// Home / About Us / What others say about us

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

Operating a strong AIM practice out of its London office, Fox Williams has enjoyed a healthy volume of AIM work flowing from its diverse client base. Lawyers have lately advised high-profile broker Northland Capital Partners on the reverse takeover and re-admission to AIM of Synchronica, a matter valued at USD25 million. The firm's client roster also features numerous natural resources companies.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Richie Clark heads the department.
(Chambers UK, 2013)

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

This firm has bulked up over recent months and added to its offering with a foray into the financial services sector, and in 2011 advised the Korea Investment Corporation on setting up in London. Well known for its expertise in AIM, the department frequently secures engagements from various areas of hi-tech industry at both the start-up and low-mid cap range. One recent example is its work on Tennants Consolidated's purchase of Belgian chemical company Tessenderlo and its subsidiaries. Clients look to Fox Williams not only for its sector knowledge but because the practice is viewed as "a safe house; you know what you're going to get."

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Clients recommend Paul Osborne, recognising him to be "very user-friendly and commercially aware." Recent highlights include an acquisition for client Tennants Consolidated
(Chambers UK, 2013)

Fox Williams LLP’s ‘professional, prompt and commercial’ team acts for a number of AIM and main market clients, including SuperGroup and Plexus Holdings. In 2011 it advised the former on its €40m acquisition of CNC Collections BVBA, its France and Benelux franchisee and distributor. Practice head Paul Osborne is a ‘skilful negotiator and draftsman’, and Nick Sayers ‘grasps issues quickly and provides considered, practical advice’
(Legal 500, 2012)

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,

This substantial practice offers top-quality advice across the full spectrum of partnership matters, with particular emphasis on the legal services sector. The team has notable experience in advising foreign firms on establishing themselves in the UK, and acts for a number of major US law firms in London. It is also increasingly active in restructurings and alternative business solutions. The group frequently handles contentious matters, and has expertise in arbitration and litigation. Key clients include Clyde & Co, Smiths Gore, Stewarts Law and Sedgwick, Detert, Moran & Arnold.

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Gavin Foggo is praised by clients as a "sensible" lawyer who "can be a tough litigator if he needs to be." According to sources, "he's not interested in wasting time or money, and tries to get to the crux of the matter very rapidly. He is commercial, has great judgement, and is very responsive."

"Impressive" contentious practitioner Tina Williams has an excellent reputation for her work on corporate matters. Interviewees say she "is extremely proficient, gains her clients' confidence quickly and understands business and commercial realities."

Associate Molly Ahmed is known for her "solid partnership knowledge" and impresses clients with her "hard-working, dedicated and tenacious" approach. Another key associate at the firm, Daniel Sutherland offers in-depth understanding of regulatory issues relating to US law firms.
(Chambers UK, 2013)

The Fox Williams LLP team is ‘both technically and commercially first rate’, and is valued for its ‘exemplary’ service and ‘meticulous’ attention to detail. The legal services sector is an area of specialism, with clients including Fulbright & Jaworski International LLP and Clyde & Co LLP. Tina Williams is very highly rated, and ‘really gets under the skin of a business’. Gavin Foggo has ‘excellent client-handling skills’, and gives ‘practical, sensible advice’.
(Legal 500, 2012)

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

This team maintains a formidable reputation for its advice on the full array of employment matters to senior individuals and corporates in the City. It is singled out for praise for its astute handling of discrimination matters. The client list at this firm includes Domestic & General, Knight Capital Group and Bank Leumi (UK). One impressed client says "they are on the ball, highly thorough and always make themselves available.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Joanna Chatterton advises employers and senior executives on a variety of contentious and non-contentious matters. Impressed clients praise her “clear, concise and responsive” style.

Jane Mann is “unflappable,” "highly responsive” and “finds pragmatic solutions,” clients say. She has particular strength in representing senior executives on sensitive and complex matters.

Mark Watson frequently handles TUPE, redundancies and restrictive covenant matters for clients. One satisfied client notes that “he is extremely professional, responsive, knowledgeable and a pleasure to deal with at all times.”
(Chambers UK, 2013)

Under the leadership of doyenne Jane Mann, Fox Williams LLP provides a ‘consistently superb service’, and is noted for its technical understanding and strategic input. Mark Watson ‘makes you feel in expert hands’, and Joanna Chatterton provides a ‘superlative client service’. The firm advises both corporates and individuals, and the recruitment of Peter Wright enhances its regulatory capability. Clients include BHP Billiton, Chelsea FC, and a number of international law firms.
(Legal 500, 2012)

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

Fox Williams works with established corporates and technology sector entrepreneurs, providing immigration input alongside employment advice. The firm has particularly strong links with the USA, and assists a number of American businesses looking to establish operations in the UK. Clients describe the firm's commitment to "high-quality advice" and value the commerciality of its solutions.

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Matthew Davies "practises both immigration and employment law to a high level," and is respected by his peers. Clients say that Davies "has a tremendous knowledge of new developments, and is able to figure out complex situations and highlight the way forward that is least burdensome for the company and for the individual concerned."
(Chambers Uk, 2013)

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

Fox Williams is highly regarded for its property management advice, as well as advising clients on acquisitions and commercial tenancy matters. Clients say: "They have a very commercial attitude - they have an honest view of the risks but they are also willing to give an opinion of what a client should do." Key clients include Restaurants Etc, FM Global and National Instruments.

KEY INDIVIDUALS: Clients praise Simon Smith for his "great property knowledge married to a no-nonsense commercial approach." He has been handling a range of tenancy matters, including representing FM Insurance Company in negotiations of an early surrender of lease.

Liz Ruff is described as a "real pleasure to work with." She recently advised Associates in Advertising on taking a new office tenancy in London.
(Chambers UK, 2013)

Fox Williams LLP’s ‘sound knowledge is backed up by an experienced, pragmatic approach’. Clients include Restaurants Etc (Soho) Ltd, Urban Space Holdings and FM Global. Elizabeth Ruff and Simon Smith are recommended.
(Legal 500, 2012)

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)