Clarkslegal recognised as leading firm in Chambers and Partners 2024

Clarkslegal is delighted to announce that once again we have been recognised as a leading firm by Chambers and Partners for the following practice areas; Construction, Employment, Litigation and Real Estate.

Chambers and Partners is an independent professional legal research company operating across 200 jurisdictions delivering detailed rankings and insight into the world’s leading lawyers.

Along with the recognition of our practice areas, eight of our outstanding lawyers have been highly recommended by the directory; Ashan Arif, Antony Morris, Chris Tayton, Emma Butcher, Helen Beech, Monica Atwal, Simon Ralphs and Stephen James.

The strong rankings are further endorsed by highly complementary client and peer feedback. Please see below extracts from the editorial:

Construction

Clarkslegal has an accomplished team with the experience to handle an array of local, national and international matters. The firm advises a range of industry players, including contractors, developers and purchasers of construction services. The team provides significant expertise in procurement and contract matters for major development projects, while additionally representing clients in disputes, including arbitrations and adjudications.

“We value and appreciate the pragmatic solutions that they help to formulate for us to resolve matters quickly, efficiently and affordably.”

“They have a strong awareness and understanding of our sector, and appreciated the risks and pitfalls.”

“Clarkslegal does an excellent job of formulating pragmatic solutions rather than just rendering legal opinions on the issues that our company faces.”

Stephen James – Band 1

Stephen James acts on both contentious and non-contentious mandates for a range of developers, architects, contractors and employers. He is able to handle the full range of transactional contractual matters, alongside professional appointments and amendments. He is equally adroit at handling complex construction disputes, with a focus on back-end matters such as final account claims and defect issues.

“The quality of his advice is highly rated because he knows what is needed to get a result.”

“Stephen is tactically good. He is punchy when it comes to negotiations and has a great commercial outlook.”

“Stephen James continues to provide excellent legal support on construction disputes.”

Corporate/M&A

Ashan Arif – Band 3

Ashan Arif acts as the head of Clarkslegal’s corporate and M&A team. He has a wealth of corporate expertise that covers everything from private equity investments through to business restructures.

“Ashan offers really good advice and is very good at explaining options as well as the best way to structure a deal. He simplifies what needs to happen and makes it happen.”

“Ash is a very competent all-round corporate lawyer.”

“Ashan is calm and responsive, and instils confidence with a broad knowledge of commercial law and sensitivity to safeguarding. He’s a pleasure to deal with.”

Employment

Clarkslegal advises on the full range of issues affecting employers and employees, with notable strength in restructures, TUPE transfers and senior executive matters. It also handles large-scale litigation, tribunals and problems with regard to industrial relations. The team acts for a range of clients from small businesses to large employers in the automotive, technology, pharmaceutical and gambling sectors.

“They are an excellent team that is committed and hard-working.”

“The team have the ability to deal with matters in a pragmatic manner.”

“They have worked hard to understand our model, sector and culture, and tailor their insight accordingly. They continue to find ways to add greater value and align to our strategic journey.”

Monica Atwal – Eminent Practitioners

Monica Atwal is the managing partner of Clarkslegal. She has considerable employment expertise, including GDPR and gender pay gap matters. She is experienced in advising clients on sexual harassment allegations and TUPE issues, and is particularly adept at assisting clients with immigration matters.

“Monica is experienced and pragmatic.”

“She is a great individual who is a clear thinker and problem solver.”

“She is always approachable, practical and supportive.”

Helen Beech – Band 1

Helen Beech maintains an extensive practice encompassing industrial relations and discrimination claims. She frequently advises her clients on HR issues, including disability grievances and restructuring matters.

“Helen is always extremely helpful and knowledgeable.”

“She is very practical and easy to get on with. She has provided sound advice over a number of years.”

Litigation

Clarkslegal is regularly involved in high-profile disputes on behalf of clients in a variety of sectors, including the energy and automotive industries. The team’s expertise covers a wide range of commercial and corporate disputes, including contractual terminations, unfair prejudice petitions and breaches of directors’ duties.

“The team highlights risks but allows us to exercise our commercial judgement.”

“The team’s commercial approach and focus on the strong points of a case means that resources are used effectively.”

“I find them to be very professional, knowledgeable and approachable.”

Antony Morris – Band 1

Antony Morris is a highly regarded practitioner active on a range of litigation including contractual cases and disputes concerning directors’ duties.

“A heavyweight general litigator. He’s well prepared, persistent and commercial in his approach.”

“He has a wealth of experience and knows all there is to know. He has a good vision of what creates issues and how to resolve them.”

“Antony provides an all-round excellent litigation service and is always on the ball.”

Chris Tayton – Band 2

Christopher Tayton is experienced in a wide range of commercial and contractual disputes, including procurement cases.

“He gives excellent advice every time.”

“Thorough, professional and very effective.”

“Chris is an experienced litigator and a very safe pair of hands.”

Emma Butcher – Up and Coming

Emma Butcher is a partner at Clarkslegal in Reading. She represents corporate clients in contract, public procurement and product liability disputes.

“Emma demonstrates a level of maturity and insight and a willingness to get into the document disclosure issues and understand the details, giving us the ammunition we need.”

“She’s brilliant on a court case. She’s very effective and I’m happy to have her on complex matters.”

“Emma is an excellent lawyer. She’s very clever, with a commercial focus and view to the end goal. She achieves good outcomes for clients and her drafting skills make her stand out.”

Commercial Real Estate

Clarkslegal advises on major commercial and residential property transactions and development projects. The firm is also equipped to assist with complex investment and portfolio management matters. It regularly handles public sector work, including assisting education and healthcare clients. Its strong client base consists of notable regional and national organisations. The team has further strength in advising clients in the hotel and leisure sector.

“The work is to a high standard and they are good to work with.”

“Clarkslegal has a wide range of specialists across the team who are very responsive and always available.”

“The team at Clarkslegal have a breadth of knowledge and provide excellent and efficient guidance.”

Simon Ralphs – Band 2

Simon Ralphs is head of the Clarkslegal real estate team and splits his time between the firm’s London and Reading offices. His practice sees him acting for clients within the retail and hospitality sectors, and he has significant experience in development and investment work.

“Simon always displays a high degree of skill, knowledge and professionalism.”

“We were delighted with Simon’s service and advice.”

“He is a problem solver who consistently delivers excellent service.”

You can view Clarkslegal’s rankings on the Chambers and Partners website.