Sam Payne, Partner, Head of Restructuring & Insolvency Team & London Office

When Mr D of Swindon found himself being pursued by his former fellow director/shareholders for monies said to be due after they fell out, he turned to Derek Jones, from our Restructuring and Insolvency team, for help.

Subsequently the Company went into liquidation and the liquidator continued the claim.

At a round table meeting with Derek, the liquidator, Mr D and his accountant, Derek set out and explained the reasons why the claim was hotly disputed and the defences available to his client which culminated in the liquidator deciding to drop the claim.

Mr D said: “Thanks for everything buddy, having you there was fantastic and helped me see and understand the situation I had found myself in“

When a client found herself facing a trial over her former solicitors’ claim for their fees, the calm and thorough approach of partner Derek Jones, from our restructuring and insolvency team, averted the trial and brought the costs dispute into negotiation.

The trial had been due to take place the week after Derek was consulted - the client had not paid the fees owed because of concerns about the quality of the advice provided; following that advice had left her in a very difficult financial situation.

Derek’s thorough review of the case meant that he was able to have the trial cancelled and insist that the solicitors should have their costs assessed by the court; they had failed to tell the client that this was an option. Settlement negotiations are now underway.

The client said: “I can’t thank you enough for your help, support and encouragement; I had lost hope! Derek, you make a million papers of jargon, threats and financial demands, together with lever arch files full of battles, appear quite minimal and easy to reply to - a doddle. Eternally grateful for everything.”

When an insolvency practitioner needed advice in relation to the sale of a business in administration, legal counsel Lisa Thompson was ideally placed to help.

Michael Quinn, assistant manager at Quantuma LLP, said afterwards: “Lisa’s advice was practical, technically sound and always delivered in a timely manner and I would not hesitate to recommend Lisa.

Agility and flexibility were the keys to success when Lisa Thompson provided advice and draft documentation relating to the sale of the assets in an administration.

The structure of the deal changed many times – there was even a last-minute change of the acquiring party.

Joph Young, senior manager at Smith &Williamson LLP, said afterwards: “Lisa was agile, adaptable and very efficient in dealing with these changes and her advice and communication throughout were excellent.”

Derek Jones acted for a Trustee in Bankruptcy client where the bankrupt’s daughter had particular needs which meant the family home had been specially adapted; the home needed to be sold to enable our client to settle the bankruptcy. Derek explained the situation to the bankrupt clearly and sympathetically and provided a sense of relief that a solution could be found.

“Practical and speedy solution to an otherwise impossible situation”

I have known and worked with Derek for well over 20 years on various assignments and have always found him to be a true professional, providing sound practical and technical advice based upon a wealth of experience. In my view, one of the finest insolvency lawyers the West Country has produced!

Steve Ramsbottom – Partner at Moore Stephens