The 2024 edition of Chambers & Partners UK was released on Thursday 19 October, ranking eight departments and 15 individual lawyers, showing the teams at Greene & Greene as experts within their field. Feedback from clients interviewed by Chambers include ‘I have always found Greene & Greene’s advice and implementation to be accurate, timely and of a high quality.’ and ‘It’s extremely impressive how the team can understand all aspects of our business.’
Corporate and Commercial
The team acts for a range of corporate entities including regional and national businesses, plcs and private investors. It is experienced in acquisitions, disposals, and reorganisations. The team is active on cross-border work, with involvement across multiple jurisdictions. Overall feedback for the team includes ‘they are quick to find commercial solutions and to problem-solve with us.’
Partners, Andrew Cooper, ‘excellent attention to detail and a really safe pair of hands ‘, Mark Daly, who has a ‘good understanding of our business and broad knowledge of international and contract matters.’ and Mark Whittaker, ‘strong attention to detail, a can-do attitude, a really strong work ethic and bundles of commercial awareness’, have all ranked in band 3. Managing Partner, Simon Ratcliffe, described as a ‘problem solver, great communicator, and takes the time to listen to his clients’ needs’, and highly experienced Neil Walmsley hold onto their band 2 rank.
Commercial Litigation
Ranked as band 2, Chambers note the team are widely recognised for expertise in an array of commercial disputes. The team frequently represents SMEs and individual clients, including businesspeople and company directors. The lawyers also act on professional negligence claims and cases concerning alleged fraud and breaches of fiduciary duties.
Rob Adam, heads the Dispute Resolution team. He is individually ranked band 2 and is noted for being ‘a very well-known heavyweight. You want him in your corner. He’ll fight hard for his clients whilst also being fantastically bright.’
Hugely experienced Michael Batty, Senior Partner, is also ranked band 2 with clients commenting he ‘is straight-talking, unflappable and a pleasure to work with.’
Employment
Our Employment team is once again ranked band 2. The team advise individuals and businesses across a wide spectrum of employment matters. Employer clients utilise the firm for its ability to advise on matters including restructurings, TUPE transfers and the defence of tribunal proceedings. The team also offers employment law and HR training to its business clients. The firm is engaged by employees and senior executives for matters including contract negotiations, as well as employment litigation covering areas such as unfair dismissal and whistleblowing. Client testimonials include: ‘Greene & Greene provide fantastic overall value for money, and they consistently deliver to our budget.’
Head of Department, Partner and band 2 ranked lawyer, Selene Holden, received the following feedback from clients highlighting her vast experience, ‘Selene was a calming presence. She’s diligent, comprehensive, and very impressive in negotiation.’
Notable Practitioner, Greg Jones, frequently advises clients in the technology and manufacturing sectors on a range of contentious and non-contentious employment matters, including investigations, senior exits and TUPE issues. Clients commented ‘Greg engages well with the business, builds rapport easily and gives great advice which is easy and simple to follow.’
Angharad Ellis Owen is recommended for her experience of employment disputes. Aside from litigation, she is equally capable assisting clients with areas such as contract negotiations and TUPE and is again ranked as an Associate to watch.
Commercial Property
The firm’s Commercial Property team is noted for its experience in covering a broad range of real estate services, with one client commenting: ‘Greene & Greene is always able to resolve any complex issues that arise.’ Partner and Head of Department, Tim Mendes da Costa is listed as a notable practitioner.
Property Litigation
The team provide a wide range of services including advice on planning disputes, restrictive covenants, adverse possession and forfeiture. Michael Batty, Senior Partner, is noted for providing ‘excellent negotiating skills to resolve long ongoing matters.’ Rob Adam, Partner, is ranked for the first time in this practice area with feedback including he is ‘a very safe pair of hands and he’s well respected.’
Construction
Ranked band 2 for the third year in a row, the practice led by Sarah Western has gained a strong client base with one commenting ‘We always receive an excellent level of service and there is never a stone left unturned.’
Sarah Western is again ranked with clients commenting on her excellent client service. ‘Sarah Western provides strong, robust advice. She always goes the extra mile for clients and produces fantastic results.’ Senior Associate, Anna Britland is ranked for the first time this year as an Associate to watch and is noted for providing ‘clear and concise advice.’
Family and Matrimonial
Our family team are the only firm to be ranked as band 1 for Ipswich and the surrounding area. Chambers comment that the team are a first-class practice in both financial and Children Act proceedings, regularly handling complex cases involving land and property as well as businesses. The team advises on the preservation of wealth and assets, especially in nuptial and cohabitation agreements, with clients including high net worth individuals and entrepreneurs. The firm has experience dealing with children matters including change of residence, wrongful retention and Schedule 1 applications. It is additionally well versed in ADR methods. Feedback includes ‘At all levels we find the team to be very professional, thorough and committed to providing a first-class outcome.’
Head of Department, Stuart Hughes, is ranked as a band 1 lawyer with client feedback including, ‘Stuart is very client-focused and does a great job of balancing clients’ emotional and financial needs in the outcomes that he seeks,’ and he has ‘very good commercial awareness and also very high emotional intelligence, which helps clients.’
Melanie Pilmer is also ranked and regularly assists with a breadth of matrimonial finance cases, especially those involving business and farming assets. Her clients say, ‘Melanie has a high level of sophistication and works to a very high standard.’
Agriculture and Rural Affairs
The team regularly act for agricultural and business property owners on rural transactions, agricultural tenancies, trust and taxation issues and succession planning matters. It represents land agents, developers and other rural professionals. ‘They are extremely professional and responsive.’
The team of specialist lawyers are led by individually ranked Partner, Jonathan Mathers, ‘Jonathan is an extremely experienced professional and a pleasure to work with. I particularly appreciate the concise aspect of his communication and his ability to cut straight to the detail that needs resolving during the process.’
For a full list of rankings and client testimonials, please visit Greene & Greene’s Chambers & Partners firm profile.
The Chambers & Partners 2024 guide sits alongside the recent Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Guide which features our Private Client team. Find out more about our rankings on our website.
