Ellisons Solicitors is once again delighted to have been recommended within the Legal 500 directory.

In total nine practice areas were recommended in the 2022 edition across Essex and East Anglia with five Partners noted as Leading Individuals.

The firm received notable mentions within the following practice areas: Commercial Property, Corporate and Commercial, Employment, Immigration, Personal Injury, Insurance Litigation, Insolvency and Corporate Recovery, Family and Construction.

LEADING INDIVIDUALS:

NEXT GENERATION PARTNER:

RISING STARS:

IMMIGRATION: EAST ANGLIA

‘The practice puts its clients first’, says a client of Ellisons Solicitors. The firm assists UK-based businesses with the employment of foreign nationals, as well as foreign businesses and entrepreneurs setting up businesses in the UK. It also supports employers in their applications for sponsors licences. Graeme Kirk is ‘deeply intelligent, extraordinarily skilled and a ridiculously hard worker’, and is recognised nationally and internationally as one of the UK’s foremost immigration specialists. The ‘helpful and articulate’ Sohan Sidhu has almost 25 years’ experience and advises on all aspects of immigration law.

Testimonials

‘I found the practice as a whole to provide good quality advice in a methodical manner. The response to queries have been very good and quick. The practice, in my opinion, puts its clients first, which is very thoughtful.’

‘Sohan Sidhu has been very helpful and articulate when presenting his advice. I found Sohan to have good and relevant up to date knowledge. There is no ambiguity when dealing with Sohan; he is always clear and relays his advice is easy-to-understand language. This is a very important trait in Sohan which differentiates him from his competitors.’

‘We have a great working relationship with Sohan Sidhu. Sohan is extremely flexible with his calendar and often slots us in a a moments notice. He’s very knowledgeable, or if there is something he needs to look up he gets back to us extremely quickly. I’d be very quick to recommend Sohan to colleagues and other businesses.’

‘Graeme Kirk and Meenal Goyal at Ellisons Solicitors are strategic and highly intelligent, and consistently deliver high quality service. Their energy and enthusiasm for service are endless and they always ensure a solution-focused and expertly designed outcome. The team are reliable, flexible and a pleasure to work with.’

‘Meenal Goyal is extremely knowledgeable, dedicated, and trustworthy as she continued to assist and advise us with the necessary information that was beneficial for our case. She went above and beyond to assist us with the necessary information that enabled our case to be successful. I am happy to recommend her to whoever needs her services.’

‘A very solid and experienced immigration practice.’

‘Graeme Kirk has significant experience and a good way with clients.’

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY: ESSEX

Ellisons Solicitors’ experienced team demonstrates strong capabilities in a broad cross-section of real estate mandates. The practice is led by Philip Roberts, who advises clients on matters concerning investment sites, property portfolios, development agreements and leasing. Another key figure is managing partner Guy Longhurst, who has 25 years of commercial property experience, and is knowledgeable about investment transactions involving commercial and mixed-use properties, and secured lending, among various other areas. In a significant development, the firm hired Andrew Fernandes in 2020. Senior Associate, Wendy Martin, who specialises in landlord and tenant work also joined the firm.

EMPLOYMENT: EAST ANGLIA

‘A willingness to explain with clarity and an empathy for each case makes the firm stand out’, say clients of Ellisons Solicitors in Ipswich. The firm acts for clients across East Anglia and Essex, as well as advising London-based clients on Tribunal matters, TUPE issues and day-to-day HR matters. Practice head Julian Outen ‘explains both the law and the pitfalls with a great understanding of how businesses need quick responses’.

Testimonials

‘Responsiveness and clarity of advice have been key features of working with Ellisons.’

‘A willingness to explain, clarity and an empathy for each case has meant Ellisons have stood out. Julian Outen takes the time to explain both the law and the pitfalls with a great understanding of how businesses need quick responses too.’

‘From the start the practice of all involved was exceptional. I do not believe they have to change anything.’

‘Speed of being so informative and support from all individuals involved was spectacular.’

‘We have a retainer with Ellisons which enables us to pick up the phone or email at any time for advice. The retainer is cost effective and can facilitate a proactive approach, as well as when we need the reactive advice.’

‘Julian Outen is our go to adviser. His advice is measured and always gives us options. He knows our business and understands what is important to us. We trust his judgement and his advice. He comes back to us in a timely way and provides us with an essential service for our firm.’

‘At Ellisons, we deal wholly with Tina Maxey. We have been working with Tina over many years, both through her previous and current employment. Tina has a wealth of knowledge and advice which we have needed to use over a long time. Through our relationship, Tina has built up a knowledge of our business, its people and its processes. She is therefore able to advise us on a pure legal basis or, with her understanding of the company, on a more pragmatic basis.’

CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL: EAST ANGLIA AND ESSEX

Ellisons Solicitors is praised for its ‘flexibility and technical knowledge’. The firm frequently supports early stage investment clients on corporate matters in sectors such as e-commerce, as well assisting owner-managed businesses across the region. Jon Bloor, who works in both the Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds offices, leads the practice, in which Andrew Fleming stands out for both corporate and property matters. Senior associate Petra Sharp, who is ‘great to work with and always makes the transaction go smoothly’, and associate Ed Manning provide ‘high-class, seamless service’.

Ellisons Solicitors’ corporate practice is led from the Chelmsford and Colchester offices by Paul Forsyth, whose wide-ranging experience includes group reorganisations, acquisitions and sales of private companies, insolvency-related transactions and commercial contracts. His excellent reputation is reflected by the fact that he attracts referrals from banks, accountants and corporate finance advisers. Forsyth works with David Heller, who was recently promoted to associate solicitor. In 2020, the team acted for clients from industries such as manufacturing, retail, construction and farming, among others.

Testimonials
‘Working relationship, flexibility and technical knowledge crossing into the realism of business.’

‘We engaged Ed Manning to advise us through a contract negotiation. He was able to help us navigate through the multiple contentious areas, from service level agreements through notice periods. Overall, a high-class, seamless service from a top professional.’

‘Jon Bloor was very knowledgeable and experienced. He concentrated on the important areas during at times difficult and lengthy negotiations. I would be delighted to work with Jon again.’

‘Petra Sharp is great to work with and always makes the transaction go smoothly.’

‘We have collaborated with the firm well. It has shown a great understanding of our commercial and strategic needs and collaborates with us within its legal scope. It differs from most of its competitors by its consistent quality of service and professional ethics. Just like every law firm, they had a period to gain our trust. We gave them a chance and they have never disappointed us to date.’

‘Ellisons is an outstanding regional firm serving mainly South Suffolk and North Essex with highly competent and skilled partners and associates in the corporate sphere. The breadth and depth of expertise and experience is excellent. I have always been impressed by the supportiveness, engagement and availability of their client-facing staff.’

‘Professional, reliable and proactive. Communication is of a very high level when working together.’

‘Attention to detail and ability to react to requirements quickly, efficiently with no issues.’

‘I work mostly with Paul Forsyth who is my first call for any of our legal requirements as I know he will find the correct member of the team for me very speedily. Responses to enquiries always fast and professional.’

‘The team was clearly very skilled, driven by a partner who once we had a discussion on my requirements and what we needed to achieve, a team was put together. They all worked closely with each other and offered advice and direction in a well constructed way, it was not left to one person but shared amongst those with a specialist interest in each area that needed to be addressed. The whole team were approachable, professional, contactable and very effective, even going the extra mile when asked to and working on a Saturday and Sunday to complete a very in-depth contract. ’

‘The team is ambitious and hungry to keep growing whilst at the same time having deep experience in its core competencies.’

‘Paul Forsyth is hands-on, reliable and is always prepared to go the extra mile for his clients.’

‘The corporate team are highly responsive and gauge the input required to the complexity of the transaction and don’t try a one size fits all policy with regard to documentation and take a practical approach to resolving difficulties arising in transactions.’

‘Paul Forsyth is an excellent communicator. He re-assures clients where necessary and his pragmatic approach to transactions is appreciated.’

FAMILY: ESSEX 

Ellisons Solicitors‘ team is now led by Lisa Dawson, following the retirement of former practice head Nicola Coates in 2020. Associate MaryCarmel Wilson is another name to note in the group, which demonstrates a wealth of expertise in the entire ambit of family law issues, including divorce (and related financial relief), the dissolution of civil partnerships, children disputes and separation agreements. In addition, the team is experienced in domestic violence injunctions and pre-nuptial agreements, among other areas.

Testimonials

‘Lisa Dawson has exceptional knowledge of the law. She also works hard at trying to come up with creative solutions to resolve cases. Lisa has the balance of being able to really fight for her clients, putting forward strong detailed argument but is also able to work with Resolution principle to help families.’

‘I would not hesitate to recommend Lisa Dawson if people need assistance in this area. I have had nothing but excellent feedback when they have. Lisa provides a thorough and professional service, always striving to ensure that her clients achieve the best possible outcomes.’

CONSTRUCTION: EAST ANGLIA

‘They are streets ahead’, says a client of Ellisons Solicitors, which has built a specialist construction practice in its Ipswich office, handling both contentious matters and advisory work. Lead partner Ian Seeley is ‘always fully committed to resolving any issues inside or outside of working hours’. He has extensive experience in contentious matters, bringing to bear his knowledge of public sector and regulatory law.

Testimonials

‘Ian Seeley offers great advice – he is professional and always fully committed to resolving any issues inside or outside of working hours.’

‘If unique means easy to get along with, readily available to talk to, without hiding behind emails, then they are unique. My experience with other law firms is limited, but they are streets ahead. Their innovation would be they respond to contact quickly, which should not be an innovation, but is in the legal world. All the staff have been excellent communicators.’

PERSONAL INJURY AND CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE: CLAIMANT

Ellisons Solicitors in Ipswich has an accomplished head of claimant personal injury in Robert Gair, who is ‘conscientious, has an intimate understanding of the medicine and leaves no stone unturned‘. Among his many areas of specialism are claims involving fatal accidents, acquired brain injuries, industrial diseases and RTAs. He is supported by associate Bernice Spurgeon, who has more than 20 years’ experience in fast and multi-track cases including matters of employer and public liability.

Testimonials

‘I do claimant work for Robert Gair, senior injury partner at Ellisons. He and his team offer an excellent conscientious service to seriously injured clients.’

‘Robert Gair is a first rate injury lawyer with 30 years’ experience. He is conscientious, has an intimate understanding of the medicine and leaves no stone unturned. His clients receive an excellent service from him. He manages to bring out the best in those with whom he works.’

‘The PI team provides a detailed and caring response to their clients’ needs. They often undertake detailed research and investigations into a claim before proceedings are instigated thus making the litigation process more efficient and settlement more realisable.’

‘Robert Gair always undertakes his cases with a careful eye for detail and rigour thus meaning that his lay and professional clients are well served and that litigation runs more smoothly. He is also a realist who will give clients advice they need to achieve a good settlement. Robert was also quick to adapt to video and IT technology during the pandemic to ensure his case work did not suffer.’

INSOLVENCY AND CORPORATE RECOVERY

Ellisons Solicitors joins the ranking having extended its insolvency practice to the East Anglia region. Practice head Scott Porter resides mainly in the Chelmsford office, but frequently works across the entire office network, including Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich. Solicitor Lyndsey Squirrell is permanently based in Ipswich and is ‘one to watch, she works hard and is going to make significant waves in the future’. The firm handles both transactional insolvency and restructuring work, though its main strength lies in contentious matters.

Testimonials
‘Ellisons are an extremely well regarded in the communities in which they are located and further afield. Scott Porter is an exceptionally talented solicitor who is building a strong insolvency team around him. Lyndsey Squirrell is one to watch. She works hard and going to make significant waves in the future.’

‘The firm has great people; everything you would expect from a full service law firm. but very commercial in approach – a real pleasure to work with. Scott Porter is brilliant and is technical, tough, brilliant and hard working a true gem.’

‘In my view, the Ellisons insolvency team is amongst the very best that I have ever worked with. The level of service that they provide at all stages of a case is of a consistently excellent standard.’

‘Scott Porter is an exceptional litigator, combining a vast technical knowledge with superb tactical skills. Scott consistently has the uncanny ability to provide highly innovative approaches and solutions to extremely complex litigation matters.’

‘Lyndsey Squirrell is an extremely good solicitor who places great emphasis on client care, reflected in the excellent level of communication she provides at all stages of a case. I cannot recommend Lyndsey highly enough.’

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