Follow us

Disputes between LLP members are commonplace. With market uncertainty firms may consider this a time to re-evaluate their business model and consider reorganisation.

Whether downsizing or concentrating on recruiting in growth areas, domestically and internationally, we are the firm to which professionals turn to for partnership advice across the globe.

Our work is often behind the scenes – it is rarely in our clients’ interests for their affairs to be disclosed in public – but we have been involved in a range of high-profile advice for many well-known professional services firms.

Our lawyers are well-versed in all the issues currently affecting partnerships and LLPs and offer commercially focused and discrete advice on a range of matters including conversions, downsizing, restructurings as well as compulsory retirement, discrimination and team moves.

We can help you with the full range of corporate, financial services, tax and regulatory advice involved in the structuring of partnerships and LLPs, and draw on the strength of our global network to provide this across multiple jurisdictions. Our team advise on matters involving a range of disciplines including the Big Four accounting firms, investment funds, and top solicitors’ firms.

Our disputes practice is widely acknowledged as the 'go-to' firm for client's high profile/high value disputes, and our contentious partnership practice remains a core part.  We are routinely instructed on sensitive contentious matters relating to partner misconduct, underperformance and fraud.

We have been involved in significant work for a number of key financial institutions and funds on partnership based remuneration and incentive structures which are designed to provide tax efficient operations and senior executive remuneration in the UK.  Against the current legislative background, restructuring of businesses as partnerships may offer significant benefits (specifically tax benefits). We have also been at the forefront of defending partnerships and LLPs from HM Revenue & Customs challenges.

Experience

A ‘big four’ accountancy firm

Advising in proceedings in the Privy Council in relation to the rights of administrators to seek documents and information from the client in relation to companies that they audited and which are now in administration

A ‘big four’ accountancy firm

Advising in relation to the move of their firm in Denmark to join a rival practice

Miller Insurance Services LLP

Advising on its acquisition of Alston Gayler and Co., wholly owned by Nelson Holdings

Various firms of solicitors facing SRA investigations

Offering bespoke advice following alleged breaches of the Solicitors Accounts Rules and the Money Laundering Regulations

Individual Partners within LLPs

Advising a range of business sectors on various matters including the appointment and retirement of members and other senior individuals

A high-profile international law firm

Defending multiple claims of discrimination and victimisation

Key contacts

Alan Watts photo

Alan Watts

Partner, Global Co-Head of Class Actions and Co-Head of Partnerships, London

Alan Watts
Anna Sutherland photo

Anna Sutherland

Managing Partner, Disputes, Sydney

Anna Sutherland
Malcolm Lombers photo

Malcolm Lombers

Partner, London

Malcolm Lombers
Tim Leaver photo

Tim Leaver

Partner, London

Tim Leaver
Chris Bushell photo

Chris Bushell

Partner, London

Chris Bushell
Andrew Taggart photo

Andrew Taggart

Partner, London

Andrew Taggart
Gareth Thomas photo

Gareth Thomas

Partner, Hong Kong

Gareth Thomas