John Bowden, Andrew Wright, Stephen Chubb, Salim Somjee and Michael North are all partners at the firm who are listed as leaders in their field in the 2008/9 edition of The Chambers Directory, the UK’s leading guide to the legal profession. William Addis, an associate and head of our employment department has also been named. Read more…
Corporate Team
This department “truly holds its own against larger local rivals”, say market sources, who note that the team succeeds in offering clients “a highly proactive and commercial service that matches the quality of many City outfits”. Among numerous highlights from the past year, the group assisted NetDimensions with its listing on AIM, which led many observers to note that the team is making an impression on the market that belies its size. The group of eight is applauded for “the immediacy of its responsiveness, combined with bullet-proof advice”. As a well – known figure in the corporate finance community, head of department, John Bowden’s name has been linked to the team’s headline deals for a number of years. He acted for the sellers in the sale of the entire listed share capital of Amber Langis to Amber Langis Holdings. Salim Somjee receives praise for his “upfront direct attitude”, which is complemented by “extremely practical and reasonable advice, coupled with a careful and thorough approach”. He played an integral role in the recent work with NetDimensions, alongside managing partner Andrew Wright, who receives praise for his “great legal mind” and “well-tuned commercial sense”, which he put to use in a number of recent major acquisitions.
Employment
The employment team offers “City experience and advice at regional prices”. These “approachable and personable” lawyers are extremely active in and well known for their employment litigation expertise, although the corporate support element of the practice is growing. Moreover, interviewees were keen to point out that “every team member displays a willingness and capability to excel”. Clients recommend team head William Addis, describing him as “extremely knowledgeable in his field, incredibly informative and easy to work with”. In recent months, he successfully defended an appeal against a discrimination claim in the EAT for a national construction company.
Partnership – Medical
Maintaining its close relationship with Kent LMC, this respected practice has developed a strong reputation in the medical partnership sector, providing tailored partnership deeds and expert advice on incoming and outgoing partners of GP practices. An essential part of the firm’s workload this year was advising on GP accession, retirement and related property issues, as well as numerous retirement schemes. Considered “unique in the South East for his comprehensive understanding of doctors’ surgeries”, non – contentious partner Michael North presents his clients with “quick yet thorough, straightforward advice”.
Real Estate
It has been an industrious year for this Orpington-based team. The group has boosted its commercial and residential development work by drawing in a number of instructions relating to care home, hotel and airport projects. It is presently acting for the owners of Biggin Hill and Southend airports on the continued expansion of the airports, advising on the development of new hangars and hotels. The team also covers landlord and tenant and investment matters. Head of department Stephen Chubb is overseeing the expansion of the practice. Clients inform that “his relaxed and approachable style” should not be underestimated: “He gets to the heart of the matter quickly, pays close attention to detail and always delivers on time”.
