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.


‘Unique blend of industry knowledge’ Corporate & commercial


Herrington Carmichael LLP stands out for its ‘unique blend of industry knowledge and experience, as well as its in-depth knowledge of the client’s business’. Practice head Yavan Brar is ‘knowledgeable, reliable and quick to respond’, and is recommended alongside the ‘commercially astute’ Mark Chapman. The practice has acted on numerous cross-border deals for a client base that includes financial services companies such as Metro Bank and Ascot Lloyd Financial Services.


Employment Herrington Carmichael’s Alistair McArthur is ‘an extremely 34 businessmag.co.uk


professional and knowledgeable solicitor’ with ‘sound business acumen and a no-nonsense approach’. McArthur has notable expertise in post-termination enforcement obligations. Clients include Adtech Global and Elite Security Group.


Commercial property


Tim Hardesty’s group handles a range of commercial and residential real-estate matters, and has been highly active in property development throughout 2015. Clients include Metro Bank and National Westminster Bank.


The firm is also recommended for personal tax, trusts & probate.


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – OCTOBER 2016


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52