Clarkslegal (Reading, England) lawyers have again featured strongly in the independent Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 legal directories.
Construction
Praised for its ‘invaluable advice` and ‘innovative approach`, Clarkslegal LLP was recently instructed by carbon neutral developer, ECO2H2O BUILD, on an eco-town project. It also advises the University of Reading and Lockhart Catering Equipment. Group head David Rintoul is ‘second to none in his expertise, experience and knowledge`.
Corporate/Commercial
Kevin Byrne continues to attract AIM-listed clients, and recently advised on GamingKing`s £18m listing. The group acted for Novolytics on an angel investment and continues to act for longstanding clients such as the University of Reading.
Dispute Resolution
At the ‘impressive` Clarkslegal LLP, Antony Morris is an ‘extremely able and experienced commercial litigator with a fine strategic mind` and newly promoted partner Christopher Tayton offers a ‘high level of analytical skill`. Clients also commend the ‘honesty` and ‘integrity` of the team. The group has a strong general litigation practice and extensive experience in commercial agency, motoring, public procurement, financial mis-selling, inheritance and pensions disputes.
Employment
The ‘adaptable and innovative` team at Clarkslegal LLP rates an impossible ‘12 out of 10` for its high levels of business acumen, response times, strength in depth and value for money. Helen Beech recently advised Carillion on the TUPE issues arising from the sale of part of its business, while Michael Sippitt worked with Nick Huffer in a tribunal dispute following the 2005 Heathrow Industrial dispute. Monica Atwal`s ‘thorough and unique style of managing difficult employment law cases ensures that she gets the lion`s share of our business,` says one client.
Clarkslegal LLP`s Welsh office, headed by tribunal advocate Daffyd Downes, is managing claims for a plc, and advised Carillion during 2009. The group also advises media clients and public sector organisations.
Michael Sippitt and Helen Beech at Clarkslegal LLP are both ‘outstanding, with first-rate technical knowledge`.
Environment
Headed by environmental financing specialist Michael Sippitt, Clarkslegal LLP`s national and international clients benefit from the advice offered by the firm`s own consultancy group, Forbury Environmental. Clarkslegal LLP specialises in advising public sector clients. It has strong experience in advising Welsh local authorities on waste management projects, such as a recent contract for City and County of Swansea Council. Julie James leads on key matters and is recommended for vires issues.
Health & Safety
Clarkslegal LLP`s ‘highly rated` practice is handling a complex asbestos-related disease case brought by a former Blue Circle employee, whose wife also brought a compensation claim for mesothelioma. David Rintoul heads a team which includes the ‘first class, pleasant and very knowledgeable` Rachel Clayfield.
Personal Tax, Trusts, Probate
Clarkslegal LLP`s small team has ‘enough depth of knowledge that one can feel secure that it can handle anything clients might throw at it`.
Planning
With over 30 years` experience, Peter Stevens of Clarkslegal LLP is recommended for his ‘attention to detail` and ‘outstanding ability to successfully negotiate`. Nurton Developments is a recent client.
Projects and Energy
Clarkslegal LLP focuses on waste energy and management. It has been advising local Welsh councils on procurement.
Public Sector: Education
Clarkslegal LLP is well known for advising governing bodies and institutions on employment law issues. The key education contacts are Michael Sippitt, Kirstin Parker and David Mills.
Public Sector: Local Government
Headed by Kirstin Parker, Clarkslegal LLP`s four-partner team is well known for its expertise in management and environmental projects and procurement services. Clients include West Berkshire Council. The practice is currently assisting Blaenau-Gwent County Borough Council with an inquiry involving ethical standards and corporate governance.
Clarkslegal combines environmental and local government expertise, its ‘readily available` lawyers providing project management and procurement support for a multimillion-pound waste contract. It represents local Welsh authorities, and advised City and County of Swansea Council. The group`s ‘approach to problem-solving is timely, practical and innovative`. In Cardiff, Dafydd Downes advises government, healthcare and education clients; consultant Julie James is a public sector specialist; and senior associate Rhiannon Holtham is ‘extremely helpful, approachable, professional and knowledgeable`.
Real Estate
Clarkslegal LLP`s ‘commercial property team demonstrates wide experience and knowledge of property transactions, and is able to apply this whilst not losing sight of business objectives`. The group has a strong public sector presence, and, in 2009, saw a significant flow of mandates from Carillion Developments. Rachel Krol ‘impresses with her reactivity and attention to detail`.
TMT
Clarkslegal`s team mainly advises on IT contracts, and, in 2009, recruited John Warchus from Shadbolt LLP to co-lead the team. Warchus` impressive client base includes Mouchel, Paperchase and John Laing.
