Case Overview

Our client, a rapidly growing software development company based in Manchester, faced a significant contract dispute with a former partner. The disagreement centered on intellectual property rights and payment terms for a jointly developed platform, with the disputed amount totaling £750,000.

Our Approach

We conducted a comprehensive review of all contractual documentation, correspondence, and technical specifications. Our team identified several key clauses that supported our client's position and prepared a detailed legal strategy combining negotiation with litigation readiness.

Key Actions

• Detailed contract analysis identifying 7 critical clauses in client's favor
• Engaged technical experts to assess intellectual property claims
• Prepared comprehensive litigation documents as negotiation leverage
• Facilitated structured settlement discussions over 3 months
• Drafted new partnership agreement to prevent future disputes

Outcome

The case was resolved through negotiated settlement, with our client receiving £680,000 and retaining full rights to the disputed intellectual property. The settlement was reached without court proceedings, saving an estimated £120,000 in litigation costs and preserving a valuable business relationship for future collaboration.

Case Overview

A family approached us to handle the purchase of a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse in Islington. The property came with complex title issues, including historic covenants dating back to 1847 and planning restrictions typical of listed buildings. The purchase price was £1.4 million.

Challenges Addressed

• Resolved ambiguities in property boundaries affecting garden rights
• Negotiated removal of outdated restrictive covenants with neighboring properties
• Obtained confirmation from Historic England regarding permitted alterations
• Coordinated with conservation officer on planned interior modifications
• Secured building survey addressing specific concerns about listed structure

Process

We managed all aspects of the conveyancing process, maintaining close communication with the seller's solicitors, local authority planning department, and Historic England. Our team identified potential issues early, allowing time for resolution before exchange of contracts.

Result

The transaction completed within 8 weeks, which is notably fast for a listed property with complications. Our clients received clear title with all restrictions properly documented and understood. We also provided guidance on future planning applications, helping them understand what alterations would require listed building consent.

Case Background

Our client, a warehouse manager with 12 years of service, was dismissed as part of a restructuring process. The employer failed to follow proper consultation procedures and did not genuinely consider alternative positions. The dismissal appeared to be based on age discrimination rather than legitimate business needs.

Legal Strategy

We filed claims for unfair dismissal and age discrimination at the Employment Tribunal. Our preparation included gathering witness statements from colleagues, analyzing company restructuring documents, and demonstrating the employer's failure to follow their own redundancy procedures.

Evidence Presented

• Documentation showing inadequate consultation period (2 weeks instead of required 4 weeks)
• Proof that suitable alternative roles were not offered despite availability
• Witness testimony regarding discriminatory comments about client's age
• Comparative analysis of selection criteria showing inconsistent application
• Financial records demonstrating company's strong financial position

Tribunal Outcome

The Employment Tribunal found in favor of our client on both unfair dismissal and age discrimination claims. The judge awarded £42,000 in compensation covering loss of earnings, injury to feelings, and pension loss. Additionally, the tribunal ordered reinstatement to an equivalent position, which the employer accepted.

Transaction Details

Our client, a private equity group, engaged us to advise on the acquisition of an established manufacturing business in Birmingham. The target company employed 87 staff and had annual turnover of £4.2 million. The initial asking price was £2.3 million for 100% of shares.

Due Diligence Process

We conducted comprehensive legal due diligence over 6 weeks, reviewing contracts, employment arrangements, intellectual property, litigation history, regulatory compliance, and property leases. Our investigation uncovered several issues requiring attention before completion.

Issues Identified

• Pending employment tribunal claim with potential liability of £65,000
• Non-compliant health and safety documentation requiring £45,000 remediation
• Disputed lease renewal on main premises with landlord seeking 35% rent increase
• Unregistered design rights potentially affecting key product lines
• Outstanding supplier disputes totaling £70,000

Negotiation and Completion

Based on our findings, we renegotiated the purchase price to £2.05 million with additional warranty protections. We structured the deal with £250,000 held in escrow for 18 months to cover identified risks. The transaction completed with comprehensive warranties, indemnities, and a tax deed covering all historical liabilities.

Case Summary

Our client sought divorce after 16 years of marriage with two children aged 11 and 14. The matrimonial assets included the family home worth £950,000, two rental properties valued at £580,000 combined, savings of £140,000, and the husband's business interest valued at £180,000. Total assets exceeded £1.8 million.

Key Considerations

• Primary residence for children to minimize disruption to schooling
• Protection of client's defined benefit pension worth £320,000
• Fair valuation of spouse's business with forensic accountant input
• Ongoing maintenance reflecting client's reduced earning capacity after career break
• University funding provision for both children

Mediation Process

We guided our client through 5 mediation sessions over 4 months. Both parties engaged financial advisors and agreed on independent valuations for all properties and the business. This collaborative approach reduced legal costs significantly and maintained a working relationship for co-parenting.

Settlement Achieved

Our client retained the family home (£950,000), one rental property (£290,000), and £85,000 in savings. She received a pension sharing order for 45% of spouse's pension and monthly maintenance of £2,800 for 5 years. The settlement was approved by the court as a consent order, providing finality and enforceability.

Client Requirements

A fashion retail client sought premises in Shoreditch for their flagship store. They identified a 2,400 square foot unit on a prime corner location. The landlord's initial offer was a 15-year lease at £95,000 per annum with upward-only rent reviews every 5 years.

Negotiation Strategy

We analyzed comparable rents in the area and identified that the asking rent was 22% above market rate. We prepared a detailed proposal highlighting market conditions, the tenant's strong covenant, and the benefits of securing a long-term occupier for the landlord.

Terms Negotiated

• Annual rent reduced from £95,000 to £78,000 (18% reduction)
• Landlord contribution of £85,000 toward shopfront and interior fit-out
• Tenant break clauses at years 5 and 10 with 6 months' notice
• Rent reviews to open market value (not upward-only)
• 12-month rent-free period for initial fitting out and trading establishment
• Service charge capped at £8,500 annually with transparent accounting

Additional Protections

We secured favorable terms on repairs obligations, limiting tenant responsibility to internal non-structural repairs only. We also negotiated permitted use clause allowing flexibility for related retail activities and obtained landlord consent for external signage exceeding standard size restrictions.