Actons has yet again been recommended in six practice areas in the 2024 edition of The Legal 500 UK, the definitive guide to law firms.
Director Nic Elliott (Head of our Dispute Resolution & Employment Group) retained the title as ‘Next Generation Partners’ within the Employment section, and Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate Director Bindiya Patel and Associate Ruth Swain are listed as ‘Rising Stars’.
Here are just a few of the comments from this year’s Legal 500:
Corporate & commercial (Nottingham & Derby)
Peter Flowerday is the practice head at Actons, which primarily acts for owner-managed businesses and SMEs on acquisitions and disposals, joint venture agreements, reorganisations and numerous shareholders’ agreements. Firm chairman Simon Dakin is another key contact for a broad range of corporate transactions.
‘High quality of knowledge and experience. Easy to contact and discuss issues with professionalism and a can do approach across the team.’
‘Peter Flowerday quickly assimilated what I required, provided a competitive cost indication and adhered to a fairly tight timescale. Advice and information provided was comprehensive and extremely valuable. These key points set them apart.’
‘From initial contact through to completion the communication was prompt and professional. Throughout the whole process I felt valued as a client.’
Work highlights
- Advised a private company owner on the sale of Hopkinson Waste Group to Highgate Capital BC.
- Advised PLM Global Holdings on its acquisition of PLM Global.
- Advised Prestige Aggregates on its acquisition of Stones4Homes.
Dispute resolution – commercial litigation (Nottingham & Derby)
Acting as part of the firm’s national dispute resolution and employment group, the Nottingham branch of Actons works with a broad range of clients, from individuals to international companies. The team’s diverse workload encompasses contractual disputes, shareholder disputes, and claims against directors, among other matters. Gordon Monaghan, who became practice head in 2022, handles restrictive covenant challenges and professional negligence claims. Nicola Parr – who joined the team from Chattertons in December 2022 – is noted for her specialism in contentious probate and Court of Protection work.
‘Gordon Monaghan was very friendly and personable, and this meant we could converse with him without feeling on edge. When going through stressful times, this was a comfort and helped us manage the worries.’
‘The team was capable and efficient but also very personable. This helped me progress a very difficult situation in a manner that was rational and constructive in spite of the emotive issues. The team also efficiently brought in additional skills seamlessly when needed.’
‘As I touched on above, all the individuals I engaged with were very helpful, constructive and personable, which was very important to me in my circumstances. Gordon Monaghan provided me with excellent advice throughout the process.’
Work highlights
- Acting on behalf of a shareholder on the exit of a difficult co-shareholder and director from two companies.
- Acting on behalf of software supplier in connection with an IT dispute and negotiating a very favourable settlement at mediation.
- Acting on behalf of individual beneficiary in a high value and complex professional negligence claim against testator’s solicitors on an invalid Will, leading to a loss of nearly £1 million.
Employment (East Midlands)
Specialising in providing TUPE, absence management and tribunal representation for local and national employers, owner-managed businesses and SMEs, Actons‘ team is led by litigators James Symons and Nic Elliott. Associate Laura Robinson advises on data protection and GDPR issues relating to the employment relationship.
‘An approachable, commercial team who take time to understand the organisation, the culture, your needs as a client and the direction of travel you require. They are open with billing expectation, share risk and confirm outputs.’
‘Nic Elliott is a truly inspirational leader and lawyer. He is current not only in law but in business, he brings together stakeholders to share best practice and collaborates across sectors.’
‘Actons is a team which punches above its weight. Briefs are always well-prepared and provide optimum opportunity for reaching a successful outcome.’
Work highlights
- Acted for Iceland Foods in the Employment Appeal Tribunal, successfully resisting an appeal by an individual claiming unfair dismissal.
- Successfully represented Staffline Recruitment in a claim for multiple types of discrimination, unfair dismissal and various monetary claims, resulting in the dismissal of all claims.
- Ran equality, diversity and inclusion, and disciplinary and grievance training for Nottingham City Transport, Johnsons Cars and Rab/Lowe Alpine.
Private client – personal tax, trusts and probate (East Midlands)
Actons has a wealth of expertise in will drafting, estate administration, trusts and complex Court of Protection applications. The team encompasses the experienced directors Bindiya Patel, Heather Parker and associate, Ruth Swain, all providing key support.
‘Bindiya Patel has been invaluable and compassionate during a difficult time. She is knowledgeable and reassuring which has made the entire process smooth sailing even when having to work with an international team.’
‘I have worked with Ruth Swain. She has supported me through the challenges of sorting out a will. I feel she is like a friend I can trust and count on, and I know she will do her best for us at all times.’
‘I received a very professional and personal service from Ruth Swain at Actons. She went above and beyond to support me during probate.’
Real estate – property litigation (East Midlands)
The property litigation team at Actons handles a wide array of property litigation matters for a diverse client base comprised of individuals, businesses and charities. Gordon Monaghan leads the team with considerable experience in dilapidation claims, tenancy renewal disputes and property possession claims. Daniel Harley is particularly active in commercial landlord and tenant disputes.
Real estate – commercial property (Nottingham & Derby)
Actons works across a broad range of matters concerning commercial transactions, including the sale and acquisition of freehold and leasehold premises, refinancing and development work. Caroline Pearson leads the team with deep experience working on large projects for residential and commercial sites. Associate Kerry Elliott joined the team in December 2022, specialising in freehold and leasehold acquisitions.
‘Extremely competent team of legal advisors with a vast experience of knowledge, a super friendly and responsive team who went above and beyond in advising and assisting with my case.’
‘Actons are a highly experienced, dedicated and knowledgeable team providing an exceptional service. Their approach to problem solving is to be commended, always putting their client’s objectives first and in doing so, ensuring they achieve the best possible outcome for their clients. They are very friendly and approachable, tackling issues head on – nothing is too much for them. They are very responsive in situations and there are always clear lines of communication so, as a client, I always know exactly where I stand.’
‘Knowledge and experience of the partners and their ability to provide the best solution for the individual company’s requirements.
Work highlights
- Advised John Cawley Developments Limited on the £1m sale of a long leasehold office development in Nottingham.
- Advised Lanterna Property Company Limited on the purchase of a block of serviced apartments in Nottingham for £1m and the associated leaseback to the apartment operator.
- Advised Nexa Finance Limited on a loan facility to a developer for a proposed conversion of a site in Birmingham to residential apartments.
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Posted on October 5, 2023