Dispute Resolution: The South: Kent & Sussex
This Tunbridge Wells-based firm boasts one of the leading dispute resolution teams in the region, advising an impressive range of domestic and international clients. The practice handles a variety of commercial disputes including contractual and shareholder issues, insolvency and professional negligence. The firm acts for major international clients such as Trans Global Group.
Client Service "They are willing to go the extra mile. They give the time and dedication to meet your needs."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department Peter Ashford is praised as a lawyer who "really manages the process very carefully." He is highly regarded by sources as one of the region's leading experts in commercial dispute resolution. Edward Weeks earns high praise from sources for being "realistic about what can be achieved," and his willingness to "press ahead with aggressive applications if it's justified." He has considerable expertise in company and shareholder disputes.
The firm continues to be a leading presence in the local market, boasting a team with an impressive expertise in the full range of corporate and commercial disputes. The practice covers a diverse range of matters including IP, real estate and debt recovery. The firm's client roster includes Lloyds TSB and RBS.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department Simon Elcock is praised by sources as a vastly experienced and unflappable litigator. He is a CEDR-accredited mediator in addition to his extensive commercial disputes expertise.
The disputes practice at Thomas Eggar is praised by market sources as one of the most significant players in the region. The team acts in an impressive array of corporate and commercial disputes including professional negligence, partnership and shareholder disputes and IT issues. The firm's high-profile client roster includes Babcock & Brown International, Nuffield Health and Sports Direct.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources praise Victoria Brackett for being "very attentive to clients" and "taking the time to understand our business." She adds considerable banking and insurance dispute expertise to her general commercial practice.
This firm enjoys a strong regional presence with offices in Maidstone and Crawley. The team handles a broad range of contentious cases encompassing IT and IP, aviation, fraud and property disputes. The firm's impressive roster of clients includes TUI and Associated British Ports.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of litigation Richard Mumford possesses valuable experience of working at the FSA with a consequent expertise in fraud and corruption and bribery matters. Lyndsey Ratcliffe enters the rankings this year with sources praising her as "first class" and "completely unflappable." Clients say she is "great at working through the issues and fantastic on the strategic front."
This firm's dispute resolution team continues to make a significant impact in the local market. The team's expertise encompasses a broad range of disputes including contractual, IP, professional negligence and construction-related matters. The team recently acted for TV presenter Phil Spencer in relation to false endorsement and the use of his image without consent.
Client Service "The service has been beyond reproach - phenomenal."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Hawkes is highly praised by clients for his ability to handle high-pressure disputes. He adds expertise in partnership disputes and directorship issues to his broad commercial litigation practice.
The team at Brachers is widely respected in the local market for the breadth of its practice. The practice handles the full range of commercial disputes including professional negligence, construction disputes and contractual issues. The firm's high-profile clients include Eurotunnel and Rail Europe.
KEY INDIVIDUALS John Sheath leads the team.
This Orpington-based practice possesses a broad expertise in commercial dispute resolution including IP, contractual, professional negligence and construction issues. High-profile instructions include acting for Vivienne Westwood on franchising issues and other matters.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Amanda Mehlin is a key contact.
The firm remains a strong presence in the region, with a team that handles a broad array of commercial disputes. The practice possesses expertise in professional negligence, fraud, contractual issues and IT disputes.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Clive Lee enjoys a broad range of expertise in commercial and corporate disputes. Sources admire his thorough commercial approach to litigation. Meanwhile Stuart Evans is highly respected for the insolvency expertise he brings to the practice.
Clients rate this team highly, saying it is "great on the strategy front." The firm caters for the full range of corporate and commercial disputes including professional negligence, IP and commercial property matters. Its growing reputation for working with international clients has seen it act for the likes of Radical Motorsport (Hong Kong) in a High Court claim over the distribution of a racing car brand in China.
Commercial Awareness "They got to understand the root of our industry and advised us on the approaches we could take."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Nick Horton is the head of the department.
This "very strong team" of "dynamic individuals" enters the rankings this year following high praise from clients and peers alike. The practice acts in a broad range of commercial and corporate disputes including IP, contractual, and partnership and shareholder issues.
Client Service "Very responsive and pragmatic."
Commercial Awareness "We got direct and clear advice on the business side of things."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department Rebecca Tinham receives high praise from sources as a litigator who is "tenacious and forthright" and who is "willing to front up to the opposition." Clients greatly admire her "very commercial and constructive" approach.