Guy Williams Layton Solicitors

We can advise and assist on a wide range of bankruptcy and insolvency issues including the following:-

• Pursuing bankruptcy, winding up and insolvent partnership proceedings on behalf of creditors.
• Defending bankruptcy, winding up and insolvent partnership proceedings on behalf of debtors.
• Applying for annulment of bankruptcy orders on the basis of repayment of debts or that the order should not have been made.
• Negotiating with trustees in bankruptcy with regard to recovery of the bankrupt’s home.
• Claims by and against trustees in bankruptcy, liquidators and receivers.
• Collecting book debts on behalf of insolvency practitioners.

We act for investors, developers and financers of commercial and investment property. This includes the full range of purchases and sales including the management of investment properties.

We have extensive experience in writing and negotiating leases as well as the legal management of investment properties through the grant of licences for assignment, underletting and alterations.

We give extensive advice to both landlords and tenants on all aspects of the law relating to leases. We also deal with dilapidation claims on behalf of both landlords and tenants during the course of the time of a lease and at its termination. We advise property developers with their joint venture requirements through the medium of joint venture agreements and special purchase vehicles.

We have a depth of knowledge in acting for the financers of investment property, both in short-term finance and longer term. We advise, document and administer bridging loan transactions and longer term financing including mezzanine finance and the various means of providing securitisation.

Guy Williams Layton can provide advice and assistance on a wide range of business transactions .   We are able to offer a practical and cost effective solution no matter the size of your business.  Our clients range from local owner managed businesses to large companies.

Our services include-

• Buying and selling companies and unincorporated businesses
• Partnership agreements
• Company formations
• Shareholder agreements
• Joint venture agreements
• Loans and securities
• Guarantees
• Terms and conditions
• Freight Forwarding/Logistics

Our philosophy in any dispute is to:-

• Gather as much information as possible at the outset and analyse the evidence
• Concentrate on your strongest arguments to put you in the best position in negotiations
• Working  towards resolution as quickly and cost effectively as possible.

Dispute resolution can be as informal as without prejudice discussions, correspondence or meetings.   However, if that does not achieve a satisfactory outcome, the three most common options are as follows:-

Mediation

The parties attend a meeting where the mediator helps each side to clarify and understand the issues on both sides and tries to broker a mutually satisfactory solution.   The mediator does not judge or arbitrate on the issues but will try to guide the parties to avoid unreasonable viewpoints or objections.    The Courts now expect all parties to seriously consider mediation before and during Court proceedings.

Arbitration

Sometimes a contract can impose a duty on the parties to resolve any dispute by way of arbitration.    Otherwise, the parties can agree voluntarily to arbitrate.    This may be quicker and cheaper than Court proceedings but the main advantage is usually that the arbitrator has direct and extensive experience and knowledge of the area of business from which the dispute arises.

Litigation

Court proceedings should in most cases be a last resort as they can be extremely costly both in terms of time and money and carry a risk of having to pay the costs of the winning party.    However, if it is necessary to take a matter to Court we are always conscious of the need to employ every possible procedure to achieve as rapid and cost effective solution as possible.
We have many years of experience in dealing with civil and commercial litigation at all levels.

Guy Williams Layton offers an expert and high quality conveyancing service.    We aim to give our clients a personal and individual service and to ensure that the transaction proceeds as smoothly and stress free as possible.  We are happy to employ the means of communication of your choice - keeping you informed by email, post or telephone as you choose.