity of the advice and interpersonal skills on offer, recommending David Fagan †, Phil Allen †, Richard Leslie †, and Emlyn Williams † – the latter for his popular training sessions and strength in TUPE and equal pay.

The ‘ commercially minded ’ and ‘ knowledgeable ’ Jim Lister † and the ‘ highly professional ’ Fiona Hamor † are singled out for praise at Pannone LLP , and Jack Harrington † and Laura D’Arcy † are also popular with clients . The firm has a blue-chip client base, including Reebok, Kelloggs and Tetrapak.

The team at Pinsent Masons LLP undertakes corporate support work at a high level, and has been appointed to advise the RSA on a three-year contract. Key figures include Simon Horsfield † and Sara Sawicki †.

Weightmans LLP has a strong presence in the region, led by Stuart Jones and Steve Peacock , both consistently praised for their ‘ first-rate service ’, and responsiveness. It is strong in education – understanding the sector ‘ extremely well ’ – and is known for its work for Royal Mail. It was joined by Keoghs LLP ’s employment team this year.

The ‘ excellent ’ Helen Watson heads Aaron & Partners LLP ’s practice, advising on strategic and tribunal work, mostly for SMEs.

The ‘ pragmatic and commercial ’ Alison Loveday heads the team at Berg Legal , which acts mostly for OMBs, providing strategic advice and acting in contentious matters.

George Davies Solicitors LLP has a focus on health care, particularly GP practices, and has been appointed to the NWCCA’s panel.

Hempsons is well known for its work for NHS trusts and PCTs, in both contentious and strategic matters. It is no stranger to high-profile tribunal work, particularly in the field of discrimination; Paul Spencer † is currently defending a high-profile claim by GPs relating to the status of their employment.

The ‘ accessible and knowledgeable ’ Ed Cotton † joined Irwin Mitchell LLP from Halliwells in May 2009, significantly increasing the firm’s profile in the area. Clients include Servoca plc.

The ‘ commercial ’ John Hassells †, now a partner at Kippax Beaumont Lewis , has developed a standalone practice popular with SMEs and executives in the North.

SAS Daniels LLP impresses at all levels; leadership comes from the ‘ straight-talking ’ Jonathan Whittaker †, whose clients include Asda and who is ‘ outstanding in his judgement ’. John Cook † is ‘ excellent ’. Louise Tobin † joined with a team from Slater Heelis , bringing good local authority contacts.

Also recommended are: the experienced Michael Parr † at Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP ; Peter Byrne † at Forbes ; Patricia Jones † at Freeth Cartwright LLP ; David Walton † at Gorvins ; the ‘ excellent ’ Lindsey Kidd at Hillyer McKeown ; Lindsey Bell at JMW Solicitors LLP (‘ exact, confident, articulate, and professional ’); Sally Bird † at

Addleshaw Goddard LLP Manchester Beachcroft LLP Manchester DLA Piper UK LLP Manchester, Liverpool Eversheds LLP Manchester

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Liverpool, Manchester DWF LLP Liverpool, Manchester Halliwells Manchester Hammonds LLP Manchester Hill Dickinson LLP Manchester

Cobbetts LLP Manchester Mace & Jones Liverpool, Manchester Pannone LLP Manchester Pinsent Masons LLP Manchester Weightmans LLP Liverpool


Employment

Aaron & Partners LLP Chester Berg Legal Manchester George Davies Solicitors LLP Manchester Hempsons Manchester

Irwin Mitchell LLP Manchester Kippax Beaumont Lewis Bolton SAS Daniels LLP Stockport

Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP Liverpool, Manchester

Forbes Blackburn, Preston Freeth Cartwright LLP Manchester Gorvins Stockport Hillyer McKeown Chester JMW Solicitors LLP Manchester Kuit Steinart Levy LLP Manchester

Laytons Manchester Martin & Co Manchester Neil Myerson LLP Manchester Nexus Solicitors Manchester Stephensons Solicitors LLP Wigan Stripes Solicitors Manchester Trowers & Hamlins LLP Manchester

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Kuit Steinart Levy LLP ; Keith Corkan † and Michelle Gray at Laytons – noted for their ‘ very professional service ’; John Martin † at Martin & Co , although Andrew O’Neill has left to establish a new firm; Joanne Evans † at Neil Myerson LLP (‘ timely and practical ’); Carl Moran at Nexus Solicitors (‘ excellent ’; ‘ advice has been spot on ’); Phil Richardson at Stephensons Solicitors LLP ; Paul Harris-Stelfox and Dan Rubin at Stripes Solicitors ; and Helen Cookson at Trowers & Hamlins LLP , for housing trust work.

Employment: employee/union firms

While Russell Jones & Walker is best known for its work for trade unions, and the Police Federation in particular, it has run test cases on disability and race discrimination, maternity pay, judicial review and human rights. Service is ‘ excellent ’, and the Manchester team is ‘ particularly strong ’. Practice head David Franey † is ‘ brilliant: very thorough and knowledgeable ’.

Thompsons continues to dominate in union work. Alison Loveday at Berg Legal acts for individuals

– mostly senior executives – in contentious matters. Work in 2009 included acting for former members of the senior management of Health & Home Shopping, on whose behalf she obtained damages of £190,000 against the purchaser of the company.

David Walton † at Gorvins is recommended; he has ‘ a first-class knowledge of employment law, and outstanding advocacy skills ’.

Laytons acts for senior management, and also claimants in class actions; it is currently representing 183 civil servants in an age discrimination claim against HMPS.

Alan Lewis heads the practice at Linder Myers , which receives regular referrals from other solicitors, counsel and accountants. Lewis also specialises in advice to commercial agents.

Work for Pannone LLP in 2009 included representing Chris Ronnie, ex CEO of JJB Sports, in respect of his alleged failure to disclose the fact that his shares in JJB had

reverted to the liquidators of an Icelandic bank. David Carmichael † specialises in executive termination issues.

At Stripes Solicitors , Paul Harris-Selfox has been joined by Dan Rubin from Addleshaw Goddard LLP . The team acted in the largest class action brought before the Scottish Employment Tribunal.

Health and safety

Addleshaw Goddard LLP acts for a blue-chip client list, carrying out health and safety audits and advising clients in HSE investigations and prosecutions. Adrian Bever † is ‘ highly effective ’ and ‘ holds his ground well ’: ‘ excellent on all fronts ’.

DWF LLP ’s reputation for this work has been rising over the years, both in advisory and contentious matters, partly due to the excellent reputation of the ‘ first-class ’ Steffan Groch . It is the firm of choice for many insurers, and, increasingly, for corporate clients. Groch and his team are not afraid to take on the increasingly aggressive HSE, and have had notable successes in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

At Halliwells , the ‘ extremely knowledgeable and tactically astute ’ Chris Morrison leads a strong team, which punches above its weight in the region. High-profile work included acting for TAV Engineering in respect of the Buncefield oil explosion, and for three ‘petting’ farms regarding a suspected E.coli outbreak. The firm has a mix of blue-chip corporate and insurer clients, and also receives instructions from the public sector. ‘ The overall level of service has been exceptional ’; issues are handled with ‘ the utmost professionalism ’.

Hammonds LLP ’s client base in high-risk sectors, such as construction, chemicals and waste, has led to a number of instructions in respect of HSE investigations/prosecutions, including fatality cases. Rob Elvin is recommended.

Hill Dickinson LLP is one of the few firms which sits on both sides of the fence; Simon Parrington † is solicitor advocate for the HSE and local authorities, while Richard

Green † heads the defence team, predominantly acting within the health sector. Parrington provides a ‘ seamless delivery of service, and is highly respected in the courts ’.

‘ One of the leading lawyers in her field ’, Madeleine Abas ’ niche firm Osborn Abas continues to gain ground. It has attracted instructions from construction giants such as Amec and Balfour Beatty, and was recently appointed to advise Crossrail. The firm is praised for its professionalism.

Firms with strong defendant litigation in the region have good depth in respect of health and safety work. Particularly recommended are Iain Moore † at Beachcroft LLP ; Andrew Relton † at Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP ; Paul Geldard † at Forbes ; the ‘ very competent ’ David Walton †

at Keoghs LLP ; and David Lewis † at Weightmans LLP .

Russell Jones & Walker Manchester Thompsons Manchester

Berg Legal Manchester Gorvins Manchester Laytons Manchester Linder Myers Cheadle Pannone LLP Manchester Stripes Solicitors Manchester


Employment: employee/union firms Regions

East Anglia 265

East Midlands 299

North 323


Scotland 555

South East 381

South West 429

Wales 531

West Midlands 465


Other sections

Foreign firms 621

London 9


The Bar 629


NORTH WEST 347

Regional review 348




Finance 357

Human resources 359

Employment 359

Employment – employee/union firms 360

Health and safety 360

Pensions 361

Insurance 361

Private client 366


Public sector 369

Real estate 371


Transport 380


NORTH WEST

Regulatory expert Richard Smyth at DLA Piper UK LLP is recommended.

Pannone LLP is instructed to prosecute for the HSE, and in 2009 it won high-profile work direct from individuals and corporates.

Pensions

Addleshaw Goddard LLP operates a stable and well-respected team, led by Rachel Rawnsley †; service is ‘ first class ’, and technical knowledge ‘ extensive ’. It acts for major corporates in the region such as Kelloggs and PZ Cussons, and has a strong public sector practice led by Paul Carney , who displays ‘ in-depth knowledge ’ of pensions law. The team continues to advise Co-op on its ongoing reorganisation following recent acquisitions and mergers.

DLA Piper UK LLP ’s team is ‘ excellent in terms of knowledge ’, giving ‘ strong advice ’; Ben Miller is

particularly recommended. Major work in 2009 included rewriting the rules for the Universities Superannuation Scheme, and advising on the merger of three schemes for John Fisher.

Eversheds LLP ’ ‘ well-informed, knowledgeable ’ team was active for the pension trustees of UMBRO, Celmac and Vertex. It advised on a number of scheme closures, and cessation of defined benefits accrual matters. Ronald Graham heads the team, and David Griffiths is appreciated for his ‘ pragmatic, relevant advice ’.

Pinsent Masons LLP has three dedicated pensions partners: Stephen Scholefield †, Howard Ridley † and Pippa Read †. The team won some significant tenders in 2009, and has one of the most impressive client bases in the region. Work included advice to trustees on reorganisations and group restructurings, and on buy-ins with insurers.

Halliwells has three strong pensions partners, in Patrick Kennedy , Peter Connors and the newly promoted Ian O’Toole . Work is mostly non-contentious.

Steve Southern at Hammonds LLP is recommended as providing ‘ consistent, excellent service ’ to trustees. Charmain Johnson ’s contribution to the team was recognised this year by promotion to partner; she leads advice to clients such as SPX and Innospec. Work included buy-ins with insurers, advice in respect of contribution notices from the Pensions Regulator, and scheme mergers.

Andrew Ashley Taylor † leads the practice at Hill Dickinson LLP . It acts for schemes of well-known organisations, and in 2009 won work from MNPA (administrators to the Merchant Navy Officers fund), and the Trustees of the Plymouth and South West Co-op scheme.

DWF LLP has a cross-office northern team, focused in Leeds but with support from Liverpool. The practice is largely advisory, with focal areas including termination of defined benefit accrual.

Insurance

Clinical negligence: claimant

All of the firms listed feature partners who belong to either the AvMA or the Law Society Clinical Negligence Panel.

Irwin Mitchell LLP is a main player in the region, advising on all levels of claims, including high-value cases and claims with significant issues at stake. The three partners are all recommended: Lindsay Wise †, for brain and spinal cord injury cases; Lesley Herbertson , for cerebral palsy and catastrophic injury work; and Francesca Dowse , for cancer, and birth, spinal and brain injury cases. It is supported by public law, Court of Protection, trust and investment management teams, to advise on settlement awards.

Pannone LLP gives excellent, empathetic service. It has acted in numerous £1m-plus cases, as well as cases of utmost importance to the client, bringing unusual or difficult arguments. The ‘ tenacious ’ Emma Holt † leads a team of ten partners. Stephen Jones † is known for his inquiry work (most recently, acting as solicitor to the Redfern Inquiry into human tissue analysis), but is also ‘ faultless ’ in his case work. Kris Inskip †, Jenny Urwin †, Julia Hurstfield † and Brendan Hope † are highly regarded.

Eddie Jones at JMW Solicitors LLP is highly praised. The firm achieved several awards in the £5m bracket this year, and is moving ahead of its competition in this tier. Sally Leonards is ‘ outstanding ’, and Ged Wilson , a Court of Protection Deputy, provides ‘ excellent service and prompt action ’.

Claire Horton is developing a strong team at John Pickering and Partners LLP , this year hiring Rachel Donovan . It is noted for its personal service.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP Manchester DWF LLP Manchester Halliwells Manchester

Hammonds LLP Manchester Hill Dickinson LLP Chester, Liverpool Osborn Abas Manchester

Beachcroft LLP Manchester Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP Manchester DLA Piper UK LLP Manchester Forbes Blackburn Keoghs LLP Bolton Pannone LLP Manchester Weightmans LLP Liverpool

Health and safety

Addleshaw Goddard LLP Manchester DLA Piper UK LLP Liverpool, Manchester Eversheds LLP Manchester Pinsent Masons LLP Manchester

Halliwells Manchester Hammonds LLP Manchester Hill Dickinson LLP Liverpool

DWF LLP Liverpool


Pensions

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Regions

East Anglia 265

East Midlands 299

North 323


Scotland 555

South East 381

South West 429

Wales 531

West Midlands 465


Other sections

Foreign firms 621

London 9


The Bar 629


NORTH WEST 347

Regional review 348




Finance 357

Human resources 359

Insurance 362

Clinical negligence – claimant 362

Clinical negligence – defendant 363

Personal injury – claimant 363

Personal injury – defendant 364

Professional negligence 365

Private client 366


Public sector 369

Real estate 371


Transport 380

Law Society and AvMA panel member Trevor Ward heads a strong team at Linder Myers . Recent work includes £1m-plus cases (including birth injury cases), periodic payment settlements and split liability cases.

Frank Patterson † heads the team at McCool Patterson Hemsi & Co and is well known in the region.

Also recommended are: Helen Barry † at EAD Solicitors LLP ; Heather Jobling at Jobling Gowler ; Michael Danby at Maxwell Hodge ; Helen Dolan at PotterRees, Serious Injury Solicitors ; Nina Roland at The Roland Partnership ; Janet Johnson at Simpson Millar ; and Louise Griffiths at Stephensons Solicitors LLP .

Clinical negligence: defendant

Frances Harrison † and Anne Ball † lead the team at Hempsons , with Ball enjoying a ‘ justifiable reputation ’ for her GMC work. With good strength in depth, the team acts for the NHSLA, the CPC and the MDU, frequently advising trusts and PCTs in the region. It has a focus on alleged obstetric negligence cases, with consequent cerebral palsy, and the team is not shy of disputing a claimant’s choice of care arrangement.

Hill Dickinson LLP is another key firm in healthcare, with a ‘ huge wealth of experience dealing with the NHS ’; ‘ the overall service is excellent ’, ‘ well organised and professional ’. It is instructed by the NHSLA, and has significant strength in depth. Richard Watson † leads an experienced and responsive team, and Joanna Trewin † (in Manchester) attracts praise from clients.

Weightmans LLP is on the NHSLA panel, acting on all claims for clostridium difficile against the NHS. Head of department Vicky Morris † is ‘ tactically astute ’ and a ‘ tenacious fighter ’, dealing with high-value birth injury cases among others.

Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP acts for the MPS, the RCN, and Dental Protection Ltd. Its profile in the region has increased significantly in recent years.

Personal injury: claimant

One of the best-respected firms for catastrophic injury and asbestos claims, Irwin Mitchell LLP is proactive in its approach, engaging insurers at an early stage and pushing for interim payments to fund rehabilitation. Grahame Codd † and Jonathan Betts † are recommended

for catastrophic injury cases, and Geraldine Coombs for asbestos claims.

Geraldine McCool † at McCool Patterson Hemsi & Co is known for her work for the MoD; the firm represents 244 soldiers, advising in high-profile cases such as the Puma Review. Dominic Hemsi † is respected for his industrial disease practice.

Pannone LLP is moving away from commoditised, fast-track work, and focusing on catastrophic injury work, and niche areas such as travel law. Richard Scorer † settled one of the highest-value claims last year (at £5.5m), and is also advising on high-profile child abuse claims.

Union firm Thompsons has expanded, with its merger with Whittles in 2008 followed by the recruitment of

Irwin Mitchell LLP Manchester Pannone LLP Manchester

JMW Solicitors LLP Manchester John Pickering and Partners LLP Liverpool, Manchester Linder Myers Manchester McCool Patterson Hemsi & Co Manchester

EAD Solicitors LLP Liverpool Jobling Gowler Macclesfield Maxwell Hodge Liverpool PotterRees, Serious Injury Solicitors Manchester The Roland Partnership Chester Simpson Millar Manchester Stephensons Solicitors LLP Leigh

Clinical negligence: claimant

Hempsons Manchester Hill Dickinson LLP Liverpool, Manchester Weightmans LLP Liverpool

Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP Manchester


Clinical negligence: defendant


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substantial teams from Rowley Ashworth and Lees Lloyd Whitley. Chris Strogen and Matthew Tollitt manage the Manchester and Liverpool offices respectively. The team is known for its work for asbestos victims, and was instructed in the ‘trigger issue’ test cases.

DWF LLP has rebranded its claimant department as ‘Resolution Law’. The team is headed by David Blaquière .

Fentons Solicitors LLP is growing in reputation and size, and is recommended for mid-tier work. Kieran Maguire † leads the practice. Richard Crabtree joined from Pannone LLP .

JMW Solicitors LLP is headed jointly by Chris Sutton and Richard Powell . The industrial disease unit is led by Andrew Lilley .

John Pickering and Partners LLP is pre-eminent in asbestos cases; the partners ‘ know asbestos disease claims inside out ’. Ground-breaking litigation in 2009 included success at the Court of Appeal for Mrs Wilmore, who contracted mesothelioma during her time at school in Knowsley. The team is ‘ genuinely specialist ’ and has ‘ real compassion for its clients ’. Kevin Johnson †, Neil Fisher † and Carolann Hepworth † are all recommended.

Hugh Potter at niche firm PotterRees, Serious Injury Solicitors is well respected for his work in catastrophic injury claims.

Russell Jones & Walker is well supported by union providers, most prominently the Police Federation. Led by the ‘ professional ’ Tracey Graham †, the team is friendly and approachable. Jonathan Belcham is ‘ held in high regard ’.

Linder Myers is recommended for mid-tier work. Associate Jeremy Bradshaw at Mace & Jones is a ‘ true

professional ’. The firm carries out some high-value work. Silverbeck Rymer is noted for its handling of volume

claims. Simpson Millar achieves a high level of client

satisfaction, and is noted for its professional approach. Stephensons Solicitors LLP is also recommended. The firms in the final tier are all recommended for

fast-track work, with John Barstow at Freeclaim Solicitors standing out for his work on catastrophic injury cases.

Personal injury: defendant

Peter Lindsay † heads the practice at Beachcroft LLP , and specialises in catastrophic injury cases. The team carries out the full range of work, including volume litigation; clients include MMA, Allianz, Zurich, and BA.

Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP is recognised for its work at the top end of the industry. It has an experienced abuse unit, headed by senior partner Jonathan Clay †, and a well-regarded disease unit, headed by the committed and ‘ technically strong ’ Viv Williams †. It is also recommended for catastrophic injury and local authority work. Active clients include Allianz, Zurich, and the MIB. The ‘ level of service is up there with the best ’, with the team’s approachability and innovative thinking particularly appreciated by clients.

DWF LLP has strength in depth in catastrophic injury work; Ian Slater and David Young are recommended. The occupational health team is well respected, and is not shy of taking a robust stance; Mark Treacher achieved excellent results this year, on a bullying/harassment point (advising QBE), and on the issue of the correct test for causation in a claim for negligent exposure (advising Capita/Chester Street).

Despite losing a number of key people in 2009, Halliwells continues to attract high-quality work, and appeared in the House of Lords case Gray v Thames Trains Ltd , where the public policy rule of ex turpi causa was reiterated; Hugh Mullins led the advice. The team is defending the generic 1,000-claimant GLO claim for

Irwin Mitchell LLP Manchester McCool Patterson Hemsi & Co Manchester Pannone LLP Manchester Thompsons Liverpool, Manchester

DWF LLP Liverpool, Manchester Fentons Solicitors LLP Manchester JMW Solicitors LLP Manchester John Pickering and Partners LLP Liverpool, Manchester PotterRees, Serious Injury Solicitors Manchester Russell Jones & Walker Manchester

Linder Myers Manchester Mace & Jones Liverpool Silverbeck Rymer Liverpool Simpson Millar Manchester Stephensons Solicitors LLP Leigh

Personal injury: claimant

colemans-ctts LLP Manchester Donns LLP Manchester

Freeclaim Solicitors Manchester Gorvins Stockport

Beachcroft LLP Manchester Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP Liverpool, Manchester DWF LLP Liverpool, Manchester Halliwells Manchester Hill Dickinson LLP Liverpool, Manchester Keoghs LLP Bolton Weightmans LLP Liverpool

Forbes Blackburn

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP Manchester Davies Arnold Cooper LLP Manchester Horwich Farrelly Manchester Kennedys Manchester Plexus Law LLP Manchester


Personal injury: defendant

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dermatitis, allegedly caused by sofas. The ‘ outstanding ’ Peter Whitehead and the ‘ sound and reliable ’ Peter Walmsley are both well respected for their work in catastrophic claims, ‘ possessing common sense in abundance ’. Siobhan Mullins is recommended for police law.

Hill Dickinson LLP is strong in the retail and leisure sectors. David Scott † achieved success in 2009 in the Court of Appeal in Marsden v Bourne Leisure , a case involving a child drowned in a fenced pond at a caravan park. Jason Spencer † is praised for his ‘ can-do ’ attitude. Jason Bleasdale † is recommended for disease work, and Tony Wilson † for catastrophic injury cases.

Keoghs LLP has an outstanding reputation for tackling fraudulent PI claims, and was instructed in ‘Operation Onion’ in 2009, a successful tort of deceit action against 57 individuals. The firm made a number of significant hires: Chris Phillips , David Pugh †, Judith Martin † and Rachel Hewitt † from Halliwells ; fraud experts Ted Sheils † from Weightmans LLP ; Anthony Dale from DWF LLP ; and Martin McAleer .

Weightmans LLP is another standout defendant firm with a longstanding reputation, particularly for its work for local authorities and the police. Of note in 2009 was a case led by Roddy Macleod , who successfully defended Darlington BC against the claim of a 15-year-old boy left tetraplegic after falling from a tree. David Holt † is known for his work for the MIB.

Forbes is ‘ outstanding, a leader in its field ’; it specialises in local authority work (acting for some 52 authorities), with a team led by the ‘ vastly experienced ’ Martin Crabtree †. Zurich is also a client. David Pickford † and Elizabeth Bower † were promoted to partner.

Also recommended are: Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP , which opened its Manchester office in September 2009, recruiting former DLA Piper UK LLP partners Robert Muttock and Mark Hemsted ; Davies Arnold Cooper LLP ; Horwich Farrelly , which has a popular costs service headed by Nicola Critchley ; Kennedys ; and Plexus Law LLP , which opened a Manchester office in 2010 and has recruited Tim Short , Chris Gough , and Louise Shawe from Halliwells .

Professional negligence

Ruth Lawrence † leads the practice at Hill Dickinson LLP , and is noted as a skilled negotiator with a commercial approach. WRT Berkeley and Quinn have joined a client list which features Aviva, Aspen and Mitsui.

Boutique firm Legal Risk is headed by Frank Maher , and specialises in defending claims against solicitors; clients include Travelers, and US insurer ALAS. Maher attracts praise from clients for his comprehensive understanding of professional negligence/regulation, compliance and risk management.

Mike Grant † at Weightmans LLP focuses on construction professionals and coverage. Mickaela Fox impresses in cases relating to solicitors’ negligence and disciplinary actions. Clients include WR Berkley, Travelers and Bar Mutual.

While Addleshaw Goddard LLP has been left without a dedicated Manchester partner in this field, the commercial team carries out high-quality professional indemnity work for its lending clients.

Ian McConkey † leads the practice at Beachcroft LLP . Client wins in 2009 included Groupama and Inter Hanover. Claire Bushen † has ‘ excellent knowledge of the industry ’.

Sarah Elderton † from Robin Simon LLP and Iain Fraser from Weightmans LLP joined Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP this year, making for a very strong offering in the region. Client wins included Zurich Professional.

DWF LLP has a strong, commercially focused team which acts for RSA and, more recently, Quinn. Julie Bowker joined from Halliwells .

Robin Simon LLP is an excellent niche practice that is widely respected in the industry. Practice head Andrew Macleod advised insurers on numerous policy coverage issues in 2009. Louisa Robbins ’ ‘ industry knowledge is exceptional; her dedication to business, excellent ’.

James Preece † joined Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP from Hill Dickinson LLP .

Hill Dickinson LLP Liverpool, Manchester Legal Risk Liverpool Weightmans LLP Liverpool, Manchester

Addleshaw Goddard LLP Manchester Beachcroft LLP Manchester Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP Manchester, Liverpool DWF LLP Liverpool, Manchester Robin Simon LLP Manchester

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP Manchester Kennedys Manchester Mills & Reeve LLP Manchester


Professional negligence

Aaron & Partners LLP Chester Pannone LLP Manchester

Regions

East Anglia 265

East Midlands 299

North 323


Scotland 555

South East 381

South West 429

Wales 531

West Midlands 465


Other sections

Foreign firms 621

London 9


The Bar 629


NORTH WEST 347

Regional review 348




Finance 357

Human resources 359

Insurance 362

Clinical negligence – claimant 362

Clinical negligence – defendant 363

Personal injury – claimant 363

Personal injury – defendant 364

Professional negligence 365

Private client 366


Public sector 369

Real estate 371


Transport 380


NORTH WEST

Jeremy Riley † moved to Kennedys from Eversheds LLP .

Niall Innes † joined Mills & Reeve LLP from Robin Simon LLP .

Aaron & Partners LLP and Pannone LLP are recommended on the claimant side.

Private client

Agriculture and estates

Richard Forrester at Aaron & Partners LLP advises on all issues affecting farms/farm partnerships, estates and local authorities, and also on alternative energy uses for farms, such as wind turbines.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP has a depth of expertise in issues affecting large estates, including health and safety, tenancy disputes, and tax planning/estate structuring.

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP is well respected, acting for several landed estates; Rupert Jackson † and Helen Ryan are recommended. Expertise includes property, mineral rights, and agricultural management work.

David Mason at Cullimore Dutton is well regarded for his work for landed estates in the region.

David Young † at Hibberts LLP is recommended. Hill Dickinson LLP ’s work tends to have a commercial

focus; clients include NFU Mutual, Chester Zoo and the BASC.

Napthens LLP ’s team of ‘ rural experts ’ acts for NFU Mutual and the NFU; it advises on property and estate planning, and also advises banks in relation to their security. Geoff Tomlinson † is recommended.

Martin Gillibrand at Oglethorpe Sturton & Gillibrand has advised generations of landowners in the North, and runs the Moorland Association. Clients include dairy and upland farmers, and landed estates.

Richard Thomas at Walker Smith Way is instructed by several estates in the region. Work in 2009 included a £12.5m estate sale, and advisory work relating to the NVZ Regulations.

Charities

Addleshaw Goddard LLP ’s charities practice, under Alan Sturrock †, is generally commercially focused. Recent work includes advising on a joint participation statement between a secular school and a local authority relating to new school buildings.

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP has arguably the best strength in depth for charities work. It has a dedicated partner, the ‘ impeccable, supportive, and professional ’ Stephen Claus †, and an accredited charities trainer, Gillian Ashall .

Cobbetts LLP acts for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and The Big Issue in the North. Work in 2009 included assisting with the set up and rolling out of academies by the Co-op College Trust, with advice from pensions and employment specialist Kevin Jaquiss †.

DWF LLP provides cross-departmental advice to charities, particularly on corporate governance matters. In 2009 it advised on merger due diligence and contentious issues between trustees, as well as setting up charities, and advising on the Charities Act 2006.

Catherine Rustomji joined Hempsons to head up its charities team. Prominent clients include Christies, Sue Ryder Care, and Turning Point, and the firm has recently added Vitalise and Wirral Autistic Society to its roster. The team has ‘ excellent knowledge; trustees have trust and confidence in the advice provided and also in the individuals providing it ’.

Hill Dickinson LLP advises its health care and local authority client base on charities issues.

Graham Wood † at Kuit Steinart Levy LLP advises on charities issues arising out of his commercial work.

The ‘ professional ’ and ‘ efficient ’ Simon Ellis at Aaron & Partners LLP is recommended for ecclesiastical matters.

Udo Pope † at Pannone LLP specialises in establishing trusts as flexible vehicles for local authority aims, and

the transfer of local government activities to the voluntary sector.

Family

‘ Second to none ’, DWF LLP ’s team rises in the ranking this year. It is led by the highly recommended David Pickering , who is ‘ firm but fair, capable of giving a strong lead when required ’. The team has strength in depth, and includes Cobbetts LLP ’s former team, which joined in 2007. Leslie Smythe is ‘ extremely efficient, sensible and commercial ’, and Pauline McNamara is an experienced child care lawyer and member of the LSCP. Its experience includes cases involving £10m-plus assets.

Mace & Jones is a ‘ professional but warm ’ firm, with a reputation for tackling issues sensibly. All the partners are experienced in dealing with high-asset, technically complex divorces, and the team is backed up by corporate and trusts colleagues. Feedback is very positive; the ‘ feisty ’ Tina Dunn † is noted for her cross-jurisdictional experience; head of department Carole Atkinson † is ‘ calm and unflappable ’; Emma Collins † ‘ has sound judgement and a very high level of client care ’; and Rosalyn Bever † is ‘ always prepared to go the extra mile ’.

Aaron & Partners LLP Chester Addleshaw Goddard LLP Manchester Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Liverpool, Preston Cullimore Dutton Chester Hibberts LLP Nantwich Hill Dickinson LLP Chester Napthens LLP Preston Oglethorpe Sturton & Gillibrand Lancaster Walker Smith Way Chester

Agriculture and estates

Addleshaw Goddard LLP Manchester Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Liverpool, Preston Cobbetts LLP Manchester DWF LLP Liverpool Hempsons Manchester Hill Dickinson LLP Liverpool Kuit Steinart Levy LLP Manchester

Aaron & Partners LLP Chester Pannone LLP Manchester


Charities

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Regions

East Anglia 265

East Midlands 299

North 323


Scotland 555

South East 381

South West 429

Wales 531

West Midlands 465


Other sections

Foreign firms 621

London 9


The Bar 629


NORTH WEST 347

Regional review 348




Finance 357

Human resources 359

Insurance 362

Private client 366

Agriculture and estates 366

Charities 366

Family 366

Personal tax, trusts and probate 368


Public sector 369

Real estate 371


Transport 380

Pannone LLP has the largest team in the North West, headed by Catherine Jones †. Edward Kitchen † is recommended for his ‘ knowledge and attention to detail ’; Fiona Wood † ‘ exudes confidence and calmness ’; the ‘ first-class ’ Alison Barnett † is ‘ professional yet sympathetic ’; and Andrew Newbury † is also recommended. The firm regularly advises in high-asset divorce, often involving family businesses.

The pragmatic Helen Marriott † at Brabners Chaffe Street LLP is a popular choice: ‘ meticulous, gutsy and sensible ’. Lindsay Yatemant has joined the team.

Halliwells adopts a tenacious but pragmatic approach, led by Elizabeth Hassall , ‘ a consummate professional ’. Patricia Cottrell heads the Liverpool team.

Collaborative lawyer Paula Milburn † at Hill Dickinson LLP impresses clients with her thoroughness, knowledge and level of service. Cases often involve clients with an interest in a business, and the team is well equipped to advise on the economic consequences of settlement scenarios.

Laytons ’ work in 2009 included a revision of a settlement where a disabled child of the relationship achieved majority and became entitled to benefits; and a revision of an aged settlement, where the parties wanted a clean break for the purpose of inheritance tax planning.

Christine Barker † is ‘ pragmatic in her approach, and forthright in the advice ’.

Linder Myers has a number of experienced partners operating out of offices in Manchester and Lytham.

Nigel Shepherd † at Mills & Reeve LLP is well regarded nationally. A collaborative lawyer and a staunch advocate of a solution-focused approach, he is nonetheless a tough litigator. Associate Alison Bull stands out as ‘ tenacious, thoughtful and personable ’. The team advises on high-asset separations and divorces, often involving an international element.

While Stephensons Solicitors LLP carries out some high-asset divorce and separation work, its notable feature is its commitment to legal aid work. The childcare team is headed by Andrew Mountain .

David Parkinson †’s team at Forbes advises clients across the north of the region, on assets and complex children issues.

The team at Gorvins is committed to constructive negotiation as promoted by Resolution and collaborative law. The firm specialises in family law advice to police officers.

The experienced Elizabeth Tait † at Irwin Mitchell LLP promotes the use of collaborative law, and solicitor

Lindsay Jones is involved in a number of pro bono projects in the community. The team promotes itself within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual communities, and has introduced a website for fixed-fee divorces.

Morecrofts LLP has a full-service offering, including public children work, with six solicitors on the childcare panel. Helen Broughton † is recommended for divorce, child care and adoption work.

Robin Charrot joined Stowe Family Law LLP from Carey Olsen in Jersey, to head its team. His ‘ good commercial awareness ’ and ‘ clear and business-like advice ’ has led to some excellent results for his clients. He is ‘ constructive and able ’, with an ‘ exceptional understanding ’ of international and complex tax matters.

DWF LLP Manchester, Liverpool Mace & Jones Knutsford, Liverpool, Manchester Pannone LLP Manchester

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Liverpool Halliwells Liverpool, Manchester Hill Dickinson LLP Liverpool Laytons Manchester Linder Myers Manchester Mills & Reeve LLP Manchester Stephensons Solicitors LLP Manchester

Forbes Blackburn Gorvins Stockport Irwin Mitchell LLP Manchester Morecrofts LLP Liverpool Stowe Family Law LLP Altincham


Family

Cullimore Dutton Chester Hague Lambert Manchester

Kippax Beaumont Lewis Bolton SAS Daniels LLP Stockport

Aaron & Partners LLP Chester George Davies Solicitors LLP Manchester

JMW Solicitors LLP Manchester Slater Heelis Sale


NORTH WEST

Cullimore Dutton was created in February 2009 through the merger of two established Chester firms. Diana Williams and her team promote the constructive approach advocated by collaborative law.

Louise Richardson and Beverley McCluskey are recommended at Hague Lambert .

Nick Lewis † is the name to note at Kippax Beaumont Lewis in Bolton.

Sandra Sinclair † is recommended at SAS Daniels LLP in Stockport.

Personal tax, trusts and probate

Addleshaw Goddard LLP operates at the top end of the market, advising on some estates with values in excess of £10m and also in relation to non-domiciled clients and trusts involving cross-border issues. The firm is on the panel for HSBC and Barclays trust companies. Alan Sturrock † is the practice head, and one of the most experienced trusts and tax lawyers in the region.

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP has one of the strongest teams in the region, following its merger with Bremners, a high-quality private client firm. The team’s approach is ‘ highly professional ’; they are ‘ good people to work with ’. Mark Feeny †, Andrew Holt †, and Duncan Bailey † are recommended, the latter particularly for his ‘ excellent manner and professionalism ’. The firm is on the Camelot panel, acts for a number of sports personalities, and is recommended for its trusts work.

Hill Dickinson LLP ’s ‘ top of the table ’ team has strength in depth, and is headed by Paul Baker †, an ‘ outstanding ’ solicitor. It advises on substantial estates, both in forward planning and in the restructuring of settlements, and acts for UK-resident and offshore clients. The group includes specialist tax adviser John Stockdale .

Clive Pointon at Aaron & Partners LLP is ‘ well informed and clever ’; a Court of Protection panel receiver, he is instructed in complex matters over a wide geographical area. David Cooney is also popular with clients. The team is ‘ invaluable in the setting up of trusts ’.

Experienced Deputy Emma Gaudern is practice head at DWF LLP . The team advises on trusts and tax for high-asset estates, and also on challenges to the validity of wills.

At George Davies Solicitors LLP , the service is ‘ excellent ’, and the advice ‘ accurate and pragmatic ’. Tony Hall is well respected by peers; he advises on tax-planning structures for UK residents and non-domiciles, and charitable legacies, and is trustee for many family trusts.

Ged Wilson at JMW Solicitors LLP acts as Deputy for a number of successful personal injury and clinical negligence claimants who are under a disability. Tax and estates advice is provided by newly recruited associate Elaine Roche .

Kuit Steinart Levy LLP has a good reputation; Graham Wood † is an experienced adviser on tax and trusts, onshore and offshore.

Lane-Smith & Shindler LLP is a niche firm headed by Geoffrey Shindler , a former head of trusts and estates at Halliwells . He combines with corporate specialist Roger

Lane-Smith to form a commercially focused team with particular experience in onshore and offshore trusts.

Tania McGrory is the main contact at Mace & Jones , and is ‘ excellent, always works to deadlines – extremely professional ’. The firm has a substantial will bank, and acts in a number of valuable probates. Its work is both contentious and non-contentious, and sometimes multi-jurisdictional.

Pannone LLP focuses on three main areas: niche work for OMBs, financial services work, and Court of Protection work. John Cotton † heads the financial services side, which advises on the investment of damages received by the firm’s personal injury and clinical negligence practice. The Court of Protection work is managed by Hugh Jones †.

Val Bown † and Moira Percival † at Gorvins are popular with individual clients and professional advisers. Both are Deputies, and provide ‘ a perfect mix of friendliness and professionalism ’.

Carol Mason leads the practice at Halliwells , where the focus is on high-net-worth individuals and charitable trusts.

Laytons is home to the ‘ quite exceptional ’ Philip Laidlow †, formerly of Halliwells . Clients are spread nationwide, and offshore, and the focus is on IHT and CGT planning. Laidlaw enjoys good relationships with St James Place.

Mills & Reeve LLP came into the market this year, and is well respected in the private client arena. The department is headed by the ‘ proactive and forward-

thinking ’ Deborah Clark , an associate and chartered tax adviser, who has already advised some substantial estates on tax planning.

Justine Clowes † heads a large team at SAS Daniels LLP dealing with a very broad range of instructions, and focusing on services for elderly clients. Both Clowes and Lawrence Tudin † are ‘ experienced and competent ’, with good people skills.

At Stephensons Solicitors LLP , Olwen Williams is a Deputy and looks after awards for a number of personal injury clients. The practice has seen growth in mental incapacity work, referred by local authorities.

Also recommended are: Helen Davenport at Cullimore Dutton ; Ian Howard at Forbes ; David Young † at Hibberts LLP ; and Paul Lochery † at Lawson Coppock & Hart .

Projects, energy and natural resources

Private finance initiative (PFI)

Michael O’Connor †’s team at Addleshaw Goddard LLP has won some of the biggest mandates around, including

Addleshaw Goddard LLP Manchester Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Liverpool, Preston Hill Dickinson LLP Liverpool, Manchester

Aaron & Partners LLP Chester DWF LLP Liverpool, Manchester George Davies Solicitors LLP Manchester JMW Solicitors LLP Manchester Kuit Steinart Levy LLP Manchester Lane-Smith & Shindler LLP Manchester Mace & Jones Knutsford, Manchester Pannone LLP Manchester

Gorvins Stockport Halliwells Manchester, Liverpool Laytons Manchester Mills & Reeve LLP Manchester SAS Daniels LLP Macclesfield Stephensons Solicitors LLP Leigh


Personal tax, trusts and probate

Cullimore Dutton Chester Forbes Preston

Hibberts LLP Nantwich Lawson Coppock & Hart Manchester

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Regions

East Anglia 265

East Midlands 299

North 323


Scotland 555

South East 381

South West 429

Wales 531

West Midlands 465


Other sections

Foreign firms 621

London 9


The Bar 629


NORTH WEST 347

Regional review 348




Finance 357

Human resources 359

Insurance 362

Private client 366


Private finance initiative (PFI) 368

Public sector 369

Education 369

Health 370

Local government 371

Real estate 371


Transport 380

advice to the lead arranger in the GM Waste deal, and advice to the consortium (United Utilities/Costain/MWH) on the extension of the £750m, five-year contract with Southern Water. On the education front, the team has won BSF advisory work from councils across the North. The team is also exceptionally strong in social housing, and in health/LIFT schemes.

DLA Piper UK LLP , under Liam Cowell , has one of the strongest pure projects teams, advising on some of the most substantial PFI schemes in the UK. Recent work includes advising on the structuring of the Defence Training Review Project (for Sodexo); the Birmingham BSF project (for Catalyst Lend Lease); and the disposal by the NDA of adjacent land for the development of new nuclear fuel stations (for Sellafield). Senior associate Andrew Davies joined from Addleshaw Goddard LLP .

Graham Alty †’s team at Pinsent Masons LLP remains involved in PFI at the highest level; it is instructed by most of the UK’s largest construction and engineering contractors, including Balfour Beatty, Bovis Lend Lease, and Carillion, and has notable strength in the waste sector. It closed two major projects in 2009 – the DBFO M25 project and the GM Waste Project – with teams continuing to advise the contractors, and also advised Bovis Lend Lease on the £2.4bn Birmingham BSF project. Chris Hallam † and senior associate James Watson are singled out for praise for their broad understanding.

Eversheds LLP acts for sponsors, banks and public sector bodies on major projects across the sectors, and is particularly strong in education and waste. Mike Mousdale led the advice to the GM Waste Authority, in relation to the largest local government PFI, and the largest integrated waste PFI, in Europe.

With clients such as Barclays and Co-operative, Hammonds LLP is mostly involved on the funding side, with recent examples including hospital and GP surgery projects. Stelios Coutsavlis advised West Wiltshire DC on a £76m social housing PFI.

Hill Dickinson LLP has handled an impressive amount of projects/energy work in 2009, mostly led by Stephen Lansdown †. It closed a number of PFI projects for NHS trusts, and has also been active in public sector property and NHS LIFT schemes.

Stephen Birchall † heads a real estate focused PFI team at Beachcroft LLP , which is advising on projects such as the King David School BSF, and the care procurement being carried out by the West Yorkshire Primary Care Trust. Kate Reddiough is ‘ professional, and knowledgeable of government and property ’, and provides ‘ an excellent service all round ’.

Despite a relatively quiet period, Halliwells has seen steady growth in NHS LIFT work, led by David Vayro . It acted for two funders on schemes which closed in 2009.

Udo Pope † at Pannone LLP is recommended.

Public sector

Education

Education has long been one of Eversheds LLP ’s key sectors, its client list extending to institutions all over the country. Diane Gilhooley heads a team with notable strength in depth, advising on complex issues, such as mergers, restructurings and funding. It advised on a number of further education/university collaborations in 2009, often involving overseas partners.

Richard Fleetwood † leads the well-respected BSF team at Addleshaw Goddard LLP , whose clients include Sefton, Oldham and Wirral MBCs, and Eric Wright Group. Strong construction and employment teams advise Manchester University and Manchester Metropolitan University.

DLA Piper UK LLP is acting on BSF projects at Bradford and Birmingham. The real estate team advised Blackpool and The Fylde College on its campus redevelopment, and Mark Beardwood advised the University of Bolton on the Bolton One regeneration project. The ‘ excellent ’ Andrew Roberts advised Deeside College on its merger with the Welsh College of Horticulture. It ‘ always delivers against tight deadlines if required: a one-stop solution ’.

DWF LLP acts for Leeds Metropolitan and Liverpool John Moores University. The team advises on individual student issues, with Maria Burquest specialising, and also handles employment and commercial work.

On the property and construction front, George Davies Solicitors LLP has recently handled development work for Bolton Community College and Manchester

Addleshaw Goddard LLP Manchester DLA Piper UK LLP Manchester Pinsent Masons LLP Manchester

Eversheds LLP Manchester

Hammonds LLP Manchester Hill Dickinson LLP Liverpool


Private finance initiative (PFI)

Beachcroft LLP Manchester Halliwells Manchester

Pannone LLP Manchester


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College. It has also attracted commercial and employment instructions.

Hill Dickinson LLP has a cross-sector offering. On the property side, Jonathan Dover † advised King Davids Schools, Crumpsall on a £20m redevelopment, and Brent Williams † advised new client Chester University.

Mace & Jones has achieved a significant amount since the team’s inception two years ago. Led by Martin Vincent , it advises Bangor University, the NWUA, and purchasing consortium SNUPI.

Pinsent Masons LLP has a cross-office team advising a number of universities in the region; recent matters include sensitive employment and student issues, as well as strategic and structural advice. The team advises on a number of BSF projects.

Weightmans LLP has a strong team, acting in a diverse range of issues such as structuring, exclusion of pupils, pupils’ rights and employment issues. The firm is particularly strong in the independent schools sector. Andrew Cooper † advised four local authorities defending claims that the human rights of four pupils had been violated in the manner in which they had received education.

David Rawlinson at Halliwells is recommended for higher education work.

Health

Addleshaw Goddard LLP advises on major capital and revenue schemes and procurement, although it does not have the full-service offering of other tier-one firms. Mike O’Connor † specialises in PPPs and infrastructure projects, and Paul Conroy † in property projects with PPP/PFI aspects, including LIFT schemes; the firm is advising on all of the LIFT projects in the North West. Recent appointments include a major PFI for Royal Liverpool & Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, and appointment to the panel for work for the NWCCA. The firm is also active in the private sector, advising Eric Wright Group, and private health providers Assura Group and Mouchel Group.

Hempsons is renowned for its strength in depth in health, providing a full-service offering to the NHS; clients have great trust in the team. It has particular strength in real estate (through Jane Donnison †), and mental health care ( Bill Leason †). Senior partner Frances Harrison † has been appointed to review panels (such as that relating to Roy Murray). The firm’s commercial offering was boosted by the arrival of Sean Caldwell from Eversheds LLP , who has considerable equal pay experience. The team is instructed in commercial matters by the NWCCA and in litigation by the NHSLA; it has one of the biggest clinical negligence teams in the region.

Hill Dickinson LLP also has a full-service offering and an excellent reputation. The team is headed by Allan Mowat †, who is well known for his inquiry work, and was appointed to the Redfern Inquiry into organ retention at Alder Hey. Lawford Martin † leads on commercial

matters, including s75 framework agreements, and also in NHS LIFT schemes. The ‘ helpful and supportive ’ Joanna Trewin † leads a niche team advising on death in custody cases, and the ‘ very knowledgeable ’ Sharon Thomas † specialises in mental health law. The firm is appointed to a number of collaborative procurement hubs, including that for the West Midlands and for South East England, and more recently was successful in all ten of its tenders for work from the NWCCA.

Kevin Jaquiss †’ team at Cobbetts LLP has an expanding client base of NHS trusts and PCTs nationwide, and the depth necessary to advise on structure, the competitive dialogue process, and subsequent contract agreements and consortia arrangements.

In 2009 Weightmans LLP won a tender for NWCCA work, and receives non-clinical negligence work from the NHSLA. David Hewitt † has ‘ vast knowledge and understanding ’ in mental health work, while regulatory

enforcement work is led by the ‘ calm and professional ’ David Lewis †.

Corporate partner David Bowcock † joined Brabners Chaffe Street LLP in 2009 from Eversheds LLP . The firm carries out work for GP practices and pharmacies. ‘ Service is first class. ’

DWF LLP ’s Katharine Mellor advises on commercial issues for various NHS providers, and Nancy Kelsall (who joined this year from Addleshaw Goddard LLP ) advises clients such as Assura Group on corporate matters. The team’s growing presence has been recognised by a place on the NWCCA panel.

Eversheds LLP ’ presence in the North West is much diminished, with the majority of healthcare sector work in the North handled from Newcastle. Janet Knowles is recommended for her IP work.

Anne Fairhurst ’s healthcare team at George Davies Solicitors LLP has been appointed to handle corporate,



DWF LLP Liverpool George Davies Solicitors LLP Manchester Hill Dickinson LLP Chester Mace & Jones Manchester Pinsent Masons LLP Manchester Weightmans LLP Manchester

Education

Halliwells Manchester

Addleshaw Goddard LLP Manchester Hempsons Manchester Hill Dickinson LLP Liverpool, Manchester

Cobbetts LLP Manchester Weightmans LLP Liverpool

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Manchester DWF LLP Manchester Eversheds LLP Manchester George Davies Solicitors LLP Manchester


Health

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Regions

East Anglia 265

East Midlands 299

North 323


Scotland 555

South East 381

South West 429

Wales 531

West Midlands 465


Other sections

Foreign firms 621

London 9


The Bar 629


NORTH WEST 347

Regional review 348




Finance 357

Human resources 359

Insurance 362

Private client 366


Public sector 369

Real estate 371

Commercial property 371

Construction 374

Planning and environment 375

Property litigation 376

Social housing 376


Transport 380

commercial, construction and real estate work for the NWCCA. The firm also acts for PCTs, GPs and dental practices.

Local government

Under the leadership of projects expert Mike O’Connor †, Addleshaw Goddard LLP ’s focus on local government has led to raft of instructions. The firm has excellent strategic relationships, and dominates the BSF market, advising on the national programme and also on individual BSFs across the country. The newly established ‘one-stop shop’ regeneration team is advising Blackpool City Council, on a project including the future of the Tower, and Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. The firm is instructed on several LIFT schemes in the region, and has a strong hold in social housing.

Constitutional expert Judith Barnes heads a highly specialist team at Eversheds LLP , advising local authorities across the country. Recent substantial projects for the cross-office team include the GM Waste Authority PFI, a £117m housing PFI for Manchester City Council, and regeneration advice to Blackpool Borough Council on the Talbot Gateway Project, and the firm also has expertise in advising individual officeholders accused of misconduct. Its speed, reliability, industry knowledge and value for money are all appreciated by clients.

Cobbetts LLP ’s public sector team is headed by Tiffany Cloynes † and was augmented by the arrival of Jay Mehta from the NWDA. The firm operates a multi-disciplinary cross-office team. In 2009 it advised Salford City Council on a stalled development scheme, a BSF scheme, and a major landmark office development. It is also strong in equal pay matters.

Mark Beardwood heads the practice at DLA Piper UK LLP , with Roy Beckett featuring strongly, reflecting the real estate, planning and construction focus of the team. Major work included advice to Halton BC on the £450m Mersey Gateway Project, and the redevelopment of Holland Park School for Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The team is on panels for the North West Consortium (of six local authorities), Cheshire West and Chester BC. Sarah Bell is ‘ extremely thorough and hardworking, and goes the extra mile ’.

Weightmans LLP is best known for its litigation work for local authorities and police forces; it is instructed by several legal services consortia, and acts for more police forces than any other firm. Andrew Cooper † is valued for his understanding of the pressures and politics of the sector, and clients are more than satisfied with the depth of knowledge of the wider team, its quality of service and value for money.

Beachcroft LLP is recommended for its real estate and regeneration work.

Hammonds LLP advises on substantial regeneration and redevelopment projects for local authorities around the country, including Rochdale MBC on the £200m redevelopment of the town centre.

The ‘ competent and professional ’ Celia Cullen heads government services at Pinsent Masons LLP , recently carrying out significant work for Bolton and for Sutton Councils.

Also recommended are: Aaron & Partners LLP , for real estate and planning/environment; Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP , for local authority and police litigation; Forbes , for employment and litigation; Hill Dickinson LLP , for regeneration and employment; Pannone LLP , for real estate; and Stephensons Solicitors LLP , for childcare work for local authorities.

Real estate

Commercial property

MANCHESTER: The ‘ commercially aware ’ Mark Haywood † now leads the practice at Addleshaw Goddard LLP . The ‘ overall level of service is superb ’, and the team has ‘ sufficient resource and sufficient ability at exactly the right level to provide effective, efficient

Addleshaw Goddard LLP Manchester Eversheds LLP Manchester

Cobbetts LLP Manchester DLA Piper UK LLP Liverpool, Manchester Weightmans LLP Liverpool

Beachcroft LLP Manchester Hammonds LLP Manchester Pinsent Masons LLP Manchester


Local government

Aaron & Partners LLP Chester Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP Liverpool,

Manchester Forbes Blackburn

Hill Dickinson LLP Liverpool Pannone LLP Manchester Stephensons Solicitors LLP Manchester


NORTH WEST

and timely advice ’. In 2009 it advised the Co-operative on a substantial acquisition, won panel appointment with F & C REIT, and advised Muse Developments on the redevelopment at Talbot Gateway, Blackpool.

Real estate head Anita Weightman at DLA Piper UK LLP is well respected in the market place, and advised Vue on its 3,000-seat cinema at Westfield in London; such longstanding portfolio clients have proved valuable during a period of subdued transactional activity. Regional deals included advising Lookers on its refinancing, and acting for Dave Whelan Sports on the acquisition of the health club arm of JJB Sports. Roy Beckett advised on substantial lettings to the GMC and Beachcroft LLP in Spinningfields.

Eversheds LLP ’s strength in regeneration continues, with reappointments to the panels of both the NWDA and the HCA, which instructed the firm on the £200m West Gorton scheme, and the Edge Lane redevelopment. Paul Hothi has been promoted to partner, and advises on the Thames Gateway project – he is ‘ commercial, very direct, extremely thorough ’. The team also advised Blackpool Council on the Talbot Gateway project, and Martin Hoare acted for Urban Splash on a multimillion-pound funding deal with the HCA. High-profile lettings included The Gherkin to Axa Insurance (led by the ‘ knowledgeable ’ Nancy Brown ). Phillip Tunney ’s team was selected by INEOS to advise on the property aspects of its £9b refinancing.

Beachcroft LLP ’s strength in asset management (for clients such as Hermes Real Estate) and the public sector has been invaluable in the current economic climate. Alison Key †’s team is valued for its approachability, strength in depth, and response times. In 2009 the team was appointed as sole adviser to the HMRC on its PFI projects, and to the panel for the NWLC (a legal consortium for 25 councils in the region). It acts for Westfield, Pets at Home, Pirelli and Co-operative Financial Services. Eve Gregory † joined in 2010, from Eversheds LLP .

The ‘ commercially aware ’ Tony Fitzmaurice † (ex- Cobbetts LLP ) has joined Brabners Chaffe Street LLP , a ‘ very good firm with hand-on partners ’. Fitzmaurice’s reputation, particularly in the public sector, enhances a well-respected team, which provides ‘ a great balance between technical ability and commerciality ’ and ‘ excellent personal service ’. High-profile work included acting for DHL, and for Bolton One (on a £30m leisure development.). Matthew O’Brien is ‘ an excellent junior lawyer, old beyond his years ’.

Despite the loss of Tony Fitzmaurice † and Andrew Dunn , Cobbetts LLP retains ‘ obvious strength in depth ’. The team is strong in the public sector and the leisure industry, and its service and response times are ‘ excellent ’. Simon Worrall † is praised for his knowledge and practicality.

The ‘ proactive and commercial ’ Anita Gupta leads at DWF LLP , where the team is ‘ a safe pair of hands ’. Paul Gidman is singled out for his ‘ prompt and business-like dealings ’. Instructions in 2009 included advice to the Greenbank Partnership (on a £120m disposal) and to St Modwen (on a £15m retail development).

At Halliwells , Aldi is a key retail client, while on the development front, the team is advising Ask Property Developments on the Townside project, and Northern Trust on its investment in the North Staffordshire Business Park. Practice head Mike Edge is set to leave for Pinsent Masons LLP .

Hammonds LLP remains active in development; it is on the NWDA and HCA panels, and was recently appointed by Rochdale Council to advise on the £200m redevelopment of the town centre. The team has good logistics and distribution clients, advising ProLogis and Eddie Stobbart on substantial lettings. On the finance side, the team advised RBS on the development of Lancashire Cricket Club. Liam Buckley is highly rated by clients.

The well-respected Stephen Chalcraft † leads the way at Pannone LLP , winning work from GenR8 (a 1.2m square foot redevelopment in Stoke on Trent), and Manchester City Council (a 20-acre mixed-use regeneration scheme for the Co-operative). The firm also advised Lancashire County Developments, Property Alliance Group, and Santander Real Estate. The ‘ meticulous and well-informed ’ Stephen Lintott † is singled out for praise, as is Stephen Crook †.

Pinsent Masons LLP has been advising on substantial projects, such as the Bolton Health and Leisure Centre (for Eric Wright), and the £64m development of Central

Park for the GMPA (for ASK/Goodman Developments). Pamela Young † is praised for her ‘ thorough ’ approach, Jane Morden † for her ‘ commercial and constructive approach ’. Mike Edge is set to join as practice head.

Hill Dickinson LLP welcomed the efficient and knowledgeable Jonathan Dover † from Berg Legal . In redevelopment, the team advised King David Schools, and won the contract to advise Lancashire Cricket Club on phases 2 and 3 of its development.

Kuit Steinart Levy LLP has a ‘ strong and multi-specialised team ’. Jonathan Marks † and David Haffner † are recommended. Institutional clients include Land Securities and Persimmon.

Mace & Jones counts the Co-operative Group and Pochins among its clients. It is strong in development and planning, and acts for the NWDA. Karl Jackson † is recommended.

Also recommended are: Ross Wellman , who has replaced Jonathan Dover † at Berg Legal ; Anne Fairhurst at George Davies Solicitors LLP ; Stephen Goodman at Goodman Harvey ; ‘ stalwart of property ’ Jane Donnison † at Hempsons ; Daniel Hickey for secured lending work, and Andrew Bell for property recovery at Irwin Mitchell LLP ; JMW Solicitors LLP ; Lawson Coppock & Hart , for advice to the brewing trade; the ‘ no-

Addleshaw Goddard LLP DLA Piper UK LLP Eversheds LLP

Beachcroft LLP Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Cobbetts LLP DWF LLP Halliwells Hammonds LLP Pannone LLP Pinsent Masons LLP

Hill Dickinson LLP Kuit Steinart Levy LLP Mace & Jones


Commercial property: Manchester

Berg Legal George Davies Solicitors LLP Goodman Harvey Hempsons Irwin Mitchell LLP JMW Solicitors LLP

Lawson Coppock & Hart Laytons Nexus Solicitors Stripes Solicitors Weightmans LLP

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Regions

East Anglia 265

East Midlands 299

North 323


Scotland 555

South East 381

South West 429

Wales 531

West Midlands 465


Other sections

Foreign firms 621

London 9


The Bar 629


NORTH WEST 347

Regional review 348




Finance 357

Human resources 359

Insurance 362

Private client 366


Public sector 369

Real estate 371


Construction 374



Social housing 376


Transport 380

nonsense ’ Mark Gillies † and Claire Beaumont at Laytons ; retail specialist Desmond O’Driscoll at Nexus Solicitors ; the ‘ straight-talking, pragmatic, and personable ’ Andrew Dunn at Stripes Solicitors ; and Anne Dobie at Weightmans LLP .

LIVERPOOL: Phillip Rooney and Alison Mills at DLA Piper UK LLP are rated as ‘ excellent ’; ‘ service levels are comparable (and in some cases better) than London-based practices ’. The firm has a strong investor client base, which includes the Co-operative, and the USS, which it has advised on a number of £100m-plus deals. Activity in the public sector has included the Bolton One project, and instructions from HCA on the Kings Waterfront site.

Hill Dickinson LLP has a sizeable team with good depth, led by Pamela Jones †. The practice includes NHS schemes, local authority work, retail, utilities, and development (where clients include Peel Holdings and Watkin Jones). In 2009 it was appointed to the Co-operative’s reviewed panel. Peter Bullivant † remains popular for overall legal advice, and Martyn McDonald † and Tony Houghton † have ‘ excellent legal property knowledge ’. Peter Barlow † is ‘ responsive and practical, and provides an excellent service ’.

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP has a substantial team. Jeff Gillbanks † and Stephen Lewis † are praised for their ‘ can-do attitude and practical understanding ’, and James Clarke † and Keith Housley † are noted for ‘ strong commercial awareness at the cutting edge of the real estate market ’. The client list features lenders such as Santander and Co-operative Bank, and retail clients such as Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Martin McColl. Client wins in 2009 included Peel Ports Group, Property Alliance Group, and Asschenfeldt K/S .

David Morgan heads the team at Halliwells , where Alex McCann made partner this year. McCann and Mark Gaffney led the advice on a 220,000 sq ft lease. The team acts for Trusts Inns, Bruntwood Estates, National Museums Liverpool, and Cammell Laird.

At DWF LLP , the ‘ consistent and diligent ’ Peter Barber and team head Andrew Nichol are popular with clients, and praised for their response times and business knowledge. The team has been appointed to advise lenders Santander and Unity, and reappointed to act for John Moores University.

Mace & Jones has a good developer client base. In 2009 Janice Weatherly † led on an acquisition for SHS International (part of Danone).

Murphy Hodgkinson LLP is a niche firm headed by Karen Murphy †, and punches above its weight in residential development. It provides a ‘ top-quality ’ and ‘ good-value ’ service for national housebuilders Redrow and Barratt.

Weightmans LLP is strong in the local authority and education sectors. It also acts for the Pure Leisure Group and Bank of Ireland.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NORTH WEST : The ‘ commercially focused ’ and ‘ extremely knowledgeable ’ Ross Shine † heads Brabners Chaffe Street LLP ’s Preston practice, and specialises in brownfield sites and infrastructure projects. Clients include CSL, Dixon Adflow and Lancashire Police, and rate the firm as ‘ excellent ’ and ‘ efficient ’. Notable work included advising on the politically challenging National Football Museum relocation.

Robin Jones † heads the team at Hill Dickinson LLP , which counts University of Chester (new to the firm this year), Chester Zoo and Chester Cathedral among its clients. Prominent local business clients include Hawker Beechcraft,.

Development specialist Colin Rowe is making his mark at Aaron & Partners LLP , advising on regeneration projects in Liverpool and Manchester. The Chester team, headed by Richard Forrester , acts for Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water.

Forbes has a good reputation in the region. The property team is headed by Tim Hollingsworth †, and carries out substantial work for a varied client base of funders, developers and RSLs.

Gorvins is another popular choice locally. Steven Moyle † is recommended for landlord and tenant work.

Clients include expanding regional entities such as Kids of Wilmslow along with banks and developers.

Hibberts LLP is known for its work for high-wealth individual investors.

Victoria Jones at Hillyer McKeown receives good feedback from institutional lenders; she is ‘ extremely diligent ’, ‘ very proactive ’, and provides ‘ excellent service ’.

Debbie Roberts †’ team at Kippax Beaumont Lewis has remained stable despite the recession. Work features landlord/tenant advice to a national fragrance retailer and to regional clients, to private investors, and to housebuilders such as Jones Homes.

DLA Piper UK LLP Hill Dickinson LLP

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Halliwells

DWF LLP Mace & Jones Murphy Hodgkinson LLP Weightmans LLP


Commercial property: Liverpool


NORTH WEST

Napthens LLP has a substantial offering across the region, and an impressive client list, featuring supermarket chain EH Booth & Co, Daniel Thwaites, Eric Wright Group, and now HSBC.

Richard Lloyd † at Neil Myerson LLP is recommended for security work and for work for SMEs; he has ‘ good technical knowledge and commercial common sense ’. The firm also advised on numerous lettings in 2009.

At Slater Heelis , Mike Fox † and Ruth McCarthy † carry out secured lending work for banks such as RBS and the Co-operative.

David Baybut at Stephensons Solicitors LLP has good retail and lending clients.

Walker Smith Way has a sizeable team led by Huw Davies , acting for developers, lenders, retailers and housebuilders.

Peter Bujakowski at Jobling & Knape is recommended for general commercial property work.

Rebecca Simpson heads the practice at SAS Daniels LLP ; the firm advises lenders (such as RBS), housebuilders and pensions funds.

Construction

Pinsent Masons LLP remains unmatched in strength in depth in the North West. It acts for three of the five largest UK contractors, and continued to advise the construction consortium on the Highways Agency’s DNFO project for the M25 (led by Graham Alty †), and Bovis Lendlease on the £2.4bn Birmingham BSF project.

It also continued its work on the £4bn GM Waste PFI scheme, led by Chris Hallam †, and successfully advised Amec in a claim for a mandatory injunction regarding the delivery of quality assurance documentation from sub-contractors. The procurer/investor practice also remains strong, instructions coming from the public sector, utilities and new clients such as Urenco. Katherine Sneddon †, Michael Hopkins † and Andrew Denton † are recommended for contentious work.

Nancy McGuire † heads Addleshaw Goddard LLP ’s non-contentious team, which is acting for Peel Media in the £500m development of MediaCity. Longstanding clients PZ Cussons and MMU instructed the team on developments this year, and the team closed the GM Waste PFI. On the contentious side, Jonathan Tattersall †’s team has a strong presence, increasingly advising on substantial international disputes.

Jim Pinsent and Daniel Jude at DLA Piper UK LLP are highly regarded. The firm acts in some of the region’s foremost projects, such as the £160m Central Village in Liverpool; the new ferry landing stage at Pier Head in Liverpool; and Liverpoool FC’s new stadium. Clients on the contentious side include nuclear and waste contractors, mechanical and electrical firms such as E&B Group, and the MPTE.

DWF LLP ’s construction team has expanded significantly over recent years, with hires from Halliwells and DLA Piper UK LLP . The team features experienced lawyers such as Paul O’Kane and Paul Barge and acts for developers and construction companies such as Peel Holidings, and Neptune Developments; work for the

latter includes the £174m redevelopment project for Wolverhampton.

Simon Chamberlain leads Eversheds LLP ’s team. The firm’s public sector links have ensured a flow of work at a time of low developer activity; projects included a £117m housing PFI, a £230m BSF project, and a £400m utilities project. Chamberlain is also involved on the contentious side, and recently successfully concluded a substantial mediation.

Halliwells has a large team led by Karen Spencer , with strength in depth in contentious matters. Despite a difficult year, the team has advised on some high-profile projects, such as Mediacity in Salford, and the development of a new hospitality venue for Lancashire County Cricket Club.

David Moss and Paul Giles focus on contentious work at Hammonds LLP . The team has a strong presence in chemicals, and oil and gas, and in 2009 won instructions on a significant international project. Non-contentious work is led by Julian Scott . Clients include Manchester universities, the North Wales Police, and the Museum of Science and Industry.

Hill Dickinson LLP has a quality offering in both contentious and non-contentious work. The team is led by David Chinn † in Liverpool and Michael Woolley † in Manchester. It was strengthened by the recruitment of Ed Davies , formerly a partner at Pinsent Masons LLP .

Ian Hardman † at Brabners Chaffe Street LLP is recommended for contentious work. On the non-contentious side, the firm is advising in relation to some sizeable projects in the region, such as a £30m project for Bolton Borough Council and a £40m Spar store distribution centre. It has been appointed sole legal adviser to the Port of Liverpool.

Davies Arnold Cooper LLP has expanded, recruiting Barry Goodall , who is dual qualified as a chartered quantity surveyor and solicitor. The team advises on contractual documentation for clients such as airports and housing trusts, but is better known for its contentious work for developers and engineers among others.

The highly experienced Peter Wood has moved to Mace & Jones from Pinsent Masons LLP . He joins well-respected partners Ken Salmon and Charles Tomlinson †. Significant work in 2009 included advising Ask Goodman on the new Police HQ in Manchester (with a project value of £63m). Active clients include Amec, Birse and Balfour Beatty.

Sean McCay † heads the team at Pannone LLP , advising clients such as SITA and Magnox North on construction issues at numerous sites. GMPTE is another active client. Simon Foy † joined this year from Global Renewables, while Emma Judge on the contentious side has left the firm.

Also recommended are: Henry Stone † at Cobbetts LLP ; Anne Kershaw † at Kennedys ; associate Catherine Kay at George Davies Solicitors LLP (for non-contentious work); Paul Hyland at Trowers & Hamlins LLP , for housing project advice, and Paul Donnelly at Weightmans LLP .

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Preston Hill Dickinson LLP Chester

Aaron & Partners LLP Chester Forbes Blackburn Gorvins Stockport Hibberts LLP Nantwich

Hillyer McKeown Chester Kippax Beaumont Lewis Bolton Napthens LLP Preston, Chorley, Blackpool, Blackburn Neil Myerson LLP Altrincham Slater Heelis Sale Stephensons Solicitors LLP Wigan, St Helens, Leigh, Bolton Walker Smith Way Chester


Commercial property: Elsewhere in the North West

Jobling & Knape Lancaster

SAS Daniels LLP Congleton, Macclesfield, Stockport

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Planning and environment

The ‘ marvellous ’ Richard Lloyd at Eversheds LLP ‘ lives up to his reputation ’ for large projects; he has been acting on the Thames Gateway scheme (involving 3,500 new homes, and retail and business development), and advising the LDA on the 2012 Olympic Games; ‘ he understands and can manage the risks ’. In the region, he is acting for Knowsley MBC on the controversial plans for the regeneration of Kirkby town centre, including the construction of the new stadium for Everton FC. On the litigation side, the team is acting for Lancaster City Council in a £7m compensation claim relating to a CPO.

Grant Anderson † at Addleshaw Goddard LLP has been active in retail, regeneration and mineral industries, acting for a healthy mix of public and private sector clients. The team has advised on a number of waste projects, including the GM Waste PFI, which closed this year. Sainsbury’s is a major client of the firm; work this year included a mixed-use regeneration project in Liverpool.

DLA Piper UK LLP handles a mix of public and private sector work. Kate Creer headed a team which guided Halton BC through the land acquisition aspects of the £450m Mersey Gateway Project, including a six-week inquiry. Creer also advised Peel Ports on the first phase of the Wirral Waters project, and advised mineral client MWH in a £7.5m claim for compensation relating to minerals extraction at one of its quarries.

The ‘ knowledgeable ’ Paul Bratt heads Hammonds LLP ’s environmental practice. With a strong international oil and gas and chemicals client base, his expertise is frequently sought out; common issues include contamination, site closure, carbon reduction commitment, and hazardous waste matters.

Zyda Law LLP is a niche practice based in Nantwich, headed by Paul Zyda . It provides an ‘ excellent and efficient service ’ with a ‘ can-do ’ attitude and ‘ belt-and-braces approach ’: ‘ a real client’s firm ’. It provides specialist advice on substantial planning and environmental programmes, and has particular strength in the nuclear industry, advising British Energy in relation to its various nuclear sites, the UKAEA on the decommissioning at Dounreay, and Blythe Park Power on a proposed 950MW CCGT in Staffordshire.

Cobbetts LLP acted for Stockport MBC on the planning issues necessary to build a primary school on a former landfill site. John Moritz †’s team has also been busy for regional developers, private individuals, and established clients such as Clear Channel UK.

Andrew Piatt ’s team at Halliwells acts for private sector clients. Work in 2009 included successfully challenging a mixed-use development planning permission refusal (for Gateway Hydraulics); obtaining permission for a judicial review relating to a planning decision for a redevelopment scheme in the North East (for the Co-operative Group); and continuing to advise Everton FC on its new stadium proposals.

At Pannone LLP , Keith Davidson † specialises in contaminated land issues, acting for Salford and

Manchester City Councils. He is ‘ a pleasure to work with ’: ‘ extremely capable and astute ’.

Simon Carter leads the practice at Aaron & Partners LLP , advising clients such as Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water, housebuilders, developers , mineral operators, and waste companies.

Kevin Halewood at Brabners Chaffe Street LLPadvises on planning appeals, CPOs and development work. Associate Julie Goulbourne advises on environmental issues, including regulatory work.

DWF LLP is a relative newcomer to the market; it acts for a number of councils, has been appointed to the Co-operative panel, and advises Taylor Wimpey, Barratt Regeneration, and Peel.

Pinsent Masons LLP Manchester


DWF LLP Liverpool, Manchester Eversheds LLP Manchester Halliwells Manchester Hammonds LLP Manchester Hill Dickinson LLP Liverpool, Manchester


Construction

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Liverpool Davies Arnold Cooper LLP Manchester

Mace & Jones Liverpool, Manchester Pannone LLP Manchester

Cobbetts LLP Manchester George Davies Solicitors LLP Manchester

Trowers & Hamlins LLP Manchester Weightmans LLP Liverpool, Manchester

Regions

East Anglia 265

East Midlands 299

North 323


Scotland 555

South East 381

South West 429

Wales 531

West Midlands 465


Other sections

Foreign firms 621

London 9


The Bar 629


NORTH WEST 347

Regional review 348




Finance 357

Human resources 359

Insurance 362

Private client 366


Public sector 369

Real estate 371


Construction 374



Social housing 376


Transport 380


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Consultant Brian Wake at Freeth Cartwright LLP specialises in contaminated land issues. Clients include Peel Holdings and Lafarge Cement.

John Holmes ’ team at Hill Dickinson LLP has made headway in the market since its inception two years ago, winning work from Sefton MBC, Wirral PCT, and the Northern Zoological Society (in respect of the Chester Super Zoo).

Consultant Lewis Denton at Mace & Jones is a former town planner, with a varied practice and ‘ great in-depth knowledge ’.

Associate Simon Colvin † at Pinsent Masons LLP is a ‘ rising star ’, and advises on a broad range of environmental issues.

Property litigation

Addleshaw Goddard LLP is strong across litigation, asset management and insolvency-related matters. New clients include GWA Grimley and industrial site owner VALAD, joining Lloyds Pharmacy, the Co-operative,

Admiral Taverns and Standard Life. Charles Jagger † is recommended, along with associate Patricia Love ; the team is proactive and ‘ excellent value for money ’.

Beachcroft LLP excels in representing clients in substantial (£1m-plus) pieces of litigation. Longstanding clients include the HMRC, Asda, and the CIS, and it is increasingly providing advice to landlords facing tenant insolvency. Robert Moss † is ‘ well grounded ’ with good knowledge on local matters which may affect his clients.

Cobbetts LLP acts for clients with large property portfolios, such as Orange PCS and Speedy Hire, and increasingly for banks which are enforcing their security. The team has strength in depth, and Alan Walker † is a good communicator who ‘ makes decisions much easier ’.

DLA Piper UK LLP advises on substantial individual cases. In 2009, Steven Jennings led on a lease forfeiture claim with a value of £6m, and Martin Griffith acted for Arvin Meritor in a £5.8m dilapidations claim.

The team at Eversheds LLP is well respected by clients; James Batham is ‘ sensible, pragmatic and realistic ’, and Nicola Buchanan is ‘ very sharp ’. The firm is recommended for instructions at both ends of the scale. In 2009 it successfully advised the NWSHA on its exit strategy from its lease at Gateway House, and advised the NWDA on an overage claim relating Mann Island, Liverpool.

Ralph Bullivant † at Hill Dickinson LLP has a longstanding reputation in the market, and is appreciated as ‘ well organised, with excellent attention to detail ’. The firm has been involved in an increasing amount of strategy advice for landlord clients facing tenant insolvency, and for compensation claims following CPOs.

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP won St James Securities as a new client, with instructions to defend a £1m delapidations claim. It also acts for Peel Ports, and British Sugar.

DWF LLP acts for developers and landlords, including Neptune and James Hall Properties (Spar). It has a varied caseload, including disputes exceeding £1m.

Halliwells has an active department headed by Kevin Lee . Work in 2009 included resisting a landlord’s injunction claim to enter premises belonging to Kwik-Fit, and advising developers in respect of a valuable development in Liverpool, which is alleged to oversail neighbouring land.

Kate Hamilton Ryan † at Pannone LLP advised Piccadilly Gateway on obtaining vacant possession of Gateway House, and also provides corporate support.

Also recommended are: Richard Forrester and John DeVoy at Aaron & Partners LLP ; Robin Stephens † at Forbes ; Hammonds LLP ’ ‘property @ction’ team, under ‘ responsive and direct ’ senior associate Helen Hoath , which acts for large corporates such as Michael Page, and the Stobart Group; Simon Murphy † at Mace & Jones ; and retail specialist Debbie Illsley at Nexus Solicitors .

Social housing

2009 saw the merger of Bremners with Brabners Chaffe Street LLP , giving rise to one of the most


Addleshaw Goddard LLP Manchester DLA Piper UK LLP Liverpool, Manchester Hammonds LLP Manchester Zyda Law LLP Nantwich

Cobbetts LLP Manchester Halliwells Manchester Pannone LLP Manchester

Planning and environment

Aaron & Partners LLP Chester Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Liverpool, Preston DWF LLP Manchester Freeth Cartwright LLP Manchester

Hill Dickinson LLP Liverpool Mace & Jones Manchester Pinsent Masons LLP Manchester, Liverpool

Addleshaw Goddard LLP Manchester Beachcroft LLP Manchester Cobbetts LLP Manchester DLA Piper UK LLP Manchester Eversheds LLP Manchester Hill Dickinson LLP Liverpool

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Manchester DWF LLP Manchester Halliwells Manchester Pannone LLP Manchester

Aaron & Partners LLP Chester Forbes Blackburn Hammonds LLP Manchester Mace & Jones Manchester Nexus Solicitors Manchester


Property litigation

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comprehensive housing teams in the region, headed by the knowledgeable Alistair Fletcher †. The firm gets good client feedback; the ‘ trusted, dependable ’ Ian Alderson † ‘ brings clarity to complex situations ’.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP is pre-eminent in social housing for housing associations. Mike Gaskell heads the practice, advising on deals such as the charging of 1,650 properties for Bromford Group, and the acquisition of 5,300 dwellings for Eastland Homes by way of LSVT.

Sarah Mansfield † at Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP has a good success record in antisocial and possession orders for clients such as Halton Housing Trust, Golden Gates Housing and Yorkshire Housing.

Richard St John Williams † leads the group at Cobbetts LLP , which in 2009 acted for Contour Housing Group (in relation to the Brunswick Estate housing PFI); Progress Housing Group (on the admission of New Flyde Housing as a subsidiary), and Blaenau Gwent County BC (on a large-scale transfer of stock).

Niche firm Howarth Goodman is strong in the region, acting at any one time for over 50 RSLs. Active clients in 2009 included Contour Housing, Vicinity Group and Family Mosaic.

Sian Evans ’ housing management team at Weightmans LLP provides ‘ an excellent service ’. David Percival is recommended for property transactions, and the team regularly advises on stock transfers. Philip Heath joined in 2009 from Shoosmiths .

Eversheds LLP has a good RSL client list; the practice is focused on the planning stage of regeneration/redevelopment projects.

Stuart Penswick † at Forbes made partner in 2009. The firm provides ‘ good value for money ’, and will ‘ go the extra mile to deliver an effective service ’.

Hill Dickinson LLP advises a number of RSLs on site acquisitions and development.

Sheila Whitton † has joined Mace & Jones as team head, and specialises in site acquisition, and large-scale development and regeneration schemes. The firm acts for some well-known RSLs in the region.

Platt Halpern Solicitors is recommended on the tenant side, in particular John Stringer .

Stephensons Solicitors LLP is also recommended for tenants’ rights work.

TMT

Intellectual property and information technology

Addleshaw Goddard LLP has the strongest name for IP in the region. Clients include PZ Cussons, Sainsbury’s, Barclays Bank, Primark, Argos and Gucci, and the firm is now sole legal adviser to i3Group/H2o Networks. Paul Bentham †, James Whittaker †, and Martin Lewis are recommended for non-contentious work, particularly for IP issues relating to acquisitions and joint ventures, and Nick Rudgard is recommended for IP disputes. In IT there is a focus on financial services, the public sector, and retail; recent work includes outsourcing advice to Co-Operative Financial Services, and a range of BSF schemes.

DLA Piper UK LLP punches above its weight in IT, advising the DWP on its modernisation plan, GMPTE

on smart card ticketing procurement, and Manchester City Council/Manchester Primary Care Trust on the ‘Points4Life’ project. Lee Brierley is recommended as providing ‘ excellent support and guidance ’; he is praised for his relation-building skills between the client and suppliers. In the private sector, it was appointed to advise Barclays Bank, through Stephen Wright . The IP team advised Liverpool FC on a £80m shirt sponsorship deal and, on the contentious side, Graeme Orchison successfully acted for Ancon in a patent infringement case in the Court of Appeal, resisting an application for permission to appeal.

Cobbetts LLP ’s work in 2009 included advising on an early exit strategy in relation to an outsource service provider, and on Freedom of Information Act and online libel issues for various clients. Susan Hall † is

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Liverpool Trowers & Hamlins LLP Manchester

Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP Liverpool Cobbetts LLP Manchester Howarth Goodman Manchester, Preston Weightmans LLP Liverpool

Eversheds LLP Manchester Forbes Preston Hill Dickinson LLP Liverpool Mace & Jones Manchester Platt Halpern Solicitors Rusholme Stephensons Solicitors LLP Manchester


Social housing

Regions

East Anglia 265

East Midlands 299

North 323


Scotland 555

South East 381

South West 429

Wales 531

West Midlands 465


Other sections

Foreign firms 621

London 9


The Bar 629


NORTH WEST 347

Regional review 348




Finance 357

Human resources 359

Insurance 362

Private client 366


Public sector 369

Real estate 371


IP/IT 377

Media and entertainment 378

Sport 379

Transport 380


NORTH WEST

recommended. Robert Roper † handles contentious IP work, including injunctive relief claims, search and seize orders, and trade mark infringements.

Antony Gold at Eversheds LLP is well respected for brand protection work. The firm’s profile in the North West is growing, and it now acts for top-end brands such as Selfridges, Kurt Geiger and Bentley Motors. On the contentious front, it handled a high-profile dispute for Yorkshire Television, and acted for Specsavers in an ongoing dispute with Asda. Janet Knowles is ‘ exceptionally skilled in her field ’; ‘ service levels are exceptional ’.

Jonathan Moakes at Halliwells is recommended for IP litigation; his team provides ‘ a knowledgeable service ’ and is ‘ technically accomplished ’. Work in 2009 included a patent action for Secure Options; defending trade mark infringement proceedings for Flowers Direct; and preventing misuse of the ‘Love Hearts’ name for Swizzels Matlow. In non-contentious IT, Nick Carter (who has ‘ excellent customer focus and commercial acumen ’) and ‘ Mr Efficiency ’ Peter Budd are highly praised for fast turnaround times, high service levels and excellent industry knowledge. Craig Chaplin is set to leave the team.

Hammonds LLP has a strong record on the IP side, with an international offering and some high-calibre advisers, although key figure Dr Patricia Jones recently left the firm to establish her own practice. On the IT front, the firm acts for customers (such as Co-operative Bank), and suppliers (such as GB Group). Peter Donaldson is recommended.

Samantha Livesey †, head of non-contentious IP/IT at Pannone LLP , is popular with clients, and noted as ‘ highly professional, analytical, and pragmatic ’. Bill Lister † is recommended for his ‘ vast experience in the IP litigation field ’; clients include Volkswagen AG and Siouxsie Sioux.

Beachcroft LLP acted in a number of contentious IP matters for Infor and Lawspeed among others. The team also advised insurers and healthcare providers.

At Brabners Chaffe Street LLP , Jason Smith † is recommended for trade mark work: he is ‘ very impressive, responsive, and knowledgeable ’. Nik White is recommended for software contracts, with ‘ good software industry and IP-related knowledge ’. The firm was appointed by Thomas Cook and Nielsen Market Research to advise on sponsorship and product/service supply agreements for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and by UNICEF on branding and IP. It also acts for the Trade Mark Prosecution Service.

DWF LLP is recommended for IT, and regularly provides IP advice to commercial clients such as Muller and Princes. The team is set to become more IP focused with the arrival of Craig Chaplin from Halliwells ; he is ‘ a pragmatic lawyer with strong commercial skills ’.

At Hill Dickinson LLP , Philip Woods † advises a number of high street names on IPR portfolio management. The team was joined by Dr Peter Harrison † in September 2009. IT clients include NCP, and Stanley Betting.

At Kuit Steinart Levy LLP , Ian Morris † ‘ achieves results ’ in IP litigation, and Colin Hoffman † has ‘ vast experience in non-contentious IP ’.

JMW Solicitors LLP has a standalone IP team headed by Roy Crozier , acting for leading brands such as Jemella (owner of the GHD hair care brand).

At Pinsent Masons LLP , Rosemary Jay † advises on IP and IT issues, and is a data protection expert. In 2009 she advised on a co-branding arrangement for Interflora (GB), and a multimillion-pound outsourcing agreement.

George Davies Solicitors LLP advises on image rights and other issues for a number of sports celebrities, and on IP elements of commercial matters for entertainment clients such as the Halle Concert Society and the RNCM.

Specialist media and sport firm Nexus Solicitors advises on a considerable amount of IP work. Clients include sports stadia operator SMG, Sport Newspapers, Subway, and Sharps Bedrooms. Tony Brook is recommended.

At Shipley Solicitors , Mark Shipley is ‘ excellent, on the ball, thorough and efffective ’.

Media and entertainment

James Whittaker † at Addleshaw Goddard LLP counts EMI and ITV among his media clients, and advises

well-known brands such as PZ Cussons and QBE Insurance on sponsorship issues. The firm is advising Peel Media in respect of the MediaCity development at Salford.

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP does a considerable amount of sponsorship work; clients include Thomas Cook (in relation to sponsorship of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games), Manchester United (on shirt sponsorship), and the British Cycling Federation. It also has a number of software games clients.

John Burns at Halliwells acts for software games companies and recording artists, and also handles television work for a number of Premier League football clubs.

George Davies Solicitors LLP acts for the Halle Orchestra and Royal Northern College of Music. It lost a key player in Mark Lewis , who now leads the practice at Stripes Solicitors .

The ‘ very approachable ’ Philip Woods † at Hill Dickinson LLP provides commercial advice for Radio Independents Group, and to a number of production companies.

Paul Fletcher at niche sports firm, IPS Law advises football clubs and Premier League footballers on their relationships with the media.

Stephen Lea at Lea & Company has a ‘ pre-eminent reputation ’ as a music specialist.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP Manchester DLA Piper UK LLP Manchester, Liverpool

Cobbetts LLP Manchester Eversheds LLP Manchester Halliwells Manchester Hammonds LLP Manchester Pannone LLP Manchester

Beachcroft LLP Manchester Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Liverpool, Manchester DWF LLP Liverpool Hill Dickinson LLP Liverpool, Manchester Kuit Steinart Levy LLP Manchester JMW Solicitors LLP Manchester Pinsent Masons LLP Manchester


Intellectual property and information technology

George Davies Solicitors LLP Manchester Nexus Solicitors Manchester

Shipley Solicitors Manchester

Berg Legal Manchester Gorvins Stockport Hillyer McKeown Chester

Neil Myerson LLP Manchester Weightmans LLP Liverpool

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Regions

East Anglia 265

East Midlands 299

North 323


Scotland 555

South East 381

South West 429

Wales 531

West Midlands 465


Other sections

Foreign firms 621

London 9


The Bar 629


NORTH WEST 347

Regional review 348




Finance 357

Human resources 359

Insurance 362

Private client 366


Public sector 369

Real estate 371


IP/IT 377

Media and entertainment 378

Sport 379

Transport 380

Tony Brook at Nexus Solicitors acts on commercial issues for stadium and arena operator, SMG, including all negotiations with Peter Kay’s management for the Tour that doesn’t Tour . The firm also advises celebrities on branding and sponsorship.

Bill Lister † at Pannone LLP has ‘ terrific knowledge of the industry ’. He lectures on the subject at Salford University, and acts for a number of published authors. The firm handles defamation cases for some prominent individuals.

Described as ‘ an intellectual giant ’, well-known media specialist Mark Lewis has joined Stripes Solicitors to head the team.

Andrew Booth at Turner Parkinson LLP is a music industry specialist, acting for a number of A-list artists.

Sport

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP is a leading firm nationally for football work. Maurice Watkins †, Matthew Bennett †,

and Edward Canty † lead on disciplinary, regulatory and governance matters; Jason Smith † on sponsorship, branding and other commercial work; and Lydia Edgar † on the employment side. Smith’s reputation is spreading internationally; he is advising major sponsors of the 2012 Olympic Games, including Thomas Cook, and advises the British Cycling Federation on its relationship with Sky. On the football side, the firm acts for over half of the clubs in the Premier League, the FA, and individual players; recent transfer work included advising Manchester United FC on Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Real Madrid. It also advises rugby, swimming and athletics clients.

2009 was successful year for niche sports firm IPS Law . The firm acted for a number of Premier League clubs in IP and commercial matters. Chris Farnell is well respected in football, dealing mostly with contentious matters, and acted for Cristiano Ronaldo on his transfer to Real Madrid. Paul Fletcher is popular with clients, on the commercial side.

The ‘ pragmatic and sharply focused ’ James Whittaker † at Addleshaw Goddard LLP advises on commercial agreements; clients include the Football League, and also major sponsors such as QBBE, sponsors of the Guiness Premiership. Ian Hargreaves † advises on contentious issues.

Halliwells ’ corporate and commercial practice advises clients such as Sheffield United FC, Manchester City FC and Snowsport GB. John Burns is ‘ entrepreneurial, and very commercial ’, and Julian Diaz-Rainey ‘ provides the right tactical advice ’.

Richard Green † is the key figure at Hill Dickinson LLP , and successfully represented footballer Steven Gerrard on charges of assault and affray in 2009. Other clients include the PFCA, Lancashire Cricket Club, and Frank Warren.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP Manchester Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Liverpool, Manchester Halliwells Manchester

George Davies Solicitors LLP Manchester Hill Dickinson LLP Manchester IPS Law Manchester Lea & Company Stockport Nexus Solicitors Manchester Pannone LLP Manchester Stripes Solicitors Manchester Turner Parkinson LLP Manchester

Media and entertainment

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Liverpool, Manchester

IPS Law Manchester

Addleshaw Goddard LLP Manchester Halliwells Manchester Hill Dickinson LLP Manchester


Sport

DWF LLP Manchester George Davies Solicitors LLP Manchester Hillyer McKeown Chester

Kuit Steinart Levy LLP Manchester Nexus Solicitors Manchester


NORTH WEST

Transport

Transport

Hill Dickinson LLP has a historic relationship with transport and marine operators, and now also specialises in aviation, under Greg Plunkett †. Clients include RSA, Arriva, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, and Peters & May. John Hulmes † leads the practice in Liverpool, while the ‘ commercially minded ’ Adrian Marsh † in Manchester is recommended for his ‘ technical excellence ’ in cargo recovery, marine and freight liability claims.

Weightmans LLP is well respected for its marine work, with Terry Donaghy and Mike Burns impressing clients. It acts for Bibby Maritime, Isle of Man Steampacket, and RSA and Allianz on the insurance side.

At Pannone LLP , Udo Pope † leads on commercial/procurement advice to GMPTE and CENTRO, and to hauliers. The firm also undertakes regulatory and fraud/customs work for logistics companies.

Aaron & Partners LLP specialises in regulatory work for commercial vehicles, including VOSA investigations, clandestine entrant matters, and HMRC investigations in contraband. Tim Culpin is recommended.

Ian Gee at Jobling & Knape is recommended for aviation matters

Hill Dickinson LLP Liverpool Weightmans LLP Liverpool

Pannone LLP Manchester

Aaron & Partners LLP Chester Jobling & Knape Lancaster


Transport

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