The 2009 edition of The Legal 500 ‘The Clients’ Guide to UK Law Firms’
and Chambers & Partners reports:
Corporate and Commercial
Greenwoods Solicitors LLP is praised for ‘commitment to service and creativity in finding solutions‘. David Woods is ‘quick to pick up the problem, has a wide knowledge base and provides good, timely advice‘. Former managing partner Shelagh Smith is stepping down but continues to leverage her local contacts for a team engaged by clients like Bauer Media. Alistair Gunn, now a director, has boosted the firm’s presence in cross-border transactions. (Legal 500 2009)
This compact Peterborough team is recognised for its excellent, efficient lawyers who provide real value for money. The team has a strong client following in East Anglia, including key names Marshall Group and Total Produce. It also represents a significant number of international clients, particularly from the USA and Australia, in sales or acquisitions in the UK. It recently acted for Australian quoted company Aspermont on completing the purchase of shareholdings in Mining Communications, and represented a UK company in the acquisition of a media business in Antigua. The group is particularly active in the media and food sectors, and also handles reorganisations and acquisitions of distressed businesses for owner-managed businesses.
David Woods is a highly experienced corporate lawyer valued by clients for his “calm, unstuffy approach and sound advice based on a real understanding of our objectives.”(Chambers UK 2009-2010)
Commercial Property
Karin Horsley’s excellent team at Greenwoods Solicitors LLP owes much to Stephen Illingworth’s ‘strong and well-deserved reputation for professional, responsive and diligent service‘. The practice was boosted by the arrival of David Clark from Prettys an ‘experienced lawyer of note regionally‘. (Legal 500 2009)
Despite recent personnel changes, this team remains one of Peterborough’s largest real estate teams and counts major landlords, tenants and developers among its clients. Despite the downturn in the market, the group has not let its skills in development go to waste; it is presently advising numerous housing associations, educational institutions and registered social landlords (RSL) on acquiring development sites. (Chambers UK 2009-2010)
Stephen Illingworth recently acted for an RSL on its purchase of a large parcel of land for residential development, displaying his ability to “find practical solutions to obtuse situations". He earns further praise from sources for “always going the extra mile to assist clients". (Chambers UK 2009-2010)
Employment and Pensions
I trust them 100%‘, say clients of Greenwoods Solicitors LLP. Outstanding employment lawyer Robert Dillarstone is now managing partner. His personal touch is one reason why the firm is undoubtedly Peterborough’s strongest practice. A strong bench of lawyers including John Macaulay acts mainly for employers. (Legal 500 2009)
Greenwoods Solicitors LLP consultant Pauline Anning provides pensions law advice to corporate clients and social landlords. (Legal 500 2009)
The team here impresses clients with its client-focused employment advice. One highlight from the past year was assisting a household-name charity with its proposed acquisition of another charitable organisation.
Robert Dillarstone recently acted in a complex case involving dismissal issues and disparate tax regimes. John Macaulay draws praise for showing excellent commitment to his clients. (Chambers UK 2009-2010)
Construction
Clients laud Greenwoods Solicitors LLP consultant Richard Jones as ‘well organised and methodical‘. The ‘practical and imaginative‘ Julian Kirkpatrick acts for architects, builders, developers, surveyors and local authorities, and is considered one to watch. (Legal 500 2009)
Veteran lawyer Richard Jones brings over 30 years' experience to the table. (Chambers UK 2009-2010)
Health and Safety
Kathryn Gilbertson’s business defence practice at Greenwoods Solicitors LLP is second to none. ‘Nothing is too much trouble‘ and her ‘practical, timely advice exceeds expectations‘. Robert Starr’s experience managing cases with the Serious Fraud Office is a major boon. (Legal 500 2009)
Property Litigation
Graham Cooper at Greenwoods Solicitors LLP ‘ensures an excellent service‘ by taking a hands-on role with all matters. His rounded practice serves clients in diverse sectors such as publishing, travel and financial services. (Legal 500 2009)
Litigation
Greenwoods Solicitors LLP has enjoyed a sharp upturn in RSL work. Head of social housing Graham Cooper inspires trust and confidence in clients, who say he is ‘very attentive - really cares whether we are happy‘. (Legal 500 2009)
Intellectual Property & Information Technology
Greenwoods Solicitors LLP’s David Woods is sought for IP licensing; he provides ‘prompt and effective‘ non-contentious advice. Clients highlight Julian Kirkpatrick’s ‘enthusiastic, can-do attitude‘ in contentious matters. (Legal 500 2009)
David Woods of Greenwoods Solicitors LLP in Peterborough handles IT contracts, from major system acquisitions to software licences, and has developed particular expertise in e-commerce. (Chambers UK 2009-2010)
Corporate Crime
Clients of Greenwoods Solicitors LLP praise Kathryn Gilbertson’s excellent advice on business defence and regulatory crime. (Legal 500 2009)
Environment
Kathryn Gilbertson’s celebrated business defence practice at Greenwoods Solicitors LLP includes valuable experience in environmental law. (Legal 500 2009)
Commercial Litigation
Greenwoods Solicitors LLP’s Darren Morgan is a first choice for many clients, and is noted for his ‘well-rounded view beyond the legal issues‘ and prompt delivery. He and a strong team of associates act for blue-chip companies, including well-known motor manufacturers, and call on the impressive business defence skills of Kathryn Gilbertson. (Legal 500 2009)
Greenwoods Solicitors LLP has relaunched its debt recovery service. Jayne Nutt acts for numerous clients in Peterborough. (Legal 500 2009)
Based in Peterborough, this outstanding ten-strong team represents clients in a broad range of matters, with a focus on libel and defamation, property, general commercial, warranty, professional negligence and employment disputes.
Sources Say: "Clients benefit from the broad experience and commercial judgement of these experienced litigators." (Chambers UK 2008-2009)
Planning
Stephen Illingworth’s planning expertise at Greenwoods Solicitors LLP is now complemented by David Clark, who joined from Prettys. (Legal 500 2009)
Media and Entertainment
Greenwoods Solicitors LLP’s retains key media clients, including Bauer Media. (Legal 500 2009)
EU and Competition
Greenwoods Solicitors LLP’s team includes corporate partner David Woods, regulatory expert Kathryn Gilbertson, and litigator Darren Morgan. Adele Whaley is lauded for her responsiveness and detailed understanding of matters. (Legal 500 2009)
Charities
Greenwoods Solicitors LLP brings together property, litigation and corporate partners and is thriving on the excellent local charity contacts of former managing director Shelagh Smith, who is stepping down. (Legal 500 2009)
Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate
Clients say Greenwoods Solicitors LLP’s Nick Monsell is ‘streets ahead of any competitor‘ due to his ‘encyclopaedic knowledge and extremely good value‘. (Legal 500 2009)