Meet the team

Summary

I have, during my career, helped to manage a number of businesses, both law practices and commercial organisations. I have also worked for large clients in house as part of their legal department. I know what clients require of their commercial lawyers in terms of speed, accuracy and commerciality and look to meet if not exceed those expectations.

Expertise

I specialise in all aspects of Corporate and Commercial law.
In particular, I advise on: Company Sales, Purchases, MBOs, Commercial Contracts, Shareholder Rights, Shareholder Agreements, Directors liability, Agency, Distribution, Confidentiality, Business issues, Company disputes, Partnership Agreements and LLP Membership Deeds.
In addition to businesses, I also specialise in assisting charities, educational establishments and other not for profit organisations.

Case Studies

I have recently advised a bank on the drafting of terms of a Facility Letter in relation to its multi-million pound loan to a group of property companies.

In late 2011 I acted for a large private company on its acquisition of a group of companies holding potentially valuable intellectual property rights.

Testimonials

“Pictons have helped us with several corporate acquisition and disposal projects and the creation of an important and successful Joint Venture company with an overseas partner.
They have a practical, ‘hands on’ approach and get deals done!”

“We have been working with Pictons, making use of their ‘one stop shop’ legal services, for several years. We first contacted Pictons as a ‘start up’ company a few years ago. They have since advised us on selling a stake in our company to a major South African entity which is Listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

"We have always found their advice and guidance to be of immense value. In our experience Pictons have always adopted a very commercial approach in all of the advice provided to us and by providing an estimate to us of the cost of their services we can properly budget for legal services.”

Personal

I recently helped to set up the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership, being a member of its Interim Board. I am a director/trustee of MIND in Mid Herts, a mental health charity, having been its Chairman. I am also a former President of St Albans Rotary Club. I take a keen interest in environmental matters, being Chairman of the Holywell Hill Group (a pressure group in respect of pollution issues in St Albans) and with my wife cultivate an allotment. I swim regularly, play cricket for Pictons and in whatever time I have left like to follow sport.

Summary

I have a variety of clients from a number of interesting sectors including education, recruitment & manufacturing. In respect of education, I enjoy my role as Vice Chairman of Barnfield West Academy. The achievements of Barnfield are phenomenal, and Barnfield West has won several awards for the ‘outstanding’ progress they have made, which has been well publicised nationally. Everyone in business knows that successful businesses strive to "do it once and do it right." This is the best approach to not only the services and products provided but also to the management of staff and the policies and procedures that are needed to support them. With all of my clients I ensure that they avoid employment disputes by doing it once and doing it right.

Expertise

I have a particular interest in the education sector and I am often called upon by regional colleges and schools to give them sound HR advice. I also have an array of recruitment agency clients so I am regularly called to advise on atypical workers (such as agency workers). Of course due to my sound commercial background I am frequently called upon to advise on TUPE issues arising from the sale or acquisition of a business.

Case studies

It is extremely rewarding when I am considered a safe pair of hands by my fellow professionals. I recently successfully defended a Legal 500 law firm when they were sued by two employees in the Employment Tribunal. Both cases were successfully won.

Personal

I enjoy socialising. This ranges from business networking, to kicking back my heels with friends and associates alike. I also enjoy reading and have yet to read a book which has matched my favourite of Time Travellers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. If you have a recommendation then please email them to me!

Summary

After graduating from the University of Sheffield with an Honours degree in Law, I went on to obtain a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice with Commendation in 2009. I aspired to pursue my career with a progressive law firm that delivers a high level of service whilst also being an important part of the community. Pictons very much reflects these values, and so I started as a Trainee Solicitor in May 2010, and I am due to qualify as a Solicitor in 2012.

Expertise

Training in the Corporate and Commercial department has immediately taught me the importance of developing good commercial awareness as well as a detailed knowledge of the law in order to guide clients in reaching their goals. I have experience assisting on a broad range of matters including: company sales and purchases, shareholders agreements, consultancy and agency agreements, advising on directors’ liabilities, and drafting and advising on terms and conditions of business. Additionally, I assist on employment matters for businesses including defending employment tribunal claims.
I also spent a year in our Property department in Milton Keynes, where I assisted in transactions involving complex leasehold titles, ransom strips of land and un-adopted sewers and drainage.

Case Studies

I have been involved in some complicated leasehold and shared ownership cases, and have developed a keen interest in these sorts of transactions. Further transactions I have assisted in involved issues such as ransom strips of land, un-adopted sewers and drainage, and environmental issues such as radon and subsidence.

Personal

As well as being a keen footballer and playing for my local team, I enjoy playing golf at weekends. I also like to travel and experience different cultures, and take every opportunity to actively contribute to various charities – I recently spent eight weeks teaching English at a school for underprivileged children in Bangalore, India.