Helen Brown

Partner - Commercial Disputes

Email me TEL: 023 8048 2152 MOB: 07552 585544

Helen Brown

Partner - Commercial Disputes

Legal 500 2022 Leading Individual logo

I am a partner in the Commercial Disputes team dealing with corporate litigation including:

unfair prejudice claims;
derivative claims against Directors for breach of fiduciary duty;
breach of shareholder agreements;
breach of warranty claims following sale;
recovering earn out/deferred consideration after sale; and
partnership disputes.

Disputes work examples:

I have successfully negotiated the exit of one of two shareholders in a 50/50 company. Other shareholder had disappeared, claiming to be sick, but was using company funds to pay for extravagant foreign trips.

Purchaser of business was delaying in agreeing completion accounts. We worked with the seller’s accountant to force through default Completion Accounts and secured payment of deferred consideration.

Other commercial work I undertake:

Complex contract disputes
Professional negligence claims
Intellectual property disputes – copyright, passing off and trade mark infringement
Defamation
Franchise disputes

Professional negligence work examples:

Recovering damages for a client of a large accountancy practice which wrongly advised on tax avoidance strategies which resulted in a six-figure tax bill. The case settled at mediation.
Settling a claim for a charity against an architect’s practice for negligently overseeing the construction of a large extension.
Advising on the liability of an insurance broker who failed to organise adequate insurance cover for a client.

I am happy to consider “no win, no fee” arrangements for suitable cases and can source litigation funding and litigation insurance for appropriate claims.

I have a breadth and depth of knowledge across different industries. I work as part of the client team to achieve desired outcome. I am tenacious. I ensure attention to detail.

Protect/Secure/understand. I use experience to gain a crucial advantage in litigation.

In the franchise disputes area, I help mainly franchisees resolve disputes with their franchisor. Often this is in connection with termination of the franchise arrangement, either because one party has broken the terms of the agreement, or the franchisee wants to leave and needs advice on how to achieve this with the best possible outcome. I have dealt with many different business types from hairdressers to fast food outlets to high-tech medical equipment businesses, but a familiarity with the unique key features of franchise agreements is what makes me a specialist in this field.

I am a member of the Professional Negligence Lawyers Association.

Helen Brown is highly able, efficient, precise and hugely experienced in civil litigation law and procedure. A reassuring adviser.

Legal 500 - 2022 Edition

One client states "Helen Brown is exceptional in all categories", another says "Helen Brown is cerebral, tactical and has an excellent client manner".

Legal 500 - 2021 Edition

Helen Brown and Crispin Dick have shown their mettle in various aspects of our firm's growth. They have provided solid legal advice that comes with a wealth of experience and professionalism. Very impressed. This is a professional practice that can be proud of its members and proud of the service they deliver.

Martin L de Beer, Director - Route Geographic Consultants Ltd

Route Geographic Consultants Ltd

This is the best possible news! Thanks so much to both you and Helen for your expertise and wisdom in guiding this to such a successful outcome. Your steady hand and persistence paid off in the end.

Barry Varcoe

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Helen Brown

Helen Brown

Disputes work examples:

Professional negligence work examples:

Helen Brown is highly able, efficient, precise and hugely experienced in civil litigation law and procedure. A reassuring adviser.

One client states "Helen Brown is exceptional in all categories", another says "Helen Brown is cerebral, tactical and has an excellent client manner".

This is the best possible news! Thanks so much to both you and Helen for your expertise and wisdom in guiding this to such a successful outcome. Your steady hand and persistence paid off in the end.