What people say about us

The 'outstanding' team at Penningtons Manches LLP provides 'prompt, thorough and commercial' advice to investees and investors across a range of fundraising transactions from start-up and pre-seed funding through seed and angel funding to large institutional syndicate investments. Justin Starling has an excellent reputation in the technology and life sciences sectors (including university spin-out work). David Tighe and James Went provide 'clear and actionable advice' with both recently acting for leading equity crowd funding platform Seedrs on its new funding round with a follow on investment of £4m by Woodford Investment Management. Rob Hayes handles a significant volume of deals across the South East and London including on behalf of Business Growth Fund and Touchstone Innovations plc.

The Legal 500 - 2019 edition

With three partners devoted exclusively to handling venture capital work, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP's 'knowledgeable and responsive' team has the critical mass to handle an impressive and growing volume of mandates for a primarily investee-focused client base. With offices in London, Thames Valley, Cambridge and Oxford, the team has deep exposure to the venture capital ecosystem; benefiting from close links to a number of leading UK universities, it frequently advises on life sciences spin-out work. The 'exceptional' Justin Starling jointly heads the team alongside Rob Hayes, and is particularly noted for his university-related technology transfer prowess.

The Legal 500 - 2020 edition

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP maintains a significant offering for investees, as well as handling university spin-outs from its Oxford office. James Went is one of the main contacts for this work and is appreciated for his ‘responsiveness and clarity of thought‘, acting for venture-backed companies in the technology and life sciences sectors. Corporate tax expert Kathy Hills is also a key resource in relation to investments made through tax efficient schemes, including the government-backed EIS and SEIS initiatives.

‘Excellent understanding of the client, nuanced yet clear language, broad consideration of circumstances.’

‘James Went is responsive and displays a great clarity of thought.’

The Legal 500 - 2022 edition

Solid capabilities on venture capital work in the technology and life sciences sectors. Strong track record in advising investees, with additional focus on investor-side matters. Maintains close links with a number of leading UK universities and frequently advises on spin-out work.

Strengths: Sources report: ‘They're very responsive and deliver high-quality work. They're very good.’

Notable practitioners
Simon Bickerdike, Matthew Martin and James Went are key contacts.

Chambers UK - 2022 edition

The firm demonstrates a progressive view of IT training and is continually reviewing technology solutions to improve efficiency.

Wayne Heyes, IT service delivery manager

With a strong track record in the market, Penningtons possesses an enviable client list and a strong market reputation. One source said of the team: "They're very approachable, easy to get along with. I find them all quick to understand the point I'm getting at." It is the number-one firm in veterinary medicine.

Katrina Wingfield is a solicitor advocate, and is the ‘doyenne of the professional regulation world’ in the opinion of one interviewee. She is a ‘person with many years of experience in this area. She is rightly well regarded for her knowledge.’

Geoffrey Hudson is, according to one source, ‘one of the most courteous men I know. If we ask for any input at all he is very knowledgeable and will generally have the answer.’ Regarded highly, he is on the panel of the SRA, for which he acted on cases including SRA re Michael Adelasoye.

Nicole Curtis is ‘really organised, efficient and very experienced’. One client said she is ‘very approachable, quick to respond, so you don't find yourself chasing up or wondering when you'll get whatever you asked for. She also has a tactical approach.’

Chambers Guide to the UK Legal Profession 2013 edition