The ‘full-service’ partnership practice at Addleshaw Goddard has an ‘excellent reputation’ for advising on all aspects of partnership and limited liability partnership law including high value and cross-border transactional work, advisory work, investigations, and contentious matters such as partner exits and allegations of misconduct. Heading up the professional practices group is William Wastie who offers a broad practice relating to large international mergers, governance issues, partnership and LLP disputes as well as disciplinary investigations involving regulators such as the SRA and FCA. The ‘star’ lawyer Aster Crawshaw, who was recently elected as senior partner, is ‘knowledgeable, accessible and approachable’ and specialises in M&A, international structuring including network and Swiss Verein structures. Noted by peers in the market is Jonathan Cheney who has considerable experience advising on international and domestic mergers, reorganisations, joint ventures and contentious exits of partners from professional services firms, especially in the financial services industry. ‘Standout’ associate Jonathan Cakebread and Ben Sanderson are other key lawyers.

Offering integrated partnership, employment and regulatory advice, the ‘standout firm for partnership disputes,’ CM Murray LLP, is headed up by Sarah Chilton, an ‘amazingly able’ specialist contentious partnership lawyer who also has expertise in the private equity sector, and Zulon Begum, ‘a top flight non-contentious lawyer’ who predominately focuses on corporate law matters. Acting for clients in the legal, accountancy, consultancy, real estate, insurance, private equity and hedge fund industries, the team has a significant reputation for handling disputes relating to team moves and internal investigations into alleged wrongdoing as well as corporate law matters such as governance of professional service firms. Founding and managing partner Clare Murray, ‘a visionary leader in her field’, acts for US and UK professional services firms, as well as equity partners in professional services and investment management firms, handling partner conduct and performance issues, partner exits, restrictive covenants and litigation. Corinne Staves, ‘a superb new addition’, offers experience in advising on international structures and international governance for professional services businesses. David Fisher often represents firms and individuals in contentious partnership disputes and has a particular focus on business protection. Acting as general counsel and specialising in employment and partnership law is the ‘standout’ Beth Hale, while Emma Bartlett regularly advises on LLP and partnership matters in the private equity and financial services space. Also of note is Andrew Pavlovic, who offers assistance with sensitive partnership investigations, partnership structuring and law firm mergers.

The ‘strong partnership practice’ at Farrer & Co regularly advises individuals and firms in professional services firms including silver circle law firms, architects, asset managers, patent agents, FCA-regulated businesses and accountants. Handling major transactions, departures, team moves and disputes, the team also represents clients in the private client field including ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices. Practice head Jonathan Haley is a ‘highly experienced corporate lawyer’ who frequently advises a range of partnerships and individuals, especially in the regulated sectors, on business-critical transactions. Contentious partnership law and investigations expert Anna Birtwistle is ‘a great litigator, sensible, knowledgeable and all round superb’. The ‘experienced’ Eleanor Rowswell regularly acts for senior equity partners and LLPs on exits, appointments and disputes with specialisms in team moves, whistleblowing claims, remuneration agreements and discrimination litigation. Another key lawyer is Kathleen Heycock, a specialist external investigator who often assists with senior partner moves between professional services and IT firms, international disputes and acquisitions by regulated partnerships.

Fox Williams LLP is well versed in establishing foreign law firm partnerships in the UK. Frequently advising on a range of regulatory issues including breaches of the SRA Code and investigations. The team is also equipped to handle disputes and quasi-employment work, offering ‘real knowledge and expertise’. The team is led by the ‘astute, commercial and pragmatic’ Daniel Sutherland, who has ‘strong regulatory knowledge and is superb on drafting’. Senior partner Gavin Foggo acts mainly in the financial services and professional services sectors and is described as ‘one of the very best litigators in this field’ and ‘tenacious’. Aron Pope has a contentious practice, advising both employers and employees in the financial and professional services, fintech and technology space on partnership and employment disputes involving whistleblowing, discrimination, restrictive covenants and team moves. Handling both contentious and non-contentious partnership work is the ‘highly conscientious and intelligent’ Ed Livingstone.

Operating across the legal, financial and professional services sector, the ‘top flight’ partnership and LLPs department at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP offers a practice encompassing specialists in the disputes, corporate, employment, incentives, regulatory and tax field. The team is co-headed by corporate lawyer Malcolm Lombers, who offers extensive experience in handling large partnership structures, mergers, disposals for major accountancy firms and joint ventures, and Alan Watts, who is frequently instructed on high profile partnership disputes for hedge funds, global law firms, professional service firms and real estate organisations. Complementing their employment practices, the ‘capable and effective litigator’ Tim Leaver and the ‘brilliant’ Nick Wright handle contentious and non-contentious partnership work. Andrew Taggart’s expertise lies in disputes, investigations and appointments and exits of members and employees of LLPs, while Chris Bushell focuses on contentious matters particularly in the asset management space. Members of the firm’s tax group, Josh Lom and Isaac Zailer, specialise in advising on the structuring of taxation on partnerships, both in the UK and internationally.

Acting for both LLPs and partners, particularly across the professional and financial services sectors, the ‘highly focused boutique’ Fox & Partners has a ‘very commercial and practical’ partnership team. The unit is jointly headed up by the ‘exceptionally talented’ Catriona Watt, who advises on issues including contentious departures and arrivals, and Caroline Field, an ‘extremely competent and good strategist’ who has experience litigating in a broad range of dispute resolution forums. Founder of the Association of Partnership Practitioners Ronnie Fox is a ‘brilliant deal maker’ and is particularly known for negotiating departure arrangements. The ‘responsive and helpful’ Shoshana Bacall offers extensive experience in advising on partner departures, contentious exit arrangements, partner investigations and disciplinary matters, an area of growth for the team. Dean Fuller advises on regulatory and corporate aspects of partnership law, while Ivor Adair has recent experience of advising international law firms in relation to contentious exits. Other key lawyers include senior associate Shiv Raja, who acts for partners, LLPs and partnerships in the professional services sector. Eleanor Diamond moved to Lewis Silkin in August 2023.

The cross-departmental and ‘top quality’ partnership team at Kingsley Napley LLP regularly assists financial services firms, professional service firms, and individual partners in contentious work concerning employment, regulatory, criminal and reputation management matters. Recent work has included partner and team moves, complex remuneration structures, partner expulsions and non-compete disputes. The team is headed up by Adrian Crawford, who focuses on the City, financial services and professional services sectors, and Iain Miller, who is frequently instructed by regulated professional services partnerships for SRA-related regulatory advice. Jessica Clay is well versed in advising firms and individuals in SRA-related matters including changes to business structures and reporting obligations as well as matters relating to AML and counter-inclusive conduct. Acting across various sectors is the ‘great litigator’ Corinne Aldridge, whose expertise lies in investigations, retirements, post-termination restrictions and claims relating to whistleblowing and discrimination. Nick Ralph is ‘quick to understand a situation as it develops’ whether this involves dismissals, contract negotiations or post termination restrictions. Richard Fox has adopted a senior consultant position. Accountancy sector expert Julie Matheson, regulatory specialist Julie Norris, Andreas White, who is adept in dispute resolution and investigations for clients in the professional services and financial services sectors, and John Young, who is proficient in corporate partnership work, are other key lawyers.

Offering a holistic service with ‘strength and depth across the partnership, employment and commercial fields’, Lewis Silkin services law firms, hedge funds, private equity managers and debt advisory businesses, particularly in relation to highly sensitive disputes arising from misconduct allegations and partner exits. The team also offers experience in contentious matters such as expulsion, fiduciary duties, restrictive covenants and remuneration disputes and non-contentious work such as mergers, internal policies, business formation and restructuring. Heading up the group is the ‘extremely experienced’ Clive Greenwood. He is frequently instructed in disputes concerning compulsory retirement and performance. Partnership and LLP agreement expert Fergus Payne advises professional services firms on restructuring projects and mergers and has now adopted the role of consultant at the firm. Heading up the investigations team is Karen Baxter, an employment and partnership law specialist that advises on investigations involving allegations of professional misconduct, team moves, partner obligations and disputes. Michael Burd is known for his focus on large-scale and international litigation, arbitration and agreements work. Managing associate Frances Simm, described by one client as a ‘star,’ has recently advised international law firms, national accountancy firms and individuals on contentious LLP disputes and investigations. Professional services specialist Chris Hallinan joined the practice in July 2023 from Addleshaw Goddard .

The cross-departmental team of specialists at Mishcon de Reya LLP offers ‘exceptional experience’ in partnership and LLP disputes and matters concerning the rights and obligations between the LLP and its members. Operating across a broad range of sectors including accountancy, financial and professional services, the ‘experienced, sensible and service-minded’ lawyers have handled unlawful competition, and remuneration disputes in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. The team also advises on the structuring, set up and management of LLPs, incentive structures and exit strategies. Practice head Daniel Naftalin has extensive experience in acting for LLPs, corporates and senior executives and offers expertise in team moves, discrimination, LLP disputes and restrictive covenant enforcement. Joanna Blackburn has a broad practice, covering both contentious and non-contentious matters in the employment space and advising LLPs on matters affecting their members. The ‘exceptional’ Jennifer Millins specialises in team moves advisory work, discrimination and whistleblowing claims, restrictive covenant and equal pay disputes. Operating at the intersection of employment law and regulation is Greg Campbell. He is skilled at handling major disciplinary investigations involving senior executives and allegations of misconduct by employers and regulators.

Led by the ‘ever-excellent’ Andrew Cromby, who frequently handles partnership disputes, professional partnerships in management and restrictive covenants, Weightmans LLP provides ‘top level advice’ particularly in relation to the team’s niche offering in restructuring and insolvency matters in partnership practices. Alongside expertise in structuring LLPs and alternative business structures, the team is also instructed by clients in the health sector with Edwina Farrell leading on matters relating to medical partnerships. The firm’s June 2022 merger with RadcliffesLeBrasseur LLP saw legal partnership experts Susanna Heley and Nigel West join, bolstering the regulatory capabilities at the practice. Michelle Garlick, who is based in Manchester, provides compliance, regulatory support and assistance on partnership matters.

The ‘high quality and thorough’ team of lawyers at Winckworth Sherwood LLP has recently been active across partnership withdrawals and moves, removal of partners and allegations of discriminatory and inappropriate behaviour. The team is led by the ‘excellent’ Jo Keddie, who ‘is at the top of her game’ and has significant experience of acting for major clients including magic circle and US global firms in the High Court, Employment Tribunals and international arbitrations. A key destination for law and accountancy firms, private equity houses and investment funds, the team also specialises in advising clients in the residential developer space. Focusing on contentious partnership work is Bettina Bender, who acts for firms and individual LLP members and offers expertise in potential disputes and exit arrangements, misconduct allegations, investigations and internal partnership law. Another key lawyer is Louise Lawrence, whose practice focuses on partner exits, discrimination and whistleblowing claims. Danielle Crawford, noted by clients as ‘highly intelligent’ and ‘very practical,’ is also noted.

Founded in 2019 by the ‘extremely knowledgeable, down to earth and personable' Paul Bennett and Mark Briegal, Bennett Briegal LLP acts for accountants, GPs, investors, and business consultants. Recent work has involved advising clients on partner exits, mergers, partnership disputes relating to partnership restructuring and alleged partner misconduct. Briegal, a member of the APP committee, handles the corporate elements of partnership law including mergers, drafting agreements, negotiations and disputes. The highly experienced solicitor advocate Bennett has experience in litigation, regulation and compliance and commercial advisory work. The firm’s main office is situated in Warrington.

Clyde & Co handles a broad range of matters including election to partnership, terminations, bonuses, team moves and disputes. The practice has a strong reputation for handling claims against professional firms, regulatory matters, conducting investigations and acting for both firms and individuals in disciplinary proceedings. A trio of lawyers lead the team including Richard Harrison who is head of the firm’s professional liability group. Also co-heading the practice are Chris Holme, who offers extensive experience in discrimination and employment issues, and Simon Vere Nicoll, who advises on the complete cycle of a partnership from incorporation to conversion into limited liability partnerships. Another key name is disputes and regulatory investigations expert Fergal Cathie who frequently acts in high-value professional malpractice litigation.

The ‘highly commercial and thoughtful’ partnership team at Dechert LLP offers a ‘breadth of expertise’ particularly in the financial services and investment management space. Practice head Jason Butwick is a ‘highly commercial and creative’ lawyer and regularly handles the drafting and structuring of partnership and employment documentation, remuneration code matters and partnership, and employment disputes. ‘Expert’ lawyer Daniel Hawthorne specialises in employee taxation and incentivisation matters for corporate and financial services clients. Also of note is Craig Borthwick, whose expertise lies in the formation and structuring of investment funds and fund platforms. Corporate lawyer Jonathan Angell‘s case load includes advising LLPs and their members on amendments to existing membership agreements and regulatory matters.

The cross-disciplinary practice at Howard Kennedy LLP assists clients on a range of contentious and advisory partnership matters including the formation of LLPs, the rights and obligations of partners and LLP members, and business crime issues affecting partners and LLPs. The team is jointly headed by the ‘knowledgeable’ mediator and consultant Robert Craig, and Jane Amphlett, who principally handles contentious and business-critical partnership work including partner appointments and departures, enforcement of restrictive covenants and remuneration matters. Sam Murray-Hinde is another key lawyer and advises on investigations, exits, discrimination and whistleblowing claims.

Heading up the ‘very knowledgeable’ partnership practice at VWV in Bristol is the ‘class act’ Jos Moule, who another client noted as the ‘go-to expert on partnership law’. Also a member of the APP, Moule often acts for GPs, vets, accountants and solicitors as well as trading and investment partnerships in both contentious and non-contentious matters. Ben Willis leads the healthcare team. He is a specialist in the funding and development of partnership property for clients in the healthcare industry. Described as ‘one of the very best in healthcare partnership disputes’ Oliver Pool handles partnership agreements and is active in developing new super partnership models. Litigating partnership disputes is the ‘terrific’ Nick Martindale who displays a ‘practical and commercial approach’.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is well versed in advising both individuals and partnership structures, particularly in relation to limited liability partnerships and limited partnerships. The team assists on a full range of matters such as drafting and updating constitutional documents, transactional work, regulatory matters and partnership disputes. Practice head Charlie Ring principally focuses on the financial services sector, providing governance, constitutional and transactional advice to investment and wealth managers. Head of employment Nick Hurley handles the employment aspects of partnerships including cases involving discrimination, whistleblowing and TUPE matters. Anne-Marie Balfour advises employers and senior executives on employment law and litigation, as well as recruitment sector clients on regulatory compliance. Victoria Younghusband specialises in assisting investment funds on governance, mergers, restructuring and winding-ups. Previous team head David Hicks left the firm in December 2022.

The partnership team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys advises on the full spectrum of partnership and LLP work, ranging from SRA regulatory matters, law firm mergers and private equity deals to partnership disputes and drafting. The team’s client roster features fund managers, medical and farming partnerships, private equity houses and professional practices and is jointly led by the ‘very commercial’  Robert Capper, who specialises in commercial contracts and partnership work, and the highly regarded Rachel Khiara, who handles both the transactional and day-to-day management work of partnerships and LLPs.

Keystone Law offers ‘an accessible and personal service’ to professional practices and individual members including accountants. Peter Garry specialises in resolving disputes within partnerships, LLPs and private limited companies and also advises on transactions, company governance and drafts agreements. Another lawyer to note is Emma Clark who advises on contractual documentation especially in relation to new hires, post termination restrictions and exits, and offers expertise in employment law, specifically discrimination and whistleblowing laws. Employment and partnership lawyer Clive Howard regularly assists individuals in the legal and financial services sector with contentious exits and discrimination claims.

The cross-departmental group at Macfarlanes LLP offers a range of services to professional services firms and private client individuals including advice on M&A, tax and structuring of partnerships, financial regulation and dispute resolution support. Heading up the team is Jessica Adam, a member of the APP, who acts for private equity houses, asset managers, professional services firms and LLPs in relation to mergers. Also of note is Hayley Robinson who handles employment law work for LLPs, particularly in the financial services sector, regarding workplace issues, recruitment, exits, restrictive covenants and restructurings.

McCarthy Denning‘s partnership practice is headed up by the ‘incredibly knowledgeable’  Tina Williams, who joined the team in May 2022 from Fox Williams LLP. Areas of expertise include the establishment of partnerships, international structuring and mergers. Partner and team moves, regulation and management issues are additional strengths. The firm is a popular destination for law firms, accountancy practices, surveyors and multi-disciplinary practices.

Offering advice across a range of areas including tax, financial services, dispute resolution and employment, the partnership lawyers at Payne Hicks Beach LLP assist in the structuring, administration, and dissolution of partnerships. Head of team Jonathan Gatward is well versed in assisting with the entire life cycle of partnerships, whether this involves general, limited liability or limited partnerships. James Bacon specialises in tax, trust and succession law, offering significant experience in farming partnerships, while Simon Blackburn advises on all aspects of the management and transactions relating to farms, estates and country houses. Clients include traditional farming partnerships, high-net-worth individuals seeking property joint ventures, and professional practices.

Offering ‘great breadth and depth’ in partnership law, the ‘contemporary practice’ at RPC offers ‘talented’ lawyers that are ‘excellent client handlers’ with ‘technical expertise’ and experience in cross-border matters. Practice chair Patrick Brodie, who has a contentious and non-contentious practice, focuses on partnership terminations, mergers and corporate reorganisations. The team’s broad client roster includes architects, solicitors, accountants, actuaries and patent agents.  Instructed on various matters affecting the legal service sector is the ‘technically astute’ Graham Reid, who offers extensive expertise in regulatory matters for professional services firms. The team expanded in January 2023 with the hires of the ‘good communicator’ and ‘technically solid’ Tom Wild from Mayer Brown International LLP and the ‘excellent, capable, down to earth’ Eleanor Kilner from Weightmans LLP.

The highly experienced Barry Stimpson leads the team at Shoosmiths LLP, specialising in advising asset and fund managers, law firms and accountancy firms with international operations on limited liability partnerships, agreements, and mergers. Recent work has involved the setting up of a new fund manager and advising international investment partnerships. The firm’s tax department and Kevin McCavish’s employment team support the practice, allowing for a complete partnership offering.