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Notable practitioners
‘David Niven has always demonstrated a good knowledge of the issues and the ability to adopt a commercial approach in order to achieve a good result for clients.’
Chambers UK - 2023 edition
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is focused on group action claims against solicitors and on claims for and against construction professionals. The professional negligence team is led by David Niven, working alongside David O’Brien. Niven acts for claimants in high value, multi-party actions against solicitors and other professionals, while O'Brien - 'a standout performer' - specialises in complex commercial and financial disputes. Senior associate Nicole Blakey is described as 'a star, fantastic to work with - very clever but also approachable and kind.'
‘The team has strength in depth across the board with some standout individuals. One of the top firms when it comes to a professional negligence practice.’
‘David Niven has a really good grasp of tactics and strategy and is very experienced. He is commercially minded and a really good negotiator.’
‘David O’Brien is a standout performer – excellent on the detail, a very good communicator and at the top of his game.’
‘Kamran Rehman has good commercial judgment. He has a strong team under him.’
The Legal 500 - 2023 edition
The team at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP specialises in group claims against law firms and construction professionals and places an emphasis on out of court settlements. Co-heads of the team, Rustam Dubash and David Niven, have both developed the joint group action professional negligence practice. Peter Stockill leads the construction side of the practice. Kamran Rehman joined the team in 2021 from Shakespeare Martineau LLP, strengthening the team's expertise in the banking and lending professional negligence arena.
‘Penningtons are the ‘go to’ team for claimant class action professional negligence cases. They have massive, unrivalled experience in this field, and have a track record of securing huge settlements for their clients.’
‘David Niven is the doyen in this area: he is a hugely experienced practitioner who can calmly navigate claims through to trial with absolute focus and a minimum of fuss.’
‘David O’Brien combines an unparalleled attention to detail with the ability to communicate clearly to clients about their claims.’
The Legal 500 - 2022 edition
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP ‘never fails to rise to the challenge’ of advising on complex, multi-party claims against solicitors and construction professionals. The practice specialises in large group action claims; ‘seasoned litigator’ David Niven has a strong reputation for claims against solicitors for mis-sold properties, while David O’Brien advises claimants on disputes arising from failed investment schemes. Construction lawyer Peter Stockill advises on both sides of disputes involving engineers, construction professionals and contractors.
The practice has built up a stellar practice in consumer mis-selling cases, acting for tens, scores and sometimes many more individual clients with complaints against professionals and FCA-regulated entities or individuals.
David Niven is one of the leading professional negligence lawyers in the country and is one of my favourite lawyers to deal with. He is straight-talking, knows the law inside out and is very commercial.
David O’Brien is phenomenally bright, with an encyclopaedic and insightful grasp of relevant law and procedure; provides a “magic circle” service. A delight and inspiration to work with.
The Legal 500 - 2021 edition
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP's professional negligence team is 'approachable, available and is able to describe complex legal points to non-specialists'. The team is regularly instructed on group action claims against solicitors and is increasingly involved in claims involving construction professionals. Claims against accountants are also a key area of expertise. The firm has 'expertise in multi-party claims particularly arising from professional negligence and failed property investments abroad'.
The Legal 500 - 2020 edition
Penningtons Manches LLP’s ‘very professional’ team regularly acts for claimants in multi-party professional negligence claims. David Niven represented multiple claimants in a £6m action against an international solicitors' firm in relation to purchases of off-plan properties in two developments in Calabria, Italy. Richard Marshall heads the international trade and commerce group and specialises in negligence and regulatory claims involving solicitors, accountants, architects and surveyors. Senior associate David O’Brien is also a key member of the team.
The Legal 500 - 2019 edition
Please convey my thanks and congratulations to the whole team at Penningtons Manches Cooper, including of course David O’Brien, Anna Brooks-Gallerani and David Niven. Your firm’s conduct throughout has in my opinion been exemplary. I’m sure the outcome, whatever it is, will be the best obtainable.
Group action claimant
Thank you very much for all your efforts, which are very much appreciated. I was reassured that you were handling this matter and you have not disappointed.
Group action claimant
Many thanks. It is a huge relief to hear of this and I would like to take this opportunity to thank David and the team for your hard work and perseverance and to express my gratitude for achieving a result in this difficult and challenging matter.
Group action claimant
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Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC311575 and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under number 419867.
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