What people say about us

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP’s corporate team specialise in lower mid-market M&A with a focus on the technology, real estate, private wealth and retail sectors. Team head Matthew Martin has extensive experience in the fashion, luxury and lifestyle sector. Seb Orton has acted on a full range of issuer and investment bank-side transactions in the retail and health and care sectors. 

Simon Knott leads Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP’s real estate practice in Oxford, where he complements the firm’s focus on development, science parks, and colleges through his retail and leisure-centred practice.

The Legal 500 - 2023 edition

The team at Penningtons Manches LLP builds a ‘long-lasting trust and successful cooperation’ with its clients, which include Jimmy Choo, Vaccitech and IKEA. The practice offers expert advice on patents, know-how, trade mark and copyright licensing, and copyright, database and design right protection.

The Legal 500 - 2019 edition

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP has particular experience in trade mark and design rights matters, with clients spanning the technology, retail, consumer goods, and food and drink sectors. Anna Frankum and dual-qualified solicitor and trade mark attorney Christopher Shelley jointly lead the team. Frankum focuses on non-contentious matters, while Shelley has experience across the full range of trade mark, design and brand protection matters. Alexander Fox is a name to note for IP disputes in the technology, manufacturing and retail sectors.

The Legal 500 - 2020 edition

Anna Frankum and Chris Shelley head the IP practice at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP, which recently advised on brand enforcement and opposition strategy for high-profile retail, fashion, food and drink celebrity clients. Clients in the automotive and architecture sectors also engaged the team on brand and design safeguarding, IP rights transfers and infringement claims.

Holly Strube specialises in brand protection.

This is a technical area needing even more specialist advice than other areas of law, and a potential minefield for the uninitiated. I get that advice from Penningtons Manches Cooper.

The Legal 500 - 2021 edition

Advises well-known retailers and corporate occupiers on their property requirements.

Strengths: One client notes: ‘The communication and knowledge across departments is seamless, and they strike a great balance of delivering the highest standards for their clients with a very personable approach.’

Chambers UK – 2022 edition

Strengths: One source says: ‘They are very reliable. It is very good client service as well.’

Notable practitioners
Matthew Martin is a key contact.

Chambers UK - 2018 edition

The team at Penningtons Manches LLP builds a ‘long-lasting, trusting and successful cooperation’ with its clients.

The Legal 500 - 2017 edition

I joined as a newly qualified solicitor and saw the firm as a good place for me to develop my career. I have not been disappointed.

Sabrina Furneaux-Gotch, Senior associate

Combining ‘candid, practical advice with a client-focused attitude and good ethos’, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP covers contentious matters as well as advice on complex remuneration packages and negotiations with employers. The firm advises top-tier senior executives, representing chairpersons, managing directors, finance directors, founders, CEOs and premier league football coaches and managers. Paul Mander leads the team which includes senior associates Sarah Mant, who handles all matters arising prior to, during and beyond the end of the employment relationship; and Hester Jewitt, who is ‘truly a stand out professional’.

‘Candid, practical advice with a client focused attitude and good ethos. Appreciated the pragmatism and diligence to the matters I collaborated with them on personally. Full trust in my Counsel.’

‘The practice is well staffed and is able to turn around large projects quickly. They are transparent and honest to deal with as well as very willing to collaborate with other teams whenever it is beneficial to the client, while also not drawing on others where it would cause unnecessary costs to the client. They strike a wonderful balance in quality of service and cost and always aim to make the client’s life easier.’

The Legal 500 - 2023 edition

There is an unusually strong learning and knowledge sharing culture which supports career development at all levels.

Sheona Boldero, Head of learning and development

Works with clients on wet and dry shipping matters, with acknowledged ability in contract disputes, maritime casualties and marine insurance matters. Other areas of expertise include pollution and marine personal injury matters. Notable global presence, with offices in Europe and Singapore. Also offers expertise in yachts.

Strengths: One client notes: ‘They are an excellent and extremely efficient firm.’

Another source adds: ‘They are a formidable team and enjoyable to work with. They are very committed to shipping law and have a good mix of wet and dry skill sets.’

Notable practitioners
‘Darryl Kennard brings a lot of experience and is a dab hand at salvaging. He is a real enthusiast for shipping law.’

‘He is very good dealing with complex matters and is very easy to communicate with. He knows the market, is very proactive and finds a solution quickly.’

Chambers UK - 2022 edition

Notable practitioners
Darryl Kennard is known for expertise in handling wet and dry shipping matters. He often advises on collision and salvage matters, and he also has experience in charter party and bill of lading claims.

Chambers UK - 2021 edition

Strengths: ‘Penningtons can be relied upon to prioritise matters that need handling as a matter of urgency.’

‘They're highly competent and experienced in handling complex casualty and P&I claims.’

Notable practitioners

Darryl Kennard: ‘Darryl is a highly experienced shipping lawyer who is able to provide very clear and practical legal advice and to guide clients confidently through highly complex and difficult claims.’

Chambers UK - 2023 edition

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is highly active in the full range of contentious shipping work… Darryl Kennard is frequently instructed by shipowners, underwriters and salvage companies on wet and dry shipping disputes. Another key individual is Tim Kelleher, who has 35 years of experience of the marine industry. Alex McIntosh focuses on contractual disputes. Wet shipping specialist Nick Donnelly and James Severn are also names to note.

‘The Penningtons shipping team is excellent. Their lawyers combine a strong foundation in the law with legal creativity, and a high level of commercial and litigation acumen.’

‘A very knowledgeable department, headed by the very experienced and personable Darryl Kennard. There seems to be more good shipping case law coming out of Penningtons than any other shipping firm at present.’

The Legal 500 - 2022 edition

Providing ‘a breadth of maritime expertise‘, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP regularly handles dry shipping disputes as well as admiralty and regulatory work for a range of domestic and international clients. The firm also fields expertise in relation to yachts and superyachts, where it advises owners, charterers, traders, and P&I Clubs, among others. The practice is led by Darryl Kennard, whose work encompasses both wet and dry shipping matters, and charterparty specialist Alex McIntosh. Tony Riches was promoted to partner in April 2022 and specialises in admiralty law and charterparty disputes. Wet shipping expert Nick Donnelly and James Severn, who focuses on small commercial vessels as well as maritime injuries and fatalities, are further key contacts.

‘Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP provide a breath of maritime expertise giving the client standout advice.’

‘They are all extremely committed to their clients, and to obtaining the best result.’

‘The partners work very well together and use associates appropriately.’

‘Shipping specialists with great response time, professionalism and pragmatism.’

‘Darryl Kennard has a sharp mind, fast understanding of the issues, wide spectrum of experience, pragmatic and commercial approach to disputes.’

The Legal 500 - 2023 edition

With an international reach, the team is 'well-known in the sector for its shipping and trade knowledge and expertise' and 'regularly punches above its weight'. It handles a broad range of instructions including casualties, major losses and commercial disputes; the team is 'particularly strong in pure shipping disputes, with a wealth of knowledge and experience'. Tim Kelleher is noted for his disputes expertise and team head Darryl Kennard, who is 'energetic and knowledgeable', specialises in wet work including salvage, loss and collision claims. 

Mark Sachs is likable and able; he has a strong understanding of China and South East Asia and the particular commercial and legal culture of those regions.

Tom Moisley's breadth of knowledge, strategic thinking, and calm and considered approach is invaluable.

Lisa Hillary shows huge commitment to her clients and cases. 

The Legal 500 - 2020 editon

Penningtons Manches Cooper is active across a range of shipping matters including admiralty disputes, dry shipping disputes and shipbuilding work. The practice is led by Tim Kelleher, who has over 35 years' experience in this area, and Darryl Kennard, who is active in both wet and dry shipping disputes. Alex McIntosh is another key contact, recognised for his work on charterparties; he is well-regarded by clients.

Darryl Kennard has excellent knowledge and experience in his field – he is efficient, proactive and solution driven.

Alex McIntosh is always available, quick to respond and very proactive. He knows the law and is very practical.

The Legal 500 - 2021 edition

Assists with a broad range of issues, including general property services and housing management representation.

Technical ability: 'They pick up on things that others may miss, and are thorough at protecting our interests.'

Responsiveness: 'I find them very easy to deal with, very responsive.'

Clarity of advice: 'The team's advice is very clear, and they let you know when there are things that are of concern. They do more than just process legal advice.'

Work highlights: Advised Family Mosaic Housing on shared ownership, shared equity and private sales with an accrued value of £300 million.

Assisted Sovereign Housing Association with a buyback agreement with Newbury Building Society.

Notable practitioners

Linda Storey is a respected property practitioner, who impresses clients with her conscientious approach. Recently, she assisted a large housing association with a multimillion-pound bond issue.

Andrew Casstles is highlighted for his enthusiasm and ability to solve problems quickly. 'He has such a thorough knowledge of the case and provides speedy, appropriate advice,' say sources. Recent work highlights for the partner, who specialises in development and regenerations, include leading a Catalyst Housing Group matter, and working on various regeneration matters for other significant London housing providers.

Development expert Catherine Bradshaw is 'technically good, friendly and approachable, and offers proper full advice. If she picks up on something we may not want to hear, she presents us with a solution as well,' say impressed clients.

Charlotte D'Avola is 'a very experienced solicitor who gives good advice – you can trust her judgement,' according to clients.

Chambers UK - 2014 edition

Full-service social housing team advising housing associations on a range of matters from development acquisitions and sales to employment and housing management.

Strengths: ‘Real specialists in the industry across their offices.’

‘They are proactive to alert us to new law and suggest efficient ways of working.’

Notable practitioners

Linda Storey is well known for her work advising housing associations on property matters such as shared ownership leases and portfolio charging. Sources appreciate that ‘she has a lot of experience in our sector and understands our challenges.’

Property partner Andrew Casstles often acts on social housing developments. ‘I think he is excellent,’ one enthusiastic client commented; ‘he will give you rounded opinions and he is very open and upfront. He also has an excellent understanding of the law and the broader issues.’

Chambers UK - 2015 edition

Strong team acting for a broad range of social housing providers on matters including acquisitions, sales, procurement and housing management litigation. Also provides services relating to asset and liability registry.

Offers expertise in the development and procurement of local authority housing. Also counsels on finance issues and stock transfers.

Strengths: ‘In terms of providing a good service, being easy to contact, and getting the best end results, Penningtons Manches has shown itself to be excellent.’

‘The team as a whole are reliable and they provide an open door approach to communication - nothing is ever too much to request.’

Notable practitioners

Linda Storey acts for many of the firm's housing association clients. She regularly deals with home ownership transactions including right to buy matters.

Andrew Casstles handles property acquisitions and development matters, and regularly advises clients on funding, planning and infrastructure agreements.

Catherine Bradshaw is a highly experienced senior associate who attracts market recognition for her representation of prominent clients. She is particularly adept at handling development, leasing and other property matters.

Chambers UK - 2017 edition