Top 10 Influential South West Restructuring/Insolvency Lawyers to Watch in 2023

In an ever-changing economic climate, the relentless pursuit for stability and growth sees businesses large and small constantly refine their strategies. Restructuring and insolvency lawyers become a lifeline in these complex situations, offering invaluable advice and assistance. The South West, a hub of legal talent, boasts many established practitioners who have proven their mettle time and time again amidst fluctuating business landscapes. This piece will introduce ten of these outstanding individuals.

Through the lens of top-tier law firms in the region, this article offers a panoramic view of the best talent in the field, showcasing lawyers known for their knowledge, resilience, and their ability to think creatively. Straddling a range of specialities, from banking to litigation, the broad skill set of these individuals places them at the forefront of this field.

By spotlighting their expertise and achievements, our hope is to underline the range and depth of professional expertise that businesses can rely on when navigating challenging terrain. Here, then, are ten restructuring and insolvency lawyers in the South West.

Edward Husband – VWV

Edward Husband plays a pivotal role by maintaining a broad commercial litigation and insolvency practice. Based in the South West, Husband advises on contractual and corporate matters that include shareholder disputes.

James Forsyth – TLT LLP

As the national head of the banking and restructuring team, James Forsyth offers expertise in the public sector. In addition to advising financial institutions, shareholders, and directors on insolvency disputes and asset recovery proceedings, Forsyth also is known for his cross-border expertise.

Kevin Hawthorn – DAC Beachcroft LLP

Based in Bristol, Kevin Hawthorn serves as a partner in the firm’s restructuring and insolvency team. He offers targeted advice to administrators and specialises in corporate turnaround and recovery, personal insolvency and litigation.

Ken MacLennan – Clarke Willmott LLP

Ken MacLennan, restructuring and insolvency team manager in Bristol, is known for both contentious and non-contentious expertise. MacLennan advises on a diverse range of restructuring and insolvency situations that includes pre-pack sales, asset disposal, trading bankruptcies, and landlord-tenant and creditor-debtor issues.

Peter Carney – TLT LLP

With profound knowledge across the insolvency and restructuring field, Peter Carney advises on an array of scenarios and also tackles transactional work involving distressed or heavily leveraged assets. His specific area of expertise lies in agricultural insolvency.

David Pomeroy – Ashfords LLP

David Pomeroy, stationed in Bristol, leads his firm’s restructuring and insolvency team, bringing to the table deep expertise in handling corporate and personal insolvency matters. Specialising in sectors such as retail, construction, and hospitality, he advises directors, lenders and administrators on distressed finance and insolvencies. Pomeroy also possesses expertise in land and asset recovery.

Andrew Knox – Stephens Scown LLP

As the head of the restructuring and insolvency team in Exeter, Andrew Knox is best known for contentious corporate and personal insolvency matters, such as claims against directors. Knox’s advisory practice covers appointment of administrators, asset disposal and the rights of landlords of insolvent tenants.

Lydia Lloyd – Foot Anstey LLP

Lydia Lloyd, a senior associate in the firm’s restructuring and insolvency department in Bristol, is notable for her non-contentious restructuring and insolvency work. Her forte lies in transactional expertise, with significant experience assisting with pre-pack sales.

Tim Pritchard – Foot Anstey LLP

Within the firm’s Bristol-based restructuring and insolvency team, Tim Pritchard serves as a legal director. His vast experience lies in tackling distressed finance and insolvency pertaining to banks and financial services institutions.

Sean Jenner – Stephens Scown LLP

Sean Jenner, a senior associate based in Exeter, has a broad expanse of experience in both corporate and personal insolvency matters. His clientele includes insolvency practitioners and company directors, for whom he provides thorough and insightful legal advice.