PRACTICE AREAS
Corporate
The corporate group advises clients on high-level corporate activities. The main areas of focus are M&A (Mergers & Aquisitions) work (both public and private), IPOs (Initial Public Offerings), corporate reorganisations, venture capital transactions and joint ventures. We provide advice and support in areas such as tax, VAT, private equity and banking. We also advise the financial services industry and have strong expertise in tax, company secretarial support and banking. Last year we acted in 25 deals worth over £100m. A lot of the work we do is cross-border, and is carried out by our international offices.
Real estate
The development, buying and selling of properties on a commercial level throws up a raft of legal issues. Our real estate practice is the largest in Europe. We are involved in more major UK developments than any other firm. We provide specialist advice on the environmental issues that arise with every property transaction and act for businesses that are expanding their property portfolio. Our dedicated teams for plot sales, house builders, developers, investors and real estate finance and planning have the skills and experience to achieve outstanding results in time-critical property projects.
Commercial
Commercial law covers the aspects of the law that concern businesses and the way they operate. We protect people’s ideas, advise local councils, advise on contractual issues, and deal with software agreements. We have expertise in EU and competition, intellectual property, IT and e-commerce, franchising, local government and education projects.
Human resources
This group advises financial institutions and government bodies on employment law and pensions. Ours is the biggest department of its kind in Europe. Work ranges from pensions to employment tribunals; we run specialist training courses in employment law, pensions law and HR consultancy.
Litigation
In today’s fast moving, highly regulated business environment disputes are inevitable. We help clients resolve them without damaging valuable relationships. The work we do covers business disputes, commercial litigation, construction, regulatory issues, real estate litigation, IT, shipping, IP, and enquiries and investigations. More leading lawyers work in our team of 400 specialist advisers than at any other firm.
Legal systems
The legal systems group implements innovative solutions to any project that has a repetitive, high volume legal element. We carry out high volume work in claims management, mortgage enforcement, recoveries and property for the UK’s leading banks, plcs, private companies and insurance firms.