Partners

Summary

I am and have been a Costs Draftsman for the past 15 years during which time I have worked as both a freelance and employed draftsman and for both claimants and defendants alike. I have set up and run two in-house Cost Departments. I set up Pictons’ Cost Department in 2002.

In 2009 I became the first Costs Lawyer to be appointed a Partner of a law firm.

I am Pictons' Environmental Officer and was responsible for writing and implementing Pictons' Environmental Management System and for attaining ISO14001 accreditation for our Luton office.

Expertise

I am a Costs Lawyer of the Association of Law Costs Draftsman and am an expert in all matters relating to costs.

I have considerable advocacy and negotiating expertise, an excellent working knowledge of Civil Procedure Rules, Legal Aid Regulations and Costs Law.

Case studies

I successfully defended the firm during the recent “Costs War” relating to compliance with the Conditional Fee Agreements Regulations.

I have successfully represented the firm in a variety of cases ranging from low to medium value personal injury claims to a cerebral palsy case where the costs were in excess of £¼m to a multi-party deafness litigation where the costs exceeded £¾m.

Testimonials

“Anil has a proven track record as a Costs Draftsman. He is diligent, hard working and has a sound knowledge of Costs Rules and Case Law.”
Steve Howey, Director, HM Law Costs Draftsmen Ltd

“Anil is an exceptional advocate who is extremely professional. He is very thorough and knowledgeable and I still try to use Anil for all advocacy work if possible. I would have no hesitation in recommending Anil for any work.”
Guy Knight, Owner, G K Law Costs Consultancy

Personal

I am married with two children.

I am a keen cricketer and play for both Pictons’ cricket team and also for my local club. I also enjoy watching sport whenever the chance arises – unfortunately age and injuries have put an end to most of my sporting activities, although I do still enjoy the odd game of golf.

I am a keen gardener and have my own allotment where I grow a variety of fruit and vegetables.

I am the Chairman of the Bedfordshire Green Business Network.

Summary

One of the first things I do is get to know your business so that I can provide tailored advice. No matter what the size of the employer one thing holds true; prevention is better than cure. Getting legal advice about good employment practice makes sound commercial sense. Employment law can be complicated and hard to keep up with. I can help you identify possible problems and take steps to prevent them - protecting your business from risk and saving you money.

Expertise

I have extensive experience in advising on redundancy procedures and restructures, dealing with discrimination claims, employee contracts/directors service agreements and staff handbooks, the drafting of effective restrictive covenants, advising on disciplinary matters and compromise agreements.

Case studies

I successfully defended an unfair dismissal case where the claimant sought a large compensation payment for unfair dismissal. Through the drafting of precise witness statements and the meticulous preparation of documents we ensured that the Respondent provided a robust defence and the Claimant’s case was dismissed.

I have assisted and supported a number of organisations in restructuring their business in a bid to remain competitive and regularly to avoid compulsory redundancies. Change is often resisted but may be a Commercial necessity. I support my clients in ensuring a smooth and low risk transition.

Testimonials

"I am very pleased with the way my case was handled by Aye Limbin, she is professional, informative and has excellent negotiation skills, she dealt with my case efficiently and all round my experience was excellent."

"We confirm that we would have no problems recommending Aye Limbin Glassey in respect of work and quality of work carried out.' 'We found Aye to be an effective communicator and excellent at keeping within agreed time restraints"

"I instructed Aye last October in relation to an employment tribunal claim that was brought against my firm by a former employee. I was very impressed with the way Aye handled my case, as a result of which the whole claim was struck out at a PHR.
I came to see Aye having been to 2 other Solicitors, I was immediately impressed by Aye's knowledge, professional and friendly approach, I felt immediately at ease, in dealing with a very difficult opponent, Aye was determined to see that justice was done for me whilst being v cost effective.
Aye's attention to detail, tenacity of approach,(dealing with a notoriously difficult opponent) skilful/ meticulous preparation and presentation of evidence, proved a winning combination in ensuring that the claimants case was dismissed at the earliest opportunity and also putting an end to a v stressful and difficult time for me.
I'd like to thank both your firm and especially Aye for all her hard work."

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

I was admitted as a solicitor in 1975 since when I have gained a wealth of experience not only in my specialist field of Wills, Trusts, Probate and Inheritance Tax Planning, but in many other aspects of the law which I believe gives me the ability to take a global and holistic view of my clients needs.
I understand that in the field of Wills, Trusts, Probate and InheritanceTax Planning there are many complex issues which frequently need to be addressed by my clients at times of emotional stress and difficulty. I aim to adopt a sympathetic yet practical approach, seeking to explain complicated concepts in simple plain english.
I recognise the needs of our older clients who may need to rely upon others to look after matters for them.

Expertise

My expertise lies in all aspects, both contentious and non-contentious, of Wills, the administration of estates and Trusts including Inheritance Tax planning.

I have particular expertise in claims arising out of contested Wills, claims against Trustees for mis-use of Trust Funds and claims on behalf of children and other dependants when no provision has been made for them.

Case Study

I have represented claimants, defendants and executors in proceedings under the Inheritance Act where no provision has been made for dependants, including a claim where the settlement involved an overall saving of inheritance tax of several hundred thousand pounds.

I have acted as an Executors in many large estates involving several million pounds and act as a Trustee of a number of substantial Trusts.

Personal

I am married with children and grandchildren. In the winter months I continue to play hockey for my local team, taking particular pleasure when I am able to play in the same team as my son.

Summary

I have specialised in personal injury and clinical negligence work for the best part of 20 years, during which time I have endeavoured to ensure that my clients receive as much compensation as possible as speedily as possible commensurate with the principles of fairness and justice.

Expertise

I am proud to be a founder member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) formed 20 years ago, the Premier Organisation for providing assistance to those who are injured as a result of accidents. I am also a member of the Law Society’s Personal Injury Panel and as a firm Pictons are members of the Headway panel which is the National Organisation which supports those with acquired brain injury and their families. Pictons is also a supporter of the Road Victims’ Trust (RVT). I have considerable experience of the financial aspects of running a Legal Practice, an essential asset in the current environment.

Case Studies

I have acted on behalf of a number of claimants in very high value claims where damages in excess of £1million have been recovered. Such awards in cases where the clients’ lives have been shattered by catastrophic injuries provide the clients and their families with some financial security and the ability once again to gain some enjoyment and satisfaction from life despite their disabilities. The recovery of substantial damages in such cases is extremely rewarding and fulfilling. I have extensive experience of more general personal injury claims including those following accidents at work, slips and trips, road traffic accidents and accidents in public places. I also have extensive experience of dealing with lower value clinical negligence claims.

I have over the course of the last three years been very active in campaigning with the Bennett family who are endeavouring to secure a change in law whereby cyclists who unlawfully kill or injure pedestrians can be sentenced by the courts with the same severity as other users of the road. A change in the law has been proposed by the Bennett's MP through the introduction of a ten minute rule bill in March 2011 and a draft bill has been submitted to the Department of Transport for their comments.

Testimonials

‘Mark always offers sound practical advice and cost effective solutions.’

Personal

I have always been a keen Cricketer but “wear and tear” on my body over a period of 30 years or so has meant that I have had to hang up my boots and partake of the gentler game of Golf on a regular basis. Family and friends take up the rest of my limited spare time.

Summary

I run what I believe to be the leading residential conveyancing team in the area. Our approach is based on providing a quality service with very experienced conveyancers supported by a specialist team. Our team is of a size which enables us to be available to update clients regularly and maintain good communication. We can provide an online tracking system to enable clients to monitor progress from home and outside office hours. We have a very positive and friendly approach which we deliver along side very competitive fees.

Expertise

I have expertise and considerable experience in all aspects of both leasehold and freehold residential conveyancing.

Case Studies

I completed approximately 400 transactions last year.

Testimonials

“I know we spoke earlier, but I just wanted to say a very big thank you for the relentless hard work that has been put into this transaction. Steve and I really appreciate it – we have never known a firm of solicitors to put in so much effort!
The service we have received from Pictons really has been outstanding and I would have no hesitation in recommending you” - Mrs H from Beds

“Neil Terrell was particularly helpful in keeping us informed and also advising on options. He was extremely professional throughout and we were very confident that the case was being managed on our behalf” - Mr D Bloomfield from Herts

“Very happy with Neil Terrell from Hemel Hempstead, a very helpful man” - Ms D Redding from Milton Keynes

“Excellent service, I was really looked after by the staff and cannot recommend Neil Terrell highly enough” - Miss S Day from Flaunden

Excellent service from Neil Terrell, ably assisted by Terry and Catherine. House moving is a very stressful time but their patience and attention to detail (plus calming words) helped enormously” - Mr I Tulloch from Kent

"Thank you for all the great work that you and your excellent team put in during our difficult sale and the fantastically speedy purchase. - Mr C Fowler

Personal

I have been for many years involved both in the running of the local youth football, and also as Vice Chairman of Cranfield United FC in the South Midlands League. I also let off steam by playing the guitar for a local aging rock band, with whom from time to time we are able to arrange fund raising events for charity. I am married with three children all of whom are due to make me a grandfather over the course of the next six months.

Summary

I am a Private Client Partner and work within the Residential Conveyancing and Wills Trust and Probate Teams. I joined Pictons in 1999 and became a Partner in 2003. I studied law at Birmingham University and qualified in 1991. Since then I have specialised in Private Client work and have acquired a broad range of experience in this area of legal practice.

I am committed to providing quality legal advice combined with the highest levels of customer service. My underlying approach is professional whilst understanding and approachable.

Expertise

Residential Conveyancing
Wills Trust and Probate

Personal

I am married with two young sons who together fill most of my free time. When I get the opportunity I love to go swimming, running and cycling and this season have joined the Pictons cricket team which has been great fun.

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 wholeheartedly believe Pictons offer clients a genuine service which is client friendly and focused, but at the same time gives sound legal advice in all situations however complex.

As Managing Partner I seek to maintain our reputation as the leading provider of legal services across the Beds, Bucks and Herts region.

Expertise

As a matrimonial lawyer I have over 10 years of experience in all aspects of family work, specialising in the areas of divorce and finances. In addition I have expertise in areas of children, cohabitation, and pre and post nuptial agreements, jurisdiction and wealth preservation.

Case Studies

I have acted on a number of large ancillary relief matters dealing with complex issues such as business and pension division.

I have represented clients on a wide range of children matters and have successfully obtained orders for a number of clients in order for them to remove children from the jurisdiction.

I have recently worked on a number of matters relating to the preparation of pre nuptial agreements and advise clients regularly on when it is appropriate to consider entering in to such agreements and when it is not.

As a young solicitor I worked on a Court of Appeal case regarding the law relating to the challenge of the validity of a consent order, that case remains a leading authority on that principle to date.

Testimonials

We hired Sukh and his team for some advice we needed in our business. The advice was very helpful and has helped us in so many ways I cant really put a value on it. If you need any help or advice I would recommend Sukh or any one of the Pictons team. My family have used Pictons for over 40 years and so the relationship started with my father and as always trust their advice on any matter - Jet Shah August 2012

“I've had a business relationship with Sukh and Pictons for the past two years and I hope it has benefited Pictons as much as it has the football club. Honest, reliable, professional and forward thinking are only some of his qualities. I hope the relationship will continue to grow and would be happy to recommend him to any individual or company that require his services.” - David Hoskins, Commercial Manager at Luton town Football Club, March 2012

“Sukh Saini is a very compassionate and committed lawyer who you'd absolutely want to have on your side. His expertise is superb but more than that, his warm and friendly manner helps you to relax even in the most tense, stressed and complex circumstances” - Frances Pardell of Pardell PR March 2012
 

“I hired Sukh as a result of a personal recommendation, given that I have tended not to trust lawyers too much it meant a lot to work with someone reputable. Sukh did not fail to deliver on any count. He clearly knows everything there is to know about child/marital law which are the areas relevant to me and not only does he know his stuff he is passionate about what he does and intent on getting the right result for his client. Sukh has always been 200% professional, calling when he says he will, constantly updating on progress and delegating to associates if he was not available. As a partner of Pictons he represents this firm superbly and I would recommend (and have done) Sukh to anybody. I found Sukh to be diligent, open, honest and also thoroughly personable. Sukh is on my speed dial now and I won't use any other lawyer in the future if I so needed one.” - June 1, 2010

“Sukh is a highly knowledgeable Legal professional, adept at explaining the nuisances of British Law in a plain and understandable way. He gives you a clear view of your options and keeps in touch throughout the process. In short, Sukh is a Lawyer that you would want on your side of the Court.” - March 18, 2010

“Sukh is highly professional, friendly and helpful. He is happy to give advice and guidance which can help people to avoid later issues and unnecessary expense. Anyone who has a concern over a legal matter should definitely consider speaking with Sukh.” - February 5, 2010

“I have known Sukh for some time via joint membership of several business network groups. His reputation is that of a consummate professional of the highest integrity coupled to a very high level of knowledge in his profession as a practicing solicitor and senior partner with Pictons Solicitors LLP I recently had the pleasure of working with Sukh to implement a training day for several members of the Pictons team and was impressed by how much of his professional attitude and practices had permeated through to both senior and junior members.” - January 4, 2010

Personal

I am a keen sportsman and follow football, cricket and horse racing. My passion for sport now takes a back seat to me looking after my two young children.