Top team accolade

Sep 26 2003 By The Journal

The 'absolutely first-class' Guy Harvey leads Dickinson Dees' `thorough' six-partner team together with highly-rated John Marshall.

Harvey concentrates on London-centric disputes, and has substantial experience in trust litigation and professional negligence.

Marshall is responsible for the firm's local work, with emphasis on contractual claims, breach of warranty and shareholder disputes.

The firm was involved in a multi-million pound claim by a contractor against Defra arising from the foot-and-mouth epidemic.

Eversheds LLP benefits from its national and European experience and resources. Susan Howe is popular with clients.

One describes her as `patient and clear, and she's got the ability to explains things really well in laymen's terms'.

Firm litigation head Lex Dowie also has a strong reputation.

The office continues to be involved in the Bloody Sunday Inquiry and is sole legal adviser to Defra over the foot-and-mouth claims.

The `excellent, thorough and prompt' Ian Collinson heads the 11-fee-earner team at Ward Hadaway, where Bob Elliott is also highly regarded.

Property litigator Margaret Lawson was joined in April 2003 by Alan Herbert, formerly national head of Pinsents' property litigation team.

Watson Burton strengthened its reputation for real estate litigation in 2002, hiring property litigator Richard Pickersgill from Eversheds LLP to join renowned construction expert Robert Langley.

The firm's contentious capability stretches far beyond real estate, though, with Allan Henderson and Julian Gill high-profile practitioners.

Rising star Mark Heath wins strong client praise for his 'ability to keep calm in a crisis' and for being `pragmatic and focused'.