the legal 500


Merger creates multi-office network Corporate & commercial


Irwin Mitchell’s merger with Thomas Eggar has given the firm access to a multi- office network across the South East. In Southampton, Kim Walker focuses on commercial law, while John Riddick and Dean Drew handle corporate finance transactions and M&A.


Commercial litigation


The firm’s four-partner team in Hampshire is led by Andrew Jackson (who is ‘brilliant at seeing the bigger picture’) and Hannah Clipston. The practice has an extensive track record in disputes for clients including Lloyds Bank and Gamma Telecom. Stephanie Beckett is ‘a real dynamo’.


Employment


Simon Fenton is the key figure. Clients have included Kenwood and Sightsavers.


Clinical negligence: claimant


Irwin Mitchell’s team was bolstered by its merger with Thomas Eggar and the recruitment of Justine Spencer, who specialises in birth injury cases, from Penningtons Manches.


Personal injury: claimant


The ‘outstanding’ team includes Claire Howard, who is a ‘formidable advocate’ and ‘consistently delivers an excellent service’. The group specialises in high-value, life- changing injury claims.


Agriculture & estates


Key names in the ‘excellent’ team include James Pavey, who is valued for his ‘extraordinary attention to detail and thoroughness’; and Richard Venables Kyrke and Iain MacLeod. Highlights included advising on the sale of the Norris Castle Estate on the Isle of Wight.


Contentious trusts & probate


The practice acts for professional trustees, trustee companies, charitable trusts and high-net-worth individuals. The ‘practical, approachable and sensible’ Paula James leads the team, which includes associates Margaret Windram and Samantha Ewing.


Commercial property


Irwin Mitchell, which inherited Thomas Eggar’s team, is headed by David Fanchi and Philip Gray; the latter advised Micheldever Tyre Services on several


acquisitions, including its acquisition of Tyremark. The ‘professional and attentive’ Biddy Walker is also recommended.


Construction


Irwin Mitchell’s construction practice has a strong pedigree handling projects for further education colleges. Mark Clinton is advising Lambeth College on the procurement process of the proposed development of its Vauxhall campus. Senior associate Sarah Evans is valued for her ‘excellent negotiation skills’.


IT & telecoms


Clients single out the practice for its ‘great blend of commercial experience and technical insight’. Stuart Padgham is ‘knowledgeable, responsive and great to work with’. The firm absorbed Thomas Eggar LLP in 2016.


Sport


Irwin Mitchell has a notable practice representing governing bodies, including the British Athletics Commission and English Table Tennis. Faye Bargery assisted the latter with a governance restructuring. Litigation specialist Hannah Clipston leads the six-partner team.


‘Understands clients’ needs’ Corporate & commercial


Coffin Mew LLP’s practice is led by Amanda Brockwell and Nick Gross, and assisted Pelgar International with its £6.5 million acquisition of Agropharm Holdings. In another highlight, Gross advised BVG Airflo Group on a £10m investment by Business Growth Fund. Other clients include RBS, Capstone Foster Care and James Fisher.


Commercial litigation


Ian Dawes heads the team, which includes associate Michael Ellis. Clients include Hungryhouse Holdings and Saxlund International. James Russell left to form his own automotive company.


Insolvency & corporate recovery Jonathan Lupton heads the team, which


is noted for its contentious expertise and which specialises in statutory reconstruction, work for charities, partnerships and deceased estates. Malcolm Niekirk left the firm.


Employment


Dorlee Monschau leads the six-lawyer team, which reviewed Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare’s employment handbook. Associate Holly Cudbill ‘understands clients’ needs’. Darren Tibble left to join DC Employment Solicitors.


Clinical negligence: claimant


At Coffin Mew, newly-promoted partner Douglas Miller and Sue Bowler focus on complex brain injury and neonatal cases. The group is representing Rachael Robinson in a £3m claim arising from a cerebral palsy injury.


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH COAST – OCTOBER 2016 Personal injury: claimant


Coffin Mew’s practice specialises in catastrophic brain injury claims. Sue Bowler leads the team.


Family


Chris Upfield specialises in armed forces family work. Sally Pike and senior associate Tina Day lead on pre-nuptial and contested children’s proceedings.


Commercial property


Coffin Mew’s team is headed by Nick Leavey and is ‘very easy to deal with’. Highlights included assisting Brighton West Pier Trust with the Brighton i360 project. Peter Fellows and associate Amanda Read are highly recommended. Luc Algar joined Moore Blatch.


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