Richard Riley joined Bermans in March 2025 and is a Partner and Head of Commercial.
Richard works with SME’s and business owners, family managed companies, life sciences, scientific sectors advises on all areas of Commercial Law, including:
Data Protection (including advising on compliance/breaches and documentation)
Business Law (including business to business and business to consumer contracts)
Intellectual Property Law (including IP assignments and IP licensing)
IT Law (including drafting SaaS Agreements, Support and Maintenance contracts, and development agreements)
Consumer Law
Franchise Law
Richard studied Biology at the University of Edinburgh and Law at Manchester Metropolitan University, before qualifying as a Solicitor in 2009.
He is currently recognised in the Legal 500 for his work on commercial matters.
Outside of work, Richard is currently marathon running, and also enjoys spending his time Crossfit/Hyrox training, as well as going to theatre, gigs, stand up and movies.
Arabella joined Bermans as a Paralegal in January 2023 and is currently a Trainee Solicitor in our Litigation team based in Liverpool.
She works on a wide range of commercial litigation matters and works with a variety of companies and business owners.
Arabella obtained a First Class Economic History Degree from the London School of Economics and completed her GDL and LPC at the University of Law in Liverpool.
Outside of work, Arabella enjoys reading, cooking and baking.
Jobeth Copping-Barrett (pictured), joined Bermans in January 2025 and is a Senior Associate in our Private Client team. We spoke to her to learn more about her and her work.
In January 2025, after demand from clients, Bermans relaunched its private client department.
Jobeth Copping-Barrett joined Bermans as a Senior Associate in our Private Client department to support clients on their future and estate planning, including the preparation of Wills, lasting power of attorney applications, Trusts, probate applications and estate administration.
Several significant changes in employment law rates are set to take effect in 2025. These updates will impact various aspects of employment, including wages, family-friendly payments, and statutory leave. Below is a detailed overview of the key changes.
As we step into 2025, the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 brings several crucial updates aimed at enhancing corporate transparency, protecting personal information, and combating economic crime. These changes are set to impact businesses across the UK significantly. Here, we explore the key updates and their implications.
All businesses should have robust terms and conditions in place which set out the legal framework for the relationship between the business and its customers. This will help to ensure clarity and protection for both parties involved in commercial transactions.
Elizabeth joined Bermans in March 2025 as Partner in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution team.
Elizabeth has over 25 years’ experience of helping clients resolve disputes efficiently and cost effectively. Elizabeth specialises in advising on the rights and obligations of directors and shareholders and is particularly experienced in shareholder disputes and claims involving directors’ duties and warranties in sale and purchase agreements.
She advises clients on minimising risk and protecting the value of their businesses, enforcing restrictions in employment contracts and sale agreement when needed. She is experienced in securing urgent solutions such as injunctions and asset freezing orders.
Elizabeth also advises on partnership disputes, commercial contracts and negligence by professionals such as accountants or surveyors.
She has advised a wide range of clients during her career from SMEs and OMBs to large corporates and PLCs as well as individuals.
Elizabeth has been recognised a Recommended Lawyer in the Legal 500.
Away from work, Elizabeth loves to travel with her family and enjoys reading and training at karate.
James joined Bermans in February 2025 as a Partner in our Property Team based between the firms Liverpool and Manchester offices.
James studied Law and International Relations at Keele University and then went on to qualify as a solicitor in 2003.
He specialises in residential and commercial property development and works with high net worth individuals and owner managed businesses.
James is ranked by The Legal 500 and he won ‘Team of the Year (Property)’ at the Manchester Legal Awards (2023) for the work he carried out at a previous firm.
Outside of work, James is a keen triathlete and spends his spare time training whilst also looking after his young family.
| 
Partner