Restructuring/Insolvency: North East

THE FIRM This firm remains at the top of the market in terms of size and scope. Based in Newcastle, the 30-strong group acts on a range of matters, ranging from personal and corporate insolvency to agricultural and Law of Property Act receiverships. It is also on the panels of various banks. Overall, the team is considered to be full of big hitters.

Sources Say: “The service is second to none.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Heading the team, Sally Dallow has strength in directors' disqualification matters and personal insolvency. John Pennie has “outstanding technical proficiency and is adept at the more unusual cases.” Julian Gill is particularly strong on the litigation side of the practice. Although devoting a large amount of time to his managing partner role, Jonathan Blair “maintains a reputation and skill level that keep him at the top.” Peter Maxwell and William Gunston enter the rankings following excellent feedback, the former as “a technical yet pragmatic client favourite” and the latter for his banking focus.

THE FIRM This national firm has a rising profile in the region and has been acting on some high-quality, big-ticket work. The group spends around 70% of its time on non-contentious work and is on the panels of banks such as Lloyds TSB and Barclays.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Dutton leads the team and wins client praise for his “responsiveness, excellent manner and ability to forge strong working relationships.” He focuses on the property, pensions and healthcare sectors.

THE FIRM A general insolvency practice, Ward Hadaway is well regarded in the local marketplace. Recent highlights include acting for an AIM-listed client on a restructuring matter.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jim James is praised for his work on the toughest of cases, while associate Jane Garvin receives plaudits from market sources.

THE FIRM This three-person Leeds team mostly handles contentious work, though maintains capacity for non-contentious matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Leading the team, Andrew Cawkwell is praised for his approachability.

THE FIRM This team is a formidable force in contentious matters and has also been increasing its non-contentious workload.

Sources Say: “The team has extremely detailed knowledge of the insolvency world and is committed to its local clients.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Rushworth is a top-notch insolvency solicitor, handling both personal and corporate work. Clients say he successfully balances “the legal technicalities of insolvency with the commercial approach that we need.” Tim Clarke’s “practical and down-to-earth advice gets matters moving efficiently.” Susan Mairs is a “bright and astute” lawyer who acts primarily on contentious matters for insolvency practitioners (IPs).

THE FIRM This growing team splits its time between contentious and non-contentious matters. It acts regularly for locally based IPs on investigations and matters relating to bankruptcy.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Neil Harrold heads the team and is a “proactive character, with good technical knowledge and commercially focused advice.” He is particularly valued for his help in bankruptcy matters.

THE FIRM This team is a prominent local player in administrations. It acts for clients based in Tyneside and the Tees Valley, and recently advised a local IP on the administration of a consulting company in the South East.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The “extremely affable” Stephen Wiles is at the helm of the team.