About
I manage the Oxford office of national law firm, Freeths LLP. Freeths is a full service law firm, with 12 offices across the UK. Whatever your legal needs as a business or individual, our wide ranging expertise is available to support our clients. We are known for our innovative approach which allows us to offer creative solutions with a focus on understanding our client’s needs and delivering tangible results. Our client’s can rely on our lawyers to be timely, commercially minded, personable and practical.I am a dispute resolution lawyer, who primarily helps individuals involved in probate and trust disputes. I also have many years experience in dealing with claims made against professionals including legal, construction and financial professionals. I am well known for my firm but fair approach to the resolution of disputes. I am a fierce advocate of mediation, recognising that in family disputes particularly (where my aim is to maintain relationships wherever possible), it can be an extremely useful tool to bring about early closure of disputes and at less cost. Trials/contested hearings are very much the exception rather than the rule, but when they are the only option, I have been praised for my no nonsense, efficient and diligent approach.
I am ranked as an Eminent Practitioner in the Chambers & Partners, A Client’s Guide to the UK Legal Profession (2021 edition) and I am also listed as a Recommended lawyer in the Legal 500, The Clients’ Guide to the UK Legal Profession (2020 edition).
Organisation
Content
Freeths Advises Centrica on investment in break-through hydrogen production...
Freeths corporate team has advised its client, Centrica plc, on the acquisition of a minority stake in HiiROC Limited (“HiiROC”), the hydrogen production technology company helping to combat climate change with affordable hydrogen produced at scale but without CO2 emissions.
Freeths Advises Zertus on Acquisition of Sun Valley
Freeths corporate team has advised its client, Zertus UK on the acquisition of The Sun Valley Nut Company “Sun Valley” from the Hacking family, who founded the business in 1949, led by James Hacking.
Freeths responds to continued high demand for new housing
As the latest results published by the country’s leading housebuilders point to the rebound which followed the initial lockdown turning into a sustained demand for quality new homes nationwide, national law firm Freeths has announced further investment in its Residential Development Team.
Freeths Budget Comment
Whilst Autumn Budget 2021 announced a number of spending giveaways, it was relatively light on new tax measures. In particular, the much-feared increases to rates of capital gains tax, inheritance tax and self-employed national insurance contributions did not materialise. Also absent were new restrictions on pensions tax relief or the introduction of a wealth tax.
Freeths advise Freshwave on major acquisition
Freeths is delighted to announce that it has advised UK network service provider, Freshwave, on its recent acquisition of the managed service division of UK-headquartered Wi-Fi specialists, Airangel.
How to Build a Brand
On this episode of The Business Brunch, we are joined by guests Andrew Wilkinson, Managing Director of OWB Creative, Simon Barker, Partner and Head of IP & Media and Rhian Banks, Managing Associate IP & Media of Freeths as they discuss the key factors to consider when building a brand.
How to Build a Brand
When legal experts and creative minds work together, the perfect brand can be born! Hear from branding, media and legal experts on this episode of The Business Brunch.
How to Build a Brand
When legal experts and creative minds work together, the perfect brand can be born! Hear from branding, media and legal experts on this episode of The Business Brunch.
The Future for Young Professionals
Join members of B4’s Professional Services Hub as they chat about the future for young professionals and whether their careers may not pan out as they had envisaged due to the ‘new way’ of working.
The Future for Young Professionals
Join members of B4’s Professional Services Hub as they chat about the future for young professionals and whether their careers may not pan out as they had envisaged due to the ‘new way’ of working.
International Women’s Day – 8th March 2021
To celebrate International Women’s Day we ran two special editions of The Business Brunch as we were joined by a cross-section of inspirational women from the B4 community as they discussed their own personal experiences and challenges within the workplace, both positive and negative.
Will the post-COVID world be easier for women?
Join us in discussing whether female managers have lead more effectively during COVID-19 and whether women will flourish more in a post-COVID world as the business world takes a more flexible approach to work.
Will the post-COVID world be easier for women?
Join us in discussing whether female managers have lead more effectively during COVID-19 and whether women will flourish more in a post-COVID world as the business world takes a more flexible approach to work.
Freeths complete record 43 deals in 28 days in...
The national corporate practice at national law firm, Freeths LLP, completed 43 major transactions, with values from £1m to over £40m, in the run up to the budget.
The Past, Present, and Future
How have businesses dealt with the devastating effects of Covid and Brexit and what challenges and opportunities do businesses face in the future?
The Past, Present, and Future
Join us for Business Insights from some of Oxfordshire’s leading professional advisers as we take a look at what has passed, current situations, and what the future may hold for business.
The Past, Present, and Future
Join us for Business Insights from some of Oxfordshire’s leading professional advisers as we take a look at what has passed, current situations, and what the future may hold for business.
The 9 Building Blocks For Recovery
We’re definitely not out of the woods yet but we’re certainly in a position to start ‘cautiously’ planning for the future. Representatives from B4’s Professional Services Hub got together to discuss what advice they’re giving their clients to build the foundations for recovery and what they’re doing in their own businesses to get in shape to hit the ground running.
Freeths refreshes office portfolio
Over the past year, the move to agile working has been a great success for Freeths, and lockdown has shown our people do not have to be in the office every single day in order to deliver an excellent service to their clients, and to ensure business growth.
Overcoming Our Biggest Challenges
It’s been almost a year of turbulence, a year like no other, certainly a year none of us will ever forget. But, as days turned into weeks and the weeks turned into months, the realities of a new business world came into view. When would we see our colleagues again? Would we ever be together under the same roof? Can our business survive this? When B4 members from the Professional Services Hub got together recently, the stand out concern for them was the wellbeing of their colleagues.
B4 Embarks on National Expansion
B4, Oxfordshire’s leading business to business network, launched in 2006 and celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2021, has now launched nationally, providing businesses across the UK with fantastic opportunities to connect and secure excellent profile across B4’s growing digital audience.
B4 Leadership Interviews: Sarah Foster
B4 Leader Interviews with Alison Haill of Oxford Professional Consulting. Interview 4: Sarah Foster, Managing Partner, Freeths
B4 Professional Services Day
It’s B4 Professional Services Day at B4. So we’re highlighting some recent and not so recent articles and press releases posted by B4 members over the past year or so.
B4 Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Day
It’s B4 Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Day at B4. So we’re highlighting some recent and not so recent articles and press releases posted by B4 members over the past year or so.
B4 Professional Services Day
It’s Professional Services Day at B4 so we’re highlighting some recent and not so recent articles and press releases posted by B4 members over the past year or so.
Corona Virus – Is your supply chain affected?
It will not have escaped the attention of most readers that the world’s largest manufacturing territory is currently undergoing an outbreak of a virulent and deadly virus.
A Freethinking approach to separation
With the start of a new decade, for many it is a time to reflect on their life and changes they want to make for the future.
Autumn promotions announced at Freeths
Freeths’ Oxford office is pleased to announce the recent promotion of two of its Managing Associates, Charlotte Digby and Sally Goodger.
Freeths LLP celebrates another year of ‘Top Tier’ rankings...
This month, The Legal 500 (the Clients’ Guide to the UK Legal Profession) 2021 edition published results on recommended UK law firms. Freeths Oxford, yet again, has received stellar reviews and has been ranked in the top tier of law firms in the south east in seven of its practice areas: Family Law; Contentious Trusts & Probate; Private client (Personal Tax, Trusts & Probate); Clinical Negligence (claimant); Agriculture and Rural Estates; Charities; and Professional Negligence.
Corporate legal eagle promoted to partner
Freeths is pleased to announce that Malin Svanberg Larsson has been promoted to Partner with effect from 1 June 2020.
Preparing to Return to Business as (Un)usual – Road...
Many businesses were left confused by the Prime Minister’s recent address with regard to how and when they should facilitate the new plan for workers to return to the workplace unless they can work from home. However, the guidance is that employers should start taking steps to ensure the workplace is “Covid Secure” for their workers to return.
Positive Steps with Christopher Sing of Freeths
1. Time to think: Being unchained from desk means I can use different spaces for different types of work. I am at my ‘normal’ office desk in the house to do complex drafting without distractions…if I’m thinking creatively I can go for a walk or sit in the garden.
Without a good lawyer, dealing with a commercial dispute...
International fleet telematics company, Masternaut, was developing a technological solution for insurers which included claim management and fraud detection services. Their plan was to integrate standard telematics equipment with a hosted Software-as-a-Service application and an end-user app for drivers. They worked with a specialist developer/supplier which was to receive ‘milestone payments’ as certain technological milestones were reached.
Positive Steps with Eleanor Arscott of Freeths
1. We have a weekly Family Wealth team magazine which has been great at keeping spirits high – it’s more about personal experiences like baking and great walks.
Positive steps with Ben Filmer of Freeths
Team Working. At first, it felt like a big change that we were no longer going to be in an office environment with colleagues in shouting distance for any queries.
Positive steps with Kelly Sawyer of Freeths Oxford
1. Excitement of starting a new job – I finished with my previous employer in March and then subsequently joined Freeths at the end of April.
Positive Steps with Philip Gray, Partner at Freeths
1. Having left a firm after 20 years and joining Freeths during lockdown, you might think that this could pose a unique set of problems. Completely the opposite as whilst I have only very recently “physically” met my new colleagues after 3 months, the firm’s switch to online induction and the incredibly positive and warm welcome from all my new colleagues via Zoom; Teams; online drinks and quizzes, I have felt far more integrated within my new home than I ever thought was possible back at the end of March.
Positive Steps with Claudia Lacey of Freeths
1. Charitable and social initiatives: Despite being physically separated, the Freeths Charity and Social Committee has been extremely active; we have kept the Freeths community spirit high through organising a variety of virtual social initiatives such as Zoom quizzes, Microsoft Teams lunches and a firm-wide monthly book club!
Freeths celebrates top rankings in Chambers HNW Guide 2020
Freeths LLP has received outstanding reviews in this year’s publication of the Chambers High Net Worth Guide with five ranked individuals and fantastic regional rankings.
Positive Steps to Recovery With… Freeths Head of Corporate,...
1. I have met, started and completed transactions with clients that I’ve never met in person.
Positive Steps to Recovery With… Freeths Oxford Managing Partner,...
1. We opened the office this week and although we have a capacity of 20%, it’s a great opportunity for me to get around and speak to everyone and find out how they are.
Freeths solicitors expands its real estate team with new...
Freeths is delighted to announce it has recruited two property lawyers into its highly regarded Oxfordshire commercial property team.
Freeths solicitors expands its real estate team with new...
Freeths is delighted to announce it has recruited two property lawyers into its highly regarded Oxfordshire commercial property team.
Freeths solicitors expands its highly regarded family wealth practice...
Freeths is delighted to announce the recruitment of two senior private client specialists into its Oxfordshire family wealth practice.
Freeths solicitors expands its highly regarded family wealth practice...
Freeths is delighted to announce the recruitment of two senior private client specialists into its Oxfordshire family wealth practice.
Protect yourself and your duties as a director
As the chaos caused by the coronavirus outbreak continues to impair global markets, creating unprecedented challenges that may prove to rival the 2008 financial crisis, directors are having to consider not only how to cope with the immediate effects on their business, such as supply chain disruption and employee retention, but also the potential long-term implications of their decisions.
How to attract & retain Gen Z & Millennials...
We all know Oxfordshire is a great place to live and work, however, sometimes this city loses its younger generation, in this case we will be focussing on Generation Z and Millennials, to the likes of London, Bristol or the cheaper countryside.
How can a will prepared during the Coronavirus pandemic...
In the last few months, life as we know it has changed beyond recognition. Coronavirus has taken hold in the UK and it has left many people scrambling to get their affairs in order.
One of the UK’s leading family lawyers is appointed...
After a rigorous interviewing process that started in March 2019 and involved various screening tests and interviews, Rachael Oakes, Partner and National Joint Head of Freeths’ highly regarded UK Family Wealth Practice has been appointed Deputy District Judge and will sit on the Midland Circuit.
Freeths solicitors expands its highly regarded family wealth practice...
Freeths is delighted to announce the recruitment of two senior private client specialists into its Oxfordshire family wealth practice.
The family wealth practice at Freeths is ranked in the Top Tier of private client teams in the UK for its expertise by the UK leading legal directories; Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500.
Legal aspects of managing employees, furlough and future-planning through...
Employment Law Partner, Kevin Poulter, will discuss employment law aspects of COVID-19, updates to government policies you need to know about and how to manage your employees at this uncertain time.
Is there a missing link in your chain? With...
Freeths’ Commercial Partner, Rebecca Howlett, will be discussing how your supply chains and commercial contracts may be impacted through these uncertain times.
Freeths Corona Virus help page
Since the first indications of the potential impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak on international trade, Freeths have been advising our clients on how to manage that impact within their business.
New management team reflects growth and success of firm
Freeths announced today a new management team, effective 1 April 2020, following the retirement of Peter Smith, Chief Executive, at the end of this financial year after 20 years in the role.
Oxford’s Place in the Global Market. An evening with...
Business leaders representing leading global companies based in Oxfordshire recently attended an evening dinner with Lord Digby Jones.
A Freethinking approach to separation
With the start of a new decade, for many it is a time to reflect on their life and changes they want to make for the future.
A Little Freethinking Delivers Results
It has been another successful year for Oxford’s freethinking law firm, Freeths. Over the past year the firm continued investing in its legal teams with the recruitment of 9 additional lawyers to help meet demand for legal advice and support from businesses and private individuals in Oxfordshire.
If you are going to divorce, why not have...
The cost and stress of divorce is often a big worry for people. The horror stories of expensive divorces in the press, often for the rich and famous, can give a very distorted view about the financial options available for people who are separating.
Another tournament in the back of the net
On a summer’s afternoon on the 8th August, Freeths Solicitors’ Annual Football Tournament was under way. This year saw the tournament grow to 20 teams with over 170 people attending, which made for one big BBQ, all in aid of charity.
Development & Growth
Demand for innovative legal solutions from Freeths Solicitors has resulted in a record year of development and growth for this leading law firm.
International Women’s Day event OXFORD – #BalanceforBetter
Celebrated annually on March 8th, the theme for International Women’s Day 2019 is #BalanceforBetter which focuses on driving gender equality across the globe.
Are you still the best owner of your Business...
At the time of writing Brexit looms large on the horizon, with businesses working to protect themselves from the potential negative effects should there be a “no deal” exit.
The long and winding road
If the GDPR was supposed to clarify companies’ data privacy compliance obligations, the recent fine levied by the CNIL against Google underscores how far we still have to go – writes Will Richmond-Coggan, director specialising in data privacy issues at Freeths LLP
How to raise your game this Christmas and not...
The Christmas season is approaching and can be a time of real stress and anxiety for couples who might already be talking about whether they are going to stay together.
Oxford’s leading law firm is acknowledged as a UK...
Freeths Solicitors has received stellar reviews in this year’s publication of the UK’s leading legal directories, The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. In addition, The Times has commended Freeths for inheritance and succession (private client) and family law in their recently published Best Law Firms 2019 supplement. Freeths are one of only 24 firms in the country to be commended in these areas of work.
Freeths’ Top 50 ranking aligns with office growth
As Freeths celebrate becoming a top 50 UK law firm in The Lawyer magazine’s recent Top 100 ranking, the London office of this national commercial practice also has hit a 50 milestone too!!
The Shape of Things to Come
In Issue 53 of B4 we covered Freeths’ roundtable discussion at Pembroke College where we first met Tom Cheesewright, the founder of applied futurism practice, Book of the Future and creator of the Applied Futurist’s Toolkit, a suite of strategy and storytelling tools for agile organisations. Tom recently visited Freeths’ offices to present about life after Brexit and how his clients, including large multinationals, rarely discuss the ‘B’ word and that this presentation was something of a first.
Summer promotions announced at Oxford’s leading law firm
Freeths Solicitors is delighted to announce the promotion of nine of its outstanding lawyers to senior positions; five lawyers have been promoted to Senior Associate while a further four lawyers were promoted to Associate.
Corporate VIIIs with Freeths
One of the highlights of many Olympics over the past twenty to thirty years has been the GB rowing team powering to Gold – seemingly always early on a Saturday morning – leaving plenty of defeated crews in their wake. What a sight it is to behold, eight rowers in perfect sync, gliding over the lake, relentlessly in pursuit of their prize.
Demand for Freeths Solicitors’ Top Ranked Thames Valley Corporate...
The corporate team at Freeths solicitors is a major player not only in the local market but also in the south east region, having completed 18 major transactions in 2017.
Why do we need to think differently about tomorrow?
Freeths Solicitors commenced the first in a series of thought provoking roundtable dinners in the impressive Forte Room at Pembroke College. Guests enjoyed drinks on the college lawn in advance of a superb dinner, talk and Q&A with the equally impressive Tom Cheesewright.
Meet Freeths’ Family Team
Our team of specialist family lawyers advise clients on all aspects of family law. We work with each client to identify the best approach for their particular circumstances. Our team also offers alternative dispute resolution services, including mediation, collaborative law and arbitration.
Sexual Harassment at work
As more and more media stories emerge of sexual harassment in the film industry, the fashion industry, and in politics, I have been approached by HR managers concerned about the possibility of similar allegations in their business, as well as by individuals who are contemplating taking action for sexual harassment against their employer.
How can the beneficiary of an estate be sure...
Are you dealing with the estate of someone who has died, and want to know what records you must keep and what information you must give to the beneficiaries?
Freeths expands its commercial team with lateral partner hire
Freeths Solicitors is delighted to announce that it has recruited a commercial contracts specialist in to its Oxford offices on Cowley Business Park.
Six things you need to know to protect and...
Failing to protect your intellectual property (IP) rights can impact considerably on your finances. Even worse, if you don’t own control over the rights that your business was founded on, this could destroy it. Yet many companies only address the issue of IP when something has gone awry and needs to be fixed.
Prominent Oxford employment lawyer joins Freeths’ highly regarded employment...
Oxford’s leading law firm, Freeths Solicitors, is delighted to announce that it has recruited an exceptional employment lawyer in to its Oxford offices.
Employment Tribunal Fees – The Bigger Picture
In its recent Judgment on Employment Tribunal fees, the Supreme Court laid waste to the Government’s rationale for imposing fees for employees bringing employment tribunal claims.