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Smith Partnership, based in Derby, houses a strong corporate and commercial team, experienced in handling complex transactional work, with particular skill managing transitions to Employee Ownership Trusts. Practice head Fraser Cunningham oversees a range of work, including transactions as well as corporate restructurings and commercial contracts, such as franchising, distribution, and IP agreements.

'Exceptional service in every regard. Far more personable than other legal firms we have dealt with in the past. Consummate professionals. Every person in the team is brilliant at their job, highly professional, but at the same time highly personable. The team has supported us across all business aspects: commercial contracts, shareholder agreements, lease agreements, business sales, and HR contracts. If a potential client is looking for a commercial provider, I always recommend Smiths, as they genuinely provide the full suite of corporate and commercial legal expertise a business requires. In terms of innovation, I believe it is their joined-up approach that makes them unique and therefore highly attractive: a group of people highly skilled and experienced in their specific commercial areas, working together to do the best for their clients.'

- The Legal 500, 2027

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