We’re in the Results Business
Manleys Solicitors is a boutique litigation practice based in Chester which was founded by Mark Manley in 2012. Manleys represents its clients in media, sports, entertainment and commercial disputes. Senior Associate, Paul Luukas, joined the team in April 2021 and recently spoke with Waterfront about his move.
Why the Move?
I was the Head of Litigation for a commercial law firm based in Canary Wharf but herald originally from Wirral (ironic given Waterfront’s distribution areas!). After 10 years in London, I was ready for a move home to settle down with family and to spend more time with friends.
Why Manleys?
As much as I was keen and ready to make the move, it was important that this involved a positive career step to the right firm and so I met with a number of leading firms in the North-West, including Manleys, a recognised Legal 500 Firm, before making a final decision.
I already knew of Manleys and the work that Mark and the team did. Manleys offers specialist litigation services across a breadth of practice areas and, in particular, is revered as being a leading defamation firm, despite this type of work traditionally being taken up by London firms only (often for a much greater fee!).
I met with Mark and was immediately impressed by the scope of his experience as a litigator, but also as a mediator and a judge in the County Court. It was clear to me that the Manleys team had a “go the extra mile” attitude towards its clients and a real commitment to obtaining the best possible (and practical) outcome for its clients. This included offering a 24/7 service so that assistance is on hand at all times – urgent legal issues don’t always strike during office hours!
The firm’s quality was perhaps best reflected by its strong client basis which involves members of the Royal Family, leading sports people and celebrities, companies and business people. These clients had often been helped by Manleys in the past and had remained clients ever since.
Coming to ‘decision time’, I was fortunate enough to be offered a number of roles, one of which was by Mark to join the Manleys team. In reality, it was an easy choice; the quality of work and experience which was being offered was unmatched.
How is Life at Manleys?
Manleys commands the highest standard of service for its clients – and why shouldn’t it? It represents matters which are of the utmost importance and consequence to its clients. It is great to be part of a team that recognises the importance of this.
Manleys has a great team of experienced and specialist solicitors and support staff who are able to assist clients with any legal problems and reputational management. The team is made up of “people people” who are approachable and deal with their clients in a straightforward, no-nonsense or jargon manner. The level of work may be complex and challenging, but it is very rewarding!
Any Particular Highlights?
I was recently successful in representing an FA Intermediary (Agent) in relation to a transfer dispute. The client had put an immeasurable amount of time into the matter only to be left empty-handed by the opponent. Securing the outcome not only recompensed this but also made good on the way they had been treated.
I also represented a leading sportsman at a recent hearing in relation to a dispute over brand ambassadorial services. The matter had been fiercely (and quite unfairly) contested and so it was great that the judge agreed with our client’s position.
Any Other Perks?
Manleys makes sure that there is a great team environment which includes team nights out and an annual weekend away (all of which inevitably include some competitive element!). There is unparalleled training on hand at all times to ensure that the team is always up to date with relevant law and can pass this knowledge on to their clients.
Being back in the Wirral and Chester areas also means I can get back to playing some of the great local golf courses and working towards maybe swapping the courtroom for the PGA Tour one day!
For more information, Manleys Solicitors can be contacted at: 8-9 Grosvenor Court, 137-151 Foregate Street, Chester, CH1 1HG, www.manleys.law, 01244 230000, info@manleys.law.