What people say about us

We have used your team on eleven previous occasions, all of which have been very satisfactory.

In the last year we’ve sold two and bought two houses. By far the best service we’ve had.

Your responsiveness, ability to be proactive and organisation have added tremendous value. It is no exaggeration to say that we would not have achieved exchange within our requirements were it not for your work.

Notable practitioners

Rebecca Andrews-Walker: ‘Rebecca is hugely experienced, gives practical advice

and runs a really tight ship.’

Chambers UK - 2023 edition

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP handles the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious issues associated with high-profile restructurings and insolvencies. The firm has lawyers based in a number of key South East markets, including recently promoted partner Rebecca Andrews-Walker in Oxford. She is dual-qualified as a solicitor and insolvency practitioner, and has a notable niche in football insolvencies...Other clients of the firm include insolvency practitioners, receivers, banks and corporates. The group, which also generates mandates from London-based clients and referrers, also includes Guildford-based partner David Kendall, who handles restructurings and insolvency-related corporate transactions, and John Chater in Reading, whose strengths in restructurings and insolvencies are complemented by his banking expertise.

‘Really client-friendly and constantly ensuring the client knows what is going on and the risks. Also real thinkers out of the box providing a great service.’

‘Rebecca Andrews-Walker’s depth of knowledge and experience in this area is excellent – she knows insolvency law inside and out and is very effective at delivering results for her clients. She is very personable and an excellent collaborator.’

The Legal 500 - 2022 edition

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is a well-regarded insolvency and restructuring practice with strength in the key sectors of retail, property, technology, life sciences and healthcare. Oxford-based Rebecca Andrews-Walker advises on all aspects of contentious and non-contentious restructuring matters while John Chater in Reading acts for insolvency practitioners, receivers and lenders.

‘Absolute 100% dedication to achieving the very best outcome for every client’s case. The classic combination: vast knowledge of the law, exceptional common sense, hard work, confidence and calmness personified, and utterly charming.’ 

‘PMC’s insolvency team are innovative, tenacious and experienced. They know how to navigate clients safely through the insolvency process in order to maximise recoveries.’

‘Rebecca Andrews-Walker and Andrea Nicholls are both extremely capable and easy to work with. Supported by Matthew Letts, both were responsive and available to deal with queries throughout the duration of our instruction. They provided clear advice and practical solutions to any issues that were encountered.’

‘Alex Fox is always enthusiastic about his cases. He brings an energy to them which ensures that positive results are achieved.’

The Legal 500 - 2023 edition

Rebecca Andrews-Walker is recognised for her work assisting corporates and insolvency practitioners through both contentious and non-contentious insolvency matters.

‘She delivers very clear, precise and practical application of insolvency law. When the company needed help, she delivered in spades.’

Chambers UK - 2022 edition

The Legal 500 has also described Rachael Barber as 'the best design right litigator in the business and Chambers UK credits her as having extensive 'knowledge of the retail sector combined with an in-depth understanding of the law', with many considering her to be a fashion industry expert.

Works with fashion brands across the retail spectrum. Complementary strength in handling transaction work for clients in the sector. 

…extremely business-oriented and commercial in their approach. 

Rachael Barber is a key figure in the team's retail, fashion and brand protection offering. She continues to handle IP matters for various parts of the Bosch group in the UK, including copyright and trade mark infringement, and domain name recoveries.

Chambers UK - 2015 edition

Advises on the full spectrum of retail issues, including employment, commercial and intellectual property matters. Particular expertise in corporate and real estate transactions.

Strengths: ‘They work hard, are thorough and give commercial advice.’

Notable practitioners
Rachael Barber and Matthew Martin are key contacts for the retail team.

Chambers UK - 2017 edition

Has [real estate] experience representing private and commercial clients alike, including large retail and manufacturing companies.

Offers knowledge in a vast array of areas, including sizeable development and infrastructure projects for high-profile clients in the rail and energy sectors. Retail, leisure and education groups also feature in the team's client list.

Chambers UK - 2023 edition

Advises on the full spectrum of retail issues, including employment, commercial and intellectual property matters. Particular expertise in corporate and real estate transactions, with additional contentious capabilities. Frequently acts for well-known luxury and lifestyle brands.

Notable practitioners
Matthew Martin and Gavin Stenton are key contacts.

Chambers UK - 2021 edition

The team is very approachable and easy to deal with, which is a huge bonus when managing complex legal matters.

Liz Lawley, Base London

Matt Martin and his corporate team were invaluable in getting our MBO over the line. Fast working, strong, clear and concise throughout and a pleasure to work with.

Tom Liddell, Managing director, Winning Moves UK

Rachael Barber and the team understand the specificities of our company. They always get back to us in a timely manner and know what to look out for on our behalf. We are very impressed with their work as well as the results of a number of trade mark infringement cases.

Cecilia Emanuelson, Legal affairs, Inter IKEA Holding Services SA

Simply outstanding in respect of advice, business acumen, work ethic, innovation and on-time delivery. They have become such an integral part of our success story.

CEO, International fashion retailer

Penningtons Manches’ team really understands retail issues. Their advice is always highly practical and the team is very friendly and accessible.

HR manager, Luxury furniture manufacturer

…has the expertise and resources to field sizeable cross-practice teams on corporate transactions. The group is also active in the retail and fashion space.

Penningtons Manches LLP is great on all counts.

The Legal 500 – 2014 edition

Penningtons Manches LLP has particular core strengths in retail and fashion.

The firm continues to advise All Saints Retail on the protection of individual designs, trade marks and copyrights.

The Legal 500 - 2016 edition

Mike Busby heads the [real estate] department in Guildford with considerable expertise in high-value asset work and development work, acting for national retailers, hotel operators and large landowners.

Simon Knott leads the Oxford [real estate] practice, regularly acting for large corporate tenants with fast 'roll out' programmes in the retail and leisure sector, including convenience stores and drive-thrus.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP's [real estate litigation] team has been occupied by a high volume of COVID-related work, advising its sizeable retail and leisure client base on a litany of business-critical landlord and tenant matters.

The [product liability] group acts for manufacturers, distributors and retailers from the automotive, food and drink, life sciences, retail and technology industries.

Oxford-based Holly Strube is recommended for brand protection issues in the retail, fashion and sports sectors.

The Legal 500 - 2022 edition