What people say about us

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is 'very strong across the board in commercial dispute resolution'. Rustam Dubash has approximately 30 years of experience of UK and cross-border litigation. David Niven regularly acts for claimants in multi-party actions against solicitors and other professionals. Alex Fox leads the business and finance disputes team; Richard Marshall is international litigation head, while Philip D’Costa leads the firm's IP and IT disputes offering. David O’Brien is 'well-prepared and quick to respond', according to a client. Charlotte Hill and Harriet Vidot are also recommended. Kamran Rehman recently joined from Shakespeare Martineau LLP.

The Oxford team has particular expertise in general commercial litigation, IT disputes, restructuring and insolvency, and regulatory matters. Emma Davies has a wide-ranging commercial practice, specialising in financial litigation, including derivative claims and data protection. Rebecca Andrews-Walker is also recommended and has a fast-growing practice in contentious insolvency matters.

‘Very strong across the board in commercial dispute resolution and extremely good at finding commercial solutions to thorny legal problems.‘

‘We dealt mainly with Rebecca Andrews-Walker; she was very approachable and understood our requirements.’

Emma Davies is utterly determined and indefatigable. She will work as hard as the situation requires and will not give up until done.’

John Doherty leads the product liability team; he is 'very bright, organised and very good indeed with clients'.

‘Alex Fox is quick to go the second mile for the client and is constantly looking for creative solutions to legal disputes. David Niven has one of the strongest track records of class actions in the financial services arena. David O’Brien is one of the rising stars of banking litigation. He is distinguished by his attention to detail and his commitment to achieving the best outcomes for his clients.’

‘Richard Marshall gets the job done. Terrier-like and tenacious, so as to achieve excellent results for clients.’

‘Charlotte Hill is a force of nature. She really steps up to the plate and takes the lead on cases.’

The Legal 500 - 2022 edition

Francis Ho is a well-respected construction lawyer with strong experience advising on redevelopment transactions in the private rental sector. He regularly advises clients on the construction aspects of a wide variety of development schemes, including residential property, student accommodation and office buildings. 'He is a knowledgeable, pragmatic and efficient lawyer who doesn't overcomplicate things and gets to the heart of matters quickly.'

Neave Maguire is an associate in the firm's construction team who regularly assists clients with risk, procurement and contractual aspects of developments. She has strong experience in relation to leisure, hospitality and education sector transactions. 'She is very professional in her attitude and she has great attention to detail.'

Chambers UK - 2021 edition

Penningtons Manches LLP’s ‘thoughtful and knowledgeable team’ is probably best known for its development work on behalf of housing associations such as Sovereign Housing Association, but it also acts for a range of private clients; one recent mandate saw Peter Massey advise Hoxton Hotel Group on the construction of a signature hotel in Holborn. On the private sector side, the practice was further developed with the hire of the ‘proactive and engaged’ Francis Ho. Richard Cooke leads the team.

The Legal 500 - 2017 edition

Richard Cooke heads the transactional construction team at Penningtons Manches LLP, which acts for clients including Aviva Investors, Viridian Housing, Sovereign Housing Association, Thames Valley Housing Association and Hoxton Hotel Group. Francis Ho is advising the joint venture on a major Private Rented Scheme in central Manchester, and Harlow Properties on a regeneration scheme with multiple data centres planned. Peter Stockill joined in March 2018.

The Legal 500 - 2019 edition

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP's practice primarily acts for developers and funders, while also advising contractors, handling across the hotels, social housing, healthcare and renewable energy sectors. The practice is led by Richard Cooke who covers the oil and gas, energy and transport sectors. The 'high performing' Francis Ho is a key member of the team and is advising Harlow Properties on a regeneration project in Harlow, Essex.

The Legal 500 - 2020 edition

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP works with local authorities, property developers and contractors, and is praised for 'really taking the time to get to know their clients'. The team advises on mixed-use and private rented sector developments, student accommodation and hotels. 'Clear communicator' Richard Cooke has a background in civil engineering, while Francis Ho, who has 'first-rate knowledge of the industry' has expertise in a range of non-contentious matters covering construction, infrastructure and projects.

Richard Cooke is a clear communicator with a very sensible approach to structuring solutions. Good knowledge of industry sector and recommendations for further expert advice, as needed.

Francis Ho has a first-rate knowledge of the industry. Strives to find creative solutions that protect our commercial as well as legal interests.

The Legal 500 - 2021 edition

Highly skilled construction team with a strong reputation for handling non-contentious issues. Possesses a noteworthy client base including significant developers, contractors and investors.

Strengths: One client remarks: ‘It is a very responsive firm that offers good access to very experienced partners who remain closely involved through all stages of a project.’

Another client reveals: ‘They provide relevant and practical advice, which, in the legal construction sector, is a real advantage.’

Notable practitioners
Francis Ho is a well-respected construction lawyer with strong experience advising on redevelopment transactions in the private rental sector. He regularly advises clients on the construction aspects of a wide variety of development schemes.

Peter Massey is a non-contentious construction solicitor with a strong track record of representing housing associations and various developers. ‘Peter brings a real sense of commercialism and practicality to the table that is rare and appreciated.’

Chambers UK - 2022 edition

Strengths: ‘The team at Penningtons provides excellent advice and each sector lead knows their market very well.’

Notable practitioners

Peter Massey: ‘Peter's response to every issue has been excellent.’

Chambers UK - 2023 edition

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP‘s team offers broad expertise across a range of sectors, including mixed-use and private renting, hotels and leisure, housing, local authorities, care homes, and energy. Peter Stockill heads the wider construction team, which has a growing international practice. Peter Massey focuses on public and private joint ventures, and is experienced with waste-to-energy schemes and international development projects.

‘The team have considerable expertise in construction, land and property development law, particularly in complex contract scenarios including public-private collaboration.’ 

‘They are extremely knowledgeable and embraced technology during the pandemic and lockdowns.’

The Legal 500 - 2023 edition

The growing construction practice at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP offers a diverse set of expertise across the housing, care, energy, mixed-use and education sectors. While the core of its work is domestic, acting on behalf of local authorities and contractors, it is receiving an increasing number of instructions from international companies.

‘Proactive in making contact and ensuring that clients are provided with information on developments that may be relevant.’

‘Francis Ho has good interpersonal skills and knowledge.’

‘Peter Massey has continually delivered for us and the team he manages work to the same high standards.’

The Legal 500 - 2022 edition

The defining feature of the Penningtons Manches Cooper contentious trusts and probate practice is its user-friendliness. Penningtons Manches Cooper take great pains to ensure that the client is kept informed at all stages, and the lawyers are experts at navigating the client through what even to fellow lawyers might appear to be a highly complex process. Mike Cash leads the team to great effect. A disarmingly understated exterior conceals a first-class tactical brain, and an ability to cut through the undergrowth to identify the key issues.

Michael Cash is a giant of the contentious private client world. His experience and calm approach are deeply impressive, the service he offers clients is superb and he is a delight to work with.

Sarah Lee is a very bright and tenacious litigator. She intelligently plays to the strengths of the client’s case, while fully alive to any weaknesses.

Ruth Giddings is a junior associate who has recently joined the team and has already made herself invaluable in a lot of trust litigation.

The Legal 500 - 2021 edition

Michael Cash  is described as ‘one of the go-to names in this area,’ while another interviewee identifies him as ‘an excellent lawyer and a great tactician.’ He concentrates on assisting clients with domestic and international trust and estate litigation, including will disputes, Inheritance Act 1975 claims, breach of trust claims and matters concerning the administration of estates.

Chambers UK - 2017 edition

Clients consider him rigorous, determined and pragmatic.

Chambers UK - 2015 edition

Michael Cash is ‘an exceptional lawyer at the top of his game’, enthuses a source. Cash represents high net worth clients in complex trust and estate disputes. A market commentator notes: ‘He is a master of strategy.’

Chambers High Net Worth – 2022 edition

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: ‘I was very impressed by the Penningtons team, who were able to reassure people going through a hard time that everything would be okay and that they could make things better. That reassurance and comfort is a real strength for them. The team also has some really impressive technical expertise. The firm is really good at both the law and handling clients.’

‘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.’

Notable practitioners

Michael Cash: ‘Cash is a formidable litigator and trusted adviser and has immense experience in this practice area.’

Chambers High Net Worth - 2023 edition

At the excellent Penningtons Manches LLP, Michael Cash is extremely practical and always takes a common sense approach. He is never so keen to get into court that he ignores what is the best result for the client.

The Legal 500 - 2015 edition

Penningtons Manches LLP provides ‘a high-end service and has decades of experience in this area; its understanding of offshore vehicles demonstrates its ability to move with the times’. Michael Cash is ‘a first-rate litigator with a real grasp of the things that matter’, and Sarah Lee attracts praise for her ability to ‘think outside the box, which is an invaluable skill in estate work where personalities and/or the family dynamic can play a critical role’. ‘Clever’ senior associate Henrietta Mason is also recommended.

The Legal 500 - 2016 edition

Practice head at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is Michael Cash who ‘is possibly the shrewdest contentious trust and probate specialist of them all. He has the extraordinary ability to get to the perfect result for his client’. 

‘I do not think they ever take a bad case and they will always fight hard for their clients. They have a really strong team at the top and bring on bright and enthusiastic younger members.’

‘Sarah Arnold always goes out of her way – and well beyond the call of duty – to look after her clients. She is also hugely focused on resolving difficult situations, without dwelling on them.’

‘Michael Cash is at the top of his game. Incredibly capable.’

‘Associate Sian Hodgson is a delight to work with, always has the trust of her clients.’

‘Sarah Lee. She is absolutely outstanding. Straight talking, gets to the heart of the issue and is commercially astute. She really fights her clients’ corner and can achieve great settlements through well deployed strategy.’

The Legal 500 - 2023 edition

‘Penningtons Manches Cooper’s private client team has an impressive roster of matters. The team is of very high quality, from the partners at the top, to the newest associates. Michael Cash is a partner with a deservedly high profile. He commands respect and fights tenaciously for his clients. Sian Hodgson is a very able associate.’

‘Sarah Arnold – supremely knowledgeable, accessible, flexible and friendly. Incredibly client focused and savvy.’

‘Michael Cash is the leading partner, and now something of an elder, experienced statesman in the field. Handles sensitive clients and disputes very well. Sarah Lee has a real ability to drive litigation forward and get to the crux of matters sooner rather than later.’

‘Sarah Lee is excellent. An absolute pleasure to work with and very knowledgeable in this area of practice. She is supported by some first-rate colleagues too.’

The Legal 500 - 2022 edition

Michael Cash is a litigator who focuses on contested trusts and estate disputes. Much of his work contains an international element, and he is considered to be a very solid practitioner by market sources.

Chambers UK - 2013 edition