We can say whatever we like about ourselves but why would you believe us? So here are some of the kind things that our clients and the legal directories have been saying about us.
"Thames Valley firm Blandy & Blandy has a long and proud tradition in law, but since the start of the millenium, the firm has really hit its stride."
The Lawyer Magazine
"The firm is a very professional practice that is focussed on meeting professional, quality and client requirements."
Lawgroup Lexcel Assessor 2008
Quotes from Commercial Clients
"High profile, quality Solicitors. As with any organisation it is the people that count. I have received a first class service at both a professional and personal level."
Tony Street,
Wokingham Borough Council
"As always Blandys were First Class in helping the deal come together."
Roy Oatway
RBS
“Connexions Kent & Medway have used the services of Blandy & Blandy on several occasions for advice on TUPE, HR and charity status matters. The service has been unfailingly excellent: responsive and expert and they have done much to reduce some of the stresses and risks in our everyday business.”
Gordon Bernard, Chief Executive
Connexions Partnership Kent
"Blandy & Blandy offer the invaluable combination of a modern friendly
efficient service with experience gained over many years in the Reading and surrounding area property market - you will be well advised. They approach
the law in a practical manner, allowing us to get on with our job of selling houses"
David Auger FRICS, Partner
Martin and Pole
"Time is of the essence when chasing delinquent debtors, and we need a lawyer who can react quickly and effectively to our needs. Blandy & Blandy offer this and much more, with a full understanding of the case in question. The results speak for themselves"
Dean Cosgrove, Divisional Credit Manager
St Ives Direct Ltd
"As we reflect on several particularly busy and challenging years, we realise that it is our team of professional advisors who must share much of the credit for our continuing growth and prosperity. Among them, Blandy & Blandy deserves a special mention and they are to be applauded for their lightening response times, flawless competence and their ability to bring a sense of calm to potentially emotional or litigious legal situations"
Julian Smith, Finance Director
Maris Group
Quotes from Private Clients
"My company’s HR department provided me with a list of possible solicitors, but it seemed to me that there was an inherent conflict of interest in choosing any of these. I therefore resorted to the internet and after reviewing a few, picked the one with the website that gave me most confidence.
They turned out to be great. Lots of really good advice and I ended up with a more favourable agreement as a result, so well worth the effort."
Mr H, Cirencester
"I really do thank you for all you did. Your motto certainly seems to be: "The difficult we do at once, the impossible may take five minutes."
It is so good to have such a friendly and efficient office at the end of the telephone when you're dealing with unfamiliar matters."
Miss W, Reading
"The whole process was not the happiest time in my life but you made a bad situation feel a lot easier"
Mrs S, Newbury
"I would like to say how grateful my wife and I are to you and your staff for all the hard work in sorting out and looking after such a complicated lot of financial fine tuning, quite beyond our capabilities."
Mr & Dr B, Caversham
"Can I say a heartfelt thanks for your advice. I know I am only another client but I have always felt you have had mine and my daughter’s interests in your sights……….thank you"
Mr T, Warfield
"I was very impressed with the way in which my solicitor handled my affairs. A first class service and one legal invoice I have no problem with paying!"
Mr H
"On a more personal note, while I would have preferred not to have needed your services under such circumstances, I am extremely grateful to you for your advice and support over the last eighteen months.
The fact that matters have concluded satisfactorily from my point of view, with both my dignity and integrity intact, is due largely to your considerable expertise and professionalism. Put simply, I couldn’t have done it without you.
Should anyone I know be in the unfortunate position of needing your services, I would have no hesitation in recommending Blandy & Blandy"
Mr C, Reading
Quotes from the Legal Directories
Commercial Litigation
Philip D’Arcy,Jacques Smith and Debbie Brett are the key litigation partners in a ‘highly professional, very approachable and adaptable’ team at Blandy & Blandy. Expertise includes property disputes, insolvency, professional negligence, commodities litigation and personal injury claims.
Corporate & Commercial
An ‘extremely capable’ firm, Blandy & Blandy’s deals typically fall within the £2m-£7m range. The experienced David Few acts for many owner-managed businesses in the Thames Valley. Nick Burrows is well versed in commercial contracts, while new recruit Robert Foster from Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyons brings additional expertise in the charities, publishing and media sectors.
Employment
Particularly strong in contentious work, Blandy & Blandy has seen a sharp increase in claims based on stress, anxiety and depression.Sue Dowling and Tim Clark are recommended. ‘Their advice has never let us down’, said one client.
Environment
Karen Jones’ growing practice at Blandy & Blandy acts for local waste companies on waste disposal, environmental and planning issues.
Family
“You can’t go wrong with Blandy & Blandy.” This Reading-based firm houses one of the largest family teams in the Thames Valley. More than half the team is collaboratively trained and it has several trained mediators on staff, so it provides clients with a range of methods to resolve disputes.
The team’s skills in matrimonial finance matters and work involving children’s issues have won it a large following, extending into London. The firm is also increasingly drawing in international work, advising on complicated jurisdictional issues.
Clients are impressed by its ability to offer effective advice at reasonable prices. Andrew Don wins admiration for “his no-nonsense, straightforward approach.” This, in addition to his many years of experience, has cemented his reputation as one of the top family lawyers in the region.
Licensing
These Reading-based licensing lawyers are particularly well versed in the licensing of major venues and stadiums , and are seen as “good value for money in terms of their great thoroughness and timely results.”
The team has advised on the licensing of large, prestigious venues such as Wembley Stadium, Twickenham Rugby Stadium and Ascot Racecourse. It also has considerable experience with applications for unusual venues including theatres, airports and racetracks.
The O2 Arena in Greenwich has been its biggest work highlight of late; the team applied for a premises licence for alcohol and entertainment to cover an outdoor area that will house a new show.
Sue Dowling is “technically and tactically astute” and shows a “great ability to clear a path through bureaucracy.” She also “fights her client’s corner and always gets the right results.”
Planning
This Thames Valley stalwart advises on prominent strategic planning applications and redevelopment proposals: councils, developers and landowners all regularly seek out the practice for assistance with such matters as Certificates of Lawful Use applications. The practitioners are adept at handling Section 106 agreements and are experienced in dealing with High Court appeals and enforcement notices, which can be useful if disputed planning issues arise. Listed building applications also constitute a growing part of the group’s offering. The highly respected Simon Dimmick oversees much of the work; he has broad expertise and is valued as "a safe pair of hands."
Property
This relatively young team has expanded recently and now attracts a broad mix of commercial and private work. During the past twelve months it has experienced a sharp increase in instructions from developers and occupiers in the transportation, storage and distribution industries. It has also acted for numerous banks on refinancing transactions, and advises public sector clients on major developments.
The team is currently advising the University of Reading on a development project for 3,000 homes. The team has niche expertise in advising charities and landed estates on property matters, and also acts for several high net worth individuals. Secured lending expert Jane Gunnell heads the department and often represents investors, occupiers and developers
Tax trusts & Probate
Blandy & Blandy has a long-established reputation for private client work, including probate, with Graham Benwell recommended for tax and estate planning. The ‘high-calibre’ team acts for several multimillion-pound trusts and estates, SMEs and owner-managed businesses. Jonathan Gater is also recommended.
