What we do
Contractual disputes
Contracts form the basis of business relationships. A well-drafted contract can help the parties avoid disputes, but when issues do arise, we draw on our experience to provide clients with pragmatic advice that will help them make informed decisions.
Shareholder and partner disputes
Whether the business vehicle is a limited company, an LLP or a traditional partnerships, disputes between the owners of a business can be challenging for those involved. There is often an ongoing business that needs to be managed and preserved. Understanding the rights and obligations of those involved (which differ, depending on the form of the business) is key. We will push for the best outcome for our clients while trying to keep their emotions in check.
We have considerable experience of acting in relation a wide range of contentious issues arising out of pension schemes. We act for trustees, employers and members of schemes. In particular we deal with:
the construction and rectification of trust deeds and rules
equalisation problems
surplus, deficit and other funding issues
professional negligence claims against pensions advisers including scheme administrators, actuaries, professional trustees and solicitors
breach of trust claims against trustees
complaints before the Pensions Ombudsman
We represents individuals and businesses in claims against insurers. We advise on coverage issues, delayed payments, denied claims and other issues.
We handle professional negligence claims across various industries and professions including lawyers, financial advisers, pension specialists, surveyors and accountants. We act for claimants, not insurers.
Claims against professional advisers
Insurers
Pension disputes
Contentious trust issues
We advise on claims relating to trust property, including disputes between trustees and beneficiaries, and/or between trustees, including applications to court for directions or removal/substitution of trustees. We advise trustees on their duties, the interpretation of trusts and the recovery of trust assets.
We advise clients with issues with their banks and lenders. We choose not to act for banks, so we are conflict free. We deal with complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Banks
Business sale disputes
Business sales can be complex, generally not just involving the sale of bricks and mortar, plant and machinery, but the transfer of employees, sometimes the re-engagement of sellers, ongoing contracts and the risk of past issues coming to light. We advise both sellers and purchasers of businesses when problems arise
In addition to helping clients to resolve matters through mediation and other forms of ADR, Tim Stone is a CEDR accredited mediator with over 30 years’ experience of helping clients and third parties to bring disputes to an agreed resolution. Tim's mediation experience includes:
• A multi-million pound claim for negligent investment advice
• Acting for a local authority in relation to a SWAPs transaction
• A quasi partnership claim relating to a business idea
• Acting for a financial adviser in relation to a film scheme dispute
• Acting for a team exiting a substantial insolvency practice
• Acting for a property developer against a bank
• Acting in a multi party dispute relating to various guarantees
He has acted in many mediations relating to claims against professional advisers and in particular pensions specialists and solicitors as well as claims against insurance companies in connection with disputed insurance cover.
Tim accepts appointments as a mediator through Lapis Litigation. Further details of his experience and service can be found here.