Geldards LLP > Nottingham, England > Firm Profile

Geldards LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Nottingham and Derby

The automotive industry remains a flagship component of Geldards LLP’s commercial litigation workload. Under the leadership of Nino Simone, the team represents an impressive client roster across various levels of the judicial system. Jonathan Butler has been particularly prolific in the automotive sector, while also handling complex disputes in the retail and engineering sectors; across all these areas, he regularly oversees freezing orders and injunction work. Andrea Clayton is the key figure in a range of sectors due to her focus on matters involving a technical aspect, such as engineering, metallurgy and chemistry, while Lewis Adamson receives a stream of automotive instructions regarding consumer rights.

Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery

Operating out of Nottingham and Derby, Geldards LLP‘s caseload covers restructuring and insolvency matters, with a focus on advising local government organisations and EOT businesses. Noted for her ‘tremendous service’ and her ‘resourceful and helpful’ approach, Ruth Thurland heads up the practice and often negotiates settlement agreements for local councils; she is instructed by practitioners, directors and creditors, both nationally and internationally. Nino Simone has recently been engaged in bankruptcy and insolvency matters, and specialises in advising clients in Germany.

Private client > Family Tier 1

With offices in Derby and Nottingham, Geldards LLP has a notably varied offering encompassing financial remedy cases, family mediation and arbitration proceedings, as well as divorce matters. Heading up the practice from Derby, Fiona Apthorpe specialises in high-value financial remedy matters, often involving tax and pension issues, while Claire Dean is experienced in handling sensitive and complex abuse and parental alienation matters. Kate Keenan frequently assists on divorce proceedings involving financial and tax-related issues, areas in which Samuel Mason is also knowledgeable.

Public sector Tier 1

Geldards LLP‘s team is well-equipped to handle complex and high-value projects for its list of clients which includes various local authorities, government bodies and regulatory bodies, amongst others. Team lead Neil Walker routinely advises on major regeneration, development and investment projects, while Paul Hilsdon is engaged by local government clients on regeneration and city centre redevelopment schemes. Governance and public procurement expert Clare Hardy is a name to note, with a workload which includes conducting investigations into breaches of local authority codes of conduct.

Real estate > Commercial property: Nottingham and Derby

The Geldards LLP real estate team’s key work streams arise from residential and commercial developments in the industrial and logistics, public sector, education, utilities, and motor retail sectors. Graham Banks leads the practice out of the Derby office, where he is a specialist in operational property, project finance, and property investment and development. Heather Dixon is a stand-out name for the delivery of complex property transactions, while Neil Walker chiefly focuses on major project work. Other key names in the team are Paul Hilsdon, who engages closely with universities, FE colleges, and multi-academy trusts, and Jay Atubra, who has a growing caseload from independent electricity and fibre optic network operators and gas transporters.

Real estate > Construction

Geldards LLP continues to be a key port of call for construction work within the logistics segment, as well as being a key advisor on complex dispute resolution. Spearheading the team is Chris Hawrylak, a specialist on energy, storage, and distribution centre projects.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property

Geldards LLP is reputed for the depth of its expertise in the sports, media, and entertainment sectors, while also offering a comprehensive offering spanning the inception of IPR through to corporate transactions with an IP element. Team lead Jamie Goldberg acts primarily for high-profile athletes on image rights licenses and IP issues arising from their commercial activities, while also advising on a breadth of IP matters. Saima Shabir combines commercial and data protection knowledge with experience on IP assignments, supply, agency, and distribution agreements.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport

Geldards LLP is trusted by an impressive roster of clients from the football, rugby, tennis, and cricket sectors across a strong sports offering, spanning sponsorship, endorsement, and licensing agreements. This offering also extends to investments, documentary participation, and regulatory issues. Practice head Jamie Goldberg‘s reputation generates activity for the practice, and he continues to advise high-profile athletes on image rights licenses and intellectual property issues regarding commercial activities. Rebecca Stojak has a wealth of knowledge within the equine industry.

Wales > Corporate and commercial Tier 1

Geldards LLP is adept at handling a myriad corporate work for local, UK, and international entities from a wide range of sectors. A significant volume of this work is acting on the buy and sell-side of M&A transactions for both corporates and fund clients. Alex Butler is key to the firm’s private equity and venture capital-backed work. Vastly experienced team head Andrew Morris has excellent connections with local businesses, and alongside Butler continues to provide corporate assistance to Development Bank of Wales on its fund structuring as well as pursuant ongoing corporate governance. Christopher Williams heads up the commercial law offering and is particularly skilled at advising public sector clients on commercial contracts, including on outsourcing.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation

Under the leadership of the experienced Paul Hopkins, Geldards LLP has established a strong local reputation for its aptitude at handling complex commercial disputes, often involving multiple parties. Many of these occur within the public sector, with Jonathan Griffiths skilled at representing both claimants and defendants in judicial review proceedings. Although Michael Evans also handles some public sector work, he has carved out a niche in relation to contractual disputes within the private sector. Rhys Thompson provides vital support on large-scale public sector disputes and is also developing a caseload for private sector clients across a range of contractual litigation.

Employment

While it does handle some private sector work for an employer-focused client base, including financial services entities, Geldards LLP remains best known for its work in the public and third sectors. Team head Lowri Phillips is at the forefront of much of this, including her defence of numerous local authorities in equal pay claims. The ‘incredibly bright’ Helen Snow also excels in public sector work, including dealing with Chief Officer disciplinary and grievance processes and investigations. Joga Singh is more aligned to work in the private sector, and as well as continuing to develop a thriving business immigration offering, also regularly defends employers in employment law tribunal cases, including those relating to alleged discrimination.

Finance > Banking and finance Tier 1

Insurance > Clinical negligence: claimant

Appreciated for its ‘thorough approach’, the small team at Geldards LLP punches above its weight, undertaking high-quality work on a national basis across a wide range of cases, often of the utmost severity. Team head Spencer Collier remains pivotal to the team’s success, being ‘utterly dedicated and compassionate’ towards his catastrophically injured clients, including those who have suffered from maximum severity brain and spinal injuries. Leveraging ‘excellent legal knowledge’, as well as being ‘very pragmatic’ in claims investigation, Rachel Kirby is also a very integral member of the team.

Insurance > Personal injury: defendant

The ‘knowledgeable, professional and friendly’ team at Geldards LLP provides a ‘first-class service’ to public sector clients, and companies which operate insurance captives or self-insure, in the defence of employers’ and public liability personal injury claims. ‘Exceptional’ team head Donna Makin is well-versed in handling the defence of a range of often very serious claims, including those relating to industrial diseases such as asbestos poisoning.

Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 1

Drawing upon core expertise and also able to leverage the firm’s full-service capabilities, the ‘extremely knowledgeable and experienced’ team at Geldards LLP has a notable reputation among Welsh charities, advising across the spectrum of commercial, regulatory, transactional and litigation work. Bethan Walsh, who took over the running of the team in July 2024, has diverse expertise advising faith-based, education and cultural charities on their establishment and day-to-day operational work, including governance and constitutional issues. Giselle Davies also has well-established expertise in the space.

Private client > Family

Since the arrival of Adrienne Donneky, Geldards LLP has quickly gained traction in the market, leveraging the firm’s internal corporate and private client base. Praised as a ‘thoughtful and details-focused lawyer’, Donneky excels at handling complex financial remedy matters, and drafting pre-nuptial and co-habitation agreements. As well as handling conventional family matters, the ‘highly knowledgeable’ Aysha Chouhdary has carved out a niche acting on behalf of Muslim clients, guiding them through the complexities of the dissolution of a marriage under Shariah law. Belinda Moseley is appreciated for her willingness ‘to go the extra mile’ for clients on finance and children matters.

Wales > Public sector

Drawing upon ‘a wide depth of knowledge and experience’ within the public sector, Geldards LLP is a popular choice with central and local government entities. As well as regularly representing public sector entities in employment litigation and advisory matters, ‘very responsive and helpful’ team head Helen Snow is also active in strategic mandates. Charles Felgate has a ‘wide depth of knowledge and experience in planning law matters’, including acting for local authorities and national park authorities on large-scale projects and developments, as well as defending judicial review challenges. Construction expert Tony Norris regularly advises the central Welsh government on large infrastructure projects, as well as helping local authorities draft framework agreements and the related disputes. Litigator Jonathan Griffiths is also a key member of the team and excels at handling procurement disputes as well as judicial review matters.

Real estate > Commercial property

Led by Susanne Bradley, Geldards LLP handles a mix of work for stakeholders engaged in commercial real estate projects in both the public and private sectors. The firm regularly picks up mandates for the Welsh government, including Adam Thomas‘ advice to Welsh Ministers on the acquisition of Coney Beach Funfair, part of the Porthcawl Waterfront Regeneration Scheme. As part of his broad swathe of work, Ioan Owen has a notable landlord and tenant practice, that includes advising national retailers on leases throughout Wales and England. Acting for housing associations on the expansion of their property portfolios, senior associate Henry Bright also provides support to Bradley on high-level Welsh government projects.

Real estate > Construction

Geldards LLP has developed a notable reputation for handling big-ticket public sector-led infrastructure projects, including those operated utilising the Mutual Investment Model (MIM). Experienced team head Tony Norris regularly assists the Welsh government with high-profile transactions, as well as advising local authorities on drafting framework agreements and related disputes. Claire Laviers also regularly assists Norris on big-ticket mandates, as well as handling matters for public and private sector entities.

Real estate > Planning and environment

Geldards LLP is best-known for its work acting for central and local government entities, including on large-scale strategically important and politically sensitive mandates. ‘Exemplary’ team head Charles Felgate is pivotal to the practice, combining advisory and litigation expertise, including acting in contentious matters featuring compulsory purchase orders (CPOs). Senior associate Tomos Phillips is also a key member of the team and, as well as providing vital support to Felgate, also handles a considerable volume of CPO-related matters, particularly relating to highways schemes.

Real estate > Property litigation

Displaying ‘a strong can-do attitude’, Geldards LLP runs the property litigation gamut, handling matters ranging from rights of way and adverse possession advice through to commercial landlord and tenant disputes regarding dilapidations and rent arrears. ‘Superb’ team head Ed Meggitt acts for well-known retailers on the management and protection of their property interests, as well as for public sector clients, including the Environment Agency, which he regularly advises on nuisance and trespass matters. As ‘someone you definitely want on your side’ in litigation, Nicola Lawrence acts for local authorities and handles commercial landlord and tenant disputes, while Llinos Davies has been active in 1954 Act lease renewal proceedings.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 1

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms

Geldards LLP is very well-versed in assisting public and private sector clients on the contractual aspects to facilitate major IT projects. Team head Justin Harrington has a notable reputation for handling IT and IT cloud outsourcing contracts for suppliers and end users, particularly within heavily regulated sectors, including the financial services industry.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Nottingham and Derby Tier 2

Operating out of Derby and Nottingham, the team at Geldards LLP focuses on M&A, restructuring issues, and commercial contract negotiations. Debra Martin heads up the corporate team, with expertise in capital investments and restructuring issues across the legal and retail sectors. Alongside Martin, Jamie Goldberg leads the commercial team, and specialises in handling specialist commercial agreements for high-profile individuals and corporations within the sports and music industries. Part of the corporate team, Paul Feenan leads on employee ownership trust issues, while Peter Seary specialises in cross-border acquisitions for food and drink companies. Simon Davers often handles acquisitions for motor clients, while Jenny Chatten is knowledgeable of management buy-outs, and Manjot Shokar works on a broad range of acquisition matters.

Finance > Banking and finance Tier 2

Geldards LLP handles funding arrangements, facility agreements and finance documentation, with a focus on advising educational institutions and councils. Noted for her ‘extensive experience of financing structuring and documentation’, Jenny Chatten leads the practice from Nottingham, and often advises on facility agreements and renewable energy funding issues. Sarah Bailey-Parke provides assistance on negotiating security documents and finance documentation.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 2

Public sector > Education: individuals Tier 2

Geldards LLP‘s education practice has a particular focus on representing parents before SEND tribunals, and the team is well experienced in mental capacity law, judicial review claims and disability discrimination claims. Adam Friel oversees the practice and has significant experience in SEN and disability law. Kevin McManamon has a broad expertise in education and particularly focuses on SEN and mental capacity matters, and is well versed in Welsh education law. Salise Dourmoush represents clients in SEND and EHCP tribunals. Milly Van Beyere is also a key member of the team advising on EHC appeal cases.

Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 2

Led by consultant Laura Alliss, Geldards LLP provides ‘spot-on advice’ to charities, executors, trustees and beneficiaries across a broad swathe of disputes including issues relating to testamentary capacity, Inheritance Act claims and promissory estoppel. Allis is able to ‘shepherd clients to good resolutions of their claims’, be it through the court system or negotiations.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 2

Drawing upon ‘extensive technical knowledge’, Geldards LLP delivers a ‘first-class service’ across the gamut of lifetime planning issues and the subsequent administration of estates. As well as handling work for high-net-worth clients, including those newly wealthy through lottery wins, the ‘outstanding’ Anne Taylor also excels in compensation protection and Court of Protection work. Gillian Crouch is also very skilled at handling estate administration for vulnerable clients, work which she combines with expertise in relation to high-net-worth estates, as well as a growing practice handling work for charities as beneficiaries.

Employment Tier 3

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 3

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 3

Geldards LLP regularly advises its diverse client base on a host of IT matters, with noted strength in IT agreements. On this front, practice head Jamie Goldberg is a key contact, and he also advises businesses in the IT and IT-adjacent sectors across a variety of matters. Peter Ward chiefly acts as an advisor to media and entertainment clients on IT agreements, while Saima Shabir, who was promoted to the partnership in January 2024, handles data protection matters as well as licensing and intellectual property, software development agreements, and IP assignments.

Real estate > Social housing Tier 3

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 3

Wales > Employment > Employment Tier 1