Chambers 2009
"This Marlow-based boutique is “a small outfit, but one which offers pure quality.” The team works for a number of listed companies, and handled the AIM listing for Hertford International Group in 2007, leading commentators to note that it makes an impression on the market that belies its size. The firm’s founder, Adrian Phillips is the man behind much of the team’s success and continued expansion. “Intelligent, knowledgeable and extremely thorough,” he leads a group of four that is “commercial, efficient and incredibly friendly.” Recent standout work includes assisting Fulcrum Pharma with an acquisition and handling a significant amount of work for a US-listed company operating in the UK.
Engaged in an array of open-source work with clients from a number of sectors, this firm handles all manner of software licensing, games concept licensing, IP and data protection work, and its advice is given to a variety of clients, including financial services companies and software developers. The practice is headed by Andrew Katz, who is an open source specialist. The firm recently consulted with banks on behalf of Distribution Technology and has negotiated regarding VoIP software.
Moving from B P Collins to act as department head at Moorcrofts LLP, Craig Havard has increased the firm’s client roster in both the corporate and private sectors. With nine years’ experience in employment law, he advises on the full range of matters, from recruitment to termination."
Legal 500 2008
"Moorcrofts LLP is active in the ThamesValley and recently advised Parnell Fisher Child & Co, the independent financial advisers, on the sale of 75% of its shares to Skipton Building Society. Managing Partner Adrian Phillips heads a team recommended for “straightforward legal advice” which also acts for plc clients including Hertford International Group and Fulcrum Pharma.
Craig Havard joined Moorcrofts LLP from B P Collins in 2007 to head the team."
Chambers 2008
"Moorcrofts’ five-strong corporate finance team is gradually developing a niche representing firms at the smaller end of the market. One source suggested the group was “a shining example of how to provide legal aid to start-up firms”. An undoubted highlight came helping long-standing client Curidium Medica through a reverse takeover on AIM. The driving force behind the team’s “smart, pragmatic and flexible approach,” Adrian Phillips was highly valued by his clients. An “appreciation of the business side, and an ability to cut to the chase,” meant he was “an absolute pleasure to deal with.”
Described by clients as a “solid practice; it provides a very good service,” the firm covers a broad range of IT matters, including software licensing, IP, service level agreements and Internet matters. It has been involved in an increasing number of proprietary and open source software instructions.
Previously a computer consultant, Andrew Katz has expert knowledge of computer and telecoms technology, and specialises in issues relating to open source software licensing and the Creative Commons."
Legal 500 2007
"Adrian Phillips continues to build up the corporate practice at Moorcrofts LLP. Corporate transactions in 2006 include advising Vacuumatic on its MBO. Andrew Katz heads the commercial unit and acts for Laurent-PerrierUK and Oxford Bus Company.
Employment – The team at Moorcrofts LLP offers a comprehensive service to commercial clients, including advice on TUPE and disability discrimination. Adrian Phillips impresses clients with his experience in the field.
Moorcrofts LLP receives instructions from satellite TV channels and television production companies such as Lattitude Productions, and has experience in TV production agreements."
Chambers 2007
"This young group receives expansive endorsement from market sources, who see it as “developing a good niche practice for itself”. Since the firm’s creation in 2000 it has grown steadily and now numbers eight lawyers, five of whom spend the majority of their time in the corporate finance realm. Their remit covers shareholder agreements and the return of shareholders’ funds, acquisition and sale of companies, management buyouts and buyins. “Hugely experienced and entrepreneurial,” Adrian Phillips is the standout individual in the group. Sources note his increasing prominence in the market.
“This is a boutique practice” which does “interesting work” in the technology field, according to commentators. Its work includes advising on software licensing, IP, data protection and Internet issues.
The “entrepreneurial” and “immensely experienced” Andrew Katz is an “easy guy to get along with” and a “technology enthusiast”. His expertise includes computer and telecommunications technology and he has a particular focus on open source licensing issues.
The practice advised Dynamite Idea on game concepts licensing issues, a Global 1,000 healthcare company on database licensing issues and Bit10 Limited on an Internet service provision joint venture. Other clients include Lightfoot Solutions and Venture Software Alliance."
Legal 500 2006
"Former Garretts managing partner Adrian Phillips continues to develop Moorcrofts LLP’s corporate practice, which is rated by clients for its "highly personalised service". Since opening in 2000 the firm has handled numerous disposals and restructurings. Andrew Katz oversees the commercial arm.
Adrian Phillips is part of a "timely, pragmatic and focused" team at Moorcrofts LLP, whose ‘well-tailored’ approach continues to impress. Areas of focus include share schemes and enterprise management incentives.
Moorcrofts LLP’s Andrew Katz has extensive knowledge of computer and telecommunication technology gleaned from his previous experience as a computer consultant.
Moorcrofts LLP has recently seen an increase in patent and knowhow licensing work in the pharmaceutical, automotive, professional and consumer electronics sectors."
Chambers 2006
"Corporate
The Firm: This committed corporate financing group offers a "fast and effective" service, advising on a range of issues from shareholder and partnership agreements through to corporate reorganisations, M&A and MBO/MBIs. In particular, clients recommended the group for its strong VC practice. A highlight was advising 3DIS in a deal where funds were raised from a German multinational industry partner. It has niche expertise in the technology sector, advising clients such as Madge and Aspex Semiconductor in VC fundraising. Other significant transactions include the corporate restructuring of Maindec Computer Solutions and establishment of the Park II Seed Funding joint venture for BrunelUniversity.
The Lawyers: Adrian Phillips is the head of department. He has wide-ranging experience and impresses both clients and peers with his "ability to see the bigger picture and offer pragmatic advice."
Technology
The Firm: This highly active firm is "easy to work with and provides great value for money", clients report. In the past 12 months the "commercial and innovative" IT team has advised on a series of computer game concepts, database and software licensing, and assisted in a Telecoms software joint venture.
The Lawyers: Head of the IT practice, Andrew Katz, is "extremely sharp.""
Legal 500 2005
"Moorcrofts LLP has come on in leaps and bounds since its inception in 2000. The corporate arm continues to develop under the guidance of ex-Garretts expert Adrian Phillips, and the team now deals with a substantial volume of venture capital fund raising and restructuring work. Andrew Katz leads on the commercial side, with a particular focus on the healthcare sector."
Chambers 2004
"The Firm: Clients were impressed by this "professional and sharp" practice. The team of transactional specialists advise on licensing and data protection matters with regulatory support services also on hand for clients. Users and suppliers of technology equally instruct the team which has landed serial instructions from start-up companies and clients setting up joint ventures.
The Lawyers: "Techie enthusiast"Andrew Katz enjoys a prominent name in the IT arena. Clients applauded his ability to "tackle everything with ease".
The Firm: The group was recommended to researchers as "a small team, but totally dedicated to corporate law." It has cultivated a growing client base that stretches beyond its technology specialism. Its "fast, effective and efficient lawyers" earned praise for their work in MBO and restructurings. A highlight of the past year was the group's advice on the MBO of Madge Limited, a well-known Token Ring and Ethernet company.
The Lawyers: Adrian Phillips is managing partner of the group. Clients rates his "business-focussed" approach."
Legal 500 2002
"At Moorcrofts Corporate Law, managing partner Adrian Phillips leads the team that handles commercial work for E-Learning Consultancy, United Healthcare and Greenshields JCB Limited.
. . . and Moorcrofts Corporate Law, which is particularly strong in share schemes."
Legal 500 2001
"Moorcrofts Corporate Law advises on all aspects of employment law and is particularly recommended for expertise in share schemes.
Former managing partner of Garretts, Adrian Phillips set up Moorcrofts Corporate Law in January 2000. The firm had a productive first year acting for clients such as Copernicus Holdings Limited, Gunn (JCB) and United Healthcare. One to watch."
|
