What people say about us

Michael Cash cuts an impressive figure for contentious trust and estate work. He receives considerable praise for his skill and client care, with sources commenting that 'his competencies and behaviour create an aura of complete trust' that is proven when put to the test.

Chambers UK - 2014 edition

Department head Michael Cash is popular with clients, who praise his "very personal involvement" in matters and add that "he is very efficient, deals with sensitive matters extremely well and performs in an exemplary fashion." He handles both foreign and domestic trust and estate litigation, breach of trust claims and claims under the Inheritance Act.

Chambers UK - 2016 edition

Michael Cash is a brilliant litigator. In 2011 the firm acted for Nicholas Rayner in Murphy v Rayner, in which a claim for proprietary estoppel was dismissed, and a variety of counterclaims were successful. Michael Cash leads the team and is recognised for his expertise in contentious trusts and probate.

The Legal 500 – 2012 edition

Easy to work with and looks after the lay client’s concerns while dealing unobtrusively with the difficulties that arise. Michael Cash has very sound knowledge of the law as well as a good sense of litigation tactics.

The Legal 500 – 2013 edition

Penningtons Manches LLP is ‘one of the best. It is a heavyweight practice with a strong team’, led by ‘one of the stars of the sector’ Michael Cash, who ‘is calm, knows his onions, and has unerring judgement and relentless determination. All of these attributes make him one of the most sought after solicitors in this area’. At senior associate level, the ‘unflappable’ Henrietta Mason is ‘a calming influence when emotions run high, yet is also whip sharp and fearless, and an extremely imaginative litigator’; and Sarah Lee is ‘a big hit with clients’. 

The Legal 500 - 2017 edition

Penningtons Manches LLP fields an ‘incredibly responsive and super personable team that is always looking for the most cost-effective way to achieve the best result’. Head of team Michael Cash has an ‘excellent mix of experience, knowledge and practical common sense’. Newly promoted partner Henrietta Mason ‘stays calm even in the face of the worst adversity and is technically excellent. She is a very effective lawyer who attracts good work and will surely flourish as a partner’. Senior associate Sarah Lee ‘works tirelessly and is a fearsome advocate’.

The Legal 500 - 2019 edition

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP has a strong team with Michael Cash at the helm. Cash specialises in domestic and international trust and estate litigation as well as breach of trust claims, administration of estate claims and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependant) Act 1975. Henrietta Mason is well-regarded for her work for UK and overseas private individuals and charity clients. Newly-promoted partner Sarah Lee advises on a broad range of trust and estate litigation including breach of trust claims and administration disputes. The agile team routinely handles complex cross-border claims. It is one to watch.

The Legal 500 - 2020 edition

They’ve been excellent – they’re extremely knowledgeable, reassuring and calm, and explain processes very well.  They’re very thorough and detailed, know their information and apply the law, and we got a positive outcome.

...Offer us genuine advice and come back with solutions. They have a very clear, very commercial view of the legal risk of transactions; they say what's important – what matters and what doesn't – and that marks them out.

Chambers UK - 2014 edition

What distinguishes them is their commercial understanding - rather than arguing a legal point, they will take a commercial view.

They are extremely responsive, clear in their terms of engagement, stick to costs and they deliver on time.

Chambers UK - 2015 edition

'As a group they transmit a very individual and bespoke approach to the client, raising well thought-out and practical comments.'

'They are pragmatic, providing both business advice and legal perspective in a commercial context.'

Chambers UK - 2016 edition

National firm able to draw on an increasing global presence when acting for a national and international client base in the full range of corporate matters. Notable expertise in acting for local high-growth and technology companies in overseas investment matters. Solid capabilities on venture capital work in the technology and life sciences sectors. Strong track record in advising investees, with a growing investor-side practice.

Strengths: ‘They're committed to the client, balanced, professional and technically the equal of any.’

‘A very good firm with an excellent understanding of the various facets of the deal we were constructing. They were also able to bring in other parts of the business for general advice on other areas at short notice - as there were timescales we were trying to achieve this was invaluable.’

‘They are able to provide strong and convincing support in dealing with large corporations in support of their clients. They command respect in our industry.’

‘They are the best that I have come across and I would certainly recommend them again.’

Notable practitioners
Simon Bickerdike is lauded by one client as ‘a true trusted adviser of business and someone I trust to the highest level.’ He is experienced in cross-border transactions, acting for and providing strategic advice to a number of clients in the technology sector.

Helen Drayton is praised for her ‘practical, easy-to-understand style’ and is described as an ‘intelligent and personable partner.’ She is known for her broad corporate practice, with experience in M&A and management buyouts, among other corporate matters.

Associate to watch Liz Gillingham focuses her practice on M&A transactions, with recognised experience acting for individual sellers. Sources say: ‘She is responsive, very entrepreneurial and well versed in law. A rare combination.’

Rob Hayes acts for regional businesses on M&A transactions in addition to having expertise acting for larger national and international clients on venture capital transactions. Clients say: ‘Rob has a manner where he takes control and leads a situation. This creates trust and confidence for a client. He is easy to relate to and works in a pragmatic and useful way for the benefit of the client.’

David Kendall ‘has an excellent all-round understanding of complex corporate legal issues,’ according to one interviewee. He gains market recognition for his complex transactional practice.

Nicola McConville has a broad corporate practice, with notable expertise in acting for companies in the technology and social enterprise industries.

Justin Starling focuses his practice on M&A and venture capital transactions involving the technology sector. He is known for his strong cross-border transactional practice, and is lauded by a client as ‘hard-working and diligent, with an eye for detail.’

David Tighe is known for his practice providing strong sector specialised corporate advice to several national and local clients from the publishing, media and technology sectors. His clients praise him as ‘very responsive, with great attention to detail but also very pragmatic.’

Chambers UK - 2017 edition

National firm able to draw on an increasing global presence when acting for a domestic and international client base on the full range of corporate matters. Notable expertise in acting for local high-growth and technology companies in overseas investment matters, as well as for clients in the healthcare sector. Draws on support from the firm's real estate and private wealth teams to provide clients with a full transactional service.

Strengths: ‘Fantastic – they're timely, knowledgeable and keep things simple. I would recommend them to every startup out there,’ says a source. 

Sources say the firm has a ‘good-quality team with broad knowledge and experience.’ 

Clients say: ‘We find them straightforward to deal with and they offer clear advice.’

Another source notes: ‘The firm is excellent. I would recommend it to anyone seeking to complete a highly complex M&A transaction.’

Notable practitioners
Clients describe Simon Bickerdike as ‘very sharp, very intelligent and a good communicator.’ He handles both domestic and international transactions, with particular expertise in matters involving the technology and education sectors.

Helen Drayton has a strong focus on MBOs as part of a broad corporate transactional practice. Sources say of her: ‘She's capable, well liked locally, and she can run a good M&A deal.’ She also handles reorganisations and demergers.

Liz Gillingham advises clients of all sizes on M&A and corporate finance transactions. She has a strong focus on the education sector and has also handled matters arising in the technology sphere.

Rob Hayes acts for both investors and investee companies on sophisticated venture capital matters alongside his mid-market M&A practice. Interviewees say: ‘He's very commercial and very relaxed,’ adding: ‘He knows what matters and what doesn't, and has a good overview of the transactions and what drives them.'

David Kendall advises private and public limited companies, partnerships and entrepreneurs on corporate governance and a broad range of transactional matters. One client says he is ‘intensely commercial,’ adding: ‘He has an unusual mix of creative yet insightful advice.’ 

Nicola McConville is ‘user-friendly and knowledgeable,’ according to a source, who adds: ‘She always takes a solutions-based approach.’ Her corporate practice places a strong emphasis on the technology sector, in particular start-up and growth stage companies.

Justin Starling advises a series of clients from the life sciences and tech sectors on venture capital and M&A transactions. Commentators describe him as ‘a good commercial lawyer with a thorough understanding of corporate finance matters.’

David Tighe's practice spans the full range of corporate work, including buyouts, joint ventures and reorganisations as well as M&A. A source notes: ‘He's very responsive and knows our business. He tailors his advice knowing what we need and what our business needs.’

Chambers UK - 2018 edition

Strong corporate practice acting for clients from a range of sectors such as technology, life sciences and retail. Offers an impressive national and international network to clients, including a wide range of early-stage and start-up companies, along with significant expertise in venture capital and private equity investment matters. Substantial experience in cross-border matters with the USA, aided by the firm's San Francisco presence.

Strengths: One source says: ‘The discussions and solutions are very business-driven. Penningtons Manches ensure that they fully understand the business to ensure the advice delivered produces the best business outcome.’

‘I was very pleased and impressed with the quality of their services and responsiveness’, enthuses one client.

A source praises the firm's ability to ‘take complex issues and provide counsel in a concise, easy-to-understand way.’

‘What I like is that they're technically strong on the legal aspects, as you would expect, but what you also get is insight, recommendation and problem-solving. They give you commercial answers to legal questions and look at alternative solutions,’ remarks a client.

‘The whole team is excellent,’ declares an interviewee, explaining: ‘The whole team is available whenever we need them, including weekends and all night.’

Notable practitioners
William Axtell is a recognised practitioner.

Simon Bickerdike is head of the firm's corporate team and advises on significant transactions, both domestic and cross-border. He has particular expertise in complex multiparty transactions. Sources say: ‘His strengths are his personality and communication skills,’ with one client highlighting that ‘Simon truly understands our business and what drives it.’

Helen Drayton focuses her practice on corporate work, specialising in M&A and MBOs. She also handles corporate restructurings for clients.

The ‘excellent’ Rob Hayes handles private equity, venture capital and M&A transactions, and advises clients on corporate governance. He wins praise for his commercial attitude and problem-solving approach as well as his client service.

David Kendall advises on a wide range of corporate transactions, with particular experience concerning joint venture acquisitions. Clients say: ‘David gives very sensible, pragmatic advice and is also very responsive.’

Nicola McConville handles a range of corporate matters for clients and specialises in working with companies in the technology sector.

Ross McNaughton deals with a range of corporate work, with a particular focus on cross-border transactions with the USA and Asia.

Justin Starling advises clients on a wide range of corporate matters, including buyouts, demergers, acquisitions and disposals. He is praised for his high level of technical skill.

David Tighe specialises in assisting clients in the technology, media and publishing sectors with a broad range of corporate transactions. A source reports that ‘he fought our corner on issues that needed fighting but did not raise issues that were minor or just to make a point. When he does raise an issue he has the experience and gravitas needed to carry it through and reach sensible conclusions.’

Chambers UK - 2019 edition

Strong corporate practice acting for clients from a range of sectors such as technology, life sciences and retail. Offers an impressive national and international network to clients, including a wide range of early-stage growth and startup companies, along with significant expertise in venture capital investment matters.

Strengths: One client reveals: ‘Pennington Manches Cooper gives us all the legal guidance that we need and provides a prompt and efficient service.’

Interviewees praise the ‘very responsive and high-quality work’ they get from the firm.

Notable practitioners
William Axtell advises corporate clients on transactional matters, often with an international element

Simon Bickerdike is the national head of Pennington Manches Cooper's corporate team. He advises a national and international clientele. ‘Simon Bickerdike is a knowledgeable lawyer who is able to think and act on his feet on complicated and nuanced matters.’

Helen Drayton's corporate practice encompasses a range of transactional work. Clients benefit from her extensive experience in sales and acquisitions. ‘Helen Drayton is an excellent lawyer.’

David Kendall ‘is very commercial, pragmatic and always available’. ‘He is able to communicate complex matters to a varied audience so that all understand the situation.’

Sebastian Orton ‘is commercial, sensible and good at getting the deal done’.

David Tighe handles tech sector mergers and acquisitions for clients including private equity and venture capital funds. He regularly handles cross-border M&A work.

Chambers UK - 2022 edition

Strengths: ‘They have a capable team with broad experience and knowledge.’

Notable practitioners

William Axtell: ‘He provides excellent service.’

David Kendall: ‘David's knowledge and input was excellent and greatly appreciated as we negotiated some complex matters.’

Seb Orton: ‘He's an excellent lawyer with great communication skills and seemingly endless patience.’    

Richard Wrigley: ‘Richard has vast experience and balances his legal knowledge and skills with the commercial reality of the situation.’

Chambers UK - 2023 edition

National firm with a growing reputation for its international capabilities, acting for a wide-ranging domestic and international client base on the full range of corporate matters. Provides notable expertise in acting for local high-growth and technology companies on overseas investment matters, as well as for clients in the healthcare sector. Draws on support from the firm's real estate and private wealth teams to provide clients with a comprehensive transactional service.

Strengths: An interviewee states: 'They are very collaborative, smart, effective and approachable.'

One source reports: 'They are commercially minded, versatile and conscientious.'

Notable practitioners
Joint head of corporate Simon Bickerdike is a leading individual in the region. He advises a national and international clientele, with a particular focus on M&A in the technology and education sectors.

William Axtell advises corporate clients on transactional matters, often with an international element. 'He is very easy to work with and is superbly professional.'

Helen Drayton's corporate practice encompasses a range of transactional work. Clients benefit from her extensive experience in sales and acquisitions. 'She is straight-talking, factual, solution-driven and has all hands on getting the deal done.'

David Kendall acts for a range of clients including public and private companies, entrepreneurs and partnerships. He exhibits strength in M&A, private equity transactions and insolvency issues. 'David manages that fine line between legal expert and commercial realist, and he is fiercely intellectual.'

Sebastian Orton maintains a wide-ranging corporate practice, including AIM IPOs, secondary fund-raisings and takeovers. 'He is always available, he's really easy to talk to and he's able to translate legal knowledge into commercial understanding to help work out the right options for the client's business.'

David Tighe advises clients on a range of domestic and international corporate issues including mergers and acquisitions. Clients include those in the technology and media sectors.

Chambers UK - 2021 edition

A leading law firm that works in partnership with its clients, understanding their issues, solving their problems, playing its part in delivering their objectives.

The Legal 500 - 2013 edition

The Legal 500 - 2014 edition

Clients of Penningtons Manches LLP are ‘very pleased with the team’s responsiveness and indepth knowledge’. Finance specialist Helen Drayton advised Ellgia Recycling on share and asset purchases, and acted for the purchaser in the MBO of dB Broadcast. James Stephen and technology partner Hamish Corner are recommended.

The newly opened San Francisco office helped to further develop the firm’s influence in the technology sector. As well as acting for Brightside Group on the £127m disposal of its share capital to funds advised by AnaCap Financial Partners, Matthew Martin’s team acted for the Sugarman Group on its sale to the Cordant Group.

Penningtons Manches LLP significantly bolstered its team with the recruitment of Philip Walton and Julian Harvey, both of whose skillsets fit neatly into the firm’s wellknown sector strengths in life sciences, technology and media. Simon Bickerdike (‘astute technically and tenacious when needed’) and David Kendall (‘displays a combination of knowledge and pragmatism invaluable to the in-house lawyer’) are other key figures.

Charles Brooks is 'very experienced and knowledgeable'.

The practice includes David Tighe, who acted for the shareholders of Catermasters in its merger with Host Management; Justin Starling, who advised Westcoast on Amshold Group’s acquisition of Viglen Technology; and Rob Hayes, who acted for Veryan Holdings on its £18m funding round led by Imperial Innovations. The group’s technology expertise was strengthened by the arrival of Will Axtell.

The Legal 500 - 2015 edition

Penningtons Manches LLP’s main sector focuses are retail, technology and real estate; clients include All Saints Retail, Sellar Property Group and Verisk Analytics. Matthew Martin and Simon Bickerdike head the team, which is praised for its cross-border capabilities. Consultant Ajit Mishra joined the London office in July 2015; he co-heads the department’s India team.

The Basingstoke office leverages the firm’s network of offices to advise on corporate and commercial matters across the South East. Charles Brooks and Franco Bosi both have experience in M&A, corporate restructuring and joint ventures.

The firm’s [Cambridge] corporate practice includes James Stephen and finance specialist Helen Drayton, and strengthened its finance skills through the recruitment of Ross McNaughton, who splits his time between Cambridge and London. Stephen advised an energy sector client on a new project valued at over £20m. Other clients include Cambridge Design Partnership and Manx Tidal Energy.

Penningtons Manches LLP has a particular focus on the technology, life sciences, media and publishing sectors, advising clients on M&A and on all stages of the equity investment cycle. Will Axtell acted for Bush & Co Rehabilitation on the £28m sale of share capital to NAHL Group. Simon Bickerdike heads the corporate practice, which includes technology expert Nicola McConville.

Penningtons Manches LLP is well placed to represent technology clients, as well as spin-outs from universities. The ‘pragmatic’ Rob Hayes led the team, which includes the ‘very efficient’ Elizabeth Yell, on Veryan’s £18m Series C funding.

The Legal 500 - 2016 edition