Simon Smith

Simon is a very experienced dispute resolution solicitor, he qualified in 1996 and has worked in dispute resolution for over 25 years. He is used to analysing large amounts of complex information quickly to make well reasoned, practical and commercial decisions. Simon is very hands on and prides himself on being approachable and easy to work with.

I’ve always prided myself on my approach of being down to earth and plain speaking. I’ve never been a lawyer who uses words that I wouldn’t use day to day, so you won’t find any latin in my e mails!"

"I don’t have any airs and graces, I went to a comprehensive school and was the first generation in my family to go to university. I won’t be giving any client a law lecture as I tend to find that clients want to know the answer to their problem rather than knowing what case law said over 150 years ago.

Simon has dealt with a wide range of commercial, civil and property cases ranging from high value contract and company/partnership disputes to neighbour disputes and arguments over wills and estates.

Previously and for over 10 years, he has been a partner and head of commercial litigation, having set up a standalone litigation department. While each case is unique, his extensive experience has exposed him to cases that will be very similar to yours.

I’ve been dealing with disputes of one type or another since 1994 so there’s not many that I’ve not had experience of. Some disputes can go on for a very long time but whether it’s protracted litigation or a quick negotiation, the end result is the same, solving a client’s problem for them.

Some of his recent cases include:

• Acting for the petitioning creditor in the compulsory liquidation of a foreign exchange company with over 100 supporting creditors and debts in excess of £30 million;
• Representing the Claimant in a long running construction dispute in a successful adjudication and subsequent court proceedings to enforce a six-figure adjudication award;
• Acting in a dispute of over £200,000 with a large international organisation resulting in a settlement of less than 25% of the sum claimed within 4 weeks of being instructed.

He also successfully led two reported High Court cases of Re I Fit Global Limited (2013) relating to unfair prejudice petitions under s994 of the Companies Act 2006, and Eyland & Sons Limited v TSL Turton (2014) Limited and Bond (2015) dealing with conversion of manufacturing equipment in a claim for over £600,000.

Outside of work, Simon is married with two boys and his priority is to spend time with his family. He also plays squash and racquetball to a good level, is a keen walker and lover of good pubs and frequent visitor to the Peak District.

Simon has also been a cub scout leader and has undertaken pro bono legal work for Bradway Action Group in representing them in obtaining registration of a village green. He has also had trustee roles with the Battlefields Trust and Western Front Association.

Simon has also taken part in our Spotlight on a Solicitor series, sharing his journey into law and proudest career moments. Read the interview to hear about his life in law.