Our Approach

We offer you advice that is precise, relevant and workable; advice that provides solutions, not more questions. We believe that mastery of technical issues blended with imagination, flexibility and insight create solutions of real value.
 
By focusing on your objectives, applying sound legal knowledge and an awareness of commercial realities, and with an approach that is driven by results, innovative thinking and intellectual rigour, we provide a high-quality service when you need it, where you need it.
 
We work to build long-term relationships. We are “client lawyers” rather than “transaction lawyers” – our focus is on you and what is important to you. We seek to work with you over the long term, as your affairs develop and change, not just for the immediate matter.
 
Internally our approach is that of a single team; we are mutually supportive and play to each other’s strengths, and are neither selfish nor possessive. Our style is open, non-hierarchical and based on mutual respect.
 
In all things, our firm is marked by generosity of spirit.

Our Values

• to our clients to understanding their needs and adding value; to building close, long-term relationships; to delivering results that they need. We put them first - we are more than a business: we are a profession.
  

• to each other we work supportively and unselfishly together; we have respect and faith in ourselves and each other; we are open and fair; we are non-hierarchical and value individual contribution; we allow space to develop.
  

• to being effective advisers to providing positive, practical advice with imagination, flair and insight.
  

• to moving forward to being positive, innovative and opportunistic, seeking opportunities and showing initiative consistently with our core objectives and values.
  

• to ourselves to integrity, being true to ourselves, our principles and our profession; to challenging ourselves to deliver the best.
  

Our Recommendations

The corporate practice at Laytons LLP has been strengthened following the firm's merger with Silverman Sherliker in August 2017. The retail and food and drinks sectors are key areas of focus for the team, which is led by Cameron Sunter and also includes TMT and retail sector expert Daniel Oldfield, who has handled a number of transactions for overseas clients, and Christopher Sherliker, who is noted for his extensive experience in US-related matters. Recent highlights include acting for UK and South Africa-based fastjet on its $28.8m placement of shares and the $19.2m acquisition of a special purpose vehicle owned by Solenta, and advising professional services firm Work Group on its £18.8m reverse takeover by Gordon Dadds to form Gordon Dadds Group, which began trading on AIM.

Laytons recently merged with Silverman Sherliker; the combined firm Laytons LLP 'achieves the best commercial outcomes'. It has particular strength in litigation involving the financial services, and real estate and construction sectors as well as shareholder and partnership disputes, IP matters and product liability litigation. Practice head Geraint Thomas is 'hugely knowledgeable and experienced'; and John Abbott 'offers practical solutions'.

At Laytons LLP, clients ‘can speak directly to experienced partners’, who provide ‘valuable advice backed by extensive industry knowledge’. John Beesley is a key contact in the team, which has considerable experience in London-centric residential and mixed-use development projects. Beesley also advises family property companies and high-net-worth investors on property investment transactions, which has included acting for a Middle Eastern investor in connection with its purchase of a number of luxury flats in London. Mark Reis, who is ‘extremely professional, personable, reliable and efficient’, has handled strategic portfolio mandates and letting transactions for a variety of domestic and international retailers. The department also handles property finance transactions in connection with its investment and development work.

Our Sectors