Restructuring/Insolvency: North East

Dickinson Dees continues to be "the top firm" for restructuring and insolvency in the North East. The practice boasts one of the largest teams in the market, with an enviable expertise and strength in depth. The firm maintains its position with regular instructions from major clearing banks and the Big Four accountancy firms.

Client Service "They are very friendly and always available and accessible."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Julian Gill is hailed by peers as an excellent litigator. He matches his contentious experience with broad expertise in the full range of non-contentious restructuring and insolvency matters. Meanwhile John Pennie is "technically very good." He specialises in corporate and personal insolvency. Jonathan Blair is the firm's managing partner. He specialises in directors' disqualification work and corporate insolvency. Sally Dallow leads the corporate recovery group. She has considerable expertise across the corporate and personal insolvency sectors. Peter Maxwell acts for financial institutions, banks and insolvency practitioners in relation to corporate and personal insolvency. William Gunston is a favourite with clients for the service he delivers and the advice he provides "in a bespoke manner." He has particular expertise in bank-led restructurings.

The team at Clarke Mairs goes from strength to strength and impresses interviewees as "a dynamic organisation" which is quickly gaining an excellent reputation in the region. The practice has a particular strength in contentious insolvency matters. Clients say the team is "efficient, effective and commercial."

Client Service "They offer constant partner attention to your cases." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients praise Paul Rushworth, saying they "have yet to come across an insolvency issue upon which he is unable to provide excellent advice." Others say his "service is pragmatic and commercial in manner." Peers hail Tim Clarke as an excellent insolvency lawyer. He specialises in contentious insolvency work. Susan Mairs is also highly regarded in the market for her contentious work on behalf of insolvency practitioners.

The practice is a significant presence in the region with a position on the restructuring panels of all national clearing banks, and one which delivers a stream of high-end work. Recent highlights include acting for Barclays and PwC on the appointment of administrators to call centre business CJ Garland & Co. Clients value the advice that this "very experienced team" gives.

Client Service "They deliver a very good level of service." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients say Paul Dutton gives "great commercial advice" and is "very quick to find practical solutions." He led the way on the CJ Garland & Co advice. Interviewees say Gerard McTernan is "very professional, knowledgeable and quick." He also shows a high level of client service and sources are grateful that "after-hours working was never an issue."

The firm enjoys a good reputation for the strength of its restructuring and insolvency practice. The team frequently advises on corporate restructuring, administration and liquidation and on the acquisition of businesses and assets from administrators. The firm recently advised on the acquisition of Baked Snack Company in administration by the South African company The Lion Match Company.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources praise Andrew Cawkwell as "a good lawyer" and value the fact that "he is commercial." He leads the restructuring and insolvency practice at the firm.

The firm advises lenders in relation to Law of Property Act receiverships, liquidations and administrations. The firm has been active recently advising on the acquisition of assets from Dairy Farmers of Great Britain, which is in administration. Sources say the firm provides fantastic service and is establishing a strong presence in the market.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Matt Collen is a key contact.

The team at Ward Hadaway frequently acts for local insolvency practitioners in restructuring and insolvency matters. The practice is well regarded for its expertise on the insolvency side of the sector.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department Jim James specialises in corporate insolvency. He also has extensive experience in advising on the purchase of assets from companies in administration or liquidation.

Despite the departure of a number of individuals from the firm, the practice continues to have a profile in the restructuring and insolvency market in the region. The group retains its strong links to the banking sector.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Duncan Reid is the key contact for the practice.