The Legal 500 directory has just announced their 2012 results, with outstanding listings again for Clarkslegal (Reading, England).
Construction
The “highly recommended” team at Clarkslegal LLP acted for the University of Reading in a £45m project to enhance the halls and catering facilities of its campus. David Rintoul has deep knowledge of construction law.
Corporate/Commercial
Clarkslegal LLP is many clients’ “first choice for complex instructions.” Recently advised on the sale of 24 child nurseries to Co-operative Childcare, and assisted German venture capital fund eVenture Capital Partners in its investment into mydeco.com. Kirstin Parker is praised for her “commitment to getting a project completed.”
Dispute Resolution
The “very impressive” Clarkslegal LLP is “a natural choice for litigation” thanks to its team of “sophisticated lawyers.” Practice head Antony Morris is “a very strong litigator with a very pragmatic and commercial approach” and Chris Tayton is “dependable in the engine room of a heavy case.” Clients include BMW, Autoglass and Carillion.
Employment
Michael Sippitt’s team at Clarkslegal LLP recently advised on the TUPE implications of Reading University’s restructuring of its residential estates; and successfully represented Eden (GM) in an eight-day tribunal relating to alleged disability discrimination. Monica Atwal specialises in discrimination cases, particularly disability claims; and Helen Beech has significant experience in handling large-scale restructuring and redundancy programmes.
Clarkslegal LLP is “technically excellent but commercial” and recently acted for the University of Reading on the restructure of its residential estates, involving TUPE implications. Michael Sippitt and Helen Beech are recommended; their “command of the field is first class.” Carillion and News International are clients.
Strong in public sector work, Clarkslegal LLP acts for Welsh local authorities, including the Tomorrows Valley hub. Private sector clients include Carillion, and Scottish and Southern Energy. Practice head Dafydd Downes advises on collective redundancies, strategic restructuring, outsourcing and tribunal issues.
Environment
Clarkslegal LLP has an extensive environmental practice, and works with many local authorities on waste management issues. It established Forbury Investment Network, which encourages investment in environmental companies and technology. The firm also has carbon trading expertise.
Health & Safety
Clarkslegal LLP is acting for Lafarge Cement in noise-induced hearing loss and asbestos-related claims. Other industrial clients include Carillion and Imerys Minerals. David Rintoul leads the team.
Personal Tax, Trusts, Probate
Clarkslegal LLP’s head of private client Simon Berry was promoted to Partner in 2011. The “diligent” team focuses on tax planning and asset protection, often relating to multimillion-pound estates.
Planning and Environment
Associate Rhiannon Holtham at Clarkslegal LLP advises on the planning and environmental aspects of substantial waste procurements for the South West Wales and Tomorrow’s Valley procurement hubs.
Projects Finance and PFI
At Clarkslegal LLP, associate Rhiannon Holtham advises the South West Wales Waste Consortium and Tomorrow’s Valley Procurement Hub on waste procurement projects.
Public Sector: Education
Kirstin Parker’s team at Clarkslegal LLP continues to represent the University of Reading, and in 2011 advised it on the redevelopment of part of its student accommodation.
Public Sector: Health
Kirstin Parker heads the team at Clarkslegal LLP, which in 2011 advised private clients on healthcare technology issues and a variety of NHS trusts on property matters.
Public Sector: Wales
Dafydd Downes and associate Rhiannon Holtham at Clarkslegal LLP advise the South West Wales Waste consortium and Tomorrow’s Valley procurement hub, in respect of waste procurements.
Real Estate
The “excellent” team at Clarkslegal LLP is led by Rachel Krol, who is singled out for her experience, knowledge and pragmatism. Clients include Reading University, Carillion, the NHS, and Air France.
