I trained at Freshfields and have specialised in advising in relation to corporate transactions and related company law matters since qualifying there in 1986.
From Freshfields, I joined Osborne Clarke in 1988 and was a partner there from 1992 until leaving in 2003, a period of very strong growth for the firm, working primarily out of Bristol but frequently on transactions run from the firm’s London office. I was involved in founding Roxburgh Milkins with Jason Milkins in 2003.
I advise on the typical mix of corporate transactions, largely for entrepreneurially run companies, including company acquisitions and disposals, management buy-outs and buy ins, joint ventures, group reorganisations, AIM flotations and public takeover offers.
I also advise on all those aspects of company management to which company law considerations are relevant, ranging from advising directors on the duties they owe to their companies and creditors, assisting major shareholders agree appropriate shareholders agreements and resolve difficulties amongst themselves when they arise and making recommendations to the owners of growing companies as to the types of share based incentive arrangements which can be put in place to involve key employees.
I believe strongly in the potential for experienced corporate lawyers to become “trusted advisers” in the broadest sense to their corporate clients, where good judgment and strong connections are the required attributes in addition to legal expertise.
I am passionate about the scope for developing and exploiting our style of business model as traditional law firm structures come under increasing pressure and clients require genuine value from their lawyers.
I am chairman of The BRAVE Enterprise Agency which provides advice and support to start-up businesses in Bristol. I also chair The Bath Business Club, a networking and referral group.
Sport has always played a large part in my personal life. I now watch rather than play rugby but keep as fit as I can and am a keen skier. My grown up children, gardening and travel are other passions, together with spending time in my native Cornwall when not enjoying home life in central Bath.
