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Bermans Celebrates Multiple Rankings in The Legal 500
We’re thrilled to announce that Bermans has been ranked in six practice areas in the latest edition of The Legal 500 (5 of these as a ‘Leading Firm!) – a testament to the outstanding work and dedication of our team.
A special congratulations to our recommended lawyers: Alex Chapman, Andrew Koffman, Charlotte Mills, David Gledhill, James Whittaker, Jonathan Berkson, Jon Davage, Laura McMorland, Martin March, Mike Carter, Phil Farrelly, Robin Hastings!
In addition to this, Alex Chapman and David Gledhill were also ranked as ‘Leading Partners’ and James Whittaker ranked as a ‘Next Generation Lawyer’!
What is the Legal 500?
The Legal 500 is one of the most prestigious and globally recognised legal directories. It ranks law firms and individual lawyers based on extensive research, client feedback, and performance across various practice areas.
Summary of Bermans Rankings:
- Asset Based Lending (London) Tier 3
- Commercial Litigation (Manchester): ‘Firms to watch’
- Corporate & Commercial (Liverpool): Tier 3
- Corporate & Commercial (Manchester): Tier 5
- Debt Recovery: Tier 2
- Insolvency & Corporate: Recovery Tier 4
Asset Based Lending Summary
Bermans maintains its reputation in the asset and invoice finance market for providing a ‘hands-on and personalised service’ to advise commercial finance and alternative finance companies to fund SME businesses.
Liverpool based practice head Alex Chapman is well versed in advising invoice financiers on funding acquisitions and buy-outs. Chapman also routinely advises on back-to-back receivable finance facilities. In the Manchester office, David Gledhill is noted as a ’trusted advisor’, handling non-contentious matters, including those that are related to insolvencies.
On the contentious front, Jonathan Berkson, head of the ABL Litigation team, represents finance companies in the high court.
Asset Based Lending Testimonials
“Wide experience in the asset based lending sector. Knowledgeable lawyers and always easily available to contact.”
“Always available, easy to work with and keep to deadlines”
Leading Partners – Alex Chapman & David Gledhill
Commercial Litigation Summary
Bermans routinely represents SMEs within the technology and creative sectors in a wide range of commercial matters. The team is headed up by Andrew Koffman, who has extensive experience in shareholder and partnership disputes.
Corporate & Commercial (Manchester) Summary
Routinely acting for SMEs, entrepreneurs, and institutional investors, Bermans is well-versed in joint ventures, M&A, and private equity matters. The practice is overseen by Jonathan Davage, who is well-regarded for his expertise in the financial services sector, and commended as ‘very knowledgeable.’ Robin Hastings is informed in venture capital investments and corporate governance issues, Laura McMorland handles investments, while Charlotte Mill is proficient in shareholder agreements.
Corporate & Commercial (Manchester) Testimonials
They are very practical and able to offer the best way forward in the most expeditious manner. As a result, projects are completed on time and within budget. Discussions with opposing legal teams always focus on the key arguments and swiftly resolve minor points.’ ‘They are very strong commercially, very accessible, and have friendly partners.
Debt Recovery Summary
With a particular specialism in invoice and asset finance, the group at Bermans acts for a diverse client base of SMEs and private clients. Jonathan Berkson leads the team from Liverpool with a depth of experience in complex commercial disputes and claims for secured lenders, while Andrew Koffman focuses on complex property disputes, professional negligence, and ADR. Having joined from Slater Heelis (Part of Lawfront) in January 2025, Mike Carter acts in professional negligence, property and construction, and contractual matters.
Debt Recovery Testimonials
Exceptional attention to detail, direct and aggressive in their defence – which perfectly suits our needs.’ ‘Jonathan Berkson – Highly reliable, attentive, knowledgeable, and pleasant to work with.’
Insolvency & Corporate Recovery Summary
The insolvency and financial rescue practice at Bermans is headed from Manchester by Phil Farrelly and is well equipped to handle both contentious and non-contentious insolvency matters, including securities issues and enforcement, restructuring and refinancing, business and asset sales and directors’ duties claims. Martin March handles corporate recovery and restructuring mandates for insolvency practitioners, corporates and lenders and James Whittaker is active in contentious insolvency cases.
Insolvency & Corporate Recovery Testimonials
‘A very strong offering for mid-sized IPs that punches above its weight compared to other similar city centre firms.’ ‘James Whittaker is excellent on all matters of substance. He is able to give pragmatic advice and just knows the answer.’
Next Generation Partner: James Whittaker