Our litigation team remain ranked with fantastic write-ups for the team as a whole. One client describes the team as containing “skilled and highly competent litigators who are particularly effective” in addition to the fact that “they take a pragmatic approach to litigation and are highly cognisant of, and focused on, their clients’ aims”. They received brilliant individual write-ups too: Karen Dobson is active on contracts disputes and real estate litigation, with further experience in insolvency and banking related litigation. One client explains how “she always takes a pragmatic and commercial approach to cases, and she is very good at thinking outside the box and coming up with creative solutions”. Paul Marmor, Partner and head of the dispute resolution department, and who has a focus on cross-border fraud, banking litigation and experience advising on contract disputes and insolvency, is described as “very bright, tenacious and highly effective”. The corporate team “maintain a healthy reputation acting for clients in the media and entertainment sector” as well as acting on behalf of clients from the charity, manufacturing and technology industries. One source notes “they are great professionals and they are efficient”. “It is a great firm and they are very responsive”. Clients also highlighted Leigh Head as a notable practitioner who has a “broad corporate M&A practice, with additional expertise in restructuring and banking matters. “He is a tremendously cool and organised individual and in amidst the greatest of stressful situations, he will always come through for you. He’s a great asset to have on your side; “he is fantastic; he gets things done, is strong technically and also practical and commercial.” Property also received great commentary with impressed clients remarking how “they act quickly and decisively”. Others reported how “they are very proactive and very pragmatic”. Notable practitioner Terry Fendt has “considerable experience advising on a broad range of commercial property matters, including acquisitions and leases.” “He has particular focus on client from the retail sector”.  Terry is described as being “very personable and reliable”. In the high-net worth guide, Nicole Marmor, Head of the Private client team was ranked highly, and brilliant commentary was also received; a source says that the firm is “first rate- reliable and professional”, “I will use them again without hesitation when a need for legal support arises”. Also ranked in the high-net worth guide is Asha Ngai, Partner in our Residential property team in London. Asha has considerable experience handling the sale and purchase of high-value residential property as well as secured lending matters. An impressed client comments: “She was very professional, knowledgeable and informative regarding the laws around conveyancing. She explained everything in detail and answered all of our questions.” We have also been ranked in the extremely prestigious Chambers & Partners Global Guide for Expertise Based Abroad in France.

The firm received fantastic commentary around the ranked teams and have been noted for their excellence and high level of client satisfaction. We would like to thank our clients and friends of the firm for providing such fantastic feedback and helping us to remain a top tier firm.

Please read below for this year’s Legal 500 highlights: Top Tier Departments Our Private Client team were awarded top tier status this year, attributed to their notable international expertise – advising domiciled and non-domiciled clients with interests across North America, Europe and Asia. Head of Department Nicole Marmor, Partner Elizabeth Jones, Senior Solicitor Donna Payne and Senior Associate Nicola Edmondson were all recommended. Clients said ‘They provide top quality technical advice and solutions with the highest quality client service and empathy. This sets them apart from other firms we have dealt with.’ and that ‘We regularly refer our clients to Sherrards for wills, trust, and probate issues – both Nicole Marmor and Donna Payne provide our mutual clients with first-class advice and service. We have received nothing but praise for them from the clients we have referred.’

Commercial litigation advise on ‘an impressive range of disputes covering major fraud, recruitment conflicts, and franchising, retail and bank litigation.’ The team also handles white-collar criminal matters, defending clients in relation to money laundering, regulatory enforcement, and criminal asset recovery. Additionally, it frequently represents international clients, handling CIS-related matters, the enforcement of foreign judgments and other cross-border issues, particularly in relation to China, the US, and French-speaking countries. Head of Litigation, Dispute Resolution and International, Paul Marmor was highlighted again this year as a leading lawyer in the directory  which  is The Legal 500’s guide  to outstanding lawyers nationwide. Partner Barney Laurence was recommended as a ‘next generation partner’ highlighting how much of a difference he makes for the practice. Partner Marta Grieve was recommended and noted for her work in the Russian arena and Associate Greg Pooler was also recommended.  

The Employment team advises a range of clients drawn from sectors including recruitment, retail and leisure on both contentious and non-contentious employment matters. ‘Thoughtful and commercial’ practice head Mark Fellows is an expert in dealing with employment disputes and tribunal cases, covering unfair dismissal and discrimination matters. Mark Fellows is pragmatic and thorough; he’s very good at finding a deal.’ Mark Fellows was recommended as a leading lawyer.

 The Corporate and Commercial team were also ranked top tier and advise local, national, and international clients on M&A and disposals, as well as providing regulatory advice for private equity transactions. Clients have ‘no hesitation in recommending this team to any business associates or friends.’ Head of department Jean-Paul Da Costa, and Partner Leigh Head, were both recommended.

Ranked Departments The Commercial Property teams in St Albans and London were also ranked highly. Clients mention that ‘The practice is very commercially minded and get on with the job at hand in a professional manner and quickly.’ They also highlight that ‘Terry Fendt and Stephanie Kierans are fantastic property lawyers. They advise their clients thoroughly and have very good attention to detail. They work as a great team and can get the deals done in a professional and timely manner.’ Head of department Terry Fendt, Managing Partner Alasdair McMillin, Partners Charles Hodder and Stephanie Kierans and Consultant Martin Halling were all recommended in this year’s directory. The firm were awarded 6 of the Legal 500’s badges of recognition: