Travel: UK-wide

asb law's team can be relied upon for "solid service" in advising travel clients on transactional as well as contentious matters. Recent highlights include advising on insolvency and marketing negotiations, as well as dispensing guidance on regulatory issues. Its client list includes impressive household names such as TUI Travel, easyJet and ABTA.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Rebecca Thornley-Gibson heads up the travel practice.

This multi-office UK firm is well known for its travel practice, attracting a significant volume of work through its recognised insurance capabilities. It has a notable presence advising on the personal injury side of travel, and sources admire its well-rounded yet tenacious approach, saying "it knows what it is doing and fights hard for clients." Clients it has advised include Olympic Holidays and LastMinute.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Matthew Ford is the principal travel solicitor at the firm. Sources "rate him really highly," and describe him as "friendly, approachable and proactive." He has led recently on a number of high-value contentious matters, including multi-party accident and injury claims.

This team benefits from the firm's commercial profile, particularly in the associated area of aviation. Key clients of the practice include well-known airlines.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Chamberlain is a former in-house solicitor for British Airways. He is a known and talented force in aviation matters such as aircraft leasing, a practice that by its nature overlaps into the area of travel. He is a sound choice of adviser on account of his "huge commercial experience," according to admiring sources.

This firm's travel practice has a distinct profile in acting on insurance matters associated with the industry. It has a hybrid practice that sees it acting for claimants as well as on the defence side. Interviewees concur there are ample skills and manpower to handle the quality work here. Key clients of the practice include DAS Legal, First Assist and One Claims.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Daniel Scognamiglio heads up the travel practice, and is also admitted to practice at the New York Bar. His work highlights include acting as lead adviser to the claimant in Bacon v Nacional Suiza, a landmark case examining provisions in the Rome II regulations.

Eleanor Armstrong is dual-qualified, offering clients the ability to practise in Ireland as well as in England and Wales. She is an lauded for her timely assistance on travel-related matters. 

This firm comes at travel through its esteemed insurance practice, and its capabilities were recently bolstered by the firm's merger with respected insurance name Barlow Lyde & Gilbert.

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Burns is a key contact.

This team has built a great name in the market for the quality of its claimant travel work. Clients speak of the astute legal skills and keen service ethos of the group, describing it as "very good at keeping us up to date" and adding "we got a great settlement." Highlights include advising on complex injury claims involving children as well as adults.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "always pleasant" Nolan Mortimer heads up the travel and tourism department. He is a dispute resolution solicitor with an emphasis on foreign and travel matters, and "has excellent technical knowledge on travel issues." Sources are full of praise for his reassuring and straightforward client manner, speaking of him as "very understanding." He advised the family of a child who suffered head injuries at an amusement park in Spain.

This team continues to enjoy a high profile in airline matters by way of its noted work for regulatory body the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It continues to advise on matters that affect airlines and tour operators, and also counts KLM and British Airways among its clients. Sources admire the pedigree of the practice and the collective skills on offer.

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Richard Elliott is a key contact.

This practice is distinguished as being one of the most well-rounded in the market, offering impressive capabilities across both regulatory issues and the international personal injury aspects of travel. Sources speak of a "great travel practice" that offers enviable experience together with high-level legal skills. It advised tour operator On The Beach over Air Travel Organisers' Licensing (ATOL) regulatory compliance. Other key clients include the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and Thomas Cook.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Stewart is the main draw here, and credited with taking the practice to the position it occupies today. Admiring sources are quick to point to him as "a true expert in the field of travel law; he knows everything there is to know and is a pleasure to deal with. He is also willing to think 'outside the box' and come up with new and innovative ideas." He advised on the On The Beach matter.

This dedicated travel and leisure group boasts an impressive client list that includes Hilton Hotels, Affinion and Midlands Co-op Travel. Matters it advises on include litigation as well as regulatory compliance covering such areas such as marketing, restructuring and transactional work in the travel sector.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "commercially-minded" Laura Harcombe heads up the practice. Sources are keen to emphasise her interpersonal as well as legal skills. She acted for Bonded Coach Holidays on a corporate review.

This firm is described as "a good outfit" for its skilled handling of travel matters, particularly on the contentious side. Sources are quick to praise its team of well-trained and sensible lawyers, saying "they don't take silly points." Highlights include advising a number of entities including HCC and Peltours on a multi-party food-poisoning class action.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alex Padfield heads the practice and is admired by sources for his highly professional approach to contentious matters. "He is a very worthy adversary and extremely well informed about the area," says one interviewee. Additionally, adds one source, "while he fights his client's corner hard he is never unreasonable or obstructive."

In addition to its recognised international personal injury expertise, this team is also well-versed in regulatory matters arising from insolvencies and compliance concerns, as well as drafting new regulations for industry bodies. In addition to London, the firm offers expertise across offices in the North West. Recent cases include advising on a fatal legionnaire's disease claim. Clients include Butlins, Warner Hotels and Royal Caribbean.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Matthew Davies is a solicitor advocate who practises out of the Liverpool office. He has developed a great reputation for his broad skill set, particularly in acting for defendants on the international personal injury aspects of travel. Sources speak of him as "conscientious."  He advised on the legionnaire's disease matter.

Maria Pittordis is a Greek-speaking former barrister who retrained as a solicitor. She leads the marine personal injury practice from the London office, advising on injuries and accidents. Sources speak of her as a worthy opponent who is keen to obtain the best result for clients.

Areas of focus for this firm include shipping and insurance, enabling it to proffer practical advice in the related arena of travel. Concerns arising from ABTA and ATOL bonding, licensing and regulation are areas in which the team can deliver keen expertise. Key clients include TUI, Carnival Corporation and Emirates. Highlights include acting for One Ocean Expeditions on preparing terms for passenger tickets.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Gimblett is no stranger to regulatory work given his experience of working in-house at the Civil Aviation Authority. His clients include charter airlines and insurers. Recent work highlights include advising an airline on a total loss incident.

Irwin Mitchell is distinguished as one of the largest travel practices in the UK by solicitor headcount, handling a "huge volume of high-quality claimant personal injury work," particularly from the firm's London and Birmingham offices. Sources speak of its long history in the travel sphere. Indeed, it has the manpower to handle large multi-party claims on a regular basis. The practice advised on the widely reported Homawoo matter that reached the ECJ.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clive Garner divides his time between Birmingham and London, heading up the dedicated international travel litigation practice. He calls on extensive experience of handling high-value personal injury and wrongful death claims. Sources are quick to point to his deft management and legal skills as pivotal to the success of the practice, describing him as a "demi-god of travel law." He advised on the Homawoo case.

Philip Banks practises out of the Birmingham office. He wins plaudits from sources as "very genial, with extremely good judgement." He advised a group of claimants who were injured on the Alexsey Maryshev cruise liner off the coast of Norway.

London partner Demetrius Danas recently led on a high-value claim arising from a road traffic accident in Malta. Sources adjudge him "efficient and bright," and agree he does "a great job for clients."

Michael Zurbrugg founded his own firm before merging it into Irwin Mitchell's London office. His adroit litigation style and legal know-how have seen him act on cases argued all the way to the ECJ, including the Homawoo case. Sources laud him as "a very skilled adviser and a person who has great rapport with clients."

Suki Chhokar is a travel litigator who enjoys an impressive profile, particularly in managing large group personal injury claims. Recent examples of his work include advising 599 claimants concerning gastric illnesses at Holiday Village Turkey. Sources admire his tenacity and keen eye for a commercial settlement.

Elizabeth Tetzner is an associate solicitor in the Birmingham office. She wins plaudits for her efficient and timely work style, as well as her well-developed case management skills.

This firm's dedicated travel and leisure group is identified as a leading force for its advice on regulatory, commercial and disputed concerns. Sources agree it is deserving of recognition for the "great travel work" it handles. It recently advised ABTA in negotiating trust account agreements with a client and the Civil Aviation Authority as substitutes for bonds. Its client roster is highly impressive, and includes the likes of ABTA, Jet2.com and TUI Travel.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Laura Atherton is a key contact.

This firm's prowess in commercial IT and IP work positions it well to capitalise on the travel industry's ever-growing use of technology to facilitate customer bookings, marketing and administration. Highlights include advising on the UK launch of Gilt Travel's 'Jetsetter' brand and associated contractual, IP and technology matters surrounding this members-only division of the company.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Calum Murray heads the commercial technology practice and advised on the Jetsetter matter. He is applauded as "a personable character who is able to apply the law to cutting-edge initiatives." 

Leigh Day is recognised for housing a dedicated claimant personal injury practice that focuses on matters arising out of travel incidents. It has advised on a range of cases, including road traffic accidents, spinal injuries and unlawful detention whilst abroad.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sally Moore is a key partner who practises in this sector.

This Sussex firm is known for its work on the regulatory and compliance aspects of travel in particular. An impressive roster of clients seek to stay on the right side of the regulators via the team's advice. It has recently acted for TUI Travel, Viking River Cruises UK and Olympic Holidays.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lee Hills practises out of the Brighton office, from where he leads the entire travel team. Sources admire the "solid reputation" he has built, adding "he does know his stuff." Others laud his interpersonal skills, speaking of him as "friendly and approachable" in his dealings.

MB Law is a successful travel and leisure boutique firm, operating from offices in Leeds. It has become a highly sought after name for cost-effective travel-related advice, advising both tour operators and insurance companies alike. Clients include a number of specialist Lloyd's underwriters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ian Hopkinson wins plaudits for his "in-depth knowledge of the industry. He is a good team player who is aware of the big picture," according to sources, who also say "he knows when to run and when to negotiate." He frequently defends household names in travel matters, especially where accidents and injuries are concerned.

Claire Ingleby is described as a "good-quality" solicitor and reliable choice of adviser in the travel sphere. Her work highlights include advising on corporate compliance and contractual matters, as well as personal injury cases.

Robin Adams offers an impressive track record of experience. Cross-border claims feature highly in his workload.

This team enjoys a distinct profile in aviation-related finance work and is recognised for handling matters that cross over into the broader travel arena. Accordingly it boasts a number of key clients in the airline industry including easyJet and Continental Airlines, as well as other travel sector clients such as Stena Line.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Patrick Farrell recently advised on negotiating airport slots and aircraft repossession matters. His deep experience ensures he garners positive mention from a variety of market sources.

Sources rate this firm highly in the travel sector for its quality international personal injury litigation work. Sources admire the commitment and interpersonal skills these lawyers exhibit, noting that "they care about getting good results;" clients also note they are "really interested in us as people." Highlights include advising the claimant in Molnar v Coral Cay Conservation, concerning a fatality in Fiji.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Morton heads up the travel litigation practice and is a well-known figure for his handling of claims with a foreign element. "He is very interested in what we do and how he can help," says one source.

Paul McClorry is applauded for his tough stance in litigation and superb judgement. Sources indicate "he is excellent: he fights when he needs to and settles when he needs to."

This travel law team remains a popular choice for overseas personal injury work. Clients single it out on account of its being "helpful, knowledgeable and proactive" when handling contested matters, including both criminal and civil cases. It has a number of insurance clients including UK General Insurance, Allianz and Chubb. Key work matters include advising the claimants following a hot air balloon accident in Turkey.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Lee leads the travel team, and sources deem him a fine choice of solicitor for international personal injury work. He is described as a knowledgeable and experienced professional with a keen service ethic.

This compact London firm is distinguished as being one of the first to concentrate resources in the area of international personal injury. It is proficient in several European languages, enabling it to assist easily on matters with an international dimension. It counts a number of UK and European insurance entities on its client roster. Recent highlights include advising insurer GMF on the keenly contested Homawoo case.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Ball heads up the insurance defence and commercial litigation practice. He is a fluent French speaker, and can be relied upon to provide a proficient service in cross-border injury and accident matters, according to sources. His key work includes advising on the Homawoo matter.

This London-based firm boasts a dedicated aviation, travel and tourism practice. It is characterised by its solid and practical advice, particularly in the regulatory and compliance field.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ian Skuse is the partner who heads up the department. "He is an experienced travel lawyer who talks a lot of sense," according to sources.

This team remains a cost-effective and popular choice for high-stakes, cross-border accident and injury claims, housing practitioners that advise regularly on the defence of claims against tour operators. Sources agree the lawyers here are top quality and professional, and moreover that the team has attracted a leading range of clients. Top names on its roster include TUI.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "immensely experienced" Michael Gwilliam is lauded for his winning combination of proven legal knowledge, long experience and highly developed interpersonal skills. He is described as "a true gentleman in the world of travel law. He is very honest, upfront and looks after his clients with exceptional skill." 

Claire Mulligan is known for her skills in the defendant catastrophic and personal injury arena. Those seeking an effectual litigator would do well to instruct her, according to sources who describe her as "forthright" and "very experienced." Her key clients include hotels as well as tour operators.

Tim Oliver serves as CEO of the Parabis Group, under the aegis of which Plexus Law operates. Although now tasked with substantial management responsibilities, he is still recognised for his practice in international personal injury and accident defence cases. "Shrewd, highly experienced and pragmatic" are words sources use to describe him.

Nish Kanwar is deemed a sensible adviser where international personal injury defence is concerned. He has acted for hotel chains and insurance companies.

This practice has a particular profile acting for claimants in the travel area. It has a large headcount of talented lawyers dedicated to this sector, with sources saying "they are very experienced and pragmatic, and well regarded domestically and internationally in cases involving serious injury." Sources agree that it is perfectly able to hold its own in high stakes, aggressive litigation. Highlights for the practice include advising on a high-value claim against AXA France concerning a spinal cord injury.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Julian Chamberlayne heads the travel team at the firm. He acted on the AXA France matter, and wins plaudits for his "enormous energy and commitment" when advising on international catastrophic and fatal injury claims. He is lauded by sources who note "every single point was ferociously fought and extremely well prepared."

James Healy-Pratt is a partner who heads up the aviation department. Sources describe him as "technically competent and a very popular choice" for his work in this area. As befits his area of expertise, he is a particularly astute advisor on airline matters involving injury or accident claims. He acted as lead solicitor for the families of victims of Air France flight AF447.

Julie Straughan practises via both the travel and aviation practices at the firm. She wins plaudits as a proficient yet friendly solicitor who strives to obtain the best result for her client. Her language skills also make her a good choice where cases involve a Francophone angle.

Scott Rigby is a senior associate in the personal injury department. "He is knowledgeable, detailed and methodical, guiding us smoothly through the process," according to one client. Also of note is his "calm and reassuring" manner as well as his clear explanations of legal processes.

This team is based in Exeter, from where it has developed a great reputation for travel work on the defence side. It is an established name for ski and snowboard-related work in particular, and recent highlights including advising on liability, quantum and jurisdictional aspects of a skiing accident in Switzerland. Clients of the practice include Fortis Insurance, BUPA Travel and Mondial.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bronwen Courtenay-Stamp is the principal draw here for her proven legal skills and amiable manner. Sources describe her as "very switched-on and approachable." "She has gumption about her, and fights her corner," adds one source. She advised on the Swiss skiing accident matter.

This Leeds travel boutique firm wins plaudits for its broad skill set across both the international personal injury and regulatory facets of travel work. Practitioners in this sizeable practice also deliver commercial advice on a range of issues including booking terms and conditions. Key clients of the practice include household names such as Thomas Cook, Jet2holidays and lastminute.com.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients recommend Stephen Mason for work in this sector. "He is the 'go-to' person on the personal claims and customer complaints side of the industry. It is a complex area but he manages to pick his way through it very well." He is senior partner and also consulted on regulatory questions.  

Sarah Lacy is well known and well thought-of in travel work, where her knowledge of compliance stands her in good stead to keep clients on the right side of the law.

Kylie Mather already exhibits fine skills in travel-related personal injury and illness claims.