What people say about us

Penningtons Manches Cooper is an acclaimed private wealth team. The team advises on private client planning and disputes matters and is particularly praised for its depths and breadth of knowledge.

Strengths: ‘The Penningtons team was able to demonstrate out-of-the-box thinking and provide innovative advice to help us achieve specific aims and goals.’

‘Each member of the team we have met has been professional, knowledgeable and customer-centric.’

‘They have consistently demonstrated exemplary technical knowledge and they excel at explaining the issues in a clear and concise manner.’

‘Penningtons is very knowledgeable and professional, and gives the best possible advice.’

‘All the team members were professional, but also came across as very supportive.’

‘Penningtons Manches Cooper had very clear, very helpful communication all through the process and went over and beyond to make sure it went as fast as possible.’

Chambers High Net Worth - 2023 edition

‘This firm has a strong private client presence. The lawyers are commercial and pragmatic and they have a good depth to be able to provide a full service offering.’

‘The firm has an exceptionally strong tax advisory practice. The lawyers simply do not get things wrong. They bring their own technical expertise, thoughtful approach and diligence to bear to great effect. The team’s clients – an international and diverse mix – respect them and take the advice.’

‘An esteemed name for trust litigation, the lawyers have experience of acting in many high-profile, high-stakes, and highly-sensitive or complex cases.’

‘An excellent firm with an excellent reputation. This firm has a wide breadth of individuals to suit any case – from the complex, high net worth case to the more straightforward middle money case.’

‘Penningtons Manches Cooper has a powerhouse team of lawyers that are leaders in the field across multiple areas of children law. It always goes the extra mile to provide a Rolls Royce service to clients, which translates to exceptional preparation of cases for trial.’

‘The firm is a sparkling collection of successful and empathetic family lawyers.’

The Legal 500 - 2022 edition

‘A very strong team who work well together, exude confidence, charm clients and are a pleasure to work with. I never hesitate to recommend them.’

‘Responsive and savvy team, very competent and creative which is important for cross-border tax structuring work. Would highly recommend.’

‘Penningtons’ reputation for excellence is well-earned … their solicitors are diligent, hard-working, and knowledgeable. They are also compassionate and care deeply for their clients.’

‘Their combined experience makes them a tour de force and the place to go to for your divorce finances.’

The Legal 500 - 2023 edition

Family

Penningtons Manches LLP is ‘strong’ in the family law market. James Stewart is ‘very impressive’, and Rebecca Carlyon is ‘rated extremely highly’ for her work on pre- and postnuptial agreements. Gillian Rivers is recommended for high-value financial disputes, and provides ‘robust advice to achieve the best outcome for clients’. Simon Blain was made partner in 2015. 

Private client

‘A great amalgam of wise heads and dynamic young stars’ - at Penningtons Manches LLP. Highly rated are the ‘personable and pragmatic’ Clare Archer, ‘efficient and constructive’ Chris Lintott. ‘An exceptional team that is outstanding across the full spectrum of private client advice, delivered in a sensitive and commercial manner’, comments one client. ‘Rising star’ James d’Aquino joined from Charles Russell Speechlys LLP’s Geneva office in 2014.

The Legal 500 2015

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP advises ultra-high-net-worth individuals, their families, family offices and private wealth firms on a wide range of complicated tax, family law and succession issues. Many of its clients have instructed the firm for generations to advise them on trust administration, succession planning and wills. The team is also skilled at advising on multi-jurisdictional matters.

The family team has a multi-disciplinary approach and works closely with its property, litigation and private client/tax teams to provide a 360 degree Rolls-Royce service for clients.

The Legal 500 - 2020 edition

John Doherty is acknowledged, variously, as follows:

… a fantastic lawyer, who really understands the needs of clients;

… a superb technical lawyer on the regulatory side of brand management;

… delivers sophisticated commercial legal advice, which represents extremely good value;

A product liability lawyer with '… an international reputation'.

The Legal 500 – 2013 edition

The product liability team at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is known to work for large multinationals on a range of contentious and non-contentious compliance matters. Team head John Doherty is experienced in handling EU product safety and regulatory requirement matters. Elise Bevan is a specialist in transvaginal mesh claims on behalf of claimants and Lisa Page provides regulatory advice on medical devices.

‘Their technical and legal knowledge and attention to detail is always absolutely spot on.’

‘Penningtons’ team has outstanding knowledge about the product liability practice in the UK.’

‘John Doherty and Lisa Page are both excellent lawyers, with very impressive knowledge of the sectors in which they work. I have found them to be meticulous and conscientious and a pleasure to deal with.’

‘John Doherty. His work is impressive. His first priority lies in the client’s satisfaction, not to mention his expertise in this field. He is always quite responsive and considerate of the client’s needs and expectations.’

The Legal 500 - 2023 edition

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP's team is instructed by product manufacturers, distributors and retailers from a wide range of industries, including the automotive, food and drink, life sciences, retail and technology sectors. Areas of expertise include product liability claims, regulatory advice, and general litigation. John Doherty is also well versed in EU-safety requirements; he jointly leads the team with commercial dispute resolution specialist Rustam Dubash. Associate Nick Bamber also advises on the regulatory landscape.

The PMC team offers the perfect combination of technical advice, industry knowledge, commercial awareness and client-focus/partner time. Reliable delivery, on time, on budget and excellent value for money, every time.

As a team I am impressed by the integrity, professionalism and commitment to support us through liability issues that is displayed by all members that I have come in contact with.

The Legal 500 - 2021 edition

At Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP, the 'approachable, clear and always willing to help' practice team handles a wide range of development projects and transactions, including forward funding deals, and recently supplemented its offering with the hire of Simon Allan; a specialist in working with private capital on infrastructure-related assets. The acquisition and disposal of investment properties and portfolio is a further core strength, as is fund and asset management work. James Nadin heads the practice, which is also instructed by hotels for acquisition, disposal, development and leasing work.

In the commercial property space, the team led by Donald Lambert is particularly active in contested lease renewals and tenant insolvency matters, while, in the residential property sphere, the group is adept at assisting with the recovery of service charges and lease matters. Housing association specialist Ben Robinson made partner in April 2018. Oxford team head John Morrison advises on both commercial and residential property disputes, and has a notable specialism in contentious matters involving the education sector.

The Legal 500 - 2020 edition

Experienced group with the skills to handle a diverse mix of investment and development projects, particularly those involving central London property. Student accommodation remains a key area of focus, as does residential work for high net worth clients. 

Regularly advises clients from the rail, energy and housing sectors on complex infrastructure and development projects. Work includes everything from land assembly and acquisition to planning agreements and lease negotiations. Also equipped to offer in-depth advice on environmental issues. Further specialism in the affordable housing sector, advising a number of housing associations and groups. 

Notable expertise in investment, funding and portfolio management, as well as landlord and tenant work. Also offers development advice and has specialist knowledge of the hotels and leisure industry. 

Strengths: ‘They are very good. They are responsive, straightforward and down-to-earth. They give us good advice.’

Notable practitioners 

Catriona Smith specialises in investment transactions and advises on a host of property matters, such as joint venture agreements, sales and purchases and lease advice. She also advises on development deals. 

Mike Busby regularly handles matters relating to substantial property portfolios, including advising clients on day-to-day management as well as the sale and purchase of new assets and portfolio refinancing. He has a particular interest in the hotels and leisure industry. Clients say he has a 'good commercial approach' and also consider him to be 'fair, reasonable and knowledgeable'. 

Senior associate Lyndsey Whittell has a significant amount of commercial property experience and regularly advises on portfolio management, commercial lettings and refinancing matters. One client comments on her straightforward manner, saying: 'She always explains things to me in a way I can understand'.

Chambers UK - 2016 edition

Handles investment and development matters and property joint venture projects. Regularly advises on student accommodation, prime residential sales and purchases and a variety of other property investments.

Frequently engaged by landowners and developers to advise on site acquisitions, sales and option agreements. Also advises well-known retailers and corporate occupiers on their property requirements, and offers further expertise in the hotels and industrial sectors.

Strengths: ‘What is nice is that they offer suggestions and ideas, so rather than just maintaining a straight vanilla delivery, they will offer alternatives.’ 

‘Nothing seems to be too much trouble.’

Notable practitioners

A key contact at the firm is Peter McElligott. 

Mike Busby is an expert in property portfolio management and transactions. ‘He has a very positive, can-do manner’ notes one client. 

Lyndsey Whittell advises on an array of property transactions. She is regularly called upon to act on landlord and tenant matters, as well as real estate finance issues. 

Richard Smith specialises in complex commercial developments for a vast number of high-profile clients. He is held in high regard by his clients, who describe him as ‘just brilliant.’

Chambers UK - 2017 edition

Offers knowledge in a vast array of areas, including sizeable development and infrastructure projects for high-profile clients in the rail and energy sectors. Also advises a number of corporates on their property requirements. Retail, leisure and education groups also feature in the team's client list. Ability to advise on the environmental and planning aspects of real estate transactions.

Strengths: Clients praise the team for its ‘strong interrogation of problems, creative thinking about solutions and good overall client service.’

A client says: ‘The main strength of the team is their ability to respond and react to ongoing commercial negotiations that fall outside of the sphere of pure legal advice.’

Clients describe the firm's lawyers as ‘very knowledgeable, thorough and experienced.’

Notable practitioners
Mike Busby is recognised for his expertise handling purchasing and leasing transactions across a range of asset classes including office, industrial and retail space. Clients praise his ‘technical knowledge, commercial awareness and excellent customer service.’

Peter McElligott is a key contact. 

Chambers UK - 2019 edition

Strengths: ‘We found the team to be very helpful and knowledgeable and clear in the advice they give.’

‘They are very responsive and offer a flexible approach to advising on multidisciplinary matters.’

‘At every point, Penningtons have had senior people to offer a very broad range of experience for us to draw on.’

‘They always provide a concise, clear narrative throughout matters. They set out clear options and their consequences at each juncture, and always undertake their role promptly and accurately.’

‘The team provides fast responses and pragmatic advice.’

‘They are very knowledgeable and commercially driven. They fully understand their clients' needs.’

Notable practitioners

Mike Busby: ‘Mike consistently provides experienced insights on instructions with a view to achieving the greatest outcome for his clients.’

Sam Davies: ‘He has a fantastic work ethic, a great attention to detail and is a very personable individual who provides clear, concise advice.’

Chambers UK - 2023 edition

[Commercial property] As well as handling a number of student accommodation development schemes for Alumno Developments, Peter McElligott’s team at Penningtons Manches LLP was also active in the investment space for clients such as Aviva Investors and Sellar Property Group. James McNeilly was promoted to partner.

[Property finance] Penningtons Manches LLP assists borrowers and lenders with originations, refinancing and loan facility negotiations; it is particularly strong in acquisition finance. Clients include Lloyds Bank and Sellar Property Group. Peter McElligott and Mark Phillips lead the team, with support from senior associate John Chater.

Penningtons Manches LLP [in Cambridge] has a ‘proactive, knowledgeable and responsive team providing good value for money’. The ‘approachable, professional’ Sarah Coates ‘understands the demands of development finance’. She advised Svenska Handelsbanken on refinancing a £1.2m property portfolio.

Penningtons Manches LLP continues to be instructed by Frontier Estates in connection with the £40m redevelopment of Epping Town Centre, and is also advising White Stuff on the acquisition and disposal of its high street stores. Simon Knott [Oxford] is ‘very knowledgeable, responsive and respectful’.

The Legal 500 - 2016 edition

‘Penningtons have provided a very personal and bespoke service to us. We have had outstanding service on all of our property projects, their attention to detail and the speed and quality of responses has been excellent.’ 

‘The team are a dynamic, hard-working, personable and knowledgeable group of individuals and I have absolute confidence on the quality of the work produced, the levels of communication and the value they bring to each instruction via their previous experiences.’

‘Great market knowledge with an understanding of the commercial aspect of contracts as well as the legal points.’

‘A broad interest is shown across different areas and a good knowledge of emerging sectors, particularly the impact of fast-paced market environments as well as the move to more sustainable property and infrastructure.’

‘Tony Burns and Sam Davies are two of the very best real estate lawyers we have come across in the industry.’

‘Mike Busby always provides experience and commercial insight into each instruction whilst being mindful of costs. His significant experience and willingness to ensure the best possible outcome for his client allowed us to rapidly make significant changes to our property portfolio as a result of Covid.’

‘Charlie Seaward and Justin Winterbottom have been a great support in getting agreements over the line.’

The Legal 500 - 2023 edition

‘Penningtons have provided a very personal and bespoke service to us. We have had outstanding service on all of our property projects, their attention to detail and the speed and quality of responses has been excellent.’ 

‘The team are a dynamic, hard-working, personable and knowledgeable group of individuals and I have absolute confidence on the quality of the work produced, the levels of communication and the value they bring to each instruction via their previous experiences.’

‘Great market knowledge with an understanding of the commercial aspect of contracts as well as the legal points.’

‘A broad interest is shown across different areas and a good knowledge of emerging sectors, particularly the impact of fast-paced market environments as well as the move to more sustainable property and infrastructure.’

‘Tony Burns and Sam Davies are two of the very best real estate lawyers we have come across in the industry.’

‘Mike Busby always provides experience and commercial insight into each instruction whilst being mindful of costs. His significant experience and willingness to ensure the best possible outcome for his client allowed us to rapidly make significant changes to our property portfolio as a result of Covid.’

‘Charlie Seaward and Justin Winterbottom have been a great support in getting agreements over the line.’

The Legal 500 - 2023 edition

Penningtons Manches LLP acts primarily for institutional investors and developers in strategic land and investment portfolio transactions, and development projects. Development highlights have included Louis Manches advising Munroe K on its 500,000 ft2 development at White Rose Office Park in Leeds, and Alison Lewis assisting Lavignac Securities with the establishment of a development joint venture with Conygar Investment Company, and the partnership’s subsequent £13.5m acquisition of a development site in Nottingham. James Nadin led the property due diligence for a major hotel portfolio transaction, and John Hargreaves has particular expertise in the student accommodation sector. Martin Codd and James McNeilly are key contacts for site disposals and letting work.

Lead partner [in Cambridge] Sarah Coates is 'very knowlegable, efficient and always available'. She worked with corporate partner and finance specialist Helen Drayton to assist James Dolan Ltd with the acquisition of the Dooley Rumble Group, which included substantial real estate assets in the form of four existing leases with complex dilapidations issues. Partner Mark Sellers, who joined in late 2017, works from both the London and Cambridge offices. He acts predominantly for social housing providers.

The [Guildford] team at Penningtons Manches LLP 'works seamlessly and incredibly hard on all instructions' according to one client. Department head Mike Busby and associate Sam Davies are 'outstanding solicitors with excellent communication skills'; the 'excellent' Tim Davies and Tony Burns are also key names, together with senior associate Graham Dixon. Jamie Lynch joined the team.

Simon Knott [Oxford] has assisted White Stuff with the acquisition, disposal and day-to-day management of various high-street stores and warehousing centres.

The Legal 500 - 2019 edition

At Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP, the practice handles a wide range of development projects and transactions, including forward funding deals, and recently supplemented its offering with the hire of Simon Allan; a specialist in working with private capital on infrastructure-related assets. The acquisition and disposal of investment properties and portfolio is a further core strength, as is fund and asset management work. The client roster includes institutional investors, real estate companies and funds, family officers, banks and tenant occupiers. James Nadin heads the practice which is also instructed by hotels for acquisition, disposal, development and leasing work.

The 'proactive, thorough and diligent' real estate team in Cambridge acts for a range of clients across many sectors including global banks, developers, housing associations, science parks, colleges and high-net-worth families. The lawyers are 'extremely thorough and professional in everything they do', and one client remarks that lead partner Sarah Coates is 'highly accessible and knowledgeable; she has a great eye for detail and is excellent in her appraisal of risks'.

The 'outstanding' Mike Busby leads the team [in Guildford] and senior associate Sam Davies is also highlighted for his client-centric approach.

The real estate team is 'one of the best in the Thames Valley'. The practice [in Oxford] is known for its strength in handling complex and high value development projects in the residential, education and leisure sectors. Key partner Simon Knott focuses on acquisitions, disposals, letting and finance. Associate Laura Gorman is a name to note for commercial developments, student accommodation schemes and care homes, as is Catherine Bradshaw, who focuses on acting on behalf of registered providers.

The Legal 500 - 2020 edition

Impressive team handling investment and development matters and property joint venture projects. Regularly advises on student accommodation, prime residential sales and purchases, and a variety of other property investments. Ably handles the acquisition and disposal of substantial property portfolios, notably in the hotels and leisure sector. Development expertise includes residential schemes and mixed-use redevelopments.

Strengths: 'They've been excellent,' says a client, adding that the lawyers are 'really good on the client service side and among the best for real estate work.'

One client states: 'They are well organised, efficient, professional and exceptionally good at what they do.'

Notable practitioners
Mike Busby maintains a broad practice, acting for commercial and developer clients among others. He often advises on acquisitions, disposals and lease renewals. 'Mike is hugely experienced and is commercially aware. His advice and proactive interventions have been very important.'

Sarah Coates acts for clients on a wide array of real estate matters, including lease agreements and terminations, property acquisitions and landlord and tenant matters. She also advises on development matters and the real estate aspects of corporate transactions.

Sam Davies acts on a range of commercial property matters. He has particular experience of acquisitions and disposals. 'He is efficient and has clear communication skills.'

Simon Knott is a key contact.

Joel Kordan is a respected real estate practitioner in the Birmingham market. He has experience handling a wide range of deals, including investment transactions and development matters.

Peter McElligott is head of the real estate division and a key contact at the firm.

Chambers UK - 2021 edition

[Commercial property] Penningtons Manches LLP services a number of major institutional investor and developer clients such as Aviva Investors, Sellar Property Group, and Alumno Developments. Key players include John Hargreaves, who has particular expertise in handling student accommodation schemes for Alumno Developments; James McNeilly, who focuses on the tech sector; and practice head Peter McElligott. The team is noted for its proficiency in advising foreign investors seeking to purchase property in London, with Duncan Taylor the name to note in this regard.

The [Cambridge] team at Penningtons Manches LLP ‘has very detailed knowledge in this field and always explains things fully in a language clients can understand’. It is ‘a standout firm for local projects thanks to its knowledge of the land and its strong local connections’, and lead partner Sarah Coates is ‘very responsive and doesn’t just tick boxes’.

Penningtons Manches LLP fields a ‘very competent real estate team’ [in Guildford] that attracts praise for its ‘prompt and professional’ service. The firm handles the full range of commercial property matters including land development issues, property finance mandates and acquisitions and divestments, with a specialty in advising retail and leisure sector clients. Practice head and retail sector expert Mike Busby ‘is always on top of the detail and drives the timeframe very well’; the team also includes joint practice leader and development specialist Tim Davies, acquisitions and disposals expert Tony Burns, and James Matthews, who ‘is incredibly diligent, knowledgeable and extremely pleasant to deal with’.

In Oxford, Simon Knott handles the roll-out of new stores for Starbucks’ franchisee 23.5 Degrees.

The Legal 500 - 2017 edition