In Birketts LLP‘s Cambridge office, ‘the litigation team has a great breadth of knowledge and always puts the clients’ objectives at the forefront of any engagement’. Practice head Laurence Weeks is ‘a great litigator and problem solver, who always agrees the plan of attack based on the clients’ needs’. The firm has specialist expertise in shipping, education, public law, Judicial Review, procurement law, defence and transport, and is particularly well-known for its work involving fraud, insolvency and professional negligence. Talented practitioners Sara Sayer, who leads on public and administrative law, and Maria-Christina Peyman, play pivotal roles in the practice.

Mills & Reeve LLP has ‘a very well-connected team delivering useful and practicable solutions'. Practice head Douglas McDonald a is ‘a highly skilled and approachable lawyer who delivers solutions that are meaningful and valuable to the client'. Principal associates Helen Prandy, who ‘gives pragmatic advice tailored to clients’ businesses', and Lino Di Lorenzo, who handles complex commercial and insolvency litigation, play central roles in the practice. The firm is a key advisor on national and high-value regional disputes involving mid-market corporates in sectors such as technology, life sciences, food and agribusiness, energy, financial services, health and education.

Recently merging with Taylor Vinters, the dispute resolution practice at Mishcon de Reya LLP is increasingly involved in high-value and complex disputes in the Cambridge region, as well as nationally and internationally. Practice head Luke Hibbert and senior associate Beth Price are ‘very supportive and give valuable advice’. Senior counsel Jessica Boxford and associate Jonathan Davies are regarded as ‘sympathetic, factual about possible outcomes and very supportive throughout‘. Boxford and associate Alexandra Thornton-Reid acted for three of a large number of defendants in the Danish tax authority multi-jurisdictional and high-value fraud litigation in the Commercial Court. ‘Commercially realistic’ partner Gareth Dickson also plays a pivotal roles in the practice.

The commercial litigation practice at Ashtons Legal operates across its office network, with Michael Frape being the key partner in Cambridge. He handles complex and high-value commercial disputes in industry sectors including financial services, property development, and retail and leisure; he is noted as being ‘a very tough litigator who is an ideal choice for clients seeking a robust lawyer in commercial litigation and arbitration‘. Notably, Frape recently advised a developer on a claim of breach of copyright in respect of an architect’s drawings for a multi-million pound residential development.

The litigation practice at HCR Hewitsons is ‘responsive, to the point and thorough with its advice'. Property litigator Natalie Minott leads the practice, in which Simon Biggin is a key partner for contractual, shareholder and partnership disputes. He notably advised Broadland Agricultural Water Abstractors Group on matters arising from Environment Agency licensing programmes. Stewart Morrison, who regarded as being ‘driven, organised and knowledgeable‘, stands out for his work on freedom of information appeals and on challenges to procurement contract awards.

The litigation practice at Howes Percival LLP is growing its reputation in Cambridge, where the team is regarded as ‘responsive and emphatic'. The firm handles a growing volume of national and London-based litigation work, including as a Crown Services panel member. Practice head Michael Green, who handles company and shareholder matters, warranty claims, technology disputes, as well as cases concerning restraint of trade, and the ‘insightful, clear and intelligent' director Victoria Sandell are noted as being ‘the dream team for commercial litigation in Cambridge and beyond'.

Stobbs IP‘s practice is best known for its work in IP and brand management but it also handles a growing volume of general commercial litigation work for national and global brands. Amongst its clients is Marks and Spencer plc; the firm notably successfully pursued a claim against Aldi on their behalf concerning the design of own-brand gin bottles. Head of the solicitor team Chris Sleep, who is ‘commercially savvy and particularly astute in his advice’, and litigation principal Geoff Steward, who ‘brings corporate London sophistication to legal proceedings’, are the standout lawyers.

The litigation practice at Tees Law is described as being ‘exceptionally efficient and very personable'. Senior associate Sara Stabler leads the practice in Cambridge, where associate Emily Jones plays an increasingly prominent role. Stabler’s approach is ‘unwaveringly client-focused but tempered with a sense of reality and good humour', whilst Jones is ‘always on-the-ball and striving to achieve the best possible outcome'. The team recently advised on a shareholder dispute worth £1m in value.