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What others say about us
Fox Williams is recgnised by the two pre-eminent legal directories; Chambers and The Legal 500. This is what they say about the firm:
Capital Markets
Fox Williams is established as a key player in the AIM sphere and acts for brokers and AIM-listed companies over a range of fund-raising, M&A, regulatory and corporate issues. Recent work highlights include acting for Solomon Gold in a £15.1 million placing. Other clients include Northland Capital Partners and Westhouse Securities.
Client Service "They have demonstrated a willingness to find an appropriate solution to corporate problems we have worked with them on, rather than unduly focus on the problems. They strike us as being proactive rather than reactive."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Richie Clark is the team's main contact and head of capital markets.
(Chambers UK 2012)
Corporate and commercial
Within M&A
The team impresses clients with its "excellent responsiveness and high levels of partner attention." Market sources also appreciate that the outfit has a number of highly specialised lawyers in a variety of other disciplines able to assist on corporate deals when needed. The team represents clients such as Toronto Stock Exchange-listed Constellation Software, NYSE-quoted GFI Group and the City of London Group. Sources say "their knowledge of the dynamics of deals means that we don't waste any time on explaining things unnecessarily."
Client Service "They have worked long hours for us at the speed we wanted to go at. They are always at the end of the phone."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Osborne has particular expertise in providing corporate law advice to clients in the technology and e-business sectors. In the past year he acted for City of London Group on the formation and funding of a new subsidiary.
(Chambers UK 2012)
Fox Williams LLP is ‘well stocked with good lawyers’. The team, headed by Paul Osborne, acted on over 30 deals worth a total of £80m. Peter Faber, who joined from Jones Day, ‘engenders respect’, and Nick Sayers is also recommended. (Legal 500 2011)
Corporate instructions form an important part of the Fox Williams offering. The 12-partner team undertakes a broad range of transactional work with a particular focus on technology and financial services. It acted for the management of Just Retirement on its £220 million takeover by Avalon Acquisitions. (Chambers UK 2011)
The "deal-oriented" Paul Osborne heads up the corporate department. Clients appreciate his "commerciality and responsiveness." (Chambers UK 2011)
Within Partnership,
The team at Fox Williams is particularly noted for its non-contentious work in the partnership field, though it has the capacity to advise on contentious matters as well. It is noted for its strategic management advice, and works particularly well with foreign firms in London. Clients appreciate the fact that its solicitors are comfortable working to US hours, which takes them well into the UK evening, and say that they are "sensible, pragmatic and get the deals done." Notable clients of the group include Cluttons LLP, Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP and Nixon Peabody LLP.
Client Service "Outstanding service, and they respond promptly."
Commercial Awareness "They know how to structure management going forward - it's not just the legal issues, but also the practical issues."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Gavin Foggo is a partner in the firm's dispute resolution department, and has an outstanding reputation in the partnership space as a "clear, businesslike, and sensible" practitioner. Clients say he is "very measured," and "takes a tough line, but is not unreasonable." Associate Molly Ahmed is new to the rankings, and arrives with a reputation for "absolutely first-class" work. Sources say she is a bright and impressive character, and are happy to report that "you can just let her get on and run things." Tina Williams heads the team, and is a hugely experienced practitioner with a straightforward style and great depth of knowledge. Clients appreciate the fact that "she actually listens," and note her ability to relate well to US attorneys, a crucial skill in her work on transatlantic partnership formations. Daniel Sutherland is another talented associate making a good name for himself in this sector. Clients like the way he "explains complex concepts well," and admire his capacity for doing the heavy lifting on a case.
(Chambers UK 2012)
‘Justifiably regarded as one of a select number of top-flight partnership firms’, Fox Williams LLP has ‘an extremely good knowledge of the legal sector and a great depth of practical advice’. Headed by ‘pragmatic and effective negotiator’ Tina Williams, the team’s work in 2010 included advising on the first trial of an unfair prejudice petition brought in respect of a LLP. Gavin Foggo is a ‘highly efficient and popular litigator’, and rounding out the group is the ‘utterly charming’ Douglas Preece. Tax head Emma Bailey joined in March 2010 from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP. (Legal 500 2011)
This leading firm is highly regarded for its work with property, law, accounting and architect firms. It is well known for setting up alternative business structures, and also has an excellent reputation for litigation. Lately it has been advising on restructurings, exits and discrimination claims. (Chambers UK 2011)
"Tina Williams is charming and extremely good with clients." (Chambers UK 2011)
Tina Williams acted for Greenberg Traurig on the setting up of London-based Greenberg Traurig Maher. She is described as "mild mannered, but very tough when she needs to be." Gavin Foggo recently advised on the dissolution of a boutique law firm. (Chambers UK 2011)
Human resources
Within Employment
Fox Williams is renowned for its representations of both senior executives and major employers, including Domestic & General, Pfizer and BHP Billiton. The group is praised for its ability to handle high-level, complicated claims and transactions. The team has a "brilliant knowledge of the law," say sources, "yet approaches things in a very human and understanding way."
Commercial Awareness "The group has a superb understanding of the practicalities of the workplace, is excellent at outlining the different risks and options and is fantastic at coming up with creative ideas."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Jane Mann, head of the firm's employment practice, is considered one of the sector's top experts in representing both senior executives and employers. According to sources: "She has a really thorough understanding of the industry and is responsive, approachable and proactive." Colleague Joanna Chatterton is also well known for her senior executive and employer representation experience. She is particularly respected for her expertise in discrimination matters. Mark Watson is highlighted for his excellent non-contentious employment practice.
(Chambers UK 2012)
Fox Williams LLP excels in complex and groundbreaking litigation on behalf of individuals and organisations, making new law relating to PILON notices in Raphael Geys v Société Générale, and to retention of confidential information in another high-profile action in 2010. The team is valued for its ‘encyclopaedic knowledge of the law, and ability to innovate and to give clear, understandable, and authoritative advice’. Practice head Jane Mann combines ‘a razor-sharp intellect and detailed knowledge of relevant case law with first-class negotiating skills and keen tactical awareness’. (Legal 500 2011)
Jane Mann is "very thoughtful with a great understanding of what the client is looking for." Her client portfolio is brimming with major national and international names, such as Reinsurance Group of America and Chelsea Football Club. (Chambers Global 2011)
Fox Williams provides “on-the-ball, effective, savvy advice.” Clients include Drivers Jonas, Amlin and Camco. (Chambers UK 2011)
"They combine excellent knowledge, great tactics and pragmatic solutions to problems.” (Chambers UK 2011)
Jane Mann"is very focused, thinks laterally and is a good strategist," according to sources. Joanna Chatterton is "reliable and dedicated." She has a particular strength in discrimination issues and is praised for her client-handling skills. Mark Watson is a well-regarded employment lawyer who specialises in non-contentious matters. (Chambers UK 2011)
Within Immigration
This immigration unit is a dedicated component of the wider firm's employment department. It focuses on employer-side immigration issues such as compliance, licence applications, and work arising from distressed situations, although it does also handle a proportion of work on behalf of individuals. The firm's general strength in the professional and financial services and technology industries means the team receives a steady stream of clients from these sectors.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Matthew Davies heads the business immigration practice and is highly experienced in the overlap between immigration and employment law.
(Chambers UK 2012)
At Fox Williams LLP, key contact Matthew Davies assists US and other clients, in the financial, professional services and technology sectors. (Legal 500 2011)
This business immigration team is part of the firm's employment division. It is well equipped to advise clients on sensitive employment and immigration crossover issues concerning uncertain immigration status. The team has also been busy advising on sponsorship licensing applications and compliance under the PBS. Matthew Davies leads the team and is commended for his expertise in this area. (Chambers UK 2011)
Within the human resources overview
One area which has continued to show a high level of activity is litigation, in both the High Court and the employment tribunals. The number of trials relating to team moves, restrictive covenants, bonus schemes, and all kinds of discrimination has increased, with employees striving to maintain scarce jobs, and employers taking action to stem the flood of claims. Firms such as Linklaters LLP; McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP; Herbert Smith LLP; Farrer & Co; Fox Williams LLP and Simmons & Simmons have been at the forefront for finance houses and executives, and have witnessed the development of a new thread of litigation – data breaches and privacy issues in defections to competitors. (Legal 500 2011)
Real estate
Within Commercial property
This seven-lawyer team has been acting on a substantial volume of asset management work over the past year. It offers clients a wide variety of expertise and is adept at marshalling expertise from other departments as necessary; particularly corporate, tax and fashion. Formed in 2008, the team has been quick to establish itself in the London real estate market.(Chambers UK 2012)
Fox Williams LLP advised Restaurants Etc (Soho) in relation to a concession in Selfridges, Oxford Street. Other clients include Westbrook Partners, Urban Space Holdings and FM Global, and retailers and restaurateurs. Simon Smith and Elizabeth Ruff are recommended. (Legal 500 2011)
KEY INDIVIDUALS Liz Ruff is "responsive, precise and pays good attention to details," according to sources. She has a broad array of experience to draw upon and her involvement in the firm's fashion law practice contributes to her diverse expertise. She counts private individuals, pension funds and investment companies among her clients. Head of real estate Simon Smith gains praise from market sources for his commerciality. He is experienced in investment and development, commercial leasing, secured lending, landlord and tenancy matters and portfolio management.
Although it was only established in 2008, this firm's real estate department is making a name for itself in the London market. It has thrived thanks to strong links with the firm's fashion law and corporate groups. Significant client gains in 2009 include In Express Retail and L'Allemande. (Chambers UK 2011)
Liz Ruff "really understands the world we work in, and has a more open mind than most solicitors," according to one source. She recently acted on the disposal of Greenwich Market to the Greenwich Hospital Trust. Simon Smith "breaks things down into easily comprehensible English, giving non-lawyers a real perspective on the situation," say sources. He heads the real estate department, and is praised as "a reactive, concise and thorough lawyer, who gets the deal done in the best possible fashion." He recently acted for FM Global on the letting of its new City office in Lime Street. (Chambers UK 2011)
TMT (technology, media and telecoms)
Within Brand management,
At Fox Williams LLP, Stephen Sidkin gives ‘quick, good advice’, and practice head Simon Bennett has ‘in-depth knowledge’. The group undertakes trade mark portfolio work for SuperGroup PLC and its subsidiaries. Sian Barr is also recommended. (Legal 500 2011)
Within Franchising,
Fox Williams LLP saw an increase in international franchising and shop licensing work. Clients recommend Stephen Sidkin for his ‘quick, good advice and in-depth knowledge’. He advised SuperGroup on worldwide franchise agreements for the Superdry and SuperdryStore brands. (Legal 500 2011)
Within Intellectual property,
This impressive practice is singled out for its management of worldwide trade mark portfolios. In the last year it has advised Supergroup, owner of the Superdry Brand, on anti-infringement matters covering copyright, design rights and trade marks both in the UK and internationally. Clients are particularly enthusiastic about the team's service, noting that its lawyers are "always on the ball and there when you need them."
Client Service "A flexible group that remains absolutely focused on client needs."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Bennett oversees the work of the group and is known to sources as "approachable, practical and knowledgeable."
(Chambers UK 2012)
At Fox Williams LLP, IP head Simon Bennett is ‘clear, concise, diligent and good value for money’. Together with the ‘quick, keen’ Stephen Sidkin, he undertakes trade mark licensing and other IP work for SuperGroup and the Superdry brand. (Legal 500 2011)
