Gullands Solicitors in The Legal 500 and Chambers Directories 2017
Gullands Solicitors has once again been ranked highly in The Legal 500 Directory and Chambers Directories, the guides to law firms in the UK published 19 October and 1 November 2017.
Legal 500 www.legal500.com
Crime: General, Tier 2
“Gullands Solicitors represents clients accused of manslaughter, murder and historic sexual abuse. The team also has expertise in criminal litigation for environmental offences as well as matters concerning mentally incapacitated defendants. John Roberts, who was appointed managing partner of the firm in December 2016, heads the department and is experienced in handling murder and manslaughter cases. Other key figures include associate and health and safety expert Andrew Clarke, and Patrick Bligh (also an associate) who recently acted for clients accused of rape.”
Charities and not-for-profit: Tier 3
“At Gullands Solicitors, the charities department advises on the formation, establishment and dissolution of unincorporated charities, the repossession of almshouses, M&A activity and Charity Commission inquiries, among other matters. The firm recently acted for the trustees of Ashtead United Charity in a case considering the legal status of almshouse residents, a matter involving feudal law and the Human Rights Act, and also advised Holding Homes and Maidstone YMCA on the purchase of freehold land for the construction of a new community centre. Practice head Blair Gulland specialises in matters related to almshouses and the legal implications faced by trustees; Philip Grylls has extensive experience in property-related disputes; and Amanda Finn handles contentious and non-contentious employment matters for a range of Kent-based charities.”
Construction: Tier 3
“Gullands Solicitors acts for a range of developers, contractors and sub-contractors, architects and construction professionals on the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious construction matters. In a recent highlight, the group defended Carringwood in an adjudication claim regarding a contract for the construction of 16 residential units, where the contractor claimed costs for extensions of time and variations. The practice also acted for Birkby Construction in two adjudications regarding a sub-contract for fit-out works at Old Lodge Place in Twickenham, where a jurisdictional challenge was issued. David Brown heads the department and has strong experience in handling disputes before the Technology & Construction Court (TCC). Health and safety law specialist Andrew Clarke is also recommended.”
And there are new entries for:
Employment, Tier 3
“Gullands Solicitors focuses on providing employment law advice to charities, including handling pensions and immigration issues. Clients from the logistics, transport and construction sectors also feature on the roster. Amanda Finn heads the team; she specialises in advising on social media employee disputes. Associate and health and safety specialist and Andrew Clarke is another key name in the team.”
Health & Safety, Tier 3
“Gullands Solicitors acts for a range of businesses and individuals on health and safety prosecutions, and also handles compliance issues, contracts, formal notices and the health and safety aspects of commercial transactions. Criminal practitioner John Roberts, who heads the department, advises on litigation and regulatory criminal offences, and Andrew Clarke is the other key figure. Highlights including representing a food business prosecuted by a local council under food hygiene legislation, and acting for a client during a HSE investigation following a fatal fall at a construction site.”
Chambers Directory 2017 www.chambersandpartners.com
Crime, Band 1
The South, Employment
Recognised practitioner Amanda Finn
Gullands Quote: “We are once again delighted that several of our practice areas and key individuals have been singled out for recognition in the directories, which are a useful guide to the providers of legal services here in the South East.”