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Based in Derby, Smith Partnership‘s capabilities include M&A matters, employee ownership trust transactions and negotiating contractual agreements. Practice head Fraser Cunningham’s recent caseload consists of advising on negotiating licence and share purchase agreements, particularly for clients in the sport and recruitment sectors.

‘The service I receive is truly second to none. I can pick up the phone to any of the team at any time and have my query answered confidently and efficiently and for that reason I have and will continue to recommend Smith Partnerships to my friends and colleagues.’

‘The communication and transparency is really what I admire most about working with Smith Partnerships. All fantastic individuals will a wealth of knowledge that I admire and enjoy our working relationship with.’

- The Legal 500, 2026

Fielding a team praised by clients as ‘genuine specialists’ that ’cover a broad spectrum of property litigation’, Smith Partnership‘s property litigation practice is particularly rated for work within the pubs and hospitality sector. Russell Davies is the chief contact for pubs, with experience leading on pub tenancies, lease renewals, and boundary disputes. The ’very talented’ Oliver Maxwell joined the team in January 2025 to work alongside Liam Kreibich, who assists landlords and tenants.

‘I would have no hesitation in recommending Smith Partnership to deal with property disputes. They have a very talented and respected team who are genuine specialists and cover a broad spectrum of property litigation. They are approachable, focused, and very experienced.’

‘Oliver Maxwell is a solicitor who goes above and beyond most of his peers to deliver results for clients. I was impressed by his creativity and ability to think outside the box, whilst also dealing with tricky cases in a measured and composed manner.’

- The Legal 500, 2026

Praised for ‘providing the best public service to its clients’, Smith Partnership has a highly specialist childcare offering, alongside its expertise in private family law matters. Commended by clients as a ’brilliant lawyer and advocate’, Muctar Johal co-leads the practice, with expertise in childcare matters involving complex and sensitive medical and care proceedings. Recognised for going ‘the extra mile for her clients’, Ruth Jones co-leads the practice alongside Johal. Clare Cuomo is adept at handling complex childcare matters, with a focus on issues involving teenage children.

‘This is an exceptional firm, providing the best public service to its clients. I have seen first-hand how their teams operate, supporting each other. They have a terrific breadth of experience and enthusiasm for the work, which can be so challenging.’

‘The partner I know well is Muctar Johal. He has a superhuman ability to juggle a huge caseload, be an excellent advocate at court and yet finds time for his extremely vulnerable clients, to engage with them and gain their confidence. He is a brilliant lawyer and advocate.’

- The Legal 500, 2026