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Leathes Prior is noted as commercial, practical and prompt in the Chambers UK 2015 guide. The Chambers and Partners UK 2015 independent guide to law firms and individual lawyers has been released.

The firm welcomes improved rankings for the Real Estate Team. The team is described as proficient in investment matters for national and international investors. The guide draws on “significant experience in acting for independent developers, landowners and retailers across the country”. One source describes work done by the team: “Excellent, very smooth transaction, done without any fuss and without making it excessively complicated.” Robert Sibley is highlighted as able to advise clients on all aspects of commercial property transactions and is ”not afraid to tell you that there’s a problem but will always advise what’s in your best interest and how to achieve that.”

The guide describes the Real Estate Litigation Team as covering a broad range of commercial, residential and agriculture property disputes with a niche specialisation in timeshare disputes. One client says: “Fees are competitive and the lawyers turn around work quickly.” Darren Bowen, ranked as band one, is noted to have a broad practice covering contentious probates, agricultural disputes and real estate litigation. One client enthuses: ”He is an expert in litigation. He is very good at bringing in the right experts and specialists for different jobs, he displays great customer care and is very tenacious.”

The Litigation & Dispute Resolution Team is described as being known for being a well-respected, commercial litigation practice with a broad coverage. The team is noted to have extensive experience of agriculture, franchising, intellectual property and professional negligence cases with clients ranging from individuals to international corporates. A source is quoted to have said: “Everyone you deal with there is straightforward.” Head of department, Mike Barlow, is said to have a raft of litigation experience including franchising and construction disputes. Clients are said to particularly like his “sound commercial business sense.” David Richards is highlighted as focusing on critical or catastrophic injuries claims. Clients are said to praise his excellent communication skills.

The Franchising Team is described as a leading franchising practice with complementary property, employment and corporate expertise. The guide outlines that the team advises on all aspects of the field including trade mark registration, franchise agreements and the purchase of property. Sources are noted to say: “They are all very approachable and they are always there. They have a very good name within the British Franchise Association and are known as the franchising agreements experts.” and “Their strength is the speed of communication – they are very quick to deal with queries.” Jonathan Chadd is highlighted as an astute commercial intellectual property and franchising practitioner with over 25 years of experience. One interviewee is noted as saying: “I felt in very safe hands with him because he really knows his stuff”. Mike Barlow is again highlighted in the guide, outlined as having a solid commercial background and dealing well with complex disputes between franchising parties. He is said to be renowned for his work with long-established franchise networks. One interviewee says he “grasps what we tell him, and is always available.”

The Employment Team is noted as active on the employer side and also able to offer experience in representing employee claims. The guide commends the team as a highly reputable player in the local market and also noted for work on behalf of clients at a national level across a full range of employment law matters. One client is outlined as stating: “The team covers the whole spectrum of employment law matters and there have been no problems with the service - we have been very happy.” Highlighted work the team has undertaken includes providing comprehensive employment law advice to a full franchise network which includes providing training and representing the client in any litigation that arises. The head of the team, Dan Chapman is ranked as band one and is acknowledged in the guide for his skills as an advocate before employment tribunals. One source is noted to have said: “He is excellent and very efficient; he can think on the spot and give you both an answer and direction”.

The Insolvency Team is recognised for its technical strength and full-service offering to insolvency practitioners. It is further commended for its complementary expertise in areas such as employment and property law with sources saying “The team provides practical ideas as well as technical solutions” and “Working with this team, you get good, original advice.” “Associate to watch” Ina Beurich is recognised as a practitioner who is “always willing to go the extra mile” for her clients and the guide outlines that her thorough approach is greatly valued by her clients, for whom she acts in both personal and corporate insolvency disputes.

The Corporate Team has been recognised for its experience in a range of areas including M&A, MBOs and group reorganisations with one source stating: “They are commercial, practical, and they deal with things promptly.” The guide goes on to highlight further positive feedback for this team with another source stating: “I really do feel like the team at Leathes Prior would be able to help in any situation. They understand the time pressures of companies and provide no-nonsense commercial advice.” The research outlines Peter Sheppard’s practice as encompassing M&A, MBOs and company restructurings. Market observers attest that he is “able to cut through legal jargon and strike a deal.” The guide draws on research from Paul Warman’s clients including ones in the non-profit sector. One source is noted to have said: “He is creative in dealing with problems and his legal opinion is always strong.” “Highly rated” Richard Guthrie also receives impressive praise from the market, with one interviewee stating: ”He got to the key points of the matter quickly and was very clear about the key areas to focus on.”

The Private Client Team is noted to be known for providing advice on such matters as wills, probate, estate and trust planning and elderly client services, with Hazel Gill highlighted as a key contact. The Head of the Family Law Team Alisdair Douglas is described in the guide as “well versed in all areas of divorce, cohabitation disputes, financial relief and children work”. He is said to be singled out by sources for his ability to handle matters in an “intelligent and in a constructive way” without ”posturing or messing around.” This year’s Chambers UK guide results, coupled with those from the Legal 500 2014 (see www.leathesprior.co.uk/resources/news/262/), gives credence to the continuing success of Leathes Prior. We would like to pay special thanks to our clients for taking part in the research over the past year; we will continue to strive to ensure that our client’s interests are at the forefront of everything we do.